There was mention of this concept in Ringworld (Larry Niven, 1970). If I recall it was what destroyed the society in the books, because the bacteria got out of

There was mention of this concept in Ringworld (Larry Niven, 1970). If I recall it was what destroyed the society in the books, because the bacteria got out of hand and started breaking down critical technology and infrastructure, and basically brought about a complete social collapse on the ring world..