Biofilm Disruption Research Articles

Green-synthesized nanozymes represent a transformative approach to microbial control, integrating sustainability with advanced nano-catalytic function. These nanozymes exhibit remarkable enzyme-like activity, including oxidase, peroxidase, and catalase mimetic properties, enabling effective antimicrobial action via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, metal ion release, and biofilm disruption. Their synthesis through plant, microbial, algal, and waste-derived methods reduces toxicity and environmental impact while enhancing biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness. Applications in clinical therapies, food and water decontamination, and environmental remediation demonstrate their vast potential. Despite these promising attributes, green nanozymes still face challenges such as inconsistent catalytic efficiency, scalability, and limited substrate specificity. Future innovations must prioritize mechanistic understanding, atomic-level design, and AI-assisted synthesis to improve selectivity and reproducibility. Regulatory clarity and eco-toxicological evaluations will be critical for their clinical and commercial translation. Overall, green-synthesized nanozymes hold the promise to redefine antimicrobial strategies, offering multifunctional, low-carbon solutions aligned with the global sustainability agenda.

Periodontitis is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting structures. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including mechanical debridement and systemic antibiotics, often fall short in achieving complete bacterial eradication or tissue regeneration, particularly in deep periodontal pockets. Nanotheranostics—an integrated platform combining diagnostics and therapeutics within a single nanosystem—holds promise in advancing periodontal care through targeted delivery, real-time disease monitoring, and site-specific therapy. This narrative review examines the potential of various nanomaterials for building nanotheranostic systems to overcome current clinical limitations, including non-specific drug delivery, insufficient treatment monitoring, and delayed intervention, and their functionalization and responsiveness to the periodontal microenvironment are discussed. Their application in targeted antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative therapy is discussed in terms of real-time monitoring of disease biomarkers and pathogenic organisms. Although nanoparticle-based therapeutics have been extensively studied in periodontitis, the integration of diagnostic elements remains underdeveloped. This review identifies key translational gaps, evaluates emerging dual-function platforms, and discusses challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory approval. In particular, inorganic nanomaterials exhibit potential for theranostic functions such as antimicrobial activity, biofilm disruption, immunomodulation, tissue regeneration, and biosensing of microbial and inflammatory biomarkers. Finally, we propose future directions to advance nanotheranostic research toward clinical translation. By consolidating the current evidence base, this review advocates for the development of smart, responsive nanotheranostic platforms as a foundation for personalized, minimally invasive, and precision-guided periodontal care.

Synergistic antimicrobial effects of polyphenolic Chinese medicine active compounds-loaded photothermal nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Biofilm-associated infections pose a major clinical problem due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan nanoparticle-loaded irrigants in disrupting established Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Using in vitro 96-well plate models, biofilm biomass reduction and bacterial viability were assessed with crystal violet assay, CFU counts and SEM imaging after exposure to 2% and 1% chitosan nanoparticles, 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline. Data showed that 2% chitosan nanoparticles produced the greatest biofilm disruption (89.7ą3.2%) and bacterial reduction (4.8ą0.3 log10 CFU/mL), significantly outperforming 1% chitosan and chlorhexidine. Thus, we show that chitosan nanoparticle irrigants, particularly at higher concentrations, may serve as effective alternatives for managing biofilm-associated infections.

Convenient Synthesis of <i>C</i> ‐Linked <i>β</i> ‐D‐Galactosides with Lipophilic Aglycone Component Toward Lectin A Inhibition and Antibiofilm Properties

Abstract Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) often involve multidrug‐resistant (MDR) infections, complicating treatment. Plant extracts and green‐synthesized nanoparticles are promising alternatives for combating these pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO‐GNPs) against MDR bacteria isolated from DFUs, while exploring their mechanisms through in silico analysis. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed on Hibiscus extracts. The MgO‐NPs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Their antimicrobial effects by MIC against E. coli , P. aeruginosa , and S. aureus . Biofilm inhibition and disruption were assessed in mono‐ and mixed‐species cultures. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations explored interactions between MgO‐GNPs and bacterial enzymes. MgO‐GNPs demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, with MICs between 22 and 36 µg/mL. They significantly inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted existing biofilms more effectively than Hibiscus extracts. MgO‐GNPs increased ROS levels, damaged bacterial membranes, and suppressed exopolysaccharide and alginate production. In silico studies showed strong binding affinity of MgO‐GNPs to bacterial glycosyltransferases, supporting their mechanism of action. MgO‐GNPs show promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against MDR pathogens. Their ability to target biofilms and bacterial mechanisms suggests they could serve as effective alternatives for managing drug‐resistant DFU infections.

Abstract Bacterial pathogens pose a serious threat to global agriculture, driven largely by the resilience of biofilms and the poor foliar affinity of conventional pesticides. Herein, a pharmacophore‐guided approach is presented for engineering amphiphilic molecules that integrate hydrophobic α ‐aminophosphonate and hydrophilic isopropanolamine moieties. Several amphiphiles self‐assemble into micelles whose stability and dispersibility are strengthened by 0.1% polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), obviating the need for additional adjuvants. These supramolecular micelles, stabilized with 0.1% Tween 20, exhibit enhanced deposition and retention on plant leaves. At 200 µ g mL −1 , they conferred protective efficacy against bacterial leaf blight, streak, kiwifruit canker, or citrus canker, with rates of 41.61%–58.39%, consistently outperforming conventional agent thiodiazole‐copper (TC). Among them, F 35 @Tween 20 stands out for its superior foliar affinity, potency, environmental compatibility, stability, and rainfastness. Further investigations revealed its dual capacity to inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate mature biofilms. Mechanistic studies revealed that biofilm disruption coincides with reduced extracellular polysaccharide production and downregulation of biofilm‐associated virulence genes. With its defined mode of action, potent bioactivity, and favorable physicochemical and safety profiles, F 35 @Tween 20 emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable management of recalcitrant bacterial infections in agriculture.

Candida parapsilosis has emerged among invasive fungal infections, boming an alarming problem for human health. Recent studies have focused on antimicrobial peptides and their derivatives, such as the Aurein family, as a new approach to developing cutting-edge antifungal agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of Aurein 1.2 (Au) and two modified analogs, K-aurein (K-au) and D-aurein (D-au), containing an additional lysine or aspartic acid residue, respectively, at the N-terminal of the native peptide. To this, antifungal activity, time of action by time-kill curve, ergosterol-binding analysis in vitro and in silico, and antibiofilm assays were performed. Results: We found that K-au demonstrated the lowest cytotoxicity and the greatest antifungal activity compared to other tested peptides. K-au showed MIC values ranging from 62.5 to 125 μg/mL and time of action fungicide between 60 and 180 min. Molecular docking indicated strong interaction with ergosterol, particularly for K-au, supporting a membrane-targeting mechanism. Biofilm assays demonstrated that the peptides inhibited biofilm formation by up to 80% and were effective against mature biofilms, as confirmed by ultrastructural analysis. These findings highlight Au-derived peptides as promising molecules against C. parapsilosis.

Biofilm-associated infections caused by microbial communities have become a major threat to the global public health. Once formed, biofilms not only significantly enhance microbial resistance to antibiotics but also render infections extremely difficult to eradicate, often resulting in poor clinical outcomes and high mortality rates. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective antibiofilm strategies to combat these persistent infections. Nanozymes, nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme-like catalytic activities, have attracted increasing attention as promising tools for combating biofilm-related infections. As artificial enzyme mimics, nanozymes exhibit excellent catalytic efficiency, enabling them to rapidly generate large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or catalyze the hydrolysis of biomolecules within microbial cells and biofilms, thereby effectively preventing biofilm formation or eradicating established biofilm. Combined with their good biocompatibility and stability, nanozymes have made remarkable progress in antibiofilm applications over the past five years. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of biofilm infections, biofilm structure, and the mechanisms underlying their antibiotic resistance. Then, we summarize recent advances in the application of nanozymes and their composites to the prevention and disruption of microbial biofilms. Finally, we briefly summarize the present status of nanozymes in antibiofilm research, discuss existing challenges, and propose future prospects for nanozymes in combating biofilms.

Sixteen thiazoles,of which nine are unprecedented substances(11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, and 24), were obtained by a cyclocondensation reactionbetweena thioamide and an α-bromoketone, via Hantzsch synthesis. Allthiazoles (11–26), along with fourthiosemicarbazone derivatives (7–10) and their precursors (1–6), wereevaluated for their activity against Mycobacterium species Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium massiliense, Mycobacteriumfortuitum, and Mycobacterium smegmatis, as well as for their antibiofilm properties. Among them, compounds 7, 8, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 showed promisingresults in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, demonstratingbactericidal activity within 48 h. Moreover, all these compounds inhibitedbiofilm formation. Notably, the unprecedented thiazole 17, along with 18 (MIC = 36 μmol L–1) and 21 (MIC = 65 μmol L–1),exhibited the lowest MIC values against all tested species, outperformingthe reference drugs. Furthermore, these compounds showed a high degreeof selectivity toward mycobacterial cells, as confirmed by cytotoxicityassays using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Vero cells.These findings highlight the strong antimycobacterial potential ofthe new thiazole derivatives, warranting further investigation.

Efficacy of Commercially Available Irrigation Solutions on Removal of Biofilms Grown on Porous Titanium Implants: An In Vitro Study.

Thai medicinal flowers, namely Mesua ferrea L. (Bunnak), Mammea siamensis T. Anderson (Saraphi), and Clitoria ternatea (Anchan) have long been valued for their traditional medicinal. This study investigated their phytochemical composition and bioactivities, with a particular focus on antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Methods: Ethanolic flower extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Vibrio cholerae were assessed by agar well diffusion, broth dilution methods, and time–kill assays. Biofilm formation, biofilm disruption, and bacterial adhesion to Caco-2 cells were evaluated. Morphological changes in E. coli O157:H7 were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and leakage of intracellular contents (DNA, RNA, proteins) were quantified. Results: HPLC analysis revealed the highest level of gallic acid in M. ferrea and quercetin in M. siamensis. LC–MS analysis identified fifteen putative metabolites across the flower extracts, including quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, and luteolin derivatives, with species-specific profiles. C. ternatea extract exhibited the greatest total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Among the extracts, M. ferrea exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, with inhibition zone of 13.00–15.00 mm and MIC/MBC values of 31.25–62.5 mg/mL. All extracts exhibited time-dependent bactericidal activity, significantly inhibited biofilm formation, disrupted established biofilms, and reduced bacterial adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells. SEM revealed membrane disruption in E. coli O157:H7 and leakage of intracellular components. Conclusions: Thai medicinal flower extracts, particularly M. ferrea, possess strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Their ability to inhibit biofilm formation, interfere with bacterial adhesion, and disrupt bacterial membranes highlights their potential as natural alternatives for preventing or controlling enteric bacterial infections.

Biofilms, which are structures formed by microorganisms, are protected by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by bacteria against external threats, including antibiotics. The current study aims to assess the effects of shockwave treatment combined with antibiotic therapy on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in tubular structures in vitro. The biofilms were formed on the inner surfaces of silicone tubes for three days under dynamic conditions. The biofilms were treated with shockwave treatment (120 pulses at 2Hz), followed by exposure to 4µg/ml ciprofloxacin for 6h. Bacterial viability was assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with SYTO9/PI staining, while biofilm detachment was evaluated via crystal violet (CV) staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). According to the SEM and CFU analysis, the shockwave and antibiotic-combined treatment significantly detached the biofilm, removing up to 97.5% of the surface area and decreased bacterial viability by 40%, compared to untreated control biofilms. The CV staining showed a significant reduction in biofilm biomass to an OD600 of 0.14. The CLSM analysis revealed a dead bacteria proportion of 67%. In conclusion, the shockwave treatment combined with antibiotics could effectively degrade the biofilms in tubular structures and enhance antibiotic efficacy.

A bacteriophage with dual host specificity for canine and porcine Bordetella bronchiseptica: Characterization and biofilm disruption potential.

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer, yet its eradication is increasingly challenged by antibiotic resistance and poor drug retention in the gastric mucosa. In this study, we developed and characterized iodine-incorporated chitosan-coated starch nanoparticle (I-CS-SNP) as a dual-responsive antibacterial platform. The nanoparticles exhibited uniform size, high iodine loading, and strong mucoadhesive properties with mucopenetrative capability. Iodine release was triggered by mucin interactions and bacterial adhesion, leading to effective H. pylori eradication through biofilm disruption and membrane damage. Antibacterial assessments confirmed significant bactericidal activity, while cytotoxicity assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells. Additionally, I-CS-SNP maintained stability in simulated gastric conditions, ensuring controlled iodine delivery. The results of this study demonstrate I-CS-SNP as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics, providing targeted, sustained antibacterial action while preserving mucosal integrity.

Luteolin as a multi-target agent against periodontitis: integrating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense and quorum sensing interference.

The combined use of chemical and physical methods can increase the rate of microbial inactivation resulting in a low risk of foodborne diseases and good preservation of food quality. The aim of this study is to assess the inhibitory effects of various active-ingredient washing solutions on Enterobacteriaceae, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), and Clostridioides difficile spores both with and without the application of ultrasonic treatment. In this respect, spinach samples were washed with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), green tea extract–acetic acid (GTE-AA), and a natural disinfectant solution (NDS) for 3 and 6 minutes, either with or without ultrasonic treatment. Washing spinach with the mentioned antibacterial solutions resulted in reductions of 1.3–2.3, 2.23–4.05, and 2.38–3.52 log CFU/g for C. difficile, TAMB, and Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. NaOCl exhibited the highest antimicrobial effect against all microorganisms tested, while the lowest inhibition was observed in samples washed with GTE-AA. Ultrasound treatment alone did not result in a significant reduction in microbial levels on spinach; instead, high-frequency applications appeared to increase the detectable microbial load, likely due to the disruption of microbial clusters or biofilms that made cells more accessible for enumeration. No synergistic interaction was observed between antimicrobial washing treatments and ultrasonic application in terms of microbial reduction. These findings highlight the need for further studies to refine ultrasound parameters and explore optimized combinations with antimicrobial agents in order to enhance microbial inactivation on fresh produce.

This study was conducted in response to the growing need for alternative microbial control strategies in the face of escalating antibiotic resistance, aiming to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of postbiotic components derived from Akkermansia muciniphila. Focusing on Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive, biofilm-forming opportunistic pathogen, the effects of cell-free supernatant were analyzed in vitro on both planktonic growth and biofilm structures. The supernatant significantly suppressed planktonic proliferation, while biofilm assays revealed over 50% inhibition of biofilm formation and up to 40% disruption of preformed biofilms. These effects, confirmed via crystal violet staining, indicate that the supernatant possesses both preventive and curative antibiofilm properties. While the immunomodulatory and barrier-enhancing roles of A. muciniphila have been increasingly documented in the literature, this study provides direct experimental evidence of its antibiofilm efficacy, offering a novel perspective on its therapeutic scope. The findings suggest that postbiotics from A. muciniphila act not only through inhibition of bacterial growth but also by targeting biofilm-associated resistance mechanisms. Thus, A. muciniphila supernatant emerges as a promising and innovative candidate for next-generation antimicrobial and antibiofilm strategies, particularly for managing infections involving drug-resistant biofilm-forming pathogens.

Magnetic field-targeting and ultrasound-responsive antibiotic delivery for enhanced penetration and eradication of bacterial biofilms.

LIPUS-responsive meropenem-loaded nanobubbles enable biofilm disruption and bone repair in orthopedic implant-associated infections.