A biofilm is a single- or multi-species community of microorganisms residing within a self-produced polymer matrix that attaches to the interface of a surface and a liquid.
A biofilm’s effects can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to us and our environment.
Controlling or eliminating negative-impacting biofilms over any significant time span is extremely difficult as they can, with sufficient resources, grow at exponential rates and survive for long periods of time.
Naturally-occurring biofilms are multi-species, rendering chemical and antibiotic-based site targeting ineffective, except in quantities and concentrations that would result in unacceptable consequences for humans, animals, and the environment.
Consensus is forming that the safe control and elimination of pathogenic biofilms is critically important in all these settings.
