Treatment of biofilms in infected wounds

This chapter discusses biofilms, a phenotype of bacteria that is distinct from the planktonic form. Biofilms are widely present in nature and may be present on both biotic and abiotic surfaces where there is some fluid presence. Biofilms also frequently form in a wound environment. The presence of biofilms has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo via experimentation as well as in clinical settings. Although biofilm acts as an impermeable protective membrane for biofilm-based microbes, there are ways of eradicating it for the successful treatment of wounds. Biofilm eradication has been classified into two broad categories; mechanical and chemical debridement. Multiple therapies are encouraged for the treatment of wound biofilms. Bacteriophages (viruses) are effective in eradicating the biofilm as well as infecting bacteria embedded within the biofilm. The chapter summarizes some documented clinical cases of biofilm involvement in delayed healing of human wounds and their treatment.