Gut biofilm

Gut biofilms are structured, multi-species microbial communities encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA, which adhere to the intestinal mucosal surface [1][2]. In a healthy state, these biofilms can provide a protective barrier and facilitate nutrient exchange; however, pathological biofilms are strongly implicated in the development and progression of chronic inflammatory conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) [3][4]. These structures protect pathogenic bacteria from host immune responses and increase their resistance to antimicrobial agents by up to 1000-fold compared to planktonic cells [5]. Therapeutic targeting of gut biofilms involves the use of matrix-degrading enzymes, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and specialized delivery systems designed to penetrate the EPS and restore a healthy microbial balance [6]. Understanding the spatial organization and composition of these biofilms is critical for developing precision therapies that can selectively disrupt harmful microbial aggregates without inducing widespread dysbiosis [7].

Other names

Intestinal biofilmEnteric biofilmMucosal biofilmGastrointestinal biofilm

Therapeutic strategies involve the enzymatic degradation of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix (e.g., using DNases or glycoside hydrolases), inhibition of quorum sensing pathways to prevent biofilm formation, and the use of chelating agents to disrupt matrix stability, thereby increasing the susceptibility of embedded pathogens to antibiotics and host immunity [5][6].