Mitigation of Microbial Biofilm Formation on Medical Devices

Medical devices are indispensable in modern healthcare, providing life-saving treatments and improving the quality of life for countless individuals. However, these devices can also serve as matrices for microbial biofilms which significantly contribute to device-related infections and shorten respective use-times. Biofilms comprise complex microbial communities that adhere to surfaces and are encased within a protective matrix consisting mainly of polysaccharides, eDNA/eRNA, and proteins. These biofilms are notoriously resistant to conventional sterilization processes and antibiotic treatments, posing serious risks to patient safety. The current challenge in the field is not only to understand the mechanisms of biofilm formation and resistance but also to apply this knowledge to improve device sterilization and to develop advanced materials that minimize or inhibit biofilm formation.

This Research Topic aims to explore innovative methods to prevent and eradicate microbial biofilms on medical devices, ultimately enhancing patient safety by minimizing infection risks. The objectives include investigating the efficacy of new sterilization technologies, developing biofilm-resistant materials for device manufacturing, and understanding the underlying resistance mechanisms of biofilms. By addressing these areas, the research endeavors to close existing knowledge gaps and propose actionable strategies that can be integrated into current medical practices.

To explore this area further regarding mitigating biofilm formation in medical devices, we welcome Original Research, Reviews, Methods and Perspective articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Novel antimicrobial coatings and materials for medical devices;
• Mechanistic insights into microbial adhesion and biofilm resistance and formation;
• Innovations in sterilization techniques tailored for biofilm control;
• Innovations in biological, physical, or chemical biofilm control methods;
• Comparative assessments of current and emerging biofilm management strategies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Medical Device Biofilms, Biofilm Sterilization, Microbial Adhesion, Biofilm Control, Biofilm-Resistant Materials, Antimicrobial Coatings, Biofilm Management Strategies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.