MICRO-C-OMICS #2. Biofilm form of life

Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms growing on the surfaces, such as the plaque on your teeth, or the slimy layer on the rocks in a stream, or the pinkish layers on your bathroom walls. Microorganisms in the biofilm are encapsulated in a sticky gel like environment, called extracellular polymeric matrix. This matrix is mainly composed of diverse species of bacteria, viruses, external DNA, proteins, polysaccharides, and other molecules. The extracellular matrix plays many roles from attachment of microbial cells to protection from toxic compounds or predators. It also plays role in the biofilm architecture and structural stability. But despite of these benefits, life in a biofilm may not be as attractive as it sounds. Because of the high cell density, competition for nutrients and other resources may be harsh. This results in dispersal of the cells in the biofilm so that they can escape from unfavorable conditions. Or the physical forces, such as the water velocity in a stream may be so high that some cells eventually detach from the biofilm and go with the flow and may find somewhere new to settle.

Biofilms can be dangerous, for example, when they cause lung infection. Or they can damage materials by corroding them; or they can cause food poisoning when they colonize your food. Yet despite of their bad reputation, most biofilms are beneficial; they can treat our wastewater. Or, they can produce electricity when grown in reactors called "Microbial Fuel Cells". They can even be used in fashion design, you can grow your biofilm clothing .

And most importantly, we owe them our existence! A bacterial species, called cyanobacteria filled the Earth with oxygen 2.35 billion years ago and as a result other life forms, including humans, could evolve :)

#artscience #art #bacteria #comics #microcomics #biofilm #biofilmdispersal