Microbial Biofilms

Biochemistry and ecology of biofilms from industrial, medical and other viewpoints.

Hilary M. Lappin-Scott (Edited by), J. William Costerton (Edited by)

9780521542128, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 September 2003

328 pages, 137 b/w illus. 28 tables
24.7 x 18.9 x 1.9 cm, 0.605 kg

'The book will be a valuable aid in the many areas of pure and applied science and in industry where biofilms are of importance.' J. Makk, Acta Botanica Hungarica

The formation of microcolonies on surfaces is an important bacterial survival strategy. These biofilms occur on both inert and living systems, making them important to a wide range of scientific disciplines. This book first provides an analysis of the chemical, ecological and physical processes involved with the development of biofilms and their interactions with surfaces. The next section deals with biofilms on non-living surfaces. Biofilms have important engineering implications, such as in mining industries, the corrosion of pipelines and pure and waste water industries. Biofilms have medical significance when associated with the mouth, urinary tract and urinogenital tract. In addition, they form in plant root systems and in animals, such as the ruminant digestive tract, and so are agriculturally important. The final section examines these interactions with living surfaces.

Introduction
Part I. Structure, Physiology and Ecology of Biofilms: 1. The formation of microcolonies and functional consortia within biofilms
2. Dynamics of bacterial biofilm formation
3. Cultivation and study of biofilm communities
4. Genetic responses to bacteria at surfaces
5. Biochemical reactions and the establishment of gradients within biofilms
6. Mechanisms of the protection of bacterial biofilms from antimicrobial agents
Part II. Biofilms and Inert Surfaces: 7. Biofilm development in purified water systems
8. Mineralized bacterial biofilms in sulphide tailings and in acid mine drainage systems
9. Biofilms and microbially influenced corrosion
10. Microbial consortia in industrial waste water treatment
11. Heterogeneous mosaic biofilm - a haven for water borne pathogens
Part III. Biofilms on the Surfaces of Living Cells: 12. The rhizosphere as a biofilm
13. Biofilms of the ruminant digestive tract
14. The immune response to bacterial biofilms
15. Bacterial biofilms in the biliary system
16. Biofilm-associated urinary tract infections
17. The role of the urogenital flora in probiotics
18. Dental plaque.

Subject Areas: Biotechnology [TCB], Microbiology [non-medical PSG]