[Microbial biofilms on protective coatings of underground metal structures].

Biofilms are highly organized groupings which are formed by microorganisms of one or several species and consist of actively functioning cells, those at rest as well as of the forms which are not cultivated. The survey includes data concerning formation of biofilms and factors affecting the process of their development. The paper deals with the mechanisms of biofilms formation in bacteria and with the methods connected with obtaining and studying mutants of bacteria imperfect as to biofilms formation. The role of exopolymers in the structure and function of biofilms is discussed.