Understanding Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: Quorum Sensing, c-di-GMP Signaling, and Emerging Antibiofilm Approaches

TL;DR

This paper reviews how Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms resist treatment and explores new strategies to combat them.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of biofilm defenses and emerging antibiofilm approaches in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Findings

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms use quorum sensing and c-di-GMP signaling to regulate matrix production and dormancy.

Efflux pumps and persister cells contribute to antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

Emerging strategies include QS inhibitors, nanoparticles, and bacteriophages to combat biofilms.

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) forms biofilms that are difficult to eliminate. The matrix protects the cells, efflux pumps reduce intracellular drug levels, and dormant subpopulations survive treatment. Routine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing does not account for these features, which helps explain why infections often continue even when therapy appears appropriate. This review describes how quorum-sensing (QS) and cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) regulate matrix production, efflux activity, and dormancy within P. aeruginosa biofilms. Important matrix components, including Psl, Pel, alginate, and extracellular DNA, slow the movement of antimicrobial agents. Regulatory proteins such as sagS and brlR increase the activity of the MexAB-OprM and MexEF-OprN efflux systems, further reducing intracellular drug concentrations. Oxygen and nutrient limitation promote persister cells and viable but nonculturable cells, with both having the ability to survive antibiotic levels that would normally be lethal. These defenses explain the gap between MIC values and biofilm-specific measurements, such as the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration and the minimum biofilm eradication concentration. This review also summarizes emerging antibiofilm strategies. These include QS inhibitors, compounds that lower c-di-GMP, such as nitric oxide donors, nanoparticles, depolymerases, bacteriophages, and therapies that are directed at host targets. Modern diagnostic tools, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and Raman spectroscopy, improve detection and guide treatment planning. A staged therapeutic approach is presented that begins with the dispersal or loosening of the matrix, continues with targeted antibiotics, and concludes with support for immune clearance. Viewing these strategies within a One Health framework highlights the role of biofilms in clinical disease and in environmental reservoirs and supports more effective surveillance and prevention.

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