Investigating the Role of Microbial Biofilms in Antimicrobial Resistance and Developing Novel Strategies for Eradication
Ohaekwe Conlethann Chiemerie *
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu University, Uli, Nigeria.
Nwodo Amaka Marvellous
Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.
Amina Suleiman Kamsalem
International Education College of Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, China.
Jenyo Yetunde Elizabeth
Zaporozhye State Medical University, Ukraine.
Iyiola Aanuoluwa Temitayo
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
Victor Ekoche Ali
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Matthew Taiye Moses
Federal Medical Center, Keffi, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study investigates the role of microbial biofilms in antimicrobial resistance and explores novel eradication strategies. Microbial biofilms, structured communities of bacteria encased in an extracellular polymeric substance, significantly contribute to persistent infections by enhancing bacterial tolerance to antibiotics and immune responses. The review highlights the mechanisms underlying biofilm-associated resistance, including limited antibiotic penetration, metabolic dormancy, and genetic exchange. Conventional treatments often fail against biofilms, necessitating innovative approaches such as quorum sensing inhibitors, bacteriophage therapy, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. By synthesizing current research, this study underscores the urgent need for novel interventions to combat biofilm-related infections and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
Keywords: Microbial biofilms, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm eradication, quorum sensing inhibitors, bacteriophage therapy, nanotechnology-based treatment