The production of biofilm by bacteria is the survival tactic in inappropriate environmental conditions. Biofilms also encourage pathogenic bacterial strains to develop antibiotic resistance. Exopolymeric substances (EPS) are the main constituent of biofilm that restricts the diffusion of plenty of antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, plant-derived compounds ‘phytochemicals (flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, etc.) provide alternative options by showing the capability to inhibit biofilm produced by bacteria. However, the low stability, improper absorption, poor aqueous solubility, and easy degradability are few unfavorable features of phytochemicals that limit their use for further medical applications. However, the advancement in nanotechnology revolutionized antimicrobial chemotherapy, as various nanocarriers were shown their effectiveness in delivering bioactive compounds. Chitosan, derived from chitin, acts as bio carrier for a wide range of phytochemicals and improve their delivery and stability by exhibiting excellent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. The chitosan-based nanoparticles provided a feasible options to provide stability for encapsulated ‘phytochemical/antibiofilm drug, and ensure its slow and proper release at the target site. Various methods such as ionic gelation, spray-drying’ and ‘emulsification' are used for encapsulating the natural bioactive components such as phytochemicals. The chitosan-based nanoparticles encapsulated with a number of phytochemicals namely ferulic acid, curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, chrysin, quercetin , and baicalein showed inhibitory potential against biofilm. This review presents a concise view of nano encapsulated phytochemicals for antibiofilm application, and development of efficient chitosan nanoparticles based antimicrobial therapeutic approach through effective drug (especially phytochemicals) delivery.

Keywords: Biofilm; Phytochemicals; Chitosan nanoparticles; Drug delivery.`