Bacterial biofilms associated skin disorders: Pathogenesis, advanced pharmacotherapy and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems as a treatment approach

Life Sci. 2021 Dec 15:287:120148. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120148. Epub 2021 Nov 14.

Abstract

Background: Biofilms are microcolonies of microbes that form communities with a variety of microbes, exhibit the same gene composition but differ in gene expression. Biofilm-associated infections have been in existence for a long, however, biofilm-associated skin disorders have not been investigated much.

Objectives: Biofilms, which are made mostly of the matrix can be thought of as communities of microbes that are more virulent and more difficult to eradicate as compared to their planktonic counterparts. Currently, several formulations are available in the market which have the potential to treat biofilm-assisted skin disorders. However, the existing pharmacotherapies are not competent enough to cure them effectively and entirely, in several cases.

Key findings: Especially with the rising resistance towards antibiotics, it has become particularly challenging to ameliorate these disorders completely. The new approaches are being used to combat biofilm-associated skin disorders, some of them being photodynamic therapy, nanotherapies, and the use of novel drug delivery systems. The focus of attention, however, is nanotherapy. Micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, quatsomes, and many others are being considered to find a better solution for the biofilm-associated skin disorders.

Significance: This review is an attempt to give a perspective on these new approaches for treating bacterial biofilms associated with skin disorders.

Keywords: Biofilms; Nanotechnology; Pharmacotherapy; Quatsomes; Skin disorders; Solid lipid nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / metabolism
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / trends
  • Humans
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotechnology / trends
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases / metabolism
  • Skin Diseases / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents