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From teeth to water pipes: Do you know where biofilms hide?
Biofilms are metabolic communities of microorganisms that live together and usually attached to a surface. These attached cells are surrounded by a sticky extracellular matrix composed of polysaccharides, proteins, fats and DNA. Biofilms exist throughout natural and man-made environments, not only in rivers and swamps, but can also hide on teeth and even in factory water pipes.
Biofilms allow microorganisms to operate in an orderly manner like a city, providing a unique ecological environment that enables microorganisms to cooperate with each other and share resources.
Such biofilms can form on living tissue (such as teeth, plant roots) or on non-living objects (such as pipes, riverbank stones). Once microorganisms attach to a surface, they enter a series of growth and reproduction processes in an environment where their behavior is very different from that of single-cell microorganisms floating freely in water.
Biofilm Formation
The process of biofilm formation dates back to the early days of Earth, when conditions were too harsh for microorganisms. For microorganisms, biofilms provide essential stability and protection. They can thrive in a variety of environments, from acidic and highly saline to icy polar regions.
Biofilm formation initially relies on the attachment of microorganisms to surfaces, a process that is influenced by various factors, including the properties of the surface and the availability of nutrients in the environment.
Characteristics of biofilms
No matter in which environment, biofilms often play a significant role in protecting microorganisms. This protection not only covers the ability to resist external environmental stress, but also includes resistance to the threat of antibiotics. Among them, the resistance of some biofilm bacteria to antibiotics can increase by up to 5,000 times.
From dental plaque on teeth to the microbial layers inside factory pipes, these biofilms are part of microbial life. For oral health, biofilm on teeth (such as dental plaque) may cause tooth decay and periodontal disease if it is not controlled.
Biofoil habitat
Biofilms can form on a variety of biological and non-biological surfaces, especially in moist and contaminated environments. This includes sewage systems, groundwater sources and even the roots of plants. Taking the biofilm on plant roots as an example, certain microorganisms can coexist there, promoting plant growth and providing disease resistance.
Biofilm formation is visible even in human environments, for example in showers or in water pipes, where it can cause hygiene problems.
Case Study: Wastewater Treatment and Biofilms
In wastewater treatment systems, biofilm formation is the key to effectively remove pollutants. As water flows over materials with large surface areas, microorganisms multiply in this biofilm, metabolize pollutants, and ultimately clean water is discharged into the environment.
ConclusionThe diversity and adaptability of biofilms make them play an indispensable role in natural and industrial environments. It not only affects the survival mode of microorganisms, but also has a profound impact on water purification, plant growth and human health. In the future, will we be able to better understand and control these biofilms hidden around us to avoid potential harms and use them to our advantage?
