The Problem
Some microbes such as bacteria are able to collaborate to form ‘communities’ on a surface within a protective matrix called a biofilm. Many biofilms are harmful, resulting in shedding of bacteria, infections in people and animals and even accelerating the erosion and destruction of surfaces such as concrete and steel. Within a biofilm, microbes are exceptionally resilient and present a tremendous obstacle to intervention (cleaning & eradication).
The Problem
Some microbes such as bacteria are able to collaborate to form ‘communities’ on a surface within a protective matrix called a biofilm. Many biofilms are harmful, resulting in shedding of bacteria, infections in people and animals and even accelerating the erosion and destruction of surfaces such as concrete and steel. Within a biofilm, microbes are exceptionally resilient and present a tremendous obstacle to intervention (cleaning & eradication).
Our world is full of bacteria and biofilms are increasingly an issue in everyday life: in the home, workplace, healthcare and leisure environments.
Over 80% of bacterial infections in humans are estimated to involve the formation of biofilms. The antibiotics we use to eliminate harmful bacteria are increasingly ineffective due to the rapid evolution in bacteria of antibiotic resistance. More than 70% of the infections people acquire in hospitals are from bacteria.
Bacteria communicate with each other, particularly when in biofilms, by using small chemical signals that pass between cells (‘Quorum Sensing’). These signalling pathways enable the cells to co-ordinate their activities, such as forming biofilms and production of toxins.
Our world is full of bacteria and biofilms are a global challenge
Over 80% of bacterial infections in humans are estimated to involve the formation of biofilms. The antibiotics we use to eliminate harmful bacteria are increasingly ineffective due to the rapid evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Biofilms are complex communities within which the bacteria communicate within and between species by using small chemical signals that pass between cells (‘Quorum Sensing’).
Our world is full of bacteria and biofilms are a global challenge
Over 80% of bacterial infections in humans are estimated to involve the formation of biofilms. The antibiotics we use to eliminate harmful bacteria are increasingly ineffective due to the rapid evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Biofilms are complex communities within which the bacteria communicate within and between species by using small chemical signals that pass between cells (‘Quorum Sensing’).
Our world is full of bacteria and biofilms are increasingly an issue in everyday life: in the home, workplace, healthcare and leisure environments.
Over 80% of bacterial infections in humans are estimated to involve the formation of biofilms. The antibiotics we use to eliminate harmful bacteria are increasingly ineffective due to the rapid evolution in bacteria of antibiotic resistance. More than 70% of the infections people acquire in hospitals are from bacteria.
Bacteria communicate with each other, particularly when in biofilms, by using small chemical signals that pass between cells (‘Quorum Sensing’). These signalling pathways enable the cells to co-ordinate their activities, such as forming biofilms and production of toxins.
These signalling pathways enable the microbes to co-ordinate their activities for mutual benefit, such as forming the protective matrix, production of toxins, movement away from a threat such as a disinfectant and even sharing information on antimicrobial resistance.
These behavioural responses also include adaptation to availability of nutrients, defence against other micro-organisms which may compete for the same nutrients and the avoidance of toxic compounds potentially dangerous for the bacteria. All of this complexity makes it extremely challenging to combat biofilm formation and development.
These signalling pathways enable the microbes to co-ordinate their activities for mutual benefit, such as forming the protective matrix, production of toxins, movement away from a threat such as a disinfectant and even sharing information on antimicrobial resistance.