Investigation of interactions between antimicrobial agents and bacterial biofilms using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Biomaterial-centred infections are often difficult to treat. An impaired immune response, acute inflammatory reactions and the presence of recalcitrant attached microorganisms are all contributing factors. A brief review of the role of attached bacteria in biomaterial-centred infections is presented. Two major hypotheses which may explain the recalcitrance of biofilms to antimicrobial agents are discussed. The analytical capabilities of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FTIR) spectroscopy for providing information on both transport of an antimicrobial agent to bacteria embedded in the biofilm and interactions between an antimicrobial agent and biofilm components are described.
Suci
P A
PA
Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman 59717, USA.
Vrany
J D
JD
Mittelman
M W
MW
D001419:Bacteria; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D018441:Biofilms; D006801:Humans; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000379:methods
D001672:Biocompatible Materials