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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries

A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries

Published on: December 27, 2016

Evolving concepts in biofilm infections.

Luanne Hall-Stoodley¹, Paul Stoodley

¹Center for Genomic Sciences, Allegheny-Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA. lstoodle@wpahs.org

Cellular Microbiology

|April 21, 2009

Summary

Pathogenic biofilms, microbial communities in chronic infections, are key survival strategies. This review explores in vivo biofilm phenotypes, challenges, and implications for understanding persistent diseases.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Infectious Diseases
Medical Science

Background:

Biofilm formation is a critical survival strategy for numerous pathogens linked to chronic infections like cystic fibrosis pneumonia, otitis media, rhinosinusitis, and urinary tract infections.
Biofilms are surface-associated microbial communities encased in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, contributing to resistance against host immune responses and antibiotic treatments.
Despite their prevalence in chronic diseases, in vivo biofilm development outside of dental plaques remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent efforts in examining the biofilm phenotype in vivo.
To discuss the challenges associated with defining and identifying biofilms in clinical settings.
To explore the implications of in vivo biofilm characterization for understanding persistent microbial infections.

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Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity

Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity

Published on: March 11, 2015

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries

A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries

Published on: December 27, 2016

Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity

Methods for Characterizing the Co-development of Biofilm and Habitat Heterogeneity

Published on: March 11, 2015

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies investigating in vivo biofilm phenotypes.
Analysis of challenges in defining and detecting biofilms in clinical samples.
Discussion of the significance of in vivo biofilm research.

Main Results:

Biofilm formation is a common characteristic of pathogens involved in persistent, treatment-resistant chronic infections.
In vivo studies face significant challenges in accurately defining and visualizing the biofilm phenotype.
Understanding in vivo biofilms is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against chronic infections.

Conclusions:

Biofilms are crucial for pathogen persistence in chronic diseases, conferring resistance to therapies.
Defining the in vivo biofilm phenotype presents considerable methodological and interpretational challenges.
Further research into in vivo biofilms is essential for advancing treatment paradigms for chronic infectious diseases.