Microbial Ecology & Eco Systems

Microbial Biofilms

Aggregate of microorganisms in which cells that are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) adhere to each other and/or to a surface. A biofilm is a system that can be adapted internally to environmental conditions by its inhabitants. The self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance, which is also referred to as slime, is a polymeric conglomeration generally composed of extracellular biopolymers in various structural forms.