DescriptionThe following thesis is composed of two chapters represented by two manuscripts. The introduction chapter examines the challenges of biofilm-associated cells in the food industry and in medical applications and novel methods for biofilm prevention through altering genetic regulation. This chapter has been submitted for publication to The International Journal of Microbiology. The second chapter is research conducted during graduate studies that has been accepted for publication in Biofilms: Formation, Development, and Properties published by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. The ability of a novel salicylic acid based poly (anhydride ester) polymer (SA-PAE) to prevent biofilms in Salmonella typhimurium MAE52 was evaluated via cell enumeration studies, pH kinetics, and salicylic acid release kinetics. SA-PAE was found to prevent biofilm formation in S. typhimurium MAE52 through disruption of a bimodal nature in pH without significantly reducing cell population. Changes in genetic regulation, reflected in the disruption of the bimodal pH, resulted in biofilm prevention.