Introduction to Biofilms and Combined Antimicrobial Strategies

Apuntes

Synergistic Effects of Plant Extracts, Antimicrobial Agents, and Non-Thermal Plasma on Bacterial and Yeast Biofilms Abstract Microbial biofilms represent a major clinical problem, particularly in infections of the skin and mucosal surfaces. Bacteria and yeasts growing within biofilms exhibit increased tolerance to conventional antibiotics and antifungal agents, which limits the effectiveness of standard therapeutic approaches and contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this doctoral thesis is to develop and experimentally validate combined strategies for the eradication of bacterial and yeast biofilms based on the synergistic action of biological agents and physicochemical approaches, with an emphasis on topical application. These strategies will include the use of plant extracts from grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and hemp (Cannabis sativa), selected antimicrobial compounds, and non-thermal plasma. The study will investigate the effects of individual components alone and in combination against biofilms formed by clinically relevant bacterial and yeast pathogens. The research will include evaluation of synergistic interactions, analysis of biofilm structu...