Archaeal biofilms: the great unexplored

Abstract

Biofilms are currently viewed as the most common form in which microorganisms exist in nature. Bacterial biofilms play important roles in disease and industrial applications, and they have been studied in great detail. Although it is well accepted that archaea are not only the extremists they were thought to be as they occupy nearly every habitat where also bacteria are found, it is surprising how little molecular details are known about archaeal biofilm formation. Therefore, we aim to highlight the available information and indicate open questions in this field.