Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive Review

Biofilms are structured microbial communities that adhere to various abiotic and biotic surfaces, where organisms are encased in an exo-polysaccharide matrix. Organisms within biofilms use various mechanisms that help them resist external challenges, such as antibiotics, rendering them more resistan...

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Main Authors: Zhihe Yang, Sadaf Aiman Khan, Laurence J. Walsh, Zyta M. Ziora, Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Antibiotics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/12/1228
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author Zhihe Yang
Sadaf Aiman Khan
Laurence J. Walsh
Zyta M. Ziora
Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne
author_facet Zhihe Yang
Sadaf Aiman Khan
Laurence J. Walsh
Zyta M. Ziora
Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne
author_sort Zhihe Yang
collection DOAJ
description Biofilms are structured microbial communities that adhere to various abiotic and biotic surfaces, where organisms are encased in an exo-polysaccharide matrix. Organisms within biofilms use various mechanisms that help them resist external challenges, such as antibiotics, rendering them more resistant to drugs. Therefore, researchers have attempted to develop suitable laboratory models to study the physical features of biofilms, their resistance mechanisms against antimicrobial agents, and their gene and protein expression profiles. However, current laboratory models suffer from various limitations. In this comprehensive review, we have summarized the various designs that have been used for laboratory biofilm models, presenting their strengths and limitations. Additionally, we have provided insight into improving these models to more closely simulate real-life scenarios, using newly developed techniques in additive manufacturing, synthetic biology, and bioengineering.
format Article
id doaj-art-2463a91b851f43ea94e1f9382c8fbd7c
institution DOAJ
issn 2079-6382
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publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Antibiotics
spelling doaj-art-2463a91b851f43ea94e1f9382c8fbd7c2025-08-20T02:53:41ZengMDPI AGAntibiotics2079-63822024-12-011312122810.3390/antibiotics13121228Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive ReviewZhihe Yang0Sadaf Aiman Khan1Laurence J. Walsh2Zyta M. Ziora3Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne4School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, AustraliaOral Health Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, AustraliaOral Health Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, AustraliaInstitute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, AustraliaOral Health Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, AustraliaBiofilms are structured microbial communities that adhere to various abiotic and biotic surfaces, where organisms are encased in an exo-polysaccharide matrix. Organisms within biofilms use various mechanisms that help them resist external challenges, such as antibiotics, rendering them more resistant to drugs. Therefore, researchers have attempted to develop suitable laboratory models to study the physical features of biofilms, their resistance mechanisms against antimicrobial agents, and their gene and protein expression profiles. However, current laboratory models suffer from various limitations. In this comprehensive review, we have summarized the various designs that have been used for laboratory biofilm models, presenting their strengths and limitations. Additionally, we have provided insight into improving these models to more closely simulate real-life scenarios, using newly developed techniques in additive manufacturing, synthetic biology, and bioengineering.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/12/1228biofilmslaboratory modelsmicro-environments
spellingShingle Zhihe Yang
Sadaf Aiman Khan
Laurence J. Walsh
Zyta M. Ziora
Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne
Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive Review
Antibiotics
biofilms
laboratory models
micro-environments
title Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive Review
title_full Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive Review
title_fullStr Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive Review
title_full_unstemmed Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive Review
title_short Classical and Modern Models for Biofilm Studies: A Comprehensive Review
title_sort classical and modern models for biofilm studies a comprehensive review
topic biofilms
laboratory models
micro-environments
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/12/1228
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AT laurencejwalsh classicalandmodernmodelsforbiofilmstudiesacomprehensivereview
AT zytamziora classicalandmodernmodelsforbiofilmstudiesacomprehensivereview
AT chamindajayampathseneviratne classicalandmodernmodelsforbiofilmstudiesacomprehensivereview