Medical Biofilms—Nanotechnology Approaches

Abstract

Biofilms are colonies of bacteria or fungi that adhere to a surface, protected by an extracellular polymer matrix composed of polysaccharides and extracellular DNA. They are highly complex and dynamic multicellular structures that resist traditional means of killing planktonic bacteria. Recent developments in nanotechnology provide novel approaches to preventing and dispersing biofilm infections, which are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Medical device infections are responsible for approximately 60% of hospital acquired infections. In the United States, the estimated cost of caring for healthcare-associated infections is approximately between $28 billion and $45 billion per year. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of biofilm formation and degradation, its relevance to challenges in clinical practice, and new technological developments in nanotechnology that are designed to address these challenges.

Recent Nanotechnology Approaches for Prevention and Treatment of Biofilm-Associated Infections on Medical Devices

“…The mechanism of biofilm formation depends on environmental stimuli and a series of genetic and phenotypic changes in planktonic cells. To date, five different stages [45] have been suggested during biofilm development (Figure 1), namely, (i) reversible-irreversible adherence, (ii) microcolony formation, (iii) 3D biofilm formation, (iv) maturation, and (v) dissemination [46]. In the earliest stage, biofilm development involves surface preconditioning and the adsorption of macromolecules, followed within seconds of surface exposure, by the formation of a conditioning layer.…”

“…Periurethral skin colonization is a cause of bacterial contamination as it can result in bladder migration and the establishment of biofilms on catheters [85]. Urease producing bacteria, such as, Proteus , Psuedomonas , and Klebsiella , increase urinary pH by creating an alkaline environment, which promotes the formation of struvite biofilms within catheters [45]. These crystalline biofilms can form deposits on the outer surfaces, tips, and balloons of catheters and led to severe complications, such as injury to the urinary bladder.…”

Anti-biofilm peptides as a new weapon in antimicrobial warfare

“…Bacterial aggregates that form on medical implants, such as catheters, valves, stents and shunts are difficult to remove except by surgery [2]. The annual cost to the U.S. health care system is on the order of billions [3]. Therefore new therapeutic options are urgently needed.…”

Chlorhexidine-loaded functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 poly(methylmethacrylate) based composites with Candida antibiofilm activity

“…1,2 Biofilms are colonies of bacteria or fungi that adhere to a surface by means of flagellar proteins and secretion of an extracellular polymeric substance composed of polysaccharides and extracellular DNA 3 . In fact they offer a good surface for biofilm adhesion and proliferation.…”