Pathogen biofilm

Pathogen biofilms are complex, multicellular communities of microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that adhere to surfaces and are encased within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA [1, 3]. This structural arrangement provides a significant survival advantage by shielding the pathogens from the host immune system and increasing their tolerance to conventional antibiotics by up to 1,000-fold compared to their planktonic counterparts [6, 11]. Biofilms are central to the pathogenesis of chronic and recurrent infections, including those associated with cystic fibrosis, chronic wounds, endocarditis, and medical implants like catheters and prosthetic joints [3, 12]. Therapeutic strategies targeting biofilms focus on disrupting the EPS matrix, inhibiting cell-to-cell communication known as quorum sensing, or inducing the dispersal of sessile cells into their more vulnerable planktonic state [5, 13]. Effective management often requires combination therapies that pair biofilm-disrupting agents with traditional antimicrobials to ensure the eradication of released pathogens and prevent systemic dissemination [1, 13].

Other names

Microbial biofilmBacterial biofilmFungal biofilmExtracellular polymeric substance matrixEPS matrixSessile microbial community

Biofilm disruption, inhibition of quorum sensing, degradation of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), inhibition of adhesion, and induction of dispersal to enhance antimicrobial susceptibility.