Table 1

Potential strategies to reduce or eliminate bacterial biofilms

Process contributing to Net Biofilm Accumulation

Potential Interventions

Substratum pre-conditioning

Change surface chemistry; non-fouling surfaces vs. signal decorated surfaces

Cell Deposition

Maintain sterility

Reversible adhesion Irreversible adhesion Desorption

Change surface chemistry or surface topography. Tethered or released toxic agent(s). Base material degradable. External toxic challenge. Specific adhesin blockers

Cell Signaling

Signal analogs; receptor blocking.

Cell Metabolism

Antibiotic challenge; starvation, chelator challenge; bacteriophage infection, bacteriophage lytic enzymes, device surgical removal

Biofilm Removal

Antibiotic challenge; starvation, chelator challenge; bacteriophage infection, bacteriophage lytic enzymes, device surgical removal

Bryers and Ratner BMC Oral Health 2006 6(Suppl 1):S15   doi:10.1186/1472-6831-6-S1-S15