Biofilm matrix

About: Biofilm matrix is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1589 publications have been published within this topic receiving 110140 citations.

Liposome as a delivery system for the treatment of biofilm-mediated infections.

Abstract: Biofilm formation by pathogenic microorganisms has been a tremendous challenge for antimicrobial therapies due to various factors. The biofilm matrix sequesters bacterial cells from the exterior environment and therefore prevents antimicrobial agents from reaching the interior. In addition, biofilm surface extracellular polymeric substances can absorb antimicrobial agents and thus reduce their bioavailability. To conquer these protection mechanisms, liposomes have been developed into a drug delivery system for antimicrobial agents against biofilm-mediated infections. The unique characteristics of liposomes, including versatility for cargoes, target-specificity, nonimmunogenicity, low toxicity, and biofilm matrix-/cell membrane-fusogenicity, remarkably improve the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents and minimize recurrence of infections. This review summarizes current development of liposomal carriers for biofilm therapeutics, presents evidence in their practical applications and discusses their potential limitations.

Biofilm Formation as a Complex Result of Virulence and Adaptive Responses of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that is capable of colonizing a host for many years, often for a lifetime. The survival in the gastric environment is enabled by the production of numerous virulence factors conditioning adhesion to the mucosa surface, acquisition of nutrients, and neutralization of the immune system activity. It is increasingly recognized, however, that the adaptive mechanisms of H. pylori in the stomach may also be linked to the ability of this pathogen to form biofilms. Initially, biofilms produced by H. pylori were strongly associated by scientists with water distribution systems and considered as a survival mechanism outside the host and a source of fecal-oral infections. In the course of the last 20 years, however, this trend has changed and now the most attention is focused on the biomedical aspect of this structure and its potential contribution to the therapeutic difficulties of H. pylori. Taking into account this fact, the aim of the current review is to discuss the phenomenon of H. pylori biofilm formation and present this mechanism as a resultant of the virulence and adaptive responses of H. pylori, including morphological transformation, membrane vesicles secretion, matrix production, efflux pump activity, and intermicrobial communication. These mechanisms will be considered in the context of transcriptomic and proteomic changes in H. pylori biofilms and their modulating effect on the development of this complex structure.

Peptoid Efficacy against Polymicrobial Biofilms Determined by Using Propidium Monoazide-Modified Quantitative PCR

Abstract: Biofilms containing C. albicans are responsible for a wide variety of clinical infections. The protective effects of the biofilm matrix, the low metabolic activity of microorganisms within a biofilm and their high mutation rate, significantly enhance the resistance of biofilms to conventional antimicrobial treatments. Peptoids are peptide-mimics that share many features of host defence antimicrobial peptides, but have increased resistance to proteinases and therefore better stability in vivo. The activity of a library of peptoids was tested against both monospecies and polymicrobial bacterial/fungal biofilms. Selected peptoids showed significant bactericidal and fungicidal activity against the polymicrobial biofilms. This coupled with low cytotoxicity, suggests that peptoids could offer a new option for the treatment of clinically relevant polymicrobial infections in the future.