The Influence of Electricity on The Biofilm of Bacteria: A Literature Review
Open Access
Journal Type:Review Article
Subject:Medicine, Health & Food
Subject Field:Biomedical Materials Research
Volume:140, Issue: 1, January, 2024
Publish Date:January 3, 2024 7:00 pm
Pages:384-388
Download:505
Views:477
Abstract
This literature review explores the role of low voltage electricity on the biofilm of the bacterium, focusing on the impact of electricity on bacterial cells and biofilms. The review begins with an overview of biofilm formation, emphasizing its significance in bacterial infectious diseases and the advantages it provides to bacteria. The historical trajectory of biofilm research and its influence on chronic infectious diseases, including its association with cancer growth, is discussed. The subsequent section delves into the effects of electricity on bacteria and biofilms. Electric current is examined as a physical agent with inhibitory and bactericidal effects, providing an alternative approach to combat bacteria with increased resistance due to biofilm formation. The mechanisms of electricity-induced bacterial death, including thermal and electrolysis effects, alterations in transmembrane potential, and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are elucidated. Furthermore, factors influencing the bactericidal efficacy of electricity are outlined, emphasizing the intensity and duration of electric current exposure as critical determinants. The review concludes with a specific focus on Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, presenting findings from previous research that demonstrate the bactericidal effect of a 10 mA electric current, resulting in bacterial death after a 30-minute exposure period. This comprehensive review contributes to our understanding of the potential applications of low voltage electricity in eradicating bacteria within biofilms and highlights avenues for future research in this field.