In Vitro Models of Bacterial Biofilms: Innovative Tools to Improve Understanding and Treatment of Infections

• Published in: Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 13; no. 5; p. 904
• Main Authors: Crivello, G, Fracchia, L, Ciardelli, G, Boffito, M, Mattu, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 27.02.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: 3D printing; Analysis; Antibiotic resistance; Antibiotics; Bacteria; Bacterial diseases; Bacterial infections; biofilm models; Biofilms; Catheters; Composition; Identification and classification; infection; Localization; Mechanical properties; Microbial mats; microcosm models; microfluidics; Microorganisms; Nutrient flow; Nutrients; Review; Staphylococcus infections; Transplants & implants; Italy; infection; bacteria; biofilm models; in vitro models; microcosm models; microfluidics; 3D printing
• ISSN: 2079-4991; 2079-4991
• DOI: 10.3390/nano13050904

Bacterial infections are a growing concern to the health care systems. Bacteria in the human body are often found embedded in a dense 3D structure, the biofilm, which makes their eradication even more challenging. Indeed, bacteria in biofilm are protected from external hazards and are more prone to develop antibiotic resistance. Moreover, biofilms are highly heterogeneous, with properties dependent on the bacteria species, the anatomic localization, and the nutrient/flow conditions. Therefore, antibiotic screening and testing would strongly benefit from reliable models of bacterial biofilms. This review article summarizes the main features of biofilms, with particular focus on parameters affecting biofilm composition and mechanical properties. Moreover, a thorough overview of the in vitro biofilm models recently developed is presented, focusing on both traditional and advanced approaches. Static, dynamic, and microcosm models are described, and their main features, advantages, and disadvantages are compared and discussed.