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Published on: December 27, 2016
Multidrug-Resistant Biofilms (MDR): Main Mechanisms of Tolerance and Resistance in the Food Supply Chain
Francisca A E de Brito1, Ana P P de Freitas1, Maristela S Nascimento1
1Department of Food Engineering and Technology, School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil.
Abstract:
Biofilms are mono- or multispecies microbial communities enclosed in an extracellular matrix (EPS). They have high potential for dissemination and are difficult to remove. In addition, biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant strains (MDRs) are even more aggravated if we consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as an important public health issue. Quorum sensing (QS) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) are mechanisms that significantly contribute to the recalcitrance (resistance and tolerance) of biofilms, making them more robust and resistant to conventional sanitation methods. These mechanisms coordinate different strategies involved in AMR, such as activation of a quiescent state of the cells, moderate increase in the expression of the efflux pump, decrease in the membrane potential, antimicrobial inactivation, and modification of the antimicrobial target and the architecture of the EPS matrix itself. There are few studies investigating the impact of the use of inhibitors on the mechanisms of recalcitrance and its impact on the microbiome. Therefore, more studies to elucidate the effect and applications of these methods in the food production chain and the possible combination with antimicrobials to establish new strategies to control MDR biofilms are needed.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant biofilms are challenging due to quorum sensing and horizontal gene transfer. Inhibitor studies are needed to develop new strategies for controlling these resilient microbial communities, especially in food production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Food Safety
Background:
- Biofilms, microbial communities in extracellular matrix (EPS), pose dissemination and removal challenges.
- Multidrug-resistant strains (MDRs) in biofilms exacerbate antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a public health concern.
- Mechanisms like quorum sensing (QS) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) enhance biofilm recalcitrance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of QS and HGT in biofilm recalcitrance.
- Explore the impact of inhibitors on biofilm mechanisms.
- Identify strategies to control MDR biofilms in the food production chain.
Main Methods:
- Review of mechanisms contributing to biofilm recalcitrance (QS, HGT).
- Analysis of how these mechanisms influence antimicrobial resistance strategies.
- Identification of research gaps concerning inhibitor applications.
Main Results:
- QS and HGT significantly contribute to biofilm robustness and resistance to sanitation.
- These mechanisms modulate cellular states, efflux pump expression, membrane potential, and antimicrobial inactivation.
- Limited research exists on inhibitor impacts on biofilm recalcitrance and microbiome interactions.
Conclusions:
- MDR biofilms present a significant challenge due to complex resistance mechanisms.
- Further research on inhibitors targeting QS and HGT is crucial.
- Developing novel strategies, potentially combining inhibitors with antimicrobials, is needed for effective MDR biofilm control in food production.
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