Pathogenic Biofilms: Physiology, Molecular Mechanisms and Counter Strategies

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Biofilm".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2024 | Viewed by 930

Special Issue Editors


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Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: phage-display technology; drug delivery and drug targeting; nano and micro-structured systems for biosensor application; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: phage-display technology; drug delivery and drug targeting; nano and micro-structured systems for biosensor application; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biofilms (BFs) make up a structured microbial community of sessile cells embedded in a extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, offering a survival strategy against adverse environmental factors or immune responses. Pathogenic bacteria in BFs benefit in terms of multidrug-resistance (MDR) growth, virulence, persistence, and acquisition. Consequently, BF-associated infections are involved in serious illness and death for the host. Some researches focused on the early stages of BF formation, such as molecular mechanisms of quorum sensing and early interactions between bacteria and surfaces. Other researches have aimed to degrade the EPS matrix or use bacterial viruses (phages) to destroy mature BFs. Each of these strategies aims to expand knowledge on the physiological and molecular mechanisms that lead to the formation and maturation of BFs.

As Guest Editor of the Special Issue, we invite you to submit research articles, review articles, and short communications related to the physiology, molecular mechanisms, and counter strategies of pathogenic biofilms.

Dr. Domenico Franco
Dr. Laura Maria De Plano
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • pathogenic biofilm
  • planktonic and sessile cells
  • antiadhesive and antifouling strategies
  • quorum sensing
  • quorum quenching
  • extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs)
  • phage therapy

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

12 pages, 1398 KiB  
Article
Wound Gel Formulations Containing Poloxamer 407 and Polyhexanide Have In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity Against Wound-Associated Microbial Pathogens
by Jeyachchandran Visvalingam, Nandadeva Yakandawala, Suresh Regmi, Adetola Adeniji, Parveen Sharma and Miloslav Sailer
Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112362 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Chronic wounds are often caused or exacerbated by microbial biofilms that are highly resistant to antimicrobial treatments and that prevent healing. This study compared the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of nine topical wound treatments, comprising gels with different concentrations of poloxamer 407 (20–26%) [...] Read more.
Chronic wounds are often caused or exacerbated by microbial biofilms that are highly resistant to antimicrobial treatments and that prevent healing. This study compared the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of nine topical wound treatments, comprising gels with different concentrations of poloxamer 407 (20–26%) and different pH levels (4–6) and containing polyhexanide (PHMB) as an antimicrobial agent; the effects of pH on wound gels containing this agent have not been previously reported. The wound gel formulations were tested against six common wound-associated microbial pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida albicans. Time-kill assays were used to assess antimicrobial activity against planktonic forms of each species, and a colony biofilm model was used to assess antibiofilm activity against existing biofilms as well as inhibition of new biofilm formation. Biofilm inhibition activity was also assessed in the presence of common wound dressing materials. Wound gels with higher pH levels exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity, while poloxamer 407 concentrations >20% negatively impacted antimicrobial activity. Wound gel formulations were identified that had antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and biofilm inhibition activity against all tested species in vitro. Biofilm inhibition activity was not affected by contact with common wound dressings. Further development of these wound gels may provide a valuable new option for the treatment and prevention of chronic wounds. Full article
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