From Tolerance to Resistance: Next-Generation Strategies to Reprogram and Intercept Biofilm Persistence and Antimicrobial Resistance Evolution

Biofilm-associated bacterial infections create unique challenges in healthcare due to their heightened antimicrobial tolerance, which differs fundamentally from classical resistance and contributes to persistent, hard-to-treat infections. Over time, this tolerance can drive the evolution of true resistance mechanisms. Although molecular insights and drug discovery are advancing, clinical implementation remains limited. Recent research explores the underlying mechanisms of biofilm tolerance, its contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the potential of new technologies and strategies—including bioengineering—to disrupt biofilm structures and prevent resistance.

This Research Topic seeks to bridge mechanistic discoveries with real-world solutions for persistent biofilm infections in human, animal, and plant hosts. We encourage submissions that focus on innovative approaches and technologies—such as phage therapy, novel antimicrobial peptides, nanoparticles, and bioengineered interventions—to target biofilm persistence and resistance.

We welcome submissions related, but not limited to, the following main areas:

-Elucidate the molecular and ecological bases of biofilm tolerance and their role as precursors to canonical antimicrobial resistance

-Develop or evaluate biofilm-dispersing agents, quorum sensing inhibitors, phage therapy, and bioengineered strategies specifically aimed at dismantling biofilm structure, disrupting tolerance phenotypes, and preventing resistance evolution.

-Leverage synthetic biology and nanotechnology platforms for programmable, environment-responsive, or precision delivery of antibiofilm agents.

This Research Topic aims to spotlight next-generation approaches capable of reprogramming microbial communities, intercepting AMR development, and shaping future interventions for persistent, biofilm-associated infections.

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
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... 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
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Bacterial biofilms, Quorum sensing inhibition, Phage therapy, Synthetic biology, Biofilm-dispersing agents, Host-pathogen interactions, Novel diagnostics, Molecular mechanisms, Translational microbiology

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.