biofilm

American  

[bahy-oh-film] / ˈbaɪ oʊˌfɪlm /

noun

• biofilms
  plural

1. Biology. a film or thin coating on solid surfaces, consisting of microorganisms and the indissoluble, viscous fluid they secrete.

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biofilm Scientific  

/ bī′ō-fĭlm′ /

1. A complex structure adhering to surfaces that are regularly in contact with water, consisting of colonies of bacteria and usually other microorganisms such as yeasts, fungi, and protozoa that secrete a mucilaginous protective coating in which they are encased. Biofilms can form on solid or liquid surfaces as well as on soft tissue in living organisms, and are typically resistant to conventional methods of disinfection. Dental plaque, the slimy coating that fouls pipes and tanks, and algal mats on bodies of water are examples of biofilms. While biofilms are generally pathogenic in the body, causing such diseases as cystic fibrosis and otitis media, they can be used beneficially in treating sewage, industrial waste, and contaminated soil.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antibiofilm
  adjective
• biofilm-like
  adjective
• biofilmed
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• biofilms
  plural

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

biofilm biofilms

A big challenge is dental plaque, a protective structure known as a biofilm that helps bacteria adhere to teeth and makes them more resistant to removal by saliva, mouth rinses and some antimicrobial agents.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

The biofilm formed by Lactobacillus bacteria proved to be extremely sensitive to the substance, raising concerns about potential harm to the intestinal microflora.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 2, 2026

This shift helped raise pH levels inside the biofilm.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 9, 2026

Her research is examining ways to remove the protective coat and expose the bacteria so it can be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics that currently cannot pass through the biofilm.

From Science Daily ● May 1, 2024

"Contrary to external UV irradiation technique, UV-emitting glass inhibits biofilm formation directly at the surface of interest -- the surface itself serves as a UVC source," says Alidokht.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 2, 2024

The procedures remove plaque below the gumline and disrupt bacterial biofilms that contribute to gum inflammation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

Liao said additional studies are necessary to identify the molecular processes that drive the responses of complex biofilms containing multiple microbial species.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

These findings suggest that nanoplastics may make it easier for stubborn biofilms to develop on surfaces used in water treatment and delivery, increasing the difficulty of removing them.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

"The latest theory is related to some of the chemistry that goes into ensuring that the wastewater doesn't develop any biofilms," or microorganisms, he said.

From Barron's ● Apr. 9, 2026

These hypothetical structures, described as "Xeno-films," could function like biofilms but be built from entirely different chemical ingredients available in other environments.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 11, 2026

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