noun
- Plural of biofilm; thin, slimy layers of microorganisms (such as bacteria) that form on surfaces, often in moist environments.
Usage: Commonly used in microbiology, medicine, and environmental science.; Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants.
Examples
- Biofilms form on the inside of water pipes and can reduce water quality.
- Dental plaque is a type of biofilm that accumulates on teeth.
- Researchers are studying how biofilms develop on medical devices like catheters.
- Biofilms in hospitals can be difficult to remove and pose infection risks.
- The biofilms in the wound made it resistant to antibiotic treatment.
- Scientists use microscopes to observe the structure of biofilms in laboratory cultures.