Dear Colleagues,

Biofilms have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of probably most human chronic diseases.

The biofilm form is a very effective refuge for harboring cells since it provides high resistance to environmental stressors, including the immune system and therapeutic interventions. One of the defensive strategies is a protective layer consisting of a mixture of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) secreted by the cells established within the biofilm. Furthermore, inside the biofilm, the bacteria create unique social interactions and launch various defensive strategies to protect the community.

Biofilm strategies for antimicrobial agents are very different from planktonic cells and include an EPS barrier for antibiotics, production of an altered chemical environment, as well as a very specific subpopulation of cells called persisters. Therefore, clinical intervention against pathogenic biofilms cannot be based solely on our knowledge derived from the resistance mechanisms of planktonic cells.

Furthermore, recent findings from classical in vitro studies on biofilm development and antibiotic sensitivity failed to capture the true biofilm physiology in clinical and environmental settings. There is an urgent need to find novel model systems to better understand pathogenic biofilms and find novel therapeutic strategies to inhibit and eliminate this resistant form.

Additionally, recent reports suggest that the interaction of the immune system with pathogenic biofilms is very different from planktonic cells and, unfortunately, not well studied. Therefore, we need to rethink how we research host immune system responses in biofilm-related chronic diseases.

In summary, a clear understanding of the exact mechanism of biofilm development and its resistance strategies against the immune system and antibiotics, as they function in model systems that mimic clinical conditions, could help us develop therapeutic targets for chronic conditions caused by pathogenic biofilms.

This Special Issue seeks manuscript submissions for novel model systems to study biofilm physiology, host immune response, and new therapeutic approaches for pathogenic biofilms such as original research papers, short communications, reviews, case reports, and perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Eva Sapi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• pathogenic biofilm physiology
• host immune response
• new model system
• therapeutic approaches for biofilms