Bacterial, Viral and Infectious Diseases

Biofilms and Biosensors

Biofilms are a collection of one or more types of microorganisms that can adhere and grow on many different surfaces. Biofilms form complex structures that are ubiquitous in natural habitat and can cause many infections like chronic infections which are difficult to treat. Microorganisms that form biofilms include bacteria, fungi and protists.  While much is known about biofilms, but many questions remain about how biofilms mature and respond to internal and external stimuli and their strategy. Biosensors are used in the food industry and various other industries to measure alcohols and acids, carbohydrates, for example, during quality control processes and in medical industry by checking the blood glucose level. The devices may also be used to check fermentation during the production of beer, wine, yoghurt and soft drinks.