Emerging Concepts in Bacterial Biofilms

Book excerpt: The ability to form biofilms is a universal attribute of bacteria. Bacteria are able to grow on almost every surface, forming these architecturally complex communities. In biofilms, the cells grow in multicellular aggregates, encased in an extracellular matrix produced by the bacteria themselves. They impact humans in many ways, and can form in natural, medical and industrial settings. For example, the formation of biofilms on medical devices such as catheters or implants often results in difficult-to-treat chronic infections. This book focuses on emerging concepts in bacterial biofilm research, such as the different mechanisms of biofilm formation in Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, and the burden of biofilm associated infections. It also highlights the various anti-biofilm strategies that can be translated to curb biofilm-associated infections and the escalation of antimicrobial resistance determinants.