Use of lactic acid bacteria biofilms as biocontrol agents

A biofilm is an assemblage of microbial cells that is irreversibly associated (not removed by gentle rinsing) with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of primarily polysaccharide material (Extracellular polymeric substances-EPS). Also biofilm-associated organisms significantly differ from their planktonic (freely suspended) counterparts. Biofilms have been of considerable directly interest in the context of food hygiene. Biofilms are more resistant to antimicrobial, temperature, oxygen, protease etc. Biofilms are formed by many microorganisms. Because biofilms formed by pathogen and spoilage microorganisms are resistant to environmental stress, they increase the risk for microbial contamination in food plants. Moreover in recent days, it was discovered that some biofilms have positive properties and it was noticed that these biofilms will be available as biocontrol agents. Use of lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites is the most common and popular in methods of natural protection. Also biofilms are yet another protective agent formed by lactic acid bacteria. On the other hand, there aren't enough studies about use of biofilms as biocontrol agent. In previous surveys, it was mostly focused on antilisterial activity of lactic acid bacteria biofilms. In the other study, it was reported that lactic acid bacteria biofilms can prevent fungal attack. These studies demonstrate the significance of biofilms of LAB in the food industry, so it should be focused on use of lactic acid bacteria biofilms as biocontrol agents with new studies