Bioactive Natural Products

doi:10.1016/c2018-0-05186-5

Abstract

Highlights

Microorganisms attached to a substratum and organized in biofilms exhibit a high tolerance to the current antibiotics, antiseptics, and biocides, as well as to the host defense mechanisms
The adherent microorganisms on surfaces produce great economical losses caused by the uncontrolled development of biofilms on pharmaceutical or food industrial equipment
Considering the high frequency of genetic antibioresistance in the most common pathogens, the huge public health burden of severe biofilm-associated infections (60–80% of all infections), and the great economical loses caused by BioMed Research International the uncontrolled development of biofilms on industrial equipment, alternative strategies are urgently needed to efficiently control their formation and their negative effects

Summary

Introduction

Current anti-fouling agents are far from being efficient. The wide use of antibiotics has evolutionary and ecological effects, leading to the recruitment of more genes into the resistome and mobilome, with adverse consequences for human welfare and environment [2, 3].

Results

Conclusion