-
Periodontology 2000 Jun 2021The extracellular matrix is a critical component of microbial biofilms, such as dental plaque, maintaining the spatial arrangement of cells and coordinating cellular... (Review)
Review
The extracellular matrix is a critical component of microbial biofilms, such as dental plaque, maintaining the spatial arrangement of cells and coordinating cellular functions throughout the structure. The extracellular polymeric substances that comprise the matrix include carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which are frequently organized into macromolecular complexes and/or are associated with the surfaces of microbial cells within the biofilm. Cariogenic dental plaque is rich in glucan and fructan polysaccharides derived from extracellular microbial metabolism of dietary sucrose. By contrast, the matrix of subgingival dental plaque is a complex mixture of macromolecules that is still not well understood. Components of the matrix escape from microbial cells during lysis by active secretion or through the shedding of vesicles and serve to anchor microbial cells to the tooth surface. By maintaining the biofilm in close association with host tissues, the matrix facilitates interactions between microorganisms and the host. The outcome of these interactions may be the maintenance of health or the development of dental disease, such as caries or periodontitis. The matrix affords microbial cells protection against chemical and physical insults and hinders the eradication of pathogenic dental plaque. Therefore, strategies to control the matrix are critical to maintain oral health. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the composition, origins, and function of the dental plaque matrix, with a focus on subgingival dental plaque. New strategies to control subgingival dental plaque based on targeting the biofilm matrix are also considered.
Topics: Biofilms; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix; Humans; Periodontitis
PubMed: 33690911
DOI: 10.1111/prd.12361 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Dec 2021The assembly of microorganisms over a surface and their ability to develop resistance against available antibiotics are major concerns of interest. To survive against... (Review)
Review
The assembly of microorganisms over a surface and their ability to develop resistance against available antibiotics are major concerns of interest. To survive against harsh environmental conditions including known antibiotics, the microorganisms form a unique structure, referred to as biofilm. The mechanism of biofilm formation is triggered and regulated by quorum sensing, hostile environmental conditions, nutrient availability, hydrodynamic conditions, cell-to-cell communication, signaling cascades, and secondary messengers. Antibiotic resistance, escape of microbes from the body's immune system, recalcitrant infections, biofilm-associated deaths, and food spoilage are some of the problems associated with microbial biofilms which pose a threat to humans, veterinary, and food processing sectors. In this review, we focus in detail on biofilm formation, its architecture, composition, genes and signaling cascades involved, and multifold antibiotic resistance exhibited by microorganisms dwelling within biofilms. We also highlight different physical, chemical, and biological biofilm control strategies including those based on plant products. So, this review aims at providing researchers the knowledge regarding recent advances on the mechanisms involved in biofilm formation at the molecular level as well as the emergent method used to get rid of antibiotic-resistant and life-threatening biofilms.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Biofilms; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Quorum Sensing
PubMed: 34558029
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00624-x -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2019Microbial biofilms are communities of aggregated microbial cells embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms are... (Review)
Review
Microbial biofilms are communities of aggregated microbial cells embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms are recalcitrant to extreme environments, and can protect microorganisms from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, extreme temperature, extreme pH, high salinity, high pressure, poor nutrients, antibiotics, etc., by acting as "protective clothing". In recent years, research works on biofilms have been mainly focused on biofilm-associated infections and strategies for combating microbial biofilms. In this review, we focus instead on the contemporary perspectives of biofilm formation in extreme environments, and describe the fundamental roles of biofilm in protecting microbial exposure to extreme environmental stresses and the regulatory factors involved in biofilm formation. Understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation in extreme environments is essential for the employment of beneficial microorganisms and prevention of harmful microorganisms.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biofilms; Extreme Environments; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Microbiological Phenomena; Salinity; Temperature; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 31336824
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143423 -
Trends in Microbiology Aug 2020Biofilms consist of microbial communities embedded in a 3D extracellular matrix. The matrix is composed of a complex array of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)... (Review)
Review
Biofilms consist of microbial communities embedded in a 3D extracellular matrix. The matrix is composed of a complex array of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that contribute to the unique attributes of biofilm lifestyle and virulence. This ensemble of chemically and functionally diverse biomolecules is termed the 'matrixome'. The composition and mechanisms of EPS matrix formation, and its role in biofilm biology, function, and microenvironment are being revealed. This perspective article highlights recent advances about the multifaceted role of the 'matrixome' in the development, physical-chemical properties, and virulence of biofilms. We emphasize that targeting biofilm-specific conditions such as the matrixome could lead to precise and effective antibiofilm approaches. We also discuss the limited knowledge in the context of polymicrobial biofilms, and the need for more in-depth analyses of the EPS matrix in mixed communities that are associated with many human infectious diseases.
Topics: Bacteria; Biofilms; Cellular Microenvironment; Extracellular Matrix; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix; Humans; Microbiota; Virulence
PubMed: 32663461
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.016 -
Nature Reviews. Microbiology Oct 2022Chronic infections caused by microbial biofilms represent an important clinical challenge. The recalcitrance of microbial biofilms to antimicrobials and to the immune... (Review)
Review
Chronic infections caused by microbial biofilms represent an important clinical challenge. The recalcitrance of microbial biofilms to antimicrobials and to the immune system is a major cause of persistence and clinical recurrence of these infections. In this Review, we present the extent of the clinical problem, and the mechanisms underlying the tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics and to host responses. We also explore the role of biofilms in the development of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biofilms; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 35115704
DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00682-4 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Jul 2021Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen, causing infections that range from mucous membranes to systemic infections. The present article provides an... (Review)
Review
Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen, causing infections that range from mucous membranes to systemic infections. The present article provides an overview of C. albicans, with the production of biofilms produced by this fungus, as well as reporting the classes of antifungals used to fight such infections, together with the resistance mechanisms to these drugs. Candida albicans is highly adaptable, enabling the transition from commensal to pathogen due to a repertoire of virulence factors. Specifically, the ability to change morphology and form biofilms is central to the pathogenesis of C. albicans. Indeed, most infections by this pathogen are associated with the formation of biofilms on surfaces of hosts or medical devices, causing high morbidity and mortality. Significantly, biofilms formed by C. albicans are inherently tolerant to antimicrobial therapy, so the susceptibility of C. albicans biofilms to current therapeutic agents remains low. Therefore, it is difficult to predict which molecules will emerge as new clinical antifungals. The biofilm formation of C. albicans has been causing impacts on susceptibility to antifungals, leading to resistance, which demonstrates the importance of research aimed at the prevention and control of these clinical microbial communities.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Biofilms; Candida albicans; Candidiasis; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Humans; Virulence
PubMed: 33249681
DOI: 10.1111/jam.14949 -
Cell Host & Microbe Jul 2019Biofilms are surface-associated bacterial communities that play both beneficial and harmful roles in nature, medicine, and industry. Tolerant and persister cells are... (Review)
Review
Biofilms are surface-associated bacterial communities that play both beneficial and harmful roles in nature, medicine, and industry. Tolerant and persister cells are thought to underlie biofilm-related bacterial recurrence in medical and industrial contexts. Here, we review recent progress aimed at understanding the mechanical features that drive biofilm resilience and the biofilm formation process at single-cell resolution. We discuss findings regarding mechanisms underlying bacterial tolerance and persistence in biofilms and how these phenotypes are linked to antibiotic resistance. New strategies for combatting tolerance and persistence in biofilms and possible methods for biofilm eradication are highlighted to inspire future development.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Biofilms; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Tolerance; Microbial Viability
PubMed: 31295420
DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2019.06.002 -
Multispecies biofilms in fermentation: Biofilm formation, microbial interactions, and communication.Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science... Jul 2022Food fermentation is driven by microorganisms, which usually coexist as multispecies biofilms. The activities and interactions of functional microorganisms and... (Review)
Review
Food fermentation is driven by microorganisms, which usually coexist as multispecies biofilms. The activities and interactions of functional microorganisms and pathogenic bacteria in biofilms have important implications for the quality and safety of fermented foods. It was verified that the biofilm lifestyle benefited the fitness of microorganisms in harsh environments and intensified the cooperation and competition between biofilm members. This review focuses on multispecies biofilm formation, microbial interactions and communication in biofilms, and the application of multispecies biofilms in food fermentation. Microbial aggregation and adhesion are important steps in the early stage of multispecies biofilm formation. Different biofilm-forming abilities and strategies among microorganisms lead to several types of multispecies biofilm formation. The spatial distribution of multispecies biofilms reflects microbial interactions and biofilm function. Then, we discuss the intrinsic factors and external manifestations of multispecies biofilm system succession. Several typical interspecies cooperation and competition modes and mechanisms of microbial communication were reviewed in this review. The main limitations of the studies included in this review are the relatively small number of studies of biofilms formed by functional microorganisms during fermentation and the lack of direct evidence for the formation process of multispecies biofilms and microbial interactions and communication within biofilms. This review aims to provide the food industry with a sufficient understanding of multispecies biofilms in food fermentation. Practical Application: Meanwhile, it offers a reference value for better controlling and utilizing biofilms during food fermentation process, and the improvement of the yield, quality, and safety of fermented products including Chinese Baijiu, cheeese,kefir, soy sauce, kombucha, and fermented olive.
Topics: Bacteria; Biofilms; Communication; Fermentation; Microbial Interactions
PubMed: 35762651
DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12991 -
European Journal of Clinical... Nov 2019Human oral cavity (mouth) hosts a complex microbiome consisting of bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi and viruses. These bacteria are responsible for two common diseases... (Review)
Review
Human oral cavity (mouth) hosts a complex microbiome consisting of bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi and viruses. These bacteria are responsible for two common diseases of the human mouth including periodontal (gum) and dental caries (tooth decay). Dental caries is caused by plaques, which are a community of microorganisms in biofilm format. Genetic and peripheral factors lead to variations in the oral microbiome. It has known that, in commensalism and coexistence between microorganisms and the host, homeostasis in the oral microbiome is preserved. Nonetheless, under some conditions, a parasitic relationship dominates the existing situation and the rise of cariogenic microorganisms results in dental caries. Utilizing advanced molecular biology techniques, new cariogenic microorganisms species have been discovered. The oral microbiome of each person is quite distinct. Consequently, commonly taken measures for disease prevention cannot be exactly the same for other individuals. The chance for developing tooth decay in individuals is dependent on factors such as immune system and oral microbiome which itself is affected by the environmental and genetic determinants. Early detection of dental caries, assessment of risk factors and designing personalized measure let dentists control the disease and obtain desired results. It is necessary for a dentist to consider dental caries as a result of a biological process to be targeted than treating the consequences of decay cavities. In this research, we critically review the literature and discuss the role of microbial biofilms in dental caries.
Topics: Bacteria; Biofilms; Dental Caries; Dental Pulp Diseases; Gingiva; Humans; Microbiota; Mouth; Periodontal Diseases; Saliva
PubMed: 31372904
DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03641-9 -
Nature Reviews. Microbiology Sep 2021Biofilm formation is a process in which microbial cells aggregate to form collectives that are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Bacillus subtilis is a... (Review)
Review
Biofilm formation is a process in which microbial cells aggregate to form collectives that are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium that is used to dissect the mechanisms controlling matrix production and the subsequent transition from a motile planktonic cell state to a sessile biofilm state. The collective nature of life in a biofilm allows emergent properties to manifest, and B. subtilis biofilms are linked with novel industrial uses as well as probiotic and biocontrol processes. In this Review, we outline the molecular details of the biofilm matrix and the regulatory pathways and external factors that control its production. We explore the beneficial outcomes associated with biofilms. Finally, we highlight major advances in our understanding of concepts of microbial evolution and community behaviour that have resulted from studies of the innate heterogeneity of biofilms.
Topics: Bacillus subtilis; Bacterial Proteins; Biofilms; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Microbial Interactions
PubMed: 33824496
DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00540-9