Fighting with old foes: The pledge of microbe-derived biological agents to defeat mono- and mixed-bacterial biofilms concerning food industries

Background: food can readily be tainted by pathogenic microorganisms, turning it into a stigmatized poison with potential harm to the consumer. To date, 31 identified and countless unidentified pathogens have been reported as accountable for foodborne illness globally. Approximately 66% of illnesses originate solely from pathogenic bacteria, and the association of these microorganisms in mono- and mixed-biofilms may increase bacterial intoxication and infection-linked problems in humans. Scope and approach: Bacterial species live in close proximity to each other, share matrix components, and build three-dimensional rigid biofilm structures in nature. Due to their strong phenotypic heterogeneity and natural resistance to common sanitizers and disinfectants, mono- and mixed-bacterial biofilms can remain in food and on the surfaces of food processing appliances after sanitizing treatment. Green synthesis of eco-friendly anti-biofilm agents has become the necessary response to the occurrence of mono- and mixed-bacterial biofilms, in order to avoid the negative effects of conventional chemical and physical approaches on human health and the environment. Key findings and conclusions: Advanced research has already proved the potential and efficacy of several microbe-derived anti-biofilm agents. This current review investigates the concerns associated with both mono- and mixed-bacterial biofilms and their control by biological anti-biofilm agents in different food industries. Moreover, this review highlights the recent achievements, existing limitations, and possible technical suggestions for further development of broad-spectrum microbe-derived anti-biofilm agents for the food industry.