S26: Bacterial control by targeting biofilms and persister cells

Biofilms are highly hydrated structures comprised of a polysaccharide matrix secreted by the bound bacterial cells. Such sessile communities are ubiquitous in natural, engineering, and medical environments. Due to significantly enhanced tolerance to antibiotics and disinfectants (up to 1000 times) compared to their planktonic counterparts, biofilms cause serious problems such as chronic infections in humans and persistent biofouling in industry. In addition, it is well documented that a small portion of cells (normally less than 1%) in a given bacterial population can enter a highly metabolically inactive stage, known as persister cells, due to phenotypic variations. Persister formation increases significantly in biofilms; and both biofilms and persister cells are major causes of chronic infections and facilitate the development and spread of drug resistant bacteria through acquired mechanisms. In this presentation, I will review some of our new results of biofilm and persister control by using quorum sensing inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides and weak electric currents.