Biofilms: Microbial Life on Surfaces

Details

• Alternative Title:
  Emerg Infect Dis
• Personal Author:
  Donlan, Rodney M.
• Description:
  Microorganisms attach to surfaces and develop biofilms. Biofilm-associated cells can be differentiated from their suspended counterparts by generation of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, reduced growth rates, and the up- and down- regulation of specific genes. Attachment is a complex process regulated by diverse characteristics of the growth medium, substratum, and cell surface. An established biofilm structure comprises microbial cells and EPS, has a defined architecture, and provides an optimal environment for the exchange of genetic material between cells. Cells may also communicate via quorum sensing, which may in turn affect biofilm processes such as detachment. Biofilms have great importance for public health because of their role in certain infectious diseases and importance in a variety of device-related infections. A greater understanding of biofilm processes should lead to novel, effective control strategies for biofilm control and a resulting improvement in patient management.
• Subjects:
  Bacteria Bacterial Adhesion Bacterial Infections Biofilms Ecology Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial Perspective Public Health
• Source:
  Emerg Infect Dis. 8(9):881-890.
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Volume:
  8
• Issue:
  9
• Collection(s):
  Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:c861cb3bb28a77080b17ebaeb2334cba2f24fc6d321d8562c407bd670698fa5a
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/3087/cdc_3087_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 999.54 KB ]