NL Journal of Veterinary and Animal Nutrition

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From Surface to Survival – Microbial Biofilms: A Hidden Threat in Therapeutics

Author(s) : Niranchaana S*, Patel S S, Kathiriya J B, Barad D B, Nirali K.

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Abstract

Biofilms represent a highly organized and adaptive mode of microbial existence in which microorganisms form surface-associated communities encased within a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. This structural organization promotes physiological heterogeneity, metabolic cooperation, and coordinated gene regulation, enhancing resilience against environmental stressors, antimicrobial agents, and host immune defenses. In clinical, veterinary, food-processing, and environmental contexts, biofilms play a central role in chronic infections, device-associated infections, biofouling, and contamination of production systems. Biofilm recalcitrance is further strengthened by persister cells, altered growth kinetics, and diffusion barriers created by the EPS matrix. This review synthesizes current knowledge on biofilm composition, architecture, regulatory mechanisms, antimicrobial tolerance, and detection methodologies. Understanding biofilm biology is essential for developing innovative strategies to control biofilm-associated challenges across medical, veterinary, and industrial domains. Keywords: Biofilm architecture, Quorum sensing regulation, Antimicrobial resistance and tolerance, Persister cells, Biofilm detection methodologies.

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