1.0Glossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossaryGlossaryhttps://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/author/adminglossary/rich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="BQPXEqghDm"><a href="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/biofilm/">Biofilm</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/biofilm/embed/#?secret=BQPXEqghDm" width="600" height="338" title="“Biofilm” — Glossary" data-secret="BQPXEqghDm" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script> /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/glossary/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js </script> A multispecies community of microorganisms that adhere to each other and a surface, and are encased in an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is a complex polymeric substance, and protects the microorganisms from environmental stresses.Thin layer of microorganisms adhering to the surface of a structure.Films of bacteria or other microbial organisms, usually embedded in extracellular polymers such as implanted medical devices, which adhere to surfaces submerged in, or subjected to, aquatic environments (From Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed). Biofilms consist of multilayers of microbial cells glued together to form microbial communities which are highly resistant to both phagocytes and antibiotics.A thin coating of bacteria embedded in a moist, adhesive matrix that may cover mucous membranes and devices placed inside the body, including catheters and stents. Bacteria thriving in a biofilm are resistant both to phagocytosis by white blood cells and to destruction by antibiotics.