Biofilms ARE SURFACE-ATTACHED MICROBIAL CELLS EMBEDDED IN SELF-PRODUCED EXTRACELLULER POLYMERIC SUBSTANCES (EPS) MATRIX. THIS HIGH ORGANIZED STRUCTURE LEAD TO UNIQUE PROPERTIES HOLDING THE BACTERIA CELLS TOGETHER AND ALSO TO AN INCREASE IN RESISTANCE TO KILLING BY HOST DEFENSE AND ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS. THE BACTERIA IN A BIOFILM ARE 1000-1500 FOLDS MORE PERSISTENT TO ANTIBIOTICS THAN THE ONES IN THEIR PLANKTONIC FORM...

THE ROLE PLAYED BY BACTERIAL BIOFILM IN CHRONIC WOUNDS HAS BEEN EMPHASIZED, AS A MAJOR DETRIMENT TO WOUND HEALING IN RECENT YEARS. Biofilms ARE STRUCTURED COMMUNITIES OF BACTERIAL OR FUNGAL CELLS ENCLOSED IN A SELF-PRODUCED POLYMERIC MATRIX THAT ADHERES TO BOTH INERT AND LIVING SURFACES. THEY PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR BACTERIA TO THRIVE AND RESIST DAMAGE FROM MANY EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.