Chapters authored
Efficacy of Radiations against Bacterial Biofilms
A biofilm has been defined as a community of bacteria living in organized structures at a liquid interface. Biofilms can colonize a wide range of domains, including essentially industrial sectors, different natural environments, and also biomedical environments. Bacteria in biofilms are generally well protected against environmental stresses and, as a consequence, are extremely difficult to eradicate. The current study was to investigate the efficacy of different radiations against bacterial biofilms on different surfaces. It was established that the majority of available treatments have proven less effective against pathogenic biofilms, compared to planktonic bacteria. Therefore, new biofilm treatment strategies are needed, including physical treatments such as radiations. UV LEDs offer new solutions to prevent biofilm formation on inaccessible surfaces, such as medical and food equipment and, potentially, sanitary facilities, to limit nosocomial infections, compared to continuous UV irradiation treatment. Moreover, the antimicrobial effectiveness of gamma irradiation is therefore guaranteed in the treatment of bacteria associated with a biofilm, compared to planktonic bacteria. However, limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the inactivation effect of low-energy X-rays on more resistant biofilm pathogens on food-contact surfaces.
Part of the book: Focus on Bacterial Biofilms
Efficacy of Natural and Synthetic Biofilm Inhibitors Associated with Antibiotics in Eradicating Biofilms Formed by Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Biofilms formed by multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and others are the main causes of infections that represent a serious public health issue. Persistent MDR infections are mostly derived from biofilm formation which in turn leads to resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapy. Inhibition of bacterial surface attachment is the new alternative strategy without affecting the bacterial growth. Thus, the discovery of compounds that interfere with biofilm production, virulence factors release and quorum sensing (QS) detection in pathogens is a promising processus. Among these compounds, natural and synthetic molecules are a compelling alternative to attenuate pathogenicity. The combination of these compounds with antibiotics makes the bacteria more vulnerable to the later, once used alone. This combination can restore antibiotic effectiveness against MDR bacteria. Among these molecules, 3-phenylpropan-1-amine (3-PPA) has been found to inhibit Serratia marcescens biofilm formation, PAβN has been proven to inhibit biofilm prodcution in A. baumannii, while brominated Furanone C-30 has been reported to be a potent inhibitor of the QS system and P. aeruginosa biofilm. Therefore, the combination between biofilm-inhibitors and antibiotics represents a promising strategy to mitigate antibiotic resistance in MDR pathogens, which has become a major threat to public healthcare around the globe.
Part of the book: Recent Advances in Bacterial Biofilm Studies