Probiotics, Postbiotics and Synbiotics against Pathogenic Biofilms: Demand and Trends - Volume II

Given the success of the Research Topic ‘Probiotics, Postbiotics and Synbiotics against Pathogenic Biofilms: Demand and Trends’ Volume I and the rapidly evolving subject area, we are pleased to announce the launch of Volume II.

Biofilms are multicellular populations of microbial species that are encased in self-produced exopolymeric substances that can adhere to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Microbes in biofilms exhibit distinct phenotypes and gene expression patterns compared to their planktonic culture of the same species. Harmful microorganisms that form biofilms pose a severe threat to public health due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Pathogenic biofilm formation can cause both health problems and economic losses in the healthcare sector. One emerging approach to preventing and treating biofilm infections is using probiotics or their byproducts, which are both affordable and readily available. Probiotics have a lot of potential to improve human health and well-being of mankind. Studies show that probiotics can be a powerful weapon against harmful multidrug resistant (MDR) medical biofilms. Even more, their byproducts (postbiotics) and metabolites are also very effective at tackling these MDR biofilms.

This Research Topic aims to explore the use of probiotics and their byproducts in fighting pathogenic biofilms, with a special focus on ESKAPEE pathogens, though the scope extends beyond these. The goal is to highlight innovative approaches and findings in the battle against biofilm-related infections using probiotics and their metabolites.

To gather further insights, we invite submissions of Original Research and Review articles focused on using probiotics, postbiotics and synbiotics (probiotic-prebiotic complexes) to combat biofilm-forming multidrug-resistant (MDR) medical pathogens. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Mechanisms underlying probiotics' and synbiotics' antibiofilm activities
• Characterization and elucidation of bioactive probiotic-derived molecules effective against biofilms
• In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo efficacy studies of probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics against biofilms formed by MDR and ESKAPEE pathogens
• Clinical significance and therapeutic potential of probiotics and their derivatives in preventing biofilm-associated infections
• Innovative delivery systems and formulations for probiotic, postbiotic, and synbiotic agents to enhance antibiofilm effectiveness
• Comparative efficacy studies among probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics regarding biofilm prevention and eradication outcomes

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Probiotics, biofilms, postbiotics, synbiotics, ESKAPEE pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.