Biofilms: Understanding the structure and contribution towards bacterial resistance in antibiotics

Abstract

The biofilm is a bacterial colony wrapped in an auto-produced polymer matrix of polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA. Bacterial biofilms cause persistent infections because they are more resistant to antibiotics, disinfectants, and the immune system of the body. Other significant biofilm characteristics are a gradient of oxygen and nutrition from the top layer to the bottom layer of biofilms. Lower bacterial cell metabolic activity and longer doubling rates are linked to the gradients; these are the quiescent cells responsible for some of the resistance to antibiotics. Biofilms may be avoided and cured with vigorous antibiotic prophylaxis or treatment early on and with continuous suppressive medication. This review discusses the development of antibiotic resistance and tolerance in bacteria due to biofilm formation, the tolerance mechanisms, and the development of persistent cells that induce antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Recent strategies to combat antibiotic resistance are also discussed.

Keywords

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Bacteria
• Biofilms
• Resistance
• Tolerance