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Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2020Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that are attached to a biological or abiotic surface and are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix. Cells within... (Review)
Review
Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that are attached to a biological or abiotic surface and are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix. Cells within a biofilm have intrinsic characteristics that are different from those of planktonic cells. Biofilm resistance to antimicrobial agents has drawn increasing attention. It is well-known that medical device- and tissue-associated biofilms may be the leading cause for the failure of antibiotic treatments and can cause many chronic infections. The eradication of biofilms is very challenging. Many researchers are working to address biofilm-related infections, and some novel strategies have been developed and identified as being effective and promising. Nevertheless, more preclinical studies and well-designed multicenter clinical trials are critically needed to evaluate the prospects of these strategies. Here, we review information about the mechanisms underlying the drug resistance of biofilms and discuss recent progress in alternative therapies and promising strategies against microbial biofilms. We also summarize the strengths and weaknesses of these strategies in detail.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Biofilms; Extracellular Matrix; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 32850471
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00359 -
Journal of Industrial Microbiology &... Jul 2022Microbial biofilms are ubiquitous. In marine and freshwater ecosystems, microbe-mineral interactions sustain biogeochemical cycles, while biofilms found on plants and... (Review)
Review
Microbial biofilms are ubiquitous. In marine and freshwater ecosystems, microbe-mineral interactions sustain biogeochemical cycles, while biofilms found on plants and animals can range from pathogens to commensals. Moreover, biofouling and biocorrosion represent significant challenges to industry. Bioprocessing is an opportunity to take advantage of biofilms and harness their utility as a chassis for biocommodity production. Electrochemical bioreactors have numerous potential applications, including wastewater treatment and commodity production. The literature examining these applications has demonstrated that the cell-surface interface is vital to facilitating these processes. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the state of knowledge regarding biofilms' role in bioprocessing. This mini-review discusses bacterial biofilm formation, cell-surface redox interactions, and the role of microbial electron transfer in bioprocesses. It also highlights some current goals and challenges with respect to microbe-mediated bioprocessing and future perspectives.
Topics: Bioelectric Energy Sources; Biofilms; Ecosystem; Electrodes; Electron Transport; Electrons; Oxidation-Reduction
PubMed: 35381088
DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuac012 -
FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology Jul 2012Biofilms are complex microbial communities consisting of microcolonies embedded in a matrix of self-produced polymer substances. Biofilm cells show much greater... (Review)
Review
Biofilms are complex microbial communities consisting of microcolonies embedded in a matrix of self-produced polymer substances. Biofilm cells show much greater resistance to environmental challenges including antimicrobial agents than their free-living counterparts. The biofilm mode of life is believed to significantly contribute to successful microbial survival in hostile environments. Conventional treatment, disinfection and cleaning strategies do not proficiently deal with biofilm-related problems, such as persistent infections and contamination of food production facilities. In this review, strategies to control biofilms are discussed, including those of inhibition of microbial attachment, interference of biofilm structure development and differentiation, killing of biofilm cells and induction of biofilm dispersion.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Biofilms; Disinfection; Drug Therapy; Humans
PubMed: 22066868
DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2011.00858.x -
Journal of Food Protection May 2021Contamination of beer arises in 50% of all events at the late stages of production, in the filling area. This is where biofilms, a consortia of microorganisms embedded...
ABSTRACT
Contamination of beer arises in 50% of all events at the late stages of production, in the filling area. This is where biofilms, a consortia of microorganisms embedded in a matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances, play a critical role. To date, most studies have focused on the presence of (biofilm-forming) microorganisms in the filling environment. Our aim was to characterize the microbial status as well as the presence of possible biofilms at a can filling line for beer by determining the presence of microorganisms and their associated matrix components (carbohydrates, proteins and extracellular DNA [eDNA]). For 23 sampling sites, targeted quantitative PCR confirmed the presence of microorganisms at 10 sites during operation and at 3 sites after cleaning. The evaluation of carbohydrates, eDNA, and proteins showed that 16 sites were positive for at least one component during operation and 4 after cleaning. We identified one potential biofilm hotspot, namely the struts below the filler, harboring high loads of bacteria and yeast, eDNA, carbohydrates, and proteins. The protein pattern was different from that of beer. This work deepens our understanding of biofilms and microorganisms found at the filling line of beer beverages at sites critical for production.
Topics: Bacteria; Beer; Biofilms; DNA, Bacterial; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix
PubMed: 33411903
DOI: 10.4315/JFP-20-368 -
FEMS Microbiology Reviews Mar 2015We summarize different studies describing mechanisms through which bacteria in a biofilm mode of growth resist mechanical and chemical challenges. Acknowledging previous... (Review)
Review
We summarize different studies describing mechanisms through which bacteria in a biofilm mode of growth resist mechanical and chemical challenges. Acknowledging previous microscopic work describing voids and channels in biofilms that govern a biofilms response to such challenges, we advocate a more quantitative approach that builds on the relation between structure and composition of materials with their viscoelastic properties. Biofilms possess features of both viscoelastic solids and liquids, like skin or blood, and stress relaxation of biofilms has been found to be a corollary of their structure and composition, including the EPS matrix and bacterial interactions. Review of the literature on viscoelastic properties of biofilms in ancient and modern environments as well as of infectious biofilms reveals that the viscoelastic properties of a biofilm relate with antimicrobial penetration in a biofilm. In addition, also the removal of biofilm from surfaces appears governed by the viscoelasticity of a biofilm. Herewith, it is established that the viscoelasticity of biofilms, as a corollary of structure and composition, performs a role in their protection against mechanical and chemical challenges. Pathways are discussed to make biofilms more susceptible to antimicrobials by intervening with their viscoelasticity, as a quantifiable expression of their structure and composition.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Biofilms; Environmental Microbiology; Microbial Viability; Viscosity
PubMed: 25725015
DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuu008 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024The pathogenesis of chronic wounds (CW) involves a multifaceted interplay of biochemical, immunological, hematological, and microbiological interactions. Biofilm... (Review)
Review
The pathogenesis of chronic wounds (CW) involves a multifaceted interplay of biochemical, immunological, hematological, and microbiological interactions. Biofilm development is a significant virulence trait which enhances microbial survival and pathogenicity and has various implications on the development and management of CW. Biofilms induce a prolonged suboptimal inflammation in the wound microenvironment, associated with delayed healing. The composition of wound fluid (WF) adds more complexity to the subject, with proven pro-inflammatory properties and an intricate crosstalk among cytokines, chemokines, microRNAs, proteases, growth factors, and ECM components. One approach to achieve information on the mechanisms of disease progression and therapeutic response is the use of multiple high-throughput 'OMIC' modalities (genomic, proteomic, lipidomic, metabolomic assays), facilitating the discovery of potential biomarkers for wound healing, which may represent a breakthrough in this field and a major help in addressing delayed wound healing. In this review article, we aim to summarize the current progress achieved in host-microbiome crosstalk in the spectrum of CW healing and highlight future innovative strategies to boost the host immune response against infections, focusing on the interaction between pathogens and their hosts (for instance, by harnessing microorganisms like probiotics), which may serve as the prospective advancement of vaccines and treatments against infections.
Topics: Humans; Wound Healing; Microbiota; Biofilms; Animals; Chronic Disease; Host-Pathogen Interactions
PubMed: 38731848
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094629 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Mar 2024Biofilms, which consist of microorganisms enclosed in an extracellular polymeric material (EPS), hold immense importance in the fields of environmental research,... (Review)
Review
Biofilms, which consist of microorganisms enclosed in an extracellular polymeric material (EPS), hold immense importance in the fields of environmental research, industry, and medicine. They play a significant role in ecosystem dynamics and stability, but they also pose issues such as biofouling, corrosion, and pollution. Biofilms in medical environments are linked to persistent infections and elevated healthcare expenses. The EPS matrix plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and antibiotic resistance of these structures. The research primarily investigates the role of the EPS matrix in facilitating horizontal gene transfer among biofilm communities, with a particular emphasis on EPS and its impact on this process. The process is recognized as a pivotal mechanism in the emergence of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the crucial function of EPS in the dynamics of biofilms. The analysis also highlights the significant financial constraints caused by biofilms in several industries. Biofilm-associated infections in the healthcare sector result in escalated treatment expenses and extended hospitalization periods. In an industrial context, biofilms have a role in increasing maintenance expenses and product contamination, emphasizing the need for efficient management solutions. This review presents the most recent progress in biofilm research, emphasizing the utilization of sophisticated imaging tools and molecular methodologies. In addition to conventional imaging techniques, the research explores the utilization of sophisticated molecular tools, such as DNA and RNA sequencing, in conjunction with proteomics. These approaches are essential for assessing the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that regulate biofilm development and antibiotic resistance. The review underscores the significance of employing an interdisciplinary methodology in the study of biofilms. By incorporating a range of approaches, such as sophisticated imaging and molecular analysis, a comprehensive understanding of biofilm dynamics may be achieved. This approach also opens up possibilities for developing novel solutions to address the negative impacts of biofilms on health, industry, and the environment.
Topics: Biofilms; Humans; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix; Bacteria
PubMed: 38682189
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2904133 -
Current Biology : CB Dec 2022The molecules of life can be double-edged, performing both beneficial and detrimental roles depending on the environmental context. New work reveals how the Jekyll and...
The molecules of life can be double-edged, performing both beneficial and detrimental roles depending on the environmental context. New work reveals how the Jekyll and Hyde nature of nitric oxide shapes complexity in microbial biofilms, from ecological interactions to spatial structure.
Topics: Biofilms; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 36538887
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.10.068 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022Microbial biofilms are represented by sessile microbial communities with modified gene expression and phenotype, adhered to a surface and embedded in a matrix of... (Review)
Review
Microbial biofilms are represented by sessile microbial communities with modified gene expression and phenotype, adhered to a surface and embedded in a matrix of self-produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Microbial biofilms can develop on both prosthetic devices and tissues, generating chronic and persistent infections that cannot be eradicated with classical organic-based antimicrobials, because of their increased tolerance to antimicrobials and the host immune system. Several complexes based mostly on 3D ions have shown promising potential for fighting biofilm-associated infections, due to their large spectrum antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity. The literature usually reports species containing Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II) and a large variety of multidentate ligands with chelating properties such as antibiotics, Schiff bases, biguanides, N-based macrocyclic and fused rings derivatives. This review presents the progress in the development of such species and their anti-biofilm activity, as well as the contribution of biomaterials science to incorporate these complexes in composite platforms for reducing the negative impact of medical biofilms.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Biofilms; Coordination Complexes; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix; Humans; Infections; Schiff Bases
PubMed: 35164021
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030758 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Mar 2018Sectioning via paraffin embedding is a broadly established technique in eukaryotic systems. Here we provide a method for the fixation, embedding, and sectioning of...
Sectioning via paraffin embedding is a broadly established technique in eukaryotic systems. Here we provide a method for the fixation, embedding, and sectioning of intact microbial colony biofilms using perfused paraffin wax. To adapt this method for use on colony biofilms, we developed techniques for maintaining each sample on its growth substrate and laminating it with an agar overlayer, and added lysine to the fixative solution. These optimizations improve sample retention and preservation of micromorphological features. Samples prepared in this manner are amenable to thin sectioning and imaging by light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. We have applied this technique to colony biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas synxantha, Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio cholerae. The high level of detail visible in samples generated by this method, combined with reporter strain engineering or the use of specific dyes, can provide exciting insights into the physiology and development of microbial communities.
Topics: Biofilms; Microscopy; Microtomy; Paraffin Embedding
PubMed: 29630036
DOI: 10.3791/57196