Antimicrobial Stewardship: The careful use of antibiotics to avoid resistance; important in managing biofilm-related infections.

Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix that adheres to wound surfaces. Biofilms impede healing and are resistant to antibiotics and are present in most chronic wounds.

Chronic Wound: A wound that fails to progress through the normal stages of healing in an orderly and timely manner despite standard wound care.

Debridement: Removal of dead or infected tissue to promote healing and reduce biofilm. Examples of debridement types include sharp, mechanical, enzymatic, autolytic, and surgical.

Extracellular Polymeric Matrix (EPM): A protective, glue-like substance secreted by biofilm bacteria that shields them from treatments and the body’s immune responses.

Fluorescent Imaging: Technology using violet light to detect the presence and location of bacteria in real time, which may assist in the identification of biofilm.

Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites with an associated host reaction.

Planktonic Bacteria: Free-floating bacteria not yet embedded in a biofilm. Planktonic bacteria are easier to treat with antibiotics than biofilm-associated bacteria.

Slough: A form of necrotic tissue often containing biofilm. Slough is typically yellow or white, slimy or stringy, and frequently found in chronic wounds.

Wound Bed Preparation: Therapeutic cleansing and optimization of the wound environment to promote healing and prevent biofilm formation.