Biofilms are very important when it comes to infections. They help bacteria survive and grow.

A biofilm forms when tiny living things, called microorganisms, stick to surfaces and to each other.

These microorganisms create a sticky layer made of sugars, proteins, and DNA. This layer protects them and keeps the immune system from fighting them off. It also makes them harder to kill with antibiotics.

Important Points About Biofilms and Infections:

1. Hard to Treat: Biofilms can be up to 1,000 times harder to treat with antibiotics than bacteria that are floating freely. This makes it really tough to deal with infections, especially those linked to catheters or artificial body parts.

2. Long-lasting Infections: Biofilms are often found in long-lasting infections. Some examples include:

   • Cystic Fibrosis: A type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms biofilms in the lungs, causing ongoing infections.
   • Dental Plaque: This is a biofilm that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

3. Bacteria Communication: In biofilms, bacteria can talk to each other using chemical signals. This is called quorum sensing. This teamwork can make the bacteria more dangerous and help them stick around longer.

So, in short, biofilms play a big role in infections. They make treatment harder and can lead to infections that last a long time.