Investigation of interactions between antimicrobial agents and bacterial biofilms using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Biomaterial-centred infections are often difficult to treat. An impaired immune response, acute inflamatory reactions and the presence of recalcitrant attached microorganisms are all contributing factors. A brief review of the role of attached bacteria in biomaterial-centred infections is presented. Two major hypotheses which may explain the recalcitrance of biofilms to antimicrobial agents are discussed. The analytical capabilities of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FTIR) spectroscopy for providing information on both transport of an antimicrobial agent to bacteria embedded in the biofilm and interactions between an antimicrobial agent and biofilm components are described.