Antibiofilm approaches as a new paradigm for treating infections

Prog Biomed Eng (Bristol). 2024 Apr;6(2):023001. doi: 10.1088/2516-1091/ad1cd6. Epub 2024 Feb 9.

Abstract

The lack of effective antibiotics for drug-resistant infections has led the World Health Organization to declare antibiotic resistance a global priority. Most bacterial infections are caused by microbes growing in structured communities called biofilms. Bacteria growing in biofilms are less susceptible to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts. Despite their significant clinical implications, bacterial biofilms have not received the attention they warrant, with no approved antibiotics specifically designed for their eradication. In this paper, we aim to shed light on recent advancements in antibiofilm strategies that offer compelling alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Additionally, we will briefly explore the potential synergy between computational approaches, including the emerging field of artificial intelligence, and the accelerated design and discovery of novel antibiofilm molecules in the years ahead.

Keywords: antibiofilm molecules; antibiofilm strategies; biofilm models; computational approaches; engineering approaches.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Bacterial Infections* / drug therapy
  • Bacterial Infections* / microbiology
  • Biofilms* / drug effects
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents