Biofilms of Clostridium species

• At least 19 out of 139 Clostridium species has been found in biofilms.
• Cellulolytic Clostridium species contribute to industrial biofilms.
• Non pathogenic and pathogenic Clostridium species participate to in vivo biofilms.
• C. difficile and C. perfringens were studied in vitro in mono-species biofilm.

The biofilm is a microbial community embedded in a synthesized matrix and is the main bacterial way of life. A biofilm adheres on surfaces or is found on interfaces. It protects bacteria from the environment, toxic molecules and may have a role in virulence. Clostridium species are spread throughout both environments and hosts, but their biofilms have not been extensively described in comparison with other bacterial species. In this review we describe all biofilms formed by Clostridium species during both industrial processes and in mammals where biofilms may be formed either during infections or associated to microbiota in the gut. We have specifically focussed on Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens biofilms, which have been studied in vitro. Regulatory processes including sporulation and germination highlight how these Clostridium species live in biofilms. Furthermore, biofilms may have a role in the survival and spreading of Clostridium species.