Biofilm and bacterial membrane vesicles: recent advances.
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Puca V; Department of Pharmacy, University 'G. d'Annunzio' of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.; Marinacci B; Department of Pharmacy, University 'G. d'Annunzio' of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.; Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University 'G. d'Annunzio' of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.; Pellegrini B; Department of Pharmacy, University 'G. d'Annunzio' of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.; Campanile F; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC) - Microbiology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.; Santagati M; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC) - Microbiology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.; Grande R; Department of Pharmacy, University 'G. d'Annunzio' of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Source
- Publisher: Informa Healthcare Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9516419 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1744-7674 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13543776 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Expert Opin Ther Pat Subsets: MEDLINE
- Subject
- Language
- English
Introduction: Bacterial Membrane Vesicles (MVs) play important roles in cell-to-cell communication and transport of several molecules. Such structures are essential components of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) biofilm matrix of many bacterial species displaying a structural function and a role in virulence and pathogenesis.
Areas Covered: In this review were included original articles from the last ten years by searching the keywords 'biofilm' and 'vesicles' on PUBMED and Scopus databases. The articles available in literature mainly describe a positive correlation between bacterial MVs and biofilms formation. The research on Espacenet and Google Patent databases underlines the available patents related to the application of both biofilm MVs and planktonic MVs in inhibiting biofilm formation.
Expert Opinion: This review covers and analyzes recent advances in the study of the relationship between bacterial vesicles and biofilm. The huge number of papers discussing the role of MVs confirms the interest aimed at developing new applications in the medical field. The study of the MVs composition and biogenesis may contribute to the identification of components which could be (i) the target for the development of new drugs inhibiting the biofilm establishment; (ii) candidates for the development of vaccines; (iii) biomarkers for the diagnosis of bacterial infections.