Real-time biofilm detection techniques: advances and applications

Abstract

Microbial biofilms, complex assemblies enveloped in extracellular matrices, are significant contributors to various infections. Traditional in vitro biofilm characterization methods, though informative, often disrupt the biofilm structure. The need to address biofilm-related infections urgently emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and timely interventions. This review provides a focused examination of advancements in real-time biofilm detection techniques, specifically in electrochemical, optical and mechanical systems. The potential applications of real-time detection in managing and monitoring biofilm growth in industrial settings, preventing medical infections, comprehending biofilm dynamics and evaluating control strategies highlight the necessity for it. Crucially, the review emphasizes the importance of evaluating these methods for their accuracy and reliability in real-time biofilm detection, offering valuable insights for precise interventions across various applications.

Executive summary

Background

• Microbial biofilms are intricate assemblages of microbes that attach to various surfaces and are enveloped inside a matrix composed of extracellular polymeric molecules.

• These entities have a substantial role in several sectors, healthcare environments and ecological circumstances, hence contributing to the occurrence of infections, biofouling and biocorrosion.

• To monitor and control biofilm growth effectively, it's imperative to use real-time biofilm detection techniques.

Conclusion

• Various techniques for real-time biofilm detection, such as optical, mechanical and electrochemical methods, provide significant insights into the properties and behavior of biofilms.

• Optical techniques offer precise and non-intrusive surveillance, but their effectiveness may be constrained by the opaqueness of biofilms.

• Mechanical procedures provide valuable information about mechanical qualities; however, they may necessitate the use of specialist equipment.

• Electrochemical methodologies provide the capability for real-time, non-invasive monitoring, exhibiting high sensitivity and cost-efficiency.

• The applicability of electrochemical sensors for biofilm detection has been enhanced by recent breakthroughs in molecularly imprinted polymers and wireless sensors.

Future perspective

• Future research should prioritize the integration of diverse detection approaches in order to enhance the precision and dependability of the findings.

• Implementing standardized standards will enhance the ability to compare and replicate outcomes.

• By investigating innovative uses, such as integrating detection methods with antibacterial tactics, we can deepen our comprehension and control of biofilms.

• The progress in reducing the size of sensors and the development of wireless technology will allow for immediate monitoring in many environments, such as point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Keywords: :

• biofilm
• cyclic voltammetry
• EIS
• electrochemical sensor
• microfluidics
• QCM
• real-time detection
• SAW

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.