Assessment of Biofilm Matrix Disruption as Treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infections

Abstract

Biofilm formation poses a formidable challenge in treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections. This Gram-negative bacterium is part of a group of often multidrug resistant opportunistic pathogens that are the leading cause of nosocomial infections and are referred by the acronym ESKAPE. The P. aeruginosa biofilm, consisting of a self-synthesized matrix composed of different extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), embeds and protects the bacteria further increasing their antibiotic resistance and is associated with high persistence after antibiotic treatment. The main matrix components of P. aeruginosa biofilms are the polysaccharides alginate, Pel, and Psl as well as extracellular DNA, which create a physical barrier and a specific microenvironment for the bacteria. The prevalence and virulence of formed biofilm communities pose a global health threat that calls for both novel antibiotic drugs as well as targeting approaches especially for existing mature biofilms. In this review, the different components of the biofilm matrix are discussed, describing their synthesis and structural properties, their role in pathogenicity as well as the different ways in which they might be targeted to either disassemble the biofilm or prevent it from being formed altogether. Ending on an assessment whether targeting of matrix components could be a relevant method of treating P. aeruginosa lung infections.