Sinapic acid attenuates biofilm formation and virulence factor production in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from raw camel milk: An in vitro and in silico approach

Abstract

Camel milk is highly nutritious but contamination with biofilm forming methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may pose a serious threat to human health and food safety. Therefore, sinapic acid (SA) was assessed for its in vitro antibiofilm and antivirulence potential against MRSA isolated from raw camel milk samples. SA reduced biofilm formation and production of key virulence functions (exopolysaccharide production, cell surface hydrophobicity and staphyloxanthin production) significantly. Pre-formed biofilms were also reduced by 38–55%. Enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in MRSA cells treated with SA could plausibly be responsible for cell death and reduced biofilm formation. In silico studies demonstrated that the overall binding energy for SA interaction with AgrA and SarA was −9.882 and −15.076 kcal mol−1, respectively. It is envisaged that SA could be exploited to mitigate biofilm formation in ensuring the safety and quality of food/dairy products and minimizing the risk of MRSA transmission through the food supply chain.