Transcript Biofilms

Biofilms
Jim Goebl
A Biofilm
What are Biofilms?
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Biofilms are collections of microorganisms
(ie bacteria, yeasts, and protozoa) that form
on a hard surface
Some examples of biofilms are the plaque
that forms on teeth and the slime that forms
on surfaces in watery areas
Surrounded by slimy secretions
More about Biofilms
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Over 90% of all bacteria live in biofilms
Uses of Biofilms
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Often used to purify water in water
treatment plants
Used to break down toxic chemicals
Used to produce useful biological
compounds, including medicines
Problems Caused by Biofilms
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Tend to clog pipes and water filters
Can cause numerous diseases, including
many diseases prevalent in hospitals
Extra-resistant to antibiotics
Can form almost anywhere that water is
present, including catheters, kitchen
counters, etc.
Formation of Biofilms
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Form in places with access to water
Attach to a solid surface using several
means:
Flagella
Hydrophobic Cell Walls
Sticky Polymers
Altruism among microorganisms
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Biofilms encourage altruism
Bacteria will often sacrifice their maximum
growth rate in an effort to use the available
community resources more efficiently
While individuals are disadvantaged,
community as a whole benefits
Altruism continued
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Biofilms like small cities
Have many very close neighbors that
remain together for extended periods of
time
Simulation
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http://www.theobio.unibonn.de/people/jan_kreft/bacsim.html
Sources
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http://www.edstrom.com/Resources.cfm?do
c_id=23
http://www.biofilm.org/whatis_biofilm.htm
http://www.biofilmsonline.com
Kreft, Jan-Ulrich. “Biofilms Promote
Altruism.” Microbiology (2004), 150. 27512760.