The Bacterial Biofilm: Composition and Its Role in Infectious Diseases

A bacterial biofilm is responsible for sticking to surfaces and is embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix of polymeric substances. Biofilms can develop on diverse surfaces, biotic, including human tissues, and abiotic, such as medical devices or industrial pipes. Bacterial biofilm structure comprises enzymes, proteins, lipids, extracellular DNA, and water. The biofilm structure of bacteria shows resistance to antibiotics and sometimes causes severe infections, mainly due to extracellular DNA. Even their mode of dispersal also provides great benefits to their survival. Their complex structure also plays an important role in their survival in natural and infectious environments.