Biofilms: Invisible microbial communities that shape our daily lives

Biofilms are organized communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and live in interconnected structures. Although they are mostly invisible to the naked eye, they are present almost everywhere—on tooth surfaces, in natural environments, in industrial systems, and even in the human body.

Their impact is twofold. On the one hand, they can pose serious challenges, such as increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics or industrial problems caused by fouling and corrosion. On the other hand, they also play an important beneficial role—for example, in protecting the gut through probiotic biofilms or in maintaining bee health.

Research at the Department of Microbiology of the Biotechnical Faculty at the University of Ljubljana focuses on understanding biofilms as complex microbial communities, where it is not just the individual microorganism that is key, but primarily their interactions. It is these interactions that determine their stability, resilience, and function.

Researchers are studying how biofilms contribute to antibiotic resistance, how to remove them more effectively in medical and industrial settings, and how to harness their beneficial properties in the development of advanced probiotic approaches—for humans, animals, and plants.

This documentary video offers insight into contemporary biofilm research and raises key questions about how an understanding of microbial collaboration can lead to new, sustainable solutions in healthcare, nutrition, and the environment.