Recent progress in experimental and human disease-associated multi-species biofilms

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Health
• Biofilm Research

Background:

• The human body hosts trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the human microbiota, crucial for health.
• Next-generation sequencing links microbiota genetics to human diseases, but spatial organization and interactions remain unclear.
• Microbial communities often form surface-attached biofilms, facilitating intercellular communication and ecosystem dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in experimental and disease-associated multi-species biofilm studies.
• To explore the potential of biofilm engineering for modulating human microbiota composition and function.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental biofilm studies.
• Analysis of human disease-associated multi-species biofilm research.

Main Results:

• Summarizes current understanding of multi-species biofilms in various environments.
• Highlights the role of biofilms in microbial interactions and communication.
• Identifies gaps in knowledge regarding microbiota spatial organization.

Conclusions:

• Biofilms are critical structures for microbial communities.
• Engineering biofilm structures and interspecies interactions presents a novel therapeutic strategy.
• Potential to manipulate human microbiota for treating diseases associated with microbial dysbiosis.