Antibiotics versus biofilm: an emerging battleground in microbial communities

Antibiotics versus biofilm: an emerging battleground in microbial communities

2019 | Divakar Sharma, Lama Misba and Asad U. Khan
The article discusses the challenges posed by bacterial biofilms in medical settings, particularly in hospitals, and the resistance they exhibit to antibiotics. Biofilms are complex microbial communities that form on surfaces, protected by an extracellular matrix composed of eDNA, proteins, and polysaccharides. This matrix enhances the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and host defenses, leading to persistent infections. Quorum sensing plays a crucial role in regulating biofilm formation. The article reviews various approaches to control biofilm infections, including CRISPR-Cas gene editing and photodynamic therapy (PDT). It highlights the limitations of conventional antibiotic treatments and the need for alternative strategies to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. The discussion also covers the ultrastructure of biofilms, the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance within biofilms, and the potential of nanoparticles and other novel therapies to address these challenges. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms of biofilm resistance and exploring new therapeutic options to manage chronic infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.The article discusses the challenges posed by bacterial biofilms in medical settings, particularly in hospitals, and the resistance they exhibit to antibiotics. Biofilms are complex microbial communities that form on surfaces, protected by an extracellular matrix composed of eDNA, proteins, and polysaccharides. This matrix enhances the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and host defenses, leading to persistent infections. Quorum sensing plays a crucial role in regulating biofilm formation. The article reviews various approaches to control biofilm infections, including CRISPR-Cas gene editing and photodynamic therapy (PDT). It highlights the limitations of conventional antibiotic treatments and the need for alternative strategies to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. The discussion also covers the ultrastructure of biofilms, the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance within biofilms, and the potential of nanoparticles and other novel therapies to address these challenges. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms of biofilm resistance and exploring new therapeutic options to manage chronic infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
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