The administration of gaseous nitric oxide as a biocidal moiety is proffered as a de novo treatment in the control and eradication of biofilms. The present invention relates to the use or methods of application of exogenous nitric oxide gas (gNO) as a stand alone biocidal agent or in cohort with any or all adjunct vehicles in the control of biofilms generated by microbial organisms, i.e., bacteria, protozoa, amoeba, fungi etc. Further, the present invention introduces the concept of utilization and methods of application of gaseous nitric oxide in control and eradication of biofilm forming microorganisms. Other embodiments include the use of a nitric oxide releasing material to eradicate and-control the growth of biofilms. Another embodiment includes the use of a gaseous nitric oxide releasing material packaged in an air-tight container with a medical device to prevent the growth of biofilm on the medical device.