Biofilms are complex microbial communities consisting of microcolonies
embedded in a matrix of self-produced polymer substances. Biofilm cells show
much greater resistance to environmental challenges including antimicrobial
agents than their free-living counterparts. The biofilm mode of life is believed
to significantly contribute to successful microbial survival in hostile environments.
Conventional treatment, disinfection and cleaning strategies do not
proficiently deal with biofilm-related problems, such as persistent infections
and contamination of food production facilities. In this review, strategies to
control biofilms are discussed, including those of inhibition of microbial
attachment, interference of biofilm structure development and differentiation,
killing of biofilm cells and induction of biofilm dispersion.