What is a Biofilm

Question

What is a biofilm?
A) Community of organisms attached to a solid surface
B) The resulting thick, slimy mucous produced in patients with cystic fibrosis
C) A slime factor that can be found in the gastrointestinal tract
D) The resulting film that is produced by necrotic tissue, bacteria, and immune cells

Accepted Answer

A biofilm is a community of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and algae) that are attached to a solid surface and surrounded by a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which can include polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA. These microorganisms within the biofilm can communicate and interact with each other, and often exhibit increased resistance to antibiotics and host defenses. Biofilms can form on a variety of surfaces, including medical devices, teeth, and marine structures.