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The surprising secret of biofilms: How do microorganisms build their cities?
In nature, microorganisms cooperate with each other in surprising ways to create complex, city-like structures called biofilms. These cells are not just isolated individuals, they form a cooperative ecosystem by interacting with their environment. As the scientific community continues to study these biofilms, more and more discoveries are revealing their mysteries and potential applications.
A biofilm is a symbiotic community of microorganisms whose cells adhere together and often to a surface. These attached cells are embedded in a viscous extracellular matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).
The origin and formation of biofilm
Biofilms are thought to have existed on primitive Earth as a defense mechanism for prokaryotes, and they can be found in the fossil record as early as about 3.25 billion years ago. These biofilms provide environmental homeostasis for prokaryotic cells and facilitate the development of complex interactions between cells.
The formation of biofilm begins when free-swimming microorganisms adhere to a surface. The initial adhesion mainly relies on weak van der Waals forces and hydrophobic effects. Once these bacterial molecules stabilize and no longer detach from the surface, they use cell adhesion structures such as pili for more permanent attachment. Over time, this attached microbial population will gradually transform into a more stable and diverse community.
Research shows that a biofilm is not just a sticky layer of bacteria, but a biological system; bacteria are organized and coordinated to form a functional community.
Function and development of biofilm
The development of biofilms goes through several stages. In the early days, communication between cells was particularly important, just like the orderly communication in a city. Through a mechanism called quorum sensing, bacteria can recognize their surrounding environment and make corresponding behavioral changes, such as forming dense aggregates or sending out signals to attract more microorganisms to attach.
Importantly, cells in a biofilm are able to share nutrients with each other while also avoiding harmful factors in the environment such as antibiotics and attacks by the host's immune system. This allows bacteria to survive and develop in a relatively safe environment.
A biofilm usually begins when a free-swimming bacterium attaches to a surface and grows by cell division and recruitment of other cells.
Environment and application of biofilm
Biofilms are present in various environments around us. They can form on a variety of surfaces in nature, including rivers, soil, and even inside plants and animals. These membranes not only play an important role in the ecological chain, but also have wide applications in water treatment, agriculture, medical and other fields.
In sewage treatment, biofilms metabolize on the filter media and quickly remove pollutants in the sewage; while in agriculture, beneficial microorganisms in plant roots can help plants obtain nutrients and improve disease resistance, thus reducing the use of pesticides. use.
Future research directions of biofilms
As our understanding of microbial communities continues to improve, future research may reveal how the properties of biofilms can be exploited to develop new materials, technologies, or more efficient antibiotics. In addition, by deeply exploring the performance of biofilms in various environments, scientists are expected to discover their potential value in biodiversity and environmental protection.
The study of biofilm, a microscopic city, will undoubtedly reveal more secrets of nature and promote human progress and development in various fields. Have you ever thought that these seemingly insignificant existences, microorganisms, actually play such an important role in the ecosystem and may have a profound impact on our future?
