KATRINA MAE AQUINO 4BSPSYCH Biofilms: A Bane and a Boon Traversing into the Preliminary term has revealed that there is both wonder and horror that can be found in the minuscule yet robust world of microorganisms. These lifeforms, albeit microscopic, are pretty complex and capable of feats that numerous researchers continue to explore. My notion of such a feature was further reinforced as I peered into the concept of biofilms. These assemblages of microorganisms enclosed in a slime-like and adhesive matrix made up of nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and proteins are fitting poofs that nature employs intricate processes to create and sustain life. However, and more importantly, the existence of biofilms is definitive evidence that depicts how even the smallest of lifeforms can induce far-reaching impacts, both disadvantageous and advantageous, on human life, particularly on public health. As previously indicated, biofilms are enclosed in a slime-like and adhesive matrix. Grimly, this particular attribute grants biofilms a formidable defense and a promotive avenue for growth and propagation. In the context of infections and diseases, pathological microorganisms inhabiting biofilms become significantly tolerant against antimicrobial substances (e.g., antibiotics) and mechanisms employed by our immune system to eradicate them. Such an instance can be pretty detrimental in that failure to eliminate them leads to the persistence of various chronic infections and diseases, thereby endangering humans. As far as medical paraphernalia is concerned, tools and equipment laced with pathogen-containing biofilms can threaten both the efficiency of such paraphernalia and to patients which it will be utilized. Finally, and concerning water treatments, pathogen-containing biofilms that successfully seeped into water systems can lead to water contamination and the occurrence of widespread infections. While the detrimental impacts that biofilms can inflict are alarming and demand attention, it is also equally relevant to highlight its advantages to public health. As I’ve noted earlier, biofilms are highly resistant to antimicrobial substances and processes and possess a KATRINA MAE AQUINO 4BSPSYCH conducive avenue for perpetuation, maturation, and propagation. Such a feature, while extremely concerning, has led to exceptional advancements in public health and the medical discipline in general. Mainly, extensively studying the nature of biofilms has led to the development of potent and efficient antimicrobial substances and methodologies to pierce through the biofilms’ notorious matrix and eliminate the potential threats posed by the microorganisms within it. Moreover, the continuous accumulation of knowledge surrounding biofilms has led to the creation of preventive processes and measures to inhibit and virtually thwart biofilm development, thereby significantly reducing the chances of people incurring infections from pathogen-containing biofilms. On another note, water treatment engineers have utilized this knowledge to engineer and employ “beneficial” biofilms to filter and sanitize drinking water, improving water quality and curbing infections brought about by water contamination. In brief, studies on biofilms have revealed that while it may initially be considered a bane that threatens human life, it can also be perceived as a boon that sparks flourishing for humanity. With that being said, there is great merit for humankind to delve further into biofilms to ensure their safety and the significant improvements on human life.
