Real-time sensing approaches and antibiofilm strategies for biofilm-associated infections: advances and perspectives on medical devices and clinical contexts

Abstract Background Biofilms are communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix. They can form on living hosts or in the environment, and a diverse range of microbes participate in this process. These include harmful bacteria that can become reservoirs for chronic infections. Biofilms contribute to a broad spectrum of illnesses and the emergence of antibiotic resistance, making infections difficult to treat. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix. They can form on living hosts or in the environment, and a diverse range of microbes participate in this process. These include harmful bacteria that can become reservoirs for chronic infections. Biofilms contribute to a broad spectrum of illnesses and the emergence of antibiotic resistance, making infections difficult to treat. Main body of the abstract Biofilm growth is most common on medical devices. Real-time detection and development of antibiofilm drugs are crucial to prevent related infections and ensure human health. This review explores infectious diseases associated with both medical and non-medical devices in humans. Furthermore, advanced detection approaches such as impedimetric, potentiometric, surface acoustic waves, and optical fiber sensors, which tackle the real-time growth of bacterial biofilms, are discussed. Additionally, various strategies to combat bacterial biofilm growth on medical devices are also examined. The future direction of research is also explored, focusing on the disadvantages and limitations of sensors and antibiofilm approaches. Short conclusion In this review, we found that the most powerful and easy-to-use sensing approach is impedimetric biosensor. Additionally, the commonly used antibiofilm approach involves nanoparticle-based drug coating on medical devices. Comprehensively, this review covers all possible directions of sensing approaches and antibiofilm strategies, addressing their challenges and potential solutions.