Biofilms

Encrustations formed from microbes (bacteria, algae, fungi, plankton, or protozoa) embedded in an EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCE MATRIX that is secreted by the microbes. They occur on body surfaces such as teeth (DENTAL DEPOSITS); inanimate objects, and bodies of water. Biofilms are prevented from forming by treating surfaces with DENTIFRICES; DISINFECTANTS; ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS; and anti-fouling agents.

Year introduced: 1995

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Tree Number(s): A20.593, G06.120

MeSH Unique ID: D018441

Entry Terms:

• Biofilm

Previous Indexing:

• Bacteria (1981-1994)

See Also:

• Bacterial Adhesion
• Dental Deposits
• Prosthesis-Related Infections
• Adhesins, Bacterial
• Biofouling

All MeSH Categories
Anatomy Category
Bacterial Structures
Biofilms
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix

All MeSH Categories
Phenomena and Processes Category
Microbiological Phenomena
Biofilms
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix