Biofilm Dispersion and the Matrix

Biofilms are structured microbial cell communities encased in an extracellular matrix. Matrix degradation is considered a requisite for bacteria to be liberated from biofilms. Liberation of cells from the biofilm structure occurs via dispersion, detachment, and matrix degradation. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to the biofilm matrix and the factors involved in the matrix degradation process. We then explore molecular regulation of the dispersion process, primarily using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a case study, and discuss the therapeutic potential of manipulating dispersion for biofilm control.