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

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

An illustration of the three responses from the bacteria when the nanoplastics come into contact with the biofilm.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

Different bacteria "talk" with one another and release substances that make the biofilm thicker, heavier, and more protective.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

There is also biofilm, a layer made up of mixed microbes that can build up under the toilet rim and across surfaces.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 13, 2026

Compared to untreated glass, this glass reduced visible biofilm growth by 98%.

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

Before this research, scientists knew relatively little about how nanoplastics might affect the relationships among biofilms, bacteria, and these viruses.

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

Understanding how this molecular gearbox works could help researchers develop ways to stop bacteria from forming biofilms, slimy communities that cause infections and contaminate medical devices.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 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