Studies of Microbial Biofilm Development and Their Eradication using Various Enzymes

Abstract

Microbial biofilms that grow on abiotic surface can be found in various settings including natural, industrial and hospitals and forms a major area for research owing to the properties exhibited by them which are distinct from that of a planktonic cells. Owing to the heterogeneous structural composition of the biofilm, it is likely that multiple mechanisms might be in action within a single community. Microbial biofilms are of special concern to the food and fermentation industry, as biofilms on raw materials or food contact surfaces represent possible sources of product contamination with spoilage or pathogenic microorganisms. Need for research in the field of biofilm eradication has thus gained a substantial momentum in past two decades. Numerous resources have being exploited for their potential usefulness against biofilm removal and have failed in ensuring the complete removal of the biofilm. Break down of the structural components of the EPS (Extracellular Polymeric Substance) can be the possible targets to ensure the successful eradication of biofilm. Enzymes have been used and proven useful for the degradation of the multi-structural EPS of the biofilm. The mode in which enzymes destroy the EPS is by degrading the physical integrity of the EPS hence unraveling the entire structure. The aim of our study included:  Formation of biofilm  Action of different enzymes on the bacterial biofilm The motive behind doing so is to determine the kind and quantity of the enzyme that is active in degrading the biofilm while keeping the related hazard and the cost to the minimum.