Concept
Biofilm
Surface-attached microbial community
BY-oh-film
High-yield clue
Surface attachment + matrix + device-associated vocabulary.
Overview
A concept describing microbes embedded in a self-produced matrix on surfaces, often used to teach device-associated infection vocabulary and tolerance concepts.
Classification
- Microbial community concept
- Virulence/tolerance vocabulary
Lab & identification clues
- Matrix vocabulary
- Quorum-sensing concept
- Device-associated study cases
Associations
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Dental plaque concept
Commonly confused with
- Capsule
- Normal flora / microbiota
Your notes
Original microbiology concept summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC/WHO topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment selection, infection-control instructions, or specimen-handling guidance.