Approaches to enhance the antimicrobial activity of carbapenems within bacterial biofilms

Abstract

Carbapenems are crucial antibiotics in the battle against bacterial infections, targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with exceptional potency. These antibiotics are part of a group of vital ‘last resort’ antibiotics, reserved for severe infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. However, their misuse poses a significant threat and the overuse of carbapenems accelerates the development of antibiotic resistance, thereby jeopardizing the efficacy of these lifesaving drugs. Another contributing factor complicating this issue is the emergence of biofilms. These complex microbial communities are encased in a polymeric matrix and contribute to the onset of serious infections which are challenging to treat. This review explores the biofilm potency of different clinically approved carbapenems, delving into the latest strategies and delivery systems employed to augment their anti-biofilm activity. The goal is to provide valuable insights into the development of more potent carbapenems specifically tailored for combating biofilms.