Microbial Biofilms Biotechnology Research Series

The formation of microcolonies on surfaces is an important bacterial survival strategy. These biofilms occur on both inert and living systems, making them important to a wide range of scientific disciplines. This book first provides an analysis of the chemical, ecological and physical processes involved with the development of biofilms and their interactions with surfaces. The next section deals with biofilms on non-living surfaces. Biofilms have important engineering implications, such as in mining industries, the corrosion of pipelines and pure and waste water industries. Biofilms have medical significance when associated with the mouth, urinary tract and urinogenital tract. In addition, they form in plant root systems and in animals, such as the ruminant digestive tract, and so are agriculturally important. The final section examines these interactions with living surfaces.

Introduction; Part I. Structure, Physiology and Ecology of Biofilms: 1. The formation of microcolonies and functional consortia within biofilms; 2. Dynamics of bacterial biofilm formation; 3. Cultivation and study of biofilm communities; 4. Genetic responses to bacteria at surfaces; 5. Biochemical reactions and the establishment of gradients within biofilms; 6. Mechanisms of the protection of bacterial biofilms from antimicrobial agents; Part II. Biofilms and Inert Surfaces: 7. Biofilm development in purified water systems; 8. Mineralized bacterial biofilms in sulphide tailings and in acid mine drainage systems; 9. Biofilms and microbially influenced corrosion; 10. Microbial consortia in industrial waste water treatment; 11. Heterogeneous mosaic biofilm - a haven for water borne pathogens; Part III. Biofilms on the Surfaces of Living Cells: 12. The rhizosphere as a biofilm; 13. Biofilms of the ruminant digestive tract; 14. The immune response to bacterial biofilms; 15. Bacterial biofilms in the biliary system; 16. Biofilm-associated urinary tract infections; 17. The role of the urogenital flora in probiotics; 18. Dental plaque.