The structure of biofilms are dependent on the environment in which they exist and nutrient availability. The collection of microorganisms within a biofilm are all embedded in an extracellular matrix with water channels. 

Structure of Biofilms

Quorum sensing is how different cell species in biofilms can communicate with one another, specifically about cell density. This is an essential response to environmental stimuli facilitated by autoinducers. 

Quorum Sensing

Biofilms are prevalent inside of human bodies and on many of the devices we use. While few biofilms are helpful for example in our intestinal and respiratory tracts, many can be harmful to our health.

Applications of Biofilms to Human Health

Biofilm formation occurs in five stages:
1) Attachment of Planktonic Cells 
2) Colonizer Attachment
3) Microbial Growth
4) EPS Production and Formation
5) Secondary Colonizer Attachment and Microbial Dispersion

Biofilm Formation

Biofilms are complex populations composed of many different types of microorganisms in a structured ecosystem. Biofilms provide the microbes with an advantageous growth circumstances where the waste product from one organism may be the nutrients for another. They can be found in various environments stuck to surfaces.

Microbial growth is indicated by the increase in number of cells by division of parent cells into daughter cells. 

Microbial Growth

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Asexual reproduction is a method of reproduction in which a single parent cell gives rise to daughter cells, without the use of new genetic material. It is the only way prokaryotes can reproduce/divide. 

Asexual Reproduction

Also known as doubling time, generation time for bacteria is measured as the time it takes for the population to double in number. 

Generation Time

When microbes are introduced to a new environment, they follow a typical growth pattern, which consists of four phases:
1) Lag Phase
2) Log Phase
3) Stationary Phase
4) Death Phase

Growth Curve 

There are many different methods for measuring microbial growth. Each method falls into one of two categories:
- Direct 
- Indirect

Methods for Measuring Microbial Growth

Biofilms

The maximum growth of a microbial population is dependent upon its specific ideal physical and chemical conditions.

Growth Conditions

In order to maintain a healthy environment, we needed to develop ways to control microbial growth and reduce the microbial count to safe levels for public health. "Safe levels" depends on the type of environment you are in. A medical setting will require much lower microbial counts than inside our homes, and therefore require higher levels of decontamination

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