Biofilms

3.

Biofilm Architecture and Composition

3.1.

The Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) Matrix

3.1.1.

Composition of EPS

3.1.1.1.

Polysaccharides

3.1.1.2.

3.1.1.3.

3.1.1.4.

Extracellular DNA (eDNA)

3.1.1.5.

3.1.1.6.

3.1.1.7.

Humic Substances

3.1.1.8.

Other Minor Components

3.1.2.

Functions of the EPS Matrix

3.1.2.1.

Structural Scaffolding

3.1.2.2.

Adhesion to Surfaces

3.1.2.3.

Cohesion Between Cells

3.1.2.4.

Protection from Environmental Threats

3.1.2.5.

Nutrient Sequestration

3.1.2.6.

Water Retention

3.1.2.7.

Facilitation of Communication

3.1.2.8.

3.2.

Microbial Components

3.2.1.

Single-Species Biofilms

3.2.1.1.

Characteristics and Examples

3.2.1.2.

Advantages and Limitations

3.2.2.

Multi-Species (Polymicrobial) Biofilms

3.2.2.1.

Interspecies Interactions

3.2.2.1.1.

3.2.2.1.2.

3.2.2.1.3.

3.2.2.1.4.

3.2.2.1.5.

3.2.2.2.

Impact on Biofilm Properties

3.2.2.3.

Succession Patterns

3.3.

Structural Heterogeneity

3.3.1.

Macrostructures in Biofilms

3.3.1.1.

3.3.1.2.

Mushroom-like Structures

3.3.1.3.

Ridges and Channels

3.3.1.4.

3.3.2.

3.3.2.1.

Role in Nutrient and Waste Transport

3.3.2.2.

Formation Mechanisms

3.3.3.

Gradients within the Biofilm

3.3.3.1.

Oxygen Gradients

3.3.3.2.

3.3.3.3.

Nutrient Gradients

3.3.3.4.

Waste Product Accumulation

3.3.4.

Microenvironments and Niches

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4. Physiology and Communication in Biofilms