About This Chapter

In this chapter of the hypertextbook we introduce the topic of biofilms. For many introductory students, this may be the only section of the book you are required to read. If so, you will leave with an understanding of the many issues surrounding biofilms that are important to society. If instead your studies take you further down this path, this chapter will lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of biofilms.

Why should we study biofilms?

The study of biofilms represents a radical new way of understanding the microbiology of virtually everything around us, from problems that afflict industry to serious public health issues. Along with this new understanding comes an exciting opportunity for a new generation of researchers and practitioners: the opportunity to rethink our strategies for dealing with biofilm problems and solutions that in the past were overlooked or not handled correctly, because no one recognized that biofilms were involved. The potential to do immense good for our world as a whole is held out to those who enter this field.