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Updated: Sep 1, 2026

Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors
Published on: October 9, 2016
Investigation of interactions between antimicrobial agents and bacterial biofilms using attenuated total reflection
P A Suci1, J D Vrany, M W Mittelman
1Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman 59717, USA.
Abstract:
Biomaterial-centred infections are often difficult to treat. An impaired immune response, acute inflammatory reactions and the presence of recalcitrant attached microorganisms are all contributing factors. A brief review of the role of attached bacteria in biomaterial-centred infections is presented. Two major hypotheses which may explain the recalcitrance of biofilms to antimicrobial agents are discussed. The analytical capabilities of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FTIR) spectroscopy for providing information on both transport of an antimicrobial agent to bacteria embedded in the biofilm and interactions between an antimicrobial agent and biofilm components are described.
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