Unlocking the potential of fungal extracts as inhibitors of biofilm formation and improving human health

The emerging threat of antibiotic resistance and the formation of resilient biofilms pose a challenge to contemporary healthcare systems. This review dives into the interplay between antibiotic resistance mechanisms and biofilm production. Many pathogenic bacteria have an inherent ability of adhering tightly to a surface forming a complex matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) surrounding their cells. This is called a biofilm which allows pathogenic bacteria to survive in unsuitable environment. The adaptive nature of biofilms provides a protective shield against conventional antimicrobial agents, promoting chronic infections and complicating medical interventions. This phenomenon further adds to the ever-increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. Thus, there is an immediate necessity in developing novel strategies to deal with bacterial biofilms. In terms of human health, biofilms can be formed on mucosal surfaces and on surfaces of medical equipment. They are also a major reason for causing ‘biofouling’. Different approaches have been undertaken to counteract the menace of biofilms encompassing physical, chemical as well as biological methods. However, recent studies have shown that natural bioactive compounds found in fungal extracts, which has already been gaining attention due to their various properties like immunomodulatory activity, anti-tumor activity, antimicrobial activity etc., have the ability to prevent the formation as well as viability of biofilms through numerous mechanisms. This article thus explores the nuances of biofilm formation and its effects, and further delves deep into the convincing potential of the different components in fungal extracts against bacterial biofilms.