Biofilm, bioadhesion

Davis, A.R. and Bremner, J.B. (1999) Potential antifouling natural products from asddians a review, in Recent Advances in Marine Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Biofilms, Bioadhesion, Corrosion, and Biofotding (eds M. Fingerman, R. Nagabhushanam, and M.-F. Thompson), Science Publishers, Enfield, NH, pp. 259-308. 

In cases where bioadhesion has to be avoided, such as on medical devices, in hygienic prevention (e.g., nosocomial illness), or in food packaging, the use of substrates with a very hydrophilic character may help to eliminate the proliferation of a biofilm of cells and bacteria. Such a technique is so efficient that antibiotic molecules are not necessary. 

In the introductory part of this chapter, it is mentioned that in various systems and applications, bioadhesion is an unwanted phenomenon. Different strategies may be taken to prevent or suppress (microbial) cell adhesion and biofilm formation. Coating the surface with antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticles may have some effect. However, the hazard of release of such toxic particles in the body, product, or enviromnent puts severe restrictions on their use. Furthermore, prophylactic supply of antibiotics to treat biomaterials associated infections is in most cases highly unsuccessful, because in biofilms bacteria tend to be resistant against antibiotics. 

GEN 06] Genzer J., Efimenko K., Recent developments in snper hydrophobic surfaces and their relevance to marine fonhng are view Biofonhng, The Journal of Bioadhesion and Biofilm Research, vol. 22, pp. 339-360,2006. 

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