Innovations in Biofilm Prevention and Eradication in Medical Sector: An Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Biofilm-associated infections pose significant challenges due to high resistance to conventional antibiotics and host immune responses.
• Current medical treatments are limited by the recalcitrance of biofilms, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize innovative antibiofilm strategies developed between 2020 and 2025.
• To highlight non-antibiotic approaches for preventing and eradicating biofilms.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of antibiofilm strategies published from 2020-2025.
• Categorization of methods into chemical, enzymatic, physical-photonic, nanomaterial-based, and biological hybrid approaches.

Main Results:

• Chemical methods (e.g., silver systems, NO donors) disrupt membranes and inhibit quorum sensing.
• Enzymatic coatings (e.g., DNase I) show stability and biocompatibility against key bacteria.
• Physical-photonic techniques offer controllable antibacterial activity.
• Nanomaterials enable targeted biofilm disruption via ROS.
• Biological systems provide eco-friendly and biocompatible alternatives.

Conclusions:

• Recent innovations signify a shift from traditional antibiotics to multifunctional systems.
• Integration of chemical, enzymatic, and physical mechanisms enhances biofilm control on medical surfaces.
• Novel strategies offer adaptive and effective solutions for challenging biofilm infections.