What are Biofilms?

Biofilms are accumulations of microorganism that consist of one or more type of bacteria, protists, or fungi, surrounded by an extracellular matrix which looks like slimy film. This film protects the microbes against the immune system and antimicrobials by trapping and neutralizing chemicals, preventing them from reaching the inner layers which are usually dormant and resistant to antimicrobials. In this way, the outermost microbes may be destroyed, but the ones on the bottom remain.

Biofilm protects microbes from chemicals and mechanical force. It can take more than 1000x more antibiotics to kill bacteria in microfilm compared to free-floating bacteria. These microbes detect and respond to each other through a form of communication called quorum sensing, which triggers members of a biofilm to exchange substrates, distribute metabolite products and remove toxic waste products. Biofilms can cause a series of issues including the discoloration of surfaces, unpleasant smells or textures, and can house illness-causing microbes including protozoa, fungi, yeast, minerals, and debris which have the potential to cause illnesses. They can also spread easily and contaminate neighboring surfaces and are difficult to treat.

5 Common Biofilm Occurring Places and their Associated Problems

1. Bathrooms: Bathtubs, Showers, Toilets, Sinks

Moist areas that accumulate fats and minerals, such as from lotions, soaps, and other personal hygiene products are an ideal environment for biofilm. Serratia marcescensrod creates a pink or red slime on bathroom surfaces both in the home and in public areas such as public pools or gyms, and can infect open wounds, or cause respiratory and urinary tract infections in immunocompromised individuals, and can result in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Infections can be treated with antibiotics, but some strains may be resistant.

2. Refrigerator

Your kitchen and more specifically your refrigerator may also house an assortment of bacteria. Spilled foods promote the colonization and growth bacteria including Pseudomonas putida, Sphingobacterium multivorum, Citrobacter freundii, and Proteus vulgaris, causing food spoilage, food safety issues, food poisoning, and an unpleasant smell in your fridge. The proximity of items within the fridge also allows biofilms to grow and spread, further exacerbating the issue.

3. Pools, spas, hot tubs

Pools, spas, and hot tubs may also host a variety of undesired microbes including black algae, which form black spots in cracks of crevices of pool surfaces, filters, and the surrounding areas. Black algae contain a range of cyanobacterium and algae, which turn the color black, and while the algae itself generally does not cause health issues, it may harbor harmful bacteria including E. Coli. The biofilm is protected against chlorine, and if a pool is drained, the film also prevents the microbes from drying, allowing them to lie dormant until conditions become more favorable.

To remove black algae, the pool or tub should be drained, the filter and other surfaces should be scrubbed.

4. Pet Food Bowls

Dogs and cats often lick or eat things they find outside, meaning microbes and present their mouths, and can be transferred to their food bowls, creating a slimy biofilm. Pet food and water bowls are often neglected in the cleaning process, allowing biofilms containing Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, or other microbes to grow. These biofilms can cause health issues to animals as well as humans, resulting in poor absorption of nutrients, inflammation, and other health complications.

5. Teeth and Mouth

Dental plaque is a very common form of biofilm consisting of various microbes including Pseudomonas aerobicus and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which can grow on mucosal surfaces inside the mouth, and teeth. These bacteria alter the release of calcium ions, and release toxins and acid, creating a layer of plaque on the teeth within 2-3 weeks. The release of calcium and phosphate then causes tartar, and the acid can create holes or cavities in the teeth.

To effectively remove biofilm, physical scrubbing is required, meaning that frequent brushing should be performed to prevent buildup, and regular visits to the dentist will allow for deeper cleans.

Identifying, Removing and Preventing Biofilm

Biofilms can be identified by their slimy texture, They can be brown or pink and thrive in warm, dark, moist environments with an abundance of organic matter. They are formed when a single microbe attaches to a surface, multiplies and releases a protective slimy matrix associated with biofilms, and continues to grow and accumuate new types of microbes.

This matrix protects the microbes within the biofilm against chemicals including cleaning products, and the only way to effectively remove biofilms is through physical agitation or scrubbing. The scrubbing breaks up the biofilm, which can then be washed away, followed by the application of antimicrobial products to prevent biofilm from returning. You can take preventive measures against biofilms today. Bio-Vanguard spray is a long-lasting antimicrobial that binds strongly to various surfaces including tiles, hardwood, and kitchen counters. It creates conditions that inhibit the growth of 99.9% of microbes and inhibits the growth of biofilms on treated surfaces. To learn more about how this antimicrobial destroys microbes and prevents the growth of biofilm, visit our Technology page. For information about bulk orders, custom formulations, or to learn more about how BioVanguard can be incorporated into your products, contact us at info@bio-vanguard.com.