Understanding Microbial Biofilms

Fundamentals to Applications

1st Edition - October 25, 2022
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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**Selected for Doody’s Core Titles® 2024 in Microbiology**

Understanding 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.

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

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.

Affiliations and expertise

Professor, Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India

Neelam Amit Kungwani

Dr. Neelam Amit Kungwani completed her PhD from the Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India, and is currently working as Research Coordinator at Paediatric Associates, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She completed her M.Sc. in biotechnology from the School of Biotechnology, Guru Ghasidas University Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India. During her PhD, she served as a visiting research scholar in one of the prestigious organizations in Chennai: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, BARC, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India. She also holds a postgraduate diploma in intellectual property and rights. She has worked as a Senior Innovation Fellow at National Innovation Foundation, India, where she extensively worked on the innovation related to human health. Earlier, she served as Biotechnology Faculty at the Government Science College, affiliated to Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Her research interest includes bacterial pathogenesis, microbial biofilms, bioremediation, quorum sensing, functional genomics, phytomedicines, and marine drugs. She has also worked in the field of ocean acidification and impact of climate changes on bacterial DNA repair system. She has published 25 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and has authored 9 book chapters and 12 conference proceedings.

Affiliations and expertise

Research Coordinator, Pediatric Associates, Gujarat, India

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