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biofilm
(redirected from Biofilms)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
biofilm
[bi′o-film′]
a thin layer of microorganisms adhering to the surface of a structure, which may be organic or inorganic, together with the polymers that they secrete.

biofilm [bi´o-film″]
a thin layer of microorganisms adhering to the surface of a structure, which may be organic or inorganic, together with the polymers that they secrete.

biofilm,
n a very thin layer of microscopic organisms that covers the surface of an object.
biofilm, bacterial plaque,
n a thick grouping of microorganisms that are very resistant to antibiotics and antimicrobial agents and that live on gingival tissues, teeth, and restorations, causing caries and periodontal disease; also known as
bacterial plaque biofilm.
biofilm, dental,
n See biofilm, bacterial plaque.
biofilm, plaque,
n See plaque.
biofilm, waterline,
n a microbial growth that adheres to the waterlines used in dental procedures. Poses a serious risk for immunocompromised individuals.


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While we have been taught to consider organism infection to involve freely circulating organisms, what Olmstead refers to as "planktonic growth," it is more likely that organisms congregate in biofilms.
See the Research for Yourself on Plaque Biofilms and Antimicrobial Mouth Rinses According to a special 2007 supplement to the Journal of Dental Hygiene, when considering the oral environment, about 20 percent is occupied by tooth surfaces, that is, those areas targeted for toothbrushing and flossing.
Chunqi Jiang, a research assistant professor in the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering-Electrophysics, and Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry and Director of the USC Center for Biofilms, describe biofilms as complex colonies of bacteria suspended in a slimy matrix that grants them added protection from conventional antibiotics.
 
 
 
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