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biofilm
(redirected from Biofilms)

    Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
biofilm  (b-flm)
A complex structure adhering to surfaces that are regularly in contact with water, consisting of colonies of bacteria and usually other microorganisms such as yeasts, fungi, and protozoa that secrete a mucilaginous protective coating in which they are encased. Biofilms can form on solid or liquid surfaces as well as on soft tissue in living organisms, and are typically resistant to conventional methods of disinfection. Dental plaque, the slimy coating that fouls pipes and tanks, and algal mats on bodies of water are examples of biofilms. While biofilms are generally pathogenic in the body, causing such diseases as cystic fibrosis and otitis media, they can be used beneficially in treating sewage, industrial waste, and contaminated soil.
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While we have been taught to consider organism infection to involve freely circulating organisms, what Olmstead refers to as "planktonic growth," it is more likely that organisms congregate in biofilms.
Stephen Olmstead, MD by Collin, Jonathan / Townsend Letter
See the Research for Yourself on Plaque Biofilms and Antimicrobial Mouth Rinses According to a special 2007 supplement to the Journal of Dental Hygiene, when considering the oral environment, about 20 percent is occupied by tooth surfaces, that is, those areas targeted for toothbrushing and flossing.
Oral health product research and influence on current and future ... by Mitchell, Jeff / Access
Chunqi Jiang, a research assistant professor in the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering-Electrophysics, and Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry and Director of the USC Center for Biofilms, describe biofilms as complex colonies of bacteria suspended in a slimy matrix that grants them added protection from conventional antibiotics.
Scientists create cool plasma packs to fight tenacious biofilm ... by Asian News International
 
 
 
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