Sticking together makes bacteria nearly invincible

Although it is well-known in the scientific community, it is less known in the general public for several reasons:

Lack of public awareness:

• It is a more specialised topic in microbiology and related fields, contributing to their lack of awareness and understanding.

Difficult to model in the lab:

• This is because biofilms are complex structures with multiple layers and interactions between microorganisms and their environment. 

To fight it, there are a few ongoing tools that we can utilise:

Bacteriophages:

 This method utilises a virus to infect the bacteria the same way it infects other organisms. Like antibiotics, phages leave the host's cells alone without harming human or animal cells. 

However, this method is scientifically limited but is developed by Glasglow-based Fixed Phage.

Cold Plasma:

Cold plasma is a state of matter, in which electrons have been stripped away from their parent atoms by a power electric field.

This method is applicable in other areas, such as wastewater treatment.

Zapping Bacteria:

It disrupts the membrane of bacterial cells with PL0206, a small protein that is attracted to the negatively charged environment inside a biofilm.

This method has been carried on Phase 1 clinical trial with 14 patients with prosthetic joint infections, where interim data looks promising.

Tearing it down:

It loosens two universal components of biofilms, known as DNA-B-II. Loosening the DNA scaffolding of the biofilms would cause a collapse of the structure.

Tested on two dozen bacterial species, no biofilms survived the disappearance of DNABII.

Dislodge

• Knock or force out of position

Secretes

• Produce and discharge a substance

Glom onto

• become stuck or attached to

Evolve Resistance

• Growing harder to resist other dugs

"Persister"

• To remain, last, or continue for a long time after the expected time

intravenous injection

• An injection of a medication or another substance into a vein and directly into the bloodstream