Biofilms : Advances in Research and Applications

Biofilms are naturally occurring clusters of microorganisms that stick to non-biological surfaces, like rocks in a stream. This book contains eight chapters that examine biofilms from a variety of perspectives, including the latest research in this field. Chapter One comprehensively studies the role of endophytic microbes as a potential and alternative source of antimicrobial and antibiofilm bioactive components. Chapter Two discusses how to manage oral microbial biofilm using chemical and herbal medicine. Chapter Three highlights the importance of marine biofouling and the role of coccoid cyanobacteria in this process. Chapter Four focuses on biofilm development, its impact on human health and the problems that are associated with biofilm control. Chapter Five examines microbial biofilms and their role in the environment including agriculture and bioremediation. Chapter Six reviews natural terpenoids and provides descriptions of their structural origin, biological roles and multifunctional properties, such as promoting activity on health-beneficial bacteria. Chapter Seven explains the concepts of biofilm development and the importance of honey and its implications in human health and disease control. Chapter Eight thoroughly studies the potential of honey as antibiofilm, anti-quorum sensing and dispersal agent.