Biofilms: The Social Life of Microorganisms

Microorganisms typic anyy do not live as iodine cells in pure cultures. The vast majority lives in mixed populations, organized in aggregates which are termed biofilms. This includes films at interfaces, flocks (floating films), sludges and microbial mats. They all have emergent properties in common that only sight be developed in the aggregated form they elementrate a intercellular substance of extracellular polymeric substances which keeps them together, allows for the development of stable, synergistic micro consortia and for intense cell-cell communication.The hyaloplasm is activated by extracellular enzymes which are retained in it, representing an away digestion system. This system also sequesters nutrients from the environment and serves as ultimate recycling gait and nutrient source. Horizontal gene exchange is facilitated with a vast gene pool present. In biofilms, organisms differentiate rapidly, forming phenotypically different subpopulations, a mechanism which cont ributes to ecologic fitness.Resistance to biocides is enhanced by a range of mechanisms. On the new(prenominal) hand, strong competition prevails in which attacking and defence strategies evolved, including the formation of antibiotics and bacteriocins. paring organisms can limit biofilm growth but also stimulate bionomical fitness. Even programmed cell death is observed, spark advance to a more porous matrix which allows for better access of nutrients for organisms in the depth of the matrix.Under tension conditions, cells can transform into a viable but not arable (VBNC) state which is of relevance for public hygiene because they cannot be detected with the methods knowing for their determination but can resuscitate. Biofilms represent the oldest, most abundant and booming form of life on Earth, displaying aspects of multicellularity. Life evolved from biofilms and they are involved in the biogeochemical cycles of all major elements.In biofilms, photosynthesis was devel oped biofilms they are responsible for the self-purification mechanisms of soils, sediments and water. However, biofilms can occur in the wrong place and time, causing bio fouling, bio corrosion and bio deterioration, leading to substantial economic loss and supporting an entire industry dedicated to cleaning and disinfection. In medicine, they are cause of persistent infections and are cogitate to many diseases. In general, biofilms are of fundamental but mostly unaccounted relevance for our life.