Strategies and materials for the prevention and treatment of biofilms

Author: mycolabadmin
10/2/2023
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Summary

Biofilms are sticky communities of bacteria that form on medical devices and surfaces, making infections very difficult to treat with antibiotics. This review explains how biofilms develop in stages and describes different ways to stop them from forming or to destroy them once they exist. Solutions include special coatings on medical implants, natural plant extracts like essential oils, and engineered proteins called antimicrobial peptides that fight bacteria without creating antibiotic resistance.

Background

Biofilms are organized microbial communities that exhibit significantly higher resistance to antibiotics and environmental stressors compared to planktonic bacteria. These structures form on medical implants, water systems, and industrial surfaces, causing persistent infections and equipment degradation. The complexity of biofilm formation and their protective mechanisms necessitate novel prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective

This review aims to comprehensively summarize effective strategies and materials for preventing and treating biofilms across various industries. The review covers biofilm formation mechanisms, prevention strategies targeting early stages, treatment approaches for mature biofilms, and evaluation of antimicrobial materials.

Results

Multiple prevention strategies are identified including nano-topological surface coatings, smart responsive materials, and compounds targeting quorum sensing and metabolism. Treatment approaches include photothermal therapy, photoacoustic methods, antimicrobial peptides, and essential oils. Essential oils from Clinopodium nepeta, Origanum vulgare, and other plants show promising anti-biofilm activity with MICs ranging from 0.078-8.99 μL/mL.

Conclusion

Comprehensive anti-biofilm strategies should integrate prevention during early biofilm stages with treatment options for mature biofilms. Smart responsive materials, natural compounds, and combination therapies show particular promise. Future research should focus on translating these laboratory findings into practical clinical and industrial applications while addressing antimicrobial resistance.

Published in:Materials Today Bio,
Study Type:Review,
Source: PMID: 37859998, PMCID: PMC10582481