The formation of microcolonies on surfaces is an important bacterial survival strategy. These biofilms occur on both inert and living systems, making them important to a wide range of scientific disciplines. This book first provides an analysis of the chemical, ecological and physical processes involved with the development of biofilms and their interactions with surfaces. The next section deals with biofilms on non-living surfaces. Biofilms have important engineering implications, such as in mining industries, the corrosion of pipelines and pure and waste water industries. Biofilms have medical significance when associated with the mouth, urinary tract and urinogenital tract. In addition, they form in plant root systems and in animals, such as the ruminant digestive tract, and so are agriculturally important. The final section examines these interactions with living surfaces.

‘Each chapter is well-referenced and the book is attractively bound and presented. I can recommend it as a worthwhile addition to any research group interested in pursuing the biofilm concept.’

P. A. Lambert Source: The Journal of Medical Microbiology

‘ … provides a valuable update on earlier biofilm texts.’

Source: Society for General Microbiology

‘The book will be a valuable aid in the many areas of pure and applied science and in industry where biofilms are of importance.’

J. Makk Source: Acta Botanica Hungarica