BioFilms Flashcards
1
Q
what is a biofilm?
A
a group of microorganisms that adhere to each other and to a surface
2
Q
what are the bacteria in a biofilm embedded in?
A
extracellular matrix comprised of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids
3
Q
what are the entry points for biofilms?
A
catheter, hip replacement, periodontal disease
4
Q
where is pseudomonas aeruginosa found?
A
cystic fibrosis patients
5
Q
how do biofilms resist removal?
A
tolerant to antimicrobial substances
have reduced antibiotic penetration
grow slower and have different patterns of gene expression which allow tolerance
6
Q
how is a biofilm formed?
A
- attachment - pilli, flagella, adhesion proteins
- colonisation and cell to cell adhesion
- proliferation and maturation
- dispersal due to nutrient availability or environmental factors
7
Q
how do you control biofilm formation?
A
inhibit regulatory systems and enzymes
8
Q
what are the anti biofilm bioactives?
A
- high throughtput screening
- metagenomic biodiscovery
- mining microbe speak
- immobilization
