Citation
Biofilms: survival mechanisms of clinically relevant microorganisms
TL;DR
Biofilms are 100-1,000× more resistant to antibiotics than planktonic cells
This comprehensive review established that bacterial biofilms - formed through quorum sensing coordination - exhibit 100-1,000× greater resistance to antibiotics than planktonic (individual) cells.
The finding that coordinated bacterial communities are dramatically more resilient than individuals demonstrated the survival value of chemical-signal-coordinated collective behavior, with implications for understanding why organizations form protective structures at scale.
Key Findings from Donlan & Costerton (2002)
- Biofilms are 100-1,000× more resistant to antibiotics than planktonic cells
- Biofilm formation is triggered by quorum sensing at high density
- Dental plaque and chronic infections are biofilm-dominated
- Coordinated collective structure provides survival advantage