Biofilm is one of the most common yet misunderstood reasons why chronic wounds fail to heal. At ASG Foot & Ankle Clinic in the South Chicago suburbs, we've treated countless patients whose wounds weren't responding to conventional treatments because of hidden biofilm infections. Understanding biofilm is crucial for effective wound care and can make the difference between healing and chronic non-healing wounds.
As board-certified podiatrists with access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, we're uniquely equipped to identify and treat biofilm-related wound complications. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what biofilm is, why it prevents healing, and how we treat it.
Biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and embed themselves in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Think of it as a living, breathing "city" of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that work together to protect themselves.
Biofilm develops when bacteria colonize a wound surface. The moist, nutrient-rich environment of a chronic wound is perfect for biofilm formation. Once established, the biofilm creates a protective barrier that prevents healing.
The EPS matrix acts as a physical barrier that prevents:
Biofilm bacteria undergo genetic changes that make them extremely resistant:
Biofilm triggers persistent inflammation that prevents healing:
PCR testing to identify specific bacterial species and genetic markers associated with biofilm formation.
Advanced wound cultures that can detect biofilm-associated bacteria and quantify microbial load.
Analysis of wound fluid for specific biomarkers that indicate biofilm presence and activity.
State-of-the-art biofilm detection and molecular testing capabilities.
Access to the latest antibiofilm therapies and combination treatment protocols.
Nearly 30 years of experience treating complex, biofilm-infected chronic wounds.
Homewood, IL - Diabetic Foot Ulcer
"My wound had been open for 14 months and nothing helped. ASG identified biofilm as the problem and used special treatments to break it down. The wound finally healed completely in 6 weeks."
South Chicago Heights, IL - Pressure Ulcer
"I was told my pressure sore would never heal due to biofilm. The team at ASG proved them wrong with their advanced treatments. It's been healed for over a year now."
If your wound isn't healing despite conventional treatment, biofilm could be the hidden cause. Our advanced diagnostic capabilities and specialized treatments can identify and eliminate biofilm to finally get your wound healing.