Biofilms are structured communities of bacterial or fungal cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix that adheres to both inert and living surfaces. Biofilms provide a protective shield for bacteria and fungi which allows them to thrive and resist damage from many extreme environmental conditions. Biofilm-encased microbes, which are almost universally resistant to disinfectants and antibiotics.
Biofilm development is a series of complex but discrete and well-regulated steps. The exact molecular mechanisms differ from organism to organism, but the stages of biofilm development are similar across a wide range of micro-organisms.