Compositions and methods for the dissolution of a microbial biofilm are provided, where the method comprises contacting a microbiofilm with an effective dose of a curcumin derivative as a biofilm inhibitor. In some embodiments the curcumin derivative is dimethoxycurcumin. In some embodiments the biofilm comprises E. coli, e.g. including uropathogenic E. coli. The biofilm can be present in vitro or in vivo. The biofilm inhibitor may be administered alone, or in combination with bacteriocidal agents.