Emerging strategies for treating medical device and wound-associated biofilm infections

Abstract

Bacterial infections represent a significant global threat to human health, leading to considerable economic losses through increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. One major challenge in treating these infections is the presence of biofilms - structured bacterial communities that form protective barriers, making traditional treatments less effective. Additionally, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has exacerbated treatment difficulties. To address these challenges, researchers are developing and exploring innovative approaches to combat biofilm-related infections. This mini-review highlights recent advancements in the following key areas: surface anti-adhesion technologies, electricity, photo/acoustic-active materials, endogenous mimicking agents, and innovative drug delivery systems. These strategies aim to prevent biofilm formation, disrupt existing biofilms, and enhance the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments. Currently, these approaches show great potential for applications in medical fields such as medical device and wound – associated biofilm infections. By summarizing these developments, this mini-review provides a comprehensive resource for researchers seeking to advance the management and treatment of biofilm-associated infections.