Biofilms are increasingly recognised as a key reason why some gut infections, from Candida overgrowth to SIBO, are so hard to treat. Think of biofilms as microscopic “fortresses” that shield microbes from both the immune system and antimicrobial treatments. Breaking through these protective layers can be the difference between short-term relief and lasting gut health.
Quick Answer:
Biofilms are protective layers formed by microbes like bacteria and fungi. To treat gut infections effectively, we often need to combine biofilm disruptors (enzymes, herbs, or nutrients) with antimicrobial therapies and gut-healing strategies.
What Are Gut Biofilms?
Biofilms are like miniature cities built by microbes. They’re made from sticky substances called exopolysaccharides (EPS), a structure primarily built by bacteria but capable of sheltering many other organisms, including protozoan parasites, fungi (like Candida), and even viruses.
So far there is no solid research that I’ve seen that shows that Blastocystis forms biofilms but the same can’t be said for fungal overgrowths like Candida. They can and do form biofilms which can make successful treatment challenging. For a deeper dive on candida biofilms read on here: Candida Biofilms: Treatment Resistance & Natural Solutions.
Why do microbes form biofilms?
This protective matrix is one of the leading reasons infections persist, even after multiple treatment rounds.
There are many reasons that organisms seek out and join biofilm communities. They can communicate with one another, swap genetic material but most importantly the biofilm matrix is a form of shelter and could be contributing to antimicrobial resistance (1).
Frontline treatment of many enteric parasites is a combination of antibiotics. Sometimes two and even three different antibiotics are used together in conjunction with a proton pump inhibitor. Unfortunately the cure rates are still less than ideal with one paper estimating them to be at about 80%. A number of different reasons were proposed including patient compliance, medication side effects, antibiotic resistance and the presence biofilms (2).
Biofilms are sticky, protective layers built by bacteria that can also provide shelter for other microbes, including fungi such as Candida and even some parasites. While there is no clear evidence that Blastocystis forms biofilms, Candida biofilms are well documented and are often a key reason treatments fail. Microbes create biofilms to protect themselves from antimicrobials, share nutrients, and survive challenging conditions, which explains why infections can persist despite multiple rounds of treatment.
Bacteria, Protozoa & Fungi Infections form Biofilms
The list of organisms that have been associated with biofilms is long, too long to list them all here. I have seen a number of these (but not all) flagged on stool tests run here in Byron Bay, NSW.
Biofilms Resist Treatment
“Growth as a biofilm almost always leads to a large increase in resistance to antimicrobial agents” (5).
This statement pretty much sums it up. Microbes seek out biofilms and as such they become harder to treat. The literature is pretty clear on this with many different papers exploring this issue.
Protection within the polymeric matrix that makes up the biofilm is the main issue. Antibiotics and herbal antimicrobials have a difficult time actually breaking into the substance. The other theory regarding poor success rates and biofilms proposes that the microbes within biofilms are experiencing nutrient limitation, a hibernation as it were (6).
Some bacteria, notably Helicobacter pylori, actually form biofilms in response to antimicrobial agents (7).
Breaking Biofilms: Natural Tools That Work
Once we understand that biofilms are naturally resistant to both pharmaceutical and herbal antimicrobials, the next step is finding ways to break through that protective layer. Certain supplements, herbs, and even foods can help disrupt the biofilm matrix, making antimicrobial treatments far more effective.
The most reliable approach I’ve seen is to use a biofilm disruptor as part of a broader herbal protocol. These agents should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes before food or 2 hours after, and followed by antimicrobial herbs about 30 minutes later for best results.
How I approach biofilm disruption in practice:
Break the matrix → Enzymes (nattokinase, serrapeptase, Interfase Plus)
Reduce viscosity / thiol action → NAC
Membrane + biofilm pressure → Monolaurin
Antimicrobial + anti-biofilm → Berberine-containing herbs
Enzymes for Biofilm Treatment
This is the number one biofilm buster that is recommended across the board to be used in conjunction with a herbal antimicrobial treatment.
Another highly recommended biofilm buster that is made up of very similar enzymes as interphase plus. Unfortunately for some with allergies and food sensitivities it does contain soy
A digestive enzyme blend with particular enzymes suited for biofilm treatment (particularly Nattokinase)
Supplements for Biofilms
Has been shown to have promising biofilm eradication effects (3, 8).
One small control trial used the frontline antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori. One group received NAC leading up to the antibiotic course, the other didn’t.
65% of the NAC + antibiotic group eradicated H. pylori while only 20% of the antibiotic only group eradicated the bacteria (9).
Found in coconut oil and shows promising antimicrobial activity as well as being a potential biofilm treatment (10).
Herbal Medicine for Biofilm
Many herbal medicines have natural biofilm-disrupting properties, which is why some practitioners argue that a separate “biofilm agent” isn’t always essential. I’m open here, in many cases, well-formulated herbal protocols are enough. However, if you’ve already tried multiple antimicrobial approaches without success, biofilms could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
References and Resources
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780124158467
- The Potential Role of N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori
- Review article: biofilm formation by Helicobacter pylori as a target for eradication of resistant infection
- Characterization of Mucosal Candida albicans Biofilms
- Medical Implications of Biofilms
- Bacterial biofilms: a common cause of persistent infections.
- Helicobacter pylori Resists the Antimicrobial Activity of Calprotectin via Lipid A Modification and Associated Biofilm Formation
- Biofilm Formation by Helicobacter pylori and Its Involvement for Antibiotic Resistance
- Biofilm demolition and antibiotic treatment to eradicate resistant Helicobacter pylori: a clinical trial.
- In vitro evaluation of antifungal activity of monolaurin against Candida albicans biofilms
- Berberine Antifungal Activity in Fluconazole-Resistant Pathogenic Yeasts: Action Mechanism Evaluated by Flow Cytometry and Biofilm Growth Inhibition in Candida spp.
- Survey of the Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Effects of Zingiber officinale(in Vitro Study)
41 comments
Looks like this place does KL Interfase shipped to Australia: https://www.pureformulas.com/interfase-plus-120-capsules-by-klaire-labs.html I order it as a practitioner form 2 places but this seems to be available to everyone :-)
Do we take the biofilm destroyer at the same time as the herbal antimicrobials, or do we complete a biofilm formula first, then start the herbal product?
ah yes, great question. Best to take the herbal antimicrobials about 30 min after the biofilm disruptors. I’ll update the article now.
Interesting postTodd, you obviously have done much work on this subject and it actually makes sense. Can you advise what foods are biofilm destroyers please.
Yup! Many spices have biofilm breaking properties. Cloves are a big one as is oregano leaf. Garlic, turmeric and even apple cider vinegar can work to disrupt biofilms too.
Can you advise on how long it would take before any changes will happen?
I have tried so many different diets and cleanses for my candida overgrowth for the past two years and I feel like I’m going crazy and now very depressed as I can’t date. :-( with this situation. I’m in the US where can I order what will help break up this nasty biofilm? How long should I take them for? And what things should I stop eating and start eating? I have to cure this once and for all so I can start dating and hopefully have a child. I need help badly. Has anyone been cured from this?
Hi,
I was suffering for all my life with Candida…
I’m sugesting you,to stop all sugar,gluten,proces food,fried food…
You have to eat every day,organic brocoly,cauliflower,spinach,leek,garlic,onion,fresh green beens,karrot,avocado,tomatoe,olives,beet rrot,cucamber,lentil,peper,all green and all hearb….,fruit blubery,green aple,kiwi,strobery,blacberry
Use organic olive oil,coconat oil,oregano oil…
Fish must bee wild,and cooking wel,otherwise is getting worse situation,organic boild chichken….
Curcumin suplement,NAC,SIBO suplement
Organic green tea,camomile,,chinammon,ginger….
And you have to be for rest of your life with this diet….
Drink 2litre water every day….
After 2 years with this diet,came back and thanks me…
I wish you have a good luck and baby boy soon,Ammen🙏
Hi, I had ankle surgery (17/1) for broken ankle in 3 places. Had 2 plates and 12 screws put in. Still have a wound on one side not healing. Just had surgical debridement done last week. Which product might help healing? What about something with Oregano etc for biofilm?
Ginger, Green tea, Ginseng, Moringa oligeira and others
Hi Todd
I’ve been trying to order online Interphase Plus by Klaire labs Biofilm Defense by Kirkman Labs for delivery to Melbourne – with no success (both ship from USA or AUS). Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for local alternatives ?
Thanks
S
Yes I had the same trouble. Iherb has a number of different enzyme based supplements (nattokinase and lumbrokinase types). There was another comment above from someone who said that https://www.pureformulas.com/interfase-plus-120-capsules-by-klaire-labs.html ships to Australia but I haven’t tried them out. Let us know how you go!
What is the dosage for Interfase Plus and for how long?
3-4 capsules twice daily. The length would depend on what you are treating and your symptoms.
I have been dealing with reoccurring E. coli uti for over two years. I am starting a three day course of fosfomycin and want to add Kirkmans biolfilm buster. Should I take this after the fosfomycin or with the fosfomycin? Any other tips to rid this bacteria are appreciated.
Are u Ouk now
Did u get well now
Hello Todd 🙂
I am wondering if the Biofilm Defense from Kirkman can be used by everybody? I have a cardiac pacemaker and have already taken it for 2-3 days (have felt nausea so far). I am just wondering if it would have some sort of negative effect on my pacemaker / operation? I know it can have some blood thinning effect. My GI dr doesn’t know the product / what I mean with biofilm disruptor.
Kindest regards and appreciation for your help,
Roxana
Hey Roxana. I’m not 100% on biofilm disruptors and pacemakers. I can’t think of any interaction issues but there may be some that I am unaware of.
Hi, I had ankle surgery (17/1) for broken ankle in 3 places. Had 2 plates and 12 screws put in. Still have a wound on one side not healing. Just had surgical debridement done last week. Which product might help healing? What about something with Oregano etc for biofilm?
Hi Todd,
What is your preferred biofilm disruptor for Blastocystis? I was using NAC, but I came across some studies that reported “pathogenic potential” as well as “NAC alone inducing higher Blastocystis viability.”
Thank you in advance. Much appreciated!
Hi Tina,
I save the biofilms for cases that are extremely difficult to treat. Frequently I use clove – https://www.byronherbalist.com.au/herbal-medicine/clove-herbal-medicine-for-the-gut/ – which has good biofilm disrupting properties too.
Hi what’s good to kill enterococcus faecalis, streptococcus and citrobacter friendii please ?
Hi I’ve been takimg nac for my chronic yeast infections and I’ve been passing biofilms for the past 2 weeks, all my symptoms are gone except the discharge and even though it’s very little now I’m still afraid I have to be doing this forever because I read candida produces new biofilm every 5-6 hour.Is this true?
Hello, these biofilm buster supplements sound promising, and they have good reviews. I had 5 back to back UTI’s since the first of July;and was finally treated with two injections of tobramyacin and an RX for Cipro that seemed to kick it out. I had been UTI free since Sept. 24th, but here I am again starting 10/16 with new symptoms and the very strong odor in my urine. Which do you recommend Ordering, the Kirkland Biofilm Dense, or Interphase Plus? Also what Herbal antimicrobials should I take with the biofilm buster? Your help is much appreciated!!
After doing so much research on this little bugger, I do feel like biofilms are one of the most important factors to consider with antibiotics or the natural approach. How can you effectively get to the parasites if they have built a biofilm around with out breaking them down. Smart little buggers.
For anyone in Aus looking for Interfase Plus its available from Zero Ducks – https://zeroducks.com.au/collections/nutrition-supplements/products/interfase-plus-120s-klaire-labs
Recurrent E. Coli for 1 year, recurrent pinworms. Breastfeeding mother.
What i should use? I live in North- Europe, i can not order your products. I could use garlic. How much in one day?
Dear Todd
Thanks for the very well researched and the referencing that you are including in your articles.
It is a very difficult thing to do to inform the public whilst growing your client list.
May I please put in a request that you do a better job with your final referencing in your end of article bibliography.
It is easy enough to cut and paste to include the authors and the other very important relevant information.
Keep up the great work.
Herbs are the future of biofilm treatment.
I encourage you to study homeopathy as well and find out more about the many Bowel Nosodes that are available.
There is nothing better for eradicating biofilms than the Vital Force doing the work of the eradication of the biofilm of interest that is a Natural Response and a removal of the Body’s Tendency to create the rich Soil for the Biofilm to bed down in the first place. Homeopathy looks to working with the Individual – their environment their Epigenetics and their Spiritual and Emotional Life as well.
All the best
Susi Messenger
Adelaide
South Australia
Lay Homeopath Lay Herbalist
I am looking for Nattokinase. Any suggestions where I might find it in Australia.
Hi Todd
You mentioned in one of your comments that the recommended dosage for Interfase Plus is 3 -4 tablets twice a day.
In terms of duration. How long can we take that for? My functional doctor said to do it for 4 -5weeks.
However I’m worried whether taking this product which contains EDTA for that long would badly effect the kidneys and organs as Ive read elsewhere.
Thank you for your help
I am looking for the answer to this very same question, Joyce. I’m hoping someone can answer.
I have been taking Interphase Plus for about 4-5 weeks for recurrent UTI. I, too, would like to know approximately how long I can safely take it. The bottle says “not for long-term use.” I can’t find information that defines “long-term” use. I even called the Klaire Labs company and could not get an answer. Some say “it depends on what the person is taking it for and how long the person had it.”
I understand for obvious reasons why folks are reluctant to give “advice” to individuals. I’m not looking for advice per se, just general guidance/parameters. Let’s say an individual has had recurrent UTIs for a couple decades. Antibiotics have been used to no avail; they’ve served to harm the gut microbiome. Antimicrobials haven’t worked ideally either. The individual in this hypothetical scenario researched biofilms and came across a wealth of info about how biofilms are most likely involved in chronic infection. The individual is trying to eradicate problem by taking biofilm disruptor (Interphase Plus) followed by antimicrobials followed by probiotics. How long would one think this person could take Interphase Plus before taking a break from it? Could person switch from Interphase Plus with EDTA to similar product without EDTA such as Kirkman Biofilm Defense after around a month so person isn’t getting the EDTA “long term” but is still getting biofilm disruptor enzymes (plus natural antimicrobials plus probiotics) to continue working on prevention? Would an alternative chelator safer than EDTA be able to be used occasionally, intermittently, or consistently more long term, as a companion to product such as Kirkman product to sweep away disrupted biofilm? Any thoughts as to this hypothetical scenario?
Would appreciate anyone weighing in on this burning question. Thanks.
Hi Linda, did you ever get any answers to this question? I’m also looking at using Klaire Labs for UTIs. Would love to hear what you’ve learned!
Hi! Is it common to experience buring sensation 30- 50 min after taking Biofilm defence? The burning is in the small intestines.
Sorry, I ment Interphase plus.
Would you recommend NAC or InterPhase Plus by Klaire Labs as a biofilm disruptor for methane dominant SIBO? Can I use multiple biofilm disruptors? Which antimicrobials should I follow with?
Hi Todd,
I’m using the Klaire Labs biofilm disruptor but on Amazon I saw the Dysbiocide and F-C Cidal (for a small fortune), but I see that’s not what you recommend. I’m praying what I have will work. Please advise.
Thank you!
Marie
Klaire labs has decent biofilm products.
What biodrupters do you suggest for enterobacter Colace infection and pseudomonas infection GI and UTI I’m type 2 diabetic been on 2 round of cipro and 1 round of Leviquin.. please help..
Is it okay to take biofilm disruptor with tea or it must be taken with water only?
Thank you Todd for this article it is a breath of fresh air !
I want to clarify something to make sure I have the correct information.
You mention Biofilm busters which are self explanatory with Interphase Plus being the top choice. Then you mention “Herbal Medicine for Biofilm” this is where my question comes in. When you say Herbal Medicine for Biofilm do you mean medicine that will kill the fungus/candida/mold after the Interphase Plus has broken down the biofilm matrix ? Thank you for clarifying this for me.