Biofilm Science and Technology

A biofilm includes any syntrophic consortium of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other as well as to a surface. The microorganisms in a biofilm can demonstrate notable organization and can collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with one another. Biofilms can form on various surfaces in natural, industrial and hospital environments. The biofilms challenge the theory that bacteria are single-celled organisms, or which act in isolation instead of working together as a group of cooperating cells to improve their own fitness and the biofilm's efficiency. The biofilm bacteria may share nutrients and are protected from the damaging effects of environmental factors such as antibiotics, desiccation, and the immune system of the host body. A biofilm is generally formed as soon as a free-swimming bacterium attaches to a surface. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about biofilm science and technology. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.