Bacterial biofilms are complex surface attached communities of bacteria held together by self-produced polymer matrixs mainly composed of polysaccharides, secreted proteins, and extracellular DNAs. Bacterial biofilm formation is a complex process and can be described in five main phases: (i) reversible attachment phase, where bacteria non-specifically attach to surfaces; (ii) irreversible attachment phase, which involves interaction between bacterial cells and a surface using bacterial adhesins such as fimbriae and lipopolysaccharide (LPS); (iii) production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by the resident bacterial cells; (iv) biofilm maturation phase, in which bacterial cells synthesize and release signaling molecules to sense the presence of each other, conducing to the formation of microcolony and maturation of biofilms; and (v) dispersal/detachment phase, where the bacterial cells depart biofilms and comeback to independent planktonic lifestyle. Biofilm formation is detrimental in healthcare, drinking water distribution systems, food, and marine industries, etc. As a result, current studies have been focused toward control and prevention of biofilms. In an effort to get rid of harmful biofilms, various techniques and approaches have been employed that interfere with bacterial attachment, bacterial communication systems (quorum sensing, QS), and biofilm matrixs. Biofilms, however, also offer beneficial roles in a variety of fields including applications in plant protection, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and corrosion inhibition amongst others. Development of beneficial biofilms can be promoted through manipulation of adhesion surfaces, QS and environmental conditions. This review describes the events involved in bacterial biofilm formation, lists the negative and positive aspects associated with bacterial biofilms, elaborates the main strategies currently used to regulate establishment of harmful bacterial biofilms as well as certain strategies employed to encourage formation of beneficial bacterial biofilms, and highlights the future perspectives of bacterial biofilms.

Phyllotreta striolata is a major pest of Brassica chinensis, with chemical pesticides being the primary method for pest control. However, their negative impact on crop growth and environmental risks have prompted the search for low-toxicity, environmentally friendly alternatives. This study systematically evaluates the control effectiveness of two commonly used chemical pesticides, Zu Jia^® and Jie Tiao^®, along with their impact on the growth characteristics of B. chinensis and compares them to the biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain G033A. The control efficacy was assessed by measuring the insect population reduction rate and plant physiological indicators (weight, plant height, chlorophyll content, and root length). The differences between biopesticide and the two chemical pesticide treatments were analyzed. The results indicated that both Bt strain G033A and the chemical pesticides significantly controlled P. striolata. However, chemical pesticides (Zu Jia^® and Jie Tiao^®) significantly reduced the chlorophyll content, plant height, and weight of B. chinensis (p < 0.05), whereas Bt strain G033A had no significant adverse effects on these plant traits (p > 0.05). The colonization characteristics of the Bt strain suggest potential for sustained pest control, while chemical pesticides exhibited rapid pest suppression effects. The findings highlight a novel IPM strategy that integrates the long-lasting efficacy of Bt biopesticides with the rapid action of chemical pesticides, offering a more sustainable and balanced approach to P. striolata management in B. chinensis cultivation.

Biofilm formation enhances microbial survival, growth, nutrient access, biocide resistance, productivity, interactions, and stability. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) HD1 is used as a biopesticide against lepidopterans (moths and butterflies). Thus, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the influence of pH variations on biofilm formation of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki HD1 on polystyrene surfaces across a range of pH levels from 1 to 14. The results demonstrated a clear pH-dependent trend in biofilm production. Biofilm formation was optimal between pH 4 and pH 9, with the highest production at pH 4. In contrast, extreme pH values (1, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) resulted in reduced biofilm formation. The study highlights the significant influence of pH on biofilm formation by Btk HD1, with optimal biofilm production occurring within a pH range of 4 to 9. These findings suggest that maintaining environmental pH within this range could enhance the efficacy and stability of Btk HD1 as a biopesticide.

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a major public health concern, particularly in communities where well water serves as a primary source. This study aimed to assess the bacterial diversity and biofilm formation potential in well water from three sources (designated as Wells A, B, and C) in Gida Dubu, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected at three time points (morning, midday, and evening) over five days. Bacterial isolation was performed using the membrane filtration technique. Isolated bacteria were identified based on colony morphology, Gram reaction, and biochemical characteristics. The biofilm-forming potential of the isolates was evaluated using the crystal violet staining assay. The bacterial species identified included Escherichia coli (12.5%), Enterobacter sp. (16.0%), Pseudomonas sp. (14.6%), Klebsiella sp. (10.4%), Salmonella sp. (8.3%), Aeromonas sp. (11.1%), Citrobacter sp. (10.4%), Shigella sp. (6.3%), Serratia sp. (6.3%), Yersinia sp. (2.1%), and Proteus sp. (2.1%). Enterobacter was the most prevalent species across all wells (23 occurrences), followed by Pseudomonas (21 occurrences) and E. coli (18 occurrences). Well B exhibited the highest bacterial diversity. The study further revealed that Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., E. coli, and Aeromonas sp. were the most prominent biofilm formers, with Enterobacter sp. showing the highest frequency of strong biofilm formation (12 occurrences). Conversely, Yersinia sp. and Proteus sp. exhibited weak or no biofilm formation. The findings demonstrate the presence of a diverse array of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the well water sources, with significant biofilm formation potential among certain species, indicating a possible risk to water quality and public health.