Resin materials enriched with bioglass (45S5) could potentially improve the physicochemical properties of dental materials. Specimens were categorized into five groups: (GIC)- conventional glass ionomer cement; (RMGIC.1)- resin-modified GIC with non-lyophilised polyacrylic acid, (RMGIC.1_45S5)- RMGIC.1 with 45S5 (10 w/w%); (RMGIC.2)- resin-modified GIC with freeze-dried polyacrylic acid; and (RMGIC.2_45S5)- RMGIC.2 with 45S5 (10 w/w%). The specimens were tested at acid/neutral pH, and the antibacterial activity colony-forming units (CFU/mg), sorption, solubility, calcium ion release, and bioactivity were measured in a Streptococcus mutans biofilm model. Analysis of variance and Scheffe/Tukey statistical tests were used. The 45S5 in the RMGICs resulted in higher alkalinization and the formation of calcium/phosphorus precipitates. RMGIC.1_45S5 improved pH stability and increased the sorption and solubility. In the S.mutans biofilm, none of the materials significantly increased the pH. The enrichment of RMGIC.1 (45S5) increased the sorption, solubility, calcium release, and showed bioactivity, but had no antimicrobial effect on the S.mutans biofilm model.

Antibiotics incorporated into spacers do not guarantee complete eradication of infection. This study aimed to compare, in vitro, the antimicrobial activity of antibiotic-loaded cement with and without additional alternative antimicrobial molecules for the eradication of polymicrobial biofilms. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), and Candida albicans (CA) were selected to form mono- and polymicrobial biofilms on polyurethane sponges. Bone cement was supplemented with vancomycin, imipenem, silver nitrate (SN), and xylitol in different combinations. In monomicrobial biofilms, the combination of vancomycin + SN + xylitol showed superior activity against MRSA compared with other formulations. In polymicrobial biofilms, the combinations imipenem + vancomycin + xylitol, imipenem + vancomycin + SN, and imipenem + vancomycin + SN + xylitol were most effective in eradicating PA. For MRSA, all combinations achieved complete eradication, whereas CA eradication remained incomplete. Overall, the inclusion of SN and xylitol in cement improved antimicrobial performance compared with antibiotic-only formulations.

This study evaluated the potential of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) as an efficient and safe biofilm disinfectant for medical devices and implants. The results showed that SAEW rapidly eradicated planktonic bacteria and biofilms, outperforming NaClO. SAEW degraded proteins and eDNA in extracellular polymeric substances, thereby penetrating biofilms and acting on bacteria. SAEW-treated bacteria could not maintain normal morphology, resulting in bacterial lysis and death. SAEW downregulated biofilm-related genes, including cna, pvl and clfA of Staphylococcus aureus, and aap, icaR and sara of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Additionally, SAEW cleared biofilms on surgical devices and implants within 10 min or less. Furthermore, no significant difference in corrosion efficiency was observed between the SAEW group and the negative control group when tested on stainless steel, zinc alloy and brass. In conclusion, SAEW exhibited robust antibacterial and biofilm-eliminating capabilities, showing great potential as a disinfectant for medical devices and implants.

Plumbagin, also known as 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (PLB), is a naturally occurring naphthoquinone molecule that has demonstrated strong antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). However, the potential of PLB to eradicate mature biofilms and the underlying mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study explored the effects of PLB on disrupting mature S. aureus biofilms, focusing on its impact on the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and potential mechanisms of action. Crystal violet (CV) and XTT assays demonstrated that PLB significantly reduced both the biomass and metabolic activity of mature S. aureus biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. High-content screening (HCS) imaging demonstrated that PLB treatment induced significant alterations in the biofilm EPS architecture, leading to a substantial reduction in overall biomass and average thickness, with disruption severity correlating positively with PLB concentration. Using molecular fluorescence probing techniques, this study found that treatment with PLB resulted in a marked reduction in EPS components, including extracellular polysaccharides (PIA), proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA), compared to untreated controls. Molecular docking analysis revealed that PLB strongly interacts with several key S. aureus proteins involved in EPS production, such as IcaA, IcaD, IcaB, IcaC, Bap, ClfB, and CidA, particularly binding strongly to the active sites of IcaA and Bap. Furthermore, gene expression analysis indicated that PLB downregulated genes associated with biofilm EPS production. Overall, these findings suggest that PLB effectively disrupts S. aureus biofilms by targeting the EPS. These results highlight PLB as a promising candidate for targeting mature S. aureus biofilms in chronic infections.

Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857 in GBIF Secretariat (2023)), an invasive species known for its high filtration rate, dense populations, and rapid dispersion, poses a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems in various regions worldwide. In hydraulic infrastructure, L. fortunei biofouling reduces operational efficiency, accelerates infrastructure degradation, shortens equipment lifespan, and poses safety risks and water contamination threats, incurring significant economic costs. Consequently, effective control measures for L. fortunei are urgently needed. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding and managing L. fortunei, with various strategies proposed—such as physical removal, chemical eradication, and biological control – few have been shown to provide long-term, widely applicable solutions in hydraulic engineering. This paper reviews the mechanisms of fouling by L. fortunei and the current prevention strategies, offering a scientific basis and guidance for developing more effective prevention and control technologies.

Efficacy of Actibromide® (formulation of bromide with sodium hypochlorite) as a supplementary biocide for process seawater heat exchangers was evaluated on Perna viridis at Madras Atomic Power Station. Continuous chlorination (0.2 mg/L) required prolonged exposure for 100% mortality. Actibromide® at 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L achieved complete mussel mortality within 12, 7 and 4 days, respectively. Reactive oxygen species generation increased antioxidant enzyme activity like superoxide dismutase, catalase which was found to be higher in the digestive gland. Inhibition of cellular functions was evident in haemolymph, inducing DNA damage (34%) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition (80–91%). The study clearly demonstrated that Actibromide® penetrates at the cellular level, causing severe damage to the gills and digestive glands, reducing feed consumption and inducing both neurotoxic and genotoxic effects resulting in mortality. Supplemental targeted dosing at 0.2 mg/L seems to be a promising strategy for effective green mussel control in cooling water systems.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens linked to mixed biofilm infections is a significant concern due to limited therapeutic options. This health risk has renewed interest in developing new antibiofilm alternatives. In this study, the antibiofilm potential of a phosphonium-based ionic liquid against a mixed-species biofilm of Candida albicans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH) was assessed preliminarily using the microbroth dilution assay. The ionic liquid inhibitory profiles were further explored by confocal Raman mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorescence microscopy (FM). A substantial antibiofilm effect was demonstrated. Raman mapping showed a modified biofilm distribution following ionic liquid treatment, demonstrating the differential inhibitory effects between strains in mixed biofilm. Additionally, FM revealed that the morphological switching of Candida albicans was inhibited, while SEM revealed a disruption of biofilm integrity. On the other hand, the hemolysis test showed the safety profile of the ionic liquid by exhibiting low cytotoxicity at active concentrations.

Antibiofouling membranes have become pivotal in addressing fouling challenges in membrane-based processes across water treatment, desalination and industrial applications. This review presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends, challenges, impacts and future opportunities in antibiofouling membranes. Utilising Bibliometrix in R and advanced visualisation techniques, 172 publications from 2006 to 2023 were analysed, with data extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases accessed on December 5, 2024. Key bibliometric indicators, including total citations, co-authorship networks and keyword co-occurrences, were explored to map the scientific landscape. The findings reveal a steady growth in research, with the most cited publication achieving 452 citations and an average of 45.2 citations per year. Surface modification emerged as the dominant theme, occurring 60 times and achieving the highest betweenness centrality of 1,252.975, highlighting its role in improving antifouling and biofilm resistance. Other critical research areas include nanofiltration, reverse-osmosis membranes and the integration of advanced materials like graphene oxide, silver nanoparticles and polydopamine. Interdisciplinary collaborations among material science, chemistry and environmental engineering were identified as key drivers of innovation. Despite advancements, gaps persist in scaling up technologies, addressing environmental sustainability, and applying antibiofouling membranes in underexplored areas like seawater desalination and wastewater treatment. Emerging trends, including energy-efficient solutions, biofilm mitigation and computational modelling for predictive performance, present significant opportunities for future research. This review underscores the transformative potential of antibiofouling membranes in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. By addressing identified research gaps and fostering interdisciplinary approaches, this study provides actionable insights and a strategic roadmap for researchers and policymakers to advance antibiofouling membrane technologies to meet global water and environmental challenges.

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial biofilms presents a significant challenge in biomedical applications, demanding innovative and eco-friendly solutions. In this study, bactericidal nanolayers (NLs) were engineered on titanium (Ti) surfaces using two isomeric phytocompounds: carvacrol (Carv-Ti-NL) and thymol (TOH-Ti-NL). These NLs were fabricated via a simple, one-step self-assembly process. Both exhibited strong anti-biofilm and bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus. TOH-Ti-NL proved superior for osteogenesis, while fibroblasts showed reduced adhesion on TOH-Ti-NL but enhanced proliferation on Carv-Ti-NL. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed spontaneous oxidation of Carv and TOH on Ti into ketonic structures. TOH-Ti-NL also displayed higher surface roughness, linked to improved osseointegration, and a higher release rate than Carv-Ti-NL. Both coatings eradicated bacteria within 24 h. Their early effectiveness underscores their potential for infection prevention on Ti implants. Thus, TOH-Ti-NL shows promise for bone-related applications, whereas Carv-Ti-NL may be better suited for fibroblast growth, offering tailored properties for diverse biomedical applications.

Biofilm development, which occurs on numerous surfaces, can reduce the efficiency and increase operating costs in bioprocesses and fermentation. The current study proposes a strategy for biofilm inhibition by investigating the interactions between microorganisms and surfaces using an extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (xDLVO) approach and cell partition index (CPI) technique. Glass slide and Petri dish surfaces were modified with different surfactants. The results show that modification increased CPI values and altered the interaction behavior from attractive to repulsive, between microbial cells and different surfaces. Secondary energy values calculated by xDLVO theory between microbial cells and modified surfaces were repulsive. Meanwhile, the secondary energy values calculated for microbial cells and unmodified glass slide (−31 kT) and Petri dish surfaces (−27 kT) were attractive between cells and surfaces. The current study has opened a window for research in the field of biofilm inhibition through a surface energetics approach.