Bacterial Biofilm and Biofilm associated environmental protection

Abstract

Biofilm is the syntrophic consortium of the microorganisms that mainly comprises of sessile groups of bacterial cells that adhere to the inanimate or living surfaces with the help of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)and pili by forming a matrix composed of exopolysaccharide, proteins and DNA(polymeric conglomeration). The sessile group of cells forming the biofilm develop intimate connection by Quorum Sensing (QS). EPS forming the biofilm comprises glycocalyx and chemically made up of carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acid. EPS helps those adherent cells by embedding them within a slimy layer and provides nutrients to the developing cells within the biofilm. Thus, it helps in pathogenesis of biofilm associated with infection and resistance due to the formation of impermeable layers to the penetration of antibiotics and drugs. Biofilm can be formed by the microbes depending on various different factors including cellular recognition of specific or non-specific attachment sites on surface, nutritional cures or by exposure of planktonic cells to sub-inhibitory concentration of antibiotics. Besides this pathogenicity the biofilms are able in bioremediation. In this review we are focused to exploit different strategies which are being used in bioremediation by the biofilms.