An introduction to the biology of biofilm recalcitrance

摘要: Biofilms form in moist environments when micro-organisms grow on surfaces a self-produced polymeric matrix. From clinical perspective, the most notable feature of biofilms is their markedly decreased susceptibility to antimicrobials comparison dispersed (or planktonic) counterparts. While it seems intuitively correct that biofilm recalcitrance occurs principally through failure antimicrobial penetration, true basis phenomenon more complex. As well as retardation diffusion, often exhibit localised phenotypic heterogeneity—in particular, growth rate variation which slow-growing or dormant cells are found be inherently less sensitive antimicrobials. Persister cells, occur small proportion total population, also believed repopulate following sub-effective treatments. In summary, no single mechanism can fully account for recalcitrance; rather, multiple mechanisms responsible. This chapter provides concise overview recalcitrance.