bacterial biofilm

Bacterial biofilms are communities of bacteria that stick to surfaces and to each other, forming a protective layer. They can develop on natural and artificial surfaces, such as teeth, pipes, and medical devices. Bacteria in biofilms communicate and share resources, making them more resilient to environmental stresses and antibiotics. This collective behavior can cause problems, such as infections or equipment malfunctions, because biofilms are harder to eliminate than free-floating bacteria. Understanding biofilms is important for improving health treatments, water systems, and industrial processes.