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Related Concept Videos

Biofilms01:29

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Concurrent Quantification of Cellular and Extracellular Components of Biofilms
10:18

Concurrent Quantification of Cellular and Extracellular Components of Biofilms

Published on: December 10, 2013

Quantifying diffusion in a biofilm of Streptococcus mutans.

Zeshi Zhang1, Elena Nadezhina, Kevin J Wilkinson

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C3J7, Canada.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|December 30, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biofilm diffusion limits chemical transport. Larger, negatively charged molecules move slower, with biofilm structure causing significant variations in transport rates.

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

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An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci
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Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity
09:21

Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity

Published on: March 11, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Diffusion limitations within biofilms can significantly impact the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and nutrient availability.
  • Understanding transport phenomena in biofilms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies against microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors influencing the diffusion of molecules within Streptococcus mutans biofilms.
  • To provide direct, noninvasive insights into transport limitations for antibiotics and biocides.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to measure self-diffusion coefficients of fluorescent probes in S. mutans biofilms.
  • Systematically evaluated the effects of probe size (3K-2000K dextrans) and charge (various fluorescent dyes).
  • Assessed the influence of biofilm environmental factors including pH, ionic strength, and heterogeneity.

Main Results:

  • Diffusion coefficients decreased significantly with increasing probe molecular weight and negative charge.
  • Biofilm pH and ionic strength showed minimal impact on molecular diffusion.
  • Biofilm heterogeneity accounted for approximately one order of magnitude variation in diffusion coefficients.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular size and charge are primary determinants of diffusion rates in S. mutans biofilms.
  • Biofilm structural heterogeneity plays a critical role in modulating transport.
  • These findings inform strategies to enhance antimicrobial penetration and efficacy in biofilms.