biofilm
Bacterial surface layer
A biofilm is a thin, slimy layer of microorganisms—usually bacteria—that adheres to a surface.
The organisms secrete a protective matrix that makes them resistant to antibiotics and cleaning: Biofilm buildup in pipes can harbor dangerous pathogens.
Dental plaque is a familiar biofilm.
The term appears in medicine, water treatment, and industrial contexts where bacterial colonization poses problems.
Ordered numerical arrangement
- adhesionState of clinging fast
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- surfaceOutermost boundary layer
- layerSingle thickness of material
slime · mucilaginous · viscous · gelatinous · polysaccharide · protein · DNA · hydrated
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- microorganismsMicroscopic living entities
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
- microbiotaResident microscopic organisms
pathogens · pellicle · pseudomonas · staphylococcus · attachment · maturation · dispersal · planktonic
Body's microbial community
- algaePrimitive aquatic photosynthesizers
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- symbiosisInterspecies biological interdependence
- aquaticWater-inhabiting
stream · wetland · sediment · substrate · bioindicator · cyanobacteria · diatoms · benthic
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- catheterInserted medical drainage tube
- implantDevice placed inside tissue
- woundCoiled, or an injury
- chronicPersisting over time
prosthetic · endocarditis · otitis · sinusitis · periodontal · persistent · recalcitrant · debridement
Making something unclean
- pipesCylindrical fluid carriers
- corrosionChemical wearing away
- cloggingObstructing a passage
- industrialOf factories and production
contamination · buildup · accumulation · encrustation · degradation · antifouling · chlorination · disinfection
matrix
Ordered numerical arrangement
- adhesionState of clinging fast
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- surfaceOutermost boundary layer
layer · slime · mucilaginous · viscous · gelatinous · polysaccharide · protein · DNA · hydrated · porous
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- microorganismsMicroscopic living entities
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
microbiota · pathogens · pellicle · pseudomonas · staphylococcus · attachment · maturation · dispersal · planktonic · sessile
microbiome
Body's microbial community
- algaePrimitive aquatic photosynthesizers
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- symbiosisInterspecies biological interdependence
aquatic · stream · wetland · sediment · substrate · bioindicator · cyanobacteria · diatoms · benthic · epiphytic
infection
Pathogen invasion causing illness
chronic · prosthetic · endocarditis · otitis · sinusitis · periodontal · persistent · recalcitrant · debridement · treatment
fouling
Making something unclean
industrial · contamination · buildup · accumulation · encrustation · degradation · antifouling · chlorination · disinfection · remediation
- bio-biography, biofuel, biochemistry, biotech, biotechnology
- coveringscoating, covers, layer, coatings, skin
- residueresidue, buildup, scum, grime, deposits
- gooslime, ooze, goop, gunk, goo
- microbiologybacteria, bacterium, microbe, microbes, microorganisms
- gum healthgums, gingiva, gingivitis, periodontitis, gum disease