Biofilm-degrading enzyme

Bacteria within a biofilm may be less sensitive to antibacterial compounds than planktonic cells (reviewed in [150]). Several possible reasons (Table 4.9) can be put forward to account for this, notably reduced access of drug or biocide to cells within a biofilm, chemical reaction with the glycocalyx and modulation of the micro-environment [147], In addition, the attached cells may produce degradative enzymes although the significance of this... 

All release systems that liberate an immobilized biocide into the surroundings will exhaust rather quickly. Furthermore, the constant release is an environmental issue and supports the building of biocide-resistance in microbial strains. If a release system is the only possible option, then it would be desirable to release the biocide on demand, e.g., in cases of infection or the start of biofilm formation. This can be achieved by either degrading or swelling the matrix with an infection-specific enzyme or metabolite, or by cleaving the linker between biocide and surface with a biochemical factor. 

Besides the degradation of secreted adhesives by enzymes, the production of antifouling compounds is a main strategy to control marine biofouling, while the main concepts to control pathogeiuc biofilms rely on cell lysis and on the degradation of ECM polymers [124],... 

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