Question

What are some techniques and strategies to counteract biofilm formation? If using a source, please provide the link to the article. Thanks!

Answer 1

Biofilm formation and maturation are sequential dynamic and complex processes, which depend on the substratum, the medium, intrinsic properties of the cells, signaling molecules, cellular metabolism and genetic control. The process of biofilm formation starts with a conditioning layer of organic or inorganic matter on a surface. Biofilms are matrix-enclosed microbial aggregates, which stick to a biological or nonbiological surface. Biofilm formation is a significant problem in the medical, food and marine industries and can lead to considerable economic and health problems. The complex microbial community of a biofilm is highly resistant to antibiotics and sanitizers and confers constant. There are predictable approaches to combating biofilms, physical removal, chemical removal and the use of antimicrobials, sanitizers, or disinfectants to kill biofilm organisms. Therefore, new approaches other than the conventional methods are urgently required.

Anti-biofilm technologies are divided into two groups. The first group focuses on the process of biofilm formation of bacteria. Small molecules and enzymes develop to inhibit or disrupt biofilm formation. Another group of anti-biofilm technologies focuses on modification of the biomaterials, which are used in medical devices to make them resistant to biofilm formation.

Physical and chemical methods, such as flushing, chlorination and ultraviolet disinfection, which are used to control and remove biofilms. Therefore, due to the lack of both effectiveness and safety of these strategies, which have forced the search, development and application of new approaches for dispersion and inhibition of biofilms formation.

Many new methods, such as inhibition of quorum sensing (QS), enzymatic disruption, bactericidal coating, nanotechnology and bioelectric approaches are successful in the prevention and control of biofilms. The prevention and control of biofilms, which include biofilm formation, antibiofilm agents of different sources, their modes of action, specificity, safety, antimicrobial efficacy, and advantages and disadvantages with respect to potential applications.