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Review
. 2017 Jan 17;83(3):e02508-16.
doi: 10.1128/AEM.02508-16. Print 2017 Feb 1.

Control of Biofilm Formation: Antibiotics and Beyond

Ammar Algburi  1   2 , Nicole Comito  1 , Dimitri Kashtanov  3 , Leon M T Dicks  4 , Michael L Chikindas  5   6
Affiliations
Review

Control of Biofilm Formation: Antibiotics and Beyond

Ammar Algburi et al. Appl Environ Microbiol. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Biofilm-associated bacteria are less sensitive to antibiotics than free-living (planktonic) cells. Furthermore, with variations in the concentration of antibiotics throughout a biofilm, microbial cells are often exposed to levels below inhibitory concentrations and may develop resistance. This, as well as the irresponsible use of antibiotics, leads to the selection of pathogens that are difficult to eradicate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention use the terms "antibiotic" and "antimicrobial agent" interchangeably. However, a clear distinction between these two terms is required for the purpose of this assessment. Therefore, we define "antibiotics" as pharmaceutically formulated and medically administered substances and "antimicrobials" as a broad category of substances which are not regulated as drugs. This comprehensive minireview evaluates the effect of natural antimicrobials on pathogens in biofilms when used instead of, or in combination with, commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Keywords: biofilms; complementary medicines; integrative approach; natural antimicrobial products.

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Figures

FIG 1
FIG 1
Persistence of microbial pathogens in biofilms requires a sophisticated arsenal of killing machines to break their party.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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