Amalgamation of Biofilms and Synthetic Biology: A Paradigm Shift in Biotechnology

Biofilms are intricately organized microbial communities enveloped in self-produced extracellular polymeric substances. They display remarkable resilience to environmental and antimicrobial stresses and adhere to various surfaces. Synthetic biology, which combines molecular biology with engineering principles, offers tools to modulate biofilm behaviour for biotechnological applications and to address associated challenges. This review examines recent developments at the intersection of biofilm engineering and synthetic biology, highlighting strategies such as phage therapy, electrogenetic systems, microbial consortia design, quorum sensing regulation, genetic circuits, extracellular polymeric substances modification, and antimicrobial peptide-coated surfaces. These tools allow precise manipulation of biofilm structure, composition, and metabolic output. Biofilms are increasingly optimized for applications such as wastewater treatment, bioremediation, bioenergy, and diagnostics. Enhancements in stability and function are achieved via engineered circuits and extracellular polymeric substances adjustments, while antimicrobial approaches help control pathogenic biofilms. Despite these innovations, challenges remain, including biosafety, heterogeneity, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Continued interdisciplinary efforts are essential for translating these systems into viable technologies.