A Slime layer in bacteria is an easily removed, diffuse, unorganised layer of extracellular material that surrounds a bacteria cell. Specifically this consists mostly of exopolysaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids.
The function of the slime layer is to protect the bacteria cell from environmental dangers such as antibiotics and desiccation. The slime layer also allows bacteria to adhere to smooth surfaces such as prosthetic medical devices and catheters.
A bacterial capsule is similar, but is a well ordered structure that is resistant to washing off.
Other circulating solids stick in the slimelayer (including freely circulating bacteria) and are consumed.
By this action, bacteria and nutrient are "filtered" from the circulating waters by the successful slime, resulting in a low population density in circulation even when the system is badly fouled by the presence of biofilm.
Prevent the slime formers and the three prominent biological problems in cooling waters (heat exchanger fouling, MIC, and Legionella fears) are controlled.
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