Beyond Risk: Bacterial Biofilms and Their Regulating Approaches

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are complex surface attached communities of bacteria held together by self-produced polymer matrixs mainly composed of polysaccharides, secreted proteins, and extracellular DNAs. Bacterial biofilm formation is a complex process and can be described in five main phases: (i) reversible attachment phase, where bacteria non-specifically attach to surfaces; (ii) irreversible attachment phase, which involves interaction between bacterial cells and a surface using bacterial adhesins such as fimbriae and lipopolysaccharide (LPS); (iii) production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by the resident bacterial cells; (iv) biofilm maturation phase, in which bacterial cells synthesize and release signaling molecules to sense the presence of each other, conducing to the formation of microcolony and maturation of biofilms; and (v) dispersal/detachment phase, where the bacterial cells depart biofilms and comeback to independent planktonic lifestyle. Biofilm formation is detrimental in healthcare, drinking water distribution systems, food, and marine industries, etc. As a result, current studies have been focused toward control and prevention of biofilms. In an effort to get rid of harmful biofilms, various techniques and approaches have been employed that interfere with bacterial attachment, bacterial communication systems (quorum sensing, QS), and biofilm matrixs. Biofilms, however, also offer beneficial roles in a variety of fields including applications in plant protection, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and corrosion inhibition amongst others. Development of beneficial biofilms can be promoted through manipulation of adhesion surfaces, QS and environmental conditions. This review describes the events involved in bacterial biofilm formation, lists the negative and positive aspects associated with bacterial biofilms, elaborates the main strategies currently used to regulate establishment of harmful bacterial biofilms as well as certain strategies employed to encourage formation of beneficial bacterial biofilms, and highlights the future perspectives of bacterial biofilms.

Streptococcus pneumoniae Type 1 Pilus – A Multifunctional Tool for Optimized Host Interaction

“…In addition, recent data imply that meningitis related neuronal death is mediated by an interaction of RrgA and pneumolysin with β-actin of human neurons ( Tabusi et al, 2020 ). The formation of biofilms promotes the persistence of pathogenic bacteria on patient’s tissues and overall virulence ( Muhammad et al, 2020 ). In vitro screening for biofilm-altered TIGR4 mutants identified RrgA as potential molecule favoring bacterial interaction ( Muñoz-Elías et al, 2008 ).…”

In Vitro Evaluation of Polihexanide, Octenidine and NaClO/HClO-Based Antiseptics against Biofilm Formed by Wound Pathogens

“…Since that time, the development of analytical techniques, including advanced microscopic methods, has allowed the identification of a vast number of pathological, disease entities referred to as biofilm-related infections (BRI). The most prominent examples of such infections include those occurring within the lungs, oral cavity, bones, medical devices, prostheses and chronic wounds [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. A fully-grown biofilm consists of multiple microbial cells (of the same or different species) and external polymeric matrix, which significantly hinders the ability of the immune system and of drugs to penetrate throughout the structure.…”

Bacteriophage – A Promising Alternative Measure for Bacterial Biofilm Control

“…After this, the bacterial cells disperse from the biofilm community to the new surroundings and start a new cycle. [19][20][21] In the first stage of biofilm formation, bacterial adhesion on an object's surface is divided into reversible and irreversible attachment. Reversible adhesion is mediated by non-specific Vander Waals force, Lewis acidbased electronic force, an electrostatic force.…”