title: Combating biofilms.
abstract: Biofilms are complex microbial communities consisting of microcolonies embedded in a matrix of self-produced polymer substances. Biofilm cells show much greater resistance to environmental challenges including antimicrobial agents than their free-living counterparts. The biofilm mode of life is believed to significantly contribute to successful microbial survival in hostile environments. Conventional treatment, disinfection and cleaning strategies do not proficiently deal with biofilm-related problems, such as persistent infections and contamination of food production facilities. In this review, strategies to control biofilms are discussed, including those of inhibition of microbial attachment, interference of biofilm structure development and differentiation, killing of biofilm cells and induction of biofilm dispersion.
authors: Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark. ly@bio.dtu.dk
authors: Liang
authors: L
authors: Yang
authors: Yang
authors: Y
authors: Liu
authors: Hong
authors: H
authors: Wu
authors: Zhijun
authors: Z
authors: Song
authors: Niels
authors: N
authors: Høiby
authors: Søren
authors: S
authors: Molin
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Givskov
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents