Biofilm and Cancer: Interactions and Future Directions for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the significant role of bacterial biofilms in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including cancer. Biofilms are polymicrobial communities enclosed within an extracellular matrix composed of polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA, and lipids. This complex matrix provides protection against antibiotics and host immune responses, enabling the microorganisms to establish persistent infections. Moreover, biofilms induce anti-inflammatory responses and metabolic changes in the host, further facilitating their survival. Many of these changes are comparable to those observed in cancer cells. This review will cover recent research on the role of bacterial biofilms in carcinogenesis, especially in colorectal (CRC) and gastric cancers, emphasizing the shared physical and chemical characteristics of biofilms and cancer. This review will also discuss the interactions between bacteria and the tumor microenvironment, which can facilitate oncogene expression and cancer progression. This information will provide insight into developing new therapies to identify and treat biofilm-associated cancers, such as utilizing bacteria as delivery vectors, using bacteria to upregulate immune function, or more selectively targeting biofilms and cancer for their shared traits.

Establishment of a Human Immunocompetent 3D Tissue Model to Enable the Long-Term Examination of Biofilm–Tissue Interactions

“…These infections trigger immune responses but are seldom resolved, leading to persistent, slow-developing diseases with inconsistent responses to therapies [6]. Many studies are now trying to prove links between the role of biofilms in the pathogenesis of diseases and cancerous lesion formations in different bodily systems including the cardiovascular, digestive, and more vital systems [1]. In vitro tissue engineering contributes various advanced methods to models similar to the in vivo immune response generated by bacterial biofilms by applying techniques ranging from 2D cultures of primary human cells, organoid cultures, and the most recently developed one of organ-on-chip technology [29].…”

“…Bacterial composition in biofilms is thought to have an influence on the differentiation of malignant cells and contribute to tumour initiation, promotion, and progression. Results of investigations on cancer formation suggest a correlation between biofilms and several cancer types such as colorectal, intestine, or oral cancer [1].…”

“…Biofilms are accumulations of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, embedded in a self-produced matrix of proteins, polysaccharides, and eDNA. They can form on biological surfaces, such as skin, as well as on products like medical devices and are therefore in continuous direct contact with human tissues [1,6].…”

Black phosphorus, an advanced versatile nanoparticles of antitumor, antibacterial and bone regeneration for OS therapy

“…It provides a new idea for the modification of nanoparticles. In later studies, biofilms were widely used in tumor therapy ( Zhang et al, 2022b ; Choi et al, 2023 ). It has been recognized that biofilms are non-cytotoxic and highly bioavailable, and that cell membranes carrying cellular immunomodulatory self-labeling proteins can provide the encapsulated nanoparticles with anti-phagocytic activity, prolonged lifespan in vivo , and targeted delivery of the nanoparticles to the lesion, thus enhancing the effectiveness of tumor therapy.…”