Pathogenic microorganisms in biofilms are the major source of food contaminations and clinical infections. Pathogenic biofilm formation depends not only on genetic bases and their regulation, but also on properties of the substratum and bacterial cells as well as environmental factors including pH, temperature and nutrient components.
Biofilm-mutants are commonly used for the characterization of the molecular and genetic basis of pathogenic biofilm formation, but the work for screening and identification of the genes related to biofilm formation is labour intensive. Genomic and proteomic analyses using microarray and two-dimensional electrophoresis are considered to be a high-throughput means to screen and/ or identify genes that are involved in pathogenic biofilm formation although there are still some limitations with these methods. The optimization and application of these techniques in the future are expected to greatly enhance the understanding on the molecular basis of biofilm formation. Pathogenic biofilms have been of considerable interest in the context of food safety and provoke interest of many research groups. Combinations with physical, chemical and biological investigations as well as collaborations among research groups will lead to better understanding of the mechanisms in cell adhesion and biofilm formation, facilitating the development of new strategies for cleaning and inhibiting biofilm formation and reducing disease outbreaks and economic losses.
Right now, bacterial biofilms have not been specifically addressed in the HACCP system that has been employed in the food-processing facilities.
Hence, surveying of biofilms in food environments and developing an effective sanitation plan should be considered in the HACCP system. An upgraded HACCP with biofilm assessment in food plants will provide clearer information of contamination, and assist the development of biofilm-free processing systems in the food industry.