Multispecies biofilms by bacterial pathogens and bioreactors for biofilm evaluation

Authors: PRABHUKHOT, GRISHMA - University Of Maryland; EGGLETON, CHARLES - University Of Maryland; Patel, Jitu

Submitted to: Foods
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/29/2023
Publication Date: 12/15/2023
Citation: Prabhukhot, G., Eggleton, C., Patel, J.R. 2023. Multispecies biofilms by bacterial pathogens and bioreactors for biofilm evaluation. Foods. 12(24): e4495. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244495.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244495

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pathogenic biofilm formation within food processing industries raises a serious public health safety concern and burdens economy. Biofilm formation on equipment surfaces is quite complex phenomenon where multiple steps are involved in bacterial biofilm formation. In this review we discuss stages of biofilm formation, existing literature on the impact of surface properties and shear stress on biofilms, types of bioreactors, sanitary design of food-contact equipment, and antimicrobial coatings. The review underscores the significance of prioritizing the formulation of developing biofilm prevention strategies as a first line of defense followed by control measures. Utilizing specific biofilm eradication strategies as opposed to a uniform approach is crucial because biofilms exhibit different behavioral outcomes even amongst the same species when the environmental conditions change. This review is geared towards biofilm researchers to draw an insight into the scope of biofilm formation, prevention, and control. The use of suitable bioreactors is paramount to understand the mechanisms of biofilm formation. The findings provide useful information to researchers in bioreactor selection for biofilm investigation, and food processors in selecting equipment with surfaces which provide minimal bacterial attachment.