Microbial Biofilms: Applications, Clinical Consequences, and Alternative Therapies

Microorganisms · 9 authors, 6 centres

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TL;DR

This narrative review discusses the widespread applications and significant clinical and industrial costs of microbial biofilms, noting they are a major cause of hospital infections.

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The review describes how biofilms form and are resistant to treatment, causing economic losses and health issues, with an estimated 65% of hospital infections attributed to them. It highlights that bacteria within biofilms can withstand up to 1000 times the MIC of antibiotics. The conclusion emphasizes that traditional antibiotics are often ineffective against biofilms and that alternative strategies are needed, though further research and clinical trials are required to evaluate their efficacy and safety.

STUDY TYPE

narrative_review

SPECIALTY

infectious disease

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AI pipeline

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10459820

Microbial Biofilms: Applications, Clinical Consequences, and Alternative Therapies

Microorganisms

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that grow on surfaces and are embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. These are prevalent in various natural and man-made environments, ranging from industrial settings to medical devices, where they can have both positive and negative impacts. This review explores the diverse applications of microbial biofilms, their clinical consequences, and alternative therapies targeting these resilient structures. We have discussed beneficial applications of microbial biofilms, including their role in wastewater treatment, bioremediation, food industries, agriculture, and biotechnology. Additionally, we have highlighted the mechanisms of biofilm formation and clinical consequences of biofilms in the context of human health. We have also focused on the association of biofilms with antibiotic resistance, chronic infections, and medical device-related infections. To overcome these challenges, alternative therapeutic strategies are explored. The review examines the potential of various antimicrobial agents, such as antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, phytoextracts, and nanoparticles, in targeting biofilms. Furthermore, we highlight the future directions for research in this area and the potential of phytotherapy for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-related infections in clinical settings. Keywords: quorum sensing, quorum quenching, phage therapy, anti-virulence compounds, antimicrobial peptide, plant extracts, anti-biofilm, biofouling, bioremediation, clinical settings

CITATION EXPORT

Asghar Ali, Andaleeb Zahra, Mohan Kamthan et al.. Microbial Biofilms: Applications, Clinical Consequences, and Alternative Therapies. Microorganisms. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11081934

AUTHORS

9 · 6 CENTRES

Asghar Ali, Andaleeb Zahra, Mohan Kamthan, Fohad Mabood Husain, Thamer Albalawi, Mohammad Zubair, Roba Alatawy, Mohammad Abid, Md Salik Noorani

1Clinical Biochemistry Lab, D/O Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; [email protected]
2Department of Botany, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; [email protected]
3Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
4Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
5Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; [email protected] (M.Z.); [email protected] (R.A.)
6Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India; [email protected]