​​​​​​​Biofilm

Biofilm

Bacterial biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix that adhere to surfaces, making them highly resistant to antibiotics and immune responses. Biofilm-associated infections often require prolonged or combined antibiotic therapies and, in many cases, removal of the infected device or surgical intervention. This resilience underscores the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies, such as biofilm-disrupting agents, surface modifications, or non-antibiotic-based approaches. Furthermore, effective sensing of pathogen presence is crucial for early detection and management, with current approaches ranging from optical imaging to biosensors that detect biofilm-specific markers. However, the development of reliable, non-invasive, and real time biofilm detection systems remains a critical area of research.

 

Biofilm on extracted ex vivo urethral stent.