In vitro and in situ abrogation of biofilm formation in E. coli by vitamin C through ROS generation, disruption of quorum sensing and exopolysaccharide production

•Pro-oxidant concentrations of VitC (125 mM) exhibited anti-microbial & anti-biofilm activity.•VitC impairs metabolic activity, QS & EPS production in E. coli biofilms.•VitC mediates ROS generation inducing protein & sugar leakage & causing cell death.•VitC-treated bacterial cells effectively downregulated biofilm forming genes.•In situ reduction of E. coli viability via VitC coating of paneer supported enhanced shelf-life.