Bacterial biofilms: Basic characteristics and strategies for the treatment of bacterial wound infections

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms (BFs) are widely present in nature, and more than 99% of bacteria can form BF, which is an important factor leading to persistent infection of refractory wound and repeated infection. The formation of BF is a dynamic cyclic process involving various physical, chemical and biological processes, mainly including bacterial attachment, BF formation and maturation, and bacterial diffusion. The bacteria in bacterial biofilms are more resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants, and more resilient to environmental changes, which presents many challenges in treatment. This article reviews the basic characteristics, resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies of BF. At present, there are many studies on the treatment of BF, which need to be selected according to the specific situation and pathophysiological process of wound infection, and can be used as a single method or in combination. This article introduces some treatment methods to provide a reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of BF.