Biofilms are a spontaneously formed slimy matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) enveloping miniature bacterial colonies, which aid in pathogen colonization, shielding the bacteria from antibiotics, as well as imparting them resistance towards the same. Biofilms employ a robust communication mechanism called quorum sensing that serves to keep their population density constant. What is most significant about biofilms is that they contribute to the development of bacterial virulence by providing protection to pathogenic species, allowing them to colonize the host, and also inhibiting the activities of antimicrobials on them. They grow on animate surfaces (such as on teeth and intestinal mucosa, etc.) and inanimate objects (like catheters, contact lenses, pacemakers, endotracheal devices, intrauterine devices, and stents, etc.) alike. It has been reported that as much as 80% of human infections involve biofilms. Serious implications of biofilms include the necessity of greater concentrations of antibiotics to treat common human infections, even contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), since bacteria embedded within biofilms are protected from the action of potential antibiotics. This review explores various contemporary strategies for controlling biofilms, focusing on their modes of action, mechanisms of drug resistance, and innovative approaches to find a solution in this regard. This review interestingly targets the extracellular polymeric matrix as a highly effective strategy to counteract the potential harm of biofilms since it plays a critical role in biofilm formation and significantly contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

The process of ensuring the safety of the food supply is dynamic. Both the possibility of contamination and the effectiveness of safety precautions are impacted by changes in the kinds of food consumed, the geographical origins of food products, and the methods by which these foods are processed. For instance, compared to earlier generations, consumers’ general understanding of safe food preparation and handling techniques has decreased due to a higher reliance on prepackaged convenience foods. Nowadays, consumers depend increasingly on other people to make sure the food they eat is safe. Growing consumption of minimally processed foods and growing imports of fresh products from other nations have resulted from changes in consumer tastes and food processing technologies. This review aims to critically synthesize existing knowledge on microbial risks in food, focusing on their sources, mechanisms of contamination, risk evaluation methodologies, and implementation of food safety measures. Major foodborne pathogens, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Norovirus, are discussed alongside factors influencing their survival and transmission. Today Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. remain among the major foodborne pathogens, but during the last two decades food-borne diseases such as shigellosis, listeriosis, campylobacteriosis, and diseases caused by pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli have become increasingly salient. These new concerns necessitate continued investment in research and technology development to improve the safety of the food supply. The review highlights current approaches to microbiological risk assessment, regulatory frameworks, and control strategies, while also addressing emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, biofilms, and ready-to-eat foods. By integrating risk evaluation with practical implementation strategies, this review provides valuable insights for researchers, regulators, and food industry stakeholders seeking to strengthen food safety systems and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases.

The high global incidence and mortality rates of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LUSC) are extremely concerning. Current therapeutic strategies face significant challenges, including drug toxicity and the growing resistance to Food and Drug Administration approved medications, underscoring the urgent need for novel treatment options. Notably, natural alkaloids extracted from the plant Tabernaemontana alternifolia have exhibited promising anticancer effects across various cancer types. In this work, we focused on the molecular targets of LUSC for phytochemicals from T. alternifolia bark (TAB) and evaluated their potential as a therapeutic line for its treatment. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify the molecular targets and pathways relevant to LUSC therapy. Additionally, validation of these findings through docking studies have been done. Results revealed that in-silico docking tests using AutoDock Vina, the plant's compounds 9-methoxycamptothecin, camptothecin and heyneanine demonstrated the ability to inhibit LUSC cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. These compounds suppressed genes involved in crucial cellular processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, DNA repair and cell cycle control, which contribute to cancer management. Additionally, they also have the potential to inhibit the expression of key oncogenic factors, including MET, KDR and MMPs. This work provides significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of these compounds in LUSC. It suggests that they could be a promising novel therapeutic approach for combating LUSC soon. However, the safety and efficacy of TAB phytochemicals for LUSC treatment must be thoroughly validated through adequate preclinical and clinical trials.