Microbial Primer: An introduction to biofilms – what they are, why they form and their impact on built and natural environments

Abstract

Biofilms are complex communities of microbes that are bound by an extracellular macromolecular matrix produced by the residents. Biofilms are the predominant form of microbial life in the natural environment and although they are the leading cause of chronic infections, they are equally deeply connected to our ability to bioremediate waste and toxic materials. Here we highlight the emergent properties of biofilm communities and explore notable biofilms before concluding by providing exam-ples of their major impact on our health and both natural and built environments.