Recent development in therapeutic strategies targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms-A review

The formation of biofilms has posed a major threat and health challenge, leading to multidrug resistantinfections among the immunocompromised patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most hazardous biofilm forming gram-negative bacteria, known for its major role in nosocomial, ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP), lung infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The continuous use of antibiotics for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases has led to establishment of multi-drug resistant pathogenic strains. The deleterious effect of biofilms is mainly dictated by the ability to protect the residing bacterial colonies from the host immune system as well as antibiotics. Further, the molecular mechanism of host and P. aeruginosa interaction is not fully deduced. Thus, multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa has rendered increased mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. There are no proven effective therapies and treatments for the control of P. aeruginosa biofilm infection, though numerous studies are in infancy. Keeping the hazardous impact of the biofilms in view, serious efforts are required to promote effective regimens to combat the global problem of biofilm formation. Several strategies have emerged to tackle the menace of P. aeruginosa biofilm infection that includes, using combination of antibiotics, phytochemicals, enzymes, metal chelators, antibodies, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides and nanoparticles. Lately, nanotechnology represents to be a best strategy for eradicating biofilms and biofilm forming organisms. In this regard, we have provided an overview of i) basics of biofilm formation ii) P. aeruginosa in the formation of biofilms iii) conventional strategies interfering in biofilm growth iv) novel anti-biofilm agents v) and nanoparticles in eradication of biofilms. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Multifunctional Nanomaterials.

Automated summary

The formation of biofilms poses a major threat to immunocompromised patients, leading to multidrug resistant infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a hazardous biofilm forming bacteria, plays a major role in nosocomial infections. Effective treatment strategies for P. aeruginosa biofilm infections are currently lacking.