The effect of tobacco leaves pyrolysis extract (Nicotiana tabacum L.var. Virginia) against the formation of biofilm by Staphylococcusaureus: An in-vitro study

Abstract

Biofilm is one of the persistent problem in the medical world. More than half of chronic infection is caused by biofilm, which formed on the surfaces of medical implantable devices, like catheter, prosthetic valve, or contact lens. Previous studies showed, there were three organic compounds that can act as an inhibitor to biofilm formation, alkaloid, flavonoid, and essential oil. These three compounds was found in Tobacco leaves (Nicotiana tabacum var. Virginia). The purpose of this research is to understanding the influence of tobacco leaves extract as an anti-biofilm agent against Staphylococcus aureus, which is the leading cause of biofilm formation in medical equipment and implantable devices. This experimental utilized tobacco leave extract obtained by pyrolysis method. The extract was diluted to 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% concentration prior to inoculation with bacteria taphylococcus aureus and incubated for 24 hours in 37°C. The optical density of the biofilm formed was determined with microplate reader. Tobacco leaves pyrolysis extract in 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% showed no significant difference in the biofilm formation inhibition. Tobacco leaves extract should be optimize to be used as a natural anti-biofilm agent. The selection of Tween 20 nonionic surfactant as an emulsifier in biofilm research has to be ruled out into consideration due to sample clump. The experiment for a safe and effective natural biofilm agent must continue to be developed.