The action of phytochemicals in biofilm control

Covering: 2009 to 2021 Antimicrobial resistance is now rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world, threatening the treatment of an ever-increasing range of infectious diseases. This has becoming a serious public health problem, especially due to the emergence of multidrug-resistance among clinically important bacterial species and their ability to form biofilms. In addition, current anti-infective therapies have low efficacy in the treatment of biofilm-related infections, leading to recurrence, chronicity, and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to search for innovative strategies/antibacterial agents capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional antibiotics. Natural compounds, in particular those obtained from plants, have been exhibiting promising properties in this field. Plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) can act as antibiofilm agents through different mechanisms of action from the available antibiotics (inhibition of quorum-sensing, motility, adhesion, and reactive oxygen species production, among others). The combination of different phytochemicals and antibiotics have revealed synergistic or additive effects in biofilm control. This review aims to bring together the most relevant reports on the antibiofilm properties of phytochemicals, as well as insights into their structure and mechanistic action against bacterial pathogens, spanning December 2008 to December 2021.

Automated summary

Covering the period from 2009 to 2021, antimicrobial resistance has reached dangerous levels worldwide, posing a serious threat to the treatment of various infectious diseases. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial species and their ability to form biofilms have exacerbated this public health problem. Current anti-infective therapies have limited effectiveness against biofilm-related infections, leading to recurrence, chronicity, and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the search for innovative strategies/antibacterial agents to overcome the limitations of conventional antibiotics is necessary. Natural compounds, particularly those derived from plants, have shown promising properties in this regard. Plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) can act as antibiofilm agents through different mechanisms of action, such as inhibition of quorum sensing, motility, adhesion, and reactive oxygen species production. Combinations of different phytochemicals and antibiotics have demonstrated synergistic or additive effects in biofilm control. This review aims to compile the most relevant reports on the antibiofilm properties of phytochemicals, as well as provide insights into their structure and mechanisms of action against bacterial pathogens, spanning from December 2008 to December 2021.