Inter and Intraspecies Interactions in Polymicrobial Biofilms

Polymicrobial biofilms are complex communities where multiple microbial species interact, influencing biofilm development, pathogenicity, and resilience. These interactions occur within as well as between species, mediated by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that provide structural integrity and facilitate communication.
Intraspecies Interactions: Within a single species, bacteria use quorum sensing to coordinate activities, regulate gene expression, and enhance biofilm formation and stress resistance.
Interspecies Interactions: These can be cooperative or competitive. Cooperative interactions include metabolic cooperation, where one species' by-products support another, and the production of extracellular enzymes that promote colonization and biofilm stability. Competitive interactions involve resource competition and antimicrobial production, which shape biofilm composition and pathogenicity.

Polymicrobial biofilms are significant challenges to healthcare and industrial settings due to their resilience, antibiotic resistance, and role in chronic infections. The complexity of intra- and interspecies interactions within these biofilms remains poorly understood, particularly the molecular signals that regulate microbial communication, cooperation, and competition. Additionally, the mechanisms through which specific pathogens enhance their virulence in the presence of opportunistic microbes require further investigation. The lack of effective strategies to disrupt these interactions hampers the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. This research topic will focus on:

1. Identifying Molecular Cues: Characterizing quorum sensing molecules, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and other signaling compounds that mediate microbial interactions.
2. Deciphering Pathogenic Synergies: Investigating how specific pathogens exploit polymicrobial biofilm communities to enhance virulence and resist immune responses.
3. Host-Microbe Interactions: Exploring how polymicrobial biofilms interact with the host immune system and contribute to chronic infections.
4. Developing Disruption Strategies: Evaluating novel approaches to target microbial signaling pathways, enzymatic biofilm degradation, and antimicrobial interventions to prevent or dismantle biofilms.
By integrating molecular microbiology, bioinformatics, and clinical research, this research topic will provide crucial insights into biofilm regulation and innovative strategies to treat biofilm-associated infections.


This research topic explores intricate intra- and interspecies interactions in polymicrobial biofilms, with a particular focus on microbial molecular cues that govern these interactions. Authors are encouraged to contribute original research, reviews, and perspectives on the following themes:

Quorum Sensing and Intraspecies Communication: Mechanisms by which single-species populations coordinate gene expression, biofilm formation, and resistance to environmental stresses. Interspecies Interactions in Biofilms: Cooperative (mutualistic) and competitive (antagonistic) interactions that shape biofilm architecture, microbial diversity, and pathogenic potential.

Molecular Signaling and Biofilm Pathogenicity: Identification and characterization of signaling molecules, extracellular enzymes, and antimicrobial compounds influencing biofilm resilience and virulence.

Host-Microbial Community Dynamics: The interplay between polymicrobial biofilms and host immune responses, including implications for chronic infections.

Therapeutic Strategies and Disruption Mechanisms: Novel approaches to target microbial communication, biofilm formation, and interspecies interactions to mitigate biofilm-associated infections.