What Is Biofilm?
 You may not be familiar with the term "biofilm," but you have certainly encountered biofilm on a regular basis. Biofilm is a thin, invisible, resistant layer of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, algae… ) that form on and coat various surfaces. Bacteria commonly have means by which they can adhere to surfaces and to each other. The bacteria and fungi that build biofilms secrete extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that form a highly hydrated slime (or binding matrix) in which pathogens are embedded and held in dense agglomerations. Escherichia coli, staphylococci, and Pseudomonas species are among the most common invading pathogens that can be found in biofilm.
Biofilm begins to form with the attachment of free-floating microorganisms to a surface. Initially bacterial colonists adhere to the surface through reversible van der Waals forces, relatively weak bonds that play a fundamental role. If the bacterial colonists are not immediately separated from the surface, they can anchor themselves more permanently using cell adhesion molecules such as pili, hairlike appendages.
Once colonization has begun, the biofilm grows through a combination of cell division and recruitment. Biofilms are usually found on solid surfaces submerged in or exposed to some aqueous solution. Biofilms consist of many species of bacteria and archaea (single-celled microorganisms with no nucleus) living within a matrix of excreted polymeric compounds.
The bacteria that exist in a biofilm may have significantly different characteristics from free-floating bacteria, as the dense and protected environment of the film allows them to collaborate and interrelate in various ways. In a biofilm environment, bacteria build an increased resistance to detergents and antibiotics, as the dense extracellular matrix and the outer layer of cells protect the interior of the community.
Dental plaque is an example of a biofilm. Plaque is a complex microbial community. Scientists estimate that as many as 400 distinct bacterial species may be found in plaque. This yellowish biofilm builds up on the teeth and will lead to cavities if not removed regularly.
Biofilms develop on the interiors of pipes and lead to clogs and corrosion in industry. In medicine, biofilm dispersal along implanted tubes or wires can lead to deadly infections in patients. In kitchens, food preparation areas and bathrooms, the buildup of biofilm on sinks, floors and counter surfaces makes sanitation difficult.
Biofilm research is gaining in popularity because biofilm costs the nation billions of dollars a year in product contamination, medical infections, and equipment damage. Conventional techniques for killing bacteria (such as antibiotics, and disinfection) are often unsuccessful with biofilm bacteria because the biocide only kills bacteria in the outer layer of the biofilm. The bacteria within the biofilm remain healthy. Even worse, repeated use of antibacterial agents on biofilm can cause bacteria within the biofilm to develop an increased resistance to biocides.
New environmental regulations target the huge doses of antimicrobials that are currently entering our environment. Scientists are working hard on new strategies based on a better understanding of how bacteria attach, grow and detach. This is where Chrisal comes into the picture.
Keep reading to find out how Chrisal Probiotics breaks down the biofilm with good bacteria.
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