Biofilms are intricate groups of bacteria that stick to surfaces and are covered in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix.
One important survival strategy is the formation of biofilms, which allows microorganisms to resist harsh environmental conditions
and get past their hosts’ immune systems. Biofilms are linked to serious problems, such as corrosion, biofouling, and the
development of numerous illnesses like chronic infections, despite these advantages for microbes. They also play a primary role in
the emergence of complicated treatment regimens and antibiotic resistance. It is possible to successfully prevent biofilm formation
by concentrating on the genetic processes that result in biofilm growth. Naturally occurring substances and small molecules are
examples of bioactive compounds that have shown promise in reducing the expression of genes linked to biofilms. These
substances work in a variety of ways, such as hindering the transcription and translation of genes essential for the development of
biofilms, upsetting the structural stability of biofilm matrices, or encouraging cell dispersion within existing biofilms. In order to
combat infections caused by biofilms, this chapter examines the variety of bioactive compounds that have been discovered thus far,
their unique mechanisms of action, and potential uses. Furthermore, it explores the difficulties and restrictions related to the
application of bioactive substances as antibiofilm agents. Significant challenges include the possibility of microbial resistance to
these substances, challenges in accomplishing targeted delivery, and variations in compound efficacy among microbial species and
environments. Future research directions are also described in this chapter with the goal of removing these obstacles and
maximizing the application of bioactive compounds in industrial and clinical contexts. An extensive examination of the function of
bioactive compounds as modulators of genes that form biofilms is provided in this chapter by synthesizing the existing knowledge.
This is an invaluable tool for researchers and clinicians to create new approaches and treatments for biofilm-related problems |
