
Understanding Microbial Biofilms
Fundamentals to Applications
- 1st Edition - October 25, 2022
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Editors: Surajit Das, Neelam Amit Kungwani
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 9 7 7 - 9
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 8 3 0 8 - 2
**Selected for Doody’s Core Titles® 2024 in Microbiology**Understanding Microbial Biofilms: Fundamentals to Applications focuses on the microbial biofilms of different environment… Read more

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Request a sales quoteUnderstanding Microbial Biofilms: Fundamentals to Applications focuses on the microbial biofilms of different environments. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects of microbial biofilms, their existence in nature, their significance, and the different clinical and environmental problems associated with them. The book covers both the fundamentals and applications of microbial biofilms, with chapters on the introduction to the microbial community and its architecture, physiology, mechanisms and imaging of biofilms in nature and fungal, algal, and bacillus biofilm control. In addition, the book highlights the molecular and biochemical aspects of bacterial biofilms, providing a compilation of chapters on the bacterial community and communication from different environments. Finally, the book covers recent advancements in various aspects of microbial biofilms including the chapters on their biotechnological applications. All the chapters are written by experts who have been working on different aspects of microbial biofilms.
- Illustrates fundamental aspects surrounding microbial biofilms, along with recent advancements
- Provides an overview on the principal aspects of biofilms, i.e., formation, regulation, distribution, control, and application
- Updates on the progress on biofilm regulation through ‘omics’
- Serves as a classical manual for all researchers, academicians, and students who would want complete insights on biofilms in a single resource
- Covers all recent advancements and amendments on microbial biofilms
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Contributors
- Preface
- Section A: Introduction to biofilms
- Chapter 1: Marine biofilms: Bacterial diversity and dynamics
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilm development in the marine environment
- 3: Bacterial competition and cooperation in shaping the diversity and dynamics of marine biofilm
- 4: Microbial diversity of marine biofilms
- 5: Factors influencing the establishment of marine biofilms
- 6: Bacterial protection from harsh environmental conditions
- 7: Traditional and modern methods to study biofilm-forming community
- 8: Economic implications of marine biofilms
- 9: Advantages of marine biofilms
- 10: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 2: Cyanobacterial biofilms: Perspectives from origin to applications
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Cyanobacterial biofilms
- 3: Factors influencing cyanobacterial biofilm formation
- 4: Impact of abiotic factors such as temperature, nutrients, and environmental conditions on cyanobacterial mats/biofilms
- 5: Application and utilization of cyanobacterial biofilms
- 6: Conclusion and future perspectives
- References
- Chapter 3: From understanding bacterial interactions to developing bactericidal surfaces
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Effect of surface chemistry on bacterial interaction: Applications of analytical techniques
- 3: Effect of surface physical characteristics on bacterial adhesion: Applications of analytical techniques
- 4: Development of antimicrobial surfaces: Applications of analytical techniques
- 5: Conclusions
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 4: Microbial biofilms: Unravel their potential for agricultural applications under agro-ecosystem
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Bacterial biofilms in soil system
- 3: Bacterial interaction in biofilms under soil ecosystem
- 4: Significance of biofilms in agroecosystem
- 5: Conclusion and future perspective
- References
- Chapter 5: Chemotaxis and rhizobacterial biofilm formation in plant-microbe interaction
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction to microbial interaction with plants
- 2: Chemotaxis: Underground communication of rhizobacteria with plant roots
- 3: Role of root exudates in chemotaxis
- 4: Recognition of chemoattractants and mechanism of chemotaxis
- 5: Colonization and biofilm formation of rhizobacteria on plant root
- 6: Significance of rhizobacterial chemotaxis and biofilm formation
- 7: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 6: Variable pressure SEM and conventional high vacuum SEM protocols for biofilm imaging
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) applied to biofilm imaging
- 3: SEM tailored protocol for biofilm
- 4: Variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM) in biofilm studies
- 5: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 7: Aspects of biofilms on medical devices
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilm formation on medical devices
- 3: Biofilm models
- 4: Medical-device-related infections
- 5: Diagnosis of medical-device-related biofilms
- 6: Current treatments
- 7: Future prospects
- References
- Section B: Biofilms in nature
- Chapter 8: Metagenomic analysis of electroactive microorganisms in corrosion: Impact of the corrosive biofilms in the oil industry
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Electroactive microorganisms
- 3: Metagenomic approaches in studies of MIC
- 4: Corrosive biofilms on metal surfaces
- 5: Metagenomic studies of electroactive bacteria
- 6: Conclusions
- Funding
- Conflicts of interest/competing interests
- Ethics approval
- Consent to participate
- Consent for publication
- Availability of data and material (data transparency)
- Code availability (software application or custom code)
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 9: Biofilms in dairy industry
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Microorganisms in milk and dairy products
- 3: Biofilms in the dairy industry
- 4: Biofilm by lactic acid bacteria
- 5: Production of biofilms by pathogenic microorganisms
- 6: Production of biofilm by spoilage bacteria in milk and dairy products
- 7: Prevention and control of biofilm in the dairy industry
- 8: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 10: Microalgal biofilm and their prospective application for wastewater treatment and biofuel production
- Abstract
- Acknowledgments
- Conflicts of interest
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Microalgal biofilm
- 3: The life cycle of algal biofilm
- 4: Substratum for microalgal biofilm
- 5: Microalgal biofilm and biomass production
- 6: Application of microalgal biofilm
- 7: Conclusion and future prospective
- References
- Chapter 11: Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of sulfate-reducing bacterial biofilms
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Exopolysaccharide
- 3: Signaling pathways
- 4: Flagellum
- 5: Chemotaxis
- 6: Functional categories of genes and proteins in SRB biofilm cells
- 7: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 12: Biofilms and their role in corrosion in marine environments
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Problems with marine biofilms
- 3: Mechanisms of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)
- 4: Taxa involved in marine MIC
- 5: Corrosion of steel materials
- 6: Potential for copper use to control marine corrosion of materials
- 7: Other microbial control approaches in marine systems
- 8: Conclusion
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 13: Natural biofilms: Structure, development, and habitats
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Structure of biofilms
- 3: Development of biofilms
- 4: Interactions in biofilms
- 5: Biofilms in marine habitats
- 6: Biofilm in extreme habitats
- 7: Biofilm in humans
- 8: Biofilms on animal surfaces
- 9: Biofilm in plants
- 10: Bacteriophages and biofilms
- 11: Conclusion
- References
- Section C: Biofilm lifestyle of various microorganisms and its control
- Chapter 14: Role of biofilms in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
- Abstract
- Acknowledgments
- Author contributions
- Competing interests
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Sites of infection
- 3: Pathogenesis of attachment
- 4: Diagnosis of biofilm infection
- 5: Factors affecting biofilm formation within the clinical and hospital setting
- 6: Device-related infections
- 7: Prevention strategies
- 8: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 15: Implication of Vibrio biofilms in human and seafood sector
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilms
- 3: Biofilm formation
- 4: Genes involved in biofilm formation
- 5: Signaling cascade involved in biofilm formation
- 6: Factors affecting Vibrio biofilms
- 7: Resistance against antibiotics and drugs
- 8: Vibriosis in human and aquaculture
- 9: Seafood sector and economic losses
- 10: Control of Vibrio biofilm
- 11: Concluding remarks and future perspectives
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 16: Candida: Biofilm formation and antifungal resistance
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Candida and human disease
- 3: Candida biofilm formation
- 4: Factors affecting biofilm
- 5: Recent advances to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation
- 6: Candida biofilms and Candida-bacterial interactions
- 7: Genomics of biofilm formation and antifungal resistance
- 8: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 17: Removal and control of biofilms in wounds
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilm in wounds
- 3: Importance of biofilm to wound infections and management
- 4: Strategies of biofilm management in wounds
- 5: Current developments for biofilm management in wounds
- 6: Future prospects
- References
- Chapter 18: Microbial biofilms: A persisting public health challenge
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilm formation and maturation
- 3: Infections associated with biofilms
- 4: Molecular mechanism of biofilm formation
- 5: Components of biofilms
- 6: Biofilm infections
- 7: Therapies against biofilms
- 8: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 19: Biofilm in antibiotic resistance and pathogenesis in relation to foodborne infection and control strategies
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Formation and development of biofilm
- 3: Important foodborne bacteria and biofilm formation by them in food matrices
- 4: Role of biofilm in antibiotic resistance
- 5: Relation between quorum sensing and biofilm production
- 6: Approaches for biofilm control and its eradication
- 7: Conclusion and future recommendations
- References
- Chapter 20: Biofilms associated with biomedical implants and combating therapies
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Types of medical devices and their associated biofilm infections
- 3: Various strategies to combat biofilms on medical devices
- 4: Conclusion
- References
- Further reading
- Section D: Molecular and biochemical aspect of microbial biofilms
- Chapter 21: Influence of bacterial cell wall modulating genes and enzymes on biofilm formation with special emphasis on the role of dd-carboxypeptidases of bacteria
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Genes associated with cell surface are also involved in biofilm formation
- 3: The genes with a role in peptidoglycan transpeptidation and transglycosylation processes are fundamental for biofilm formation and maturation
- 4: PBPs of other bacterial species and their role in biofilm formation
- 5: Cell wall teichoic acid may play a vital role in biofilm initiation and pathogenesis
- 6: Genes and operons involved in exopolysaccharide synthesis are required for biofilm formation
- 7: Role of cell surface appendages and their encoding genes in biofilm formation
- 8: Biotechnological implications of understanding surface genes related to biofilms
- 9: Summary and possible future directions involving cell-surface components
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 22: Small regulatory RNAs in microbial pathogenesis and biofilm formation: An emerging role as potential drug targets
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs)
- 3: Biogenesis of sRNAs
- 4: Types of sRNAs
- 5: Mechanism of action of sRNAs
- 6: Detection methods of sRNAs
- 7: Small regulatory RNAs: A biological circuits in bacterial pathogenesis
- 8: Effect of environmental cues on altered sRNA expression
- 9: Cellular pathways that are differentially regulated by the sRNAs
- 10: sRNAs with functions relevant to microbial biofilm formation
- 11: Regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) among archaea
- 12: Conceptualization and implementation of methods for identification of sRNAs-based drug targets and therapeutic molecules
- 13: Conclusion and future perspectives
- References
- Chapter 23: Genetic basis of biofilm formation and their role in antibiotic resistance, adhesion, and persistent infections in ESKAPE pathogens
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: How biofilms are formed in bacterial pathogens
- 3: Microstructure of biofilms and their composition
- 4: Role of biofilms in adhesion, antibiotic resistance, and chronic infections
- 5: Major genetic elements and molecular pathways involved in biofilm formation
- 6: Biofilms and virulence
- 7: Antibiofilm strategies
- 8: Diseases associated with biofilm
- 9: Summary and conclusion
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 24: The emergence of predominance in the constitutive microflora of dairy membrane biofilms
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: The process of membrane fouling on dairy membrane
- 3: Constitutive microflora reported on filtration membranes
- 4: The emergence of predominance within the biofilm over prolonged use of membranes
- 5: Factors influencing the emergence of predominance
- 6: A case study to demonstrate factors influencing predominance
- 7: Implications of the emergence of predominance
- 8: Conclusions
- References
- Chapter 25: Molecular basis of cariogenic biofilm and infections
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Dental caries
- 3: Streptococcus mutans and the cariogenic biofilm
- 4: Virulence factors promoting oral biofilm formation
- 5: Survival of Streptococcus mutans in acidified cariogenic biofilm
- 6: Biofilm properties contributing to antibiotic resistance
- 7: Genetic regulation of S. mutans biofilm formation
- 8: Treatment against dental biofilm
- 9: Conclusion and future prospects
- References
- Section E: Biofilms and pathogenesis
- Chapter 26: Salmonella biofilm and its importance in the pathogenesis
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilm formation in other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
- 3: Salmonella and biofilm formation
- 4: Regulation of Salmonella biofilm formation
- 5: Role of biofilm in Salmonella pathogenesis
- 6: The role of biofilm in Salmonella Typhi pathogenesis
- 7: Conclusions
- References
- Chapter 27: Mycobacterial biofilm: Structure and its functional relevance in the pathogenesis
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilm formation by bacteria
- 3: Structure and characteristics of mycobacterial biofilm
- 4: Biofilm formation by NTM
- 5: Biofilm formation by M. smegmatis
- 6: Biofilm formation by M. tuberculosis
- 7: Requirements for biofilm formation
- 8: Mycobacterial genes involved in biofilm formation
- 9: Functional relevance of biofilm formation by mycobacteria
- 10: Therapeutic implications of mycobacterial biofilm
- 11: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 28: Streptococcus pneumoniae biofilms and human infectious diseases: A review
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae–related infections
- 3: Role of Streptococcus pneumoniae biofilms in human infectious diseases
- 4: Streptococcus pneumoniae biofilms’ structure
- 5: Pneumococci biofilms’ properties
- 6: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 29: Oral biofilms: Architecture and control
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Human oral microbiome
- 3: Oral microbial biofilms
- 4: Oral candidiasis
- 5: Dental caries
- 6: Early childhood caries (ECC)
- 7: Biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance
- 8: Mechanism and risk factors associated with oral biofilm formation
- 9: Alternative strategies to combat biofilm-associated drug resistance in pathogens
- 10: Conclusion and prospects
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 30: Molecular mechanisms of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation and its impact on virulence, persistence, and pathogenesis
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilms of Acinetobacter baumannii
- 3: Microstructure of A. baumannii biofilms and its composition
- 4: Regulation of biofilm formation
- 5: Role of biofilms in virulence and pathogenesis
- 6: Biofilms and persistence of Acinetobacter baumannii
- 7: Novel antibiofilm treatment strategies
- 8: Summary and conclusions
- References
- Further readingCOMP: The cited refrences in the Further Reading section can be shifted to main list and this section can be retained as such.
- Chapter 31: Polymicrobial biofilms: Impact on fungal pathogenesis
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Polymicrobial interactions
- 3: Factors affecting biofilm formation and development
- 4: Composition of mono and polymicrobial biofilms
- 5: Biofilms and diseases
- 6: Models of biofilm infection and interaction
- 7: Treatment challenges
- References
- Chapter 32: Molecular mechanism of biofilm formation of pathogenic microorganisms and their role in host pathogen interaction
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Biofilm-associated diseases
- 3: Mechanism of biofilm formation
- 4: Implications of biofilms during host-pathogen interaction
- 5: Conclusion and future prospect
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 33: Pathogenic biofilms in environment and industrial setups and impact on human health
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Development of environmental biofilms
- 3: Biofilm under environmental stress
- 4: Antibiotic resistance and tolerance in biofilm
- 5: Wastewater as hotspot of antibiotic resistance in environment
- 6: Pathogenic biofilms as serious concern in environment and in humans
- 7: Impact of biofilms in clinical settings
- 8: Conclusion and future prospects
- References
- Chapter 34: Biofilm formation: A well-played game in bacterial pathogenesis
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Establishment and development of bacterial biofilm
- 3: Biofilm heterogeneity and pathogenesis
- 4: Biofilms: Making acute infections chronic
- 5: Relevance of biofilm disease in clinical practice
- 6: Recent developments to overcome infectious biofilms and future prospects
- References
- Section F: Application of microbial biofilms
- Chapter 35: Plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria and their biofilms in promoting sustainable agriculture and soil health
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)
- 3: PGPR biofilms
- 4: Role of rhizobacterial biofilm in agriculture
- 5: Future perspectives
- 6: Conclusion
- References
- Further reading
- Chapter 36: Antagonistic Bacilli as prospective probiotics against pathogenic biofilms
- Abstract
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Approaches to control pathogenic biofilms
- 3: Probiotic Bacilli supporting the health of host organism
- 4: Probiotic-prebiotic complex
- 5: Promising functional foods
- 6: Pulcherrimin as an antibiofilm agent
- 7: Concluding remarks and future prospects
- References
- Chapter 37: Use of bacterial biofilms to produce high added-value compounds
- Abstract
- Acknowledgments
- 1: Introduction
- 2: Production of recombinant proteins using biofilms
- 3: Production of added-value compounds in biofilms
- 4: Conclusions and future remarks
- References
- Chapter 38: Biofilms as sustainable tools for environmental biotechnologies: An interdisciplinary approach
- Abstract
- Acknowledgments
- 1: Introduction to biofilms in environmental biotechnology
- 2: Relevance of interactions of biofilm components with contaminants
- 3: Biofilm-dependent microbial survival strategies in polluted environments
- 4: Application of biofilms in bioremediation processes
- 5: Biofilm monitoring in nature: Image acquisition and processing
- 6: Concluding remarks
- References
- Chapter 39: Use of biofilm bacteria to enhance overall microbial fuel cell performance
- Abstract
- Acknowledgments
- 1: Introduction
- 2: MFC design and operation
- 3: Double-chamber MFC (DCMFC)
- 4: Single-chamber MFC (SCMFC)
- 5: Stacked MFC
- 6: Micro-sized MFC
- 7: Electroactive biofilms in MFC
- 8: Biofilm formation and regulation in MFC
- 9: Electrochemical characterization of biofilms
- 10: Biofilm morphology and viability
- 11: Microbial community analysis in MFC
- 12: Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 40: Industrial applications and implications of biofilms
- Abstract
- 1: Biofilms in perspective
- 2: Biofilm formation
- 3: Industrial applications of biofilms
- 4: Biofilm bioreactors for beneficial applications
- 5: Types of biofilm reactors
- 6: Bioreactors and denitrification process
- 7: Biofilm reactors in wastewater treatment
- 8: Biofilms for gas and odor treatment
- 9: Biofilm reactors in ethanol production
- 10: Biofilm bioreactors and production of biochemicals
- 11: Industrial ramifications of biofilms
- 12: Industrial biocorrosion problems
- 13: Microbial corrosion in industrial cooling water systems
- 14: Implications of biofilms and biocorrosion
- 15: Prevention and control of biofilms in industries
- 16: Control strategies for industrial cooling water systems
- 17: Conclusion
- References
- Index
- Edition: 1
- Published: October 25, 2022
- Imprint: Academic Press
- No. of pages: 774
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780323999779
- eBook ISBN: 9780323983082
SD
Surajit Das
Prof. Surajit Das is currently working at the Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India. He received his doctoral degree in Marine Biology with specialization in microbiology from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India. He has been awarded the Endeavour Research Fellowship by the Australian Government to conduct postdoctoral research on marine microbial technology at the University of Tasmania. He has more than 15 years of research experience in environmental biotechnology, marine microbiology, bacterial biofilm, waste water treatment, and bioremediation. Prof. Das has maintained a strong commitment to explore the diversity of marine microorganisms from tropical, coastal, mangrove, and deep-sea environments using taxonomic and molecular tools. The main goal of his research is to understand the genetic regulation of bacterial biofilm for the improvement and development of biofilm-mediated bioremediation, thereby restoring the deteriorating environment as an eco-friendly approach.
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