Bacterial Biofilms in the Health and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Biofilms are a group of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae that adheres to self-produced slimy protective extracellular matrix. This matrix is called an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which is composed of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids that help the microbes to stick to each other and surfaces. The biofilm cells acquire physiological characteristics that differ from that of planktonic cells, particularly with respect to the production of EPS, growth rate, expressed genes and increased horizontal gene transfer.

Biofilms play an important role in human health by providing a protective barrier against pathogens, shielding beneficial bacteria and facilitating the exchange of genetic material that helps communities adapt. Beneficial biofilms in human health are primarily found in the gut and on teeth, where they maintain a healthy balance by outcompeting harmful bacteria. The gut microbiome biofilms aid in digestion by breaking down complex carbohydrates, synthesizing vitamins and other essential compounds and helping train and modulate the host immune system. The healthy dental biofilm can prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the tooth enamel, preventing gum disease and cavity formation.

Biofilms are mostly associated with diseases that include dental plaque leading to tooth decay and gum disease, infections in people with cystic fibrosis and infections mediated by medical devices such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ventilator-associated pneumonia, endocarditis, etc. Today, biofilm infections are very difficult to treat as the biofilm cells are multidrug or extensively drug resistant, representing a serious public health concern.

The aim of this Special Issue ‘Bacterial Biofilms in the Health and Disease’ is to collect updated reviews as well as original articles on topics including the mechanisms of formation of biofilms in health and disease, the impact of biofilms in health, antibiotic resistance within biofilms and innovative anti-biofilm therapies or preventive strategies for controlling biofilm-related infections.

Dr. Bindu Subhadra
Guest Editor

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• biofilm-related human infections
• antimicrobial resistance
• microbial pathogens
• medical devices
• anti-biofilm compounds
• antimicrobial surfaces
• anti-biofilm therapies