Figure 1.

Stages of biofilm formation and strategies to prevent infection. Bacteria adhere to biomaterial surfaces via non-specific adhesion and proliferate to form biofilms. Modifying surface properties of the biomaterial such as biocidal patterning and polymer conjugation have been shown to be effective in preventing biomaterial associated infections in animal models. Biomaterials can also act as drug depots which can release bactericidal small molecules locally circumventing systemic delivery barriers.