Biofilm: formation, advantages and disadvantages

Biofilm is a functional consortium of microorganisms attached to either biotic or abiotic surfaces and embedded under the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). A function frequently attributed to EPS is their general protective effect on biofilm microorganisms against adverse conditions. Biofilms profoundly affect human health and industrial productivity. Their pervasive effects on human health, water quality and power generation efficiency inflict heavy costs on government annually. Other related issues include deterioration of dental surfaces, contamination of surfaces in the food processing industry, and the deterioration of air quality in ventilation and air handling systems. However, it is very important to point out that biofilms are an integral part of the natural environment and can also serve very beneficial purposes, such as in the treatment of drinking water, wastewater and detoxification of hazardous waste. The present review will focus on formation of biofilm and its advantages and disadvantages

Keywords:

Biofilm , extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) , corrosion Microorganisms , bioremediation