Resolving biofilm infections: current therapy and drug discovery strategies

Biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria present a serious threat to human health as the efficacy of standard antibiotic therapeutic regimens is compromised by reduced microbial susceptibility within the biofilm environment. The discovery of improved therapies for biofilm elimination requires an understanding of biofilm formation and dispersal, and the development of assays to specifically analyze these dynamic processes. This review will discuss biofilm screening strategies suitable for drug discovery efforts, especially chemical and biological approaches that specifically target biofilm destruction.