Biofilm Chronicles: Unravelling Quorum Secrets for Disease Management

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), serving as critical survival and virulence mechanisms for numerous phytopathogens. The development of biofilms is governed by signalling systems, notably quorum sensing (QS) and cyclic-di-GMP pathways, which orchestrate microbial communication and collective behaviour. Biofilms offer ecological benefits by improving microbial survival, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance and are widely used in biotechnology and environmental applications. Biofilms facilitate plant tissue colonisation, enable persistence under harsh conditions, and confer resistance to antimicrobial treatments, worsening plant disease outcomes. The complexity of biofilm formation presents difficulties for disease control, motivating research into new solutions that interrupt cellular communication, block EPS production, or utilize specially formulated antibiofilm compounds. Control measures address biofilms either by preventing their initial development, dismantling established communities, or enhancing the defensive response of the plant itself. This review outlines the composition and formation of bacterial biofilms, analyzing their protective benefits for helpful microbes and their contributions to the virulence of plant pathogens. It also explores the role of quorum sensing in the development of biofilms, its influence on plant disease mechanisms, and reviews current progress in management techniques. With a focus on disrupting biofilm integrity and improving disease resistance, this article highlights approaches for sustainable phytopathogen management and advances in crop protection.