What is the function of a biofilm in bacterial colonies?

Biofilms play a significant role in providing antibiotic resistance among bacterial colonies. When bacteria adhere to surfaces and form biofilms, they create a structured community encased in a protective extracellular matrix. This matrix not only helps to secure the bacteria to a surface but also acts as a barrier that shields them from external threats, including antimicrobial agents.

The organization within a biofilm can lead to differences in metabolic activity among cells, and those in the deeper layers of the biofilm may be particularly resistant to antibiotics due to limitations in the penetration of these drugs. This enhanced resistance can make infections involving biofilms particularly difficult to treat, as the bacteria within the biofilm may require higher concentrations of antibiotics or different treatment strategies compared to planktonic (free-floating) bacteria.

In contrast, while factors like nutrient uptake, reproduction, and metabolic rates can be influenced by the presence of a biofilm, the primary notable feature is its contribution to antibiotic resistance, which has major implications in healthcare settings, especially in chronic infections.