Antimicrobial Resistance in Biofilm-Associated Infections

Dear Colleagues,

Biofilms, organized colonies of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, are common in natural and artificial settings. They are known to play an important role in chronic infections and are notoriously hard to treat because of their intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Biofilm-related infections are common in a variety of clinical settings, including persistent wound infections, dental plaque, and infections linked with medical implants and devices. These infections are particularly difficult to treat because of their strong resistance to traditional antimicrobial therapy. The biofilm's physical barrier, together with the changed microenvironment and microbial phenotype, greatly reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics.

In this Special Issue, we welcome submissions encompassing cutting-edge research and reviews that investigate the multidimensional nature of antimicrobial resistance in biofilms. The papers should emphasize recent developments in understanding the molecular and cellular processes that contribute to pathogen persistence and resistance in biofilms. Key themes include the following:

1. Mechanisms of Resistance: How biofilm formations and microbial populations contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Studies should show the importance of efflux pumps, altered metabolic states, and the protective biofilm matrix.
2. Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies: Improvements in diagnostic tools for detecting biofilm-associated infections, innovative antimicrobial drugs, and physical modalities such as ultrasound or photodynamic therapy.
3. Emerging Therapies: The development of novel treatment strategies, such as bacteriophage therapy, quorum sensing inhibitors, and procedures (natural, synthetic, and nanomaterials), for disrupting biofilm formation and improving drug penetration.
4. Clinical Implications. The real-world consequences of biofilm-associated antimicrobial resistance, which include case studies and clinical experiences, highlighting the need for innovative preventative and treatment measures.

As the burden of biofilm-associated diseases expands, the research described in this Special Issue is an important step toward understanding and resolving the challenges faced by antibiotic resistance. Combining these findings will accelerate the development of more effective therapies while improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Fazlurrahman Khan
Dr. Nazia Tabassum
Prof. Dr. Young-Mog Kim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• biofilms
• antimicrobial resistance
• chronic infections
• biofilm matrix
• virulence factors
• antibiotic efficacy
• pathogen persistence
• biofilm formation
• medical implants
• quorum sensing