The Usefulness of Microalgae Compounds for Preventing Biofilm Infections.

Yuly López,Sara M Soto

doi:10.3390/antibiotics9010009

Yuly López, Sara M Soto

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9010009

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Abstract

Biofilms play an important role in infectious diseases. It has been estimated that most medical infections are due to bacterial biofilms, and about 60–70% of nosocomial infections are also caused by the formation of a biofilm. Historically, microalgae are an important source of bioactive compounds, having novel structures and potential biological functions that make them attractive for different industries such as food, animal feed, aquaculture, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical. Several studies have described compounds produced by microalgae and cyanobacteria species with antimicrobial activity. However, studies on the antibiofilm activity of extracts and/or molecules produced by these microorganisms are scarce. Quorum-sensing inhibitor and anti-adherent agents have, among others, been isolated from microalgae and cyanobacteria species. The use of tools such as nanotechnology increase their power of action and can be used for preventing and treating biofilm-related infections.

Highlights

60–70% It of has nosocomial infections aremost medical infections are due to bacterial biofilms, and about of nosocomial infections are caused by the formation of a biofilm
Biofilms are defined as microbial communities of surface-attached cells embedded in a selfBiofilms are defined as microbial communities of surface-attached cells embedded in a produced extracellular matrix and play an important role in infectious diseases
Biofilm formation developed in three main stages: (i) attachment―the cells arrive to the surface and adhere to this is developed in three main stages: (i) attachment—the cells arrive to the surface and adhere to this surface; (ii) growth and maturation―the cells begin to produce the exopolysaccharide that surface; (ii) growth and maturation—the cells begin to produce the exopolysaccharide that constitutes constitutes the matrix and mature from microcolonies to multilayered cell clusters; (iii) the matrix and mature from microcolonies to multilayered cell clusters; (iii) detachment—the cells take detachment―the cells take on a planktonic state and can thereby form biofilm in other settings [1]

Summary

Biofilms and Their Role in Infectious Diseases

Biofilms are defined as microbial communities of surface-attached cells embedded in a selfBiofilms are defined as microbial communities of surface-attached cells embedded in a produced extracellular matrix and play an important role in infectious diseases. Biofilm formation is self-produced extracellular matrix and play an important role in infectious diseases. (v) the expression of efflux pumps; (vi) interchange of resistance genes among bacteria inside the biofilm; and (vii) the presence of persister cells—small fractions of persistent bacteria that resist death when exposed to antimicrobials [2]. These structures allow biofilms to avoid the action of the immune system and evade phagocytosis. Biofilms are ubiquitous and can be located in different parts of the body, associated or not with medical devices or prostheses, causing different types of infections. Infections not associated with foreign bodies include cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic otitis media, chronic sinusitis and chronic (diabetes) wound infections [3,4,6,7]

What is Needed to Fight Biofilms

Prevention or Treatment of Biofilm Infections

Microalgae as a Source of Bioactive Compounds

Conclusions

Findings

Future Aspects