s microbes extending their own secretions of EPS leads to the slimy sensation that is commonly associated with Biofilms. This also leads to the development of a network of microbes, which forms an independent functioning ecosystem, and is homeostatically regulated.
             Ok, first off. Biofilms are not only formed from one single type of microorganism. Most often than not, they link up with a diverse choice of neighbours. As you can see here from the different representations of microbes: the fine lines in between each microbial organism are exopolymer secretions or EPS. They link different aggregations of microbes that come together, forming a network. This gives a layering effect that can be seen as more microbes attaches on top, and can be felt as slimy. Resulting in appearance to look like the matrix of a spider web, as each cell extended their glycocalyx in embrace of another.
             So, what type of microbes, inhabit these vast diverse populations, you may ask?
             • Prokaryotic Organisms such as Bacteria
             -Heterotrophic or chemoheterotrophic bacteria's main energy source comes from reducing organic carbon substrates. These can be further broken down into 3 groups based on oxygen requirements. They are the obligate aerobes, anaerobes and facultative anaerobes.
             • Chemolithotrophic bacteria-, which obtains their energy from the oxidation of inorganic, compounds and need CO2 to obtain carbon for organic compound synthesis.
             • For example, Thiobacillus thiooxidans- as discussed in the CSIRO presentation, is a chemolithotroph that has various applications in metal recovery, which will be discussed later by Lorraine in the applications component of our talk.
             • Other chemolitotrophs also include Hydrogenomonas which are methanogenic, and nitrifying Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter
             • Photosynthetic bacteria- a variety of photosynthetic bacteria also form Biofilms.
             • They require sunlight as a source of ...