Mysore/Mysuru: The book “Biofilms” authored by Dr. Renu Agrawal, former Chief Scientist of CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, will be released on Nov.13 during the 9th Annual Conference on HIV/AIDS,TB and Emerging Infections organised by Asha Kirana and AIDS Society of India at Hotel Sandesh The Prince in city by Senior Physician Dr. Javeed Nayeem, Paediatrician and Founder of Asha Kirana Hospital Dr. S.N. Mothi and President of AIDS Society of India Dr. I. S. Gilada.

About the book: There are many bacteria and fungi which produce biofilms. Biofilms cause havoc in food infections and medically, the pathogenic microorganisms form biofilm-associated with the epithelial or endothelial lining which are embedded in the lungs, intestinal or vaginal mucus layer, the teeth or other medical implant surfaces. These are made up of living, reproducing microorganisms. These microbes form communities and adhere tightly to the surfaces and are resistant to many antibiotics. Many pathogenic microorganisms form biofilms which are difficult to be removed and are harmful. Such microbial colonies produce an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) to protect themselves.

The dental plaque was the first documented evidence of microbial biofilms. They reproduce forming an attachment by secreting a slimy, glue-like substance on metals, plastics, natural materials, medical implants, kitchen counters, contact lenses, walls of a hot tub or swimming pool.

One of the main reason of food contamination in the food industries are biofilms. Biofilm-associated infections (BAI) can enhance chronic infections in which the bacterial pathogens can persist causing cross-contamination of the food products. They deteriorate health, drinking water distribution systems, food and marine industries.

This book deals with biofilm formation in food, agriculture, soil and plant health, fruits and vegetables, seafood, dairy and milk  products, meat and meat products and beverage industries. This book has discussed the role of biofilm communication and Quorum sensing, the role of antibiotics on biofilm formation, biofilm inhibitory peptides and biofilm inhibition by novel methods. It deals with the ways of controlling biofilms by the dietary phytochemicals and removal of bacterial adhesion to inhibit biofilms.

Another very important aspect in this book is on the release of antimicrobial compounds, role of bacteriocins, bacteriophages, enzymes, essential oils, nano emulsions and nano particles to prevent biofilms formation.

The book also discusses the impact of genetic diversity in biofilm formation. It deals both with the negative and positive aspects of biofilms, the strategies used to regulate harmful bacterial biofilms and mechanisms of formation and highlights the future perspectives of bacterial biofilms.

Role of biofilms in protecting marine ecosystem, corrosion and wastewater treatment has been covered in this book that will help the readers, industrialists, students, society activists in keeping the environment green and clean along with safe food and good health.

Karamveer Chakra Dr. Renu Agrawal is an author of many scientific books published by NIPA; New India Publishing Agency GENX Electronic Resources and Solutions P. Ltd and CRC press, UK.