Importance of Biofilm Removal and Prevention

Biofilm removal refers to the process of eliminating microbial films that adhere to surfaces, such as teeth, medical devices, and industrial equipment, to prevent infections.

Biofilm Removal FAQ

Image credit: sterilex.com

What are biofilms & how do you remove them?

Biofilms are groups of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, and parasites that are protected by a layer of slime. Once they form, they can be difficult to remove. Those that colonize your gut can be particularly stubborn without the help of biofilm disruptors such as Microb-Clear® .

Why is biofilm removal so difficult?

A biofilm formation can lie dormant, reemerge, confuse and evade your immune system, and even push medications and antimicrobials out of cells. Complete biofilm removal is a challenge. That’s because the bacteria or other microorganisms hide in their matrix.

What is a biofilm?

A biofilm is a community of microorganisms embedded in a slimy, glue-like matrix that provides protection against the environment.

What is gut biofilm removal?

Gut biofilm removal can be the most challenging type. Microbes attach to your intestines. There, they form a sticky layer that’s protected from your immune system. Your intestines have a huge surface area where microorganisms can attach. When out of balance, your gut becomes an ideal, warm place to live and grow.

How are biofilms removed?

Physical means of removing biofilms can be grouped into several subcategories: light-based methods, sound-based methods such as ultrasound or shockwaves, electromagnetic means and plasma or high energy methods of removal as summarized in Figure 2.

How are harmful biofilms removed?

Strategies to remove biofilms include antibiotics, mechanical removal methods, and more recently, novel agents that aim to inhibit biofilm formation. When the infection is associated with medical devices, a common practice is to replace the device with a new one.

How do you remove biofilm from taps?

Biofilms were removed from taps when: soaking assembled for five minutes (bleach, boiled water); and, scrubbing and soaking unassembled for five minutes (bleach, boiled water, vinegar). Only soaking methods removed E. coli from container coupons. To remove biofilms, we recommend soaking assembled taps in boiled water for five minutes.

How do you get rid of biofilm?

There are also many other physical methods that can effectively eradicate mature biofilms, such as using high-velocity spray or jet irrigator to brush biofilms, or using photodynamic or photothermal therapy to destroy biofilms and kill the bacteria in them directly ( Koo et al. 2017; Karygianni et al. 2020 ).