Recent Advances in Anti-Biofilm Strategies to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59675/P411Keywords:
Bacterial biofilms; Antimicrobial resistance; Quorum sensing inhibition; Nanoparticles; Multidrug-resistant bacteriaAbstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health challenge, hindering bacterial infection treatment and contributing to rising hospitalization and death rates. Many pathogenic bacteria can form biofilms, complex communities protected by extracellular polymeric materials, which make them resistant to antimicrobial drugs and immune system attacks. Biofilm-forming bacteria exhibit persistence, leading to recurring infections. Limited drug penetration, low metabolic activity of sessile cells, and increased gene transfer within biofilms contribute to the failure of conventional antibiotic treatments.
Recent progress has been made in strategies aimed at preventing biofilm growth and making biofilms more susceptible to antimicrobial treatments. While in vitro results are promising, translating these strategies into clinical applications remains challenging. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm-associated AMR and highlights recent advances in anti-biofilm strategies, such as quorum sensing inhibitors, nanotechnology, bacteriophage therapies, and biofilm-degrading enzymes and peptides. The review also discusses the clinical challenges impeding progress and suggests future research directions for effective and environmentally friendly anti-biofilm treatments.
A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025. This study is a narrative review synthesizing recent advances in anti-biofilm strategies, aimed at improving treatment outcomes and developing more environmentally friendly solutions.
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