Multispecies biofilms in fermentation: Biofilm formation, microbial interactions, and communication

Abstract

Food fermentation is driven by microorganisms, which usually coexist as multispecies biofilms. The activities and interactions of functional microorganisms and pathogenic bacteria in biofilms have important implications for the quality and safety of fermented foods. It was verified that the biofilm lifestyle benefited the fitness of microorganisms in harsh environments and intensified the cooperation and competition between biofilm members. This review focuses on multispecies biofilm formation, microbial interactions and communication in biofilms, and the application of multispecies biofilms in food fermentation. Microbial aggregation and adhesion are important steps in the early stage of multispecies biofilm formation. Different biofilm-forming abilities and strategies among microorganisms lead to several types of multispecies biofilm formation. The spatial distribution of multispecies biofilms reflects microbial interactions and biofilm function. Then, we discuss the intrinsic factors and external manifestations of multispecies biofilm system succession. Several typical interspecies cooperation and competition modes and mechanisms of microbial communication were reviewed in this review. The main limitations of the studies included in this review are the relatively small number of studies of biofilms formed by functional microorganisms during fermentation and the lack of direct evidence for the formation process of multispecies biofilms and microbial interactions and communication within biofilms. This review aims to provide the food industry with a sufficient understanding of multispecies biofilms in food fermentation.

Substitution of maize with sorghum and millets in traditional processing of Mahewu, a non‐alcoholic fermented cereal beverage

“…The role of microbial biofilms in food fermentation is well documented by Yao et al . (2022) and includes optimising fermentation, controlling spoilage and contributing to the quality of the final product.…”

Advances in reparative materials for infectious bone defects and their applications in maxillofacial regions

“…They then cluster, deteriorate flagella, and secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) to adhere to the surface irreversibly, causing serious infections. 104 Therefore, exploring effective antibacterial strategies that interfere with bacteria interacting with material's surface or directly kill bacteria on the surface of the material are essential. Prevailing mechanisms of surface antibacterial techniques include the reduction of bacterial adhesion (Fig.…”

“…Such strategies can be achieved by modifying the morphology, roughness, hardness, and chemical composition of the surface, which can hinder the communication between bacteria or bacterial colonization on the surface, ultimately delaying biofilm formation. 104,105 In terms of osteogenesis, bone growth can be categorized into three principles -bone lengthening, bone thickening, and bone remodeling. The success of these bone growth stages at the surface of implanted materials largely depends on the functions of differentiated bone cells.…”

“…Such strategies can be achieved by modifying the morphology, roughness, hardness, and chemical composition of the surface, which can hinder the communication between bacteria or bacterial colonization on the surface, ultimately delaying biofilm formation. 104,105…”

Understanding bacterial biofilms: From definition to treatment strategies

“…The early stage of multispecies biofilm formation is the adhesion and aggregation of microbial cells. Different biofilm-forming abilities and strategies of various bacteria and microorganisms lead to the formation of multiple types of biofilm ( Yao et al., 2022 ). Multispecies biofilms are associated with developing various diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, diabetic foot ulcers, chronic wounds, and otitis media ( Chan et al., 2017 ; Loera-Muro et al., 2021 ).…”