Role of bacterial biofilms in delayed healing of diabetic wounds

Patients with diabetic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, have chronic wounds that take long to heal and have high chances of infection. One of the reasons behind such a delay is the growth of bacterial biofilms, a structured community of microorganisms that is surrounded by a protective extracellular matrix. These biofilms increase the bacterial survival, development of resistance to antibiotics and also increase the ability to dodge the host immune system. Poor circulation, hyperglycemia, and the lack of immune function in diabetic people provide an optimal condition in which biofilms develop. Biofilms interfere with the standard mechanism of wound healing by extending the duration of the inflammation process, interfering with certain cell events, including fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, and lowering the tissue regenerative process. Consequently, traumas will be chronic and hard to heal. Traditional treatments usually do not eliminate biofilms in monoliths and, as a result, result in the reoccurring of infections. The role played by biofilms is important in understanding how to come up with the strategies to enhance the healing of diabetic wounds.