Monitoring the formation and removal of biofilms from clinically relevant pathogens in real-time

A large percentage of bacterial species are capable of growing on biotic and abiotic surfaces. Within these surfaced-adhered communities secreted signaling molecules are used to coordinate gene expression across the entire colony, thereby promoting survival. An adaptation commonly found within these colonies is the production of biofilm, a secreted extracellular polymeric matrix that can be comprised of polysaccharides, nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and/or teichoic acids. This extracellular matrix increases bacterial virulence by acting as a physical barrier that both occludes antibiotic molecules and helps the bacteria to evade detection by immune cells. Bacterial biofilms are of great importance to human health, causing dental plaque and caries, chronic infections, food poisoning, and rejection of implants. Despite the growing prevalence of biofilm infections, the existing arsenal of antibiotics for treating them is limited.

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