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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Pathogenic Biofilms: Physiology, Molecular Mechanisms and Counter Strategies
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Pathogenic Biofilms: Physiology, Molecular Mechanisms and Counter Strategies

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Biofilm".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 5235

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Domenico Franco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: phage-display technology; drug delivery and drug targeting; nano and micro-structured systems for biosensor application; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura Maria De Plano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: phage-display technology; drug delivery and drug targeting; nano and micro-structured systems for biosensor application; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biofilms (BFs) make up a structured microbial community of sessile cells embedded in a extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, offering a survival strategy against adverse environmental factors or immune responses. Pathogenic bacteria in BFs benefit in terms of multidrug-resistance (MDR) growth, virulence, persistence, and acquisition. Consequently, BF-associated infections are involved in serious illness and death for the host. Some researches focused on the early stages of BF formation, such as molecular mechanisms of quorum sensing and early interactions between bacteria and surfaces. Other researches have aimed to degrade the EPS matrix or use bacterial viruses (phages) to destroy mature BFs. Each of these strategies aims to expand knowledge on the physiological and molecular mechanisms that lead to the formation and maturation of BFs.

As Guest Editor of the Special Issue, we invite you to submit research articles, review articles, and short communications related to the physiology, molecular mechanisms, and counter strategies of pathogenic biofilms.

Dr. Domenico Franco
Dr. Laura Maria De Plano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pathogenic biofilm
  • planktonic and sessile cells
  • antiadhesive and antifouling strategies
  • quorum sensing
  • quorum quenching
  • extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs)
  • phage therapy

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 4468 KB  
Article
Serrapeptase Eliminates Escherichia coli Biofilms by Targeting Curli Fibers, Lipopolysaccharides, and Phosphate Metabolism
by Georgios Katsipis, Michalis Aivaliotis and Anastasia A. Pantazaki
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081875 - 11 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Escherichia coli biofilms are implicated in the development of persistent infections and increased antibiotic resistance, posing a significant challenge in clinical settings. These biofilms enhance bacterial survival by forming protective extracellular matrices, rendering conventional treatments less effective. Serrapeptase (SPT), a proteolytic enzyme, has [...] Read more.
Escherichia coli biofilms are implicated in the development of persistent infections and increased antibiotic resistance, posing a significant challenge in clinical settings. These biofilms enhance bacterial survival by forming protective extracellular matrices, rendering conventional treatments less effective. Serrapeptase (SPT), a proteolytic enzyme, has emerged as a potential anti-biofilm agent due to its ability to degrade biofilm components and disrupt bacterial adhesion. In this study, we report the inhibitory effect of SPT against E. coli biofilm and its effect on key virulence factors. In vitro assays, including crystal violet staining, optical and fluorescence microscopy, and viability measurements, revealed the dose-dependent inhibition of biofilm formation (IC50 = 14.2 ng/mL), reduced biofilm (−92%, 500 ng/mL) and planktonic viability (−45%, 500 ng/mL), and a marked loss of amyloid curli fibers. SPT treatment also lowered the levels of key virulence factors: cellular and secreted lipopolysaccharides (−76%, 8 ng/mL; −94%, 32 ng/mL), flagellin (−63%, 8 ng/mL), and peptidoglycan (−29%, 125 ng/mL). Mechanistically, SPT induced a phosphate-dysregulating response: secreted alkaline phosphatase activity rose (+70%, 125 ng/mL) while cellular DING/PstS proteins declined (−84%, 64 ng/mL), correlating strongly with biofilm inhibition. In silico docking further suggests direct interactions between SPT and the curli subunits CsgA and CsgB, potentially blocking fiber polymerization. Together, these findings position SPT as a powerful non-antibiotic biofilm disruptor against E. coli, offering a promising strategy to undermine bacterial persistence and resistance by targeting both structural matrix components and metabolic regulatory pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenic Biofilms: Physiology, Molecular Mechanisms and Counter Strategies)
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12 pages, 1398 KB  
Article
Wound Gel Formulations Containing Poloxamer 407 and Polyhexanide Have In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity Against Wound-Associated Microbial Pathogens
by Jeyachchandran Visvalingam, Nandadeva Yakandawala, Suresh Regmi, Adetola Adeniji, Parveen Sharma and Miloslav Sailer
Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112362 - 19 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1890
Abstract
Chronic wounds are often caused or exacerbated by microbial biofilms that are highly resistant to antimicrobial treatments and that prevent healing. This study compared the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of nine topical wound treatments, comprising gels with different concentrations of poloxamer 407 (20–26%) [...] Read more.
Chronic wounds are often caused or exacerbated by microbial biofilms that are highly resistant to antimicrobial treatments and that prevent healing. This study compared the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of nine topical wound treatments, comprising gels with different concentrations of poloxamer 407 (20–26%) and different pH levels (4–6) and containing polyhexanide (PHMB) as an antimicrobial agent; the effects of pH on wound gels containing this agent have not been previously reported. The wound gel formulations were tested against six common wound-associated microbial pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida albicans. Time-kill assays were used to assess antimicrobial activity against planktonic forms of each species, and a colony biofilm model was used to assess antibiofilm activity against existing biofilms as well as inhibition of new biofilm formation. Biofilm inhibition activity was also assessed in the presence of common wound dressing materials. Wound gels with higher pH levels exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity, while poloxamer 407 concentrations >20% negatively impacted antimicrobial activity. Wound gel formulations were identified that had antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and biofilm inhibition activity against all tested species in vitro. Biofilm inhibition activity was not affected by contact with common wound dressings. Further development of these wound gels may provide a valuable new option for the treatment and prevention of chronic wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenic Biofilms: Physiology, Molecular Mechanisms and Counter Strategies)
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Review

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29 pages, 830 KB  
Review
Persistent Threats: A Comprehensive Review of Biofilm Formation, Control, and Economic Implications in Food Processing Environments
by Alexandra Ban-Cucerzan, Kálmán Imre, Adriana Morar, Adela Marcu, Ionela Hotea, Sebastian-Alexandru Popa, Răzvan-Tudor Pătrînjan, Iulia-Maria Bucur, Cristina Gașpar, Ana-Maria Plotuna and Sergiu-Constantin Ban
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081805 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1623
Abstract
Biofilms are structured microbial communities that pose significant challenges to food safety and quality within the food-processing industry. Their formation on equipment and surfaces enables persistent contamination, microbial resistance, and recurring outbreaks of foodborne illness. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current [...] Read more.
Biofilms are structured microbial communities that pose significant challenges to food safety and quality within the food-processing industry. Their formation on equipment and surfaces enables persistent contamination, microbial resistance, and recurring outbreaks of foodborne illness. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on biofilm formation mechanisms, genetic regulation, and the unique behavior of multi-species biofilms. The review evaluates modern detection and monitoring technologies, including PCR, biosensors, and advanced microscopy, and compares their effectiveness in industrial contexts. Real-world outbreak data and a global economic impact analysis underscore the urgency for more effective regulatory frameworks and sanitation innovations. The findings highlight the critical need for integrated, proactive biofilm management approaches to safeguard food safety, reduce public health risks, and minimize economic losses across global food sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenic Biofilms: Physiology, Molecular Mechanisms and Counter Strategies)
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