Infectious diseases have posed the greatest threat to human existence throughout history. The National Institute of Health (NIH) claims that around 17 million infections occur annually in the United States, with half of those leading to death. About 65 % of these are caused by bacteria forming biofilms [1]. Many bacterial illnesses in hospital settings are caused by biofilm formation, which is greatly aided by bacterial quorum-sensing (QS) signals. The bacteria in the biofilm community undergo alterations in their DNA and development. Transformed bacteria persisting in biofilms pose a greater threat to public health compared to their planktonic counterparts. For instance, studies indicate that biofilm bacteria can develop resistance levels up to 1000 times greater than those of planktonic cells [2,3]. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a biofilm-forming pathogen in the ESKAPE group, causes nosocomial infections and significantly contributes to serious health issues and fatalities [4]. Both Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae) form biofilms on surfaces with sufficient moisture levels to support their growth and development. Natural human body surfaces such as decayed teeth, cystic fibrotic lungs, and infected middle ears provide a suitable substrate for biofilm formation [3]. Moreover, the development of biofilm on medical devices, such as intravenous catheters, stents used to treat recurrent osteomyelitis, and prosthetic joint infections, leads to serious clinical risks, including dental caries, endocarditis, bacteraemia, cystic fibrosis, UTI, sepsis and implant failure, etc., (Fig. 1).

Complications related to non-healing infections are primarily due to biofilm formation, which is recognized as a significant virulence factor in pathogenesis. Bacteria residing in the mature biofilm matrix strongly adhere to the surrounding tissue at the infection site, thereby compromising the host defense and conventional antimicrobial treatments. Biofilm may comprise organisms from over 500 distinct taxa. The phrase ‘Together is powerful’ emphasises that microbial communities in the three-dimensional structure of biofilms provide a shield against biotic and abiotic stressors, including toxins, chemical dangers, physical damage, predation, and environmental conditions [3].

Numerous anti-virulence strategies are employed to eliminate biofilms or target the virulence factors that facilitate the pathogen's ability to adhere, colonize, and harm host cells, rather than eradicating them. Synthetic substances and chemicals, including benzoquinone derivatives and parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, have been demonstrated to block QS receptors and inhibit virulence factor production in Bacillus subtilis [3]. However, the extensive use or misuse of antibiotics has led to the development of drug resistance within the microbial community, prompting researchers to explore natural resources for medications. Applications of bioactive compounds, bacteriophage technology, and genetically engineered microorganisms are a few therapeutic methods currently under research. The marine ecosystem is one of the most abundant sources of novel therapeutic substances, but it is less extensively studied than the terrestrial environment [5,6]. For instance, bioactive substances and metabolites, including flavonoids, tocopherols, phycobiliproteins, carotenoids, fatty acids, amino acids, and complex carbohydrates, from marine bioresources are recognized for their diverse biological features and are utilized in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals [7].

Inhibition of QS is the most effective method for disrupting biofilm formation and preventing subsequent virulence. However, this strategy may also significantly enhance the antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens. Utilizing natural therapies, particularly promising compounds derived from marine microorganisms, may provide an effective treatment for infectious diseases without generating dangerous variants, unlike conventional drugs. Compared to research on the therapeutic effects of marine bioactive compounds against infectious diseases, studies focusing on QS inhibition and biofilm formation remain inadequate. In this context, this review aims to explore the specifics of potential anti-QS compounds derived from marine bacteria and their molecular interactions. In addition, the importance of employing advanced technologies to explore future prospects for marine microbe-derived QS inhibitors, which may effectively reduce the risk of clinical infections, has also been discussed.