What are biofilms?
Biofilms are thin layers of microorganisms that adhere to a surface and form a community. They are found in many different environments, including on food processing equipment, medical devices, and natural surfaces such as rocks and plants. Biofilms are composed of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, and the extracellular matrix that they secrete, which can include polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA.
Biofilms can form on food processing equipment, such as conveyor belts, cutting knives, and storage tanks, and can harbor pathogenic bacteria that can cause food poisoning. They can also form on medical devices, such as catheters and prosthetic joints, and can lead to infections. Biofilms are also responsible for the corrosion of water pipelines, water tanks and also degrade the water quality.
In food industry, biofilm can be controlled by cleaning and sanitation procedures, regular monitoring of the equipment, and the use of chemical or physical methods to disrupt or remove the biofilm. In addition, some research has focused on developing methods to inhibit the formation of biofilms, such as the use of antimicrobial agents, enzymes, and other biocides.
Find out more about the Microorganisms that mostly form biofilms.
