Biofilms are communities of microorganisms irreversibly attached to various substrates which are embedded in the matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms are present in both natural and human environments, which may cause serious problems. In this article, we deal with the basic characteristics, origin, development and functions of biofilms. and Martin Rulík, Veronika Holá.
Biofilm, as a form of microbial existence, is very important from the medical point of view. Both our native microflora and pathogenic bacteria live in the biofilm form. Microbes growing in the biofilm show higher resistance to externall conditions and to the action of antimicrobials, which is considered to be very important virulence factor common to all biofilm-positive bacteria. The article deals with both biofilmformed native microflora and biofilm infections. and Veronika Holá.