Antibiofilm and Probiofilm Effects of Nanomaterials on Microorganisms

Abstract

The review summarizes and analyzes information regarding the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) of metals, metal oxides and carbon on the biofilm formation and mature biofilms of microorganisms. The viability of individual microbial cells, including direct disruption of cell surface structures and oxidative stress associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the effect on the production of the exopolymer matrix and the quorum sensing system are considered as the mechanisms of NPs action on biofilms. The effects of silver NPs, gold NPs, some metal oxides, and carbon nanomaterials on microbial biofilms have been described in more detail. The effects of metal and carbon NPs on microbial biofilms are compared. Both antibiofilm and probiofilm effects of NPs are noted, depending on their nature, and the prospect of their use as antimicrobial agents and carriers for the production of microbial biofilms of biotechnological significance are considered.