Current Strategies for The Disruption and Inhibition of Oral Biofilm Formation

Abstract

Oral biofilm, an organized community comprises of extensive variety of microbes rooted with extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) matrix. It is recognized as a virulence factor to numerous oral infectious diseases including dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, periapical periodontitis and peri-implantitis [1]. Biofilm formation on medical devices such as mechanical heart valves, catheters, contact lenses and prosthetic joints pose a critical medical problem. Both gram positive and negative bacteria can form biofilms on medical devices. Medical device infections are accountable for almost 60% of hospital acquired infections. In the United States, the anticipated expense of caring for healthcare-associated infections is nearly between $28 billion and $45 billion each year [2]. The lifecycle of a conventional biofilm comprises of bacterial attachment, biofilm growth/maturation, and biofilm dispersion.