biofilm

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13879
Aggregate of microorganisms in which cells that are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) adhere to each other and/or to a surface.
Notes:
  1. A biofilm is a fixed system that can be adapted internally to environmental conditions by its inhabitants.
  2. The self-produced matrix of EPS, which is also referred to as slime, is a polymeric conglomeration generally composed of extracellular biopolymers in various structural forms.
Source:
PAC, 2012, 84, 377. (Terminology for biorelated polymers and applications (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)) on page 383 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'biofilm' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13879 RIS BibTex EndNote
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