Biofilms: The Microbial “Protective Clothing” in Extreme Environments

Abstract

Microbial biofilms are communities of aggregated microbial cells embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms are recalcitrant to extreme environments, and can protect microorganisms from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, extreme temperature, extreme pH, high salinity, high pressure, poor nutrients, antibiotics, etc., by acting as “protective clothing”. In recent years, research works on biofilms have been mainly focused on biofilm-associated infections and strategies for combating microbial biofilms. In this review, we focus instead on the contemporary perspectives of biofilm formation in extreme environments, and describe the fundamental roles of biofilm in protecting microbial exposure to extreme environmental stresses and the regulatory factors involved in biofilm formation. Understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation in extreme environments is essential for the employment of beneficial microorganisms and prevention of harmful microorganisms.

Extremophilic microbial communities on photovoltaic panel surfaces: a two‐year study

“…For example, in Deinococcus geothermalis, biofilm formation has been linked to an increased desiccation resistance, although it has also been linked to a decrease in UV resistance due to the photodissociation of water molecules retained in the EPS matrix, leading to increased ROS concentrations (Frösler et al ., 2017). On the other hand, biofilm structures have also been described to protect against UV‐radiation due to physical shading (Yin et al ., 2019). Interestingly, several bacterial taxa displayed very similar profiles throughout time, suggesting an interdependence between these genera.…”

Biofilms in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Significance and Clinical Relevance

“…In their work, of the 10 antibiotics tested, only gentamicin and ceftaroline were able to eradicate the biofilms. It has been reported that bacterial biofilms are also highly resistant to ultraviolet and heavy metals [ 54 ]. In addition to bacteria, fungi, especially Candida , are present in DFU biofilm-associated wound samples [ 55 ].…”

Evaluating the prevalence of virulence factor gene and biofilm production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from different clinical samples.

“…When a bacteria formed a biofilm, it promotes growth and survival, it becomes extremely difficult to be destroyed (Georgescu et al, 2016). Biofilm supports the colonization of bacteria, which is showing resistant to most antibiotics (Yin et al, 2019). Among bacterial pathogens, P. aeruginosa inherent resistance to antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, carbapenems, penicillins, ZANCO Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 2020 quinolones and cephalosporins.…”