Content area
Biofilms are structured microbial communities that pose significant challenges to food safety and quality within the food-processing industry. Their formation on equipment and surfaces enables persistent contamination, microbial resistance, and recurring outbreaks of foodborne illness. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on biofilm formation mechanisms, genetic regulation, and the unique behavior of multi-species biofilms. The review evaluates modern detection and monitoring technologies, including PCR, biosensors, and advanced microscopy, and compares their effectiveness in industrial contexts. Real-world outbreak data and a global economic impact analysis underscore the urgency for more effective regulatory frameworks and sanitation innovations. The findings highlight the critical need for integrated, proactive biofilm management approaches to safeguard food safety, reduce public health risks, and minimize economic losses across global food sectors.
Details
Biofilms;
Extracellular matrix;
Food quality;
Biosensors;
Metabolism;
Outbreaks;
Kinases;
Virulence;
Food processing;
Foodborne diseases;
Proteins;
Sanitation;
Economics;
Plasmids;
Food industry;
Microorganisms;
Gene expression;
Antibiotics;
Genetic engineering;
Effectiveness;
Impact analysis;
Food safety;
Public health;
Phosphorylation;
Food contamination;
Processing industry;
Enzymes;
Health risks;
Pathogens;
Food contamination & poisoning;
Bacteria;
Gram-positive bacteria;
E coli;
Economic impact;
Industrial safety;
Drug resistance;
Microbial activity;
Environmental conditions;
Antimicrobial agents;
Global economy;
Nutrients;
Microbial contamination
; Imre Kálmán 1
; Morar Adriana 1
; Marcu Adela 2
; Hotea Ionela 3
; Sebastian-Alexandru, Popa 1
; Răzvan-Tudor, Pătrînjan 1
; Iulia-Maria, Bucur 3
; Gașpar Cristina 3 ; Ana-Maria, Plotuna 3 ; Sergiu-Constantin, Ban 4 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; [email protected] (K.I.); [email protected] (A.M.); [email protected] (I.H.); [email protected] (R.-T.P.); [email protected] (I.-M.B.); [email protected] (C.G.); [email protected] (A.-M.P.), Research Institute for Biosecurity and Bioengineering, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timișoara, Romania
2 Faculty of Biotechnology of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; [email protected]
3 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; [email protected] (K.I.); [email protected] (A.M.); [email protected] (I.H.); [email protected] (R.-T.P.); [email protected] (I.-M.B.); [email protected] (C.G.); [email protected] (A.-M.P.)
4 Independent Researcher, 300668 Timișoara, Romania; [email protected]