Antibiofilm Agents Research Articles

Anti-Biofilm Agents to Overcome Pseudomonas aeruginosa Antibiotic Resistance

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of world’s most threatening bacteria. In addition to the emerging prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, the bacterium also possesses a wide variety of virulence traits that worsen the course of the infections. Particularly, its ability to form biofilms that protect colonies from antimicrobial agents is a major cause of chronic and hard-to-treat infections in immune-compromised patients. This protective barrier also ensures cell growth on abiotic surfaces and thus enables bacterial survival on medical devices. Hence, as the WHO alerted to the need to develop new treatments, the use of anti-biofilm agents (ABAs) appeared as a promising approach. Given the selection pressure imposed by conventional antibiotics, a new therapeutic strategy has emerged that aims at reducing bacterial virulence without inhibiting cell growth. So-called anti-virulence agents (AVAs) would then restore the efficacy of conventional antibiotics (ATBs) or potentiate the effectiveness of the immune system. The last decade has seen the development of ABAs as AVAs against P. aeruginosa. This review aims to highlight the design strategy and critical features of these molecules to pave the way for further discoveries of highly potent compounds.

Solanum virginianum mediated green nanoparticles to control dental pathogens

In recent years, nanotechnology has set a prominent advancement in the research fields particularly in the synthesis of nanomaterials, nanoparticles, nanoformulation, nanoemulsion etc. Nanotechnology has a wide range of applications in dentistry as an antibacterial agent, dental materials, periodontal pockets, photodynamic therapy and many more. Post-endodontic therapy pain and infection were more frequently detected in endodontic treatment failure cases. Dental caries most commonly referred to as cavities or tooth decay, is a serious worldwide health concern that affects people of all age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. With the rise in antimicrobial resistance the need for alternatives is the need of the hour to treat pathogens causing dental infections. Green nanoparticles with potent antimicrobial property can be utilized to control drug resistant dental pathogens. In this study, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SVAgNPs) was achieved by using Solanum virginianum fruit extract as capping and reducing agent. Characterization techniques confirmed the size, shape and stability of SVAgNPs as spherical in shape with the size ranging from 50 to 90 nm by using FESEM analysis. The hydrodynamic size of SVAgNPs was observed as 177 d.nm. Surface charge of SVAgNPs was measured as − 0.627 mV confirming its stability. The toxicity study shows that SVAgNPs was not toxic for plants and animals. Rather, SVAgNPs promotes plant growth and did not show any abnormalities in Zebrafish models. The antibacterial assays confirmed that the nanoparticles have potent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties in dental pathogens including Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans. Based on exploring the mechanism of action of nanoparticles it was observed that SVAgNPs targets dental pathogens more effectively than the antibiotics by inducing the leakage of cellular macromolecules and causing oxidative stress to the bacterial cells. This is the first report on SVAgNPs incorporated dentures controlling the biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans more effectively than ampicillin. Overall, this work highlights the capability of SVAgNPs as potent antibacterial and antibiofilm agents to control dental pathogens. In future, SVAgNPs incorporated oral hygiene, and dentistry products can be developed for the benefit of dental care.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pyrazole-ciprofloxacin hybrids as antibacterial and antibiofilm agents against Staphylococcus aureus.

In our continued efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance, a new series of pyrazole-ciprofloxacin hybrids were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Most of the compounds exhibited good to excellent activities against S. aureus, and six compounds (7a, 7b, 7d, 7g, 7k, and 7p) exhibited higher or comparable activity (MIC = 0.125-0.5 μg mL-1) to ciprofloxacin (0.125 μg mL-1). Further, these selected compounds were non-toxic (CC50 ≥ 1000 μg mL-1) when evaluated for cell viability test against the Hep-G2 cell line. Three compounds (7a, 7d, and 7g) demonstrated excellent activity against ciprofloxacin-resistant S. aureus with MIC values ranging from 0.125-0.5 μg mL-1 and good antibiofilm activity. Among them, 7g displayed remarkable antibiofilm activity with an MBIC50 value of 0.02 μg mL-1, which is 50 times lower than ciprofloxacin (MBIC50 = 1.06 μg mL-1). A time-kill kinetics study indicated that 7g showed both concentration and time-dependent bactericidal properties. In addition, 7g effectively inhibited DNA-gyrase supercoiling activity at 1 μg mL-1 (8× MIC). Two compounds 7b and 7d exhibited the highest activity against Mtb with a MIC of 0.5 μg mL-1, while 7c showed the highest activity against P. aeruginosa with a MIC value of 2 μg mL-1. Molecular docking studies revealed that 7g formed stable interactions at the DNA active site.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Inocutis tamaricis and its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity

The target of this work was to synthesis of nanoparticle from mushroom Inocutis tamaricis by green method and assesse of its antimicrobial and antibiofilm against both bacteria and fungi. Although I.tamaricis widespread in Iraqi farms, however there is no more study about applications in medical and artificial fields, on the other hand global threats of biofilm induce and drive us to find a sustainable rectify, for these reasons we worked on this macro-fungi extract as a sustainable source for green antimicrobial. The result of nanoparticle characterizations by different techniques UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR,AFM, XRD and SEM Granted us excellence data that reflect positive harvest of nanoparticle solution to be applied on microbial resistance. After characterization bioactivity was investigated, the findings showed high antimicrobial activity on the level of microbial cells removing from any environment with high removing efficiency reached about 100% microbes removing. results of ant biofilm showed also hi potential for action against biofilm formation reached more than 76 %. As a general appraise, current nanoparticle consider ideal antimicrobial and antibiofilm agent beside their antitumor and immunomodulating properties serves in future for different medical and artificial fields as large-scale production especially in antimicrobial resistance era.

Green-synthesized α-Fe2O3-nanoparticles as potent antibacterial, anti-biofilm and anti-virulence agent against pathogenic bacteria

Green-synthesized α-Fe2O3-nanoparticles as potent antibacterial, anti-biofilm and anti-virulence agent against pathogenic bacteria

Nanogel of Lollipop Leave Extract: A Promising Antibiofilm Agent for Diabetic Ulcer Infections

Nanogel of Lollipop Leave Extract: A Promising Antibiofilm Agent for Diabetic Ulcer Infections

Gram Negative Biofilms: Structural and Functional Responses to Destruction by Antibiotic-Loaded Mixed Polymeric Micelles.

Biofilms are a well-known multifactorial virulence factor with a pivotal role in chronic bacterial infections. Their pathogenicity is determined by the combination of strain-specific mechanisms of virulence and the biofilm extracellular matrix (ECM) protecting the bacteria from the host immune defense and the action of antibacterials. The successful antibiofilm agents should combine antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility with the capacity to penetrate through the ECM. The objective of the study is the elaboration of biofilm-ECM-destructive drug delivery systems: mixed polymeric micelles (MPMs) based on a cationic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA35-b-PCL70-b-PDMAEMA35) and a non-ionic poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO100-b-PPO65-b-PEO100) triblock copolymers, loaded with ciprofloxacin or azithromycin. The MPMs were applied on 24 h pre-formed biofilms of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (laboratory strains and clinical isolates). The results showed that the MPMs were able to destruct the biofilms, and the viability experiments supported drug delivery. The biofilm response to the MPMs loaded with the two antibiotics revealed two distinct patterns of action. These were registered on the level of both bacterial cell-structural alterations (demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy) and the interaction with host tissues (ex vivo biofilm infection model on skin samples with tests on nitric oxide and interleukin (IL)-17A production).

Bacterial vaginosis biofilms: a target for therapeutic innovation

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal microbiome abnormalities worldwide and a risk factor for various obstetric and gynecological complications. Despite years of exploration, existing and quickly emerging clinical, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods, and progressive development of science in general, the etiology and pathogenesis of BV remain poorly understood. This is evidenced by the high incidence of chronic and/or recurrent course. There are standard therapeutic approaches aimed to eradicating the causative agent, but the level of efficacy remains questionable due to recurrent episodes. Therefore, further studies of this problem are warranted. Actually, it is evident that G. vaginalis forms polymicrobial biofilms on urogenital tract mucosa. Biofilms represent associations of microorganisms that are adhered to the surface of the epithelium and connected together in the polymer matrix. Biofilms change the properties of the microorganisms involved into their structural frame and provide beneficial conditions for their interactions. This results in the increase of the existing pathogenic properties of bacteria associated with BV, as well as in the appearance of new features. Thus, the microorganisms become less susceptible to previously effective antibiotics and to aggressive media. Finally, this contributes to the recurrent course of the disease. In most cases, treatment of BV is based on the immediate effect on the microorganisms, but in patients with confirmed biofilm-associated BV this strategy is not effective and is associated with BV recurrences. Thus, currently relevant issues include exploration of the causes of recurrent BV, development of anti-biofilm agents able to disrupt their matrix and release bacteria from their carcass, and introduction of these agents into clinical practice. This will increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Biofilm inflection via chemically synthesized silver and nickel nanoparticles

Using a chemical process, urea and formaldehyde were converted into silver and nickel nanoparticles, which were then calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction was used to verify the crystalline structure and chemical makeup of silver and nickel nanoparticles. Surface morphology and particle size distribution were studied using surface imaging techniques such as atomic force microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to validate the spherical and porous-like morphology of the silver and nickel nanoparticles. The spherical shapes of silver and nickel metal ions are the reason for the apparent white dots. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the particle sizes of nickel and silver metal ions are 13.71 nm and 41.43 nm, respectively. The synthetic Ag and Ni NPs were also tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of human pathogens, namely provisional Escherichia coli (E. coli) (Gram − ve) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) (Gram + ve), by screening for anti-biofilm activity. The study's findings indicate that synthetic Ag and Ni NPs have potential use in biological applications, such as anti-biofilm agents.

Antibiofilm Activity of Epinecidin-1 and Its Variants Against Drug-Resistant Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis Isolates from Vaginal Candidiasis Patients.

Background/Objective: Indwelling intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) have surfaces that facilitate the attachment of Candida spp., creating a suitable environment for biofilm formation. Due to this, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is frequently linked to IUD usage, necessitating the prompt removal of these devices for effective treatment. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of antimicrobial peptides in vitro against biofilm forming, Amphotericin B (MIC50 > 2 mg L-1) resistant Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis isolated from IUD users who had signs of vaginal candidiasis (hemorrhage, pelvic pain, inflammation, itching, and vaginal discharge). Three antimicrobial peptides, namely, epinecidin-1 (epi-1) and its two variants, namely, variant-1 (Var-1) and variant-2 (Var-2), which were reported to have enhanced antibacterial activity were tested against IUD isolates (C. krusei and C. tropicalis) with pathogenic form of Candida albicans as control. Variants of epi-1, namely, Var-1 and Var-2 were created by substituting lysine in the place of histidine and alanine. Methods: The antimicrobial activity was measured using the microbroth dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of peptides against C. albicans, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. The MIC of each peptide was used for biofilm assay by Crystal violet staining, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assay. To find the possible mechanism of anti-biofilm activity by the peptides, their ability to interact with Candida spp. cell membrane proteins such as Exo-β-(1,3)-Glucanase, Secreted Aspartic Proteinase (Sap) 1, and N-terminal Domain Adhesin: Als 9-2 were determined through PatchDock. Results: The MIC values of peptides: epi-1, var-1 and var-2 against C. albicans are 128 μg mL-1, 64 μg mL-1 and 32 μg mL-1, C. tropicalis are 256 μg mL-1, 64 μg mL-1, and 32 μg mL-1 and C. krusei are 128 µg mL-1, 128 µg mL-1 and 64 µg mL-1, respectively. Both the variants outperformed epi-1. Specifically for tested Candida spp., var-1 showed two- to four-fold enhancements and var-2 showed two- to eight-fold enhancements compared to epi-1. Electron microscopy confirmed that the mechanism of action involves pore formation thus inducing reactive oxygen species in Candida spp. cell membrane. Computational analysis showed that the peptides have a high tendency to interact with Candida spp. cell membrane proteins such as Exo-β-(1,3)-Glucanase, Secreted Aspartic Proteinase (Sap) 1, and N-terminal Domain Adhesin: Als 9-2, thereby preventing biofilm formation. Conclusions: The in vitro evidence supports the potential use of epi-1 and its variants to be used as an anti-biofilm agent to coat IUDs in the future for therapeutic purposes.

Harnessing the Power of Our Immune System: The Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of Nitric Oxide.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical of the human innate immune response to invading pathogens. NO, produced by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs), is used by the immune system to kill microorganisms encapsulated within phagosomes via protein and DNA disruption. Owing to its ability to disperse biofilm-bound microorganisms, penetrate the biofilm matrix, and act as a signal molecule, NO may also be effective as an antibiofilm agent. NO can be considered an underappreciated antimicrobial that could be levied against infected, at-risk, and hard-to-heal wounds due to the inherent lack of bacterial resistance, and tolerance by human tissues. NO produced within a wound dressing may be an effective method of disrupting biofilms and killing microorganisms in hard-to-heal wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries. We have conducted a narrative review of the evidence underlying the key antimicrobial and antibiofilm mechanisms of action of NO for it to serve as an exogenously-produced antimicrobial agent in dressings used in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds.

Helicobacter pylori: Routes of Infection, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Alternative Therapies as a Means to Develop Infection Control.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the gastric epithelium and is associated with a range of gastrointestinal disorders, exhibiting a global prevalence of approximately 50%. Despite the availability of treatment options, H. pylori frequently reemerges and demonstrates increasing antibiotic resistance, which diminishes the efficacy of conventional therapies. Consequently, it is imperative to explore non-antibiotic treatment alternatives to mitigate the inappropriate use of antibiotics. This review examines H. pylori infection, encompassing transmission pathways, treatment modalities, antibiotic resistance, and eradication strategies. Additionally, it discusses alternative therapeutic approaches such as probiotics, anti-biofilm agents, phytotherapy, phototherapy, phage therapy, lactoferrin therapy, and vaccine development. These strategies aim to reduce antimicrobial resistance and enhance treatment outcomes for H. pylori infections. While alternative therapies can maintain low bacterial levels, they do not achieve complete eradication of H. pylori. These therapies are designed to bolster the immune response, minimize side effects, and provide gastroprotective benefits, rendering them suitable for adjunctive use alongside conventional treatments. Probiotics may serve as adjunctive therapy for H. pylori; however, their effectiveness as a monotherapy is limited. Photodynamic and phage therapies exhibit potential in targeting H. pylori infections, including those caused by drug-resistant strains, without the use of antibiotics. The development of a reliable vaccine is also critical for the eradication of H. pylori. This review identifies candidate antigens such as VacA, CagA, and HspA, along with various vaccine formulations, including vector-based and subunit vaccines. Some vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, while others have shown robust immune protection in preclinical studies. Nevertheless, each of the aforementioned alternative therapies requires thorough preclinical and clinical evaluation to ascertain their efficacy, side effects, cost-effectiveness, and patient compliance.

Extracts of Achillea millefolium L. inhibited biofilms and biofilm-related virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria isolated from wounds.

Biofilm is a surface-attached community of bacterial cells implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic infections and is highly resistant to antibiotics. New alternatives for controlling bacterial infections have been proposed focusing on the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants. Achillea millefollium (Yarrow) is a widespread plant species that is widely used in traditional medicine, especially for wound healing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the antibiofilm activity of A. millefolium ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate extracts on biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains originating from human wounds. Additionally, the effects of the tested extracts on auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and bacterial motility were evaluated. Phytochemical analysis included FT-IR spectroscopy and spectrophotometric quantification of phenolic compound contents was performed. In a test with crystal violet, the extracts strongly inhibited initial cell attachment and biofilm formation, but the effects on mature biofilms were weaker. The effects were dose- and strain-dependent, which was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The acetone extract showed the strongest antibiofilm activity. Biofilms of S. aureus S3 and S2 clinical strains were the most susceptible (inhibition of ≥76% and ≥72% at all tested concentrations, respectively). The highest concentration of total flavonoids was measured in the acetone extract (100.01±3.13mg RUE/g). Additionally, the extracts reduced bacterial auto-aggregation, swimming and swarming motility of some strains but did not disturb bacterial cell hydrophobicity. These results suggest that A. millefolium extracts have potential roles as new antibiofilm agents against human pathogenic bacteria.

Silver Nanoparticle Impact as Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agent Against MDR K.pneumonaie in Mosul City

Silver Nanoparticle Impact as Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agent Against MDR K.pneumonaie in Mosul City

Zirconium-based metal–organic framework immobilized subtilisin for anti-biofilm

Biofilm formation contributes significantly to bacterial drug resistance, and employing enzymes to combat biofilms is an effective way. In this study, UiO-66-NH2 was synthesized to immobilize subtilisin, resulting in enzymatic anti-biofilm composite materials. The stability, biofilm inhibition capabilities, and biological safety of the composite materials were investigated. The results demonstrated that the immobilized proteases displayed significantly enhanced thermal and pH stability compared to free subtilisin. After 30 days of storage, the immobilized enzymes maintained around 66.8 % of their activity. Furthermore, it effectively suppressed biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Importantly, it does not induce hemolysis of red blood cells or exhibit cytotoxicity, demonstrating its favorable biocompatibility. This study provides novel light on the development of enzyme-based antibiofilm agents.

Characterization, immobilization and evaluation of anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm activity of alginate lyase from marine bacterium, Enterobacter tabaci RAU2C.

Alginate lyases have the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for P. aeruginosa infections. The present work was focused on the characterization of free and immobilized alginate lyase produced by marine bacteria, Enterobacter tabaci RAU2C isolated previously in the laboratory for alginate lyase production and exploring the potential of alginate lyase as an anti-biofilm agent against the P. aeruginosa biofilm. RAU2C alginate lyase was immobilized using an epoxy-activated curdlan matrix by three different methods. Further, the free and immobilized were characterized for its optimal pH and temperature. The effect of alginate concentration on alginate lyase activity was assessed and the kinetic parameters were evaluated. The anti-biofilm activity of the crude alginate lyase was studied using biofilm inhibition and disruption assays in microtiter plates with crystal violet. The biofilm disruption by RAU2C alginate lyase was also ascertained by microscopic analysis. The immobilization matrix prepared using method 3 had a better binding capacity compared to other methods. Both soluble and immobilized alginate lyase exhibited optimal activity at 37°C and pH 7.0. Km and Vmax of soluble and immobilized alginate lyase were found to be 3.38mg/mL, 22.98mg/mL min and 3.67mg/mL and 26.59mg/mL min respectively. Both microtiter assay and microscopic analysis confirmed the prevention and dispersal of pre-existing biofilms by crude RAU2C alginate lyase, highlighting its potential as an anti-biofilm agent against P. aeruginosa. The study highlights the efficacy of RAU2C alginate lyase as an anti-biofilm agent in controlling P. aeruginosa biofilms.

Lichen and Its Microbiome as an Untapped Source of Anti-Biofilm Compounds.

Lichen substances have been first described in the 1870s, and around 10000 compounds have been isolated and characterized. Most of them have been evaluated for their activity on planktonic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). More recently, microorganisms colonizing the lichen thallus have been isolated and identified using DNA sequencing, giving access to a wide diversity of culturable microorganisms. The increasing research in lichen-associated microbiomes in recent years has emphasized a wide range of metabolites as a potential source of bioactive compounds. In parallel, humans are facing microbial resistance to conventional antimicrobial drugs. One of the reasons is the biofilm lifestyle of microorganisms. Indeed, the aggregation of microbial communities inside biofilms is now well known and characterized, and some possible ways to fight and destroy biofilms are identified (quorum sensing inhibitors, etc.). The present review aims to summarize the anti-biofilm potential of lichen metabolites and those from their associated microorganisms (bacteria and/or fungi). Are the metabolites isolated from lichens and their associated fungi displaying any anti-biofilm activity? This literature synthesis highlights the metabolites of interest as new anti-biofilm drugs and shows the lack of current biological research dealing with biofilm and lichen metabolites. Acetone and ethyl acetate extracts are the most studied sources of anti-biofilm agents. Only two lichen metabolites, usnic acid and evernic acid, have been evaluated both as antifungal and antibacterial biofilm compounds. Terpenoids from lichens are still poorly explored for this activity.

Characterization of Serratia marcescens (OK482790)’ prodigiosin along with in vitro and in silico validation for its medicinal bioactivities

BackgroundMicrobial prodigiosin pigment has been proposed as a promising biomolecule having an antibacterial, immunosuppressive, antimalarial, antineoplastic, and anticancer activities. The good outcome originates from getting natural pigment, which has many medical applications.ResultsIn this investigation, prodigiosin (PG) was extracted, characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, mass spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and tested in various medical applications as an antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiofilm, anticancer, and wound healing agent at different concentrations. Antibacterial activity of PG pigment was shown against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Enterococcus faecalis was the most severely impacted, with minimum inhibitory value of 3.9 µg/mL. The formed biofilm by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was suppressed by 58–2.50% at prodigiosin doses ranging from 1000 to 31.25 µg/mL, respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical was 74.18 ± 23.77 µg/mL. At 100 µg/mL concentration, OK482790 prodigiosin had no harmful effect on normal skin cells and exhibited mild wound healing properties. Additionally, molecular docking simulations confirmed the prodigiosin’s interactions with target proteins, including epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK, PDB ID: 1M17), peptide deformylase from E. faecalis (PDB ID: 2OS1), acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1, PDB ID: 3K1X), PA14_16140 protein from P. aeruginosa (PDB ID: 8Q8O), and human peroxiredoxin 5 (PDB ID: 1HD2) for explaining the anticancer, antibacterial, wound healing, antibiofilm, and antioxidant activities, respectively. Prodigiosin had favorable binding affinities and putative modes of action across various therapeutic domains.ConclusionThis study pioneers the use of prodigiosin as a natural alternative to synthetic medicine since it fights germs, heals wounds, is antioxidant, and reduces biofilm formation.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Curcuma longa rhizome extract: a potential antibiofilm agent against antibiotic-resistant foodborne pathogens

The traditional medicinal value of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and its potential relevance in modern healthcare suggests that traditional remedies and natural products can provide valuable solutions to contemporary challenges, such as combating biofilms and antibiotic-resistant pathogens, potentially offering new strategies for addressing health and safety issues in the fields of food and medicine. This study assessed the antibiofilm and antibacterial characterization of Curcuma longa rhizome extract against antibiotic-resistant foodborne pathogens. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis were determined to check for the compounds, functional groups, and constituents of the plant extract. In-vitro antibiofilm and antibacterial bioassay of the extract were determined using standard bacteriological procedures. Potential mechanisms of the plant extract were also studied using standard biological methods. The important chemical constituents from the GC-MS extract of C. longa are arturmerone, cinnamyl angelate, tumerone, γ-atlantone, atlantone, α-atlantone, γ-atlantone and curlone. The FTIR analysis of the extract comprises alkyl halides, bromoalkanes, alkanes, ethylene molecules, arenes, amines, alcohols, sulfones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, aromatic compounds, and phenols. The MIC of C. longa crude extract ranges from ethanol extract (0.03125 − 0.5 mg/mL) and acetone extract (0.0625 − 0.5 mg/mL). The MBC range is as follows: ethanol extract (0.125 − 1 mg/mL), acetone extract (0.125 − 1 mg/mL). The time-kill kinetics showed significant cell reduction with time. The bacterial isolates’ nucleic acids and protein leakage were consistent with increased extract concentration and time. There was a reduction in the biofilm cell on the shrimp surface and EPS with increased concentration and time. C. longa exerted significant anti-biofilm activity by removing existing biofilms, disrupting cell connections, and decreasing cells in biofilms. These findings can aid food protection from microbial contamination and prevent biofilms-related infections.

Therapeutic deep eutectic solvent with saponin, optimized through response surface methodology, exert potent in vivo antimicrobial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Therapeutic deep eutectic solvents (THEDES) are a type of deep eutectics that can be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by enhancing the drug bioavailability, by increasing the solubility of APIs in aqueous solutions or by increasing their permeability through biological barriers. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of designer THEDES, based on Quillaja Saponin (SAP), a triterpene natural product to unravel the antimicrobial potential of such THEDES. THEDES were prepared by gently mixing and heating five different α- hydroxy acids- malic, citric, tartaric, glycolic, lactic acids and SAP with water as a third component in the THEDES. The antimicrobial assays were performed with the as-prepared SAP-THEDES and among the panel of bacterial strains, saponin-malic acid THEDES [SMA-THEDES] displayed potent activity in disassembling PA biofilms, demonstrating that the SMA-THEDES can serve as therapeutic antibacterial biomaterials. To further optimize, a Box-Behnken- response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design was done and at the optimum conditions of SAP (1.014 m.mol), Malic acid (1.003 m.mol), Water (0.117 m.mol), SMA-THEDES exhibited maximum MIC of P. aeruginosa with the minimum absorbance at 590 nm of 0.105. The effectiveness of SMA-THEDES as antibiofilm agents on P. aeruginosa with the mechanism studies have been explored. The colony count from the in vivo infection zebrafish model in the treatment group showed a decline of > 2 fold for SMA-THEDES. Toxicity studies did not reveal any abnormality in liver and brain enzyme levels. Liver morphology images show no severe cytological alterations when treated with SMA-THEDES and were almost similar to the normal liver.