Community Structure and Co-Operation in Biofilms - Essay Example

Introduction These microorganisms often grow on solid substrates and are characterized by their heterogenic structures, complex interactions, diversified genetic composition and matrix of intercellular polymeric substances. The paper is aimed at explicitly determining what are biofilms, however, not only will the paper cover definition but also the properties which entails both merits and demerits of biofilms and their roles in causing infection on human beings. Biofilm Biofilms are a set of microscopic organisms characterized by attraction to each other for survival. The due process which leads to the formation of biofilms starts from attraction and attachment of microorganisms which floats freely on a surface. During the attachment, the initial colonists, characterized by weak van der Waals forces adhere to the surface which would anchor themselves permanently using adhesion molecules for instance pili, if not separated (Allison 29). The first colonists enhance the arrival of other cells through diverse adhesion hence building complex matrix that holds the biofilms together. Due to the weak van der Waals forces, not all the cells are able to attach themselves to the surface (Romeo 17). Others would anchor themselves to other colonists or the matrix; once the process of colonization has commenced biofilms grows and expands through combination of both cell recruitment and division (Wooldridge 41). The biofilms thrives in solid substrates exposed to/ or submerged in aqueous solution. However, there are many species of archaea and bacteria living in the matrix of excreted compounds of polymeric nature. Through the matrix is for facilitating communication among the cells and protecting them through physical and chemical signals (Brogden 12). However, some biofilms are characterized by water channels that assist in distribution of nutrients and signaling the molecules contained. The matrix formed it strong enough that in some cases, it would make the biofilms fossilize (Romeo 22). Common examples of biofilms One of the common examples of biofilms is dental plaque; which is formed when the biofilms coating that builds up and turns teeth yellowish that when not removed regularly would cause dental caries. Some examples include archea, bacteria, fungi, filamentous and single cell algae diatoms, and protozoa (Brogden 28). Each of the types of biofilms is responsible for a specific illness and benefits to people. Legionella- is commonly found in the showers due to reaction of oxygen and water. Neustria gonorrhea is an exclusive human pathogen associated with urethral and cervical epithelial cells with the bacteria surfacing and hosts receptors (Romeo 30). There are more examples that could not be exhausted since bacteria changes shape and traits within the shortest time possible while human beings changes traits after at least 25 years (Romeo 39). Harmful and beneficial properties of biofilms Biofilms can either be good or harmful depending on where it is formed. However, are helpful in cleaning oil spills for instance, colonies of organisms would feed on hydrocarbons (Brogden 42). Harmful properties of biofilms Microbial biofilms lead to equipment damage, medical infection, energy losses and product contamination. They can cause infection of artificial heart as the colonization may present dire need for amputation or additional operations of it may finally lead to death. In the industrial sector, biofilms often develop on the interior of pipes leading to corrosion and clogs causing damage and financial loss to companies (Wooldridge 54). The amount of antimicrobials required to kill the biofilms are not allowed to be used since the procedure would not only kill the biofilms but also the patients. Environmentally, the regulations governing coexistence and environmental practices refute the use of a large quantity of antimicrobials due to the fact that such actions would be medically impractical (Brogden 44). The bacteria within the biofilms exhibit significantly different properties from the other free floating bacteria due to the film density and protection enabling the bacteria to interact and cooperate in myriad ways. The main benefit of the film environment is that it increases resistance to antibiotics and detergents since the interior of the community is protected by the outer cell layer and the dense intercellular matrix (Romeo 38). Due to the ability of bacteria to adapt and adhere to each other and the surface biofilms are commonly found for instance dental plaque; the biofilms coating that builds up and turns teeth yellowish that when not removed regularly would cause dental caries (Wooldridge 76). While in medicine, when biofilms spread along the tubes (implant) or wires would cause pernicious infection in affected patients. Other than that, in the food industry, biofilms often makes cleaning of counters and floor difficult in areas where food is prepared hence they are responsible for food borne illnesses (Allison 55). Beneficial properties of biofilms However, part from the negative impacts of biofilms, it could also be harnessed for constructive purposes (Brogden 88). This can be practically explained through analysis of sewage treatment plant; the treatment stage where water passes over biofilms which are grown on filters purposely to extract and digest organic compounds, which are harmful to life. A biofilter, as used above refers to either one or several techniques, which are meant for control of air pollution where microorganisms are used to treat odorous air (Romeo 78). Biofilms can be used as water purifiers in water treatment plants due to the ability to breakdown undesired compounds in water. The benefits of biofilms are not limited to that; they can also be used in clinics and hospitals as reservoirs for harmful bacteria, a reason that affirms why health institutions are rigorously and frequently cleaned (Wooldridge 94). Surprisingly scientists found that biofilms thrives in hot and chemical saturated ferocious waters in hot springs; environment which was perceived by scientists to be inhabitable for biofilms (Brogden 60). In addition, they also prowl near hydrothermal vents characterized by extremely deep waters. This led to an assertion that biofilms are responsible for collection of stromatolites which are the main source of oxygen meaning that biofilms are essential for our survival on earth (Allison 104). The roles of biofilms in causing infectious diseases in human beings Biofilms create colonists which are protecting bacteria from any dangers that may arise, however, when antibiotics are used on biofilms only the few bacteria within the exterior of the colonists (Wooldridge 132). As the bacteria on the exterior are destroyed by the antibiotics, the surviving bacteria radically changes shape to increase resistance so that the antibiotic would not harm them in any way. Hence biofilms can be presumed to be protecting the thriving bacteria creating conducive atmosphere for multiplication (Brogden 96). Pathogens often prefer to work in groups or communities where they are able to handle our immune system within the shortest time before the white blood cells retaliate. During any war, it is adept to be in groups referred to as platoons, likewise to bacteria especially the planktonic bacteria which integrates before invading our immune systems leading to prolonged sickness due to weakening of the white blood cells which should overpower the bacteria (Allison 64). Techniques of preventing the formation of biofilms Surface coating Surface coating may be a preventive measure against the formation of biofilms on an implant surface. This would lower the chances of bacteria thriving on the coil or wire used to effect the implant especially on human beings. The implant surface should ideally promote tissue cell attachment and also prevent adhesion of bacteria achieved through three main ways; the use of non adhesive coating that can be none functionalized with small peptides (Wooldridge 106). Through disruption of emerging biofilms since the colonists are affected by the weak van der Waals forced at the initial stage of formation; also the use of antimicrobial substances, which might be leaching or non-leaching. However, the best option that would effectively prevent the combined practice that entails the three preventive options (Romeo 127). The biofilm life cycle in three steps: attachment, growth of colonies (development), and periodic detachment of planktonic cells. Fig. 1 Accessed from: http://bacteriality.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/4.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Preventing biofilms formation in spa/ bath tab Fig, 2. Accessed from: http://www.cwsnaturally.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/cws_clean_spa1.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. For the bath tab, it is advisable to sterilize both the tab and water, draining and letting fresh water run in the bat tab weekly. Use of flush can also remove the biofilms at least twice a month as well as killing all swimming bacteria would also work. In the case of swimming bacteria, use of sanitizers and moss would be effective since bromine and chlorine are effective in eradicating swimming biofilms (Romeo 104). Moss prevents the formation of biofilms through inhibiting bacteria from developing while sanitizers perform well on eradication (swimming bacteria) planktonic. Hence the combination of both would stabilize the water pH and remove heavy materials from the water making it stable, clean, clear and safe for use (Wooldridge 119). Fig, 3. Accessed from:http://www.cwsnaturally.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/cws_hands_blue1.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Diverse microbes inhabit in watercourse biofilms, include groups of bacteria, archea, fungi, filamentous and single cell algae diatoms, and protozoa. Fig, 4. Accessed from:http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/File:Microbes_in_stream_biofilms.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Biofilms form when bacteria adhere to surfaces in aqueous environments and begin to excrete a slimy, glue-like substance that can anchor them to all kinds of material Fig, 5. Accessed from:http://bacteriality.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/1.jpg, on March, 2012. Conclusion Biofilms are becoming more resistant to medication since they adapt to the different medication derived since their shape and traits are alternating with time. This affirms that doctors and researchers will have to brainstorm further to derive antibiotics which would not only stop the multiplicity but also kill the available species. Appendix Fig. 1 Accessed from:http://bacteriality.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/4.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Fig. 2, Accessed from:http://www.cwsnaturally.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/cws_clean_spa1.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Fig. 3, Accessed from:http://www.cwsnaturally.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/cws_hands_blue1.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Fig. 4, Accessed from:http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/File:Microbes_in_stream_biofilms.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Fig. 5, Accessed from:http://bacteriality.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/1.jpg, on 20th March, 2012. Works Cited Allison, G. D. Community structure and co-operation in biofilms. Cambridge- UK: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Brogden, Kim A. Virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens, 3rd Edi. New York- USA: ASM Press, 2000. Romeo, Tony. Bacterial Biofilms: Volume 322 of Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology. New York- USA: Springer, 2008. Wooldridge, Karl. Bacterial secreted proteins: secretory mechanisms and role in pathogenesis. London- UK: Horizon Scientific Press, 2009. Read More