Biofilms are microorganisms that are protected from disinfectants by production of thick masses of cells and extracellular matrials. These microbial communities are tightly attached to surfgaces and cannot be easily removed by common cleaning processes. Presently new decontamination processes are being investigated for removing biofilms, for now chlorine and monochloramines can effectively inactivate biofilm bacteria. It is hypothesized that the glycocalyx-like cellular masses on the interior walls of polyvinyl chloride pipe would protect embedded organisms from some disinfectants and be a reservoir for continious contamination. Biofilms can have serious effects on immunocompromised patients.
Additional Information: https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/efficacy.html#anchor_1554391475