What drives bacteria to produce a biofilm?

Abstract

Nearly 40 years ago, Dr. R.J. Gibbons made the first reports of the clinical relevance of what we now know as bacterial biofilms when he published his observations of the role of polysaccharide glycocalyx formation on teeth by Streptococcus mutans [Sci. Am. 238 (1978) 86]. As the clinical relevance of bacterial biofilm formation became increasingly apparent, interest in the phenomenon exploded. Studies are rapidly shedding light on the biomolecular pathways leading to this sessile mode of growth but many fundamental questions remain. The intent of this review is to consider the reasons why bacteria switch from a free-floating to a biofilm mode of growth. The currently available wealth of data pertaining to the molecular genetics of biofilm formation in commonly studied, clinically relevant, single-species biofilms will be discussed in an effort to decipher the motivation behind the transition from planktonic to sessile growth in the human body. Four potential incentives behind the formation of biofilms by bacteria during infection are considered: (1) protection from harmful conditions in the host (defense), (2) sequestration to a nutrient-rich area (colonization), (3) utilization of cooperative benefits (community), (4) biofilms normally grow as biofilms and planktonic cultures are an in vitro artifact (biofilms as the default mode of growth).

In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of phytochemicals and micronutrients against Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii

“…2000; Gruntar et al . 2001; Stewart and Costerton 2001; Jefferson 2004; Murgia and Cinco 2004), although further studies are warranted. The detection of only rounded forms of B. burgdorferi in human specimens indicates the need for further studies assessing a relationship between the presence of atypical forms of Borrelia sp.…”

Enzymatic approaches in paper industry for pulp refining and biofilm control

“…This configuration explains that bacteria in biofilm show greater resistance to biocides compared to their planktonic forms. Established biofilms can tolerate antimicrobial agents at concentrations of 10-100 times higher than those needed to kill genetically equivalent planktonic bacteria, making biofilms extremely difficult to eradicate (Burmolle 2006, Jefferson 2004, Stoodley 2002.…”

Biopelícula extrarradicular: reporte de un caso clínico

“…La formación de biopelículas en el interior del conducto radicular y en la superficie radicular externa del diente tiene grandes repercusiones en el pronóstico de largo plazo del tratamiento instaurado, dado que perpetúa la condición tratada y su eliminación representa un gran reto para el profesional [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…Existen casos en los que se ejecutan todos los procedimientos a cabalidad, cumpliendo todos los estándares del tratamiento de conducto, pero sin tener éxito [16][17][18]. Se ha sugerido que los resultados poco satisfactorios de los casos aparentemente bien tratados estén asociados con infección intra o extrarradicular, reacciones a cuerpo extraño y quistes verdaderos [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]; no obstante, la persistencia de microorganismos parece ser la principal causa de fracaso en la mayoría de los casos [15][16][17][18].…”

“…Estos microorganismos remanentes pueden encontrarse en las complejidades anatómicas de la morfología de los conductos radiculares como ramificaciones apicales, istmos y otras irregularidades, en las que las bacterias pueden estar presentes en la forma de biopelículas y también pueden ganar acceso a la superficie externa del diente, donde forman biopelículas extrarradiculares para mantenerse viables [15][16][17][18].…”