Biofilms are microbial communities where cells are attached to each other and to surfaces and embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. They can be found on various surfaces in the environment, but they become problematic when they colonize the human body, causing 60-80% of all infections. The formation of biofilms provides several advantages to bacteria compared to planktonic. Biofilms help bacteria evade the immune system and spread drug resistance and virulence factors, making them key contributors to chronic infections. It’s crucial to understand that biofilm production is not a universal trait among bacteria, and the capacity to form biofilms can differ significantly from one bacterial species to another.

Of particular interest are the ESKAPEE group of bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli), which are common pathogens of medical importance, along with less common genera such as Burkholderia, Vibrio, Mycobacterium, and Helicobacter. These species are known to produce biofilms and they are the main focus of this Research Topic. The complexity of biofilm development and drug tolerance presents significant challenges for conventional antimicrobials, necessitating therapies that target multiple factors or use a combination of drugs on ESKAPEE group of bacteria.

Within this scientific framework, this Research Topic is dedicated to articles describing the basic biology of the development of biofilms, applied and/or translational aspects of biofilms, as well as innovative methods on bacterial biofilms, particularly in relation to ESKAPEE bacteria. We welcome research articles on any novel compounds or methods combating biofilms in different stages of development (e.g., adhesion, motility, production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and quorum sensing phenomena), inducing biofilm inactivation and removal by means of weakening, dispersion or disruption. Review articles are also welcome but will only be of interest if they focus on current therapeutic strategies and drug tolerance mechanisms, the understanding of biofilm development with critical discussion (in vivo models), recently developed novel technologies.

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Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

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