scholarly journals Microbial biofilm in human health - an updated theoretical and practical insight

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-26
Author(s):  
Monica Licker ◽  
Roxana Moldovan ◽  
Elena Hogea ◽  
Delia Muntean ◽  
Florin Horhat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Microbial Biofilm ◽  
Organic Structure ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatments ◽  
And Control

Abstract The term biofilm designates an aggregate of microorganisms belonging to one or more species which adhere to various surfaces but also to each another. These microbial communities are included and interconnected within an organic structure known as slime, composed of protein substances, polysaccharides, and DNA. The Center for Disease prevention and control considers infections with bacteria in biofilms among the 7 most important challenges which must be overcome in order to improve the safety of health services. The risk of microbial biofilm development exists for a long list of medical devices and equipment, as well as in certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis. An aggravating aspect is represented by the almost 1,000 times higher antimicrobial resistance of bacteria growing and multiplying within biofilms. Thus, in case of biofilm-infected medical devices, the resistance to antimicrobial treatments requires the removal of the device which essentially means the failure of the exploratory or therapeutic intervention in question. The role of microbial biofilms in medical pathology is a subject that raises interest for both researchers and clinicians in order to establish new methods for prevention and treatment of biofilms. This paper is intended as an overview in the management of microbial biofilms, presenting future insights, with technological progress in microscopy, molecular genetics, and genome analysis. Therefore the present paper will focus on describing the mechanisms involved in biofilm development, biofilm related infections, methods of detection and quantification of microbial communities and therapeutical approaches.

scholarly journals Editorial for the Special Issue “Microbial Communities in Cultural Heritage and Their Control”

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 11411
Author(s):  
Filomena De Leo ◽  
Valme Jurado
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
New Methods ◽  
And Control

This editorial focuses on the studies published within the present Special Issue presenting advances in the field of biodeterioration of cultural heritage caused by microbial communities with a particular focus on new methods for their elimination and control.

scholarly journals In vitro methods for the study of microbial biofilms

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 031-040 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ferrite Nanoparticles ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Microbial Biofilm ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Human Pathology ◽  
Biofilm Development

The emergence of microbial biofilm related infections (bacterial and fungal) has a significant impact for the human pathology in the entire world. The understanding of microbial infections related to the biofilm development on tissues or indwelling devices was possible by using different qualitative and quantitative in vitro assays, in continuous and discontinuous systems, as well as in vivo models. A necessary step for obtaining more standardized, reliable and comparable results among different laboratories is the simplification of the available techniques used for investigating the biofilm formation and properties, including the biofilms susceptibility to antibiotics. The aim of the present study was to exemplify a series of available methods for the investigation of in vitro microbial biofilms developed on inert substrata, as well as coated with ferrite nanoparticles, using as experimental model a Sacharomyces cerevisiae strain. Microbial biofilm architecture was directly examined by two microscopy techniques (inverted microscopy and confocal laser microscopy scanning). The in vitro study of the influence of suspended ferrite nanoparticles on planktonic cells growth, adherence and consecutive biofilm development on inert substrata was performed by using a simple microtiter method.

scholarly journals Effective Prevention of Microbial Biofilm Formation on Medical Devices by Low-Energy Surface Acoustic Waves

2006 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 4144-4152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zadik Hazan ◽  
Jona Zumeris ◽  
Harold Jacob ◽  
Hanan Raskin ◽  
Gera Kratysh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Devices ◽  
Acoustic Waves ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Energy Surface ◽  
Surface Acoustic Waves ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Microbial Biofilm ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Power Densities

ABSTRACT Low-energy surface acoustic waves generated from electrically activated piezo elements are shown to effectively prevent microbial biofilm formation on indwelling medical devices. The development of biofilms by four different bacteria and Candida species is prevented when such elastic waves with amplitudes in the nanometer range are applied. Acoustic-wave-activated Foley catheters have all their surfaces vibrating with longitudinal and transversal dispersion vectors homogeneously surrounding the catheter surfaces. The acoustic waves at the surface are repulsive to bacteria and interfere with the docking and attachment of planktonic microorganisms to solid surfaces that constitute the initial phases of microbial biofilm development. FimH-mediated adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli to guinea pig erythrocytes was prevented at power densities below thresholds that activate bacterial force sensor mechanisms. Elevated power densities dramatically enhanced red blood cell aggregation. We inserted Foley urinary catheters attached with elastic-wave-generating actuators into the urinary tracts of male rabbits. The treatment with the elastic acoustic waves maintained urine sterility for up to 9 days compared to 2 days in control catheterized animals. Scanning electron microscopy and bioburden analyses revealed diminished biofilm development on these catheters. The ability to prevent biofilm formation on indwelling devices and catheters can benefit the implanted medical device industry.

scholarly journals The Role of Biofilms Developed under Different Anthropogenic Pressure on Recruitment of Macro-Invertebrates

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2030
Author(s):  
Eva Cacabelos ◽  
Patrício Ramalhosa ◽  
João Canning-Clode ◽  
Jesús S. Troncoso ◽  
Celia Olabarria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Propagule Pressure ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Composition Structure ◽  
Non Indigenous Species ◽  
And Control

Microbial biofilms can be key mediators for settlement of macrofoulers. The present study examines the coupled effects of microbial biofilms and local environmental conditions on the composition, structure and functioning of macrofouling assemblages. Settlement of invertebrates over a gradient of human-impacted sites was investigated on local biofilms and on biofilms developed in marine protected areas (MPAs). Special attention was given to the presence of non-indigenous species (NIS), a global problem that can cause important impacts on local assemblages. In general, the formation of macrofouling assemblages was influenced by the identity of the biofilm. However, these relationships varied across levels of anthropogenic pressure, possibly influenced by environmental conditions and the propagule pressure locally available. While the NIS Watersipora subatra seemed to be inhibited by the biofilm developed in the MPA, Diplosoma cf. listerianum seemed to be attracted by biofilm developed in the MPA only under mid anthropogenic pressure. The obtained information is critical for marine environmental management, urgently needed for the establishment of prevention and control mechanisms to minimize the settlement of NIS and mitigate their threats.

scholarly journals MODERN METHODS FOR RESEARCHING MICROBIAL BIOFILMS OF THE ENTEROBACTERIACEAE FAMILY

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
T. V. Artyukh ◽  
◽  
T. N. Sokolova ◽  
V. M. Sheibak ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Film Formation ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Modern Methods ◽  
Quantitative Characteristics ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Characteristics

The article outlines the main methods of studying microbial biofilms, which make it possible to reveal: the patterns of biofilm formation by microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family, genetic programs regulating the processes of film formation, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the components of microbial communities, the influence of external factors on the stages of biofilm formation and dispersion. The study of the phenomenon of film formation in combination with monitoring the resistance of intestinal microorganisms in the biofilm to antibacterial drugs will make it possible to get closer to understanding the role of biofilms in the course of infectious processes of a microbial origin.

The Role of Biofilms and Material Surface Characteristics in Microbial Adhesion to Maxillary Obturator Materials: A Literature Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-498
Author(s):  
Karl M. Lyons ◽  
Richard D. Cannon ◽  
John Beumer ◽  
Mahmoud M. Bakr ◽  
Robert M. Love
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Surface Characteristics ◽  
Material Surface ◽  
Microbial Adhesion ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
And Function ◽  
Maxillary Defects

Background: Maxillofacial prosthetics includes restoration of maxillary defects resulting from resection of palate and nasosinus neoplasms with obturator prostheses which may be colonized by microorganisms and function as a reservoir of infection. Patients with neoplasms commonly also require radiotherapy that can result in changes in saliva quality and quantity and changes in the oral microbial flora. The altered flora, in individuals immunocompromised from cancer therapy, increases their risk of prosthesis-related infections. Objectives: In this review article, we explore microbial biofilms, their main components, mechanisms of microbial adhesion, and stages of biofilm development. We also discuss the different materials that are used for manufacturing maxillary obturators, their characteristic features, and how these can affect microbial adhesion. Furthermore, we shed some light on the factors that affect microbial adhesion to the surface of maxillary obturators including tissue proteins, protein adsorption, and the acquired enamel pellicle. Conclusions: The conclusions drawn from this literature review are that it is imperative to minimize the risk of local and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients with cancer having maxillary defects. It is also important to determine the role of saliva in microbial adhesion to obturator materials as well as develop materials that have a longer life span with surface characteristics that promote less microbial adhesion than current materials.

scholarly journals Medical Devices Made of Substances: Possible Innovation and Opportunities for Complex Natural Products

Planta Medica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rita Bilia ◽  
Enrico Stefano Corazziari ◽  
Stefano Govoni ◽  
Alessandro Mugelli ◽  
Marco Racchi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Medicinal Products ◽  
Natural Origin ◽  
New Methods

AbstractThe novel Regulation 2017/745/EC on medical devices introduces and strengthens the role of “medical devices made of substances”, which mostly include substances of natural origin. Natural products may follow different regulations, from food to therapeutics. Concerning their isolated constituents, extracts are characterized by a complexity that is not easily tackled from both a scientific and a regulatory point of view, but more importantly, from a therapeutic point of view. The evidence-based approach applied to isolated molecules requires appropriate evidence of quality, efficacy, and safety. The same needs must be reached for complex substances by finding appropriate methods to generate this evidence, and in addition, defining an appropriate regulatory field for them. From a scientific point of view, new methods, such as those proposed by systems biology, are available and applicable to complex substances. From a regulatory point of view, Directive 2001/83/EC on medicinal products seems to be modeled on single (or combinations of single) molecule products. On the other hand, Regulation 2017/745/EC on medical devices seems to apply to complex substances without derogating on quality, efficacy, and safety. The regulation specifically names and strengthens medical devices that include substances, mostly of natural origin, introducing the official term “medical devices made of substances”. This paper discusses and proposes an interpretation of important terms connected to this legislation, regarding both scientific and regulatory issues, and the opportunities the regulation may give for innovation and therapeutic improvement with natural complex substances.

Microbial biofilms and wound healing: an ecological hypothesis

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 168-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastiaan P Krom ◽  
Jacques Oskam
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Chronic Wound ◽  
Logical Consequence ◽  
Immunological Function ◽  
Microbial Biofilm ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Recent Advances

Man has lived together with microbes for so long that we have become completely dependent on their presence. Most microbes reside in biofilms; structured communities encased in a protective matrix of biopolymers. Under healthy conditions, the microbial biofilm is in balance with itself (endo-balance) and with the host (exo-balance). Integrity of the skin is an important immunological function. Wounds go through a well-orchestrated series of healing steps. However, if for some reason healing times are extended, serious problems related to infection and homeostasis can develop. Based on recent advances in biofilm research and microbiological identification we discuss two hypotheses describing the role of microbial biofilms in chronic wound biology. The first hypothesis describes microbial biofilms as the cause of extended healing times. The second hypothesis is based on the host as cause of extended healing times and basically treats microbial biofilms as a logical consequence of failure to re-build the integrity of the skin.

Morphogenesis of a New Human Herpes-Type Virus Isolate (Sasha Virus)

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 592-593
Author(s):  
R. F. Zeigel ◽  
W. Munyon
Keyword(s):  
Virus Isolate ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Human Herpes ◽  
Human Embryonic Lung ◽  
Human Herpes Virus ◽  
Intracytoplasmic Inclusions ◽  
Hel Cells ◽  
And Control

In continuing studies on the role of viruses in biochemical transformation, Dr. Munyon has succeeded in isolating a highly infectious human herpes virus. Fluids of buccal pustular lesions from Sasha Munyon (10 mo. old) uiere introduced into monolayer sheets of human embryonic lung (HEL) cell cultures propagated in Eagles’ medium containing 5% calf serum. After 18 hours the cells exhibited a dramatic C.P.E. (intranuclear vacuoles, peripheral patching of chromatin, intracytoplasmic inclusions). Control HEL cells failed to reflect similar changes. Infected and control HEL cells were scraped from plastic flasks at 18 hrs. of incubation and centrifuged at 1200 × g for 15 min. Resultant cell packs uiere fixed in Dalton's chrome osmium, and post-fixed in aqueous uranyl acetate. Figure 1 illustrates typical hexagonal herpes-type nucleocapsids within the intranuclear virogenic regions. The nucleocapsids are approximately 100 nm in diameter. Nuclear membrane “translocation” (budding) uias observed.

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