Anatomy

Biofilms

Encrustations formed from microbes (bacteria, algae, fungi, plankton, or protozoa) embedded in an EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCE MATRIX that is secreted by the microbes. They occur on body surfaces such as teeth (DENTAL DEPOSITS); inanimate objects, and bodies of water. Biofilms are prevented from forming by treating surfaces with DENTIFRICES; DISINFECTANTS; ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS; and anti-fouling agents.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Encrustations formed from microbes (bacteria, algae, fungi, plankton, or protozoa) embedded in an EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCE MATRIX that is secreted by the microbes. They occur on body surfaces such as teeth (DENTAL DEPOSITS); inanimate objects, and bodies of water. Biofilms are prevented from forming by treating surfaces with DENTIFRICES; DISINFECTANTS; ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS; and anti-fouling agents.

MeSH Record

Classification

Related Concepts

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See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Biofilm

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

4 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings classification, drug effects, growth & development, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

coordinate with specific organism /physiol; occurrence of biofilms on prostheses or other devices: coordinate with specific device; infection of prostheses by biofilms: coordinate BIOFILMS with specific prosthesis + PROSTHESIS-RELATED INFECTIONS + specific infection

MeSH Record

History Note

95

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Bacteria (1981-1994)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. A20.593w
  2. G06.120w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QW 90

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Biofilms. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D018441. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D018441
  2. Biofilms. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofilm
  3. Biofilms. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q467410