Biofilm Mass Research Articles

Antibacterial and Anti-Quorum Sensing Studies of Extracellularly Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaf Extract

Azadirachta indica (Neem ) is an important medicinal plant with proven strong antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The study here presents the antibacterial and QS (Quorum Sensing) inhibitory potential of biogenic Silver nanopaticles (AgNPs) from Azadirachta indica leaf extracts. The nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves and silver nitrate solution. The size, crystal structure, elemental composition and other physical properties of nanoparticles were determined using different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was found to be between 20-43 nm with crystalline morphology. These extracellularly synthesized AgNPs strongly inhibited Gram negative pathogenic species and exhibited demonstrable anti- Quorum Sensing (QS) activity as evident from pigment inhibition and 75- 80% decrease in biofilm mass on AgNPs treatment in a dose dependent manner.

Effects of scouring on membrane aerated biofilm reactor performance and microbial community composition

This study investigated the effects of scouring on Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors (MABRs). Laboratory-scale MABRs were operated under conditions typical for municipal wastewater. Scouring was induced by bubbling dinitrogen gas through the reactor bulk at low and high frequencies (LF and HF).At low nitrogen surface loads, almost complete ammonium removal was observable while HF scouring resulted in less total nitrogen (TN) removal compared to LF scouring. High nitrogen surface loads combined with HF scouring resulted in a higher TN removal as LF scouring.HF scouring resulted in around four times more sludge production and less residual biofilm mass compared to LF scouring. 16S amplicon sequencing of the biofilm, detached biomass and flocs revealed major differences between the microbial community compositions of these fractions. These results indicate that by varying the scouring strategy is a potential control mechanism for MABR operation and can help to reach specific treatment targets.

Biofilm Formation of Probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii on Glass Surface during Beer Bottle Ageing

While brewing probiotic beer using Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, we noticed the yeast potentially makes biofilm in glass bottles as the bottles get hazy. In this study, S. cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-745 was used as a starter culture to produce probiotic beer. We studied the biofilm parameters combined with FLO11 mRNA expression and used light and scanning electron microscopy to document biofilm formation and structure. Our results revealed that ageing the beer and maturing from a sugar-rich to a sugar-limited beer, along with the stress factors from the brewing process (pH reduction and produced metabolites), led to an increase in biofilm mass; however, the viable count remained relatively stable (approximately 7.1 log10 cells/mL). Biofilm S. boulardii cells showed significantly higher FLO11 mRNA expression in the exponential and stationary phase compared to the planktonic cells. This study, therefore, provides evidence that S. cerevisiae var. boulardii makes biofilm on glass surfaces during beer bottle ageing. The impact of complications caused by formed biofilms on returnable bottles emphasizes the significance of this study.

Genome Analysis and Antibiofilm Activity of Phage 590B against Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates, India.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which are the most frequent agents causing community as well as hospital-acquired UTIs, have become highly drug-resistant, thus making the treatment of these infections challenging. Recently, the use of bacteriophages (or 'phages') against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) microorganisms has garnered significant global attention. Bacterial biofilms play a vital role in the pathogenesis of UTIs caused by UPEC. Phages have the potential to disrupt bacterial biofilms using lytic enzymes such as EPS depolymerases and endolysins. We isolated a lytic phage (590B) from community sewage in Chandigarh, which was active against multiple MDR and XDR biofilm-forming UPEC strains. During whole-genome sequencing, the 44.3 kb long genome of phage 590B encoded 75 ORFs, of which 40 were functionally annotated based on homology with similar phage proteins in the database. Comparative analysis of associated phage genomes indicated that phage 590B evolved independently and had a distinct taxonomic position within the genus Kagunavirus in the subfamily Guernseyvirinae of Siphoviridae. The phage disrupted biofilm mass effectively when applied to 24 h old biofilms formed on the Foley silicon catheter and coverslip biofilm models. To study the effect of intact biofilm architecture on phage predation, the biofilms were disrupted. The phage reduced the viable cells by 0.6-1.0 order of magnitude after 24 h of incubation. Regrowth and intact bacterial cells were observed in the phage-treated planktonic culture and biofilms, respectively, which indicated the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial variants. The phage genome encoded an endolysin which might have a role in the disruption and inhibition of bacterial biofilms. Moreover, the genome lacked genes encoding toxins, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, or lysogeny. Therefore, lytic phage 590B may be a good alternative to antibiotics and can be included in phage cocktails for the treatment of UTIs caused by biofilm-forming MDR and XDR UPEC strains.

Mannosylated Gold Nanoclusters Incorporated with a Repurposed Antihistamine Drug Promethazine for Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Applications.

Drug repurposing presents a workable strategy in tackling antibiotic resistance. Many known drugs have been repurposed for their applications against different targets. Antihistamines that are usually used to treat allergy symptoms can be combined with nanoscale materials to enhance their efficiency. Herein, we explored the antimicrobial properties of a common antihistamine drug, promethazine, in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Being positively charged, promethazine was easily incorporated into the mannose-conjugated bovine serum albumin-stabilized promethazine hydrochloride gold nanoclusters. Capping with d-mannose helped in targeting the bacteria by inhibiting their adhesive appendage called pili. Following their uptake, drugs released inside the bacteria caused reactive oxygen species production and membrane permeability alteration, ultimately resulting in bacterial inhibition. Additionally, they were also explored for biofilm eradication. As observed through staining assays, the number of dead cells increased with increasing concentration of drug-loaded gold nanoclusters in the biofilm mass. Therefore, the as-synthesized mannosylated gold nanoclusters incorporated with promethazine were analyzed for potential antibacterial and antibiofilm applications.

Degradation of Polylactide and Polycaprolactone as a Result of Biofilm Formation Assessed under Experimental Conditions Simulating the Oral Cavity Environment.

Polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) are biodegradable and bioabsorbable thermoplastic polymers considered as promising materials for oral applications. However, any abiotic surface used, especially in areas naturally colonized by microorganisms, provides a favorable interface for microbial growth and biofilm development. In this study, we investigated the biofilm formation of C. krusei and S. mutans on the surface of PLA and PCL immersed in the artificial saliva. Using microscopic (AFM, CLSM) observations and spectrometric measurements, we assessed the mass and topography of biofilm that developed on PLA and PCL surfaces. Incubated up to 56 days in specially prepared saliva and microorganisms medium, solid polymer samples were examined for surface properties (wettability, roughness, elastic modulus of the surface layer), structure (molecular weight, crystallinity), and mechanical properties (hardness, tensile strength). It has been shown that biofilm, especially S. mutans, promotes polymer degradation. Our findings indicate the need for additional antimicrobial strategies for the effective oral applications of PLA and PCL.

A Phage Cocktail To Control Surface Colonization by Proteus mirabilis in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

ABSTRACTProteus mirabilis is a biofilm-forming bacterium and one of the most common causes of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant P. mirabilis represents a severe threat to management of nosocomial infections. This study aimed to isolate a potent phage cocktail and assess its potential to control urinary tract infections caused by biofilm-forming P. mirabilis. Two lytic phages, Isf-Pm1 and Isf-Pm2, were isolated and characterized by proteome analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and whole-genome sequencing. The host range and effect of the phage cocktail to reduce the biofilm formation were assessed by a cell adhesion assay in Vero cells and a phantom bladder model. The samples treated with the phage cocktail showed a significant reduction (65%) in the biofilm mass. Anti-quorum sensing and quantitative real-time PCR assays were also used to assess the amounts of transcription of genes involved in quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the phage-treated samples showed a downregulation of genes involved in the biofilm formation. In conclusion, these results highlight the efficacy of two isolated phages to control the biofilms produced by P. mirabilis CAUTIs.IMPORTANCE The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacterial strains and biofilm formation of bacteria have severely restricted the use of antibiotics and become a challenging issue in hospitals. Therefore, there is a necessity for alternative or complementary treatment measures, such as the use of virulent bacteriophages (phages), as effective therapeutic strategies.

Optimization of environmental factors in a dual invitro biofilm model of Candida albicans-Streptococcus mutans.

The biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans-Candida albicans is an important virulence factor for dental caries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of some environmental conditions on the biofilm formation like inoculation concentration, temperature, sugar, amino acid, metal ions and saliva, and then establish a persistent invitro biofilm model for further research. Based on the single factor experiment, the factors participating in the biofilm formation including sugar, inoculation concentration, and saliva increased the biofilm mass, while amino acid, metal ions, temperatures reduced biofilm mass. Optimal conditions for biofilm formation were the inoculation dosage of S. mutans and C. albicans of 108 and 107 , respectively, the addition of 0·3 g l-1 sucrose and sterile saliva. These results contribute to a deep understanding of the factors involved in oral biofilm formation of the important cariogenic pathogen S. mutans and the opportunistic pathogen C. albicans to study better for biofilm and promote the design of new therapeutic approaches. The present research also provides a model for evaluating the therapeutic potential for drugs in the future.

A novel MABR process based on HN-AD bacteria-chlorella symbiotic system: Effects of COD/TN ratios on performance, community structure, functional bacteria and key genes

Microorganisms in heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) mixed bacteria-Chlorella symbiotic system are difficult to be fixed and easily lost in continuous flow process. Meanwhile, excessive aeration in traditional aeration method might result in CO2 stripping. In this study, the membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) was employed to achieve efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal with different COD/TN ratios based on HN-AD mixed bacteria-Chlorella symbiotic system. The results showed that compared with the HN-AD bacteria system, the symbiotic system reduced 33.3 % carbon demand and 43.6 % CO2 emission. The removal efficiency of TN and TP increased by 14.9 % and 51.2 %, respectively. The SEM, EPS and EEM analysis indicated that, the biofilm mass and intensity reached its best conditions at the optimal COD/TN ratio of 8. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and functional gene prediction indicated that Chlorella increased the abundance of HN-AD functional bacteria (Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Paracoccus played a key role) and the expression of functional gene (Nas). This paper provides new insights for the application of the novel HN-AD mixed bacteria-Chlorella symbiotic system in MABR, which will be beneficial for future research.

Adding organics to enrich mixotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria under extremely acidic conditions—A novel strategy to enhance hydrogen sulfide removal

Biotreatment of high load hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can lead to rapid acidification of a bioreactor, which greatly challenges the application of bio-desulfurization technology. In this study, the bio-desulfurization performance was improved by enriching acidophilic mixotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) by adding organics under extremely acidic conditions (pH < 1.0). A biotrickling filter (BTF) for the removal of H2S was established and operated under pH < 1.0 for 420 days. In the autotrophic period, the maximum H2S elimination capacity (ECmax-H2S) was 135.8 g/m3/h with biofilm mass remaining within 11.1 g/L-BTF. The autotrophic SOB bacterium Acidithiobacillus was dominant (62.1 %). When glucose was added to the BTF system, ECmax-H2S increased by 272 % to 464.3 g/m3/h as biofilm mass increased to 22.3 g/L-BTF. The acidophilic mixotrophic SOB bacteria Mycobacterium (78.4 %) and Alicyclobacillus (20.7 %) were enriched while Acidithiobacillus was gradually eliminated (<0.1 %). Furthermore, the major sulfur metabolism pathways were identified to explore the desulfurization mechanism under extremely acidic conditions. To maintain optimal desulfurization performance and avoid biofilm overgrowth in the BTF system, biofilm mass should be maintained within 20–22 g/L-BTF. This can be achieved by adding 1.0 g/L-BTF glucose every 20 days under a load rate of H2S in 50–90 g/m3/h and a trickling liquid velocity of 1.8 m/h. Extremely acidic conditions eliminated non-aciduric microorganisms so that the addition of organics can increase the abundance of acidophilic mixotrophic SOB (>99 %), thus offering a novel strategy for enhancing H2S removal.

Comparison of Various Antimicrobial Agents for Thermoplastic Polymeric Retainers.

The thermoplastic retainers indicated a rising incidence of cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. A report suggested the case of a patient with severe gingival inflammation and dental caries as a result of inadequate appliance cleaning. This study aims to compare the various antimicrobial agents for thermoplastic polymeric retainers. A minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of acetic acid was determined. Streptococcus mutans biofilm was formed on punched 4-mm copolyester (Essix ACE®) and polyurethane (Vivera®) retainers after they were submerged in 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX group), acetic acid (AA group), Polident Denture Cleanser® (PD group), and Polident Pro Guard & Retainer® (PR group). A crystal violet (CV) test was performed. The biofilm imaging was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that all chemical disinfectants exhibited statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to the positive control. This novel finding elucidated that 0.625% acetic acid is effective for antimicrobial in both copolyester and polyurethane retainers. However, only the CHX, PD, and PR groups could reduce biofilm mass. In addition, the CV assay cannot provide information about the actual number of living and dead bacteria. Furthermore, the LIVE/DEAD BacLight assay was able to show the bacterial viability.

Comparison of antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of bioactive glass compounds S53P4 and 45S5

BackgroundBone loss and deformation due to damage caused by injury or recurrent invasive infections presents a major clinical obstacle. While bone substitute biomaterials promote osseous tissue regeneration, their application in sites complicated by microbial infections such as osteomyelitis, is limited. Bioactive glass biomaterials (Bioglass) have been shown to have efficient mechanisms of repairing the integrity of bone, while inhibiting growth of a range of bacterial strains. There are several commercially available bioactive glass compounds, each with a unique chemical composition. One compound in particular, S53P4, has demonstrated antimicrobial effects in previous studies but the antimicrobial activity of the parent compound 45S5 has not been investigated.ResultsTo assess whether antimicrobial activity is common among bioglass compounds, 45S5-the parent compound, was evaluated in comparison to S53P4 for antibacterial and antibiofilm effects against multiple strains of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria associated with various types of osteomyelitis. Experiments of antimicrobial effects in liquid cultures demonstrated that both compounds were antimicrobial against various microbial genera including S. gordonii, V. parvula, P. aeruginosa and MRSA; particles of the smallest size (32–125 µm) invariably showed the most robust antimicrobial capabilities. When employed against biofilms ecological biofilms grown on hydroxyapatite, 45S5 particles produced a stronger reduction in biofilm mass compared to S53P4 particles when considering small particle ranges.ConclusionWe found that 45S5 seems to be as effective as S53P4 and possibly even more capable of limiting bacterial infections. The efficacy of bioactive glass was not limited to inhibition of planktonic growth, as it also extended to bacterial biofilms. The increased antibacterial activity of 45S5 compared to S53P4 is true for a variety of size ranges.

Synergistic Antibiofilm Activity between Synthetic Peptides and Ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen known to be resistant to antibiotics since the mid-20th century and is constantly associated with hospital-acquired infections. S. aureus forms biofilms, which are complex surface-attached communities of bacteria held together by a self-produced polymer matrix consisting of proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides. Biofilms are resistance structures responsible for increasing bacterial resistance to drugs by 1000 times more than the planktonic lifestyle. Therefore, studies have been conducted to discover novel antibacterial molecules to prevent biofilm formation and/or degrade preformed biofilms. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) have appeared as promising alternative agents to overcome increasing antibiotic resistance. Here, the antibiofilm activity of eight SAMPs, in combination with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, was investigated in vitro. Biofilm formation by S. aureus was best inhibited (76%) by the combination of Mo-CBP3-PepIII (6.2 µg mL−1) and ciprofloxacin (0.39 µg mL−1). In contrast, the highest reduction (60%) of the preformed biofilm mass was achieved with RcAlb-PepII (1.56 µg mL−1) and ciprofloxacin (0.78 µg mL−1). Fluorescence microscopy analysis reinforced these results. These active peptides formed pores in the cellular membrane of S. aureus, which may be related to the enhanced ciprofloxacin’s antibacterial activity. Our findings indicated that these peptides may act with ciprofloxacin and are powerful co-adjuvant agents for the treatment of S. aureus infections.

Effect of MwCNTs functionalized gallic acid resin and its metal complex composites on biofilms of microbial pathogens

MwCNTs functionalized gallic acid resin and its metal complexes of Zn, Cu, Ni and Co (M_PGaMwCNT) were successfully synthesized and characterized. The impact of M_PGaMwCNT at 100 μg/mL on preventing and controlling biofilms produced by Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli was investigated. The influence of M_PGaMwCNT on biofilm mass was measured through crystal violet assay and the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) was quantified using phenol sulphuric acid assay. All the selected bacterial pathogens exhibited a maximum level of bacteriostatic activity at 100 μg/mL. The impact of M_PGaMwCNT, MwCNTs and polygallic acid on bacterial adhesion has revealed Zn_PGaMwCNT and Cu_PGaMwCNT as potential candidates for preventing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation by selected bacterial strains. Effect of M_PGaMwCNT on established biofilms of test organisms has shown Cu_PGaMwCNT as the most active agent with 91% and 85% reduction in the EPS concentration of biofilm formed by E. coli, S. mutans and E. faecalis. Zn_PGaMwCNT showed 85, 82 and 62% reductions in EPS of E. coli, S. mutan and E. faecalis. Polygallic acid (PGA) exhibited an 86% reduction of EPS in E. faecalis biofilm. This study further confirmed the enhancement of the antibiofilm efficacy when MwCNTs functionalized with polygallic acid metal complexes.

Silver-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles enhanced the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of 3D printed denture base resin

The aim of this study is to develop a novel 3D printed denture base resin material modified with mesoporous silica nanocarrier loaded with silver (Ag/MSN) to enhance mechanical and antimicrobial properties. Acrylate resin-based was incorporated with various proportion of Ag/MSN (0.0–2.0 wt%). Specimens with different geometry were printed and characterized accordingly for the effect of modification on properties such as: mechanical and physical properties, chemical composition and degree of conversion, as well as biological response in term of biocompatibility and antimicrobial against oral fibroblast and candida biofilm (C. albicans), respectively. The consecutive addition of Ag/MSN improved significantly surface hardness and crack propagation resistance, while flexural strength remained similar to control; however, a negligible decrease was observed with higher concentrations ≥1 wt%. No significant difference was noticed with water sorption, while water solubility had a remarkable trend of reduction associated with filler content. The surface roughness significantly increased when concentration of Ag/MSN was ≥1.0 wt%. A significant reduction in C. albicans biofilm mass, as the inhibition proficiency was correlated with the proportion of the filler. With respect to the amount of Ag/MSN, the modification was compatible toward fibroblast cells. The sequential addition of Ag/MSN enhanced significantly the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the 3D printed resin-based material without affecting adversely compatibility. The acrylic resin denture base material has susceptibility of microbial adhesion which limits its application. Silver loaded MSN showed a significant performance to enhance antimicrobial activity against C. albicans which is the main cause of denture stomatitis. The proposed invention is a promise technique for clinical application to provide an advanced prosthesis fabrication and serve as long-term drug delivery.

Organic matter production and recycling in marine biofilm developing on common and new plastics

To face the recent pandemic and comply with international legislation, new plastic objects (surgical masks, nitrile gloves, compostable plastics) have been produced, with a significant increase of their input into the marine environment, together with other common plastics. Given that floating plastic provides a suitable surface for settlement of micro-organism, biofilm accretion was studied in laboratory experiments. The characteristics of biofilm in terms of organic matter production and recycling were evaluated under natural and forced conditions, some of them resembling anthropogenic-affected states (eutrophication) and others environmental variability (darkness and oligotrophy). Under natural conditions, the different plastics, due to their structure and composition, hosted different biofilms. Thicker biofilm was observed on surgical mask and compostable plastic (organic carbon maxima of 35.0 ± 4.7 μg cm−2 and 4.3 ± 0.8 μg cm−2, respectively). Compostable plastic hosted a higher carbohydrate quantity than polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene and nitrile (on average 8.0 ± 0.8 μg cm−2 vs 3.6 ± 1.6 μg cm−2 for the others). The multi-layer structure of masks and the composition of compostable plastic were the main factors responsible for these differences. Polystyrene and nitrile hosted a higher photoautotrophic biomass, with chlorophyll-a maxima higher than 50 μg cm−2 vs values lower than 10 μg cm−2 for compostable plastic. Inhibition of photosynthetic activity (darkness) allowed a greater biofilm mass, which in natural aphotic zone, may enhance the sinking of plastics. The large availability of carbon (eutrophication) allowed thicker biofilms, providing seawater of additional organic matter load. These biofilms could protect pathogenic organisms, especially on disposable protection equipment, allowing a larger spreading.

Does Secondary Plant Metabolite Ursolic Acid Exhibit Antibacterial Activity against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Living in Single- and Multispecies Biofilms?

Multispecies bacterial biofilms are the often cause of chronic recurrent urinary tract infections within the human population. Eradicating such a complex bacterial consortium with standard pharmacotherapy is often unsuccessful. Therefore, plant-derived compounds are currently being researched as an alternative strategy to antibiotic therapy for preventing bacterial biofilm formation and facilitating its eradication. Therefore, our research aimed to determine the effect of secondary plant metabolite ursolic acid (UA) on the growth and survival, the quantity of exopolysaccharides formed, metabolic activity, and morphology of uropathogenic Gram-negative rods living in single- and mixed-species biofilms at various stages of their development. Spectrophotometric methods were used for biofilm mass formation and metabolic activity determination. The survival of bacteria was established using the serial dilution assay. The decrease in survival and inhibition of biofilm creation, both single- and multispecies, as well as changes in the morphology of bacterial cells were noticed. As UA exhibited better activity against young biofilms, the use of UA-containing formulations, especially during the initial steps of urinary tract infection, seems to be reasonable. However, the future direction should be a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of UA activity as a bioactive substance.

Characterization of the phenotypes of methicillin- and vancomycin-susceptible Staphylococcus argenteus after vancomycin passages

Staphylococcus argenteus is generally more susceptible to antibiotic treatments than Staphylococcus aureus; however, the study showed that the daptomycin/vancomycin-resistant S. argenteus was isolated from a patient with repeated antibiotic treatments. In this study, the methicillin- and vancomycin-susceptible S. argenteus isolates were used to characterize the phenotypes of S. argenteus after vancomycin passages in vitro. Eleven S. argenteus isolates were used for passaging under different concentrations of vancomycin. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin was determined by the agar dilution assay, and the biofilm mass of the passaged variants was quantified by the crystal violet staining assay and observed under the confocal microscope. The MIC of vancomycin for eight of 11 S. argenteus isolates was increased from ≤2 µg/mL to ≤4-8 µg/mL after vancomycin passages. Two variants with the high-level vancomycin-intermediate (vancomycin MIC ≤8 µg/mL) phenotype were identified, and the parental strains of these variants did not have the heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate population determined by the population profile analysis. Further, three S. argenteus isolates showed an increase in biofilm production and icaA transcription after the low-dose (2 µg/mL) vancomycin passages. S. argenteus is capable of acquiring a vancomycin-tolerant phenotype and/or converting to a strong biofilm producer after vancomycin passages, which could contribute to the decrease of their antibiotic susceptibility.

Cuprous Oxide Nanoparticles Decorated Fabric Materials with Anti-biofilm Properties.

Considering the global spread of bacterial infections, the development of anti-biofilm surfaces with high antimicrobial activities is highly desired. This work unraveled a simple, sonochemical method for coating Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) on three different flexible substrates: polyester (PE), nylon 2 (N2), and polyethylene (PEL). The introduction of Cu2O NPs on these substrates enhanced their surface hydrophobicity, induced ROS generation, and completely inhibited the growth of sensitive (Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus) and drug-resistant (MDR E. coli and MRSA) planktonic and biofilm. The experimental results confirmed that Cu2O-PE exhibited complete biofilm mass reduction ability for all four strains, whereas Cu2O-N2 showed more than 99% biomass inhibition against both drug-resistant and sensitive pathogens in 6 h. Moreover, Cu2O-PEL also indicated a 99.95, 97.73, 98.00, and 99.20% biomass reduction of MRSA, MDR E. coli, E. coli, and S. aureus, respectively. All substrates were investigated for time-dependent inhibitions, and the associated biofilm mass and log reduction were evaluated. The mechanisms of Cu2O NP action against the mature biofilms include the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as electrostatic interaction between Cu2O NPs and bacterial membranes. The current study could pave the way for the commercialization of sonochemically coated Cu2O NP flexible substrates for the prevention of microbial contamination in hospitals and industrial environments.

Bacterial Interactions in the Context of Chronic Wound Biofilm: A Review.

Chronic wounds, defined by their resistance to care after four weeks, are a major concern, affecting millions of patients every year. They can be divided into three types of lesions: diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), pressure ulcers (PU), and venous/arterial ulcers. Once established, the classical treatment for chronic wounds includes tissue debridement at regular intervals to decrease biofilm mass constituted by microorganisms physiologically colonizing the wound. This particular niche hosts a dynamic bacterial population constituting the bed of interaction between the various microorganisms. The temporal reshuffle of biofilm relies on an organized architecture. Microbial community turnover is mainly associated with debridement (allowing transitioning from one major representant to another), but also with microbial competition and/or collaboration within wounds. This complex network of species and interactions has the potential, through diversity in antagonist and/or synergistic crosstalk, to accelerate, delay, or worsen wound healing. Understanding these interactions between microorganisms encountered in this clinical situation is essential to improve the management of chronic wounds.