About this Research Topic
Biofilms are structured communities of microbes, complex in their interactions and protected by a self-produced extracellular matrix, which allows them to thrive on various surfaces. In healthcare settings, biofilms present a significant challenge due to their role in sustaining pathogenic bacteria against harsh conditions and treatments. These communities exhibit remarkable resilience by exhibiting low metabolic activities, utilizing protective matrices, and harboring persister cells, all of which contribute to their resistance to antimicrobial strategies.
This Research Topic aims to enhance the understanding and management of biofilm-associated infections, particularly those linked to indwelling medical devices. The pursuit is to mitigate the associated risks that such infections pose, which include increased patient morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs of care. Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-dimensional approach spanning the development of new antimicrobial technologies, the design of biofilm-resistant materials, and the advancement of diagnostic tools for early and effective detection.
To gather further insights in these pivotal areas, we welcome original research, mini-reviews, and reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Mechanisms and implications of biofilm formation on medical devices
• Advances in antimicrobial and antifouling surface technologies
• Implementation of novel diagnostic methods for biofilm detection in clinical settings
• Examination of biofilm pathogenesis and their role in infection outcomes
• Development of novel materials with integrated antimicrobial properties
• Strategies for managing infections associated with indwelling medical devices
• Exploration of cell behavior in biofilms, including persister and nonculturable states
• Biofilm implications in various infection types, from dental to wound care.
This Research Topic aims to enhance the understanding and management of biofilm-associated infections, particularly those linked to indwelling medical devices. The pursuit is to mitigate the associated risks that such infections pose, which include increased patient morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs of care. Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-dimensional approach spanning the development of new antimicrobial technologies, the design of biofilm-resistant materials, and the advancement of diagnostic tools for early and effective detection.
To gather further insights in these pivotal areas, we welcome original research, mini-reviews, and reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Mechanisms and implications of biofilm formation on medical devices
• Advances in antimicrobial and antifouling surface technologies
• Implementation of novel diagnostic methods for biofilm detection in clinical settings
• Examination of biofilm pathogenesis and their role in infection outcomes
• Development of novel materials with integrated antimicrobial properties
• Strategies for managing infections associated with indwelling medical devices
• Exploration of cell behavior in biofilms, including persister and nonculturable states
• Biofilm implications in various infection types, from dental to wound care.
Keywords: Biofilms, Biofilm related infections, persister bacteria, viable but non-culturable bacteria (VBNC), resistance to antimicrobials, Indwelling device-associated infections
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
