Small molecules are natural triggers for the disassembly of biofilms

Gigantic bacterial communities, termed biofilms, thrive in a variety of situations. Held together by a protective matrix, a biofilm is a bacterial fortress whose inhabitants are much better protected against environmental insults than free-living bacteria. However, knowing how single bacteria can break away from the community could be harnessed to break up biofilms that form on prosthetic devices implanted into the human body. This review demonstrates how small secreted molecules can elegantly mediate the disassembly of biofilms. Four different mechanisms for natural triggers of disassembly are highlighted: signals and cues, cell envelope-modifying molecules, anti-matrix molecules, and molecules that promote cell death.