Dispersal and inhibition of biofilms associated with infections.

As bacteria aggregate and form biofilms on surfaces in the human body such as tissues, indwelling medical devices, dressings and implants, they can cause a significant health risk. Bacterial biofilms possess altered phenotypes: physical features that facilitate antibiotic resistance and evasion of the host immune response. Since metabolic and physical factors contribute to biofilm maturation and persistence, an objective in antibiofilm therapy is to target these factors to deliver innovative approaches for solving these important health problems. Currently, there is little research on the direct immunological effects resulting from the introduction of foreign components to the body pertaining to biofilm inhibition methods. Detailed research involving animal models is necessary to better understand the biological side effects of synthetic peptides, genetically modified bacteriophages and isolated proteins and any resistance that may develop from these approaches.