Biofilms: The good and the bad

Abstract

Biofilms are well-structured, cooperating microbial communities adhered to various types of surfaces. Microbes forming biofilms secrete slimy extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) which provide biofilms with their resistance against antibiotics. Biofilms have several advantages and disadvantages. Exploring the negative side of biofilms first-biofilm formation interferes in crucial processes like heat and mass transfer, fluid dynamics, and also causes bio-corrosion thereby increasing maintenance costs and decreasing the overall yields from plants. Bio-corrosion also increases the chances of bacterial adhesion and contamination of processed food products, dairy products, and brewing products. Biofilms affect the sea food and aquaculture industries by clogging cages and interfering with nutrient inflows. Biofilms have numerous harmful effects that are associated with the medical industry, such as infections associated with the insertion of tubes, catheters, and valves, as well as surgery. Considering the positive aspects of biofilms we note that the judicious use of biofilms can provide solutions to modern day problems. They can be effectively used for the bioremediation of soil and groundwater as well as being used to treat oil spills. They provide cost-effective alternatives in the mining industry in the form of bioleaching and biofilm-based bioreactors for municipal/industrial waste disposal. Biofilms can be used as biosensors for the reliable and quick detection of chemicals as well as in the treatment of contaminated water.