Critical review on biofilm methods

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Joana Azeredo (Author) Other; Nuno F. Azevedo (Author) FEUP; Romain Briandet (Author) Other; Nuno Cerca (Author) Other; Tom Coenye (Author) Other; Ana Rita Costa (Author) Other; Michaël Desvaux (Author) Other; Giovanni Di Bonaventura (Author) Other; Michel Hébraud (Author) Other; Zoran Jaglic (Author) Other; Miroslava Kacániová (Author) Other; Susanne Knochel (Author) Other; Anália Lourenço (Author) Other; Filipe Mergulhão (Author) FEUP; Rikke Louise Meyer (Author) Other; George Nychas (Author) Other; Manuel Simões (Author) FEUP; Odile Tresse (Author) Other; Claus Sternberg (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Critical Reviews in Microbiology

Vol. 43 No. 3

Pages: 313-351

ISSN: 1040-841X

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

DOI: 10.1080/1040841X.2016.1208146

Abstract (EN): Biofilms are widespread in nature and constitute an important strategy implemented by microorganisms to survive in sometimes harsh environmental conditions. They can be beneficial or have a negative impact particularly when formed in industrial settings or on medical devices. As such, research into the formation and elimination of biofilms is important for many disciplines. Several new methodologies have been recently developed for, or adapted to, biofilm studies that have contributed to deeper knowledge on biofilm physiology, structure and composition. In this review, traditional and cutting-edge methods to study biofilm biomass, viability, structure, composition and physiology are addressed. Moreover, as there is a lack of consensus among the diversity of techniques used to grow and study biofilms. This review intends to remedy this, by giving a critical perspective, highlighting the advantages and limitations of several methods. Accordingly, this review aims at helping scientists in finding the most appropriate and up-to-date methods to study their biofilms.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 39