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Bibliography on: Biofilm

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Robert J. Robbins is a biologist, an educator, a science administrator, a publisher, an information technologist, and an IT leader and manager who specializes in advancing biomedical knowledge and supporting education through the application of information technology. More About:  RJR | OUR TEAM | OUR SERVICES | THIS WEBSITE

RJR: Recommended Bibliography 25 Jul 2025 at 01:40 Created: 

Biofilm

Wikipedia: Biofilm A biofilm is any group of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and often also to a surface. These adherent cells become embedded within a slimy extracellular matrix that is composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The EPS components are produced by the cells within the biofilm and are typically a polymeric conglomeration of extracellular DNA, proteins, and polysaccharides. Because they have three-dimensional structure and represent a community lifestyle for microorganisms, biofilms are frequently described metaphorically as cities for microbes. Biofilms may form on living or non-living surfaces and can be prevalent in natural, industrial and hospital settings. The microbial cells growing in a biofilm are physiologically distinct from planktonic cells of the same organism, which, by contrast, are single-cells that may float or swim in a liquid medium. Biofilms can be present on the teeth of most animals as dental plaque, where they may cause tooth decay and gum disease. Microbes form a biofilm in response to many factors, which may include cellular recognition of specific or non-specific attachment sites on a surface, nutritional cues, or in some cases, by exposure of planktonic cells to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. When a cell switches to the biofilm mode of growth, it undergoes a phenotypic shift in behavior in which large suites of genes are differentially regulated.

Created with PubMed® Query: ( biofilm[title] NOT 28392838[PMID] NOT 31293528[PMID] NOT 29372251[PMID] ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-07-23
CmpDate: 2025-07-23

Sasoon A, Nikkhahi F, Javadi A, et al (2025)

Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Genes of Escherichia coli From Poultry Farms and Clinical Samples.

Veterinary medicine and science, 11(5):e70510.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli affects human health through intestinal and extraintestinal infections. Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) contributes to colibacillosis in poultry and can develop public health risks. Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-producer strains are challenges in infection control options.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profiles as well as biofilm formation assay in E. coli isolates from clinical and poultry samples.

METHODS: In the study, 42 E. coli isolates were collected and confirmed from clinical and poultry sources. The isolates were evaluated for pathotypes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic resistance was evaluated using the disk diffusion technique and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. PCR was utilized to identify antimicrobial resistance genes associated with fluoroquinolones, sulphonamides, tetracyclines and beta-lactams. Biofilm formation was evaluated using a 96-well microtiter plate.

RESULTS: Three clinical isolates, including enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), were identified as pathogenic strains. The highest rates of resistance were recorded against tylosin (100%), neomycin (92.85%), tetracycline (85.7%), ampicillin (73.8%), doxycycline (71.4%), ciprofloxacin (64.28%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (64.28%) and enrofloxacin (57.1%). The most prevalent resistance genes detected as blaTEM and gyrA/B (97.6% and 76.1%, respectively). The overall prevalence of blaCTX, sul1, sul2, tetA and tetB genes were 21.4%, 45.2%, 11.9%, 33.3% and 7.1%, respectively. The qnrB, qnrB4 and qnrS genes were absent in the clinical samples, whereas present in poultry isolates. All isolates were biofilm producers, and 96.4% of poultry isolates had strong biofilm formation capacity.

CONCLUSION: The alarming levels of resistance genes and biofilm formation of isolates in the present study emphasize the need for antibiotic management practices and further research on resistance transmission dynamics in the food industry.

RevDate: 2025-07-23

Adams CO, Campbell JA, Zhang B, et al (2025)

Erratum for Adams et al., "Legionella pneumophila type II secretome reveals a polysaccharide deacetylase that impacts intracellular infection, biofilm formation, and resistance to polymyxin- and serum-mediated killing".

mBio [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2025-07-23

Hidrosollo JH, Liao H-W, Yap CH, et al (2025)

Indolenine-substituted pyrazole derivative 4e inhibits planktonic Staphylococcus lugdunensis growth and biofilm formation by disrupting purine biosynthesis and compromising cell wall and membrane integrity.

Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy [Epub ahead of print].

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an emerging nosocomial pathogen responsible for biofilm-related infections. Here, we explored the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of the novel indolenine derivative 4e against S. lugdunensis and investigated its mechanisms of action. Its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed against oxacillin-resistant S. lugdunensis CGMH-SL131 using in vitro and in vivo models, including human cell lines, Galleria mellonella larvae, and mice. Mechanistic insights were explored via untargeted metabolomics. 4e exhibited bacteriostatic activity against a panel of gram-positive bacteria, with a 1× minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 µg/mL. Scanning electron microscope observations of cells treated with 0.5% SDS and 1× MIC 4e displayed signs of cell shape distortion, including complete shrinkage and bursting. 4e effectively inhibited biofilm formation by 54.3% at 1.56 µg/mL, and the minimum biofilm inhibition concentration 80% (MBIC80) was 3.125 µg/mL. In addition, 70.3% of 1-day preformed biofilms were dispersed at 1× MBIC80. 4e exhibited low cytotoxicity (>85% survival) in HaCaT, H10975, and Caco-2 cells at 1× MIC. When administered 1 hour post-infection, 4e (3.125 mg/kg) improved larval survival to 90%, matching tigecycline (2 mg/kg), whereas untreated larvae had only 20% survival after 7 days. In C57BL/6 mice, 4e (2.5 mg/kg) reduced kidney bacterial loads from 10[7] to 5.3 × 10[4] CFU. Untargeted metabolomics suggests that 4e's antibacterial and antibiofilm effects result from disrupting purine biosynthesis and compromising cell wall and membrane integrity. These findings highlight 4e as a promising new antibiofilm agent and potential alternative treatment for biofilm-related infections caused by S. lugdunensis and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus species.

RevDate: 2025-07-23

Ellepola K, Bhatt L, Chen L, et al (2025)

Correction to "Nanoceria Aggregate Formulation Promotes Buffer Stability, Cell Clustering, and Reduction of Adherent Biofilm in Streptococcus mutans".

RevDate: 2025-07-23

Nemchenko UМ, Belkova NL, Klimenko ES, et al (2025)

Genetic potential for biofilm formation of clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii, 29(4):594-599.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading causes of nosocomial respiratory tract infections and plays an important role in lower respiratory tract infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Biofilms, which are organized cell clusters, ensure the survival of microorganisms in unfavorable environmental conditions and contribute to the chronicity of infection and the formation of persistent forms. The aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic ability and genetic potential for biofilm formation in clinical strains of P. aeruginosa persisting in patients with CF against the background of constant intake of antimicrobial drugs. Bacteriological, genetic, and bioinformatic methods were used to characterize five P. aeruginosa strains obtained from patients with CF. Phenotypically, all strains were classified as moderately biofilm-forming, while the biofilm formation coefficient varied from 2.10 to 3.15. Analysis of draft genomes revealed differences in the representation of some genes or individual loci of three of the four known signaling pathways (cAMP/Vfr, Gac/Rsm, and c-di-GMP) that have been described in P. aeruginosa genomes and are related to the regulation of biofilm formation. In addition, differences in the representation of genes such as frzE, tcpE, and rcsC are shown. Of undoubted interest is the analysis of genes such as pppA, icmF, clpV1, trpE, trpG, and stp1, which are used for extended multilocus typing PubMLST and differed in the structure of loci in all analyzed strains. These genes can be used to identify clinical strains of P. aeruginosa and to characterize their biofilm-forming properties. Thus, genes potentially participating in both biofilm formation and regulation have been characterized in the genomes of clinical P. aeruginosa strains that persist for a long time in patients receiving continuous antibiotic therapy. Characterization of the genetic potential for biofilm formation makes it possible to search for reliable genetic markers of this process in order to monitor the evolution of the pathogen as a result of long-term persistence in the host organism.

RevDate: 2025-07-23

Asensio NC, Rendón JM, González López JJ, et al (2025)

Time-resolved dual transcriptomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in cystic fibrosis.

Biofilm, 10:100301.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms cause severe infections in the airways of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) that are difficult to eradicate, even with intensive antibiotic therapy. The main goal of this study was to define the dual transcriptional response associated with the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms in a polarized lung epithelium monolayer. We analyzed the dual response of healthy and CF epithelium after infection with P. aeruginosa isolates from acute and chronic infections. Our results show that strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from chronic infections specifically increase the expression of secretion systems of type I, III and VI to hijack the host response. Conversely, strains associated with acute illness use ABC transporters to counteract the antimicrobial response. In return, a distinctive expression pattern in the CF epithelium, including a high degree of cytokine secretion and keratinization, is largely observed in acute infections. Our results show that both host and pathogen genomic backgrounds contribute to the outcome of infection and specific transcriptional signatures could be used in the diagnosis, particularly in CF patients.

RevDate: 2025-07-23
CmpDate: 2025-07-23

Alharbi NK, Elmanakhly AR, Alhomrani M, et al (2025)

A cross-sectional molecular epidemiological study of biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Medicine, 104(29):e43346.

There is growing concern regarding biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due to the sudden rise in infection rates and associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, epidemiological studies, including molecular typing and correlation analysis, are essential for understanding this pathogen. This cross-sectional study investigated epidemiological factors and correlations in MRSA isolates. A total of 300 clinical samples were collected between January and March 2023 from 2 healthcare facilities, including various sample types such as sputum, blood, urine, pus, wound swabs, and other body fluids. This study employed various phenotypic and genotypic methodologies, including adherence assays using standard microtiter plates, the Congo red agar method, antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiling, and multi-locus sequence typing. Among 300 clinical samples from 2 healthcare facilities in Egypt, 94 MRSA isolates were confirmed as biofilm producers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 8 distinct sequence types (ST8, ST80, ST239, ST15, ST22, ST113, ST398, ST984), found in surgical unit samples across both facilities. Notably, ST22-MRSA was present in all departments, indicating its widespread nature and potential for cross-departmental transmission. ST239-MRSA, the most prevalent strain (22.3%), was found in all departments except burn units. Alarmingly, 95.7% of isolates exhibited multidrug-resistant patterns. However, resistance to vancomycin and imipenem was low among biofilm-producing isolates. The high diversity of MRSA strains suggests multiple sources of infection rather than a single origin. Although most isolates were unrelated, the presence of 2 ST80 isolates in sputum samples from the same unit underscores the importance of targeted infection control within and between hospital areas. ST8-MRSA strains carrying the vanA gene were predominantly identified in body fluid samples, highlighting the need for regular testing in such cases. The diversity of MRSA strains across hospital departments indicates a complex infection landscape with no single source. Although certain genetic markers are linked to specific sequence types, they are not reliable indicators of MRSA clonality. These findings emphasize the need for strict infection control measures and regular testing, particularly for ST8-MRSA in body fluids.

RevDate: 2025-07-22

Driscoll DA, Khilnani T, Coates T, et al (2025)

The Majority of Studies Investigating Biofilm in Orthopedics Score Poorly Using a Standardized Measure of Quality: A Systematic Review.

Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society [Epub ahead of print].

The development of bacterial biofilm is central to the pathogenesis of periprosthetic joint infections following arthroplasty. Consequently, biofilm research in orthopedic surgery has expanded. This study assessed the quality of current orthopedic literature pertaining to the study of biofilm and identified the most commonly used study designs and techniques. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and adapted for Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies were stratified into in vitro, in vivo (animal), and clinical (human) studies. Studies were included if they evaluated biofilm in an orthopedic context. Clinical studies were included if biofilm was confirmed by a quantification or visualization. Studies were assessed based on study design, biofilm quantification and visualization techniques and quality using the MIABiE score, a standardized tool in appraising biofilm studies. Of 258 studies identified; 65 studies were included after screening. There were 35 studies (50.7%) that evaluated techniques for biofilm treatment, 14 studies (20.3%) evaluated materials for prevention of biofilm formation, and 20 studies (29.0%) investigated descriptive biofilm properties unrelated to treatment or prevention. In vitro studies were most common (62.3%, n = 43). Biofilm quantification techniques were used in 83.0% of studies (n = 57), while only 29 studies (42.0%) used visualization techniques. Most studies (n = 55, 84.6%) were classified as low-quality based on MIABiE.

RevDate: 2025-07-22

Ghezzi B, Artesani L, Giovati L, et al (2025)

Biological behavior of human gingival fibroblasts and formation of microbial biofilm on 3D-printed dental resin restorations.

Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials pii:S0109-5641(25)00719-5 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the interaction dynamics among two commercially available 3D printed resins (V and R) presenting different surface topographies and human gingival fibroblasts, as well as oral microorganisms.

METHODS: 3D-printed samples of two commercial resins underwent various polishing treatments. Surfaces characteristics and biological interactions were analyzed with contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), cellular viability assays, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The formation of mono- and polymicrobial biofilms of Streptococcus sanguinis and Candida albicans on the resins was evaluated through SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

RESULTS: AFM and SEM analyses revealed significant differences in surface roughness and hydrophilicity among the treatments. Both the resins demonstrated good biocompatibility, however one altered fibroblastic morphology, a finding supported by the differential expression of ITα-6 and IL-6 genes. Variations in the total biomass of S. sanguinis and C. albicans were observed between untreated controls and treated surfaces.

SIGNIFICANCE: The V resin exhibited superior performance in reducing microbial adhesion and promoting favorable interactions with human gingival fibroblasts in its commercial form, outperforming R resin.

RevDate: 2025-07-22
CmpDate: 2025-07-22

Fabrizio G, Cavallo I, Sivori F, et al (2025)

Genomic characterization and antibiotic susceptibility of biofilm-forming Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii from patients with erythema migrans.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 15:1619660.

BACKGROUND: Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the leading causes of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in Europe. Persistent LB forms may involve biofilms, potentially contributing to antibiotic tolerance.

METHODS: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted on 7 B. afzelii and 5 B. garinii isolates from erythema migrans skin biopsies. Biofilms were analyzed for extracellular DNA (eDNA) content and biomass. A phenol red metabolic assay assessed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of amoxicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline.

RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis revealed B. afzelii and B. garinii formed distinct clades, while B. burgdorferi B31 clustered separately. Core genome analysis showed 38.9% of genes were shared between B. afzelii and B. garinii, decreasing to 26.1% with B. burgdorferi. The cloud genome expanded from 34.4% to 53.4% with the addition of B. burgdorferi. No antimicrobial resistance genes were detected. Surface adhesion gene profiles exhibited significant variation across species, suggesting potential functional differences in host adaptation. B. afzelii and B. garinii species exhibited biofilms, with biomass correlating significantly with eDNA production. MIC values were 0.25 μg/mL (amoxicillin, ceftriaxone), 0.125 μg/mL (azithromycin), and 0.5 μg/mL (doxycycline), with no significant interspecies differences. However, MBIC values were considerably higher: 2 μg/mL (amoxicillin, azithromycin), 16 μg/mL (ceftriaxone), and 32 μg/mL (doxycycline).

CONCLUSIONS: Biofilms in B. afzelii and B. garinii significantly reduce antibiotic efficacy, particularly ceftriaxone and doxycycline. These in vitro findings highlight the need for targeted therapeutic strategies and suggest biofilms may impact treatment outcomes in LB.

RevDate: 2025-07-21
CmpDate: 2025-07-22

Sudheer A, Taj Z, Nidhin IK, et al (2025)

Unraveling the Transcriptomic Adaptations of Streptococcus mutans Biofilm to the Post-Biotic Impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica, 133(7):e70054.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a multifactorial disease influenced by microbial dysbiosis and biofilm-induced chronic inflammation. Streptococcus mutans, a principal pathogen, aggravates OSCC by fostering an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via biofilm development and virulence-related metabolic alterations. This work investigated the post-biotic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in reducing S. mutans-related OSCC by obstructing bacterial adhesion, biofilm integrity, and virulence gene expression. GC-MS research revealed that the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. plantarum contains the bioactive metabolite 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (DTP), which demonstrates significant antibacterial and anti-tumor activities. The new antimicrobial peptide Plpl_18 exhibited substantial biofilm inhibition and reduction of bacterial viability. Transcriptomic research indicated that S. mutans 890 treatment with DTP and Plpl_18 downregulated essential biofilm-associated genes (gtfB, gtfC), disturbed carbohydrate metabolism, and initiated a metabolic transition towards lactose utilization. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) validated persistent interactions between DTP and Plpl_18 with bacterial virulence factors and OSCC-related proteins (p38, NF-κB), underscoring their therapeutic potential. This research offers innovative perspectives on probiotic biofilm suppression methods and identifies DTP and Plpl_18 as potential options for targeted treatments against S. mutans-induced OSCC. Subsequent investigations into clinical applications may facilitate the development of novel antibacterial interventions and cancer treatment methodologies.

RevDate: 2025-07-21
CmpDate: 2025-07-22

Yousef A, Abu-Elghait M, Rizk MS, et al (2025)

Combatting biofilm formation of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis clinical strains from the oral cavity using biogenic Se-NPs: molecular docking simulation and cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cancer cells.

BMC microbiology, 25(1):446.

Bacterial biofilms are one of the primary causes of pathogenic activity in the oral environment; they adhere to both natural and artificial oral surfaces, causing cariogenic processes that result in dental decay and significantly reducing the lifespan of dental restoratives and prostheses; they can also affect the tissues surrounding teeth, causing gingival inflammation; persistent biofilms can cause damage to the alveolar bone, which in extreme cases may result in tooth loss; our study aims to isolate clinical isolates that are resistant to multiple drugs, before disarming them by suppressing the formation of biofilms. Klebsiella pneumoniae A11(K. pneumoniae) and Bacillus subtilis A33 (B. subtilis) clinical isolates were determined, and the most potent clinical isolates were identified as the most virulent strains for further investigations using 16 S rDNA PCR sequencing, with accession numbers PP995146 and PP995148 respectively. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) were analyzed using FTIR Spectroscopy, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) of the [Se-NPs] solution revealed that it contained 88.49% selenium and 11.51% carbon, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to TEM images, the average size of Se-NPs was 45.4 nm, and their shape was nearly spherical. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of biogenic Se-NPs were 0.25 mg/mL for K. pneumoniaeA11 and 0.125 mg/mL for B. subtilisA33, with inhibition zones of 11-14 mm. Se-NPs significantly reduced biofilm formation at 0.125 and 0.25 mg/mL (p < 0.05), by 85.08% in K. pneumoniae A11 and 75.45% in B. subtilis A33. A synergistic effect with azithromycin was observed, with fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) values of 0.502 and 0.253, respectively. Molecular interactions showed Se-NPs forming hydrophobic contacts in K. pneumoniae LuxS Synthase (Asp52, Asp132; binding energy - 3.9020 kcal/mol) and B. subtilis AbbA (His3, Met4, Arg5; -4.2489 kcal/mol). Se-NPs had an IC50 of 2.12 ± 0.02 µg/mL on HepG2 cells.

RevDate: 2025-07-21
CmpDate: 2025-07-22

Dashtizadeh Z, F Jookar Kashi (2025)

Comparison of anti-biofilm and cytotoxic activity of Ag/AgO, Ag/Ag2O, and Ag/AgCl nanocomposites synthesized using stem, leaf, and fruit pericarp of Prunus mahaleb L.

Scientific reports, 15(1):26450.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant-derived biomolecules provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable approach with minimal environmental impact. The present study investigates the green synthesis of silver-based nanocomposites (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts from various anatomical parts of the stem, leaf, and fruit pericarp of Prunus mahaleb L., to assess their physicochemical properties, antibiofilm performance, and cytotoxic potential. Unlike conventional single-part plant synthesis, our multi-part approach introduces a diverse array of phytoconstituents, enhancing nanoparticle stability, morphological homogeneity, and functional bioactivity. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks at 426.00 nm, 414.00 nm, and 426.50 nm for Ag/AgO, Ag/Ag2O, and Ag/AgCl nanocomposites, respectively, indicating successful nanoparticle formation. FT-IR confirmed the presence of functional groups involved in reduction and stabilization. XRD patterns validated the crystalline nature of the nanocomposites, with Ag/AgO displaying the smallest crystallite size. SEM analyses showed spherical morphologies with average sizes of 43.55 nm (stem), 45.44 nm (leaf), and 61.66 nm (fruit pericarp), consistent with EDX-determined silver contents of 9.01%, 42.34%, and 18.25%, respectively. In bioactivity assays, Ag/AgO and Ag/Ag2O nanocomposites demonstrated moderate biofilm inhibition and exhibited pronounced cytotoxicity in brine shrimp lethality assay (LC50 = 28 ± 0.42 µg/ml and 28 ± 0.40 µg/ml, respectively). In contrast, the Ag/AgCl nanocomposite synthesized from the fruit pericarp extract showed strong anti-biofilm activity, with inhibition percentages reaching up to 145.71%, though it exhibited lower cytotoxicity (LC50 > 300 µg/ml). These results demonstrate the potential of P. mahaleb-mediated nanocomposites as promising candidates for biomedical applications, particularly in the development of novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

RevDate: 2025-07-21

Li ZY, Li M, Zhang XN, et al (2025)

Mechanisms linking triclocarban biotransformation to functional response in sulfur-metabolism biofilm.

Journal of hazardous materials, 496:139255 pii:S0304-3894(25)02171-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Triclocarban (TCC), a persistent antimicrobial compound widely present in municipal wastewater, poses potential risks to biological nitrogen removal processes. However, the potential risks posed by TCC to advanced treatment processes-particularly sulfur-metabolism biofilm reactor-remain poorly understood and require further elucidation. This study investigated the impact of TCC on sulfur-metabolism biofilm base on sulfur-metabolism biofilm reactor, focusing on nitrogen removal performance, TCC transformation pathways, and microbial community dynamics. The results showed that sulfur-metabolism biofilm maintained stable nitrogen removal efficiency under trace TCC (≤ 25 μg/L) stress with nitrate removal improved from 93 % to 98 %, whereas performance declined significantly at 100 μg/L, reducing nitrate removal to 81.8 ± 3.9 % and increasing effluent NO2[-]-N and N2O-N by 6.0- and 28.0-fold, respectively. Functional predictions via FAPROTAX suggested TCC-induced alterations in sulfur and nitrogen metabolic pathways. In addition, TCC and its transformation intermediates (MCC, DCC, NCC, 3,4-DCA, 4-CA) accumulated in the biofilm. Network analysis revealed syntrophic interactions between sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (e.g., Sulfurisoma and Sulfuritalea) and hydrogenase-rich TCC degraders (e.g., Unclassified Chloroflexi). These findings highlight the potential of sulfur-metabolism biofilm to achieve simultaneous nitrogen removal and micropollutant transformation in low-carbon, sulfur-rich wastewater environments, offering a sustainable solution for advanced wastewater treatment systems.

RevDate: 2025-07-21

David H, Nithya K, Shankar Salian L, et al (2025)

Exploring the Potential of Covalent Organic Frameworks to Combat Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Persistence.

ACS applied bio materials [Epub ahead of print].

The recent advancements in nanotechnology have brought about significant improvements and transformations in the field of biomedicine, particularly in the areas of biodetection, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging. Among the various materials being developed, porous crystalline polymers have shown great promise for these applications. Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) have been attractive because of their very high porosity, extended surface area, and thermal stability, making them very promising in the development of antimicrobial and antifungal therapies. In the present study, we successfully synthesized and characterized the Covalent Triazine Framework (CTF) to examine its potential as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans. The synthesized CTF-III has very low levels of toxicity and demonstrates antifungal activity with MIC values ranging between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL against various strains of C. albicans. Furthermore, CTF-III effectively eliminates established biofilms at concentrations as low as 0.2 mg/mL. Moreover, CTF-III exhibits impressive efficacy in targeting persister cells within the biofilms, which are highly resistant to conventional antifungal treatments available in the market. CTF-III is a promising material for improving biological applications, such as coatings for medical devices and drug delivery systems, due to its stability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. Additionally, this material has the potential to lead to the development of antifungal agents and help address the challenges posed by emerging resistance to antifungals.

RevDate: 2025-07-21

Liu J, Wu J, Zheng T, et al (2025)

Sanguinarine Hydrogel Accelerates Wound Healing in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Infections by Suppressing Biofilm Formation.

Journal of applied microbiology pii:8209834 [Epub ahead of print].

AIMS: Skin and ear infections are common in small animals, primarily caused by the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. S. pseudintermedius biofilms are associated with poor prognosis, and rising antibiotic resistance threatens public health, making the development of new antibacterial agents imperative. Sanguinarine (SAN) is a plant-derived alkaloid with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. The antibacterial potential of SAN against S. pseudintermedius merits further investigation.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The MIC and MBC of SAN hydrogel against clinically isolated S. pseudintermedius were determined as 1.25 mg mL-1 and 5 mg mL-1, respectively. Phenol-sulfuric acid and XTT assays demonstrated that SAN hydrogel significantly delayed biofilm formation (P < 0.05) by suppressing exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis and biofilm metabolic activity. Live/dead fluorescent staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed its potent disruptive effects on mature biofilms, inducing bacterial lysis and death, while reducing biofilm thickness and extracellular matrix. In a murine skin infection model, SAN hydrogel (2.5/5 mg mL-1) exhibited significant antibacterial efficacy (P < 0.001), accelerated wound healing, and reduced bacterial load (P < 0.001) and IL-6 levels (P < 0.0001) in skin tissues. No significant hepatorenal toxicity was observed within the tested concentration range.

CONCLUSION: The SAN hydrogel demonstrates antimicrobial and bactericidal activities against S. pseudintermedius, effectively suppressing biofilm formation and holding promise as a therapeutic candidate for skin infections caused by this pathogen.

RevDate: 2025-07-21

Zeng T, Wang Y, Zhu Q, et al (2025)

Sub-inhibitory concentrations of fosfomycin enhance Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation by a sarA-dependent mechanism.

Microbiology spectrum [Epub ahead of print].

Staphylococcus aureus readily forms biofilms, which contribute to antimicrobial resistance and the persistence of chronic infections. This study investigates the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of fosfomycin on S. aureus biofilm formation and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we demonstrated that fosfomycin at 1 µg/mL significantly enhanced biofilm biomass by 1.82- to 4.27-fold and led to denser biofilm structures. Adhesion assays further revealed that fosfomycin significantly promoted the initial attachment of S. aureus to solid surfaces, a critical early step in biofilm development. Phenotypic analyses showed increased production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin, enhanced bacterial aggregation, and accelerated autolysis, resulting in elevated extracellular DNA release. Enzymatic disruption experiments indicated that, in addition to PIA and eDNA, proteins also play an important role in fosfomycin-enhanced biofilm formation. RT-qPCR revealed significant upregulation of key biofilm-associated genes, including icaA, icaB, fnbA, fnbB, emp, cidA, and the global regulator sarA. Notably, deletion of sarA abolished fosfomycin-induced promotion of both adhesion and biofilm formation, while complementation restored the phenotype, confirming a sarA-dependent mechanism underlying the fosfomycin-mediated enhancement of biofilm formation. These findings suggest that sub-inhibitory concentrations of fosfomycin promote S. aureus biofilm formation via sarA-mediated regulation, involving increased PIA synthesis, eDNA release, and protein-dependent matrix components. This mechanism may contribute to treatment failure and the development of persistent, antibiotic-resistant infections.IMPORTANCEBiofilm formation is a major factor in the persistence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus infections. Although fosfomycin is increasingly used to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, its sub-inhibitory effects on biofilm formation have not been fully elucidated. Our study reveals that low-dose fosfomycin can significantly enhance S. aureus biofilm formation through a sarA-dependent mechanism. This finding raises concerns about the potential risks of sub-optimal dosing and highlights the need for careful evaluation of treatment strategies to avoid promoting persistent infections and resistance.

RevDate: 2025-07-23

Shah F, Muhammad N, Haq IU, et al (2025)

Ciprofloxacin resistance and bile-induced biofilm enhancement in Salmonella paratyphi A isolates.

New microbes and new infections, 66:101602.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella paratyphi A is a significant human pathogen responsible for paratyphoid fever which affects millions globally, particularly in regions with limited clean water and sanitation access.

METHODOLOGY: The blood samples were cultured on MacConkey agar and identified by biochemical tests and an API 20E kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to CLSI guidelines using different antibiotics and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for ciprofloxacin were determined using agar dilution. The biofilm-forming ability of isolates was performed, and the effect of bile salts on biofilm production was also tested. Extracellular polysaccharides from select isolates were extracted and analyzed via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to characterize their chemical properties.

RESULTS: The highly infected age group with S. paratyphi A was 21-40 and showed 42 % prevalence. All the isolates showed resistance to nalixidic acid and 22 % isolates to ciprofloxacin. The isolates dose-dependent inhibition with different MIC values for ciprofloxacin in the range of 8 μg/ml to 1024 μg/ml. The isolates showed variations in biofilm formation, most of them were moderate biofilm producers, around 32 % and 28 % of the isolates were strong biofilm producers. Additionally, we observed that bile salts treatment increase the biofilm forming ability of isolates.

CONCLUSION: The study highlighted the prevalence and alarming rate of ciprofloxacin resistance among clinical Salmonella paratyphi A isolates. The biofilm formation analysis revealed that a significant proportion of S. paratyphi A isolates produced biofilms, which may contribute to their resistance and pathogenicity.

RevDate: 2025-07-23

Wiradiputra MRD, Khuntayaporn P, Thirapanmethee K, et al (2025)

Genomic insights into biofilm-associated virulence in extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Current research in microbial sciences, 9:100434.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a notorious nosocomial pathogen known for its resistance to multiple antimicrobials, with biofilm formation contributing to its persistence in hospital environments. This study characterized biofilm-associated virulence genes in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii isolates from two distinct lineages, ST2 and ST25, to understand their roles in biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. From 135 non-repetitive multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates collected across Thailand, 15 XDR isolates (14 ST2 and 1 ST25) were selected for further analysis. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to identify biofilm-associated genes and sequence polymorphisms. Biofilm formation and motility phenotypes were assessed, and gene expression analysis was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Most isolates (66.7 %) were moderate biofilm formers, and 80 % exhibiting higher biofilm biomass than the reference strain ATCC 19606. Notably, isolates with lower antimicrobial resistance profiles (i.e., relatively more susceptible among XDRs) tended to produce stronger biofilms. Significant variations in key biofilm genes were observed. Specifically, the abaIR quorum-sensing system was absent in 33.3 % of isolates. All ST2 strains carried bap type-2 with 4-11 BC repeats, while ST25 harboured bap type-3. ompA variants also showed lineage specificity (variant V1 in ST2 and V3 in ST25). All isolates harboured type 1 secretion system (T1SS) operon, however an ISAba1 insertion in the tolC in ST25 may impair protein secretion. Additionally, a nonsense mutation at codon 57 (TTA→TAA) in pilA was identified in all ST2 isolates, potentially accounting for the lack of twitching motility. These findings highlight the substantial genetic and phenotypic variability in biofilm-associated genes among XDR A. baumannii, providing insights into their persistence in healthcare settings.

RevDate: 2025-07-20

Chen J, Xu Y, Zhang X, et al (2025)

Degradation of thiamphenicol by electroactive biofilm coupled with N-MnO2 modified layer double hydroxides as cathode in microbial fuel cell.

Journal of environmental management, 391:126649 pii:S0301-4797(25)02625-8 [Epub ahead of print].

N-doped MnO2 composite NiAl-Layer double hydroxides (N-MnO2@NiAl-LDH) with a ping-pong chrysanthemum like structure was prepared by hydrothermal method as a cathode catalyst in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in previous study, which demonstrating excellent catalytic performance. This study investigated the power generation performance and the degradation of thiamphenicol (TAP) in N-MnO2@NiAl-LDH-cathode MFC. After the addition of TAP, the maximum power density generated by N-MnO2@NiAl-LDH-cathode MFC was 537.83 mW/m[2], which was 5.1 times higher than control MFC. The degradation rate of TAP by N-MnO2@NiAl-LDH-cathode was 81.62 %, which was 2.7 times higher than that of unmodified MFC, the degradation efficiency was significantly improved. Microorganisms were significantly affected by TAP, the abundance of electroactive bacteria (Pseudomonas) decreased, while bacteria related to the biodegradation of TAP (Sphingopyxis, Aridibacter, Norank_ Minicenantales, Petrimonas, etc.) were enriched. The modification of N-MnO2@NiAl-LDH reduced the internal resistance of MFC and accelerated the electron transfer rate, the large specific surface area provided more active sites for electrons, allowing more electrons to be transferred to the cathode. Under the reduction effect of electrons, chlorine atoms of TAP were gradually removed. Meanwhile, a large number of degrading bacteria were attached to the cathode, the dechlorination products underwent C-C bond cleavage and benzene ring opening under the biodegradation of degrading bacteria. The combined effect of electron reduction and microbial oxidation promoted the efficient degradation of TAP.

RevDate: 2025-07-22
CmpDate: 2025-07-19

Li Y, Huang S, Du J, et al (2025)

In vitro evaluation of tolerance ability of cross-kingdom biofilm towards oral dynamic fluctuations.

BMC oral health, 25(1):1216.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the resilience of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) cross-kingdom biofilms in response to environmental stresses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The growth kinetics of S. mutans, C. albicans, and their co-culture in planktonic form were assessed using a BioScreen system. Biofilms were established on 96-well plates for a duration of 48 h, after which microbial counts were determined. The biofilms were then subjected to different stress conditions, including oxidative, acid, osmotic, and heat stress, for 2 h. The survival and structural integrity of the biofilms were evaluated through colony-forming unit (CFU) counting and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Additionally, the transcriptional levels of genes concerning matrix formation, acid tolerance, oxidative tolerance were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Co-culturing S. mutans and C. albicans resulted in an extended logarithmic growth phase compared to monocultures. Dual-species biofilm had higher microorganism counts after biofilm formation, displayed higher surviving cells, and a more complex structure after exposure to various stresses when compared to monospecies biofilm (p<0.05). The transcriptional levels of genes concerning matrix formation (gtfB, gtfC, ftf, bcr1, hwp1), acid tolerance (atpD, fabM, phr1), oxidative tolerance (nox, sodA, sod1, and trx1) were upregulated in dual-species biofilm (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Dual-species biofilm present higher tolerance to various stresses in the oral cavity. The upregulation of genes involved in matrix formation and stress tolerance may partially account for this increased resilience.

RevDate: 2025-07-19
CmpDate: 2025-07-19

Wang Y, Xiao L, Ji J, et al (2025)

Transcriptomic analysis of mature biofilm and planktonic cells of Listeria monocytogenes under nutritional stress.

Food microbiology, 132:104859.

Listeria monocytogenes can adhere to various surfaces and form biofilms under environments with reduced nutrients, resulting in persistent contamination of products. In the present study, RNA sequencing was utilized to establish complete transcriptome profiles of L. monocytogenes in both the planktonic state (TF) and the biofilm state (TB), cultured in TSB-YE, as well as in the planktonic (dTF) and biofilm (dTB) states, cultured in a 10-fold dilution of TSB-YE (dTSB-YE). In our lab, MRL300083 (Lm83) was identified as the strain with the highest biofilm formation in dTSB-YE. There were 1, 6, and 3 significantly enriched pathways in TF vs. dTF, TB vs. dTB, TF vs. TB, respectively (padj < 0.05), indicating that these pathways or genes might be critical for bacterial survival. However, no significantly enriched pathway was found in dTF vs dTB. Interestingly, in both planktonic and biofilm states, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in flagellar assembly were exclusively up-regulated (padj < 0.05), indicating that flagellar synthesis was increased under nutritional stress. In biofilm-associated cells cultured in dTSB-YE, the DEGs involved in pathways including flagellar assembly, bacterial chemotaxis, fructose and mannose metabolism, and the phosphotransferase system (PTS) were significantly up-regulated (padj < 0.05). Compared to the planktonic state, bacteria in the biofilm state can mobilize various programs to resist adverse environments. RNA-Seq results were confirmed by RT-qPCR. This study has initially explored the underlying mechanisms of enhanced biofilm formation and environmental resistance of L. monocytogenes in biofilms under nutrient stress, which may help reveal or resolve L. monocytogenes persistence in food processing environments.

RevDate: 2025-07-19
CmpDate: 2025-07-19

Zhang M, Man Y, Yang R, et al (2025)

The effect and mechanism of sublethal injury by lactic acid on Salmonella Typhimurium planktonic and biofilm cells.

Food microbiology, 132:104852.

Salmonella is a zoonotic pathogen present in the food and environment, which could survive as sublethally injured form during treatment. The effects of sublethal injury by lactic acid (LA) on S. Typhimurium planktonic and biofilm cells in broth, food manufacturing wastewater, and aqueous solution were investigated in this study. Meanwhile, the changes of physiological properties including intracellular pH, enzyme activity, and membrane integrity were also determined to elucidate the formation mechanism of sublethally injured cells. The sublethal injury was examined using dual plate count method, and further verified with laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis. A higher injury ratio was observed for planktonic cells compared to biofilm cells, while the addition of glucose and whey protein remarkably decreased the injury ratio of planktonic S. Typhimurium, which revealed that extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) offered a protective effect against the damage from LA. Polysaccharides and proteins in EPS decreased after exposure to LA. The intracellular pH reduced during the formation of sublethally injured cells, which depressed the activity of intracellular enzymes and promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The damage to cytoplasmic membrane during the formation of injured cells was assessed with morphological observation, membrane potential and integrity assays, which demonstrated that LA exerted more severe injuries to planktonic cells compared to biofilm cells.

RevDate: 2025-07-19
CmpDate: 2025-07-19

Pegueros-Valencia CA, Lucero-Mejía JE, Hernández-Iturriaga M, et al (2025)

Assessing Salmonella enterica biofilm formation in frequent scenarios of chicken handling in domestic kitchen environments.

Food microbiology, 132:104849.

Home kitchens are major sources of foodborne illnesses. This study evaluated Salmonella enterica biofilm formation (BF) in common chicken handling scenarios in domestic kitchens (CHSDK). An online survey identified the most frequent CHSDK. Based on the results, three S.enterica (Anatum, Saintpaul, and Typhimurium) were assessed for their attachment on plastic, glass, and stainless-steel surfaces with chicken residues, with or without raw chicken microbiota (RCM), at 25 °C. BF was evaluated by measuring pathogen growth and biopolymer production over three days. Survey results showed plastic was the predominant material for cutting boards (47.8 %), and cookware was used for raw (40.3 %) and cooked (59.6 %) chicken, followed by glass,21.5 %, and 31.2 %, respectively. Knives (79.1 %) were the main utensils for cutting raw chicken. Regarding the attachment, S.enterica strains were significantly lower in the presence of RCM (2.3 ± 0.7 logCFU/cm[2]) compared to its absence (5.4 ± 0.4logCFU/cm[2]) (p < 0.05). A full-factorial ANOVA showed that strain, surface, RCM, and the RCM-surface interaction significantly affected both, pathogen growth within biofilms and biopolymer production (p < 0.05). The interaction showed that the greatest difference in pathogen growth occurred on stainless steel, with 1.31 ± 0.73logCFU/cm[2] in the absence and 0.23 ± 0.76 logCFU/cm[2] in the presence of RCM. For biopolymer, the largest difference was on glass, 0.52 ± 0.26 and 0.37 ± 0.15 OD595nm. Anatum had the highest attachment, Typhimurium the greatest growth, and Saintpaul the highest biopolymer production, regardless of the surface and presence/absence of RCM. These findings suggest that S.enterica can persist in biofilms under CHSDK, highlighting the risk of cross-contamination not only through immediate contact, but also through BF over time.

RevDate: 2025-07-19

Xiu L, Li Q, Tian Q, et al (2025)

sRNA-enriched outer membrane vesicles of Vibrio alginolyticus: Decisive architects of biofilm assembly.

International journal of biological macromolecules pii:S0141-8130(25)06659-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Biofilms robustly defend bacteria by impeding antimicrobial entry, and protecting against environmental stress and immune responses, thereby enhancing host colonization. Overcoming the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of biofilm infections is critical, given their clinical significance and resistance to standard treatments. Recent investigations have illuminated the pivotal role of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in biofilm formation. This study delves into the OMVs secreted by Vibrio alginolyticus, a zoonotic species and the second largest class of pathogenic Vibrio. We successfully extracted, purified, and characterized OMVs from V. alginolyticus. Our data reveal that these OMVs not only facilitate biofilm formation but are also enriched with small RNAs (sRNAs). Bioinformatics analyses suggest that these sRNAs, characterized by distinct secondary structures and targeting various regulatory genes, may be integral to the biofilm formation process. To verify this, we constructed sRNA-deficient mutants and OMVs, then evaluated their effects on bacterial physiology, including growth, motility, extracellular matrix production, and biofilm development. Our findings demonstrate that sRNA cargos play a crucial role in these processes and modulate gene expression associated with biofilm formation. This study highlights the significant role of OMVs delivering sRNAs in regulating bacterial biofilm formation, offering new insights into bacterial pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms.

RevDate: 2025-07-19

Zheng P, Li Y, Cheng Y, et al (2025)

Mechanistic insights into enhanced volatile pyridine biodegradation through shortcut pyridine-N transformation in counter-diffusion biofilms by regulating biofilm stratification and microbial spatial interactions.

Bioresource technology pii:S0960-8524(25)00976-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Air pollution and nitrogen contamination residues remain challenges in the conventional biological treatment of industrial wastewater containing volatile organic compounds. In this study, counter-diffusion biofilms were integrated with shortcut nitrification-denitrification technology to enhance pyridine biodegradation through shortcut pyridine-N transformation (EPB-SPNT), with emphasis on biofilm stratification and microbial spatial interactions. Results showed that the removal efficiency of pyridine and total nitrogen reached 100 % and 91.24 ± 0.75 %, respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and metagenomic analysis revealed that aerobic pyridine-degrading bacteria (APDB, Alicycliphilus) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB, Nitrosomonas) were located in the aerobic layer, while anoxic pyridine degrading-denitrifying bacteria (APD-DB, Paracoccus) were enriched in the anoxic layer. Biofilm stability was mainly attributed to the lower hydrophilicity of protein secondary structure. The EPB-SPNT process was driven by the spatial cooperation among APDB, AOB, and APD-DB. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the EPB-SPNT in counter-diffusion biofilms through the regulation of microbial stratification and interactions.

RevDate: 2025-07-19

Zhou J, Zhou C, Jiang G, et al (2025)

Engineering an Escherichia coli with Performance-Enhanced Switch Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 System as Living Quorum Quencher for Biofilm Formation Inhibition.

Environmental research pii:S0013-9351(25)01634-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Quorum quenching (QQ) of signal molecules plays a critical role in disrupting bacterial communication, thereby suppressing biofilm formation. However, the wild-type QQ bacteria lacks the regulatory capacity to modulate gene expression levels. In this study, the QQ gene aiiO and reporter gene GFP were chromosomally integrated into Escherichia coli BW25113 using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system. The performance-enhanced switch in the engineering bacteria (EB) allowed it to express aiiO weakly without the inducer isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and express aiiO strongly with IPTG, and 1.00 mM IPTG induction enhanced EB's QQ activity by 2.34-fold. In activated sludge systems, the inoculation of EB reduced biofilm formation by 18.56% versus controls after 168 h, with the performance-enhanced switch enhancing inhibition to 24.72%. EB reduced biofilm thickness by 22.96%, total microbial biomass by 57.68%, and significantly decreased extracellular polymeric substances secretion and adhesion strength of the biofilm (maximum reductions: 29.88% and 34.31%, respectively) across all sampling points versus controls. 1.00 mM IPTG addition sustainedly intensified these biofilm-inhibitory effects by EB, demonstrating the genetic switch's persistent functionality under environmentally relevant conditions. Furthermore, the genetically modified strain exhibited minimal environmental impact according to standardized assessments. Therefore, this study successfully constructed an implementable strategy for engineering bacteria-mediated biofilm control, with demonstrated applicability in complex environmental systems.

RevDate: 2025-07-21
CmpDate: 2025-07-19

Muguerza-Guevara K, Cortés-Acha B, García-García M, et al (2025)

In vivo analysis of early biofilm development and cell viability on implant-mimicking abutments at 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days.

BMC oral health, 25(1):1201.

INTRODUCTION: The microbiota associated with peri-implant diseases has been described, though information about biofilm formation and development on dental implants remains scarce.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze and compare biofilm formation and distribution at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days on experimental abutments simulating dental implants in peri-implant healthy patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental abutments with micro-threads and a modified rough surface were placed in healthy dental implants of 10 patients. Instructions were given not to clean the abutments for the duration of the study. Exclusion criteria included the use of antiseptics or antibiotics 30 days prior to recruitment or during the study period. After 24 h, 48 h and 7 days, the abutments were removed and stained using LIVE/DEAD stain, and two sides (buccal and palatal/lingual) and two areas (supragingival and subgingival) were assessed, with measurement of the mean biofilm covering area.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine experimental abutments placed in 10 patients were assessed. The total mean biomass coverage areas were 9.3%, 16.2% and 16.8% at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days, respectively, with significant differences being observed between 24 h and the subsequent timepoints (p < 0.05). Significantly greater supragingival biofilm coverage was observed at 7 days in comparison with the subgingival zone (21.85% versus 11.7%; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Biofilm coverage on healthy dental implants increases progressively during the first 48 h and then stabilizes. The biofilm is mainly composed of live cells in the supragingival and subgingival areas. After 7 days, the supragingival areas show significantly greater biofilm coverage.

RevDate: 2025-07-20

Atanaskovic M, Dilparic A, Zlatović M, et al (2025)

Novel polygalacturonase PG-BG31 prevents biofilm formation and increases antibiotic efficacy against catheter-associated Escherichia coli.

Journal of biotechnology, 406:179-189 pii:S0168-1656(25)00183-X [Epub ahead of print].

Escherichia coli is a leading cause of urinary tract infections, which are particularly problematic in catheterized patients due to the formation of biofilms that are resistant to standard treatments. Here we investigated a novel polygalacturonase (PG-BG31) from Pedobacter sp. BG31 and its anti-biofilm properties against E. coli isolates originating from the urine of UTI patients. The enzyme was heterologously expressed and biochemically characterized using polygalacturonic acid as substrate. The enzyme showed strong biofilm inhibition with BIC50 values between 2 and 5 µg/mL, which varied depending on the E. coli strain. It outperformed enzymes commonly used in E. coli biofilm studies, including proteinase K, DNase and cellulase. When used as a pretreatment, it significantly improved the efficacy of ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim by reducing biofilm formation by 4 log (99.99 %) at lower antibiotic concentrations. Polygalacturonase PG-BG31 works optimally at temperatures of 25 °C - 42 °C and a slightly acidic pH value (pH 5.0 - 6.0), which corresponds to the environment in urine. In addition, the enzyme showed no toxicity to cells in culture or C. elegans. These results suggest that polygalacturonase has the potential for the development of anti-biofilm strategies for catheter-related urinary tract infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-18

Kashi M, Chegini Z, Khoshbayan A, et al (2025)

Natural compounds for colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm control: eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol.

Molecular biology reports, 52(1):735.

RevDate: 2025-07-18

Liu Y, Gao Y, Shi C, et al (2025)

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Gut Catabolites of Quercetin 4'-glucoside on Listeria monocytogenes and Their Effects on Membrane Integrity and Biofilm Formation.

Journal of applied microbiology pii:8206145 [Epub ahead of print].

AIMS: Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is the well-known foodborne pathogen that requires critical control in the human body. 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (OPAC) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid are gut catabolites of quercetin 4'-glucoside in onion, their antibacterial effects would help to control the risk of L. monocytogenes. Here, we investigate their antibacterial activity, action at the transcript level and effects on membrane and biofilm to better control L. monocytogenes.

METHODS AND RESULTS: RNA-Seq data revealed that the OPAC and DOPAC treatments to L. monocytogenes led to the identification of enormously differently expressed genes in cellular components (membrane) and phosphotransferase system pathway at their 1/2 MIC (7.805 mM⸱L-1). DOPAC exhibited more obviously damaged in membrane (max 33.94%) and biofilm (max 88.2%) than that of OPAC which may be related to their different effects on cell hydrophobicity, mobility and morphology.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provided a credibly inhibitory mechanism of OPAC and DOPAC on L. monocytogenes, offering the theoretical basis for potential applications on the other kinds of phenolic acids that would possess similar structures in food industry.

RevDate: 2025-07-18

Luo S, Zhou Z, Jin Y, et al (2025)

Light-mediated activation of nitric oxide and antibacterial polymers for anti-biofilm applications.

Journal of materials chemistry. B [Epub ahead of print].

Bacterial biofilms remain a major challenge in treating persistent infections due to their dense extracellular matrix and inherent antibiotic resistance. Herein, we propose a light-responsive nanoparticle system (PNO@Ir) that integrates a nitric oxide (NO) donor polymer (PNO) with the photosensitizer fac-Ir(ppy)3. Upon green light irradiation, NO release and activation of primary amine-containing antibacterial polymers are triggered via a dual mechanism involving triplet-triplet energy transfer (TTET) and photoinduced electron transfer (PeT). Under mildly acidic and hypoxic conditions, protonation of the exposed amines induces nanoparticle reorganization, leading to surface charge reversal and enhanced bacterial affinity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies, including a murine wound infection model, demonstrate that this cascade-activation strategy disrupts methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms. This work presents a synergistic and spatiotemporally controllable platform for NO delivery and antibacterial polymer activation, offering significant potential for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-18

Mondal S, Melzi A, Zecchin S, et al (2025)

Quorum sensing in biofilm-mediated heavy metal resistance and transformation: environmental perspectives and bioremediation.

Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1607370.

Quorum sensing is a fundamental mechanism of bacterial cell-to-cell communication that enables microbial communities to adapt to environmental stresses. Although the role of quorum sensing in biofilm formation and heavy metal resistance has been studied across various bacterial species, significant research gaps remain regarding the specific quorum sensing-regulated metabolic pathways involved in heavy metal resistance and transformation, as well as their functional roles in bioremediation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the connection between quorum sensing and heavy metal resistance and transformation, considering both cellular and ecological perspectives. It highlights recent advancements in understanding quorum sensing-regulated biofilm dynamics and identifies a lack of knowledge related to quorum sensing-mediated heavy metal resistance in natural ecosystems. Furthermore, innovative quorum sensing-based strategies for optimizing bioremediation are explored. By emphasizing the ecological and practical implications of quorum sensing-driven bioremediation, this review aims to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable approaches for mitigating heavy metal pollution.

RevDate: 2025-07-18

Li W, You F, Yang J, et al (2025)

Antimicrobial peptide-targeted photodynamic therapy for preventing periodontal plaque biofilm formation through the disruption of quorum sensing system.

Materials today. Bio, 33:101970.

Owing to high rates of antibiotic resistance, the elimination of periodontal plaque biofilms has become a significant clinical challenge. In this context, metal-organic framework (MOF)-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a novel antimicrobial treatment option. However, this therapeutic strategy suffers from drawbacks such as the insufficient generation of reactive oxygen species and the lack of targeted biofilm clearance, which greatly hinder its clinical application. Here, a multifunctional MOF-based nanocomposite (ICG@Uio-66-UBI) was developed by modifying MOFs (Uio-66-NH2) with an antimicrobial peptide (UBI29-41) to enhance PDT efficiency. Our findings showed that the UBI29-41 targets EPS and selectively binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on bacterial surfaces via electrostatic interactions, enabling precise delivery of ICG-generated ROS under 808-nm near-infrared irradiation, which disrupts bacterial membranes and inhibits biofilm formation. Subsequently, UBI29-41 blocks LPS-TLR4 binding, suppressing NF-κB signaling and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, the nanocomposite significantly downregulates the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system, reducing AI-2 synthesis and virulence gene expression, thereby inhibiting biofilm formation. In vivo studies confirmed the platform's efficacy in inhibiting biofilm formation and preventing collagen degradation in gingival tissue. By synergistically combining targeted antimicrobial action, anti-inflammatory effects, and QS modulation, ICG@Uio-66-UBI represents a breakthrough in precision periodontal therapy, offering a potent solution for biofilm-associated infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-18

Luo J, Li M, Luo Y, et al (2025)

Antibacterial Bio-heterojunctions Targeting Biofilm for Caries Treatment.

Journal of dental research [Epub ahead of print].

Phototherapy has become pivotal in the management of dental caries, recognized for its controllable, nonresistant, and antibacterial properties. However, photoresponsive materials applied in fluid-filled oral cavities present challenges-specifically, retaining them within cariogenic biofilms is difficult, and when such agents are carried away, it diminishes the effectiveness of phototherapy. . Additionally, the lack of targeting efficiency for cariogenic biofilms and on-demand release mechanisms results in decreased bioavailability, leading to unsatisfactory antibacterial efficacy and potential side effects. To address the dilemma, a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based MXene/CuS (MCH) bio-heterojunction is elaborated and activated by the cariogenic biofilm microenvironment to exert efficient sterilization and biofilm elimination effects for rescuing dental caries. In this intelligent system, HA initiates accurate anchors by targeting hyaluronidase (HAase) derived from the cariogenic biofilm microenvironment, and the encapsulated MXene/CuS (MC) bio-heterojunction is released on demand as the HAase-triggered reaction intensifies within the biofilms. Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the liberated MC is endowed with exceptional photosensitive attributes, simultaneously generating thermal energy and reactive oxygen species to perform synergistic photothermal and photodynamic therapy. In vitro results display that in cariogenic biofilms, the HA layer of MCH can react with HAase and undergo degradation, while maintaining a sufficient on-demand release of MC even under fluid rinsing. Subsequently, MCH and NIR irradiation combat bacteria and biofilm infection effectively through phototherapy physical mechanisms. Also, in vitro results demonstrate that oral cells perform normal extended morphology and considerable proliferation trends after MCH treatment. In addition, in vivo experiments authenticate that the MCH + NIR group shows excellent antibacterial efficacy, and micro-computed tomography analysis and the modified Keyes score calculation indicate more intact enamel with no caries observed on rat molars. This pioneering approach heralds a promising avenue for the application of cariogenic biofilm microenvironment-activated photoresponsive materials in the domain of dental caries prevention and treatment.

RevDate: 2025-07-17

de Lima GC, de Cassia Orlando Sardi J, de Figueiredo LC, et al (2025)

Antibacterial activity of a bioactive composite resins containing surface pre-reacted glass in a complex multispecies subgingival biofilm.

Odontology [Epub ahead of print].

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of three S-PRG composite resins on the microbial profile of subgingival multispecies biofilm. A 96-well cell plate was employed to cultivate a 39-species biofilm associated with periodontitis over 7 days. Cylindrical specimens with 2 mm high and 2 mm diameters were prepared of each bioactive tested group (Beautifil II, Beautifil LS, Beautifil Bulk-Shofu) and for a control non-bioactive group (Z350 XT-3M ESPE). Furthermore, these specimens were immersed in the well plate to allow biofilm formation, and after growing for 7 days, the formed biofilm was removed and composition evaluated. The metabolic biofilm activity was evaluated by colorimetric assay, and the microbial profile evaluated by DNA-DNA hybridization. Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann-Whitney tests to evaluate each bacteria counts and ANOVA followed by T test to evaluate the proportion among complexes groups. A statistically significant reduction was observed on the counts of biofilm bacterial specie: Streptococcus gordoni, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguinis, Campylobacter rectus, Campylobacter showae, Fusobacterium periodonticum, Tannerella forsythia, Neisseria mucosa, Selenomonas noxia and Streptococcus mutans for one or more bioactive composite resin compared to Z350XT (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the proportion of Yellow, Orange bacterial complexes, and others oral bacteria tested between the control and bioactive groups. Bioactive groups showed a statistically significant reduction in total counts of bacteria. The incorporation of S-PRG glass into the bioactive composite resin reduced periodontopathogenic biofilm growth.

RevDate: 2025-07-17

Xue Y, Li L, Deng M, et al (2025)

Insights into freshwater lake abiotic and biotic carrier biofilm nitrogen transformation and N2O emission patterns: A [15]N isotope tracing study.

Water research, 286:124209 pii:S0043-1354(25)01116-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Lake biofilms play pivotal roles in nitrogen cycling; however, the influence of carrier type on their nitrogen transformation processes remains inadequately understood. In this study, we employed [15]N isotope tracing, selective inhibition experiments, and microbial community analysis to investigate nitrous oxide (N2O) emission patterns in biofilms formed on biotic (hydrophyte) and abiotic (rocks and plastics) carriers. Our results revealed that biotic carrier biofilms predominantly generated NO2[-] via denitrification, contributing 99.39 % of nitrogen transformation, whereas abiotic carrier biofilms primarily produced NO2[-] through nitrification. Moreover, nitrogen loss in biotic carrier biofilms was mainly attributed to denitrification, while in abiotic carrier biofilms, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) accounted for 70.5 % of nitrogen loss. Environmental parameters, particularly temperature and oxidation-reduction potential, significantly modulated nitrogen transformation processes in both biofilm types. Nitrification-related N2O production showed no significant difference between the two biofilm types, denitrification-related N2O potentials were substantially higher in biotic carrier biofilms, with greater N2O production (157.78 vs 84.94 μg N/h/gMLVSS) and reduction rates (150.70 vs 83.36 μg N/h/gMLVSS), resulting in increased net N2O emissions. Microbial community analysis indicated that abiotic carrier biofilms harbored higher relative abundances of Chloroflexi and Dadabacteria, whereas abiotic carrier biofilms could show enhanced nitrite oxidation and nitrate reduction activities. These findings offer novel insights into carrier-dependent nitrogen cycling mechanisms and bear significant implications for managing N2O emissions from lake ecosystems.

RevDate: 2025-07-19

Li S, Zhang D, Zhang X, et al (2025)

Genomic epidemiology and anti-biofilm mechanisms of Lactobacillus in ST11 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in China.

Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1619621.

BACKGROUND: The ST11 clone of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has emerged as a major public health threat, driving hospital outbreaks across China and contributing to chronic infections through robust biofilm formation. The scarcity of effective treatment options poses a critical challenge to clinical management.

METHODS: To address this issue, we conducted an integrated genomic epidemiological and metabolomic study of ST11 CRKP isolates collected from 13 hospitals in eastern and central China between 2014 and 2020. A total of 2,805 clinical isolates were screened, and 334 ST11 strains were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and whole-genome sequencing. Biofilm formation was assessed through microtiter plate assays, while co-culture experiments with Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus gasseri were performed to evaluate anti-biofilm activity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and non-targeted metabolomics were used to explore structural and metabolic changes.

RESULTS: Genomic analysis revealed alarming resistance rates exceeding 90% to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides among ST11 isolates. Distinct regional distributions of capsular types were observed, with K64 predominant in the east and K47 more common in central China. Biofilm assays showed that 97.6% (326/334) of isolates were biofilm producers. Co-culture with L. fermentum and L. gasseri significantly reduced biofilm biomass by 41.3-58.7% (p < 0.001), and SEM confirmed biofilm structural disruption. Metabolomic analysis revealed that L. fermentum disrupted purine biosynthesis and aminoacyl-tRNA metabolism, while L. gasseri inhibited folic acid synthesis (FDR = 0.017) and the phosphotransferase system.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals critical insights into the clonal spread and biofilm-associated metabolic vulnerabilities of ST11 CRKP. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus-based interventions and pave the way for novel probiotic-assisted and plasmid-targeted strategies against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

RevDate: 2025-07-19

Rikvold PD, Møllebjerg A, Raittio EJ, et al (2025)

The effect of multiple-enzyme treatment on in situ oral biofilm formation in healthy participants.

Biofilm, 10:100298.

Novel approaches for the prevention of biofilm-mediated oral diseases aim to control dental biofilms rather than eradicating bacteria in the mouth. One such approach is the use of enzymes that specifically target and degrade the dental biofilm matrix and thereby facilitate biofilm removal. Matrix-degrading enzymes have consistently shown promising results in vitro, but data on in situ-grown oral biofilms are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combined treatment with mutanase, beta-glucanase and DNase on in situ biofilm formation and removal, microbial biofilm composition and biofilm pH. Biofilms from healthy participants were grown for 48 or 72 h on lower-jaw splints and enzyme or control-treated during (3x/day, 30 min) or after growth (30 min). Under the tested conditions, enzyme treatment had no significant effect on biofilm formation or removal compared to control, as assessed by optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy. Likewise, enzymatic treatment did not induce significant changes in the microbial composition of the biofilms that were dominated by Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Veillonella and Fusobacterium species. The biofilm pH response to a sucrose challenge was assessed using confocal microscopy-based pH ratiometry, and the average biofilm pH was not significantly different between the intervention groups. Under the conditions employed in this study, the tested enzymes had no significant impact on in situ grown biofilms. The treatment regimen, the biofilm composition, or the analytical methods employed may explain the difference to previous results. Further studies are warranted to assess the therapeutic potential of multi-enzyme treatment for dental biofilm control.

RevDate: 2025-07-17

Vander Griend JA, Nottage HC, Mehle A, et al (2025)

RtmR is a membrane-embedded RRM-family RNA-binding protein that regulates biofilm formation.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2025.07.10.664275.

UNLABELLED: The animal symbiont Vibrio fischeri has served as a model organism for molecular processes underlying bacterial group behaviors, including quorum sensing and biofilm development. Here, using a genetic approach to identify negative regulators of biofilm formation in V. fischeri , we identified a membrane-bound RNA-binding protein, RtmR (VF_2432), that acts as an inhibitor of the symbiosis polysaccharide (SYP) biofilm. Membrane localization of the protein seems to be required for protein stability, as truncation of the transmembrane helices led to an inability to detect the protein. The conserved RNP1 and RNP2 motifs in RtmR's cytoplasmic RNA recognition motif (RRM) domain are required for function, and we demonstrate binding to RNA substrates. Identification of RtmR RNA ligands was conducted with a CLIP-seq approach that revealed a large interactome. One transcript identified was that of the biofilm regulatory histidine kinase RscS. We found that RtmR biofilm inhibition depends on RscS activity and that RtmR negatively regulates levels of RscS. Overall, this work characterizes a novel type of bacterial RNA-binding protein.

IMPORTANCE: Bacterial RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) perform key functions to regulate stress responses and development. Bacterial RBPs including the RNA chaperones Hfq and ProQ, the global regulator CsrA, and the cold shock proteins (Csps) have been extensively studied, although additional classes of RBPs have been predicted by bioinformatic methods including those carrying an RRM domain. This work expands on recent studies of RRM domain proteins in bacteria to characterize a membrane-bound RRM protein that regulates bacterial biofilm development. Given our rapidly-expanding knowledge regarding the role for RNA-binding proteins in bacterial molecular biology, this work contributes a new class of membrane-bound regulators with homologs in human pathogens and marine symbionts.

RevDate: 2025-07-19

Matias Regis WF, Ruliglésio Rocha F, Araújo Lima R, et al (2025)

Insights Into the Role of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in Dental Biofilm Formation and Cariogenicity: A Literature Review.

Cureus, 17(6):e86159.

Dental caries is a widespread chronic disease that affects a large proportion of both adults and children globally. Streptococcus mutans is widely recognized as the primary pathogen responsible for dental caries, while Candida albicans frequently coexists with it, often forming a synergistic relationship. Despite this, the specific virulence mechanisms of these microorganisms, both individually and in coaggregation, as well as their collective impact on cariogenic potential, remain incompletely understood. This comprehensive review aims to examine both original and review articles addressing the virulence characteristics of these species, both independently and in coaggregation, and to assess how these interactions contribute to tooth demineralization, polysaccharide production, and the expression of virulence genes. The research reviewed here provides valuable insights into the physiological interactions between the two species, showing that these interactions lead to increased acid production within their coexisting biofilm, which enhances the cariogenic potential. These insights could guide future studies aimed at developing targeted strategies for preventing or mitigating dental caries.

RevDate: 2025-07-16

Carpenter RE (2025)

Candida tropicalis in the diabetic urinary tract: Biofilm resistance, genomic plasticity, and public health implications.

Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease, 113(3):117005 pii:S0732-8893(25)00328-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Fungal urinary tract infections (fUTIs) are emerging as a public health concern, notably in South Asia, where a convergence of ecological, genetic, and clinical factors underlies a rising burden of antifungal-resistant disease. This review synthesizes epidemiological, mechanistic, and genetic evidence implicating Candida tropicalis as a dominant uropathogen in South Asia's diabetic and immunocompromised populations. We examine the shift from Candida albicans to non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, driven by selective antifungal pressure and nosocomial transmission. Emphasis is placed on the virulence and adaptability of C. tropicalis, which forms biofilms, adapts metabolically under glycosuric and hypoxic conditions, and expresses antifungal resistance genes such as ERG11, CDR1, MDR1, and FKS1. Concurrently, South Asian host populations exhibit genetic variants-e.g., in TLR4, CLEC7A, CYP2C19-that impair fungal recognition, immune clearance, and antifungal pharmacokinetics, creating a syndemic landscape. We detail biofilm-mediated resistance mechanisms, epigenetic regulation of virulence genes, and the role of environmental sensing pathways in adaptive pathogenesis. Furthermore, the review delineates clinical challenges posed by biofilm-associated infections, delayed diagnostics, and resistance underestimation. Finally, we propose a suite of public health and clinical recommendations-including biofilm-specific diagnostics, antifungal stewardship programs, pharmacogenomic screening, and national surveillance-to mitigate the escalating burden of drug-resistant candiduria. This integrative perspective bridges molecular pathogenesis and systems-level responses, offering a strategic roadmap for clinicians and policymakers to address C. tropicalis-driven fUTIs in South Asia and other high-risk regions.

RevDate: 2025-07-16

Govindarajan DK, Mohanarangam M, Kadirvelu L, et al (2025)

Biofilms and oral health: nanotechnology for biofilm control.

Discover nano, 20(1):114.

Dental biofilms are complex microbial communities enclosed by a self-produced extracellular matrix, leading to dental caries, periodontitis, and other oral diseases. These biofilms are often resistant to conventional antibiotics and result in persistent infections that negatively impact oral health. Recent advances in nanotechnology have demonstrated nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic alternative for controlling dental biofilms. In addition, such nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical properties such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, enhanced reactivity, and ability to penetrate biofilm structures. Therefore, this review explores the potential of various nanoparticles, such as silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, in disrupting biofilm formation and removal of pathogenic oral biofilm forming bacteria. Additionally, this review critically examines various strategies for surface functionalization of nanoparticles to enhance their antimicrobial efficacy and biofilm-targeting capabilities. Furthermore, the article also presents various applications of dental materials coated with nanoparticles in preventing biofilm adhesion and growth. In essence, this review article will provide collective information on various approaches in using nanoparticles to reduce the risk of recurrent oral infections and enhance overall dental health.

RevDate: 2025-07-16

Wang Y, Xu X, Wu W, et al (2025)

Expression and characterization of three alginate lyases from Vibrio sp. E: targeting kelp hydrolysis and biofilm disruption.

Preparative biochemistry & biotechnology [Epub ahead of print].

A marine bacterial strain, Vibrio sp. E, capable of producing alginate lyases, was isolated from seawater. Three alginate lyase genes from this strain were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzymes, designated AlyE1, AlyE2, and AlyE3, exhibited optimal activity at pH 9.0 and high pH stability, retaining over 80% of their initial activity across a pH range of 6.0 to 10.0. They retained more than 50% activity at 4 °C and over 30% at 100 °C. AlyE1 and AlyE3 demonstrated thermo-tolerance, recovering the majority of of their initial activity after heat treatment (>80 °C, <120 min) and cooling (>80 °C, >10 min). All three enzymes exhibited strong NaCl tolerance but were not NaCl-dependent. They were characterized as bifunctional and endolytic lyases, which was effective in kelp (Laminaria japonica) hydrolysis and in disrupting Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

RevDate: 2025-07-16

Varner E, Meyer M, Whalen J, et al (2025)

Intracellular glutamine fluctuates with nitrogen availability and regulates Mycobacterium smegmatis biofilm formation.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2025.06.18.660496.

UNLABELLED: Biofilm formation allows pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) to adhere to household plumbing systems and has been observed in vivo during human infection. Glucose drives NTM aggregation in vitro , and ammonium inhibits it, but the regulatory systems controlling this early step in biofilm formation are not understood. Here, we show that a variety of carbon and nitrogen sources have similar impacts on aggregation in the model NTM Mycobacterium smegmatis as glucose and ammonium, suggesting that the response to these nutrients is general and likely sensed through downstream, integrated signals. Next, we performed a transposon screen in M. smegmatis to uncover these putative regulatory nodes. Our screen revealed that mutating specific genes in the purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis pathways caused an aggregation defect, but supplementing with adenosine and guanosine had no impact on aggregation either in a purF mutant or WT. Realizing that the only genes we hit in purine or pyrimidine biosynthesis were those that utilized glutamine as a nitrogen donor, we pivoted to the hypothesis that intracellular glutamine could be a nitrogen-responsive node affecting aggregation. We tested this hypothesis in defined M63 medium using targeted mass spectrometry. Indeed, intracellular glutamine increased with nitrogen availability and correlated with planktonic growth. Furthermore, a garA mutant, which has an artificially expanded glutamine pool in growth phase, grew solely as planktonic cells even without nitrogen supplementation. Altogether these results establish that intracellular glutamine controls M. smegmatis aggregation, and they introduce flux-dependent sensors as key components of the NTM biofilm regulatory system.

IMPORTANCE: A subset of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), including Mycobacterium abscessus , are opportunistic pathogens that can cause severe pulmonary infections. M. abscessus is present in showerhead biofilms, one of the reservoirs from which it can infect susceptible individuals. Moreover, M. abscessus can exist as biofilms during pulmonary infections, and biofilm formation in vitro renders M. abscessus more tolerant to antibiotics. The ability to inhibit NTM biofilm formation could therefore help us better prevent and treat NTM infections. However, the regulatory systems controlling NTM biofilm formation, which could include targets for anti-biofilm therapeutics, are poorly understood. The significance of this work is that it reveals intracellular glutamine as an important node controlling initiation of biofilm formation in the model NTM Mycobacterium smegmatis . Building on this foundation, future studies will investigate how NTM biofilms can be dispersed by altering glutamine levels and will describe how NTM translates intracellular glutamine to alteration of surface adhesins.

RevDate: 2025-07-18

Eslami H, Fakhrzadeh V, Nazari E, et al (2025)

Cold Plasma Treatment for Candida Biofilm on Resin Base Dentures: A Systematic Review.

Journal of lasers in medical sciences, 16:e10.

Introduction: Candida biofilm on resin base dentures is a common problem among denture wearers, leading to denture stomatitis and associated complications. Cold plasma treatment has been proposed as a novel and promising approach to eradicate Candida biofilm. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cold plasma treatment for Candida biofilm on resin base dentures. Methods: This systematic review study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The main objective was to investigate whether cold plasma treatment could reduce the number of Candida cells in dentures compared to other disinfection methods or controls. In September 2024, an electronic search was performed without any limitation on the publication start date in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus databases. English in vitro studies, focusing on acrylic denture bases using cold plasma treatment as the intervention, were included. The selected articles were assessed using the QUIN risk-of-bias tool for in vitro studies conducted in dentistry. Results: Initially, 259 papers were identified, and 164 remained after removing duplicates. Following the screening of titles and abstracts, 21 papers remained. Ten articles were not related to dentures, and 11 studies were included. All of these articles demonstrated a medium risk of bias and were case-control in vitro studies. The evidence currently available suggests that cold plasma exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against denture candidiasis; however, its application is not without limitations. Conclusion: Based on the findings of in vitro studies, cold plasma shows promise as an effective tool for disinfecting dentures. Notably, significant reductions in the Candida cell count can be achieved within a reasonable treatment duration, although the existing data present variable results.

RevDate: 2025-07-16

Zhang X, Dong B, He Q, et al (2025)

Baicalein of Scutellaria baicalensis inhibits Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm formation to restore the antibiotics susceptibility.

Biofouling [Epub ahead of print].

Mycobacterium abscessus is resistant to traditional anti-TB medications and most currently available antibiotics, its strong biofilm formation may contribute to the resistance and make the situation even worse. In this study, Scutellaria baicalensis extract significantly inhibited the planktonic growth as well as the biofilm formation of M. abscessus. Baicalein, the principal active element in S. baicalensis extract, inhibited the biofilm formation instead of the planktonic growth and reduced extracellular matrix lipids in M. abscessus biofilm. The synergistic effects of baicalein in combination with clinical drugs were investigated, the baicalein effectively restored the susceptibility of M. abscessus to the investigated drugs in the biofilm growth. The transcriptome analysis revealed that 98 genes were upregulated and 19 genes were downregulated after baicalein treatment, genes involved in the fatty acid synthesis pathway were validated by RT-qPCR. Therefore, the extract of S. baicalensis and its monomer baicalein might serve as potential innovative adjuvant agents for the prevention and treatment of M. abscessus biofilm formation in chronic infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-15

Çakmak G, Czapek NA, Weber AR, et al (2025)

Effects of hydrothermal aging on surface properties and biofilm formation of CAD-CAM materials used for complete arch implant-supported prostheses: An in vitro study.

The Journal of prosthetic dentistry pii:S0022-3913(25)00538-4 [Epub ahead of print].

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Different computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials have been used to fabricate complete arch implant-supported prostheses (CAISPs), but studies comparing their surface properties and biofilm formation are limited.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the water contact angle, surface roughness, and biofilm formation of CAD-CAM materials used for CAISPs and to assess the effect of hydrothermal aging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy disk-shaped specimens were fabricated (Ø5×2 mm) from titanium (Ti), 55-V anodized Ti (Ti5 55 Hz), 65-V anodized Ti (Ti5 65 Hz), cobalt chromium (Co-Cr), zirconia (Zir), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (n=10). The water contact angle, surface roughness, and initial biofilm formation (CFU) were measured before and after hydrothermal aging and Streptococcus gordonii growth curves were evaluated. Mixed ANOVA with corrections was used to assess the effects of hydrothermal aging and material type (α=.05).

RESULTS: Before aging, Co-Cr had the highest water contact angle (P<.05), excluding PEEK (P=.114). PEEK had the highest roughness (P≤.004). The biofilms (CFU) formed on PEEK, PMMA, and Ti were higher than on Ti5 55 Hz, Ti5 65 Hz, Co-Cr, and Zir (P≤.034). After aging, Ti had the lowest water contact angle. PMMA, PEEK, and Zir had the highest roughness (P<.001). Co-Cr and Zir had more CFU counts than PEEK (P=.024; P=.049). Eluates from aged materials did not affect Streptococcus gordonii growth.

CONCLUSIONS: Material type and hydrothermal aging affected surface properties and biofilm formation. Before aging, Co-Cr had the highest water contact angle (except PEEK), while, after aging, Ti had the lowest. PEEK, Zir, and PMMA showed higher roughness than metals. Biofilm formation was greater on Ti, PMMA, and PEEK before aging, but, after aging, PEEK exhibited less biofilm than Zir and Co-Cr.

RevDate: 2025-07-15

Saranholi TL, Sampaio NCFM, Miot HA, et al (2025)

A randomized clinical trial of silver hydrofiber dressing versus collagenase ointment for venous ulcer: analysis of biofilm-producing bacteria and bacterial clonality.

Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 100(5):501162 pii:S0365-0596(25)00104-7 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Superficial infection in venous ulcers (VU) hinders healing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the action of hydrofiber dressing with silver (HAg) compared to collagenase ointment (Col) in VU.

METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trial in which patients with VU with superficial infection were randomized to the intervention (HAg) or comparison (Col) group. After 30 days (T30), the primary outcomes evaluated were: rate of ulcers without signs of superficial infection, decrease in bacterial load, presence of biofilm-producing bacteria, and bacterial clonality.

RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (56 ulcers) were included ‒ 18 patients (28 ulcers) in the HAg group and 16 (28 ulcers) in the Col group. There was a reduction in ulcers with superficial infection in both groups over time but with no differences (p = 0.422). There was no decrease in total bacterial load over time (p = 0.054) or between the groups (p = 0.113). There was a reduction in the rate of ulcers with biofilm-forming bacteria over time (p = 0.047) but no differences between groups (p = 0.558). Regarding the clonality of Staphylococcus aureus, 92.8% of ulcers in the HAg group and 85% in the Col group, the clones identified at T0 were the same at T30 (p = 0.553). There was no change in the identity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in any ulcer in either group.

STUDY LIMITATIONS: Short follow-up time.

CONCLUSION: Both interventions improved the clinical and some microbiologic characteristics, but there was no difference between both interventions. In addition, most ulcers showed indistinguishable genetic profiles of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa between T0 and T30, with no difference between the groups.

RevDate: 2025-07-15

Habibi A, Pakpour Roudsari M, SM ZiaZiabari (2025)

Quercetin-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth and biofilm formation via downregulation of Coa and Hla genes.

AMB Express, 15(1):107.

The research investigated the effects of that magnetic nanoparticles coated with the plant-based flavonoid quercetin have on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles proceeded through co-precipitation and further involved quercetin coating using a dextran stabilizer. A combined product of these materials received the chemical name Fe3O4@Dex-QT. The study included multiple analytical tests such as FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) together with cellular and molecular assays. Biofilm detection experiments showed that 95% of studied microorganisms had moderate-to-strong biofilm formation abilities. The examined strains that formed biofilms exhibited complete biofilm inhibition at a minimum concentration of 512 μg/mL. Post-treatment with Fe3O4@Dex-QT nanoparticles, the Coa and Hla genes were expressed at 30 and 20% levels respectively, as determined through RT-PCR analysis. The research uncovered that Fe3O4@Dex-QT nanoparticles demonstrate successful antibacterial properties against S. aureus strains, making them viable for substituting conventional antibiotics.

RevDate: 2025-07-15
CmpDate: 2025-07-15

Dubey M, Gahlot P, Vellanki BP, et al (2025)

Post-anoxic integrated biofilm activated sludge wastewater treatment process for emerging contaminant removal.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research, 92(1):174-188.

The study investigates the role of redox conditions and food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio on emerging contaminants (ECs) attenuation in a laboratory-scale system. A Modified Ludzack Ettinger process integrated with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel-based biofilm reactor following the anaerobic tank was employed. Twenty ECs covering a wide range of physico-chemical properties were monitored across four treatment zones - aerobic, PVA, anoxic, and anaerobic reactors to understand the role of different redox conditions in removing ECs. Overall, the system achieved an average EC removal of 87%, with 9 out of 20 compounds removed by >80% and between 50 and 80%. The ECs removal contribution followed the trend: aerobic (42.7%) > PVA (33.4%) > anoxic (25.7%) > anaerobic (19.3%). The analysis revealed higher solid-water partition coefficients (Kd) in the settled sludge compared to the treatment reactors, with values varying based on the compound's chemical properties. The mass balance analysis showed biodegradation as the primary removal mechanism. Of the total EC mass load of 3.68, 0.5 and 0.022 g d[-1] was detected in the final effluent and sludge, respectively. Importantly, a strong negative correlation (r[2] = 0.83) was observed between the F/M ratio and EC removal efficiency, highlighting its critical role in process optimization.

RevDate: 2025-07-17

Al-Oebady MAH (2024)

Study of the antagonistic relationship between gene expression biofilm of Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus aureus that cause otomycosis.

Current medical mycology, 10:.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various species of microorganisms interact in a variety of ecological niches and can lead to infection. A biofilm of one or more species may form during the infectious process. Otomycosis can be brought on by etiologic agents, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger. This study aimed to survey the antagonistic relationship between the gene expression biofilms of A. niger and S. aureus in the context of otomycosis-related biofilm formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined single-species biofilms of A. niger and S. aureus, as well as mixed-species biofilms of A. niger-S. aureus, over 24 and 48 h. Expression of A. niger biofilm-related genes (eng1, xynB, exo, eglA, eglB, and eglC) was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Impact of S. aureus on the gene expression of A. niger was evaluated and compared to the gene expression of A. niger alone, which served as the control.

RESULTS: Biofilm formation assays showed that A. niger biofilm formation was significantly inhibited when co-cultured with S. aureus, with optical density values dropping from 0.56 (alone) to 0.15 at 24 h and 0.05 at 48 h. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of A. niger biofilm-related genes, namely eng1, xynB, exo, eglA, eglB, and eglC, increased significantly in single-species biofilms, reaching 2.5, 3, 1.5, 3.5, 2, and 1.7, respectively, at 24 h and 3.5, 4, 2, 4.2, 3, and 2, respectively at 48 h. However, in co-culture with S. aureus, their gene expression was markedly reduced to 0.8, 0.5, 0.4, 0.9, 0.6, 0.5, respectively, at 24 h and 0.5, 1, 0.2, 0.8, 0.6. , and 0.3, respectively, at 48 h, demonstrating a strong inhibitory effect of S. aureus on A. niger biofilm formation and gene expression.

CONCLUSION: This study described the antagonistic relationship between S. aureus and A. niger on the gene expression biofilm that causes otomycosis, as well as the antibiosis relationship between the two during in vitro biofilm formation. These findings provide new insights into the complex interactions between these microorganisms during infection and may have implications for understanding and managing otomycosis.

RevDate: 2025-07-15

Singh S, Adhikari S, Varshney N, et al (2025)

Overcoming antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori: the roles of collateral sensitivity and biofilm dynamics.

The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy pii:8201972 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) poses a significant challenge to eradication strategies. This study investigates the role of biofilm formation in AMR and explores the potential of collateral sensitivity (CS) as a therapeutic approach to optimize treatment regimens.

METHODS: Two H. pylori clinical isolates (HJ1 and HJ9) were assessed for antibiotic susceptibility using broth microdilution assays. Biofilm formation was characterized through crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. CS profiling was conducted by generating adaptive-resistant strains through serial exposure to sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations, and susceptibility testing using disk diffusion assays.

RESULTS: • The antibiotic-resistant strain HJ1 exhibited enhanced biofilm formation over time compared to HJ9, with Raman microspectroscopy revealing significant biochemical alterations in its extracellular polymeric substance (EPS).• CS profiling demonstrated reciprocal susceptibility changes; resistance to tetracycline increased levofloxacin susceptibility in HJ1, while resistance to rifampicin increased amoxicillin susceptibility in HJ9.• The findings suggest that strategic antibiotic cycling, leveraging CS relationships, may enhance treatment efficacy and limit resistance development.

CONCLUSIONS: Biofilm formation plays a critical role in H. pylori AMR, reinforcing the challenge of eradication. CS profiling indicates that resistance acquisition can be exploited therapeutically to enhance antibiotic efficacy. Integrating CS-based treatment strategies with biofilm-disrupting interventions may provide a novel approach of overcoming multi-drug resistance in H. pylori. Further research is required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning CS and biofilm-mediated resistance to refine treatment strategies.

RevDate: 2025-07-17

Grosche A, Selci M, Smedile F, et al (2025)

The chemosynthetic biofilm microbiome of deep-sea hydrothermal vents across space and time.

Environmental microbiome, 20(1):88.

Microbial biofilms colonize mineral and biological substrates exposed to fluid circulation at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, providing a biologically active interface along redox boundaries. Since many biofilms at deep-sea vents are associated with invertebrates, microbial distribution and abundance are not only constrained by local fluid geochemistry, but also through host-microbe interactions. This study examined the spatial distribution and diversity of established microbial biofilm communities collected from three distinct biological regimes characteristic of the East Pacific Rise (9°50 N, 104°17 W) vent system, as well as newly established biofilms on experimental microbial colonization devices. Transcripts from 16S rRNA-based amplicon sequencing revealed that Campylobacterota of the Sulfurimonas and Sulfurovum genera dominated newly-formed biofilms across all biological regimes. Statistical analyses using environmental chemistry data from each sampling site suggest that community composition is significantly impacted by biofilm age, temperature and sulfide concentration ranges, and to a lesser extent, locality. Further, metatranscriptomic analyses were used to investigate changes in community gene expression between seafloor and subseafloor biofilms. Our findings revealed differences in the type and abundance of transcripts related to respiratory pathways, carbon fixation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification. Overall, this study provides a novel conceptual framework for evaluating biofilm structure and function at deep-sea vents by showing a transition from a niche-specific pioneer microbial community in newly-formed biofilms, to a complex population of increased diversity in established biofilms and by identifying key changes in gene expression in taxonomically similar biofilms during the transition from the shallow subseafloor to the seafloor.

RevDate: 2025-07-14
CmpDate: 2025-07-14

Liu Z, Li M, Xie Q, et al (2025)

Eradicating fungal biofilm-based infections by ultrasound-assisted semiconductor sensitized upconversion photodynamic therapy.

Nature communications, 16(1):6499.

Fungal biofilms, as self-produced extracellular polymeric substances that resist antifungal agents and immune defense, represent a major cause of treatment failure and recurrent infections. Therefore, it is of great importance to eradicate fungal biofilms to achieve efficient therapy. This study develops a synergistic reactive oxygen species (ROS)-enhanced strategy to eradicate Candida albicans biofilms by designing ultrasound-light dual-responsive nanohybrids (UCNP@CR). The system integrates thulium-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with carbon nitride-coated surfaces (g-C3N4) and polypyridine ruthenium complex (Ru) photosensitizers. In treatment, the dense fungal biofilm can be effectively loosened under ultrasound stimulation while ultrasound simultaneously triggers ROS production of UCNP@CR, collectively promoting irreversible destruction of biofilm and inward penetration of photosensitizer. Moreover, UCNP@CR exhibits strong fungal adhesion, while its g-C3N4-mediated enhanced metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) process of Ru under near-infrared light irradiation amplifies ROS generation, which leads to efficient eradication of fungal biofilms. As in vivo experimental evidence, UCNP@CR exhibits excellent antifungal efficacy in treating fungal biofilm-infected wounds in immunosuppressed male mice under ultrasound-light stimulation. These findings establish the ultrasound-assisted, ROS-enhanced synergistic strategy as a promising approach against fungal biofilm infections and provide diverse perspective for managing other biofilm-related infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-07-14

Zou Y, Qu Y, Zhang Y, et al (2025)

Multifunctional Antibiofilm Materials: Surface Engineering and Nanotherapeutic Strategies for Biofilm Prevention and Eradication.

Acta biomaterialia pii:S1742-7061(25)00524-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Bacterial biofilms, as structured microbial communities embedded within self-produced extracellular polymeric substances, present formidable challenges in clinical and healthcare environments due to their intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial treatments and ability to evade host immune responses. Addressing these resilient structures requires the development of advanced antibiofilm materials through multifunctional approaches. This review conducts a comprehensive examination of contemporary antibiofilm strategies, structured around two primary objectives: biofilm formation prevention and established biofilm eradication. The first section systematically analyzes surface engineering strategies aimed at preventing biofilm formation on medical implants and devices, focusing on three principal coating approaches: anti-adhesive, bactericidal, and biofilm-disruptive coatings. The second section delves into therapeutic interventions, predominantly nanoplatform-based, designed to target mature biofilms by disrupting their structural integrity and killing the embedded bacterial cells. Special emphasis is placed on the design principles and fabrication techniques of multifunctional antibiofilm coatings and nanoplatforms that integrate multiple antibiofilm mechanisms, accompanied by representative case studies. The concluding perspectives identify critical research gaps and propose integrated frameworks to facilitate the practical implementation of antibiofilm technologies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review critically evaluates contemporary biofilm management approaches through two complementary paradigms: proactive inhibition of biofilm colonization and precise targeting of mature biofilms. By presenting foundational insights into the design of antibiofilm coatings and therapeutic nanoplatforms, this review highlights innovative multifunctional systems that synergistically combine diverse antibiofilm mechanisms, offering valuable perspectives for the biomaterials research community. Ultimately, this review advances the rational development of biofilm-responsive materials and delineates a strategic pathway to expedite the translation of antibiofilm innovations into medical and environmental applications, thereby addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

RevDate: 2025-07-14

Fung BL, Musto EG, Mugambi LK, et al (2025)

A single point mutation is sufficient to drive syp-dependent biofilm formation and promote colonization by Vibrio fischeri.

Journal of bacteriology [Epub ahead of print].

Symbiotic colonization by Vibrio fischeri relies on the syp gene cluster, which encodes proteins predicted to synthesize and export a polysaccharide, SYP, that functions in cell-cell adherence. In strain ES114, four two-component sensor kinase/phosphatases, including central regulator SypF and the nitric oxide/HnoX-controlled HahK, dictate the activities of two response regulators, SypG and SypE, which in turn control SYP production. Here, we report that a single nucleotide change (C/A) upstream of the hnoX-hahK operon caused a substantial 80-fold increase in its transcription. While a search for negative regulators yielded Zur (zinc uptake regulator), loss of Zur only modestly (approximately threefold) increased transcription. We found instead that the C/A change engendered a new transcriptional start site. Furthermore, the C/A change was sufficient to robustly promote syp-dependent biofilm formation dependent on HahK and SypG but only partially dependent on the central regulator SypF. Rather, the residual biofilm formation in the absence of SypF relied on the luminescence regulator LuxU. Consistent with its ability to produce syp-dependent biofilms, a ΔsypF mutant that carried the C/A-hahK allele outcompeted its ΔsypF parent for squid colonization. Finally, bioinformatic analyses of the hnoX promoter region in various V. fischeri isolates revealed that most contained G or C nucleotides lacking in ES114, indicating an evolutionary divergence between different isolates. Together, these findings uncover the ability of HahK to signal through both SypF and LuxU to induce syp-dependent biofilm formation and host colonization, thus advancing our understanding of the regulators that control syp-dependent biofilm formation by V. fischeri.IMPORTANCEBiofilms promote the attachment of bacteria to each other and to surfaces. For Vibrio fischeri, biofilm formation dependent on the symbiosis polysaccharide (syp) locus promotes colonization of its symbiotic host. Multiple two-component regulators, including the central sensor kinase SypF and nitric oxide/HnoX-controlled sensor kinase HahK, induce SYP production. Here, we identify a C/A change in the hnoX-hahK regulatory region that substantially increases its transcription and SYP-dependent biofilm formation. We further determined that HahK signals through both SypF and the luminescence regulator LuxU to promote biofilm formation and host colonization. Our findings thus provide insight into the regulatory crossover between two major pathways, quorum sensing-controlled luminescence and biofilm formation, in V. fischeri.

RevDate: 2025-07-16
CmpDate: 2025-07-14

Al Ghaithi A, Husband J, Al Bimani A, et al (2025)

Biofilm-Induced Bone Degradation in Osteomyelitis: Insights from a comprehensive ex vivo pathogen interaction study.

Sultan Qaboos University medical journal, 25(1):98-104.

OBJECTIVES: Osteomyelitis, characterised by bone inflammation due to microbial infection, presents significant healthcare challenges. While the protective role of biofilm in bacterial immunity and persistence is well-documented, its direct impact on bone degradation in osteomyelitis remains inadequately characterised. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the direct effects of biofilm-forming pathogens on human bone, providing new insights into the mechanisms of bone destruction associated with osteomyelitis.

METHODS: Bone sections were collected from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 2021 and December 2022. The samples were then inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus to simulate in vitro bone infection. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyse the bacterial interaction with bone tissue.

RESULTS: Biofilm-forming pathogens directly contributed to bone degradation, as evidenced by SEM images showing marked trabecular destruction. Raman analysis showed a significant increase in the carbonate-to-phosphate ratio in inoculated samples (61.9%) compared to controls (47%). Additionally, mineral content decreased in inoculated samples, and the carbonate-to-amide I ratio reduced by 47% in inoculated samples and by 80% in controls. The inoculated samples exhibited an 82% shift in collagen cross-linking compared to a 72% shift in controls.

CONCLUSIONS: This research enhances the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying bone destruction in osteomyelitis and underscores the intricate role of biofilm in disease progression. These findings highlight the importance of biofilm in bone degradation and its potential implications for infection management.

RevDate: 2025-07-16

Soni M, Mishra S, Ratre MS, et al (2025)

Study on the Influence of Different Peri-Implant Mucosa Cleaning Protocols on Microbial Biofilm Formation.

Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 17(Suppl 2):S1396-S1398.

BACKGROUND: The accumulation of microbial biofilm around dental implants remains a significant concern in maintaining peri-implant health. Ineffective cleaning of the peri-implant mucosa can result in peri-implantitis, jeopardizing implant longevity. This study evaluates the influence of different peri-implant mucosa cleaning protocols on microbial biofilm formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with dental implants were included in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were divided into three groups (n = 20 per group) based on the cleaning protocol: Group 1 (manual brushing with soft bristles), Group 2 (ultrasonic cleaning), and Group 3 (air polishing). Biofilm accumulation was assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months using the Plaque Index (PI) and microbial colony-forming units (CFU). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA to determine significant differences between groups.

RESULTS: At the end of the study, Group 3 (air polishing) demonstrated the least biofilm accumulation, with a mean PI score reduction of 70% compared to baseline. Group 2 (ultrasonic cleaning) showed a 50% reduction, whereas Group 1 (manual brushing) exhibited a 30% reduction. Microbial analysis revealed the lowest CFU counts in Group 3 (1500 ± 200 CFU), followed by Group 2 (3200 ± 300 CFU) and Group 1 (5000 ± 400 CFU). Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between the groups at 1 and 3 months.

CONCLUSION: Air polishing proved to be the most effective peri-implant mucosa cleaning protocol for reducing microbial biofilm formation, followed by ultrasonic cleaning. Manual brushing alone showed limited efficacy in controlling biofilm. Implementing efficient cleaning protocols is crucial for preventing peri-implant diseases and enhancing implant success.

RevDate: 2025-07-14

Abdulghani M, G Zore (2025)

Optimization of in vitro Biofilm Growth of Candida albicans.

Indian journal of microbiology, 65(2):1361-1365.

Candida albicans cells growing under biofilm form exhibit exceptional resistance towards anti-fungal agents and host immune responses. In this report, we have investigated variables that affect C. albicans biofilm development. Our observations suggest that factors like inoculum density, adhesion time and media composition play important roles in regulating biofilm formations and inoculum density of 1 × 10[7] cells/mL, adhesion for 90 min, and RPMI 1640 were the optimal conditions.

RevDate: 2025-07-14

Tseng CF, Sung CC, Yang YT, et al (2025)

Impacts of surface characteristics on biological responses and biofilm formation of 3D-printed denture base resins: An in vitro study.

Journal of dental sciences, 20(3):1716-1722.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: With advancements in digital technology, fully digital workflow for complete denture fabrication using 3D-printed denture base resin (DBR) has gained increasing clinical acceptance in recent years. However, the surface characteristics, biocompatibility, and biofilm formation of 3D-printed DBR materials remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated and analyzed these aspects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk-shaped DBR specimens (Ø 2.5 mm, 3 mm thick) were fabricated using packed (PA), milled (ML), and 3D-printed (3D) processes. All specimens were ground with silicon carbide sandpaper (#600) and ultrasonically cleaned. Surface microtopography and sub-micron roughness were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, while a goniometer was used to measure contact angles to calculate the surface energy. Human gingival fibroblasts and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were cultured on the specimens to assess the cytotoxicity and biofilm formation. Statistical analyses were performed with a significance level set to 0.05.

RESULTS: Microscopic imaging revealed that the 3D group exhibited a more uniformly distributed texture, while it also had the lowest surface roughness (0.85 μm). Additionally, the PA group had the most hydrophobic surface (82.47°) and the highest surface free energy (46.08 mN/m). Notably, no group showed cytotoxic effects after 72 h of testing. In addition, the 3D group demonstrated the lowest biofilm formation after both 24 h and 72 h of microbial culture.

CONCLUSION: 3D-printed DBRs exhibited the lowest surface roughness, maintaining non-cytotoxic and superior resistance to microbial adhesion, suggesting their potential for complete denture fabrication, easy maintenance of oral hygiene, and long-term clinical performance.

RevDate: 2025-07-14

Zhang X, Li H, Liu L, et al (2025)

Alginate lyase immobilized Chlamydomonas algae microrobots: minimally invasive therapy for biofilm penetration and eradication.

Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B, 15(6):3259-3272.

Bacterial biofilms can make traditional antibiotics impenetrable and even promote the development of antibiotic-resistant strains. Therefore, non-antibiotic strategies to effectively penetrate and eradicate the formed biofilms are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrate the development of self-propelled biohybrid microrobots that can enhance the degradation and penetration effects for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in minimally invasive strategy. The biohybrid microrobots (CR@Alg) are constructed by surface modification of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CR) microalgae with alginate lyase (Alg) via biological orthogonal reaction. By degrading the biofilm components, the number of CR@Alg microrobots with fast-moving capability penetrating the biofilm increases by around 2.4-fold compared to that of microalgae. Massive reactive oxygen species are subsequently generated under laser irradiation due to the presence of chlorophyll, inherent photosensitizers of microalgae, thus triggering photodynamic therapy (PDT) to combat bacteria. Our algae-based microrobots with superior biocompatibility eliminate biofilm-infections efficiently and tend to suppress the inflammatory response in vivo, showing huge promise for the active treatment of biofilm-associated infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-14
CmpDate: 2025-07-14

McConnell G, Rooney LM, Sandison ME, et al (2025)

A simple silicone elastomer colonization model highlights complexities of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus interactions in biofilm formation.

Journal of medical microbiology, 74(7):.

Introduction. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) significantly contribute to the burden of antimicrobial resistance. A major factor in HAIs is the colonization of indwelling medical devices by biofilm-forming opportunistic pathogens such as Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. These organisms frequently co-infect, resulting in synergistic interactions with enhanced virulence and resistance to treatment.Hypothesis/Gap statement. C. albicans and S. aureus readily form dual-species biofilms on silicone elastomers, a commonly used medical device material, yet the colonization phenotypes of these organisms on such surfaces remain poorly understood.Aim. We aimed to develop a simple, optically tractable model to mimic the colonization of indwelling medical devices to investigate C. albicans and S. aureus biofilm formation.Methodology. The system utilizes discs of a silicone elastomer embedded in agar, reflecting device-associated conditions and enabling high-resolution imaging of biofilms formed by C. albicans and S. aureus co-cultures.Results. Initial results using the silicone elastomer colonization model reveal robust biofilm formation. These biofilms exhibited morphological differences between dual-species biofilms formed by S. aureus co-cultures with either yeast- or hyphal-form C. albicans, indicating the impact of differing C. albicans cell morphotypes in biofilm-associated medical device colonization on silicone elastomers. Quantification of biofilm formation by crystal violet staining provided further validation of the system.Conclusion. These findings underscore the importance of developing tools for biofilm study which more closely resemble the infectious microenvironment, with our work detailing such a system which can be employed in further study to improve strategies against device-related HAIs.

RevDate: 2025-07-13
CmpDate: 2025-07-13

Rosado-Rosa JM, Parmar D, Rubakhin SS, et al (2025)

D-Amino acids affect Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and quorum sensing molecules in lung infection models developed under a cystic fibrosis environment.

Scientific reports, 15(1):25328.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly infects immunocompromised patients, including those with cystic fibrosis (CF). These infections are difficult to treat due to a variety of factors including the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to resist to antibiotic treatment in part due to formation of biofilms. D-amino acids have known biofilm-disruption and antibacterial properties in some bacteria including P. aeruginosa. However, this treatment remains underexplored especially for inhibiting biofilm biomass production under CF environments. We explore the effects of six individual D-amino acids (alanine, aspartic acid, tyrosine, glutamic acid, serine, and proline) on the quorum sensing signaling and biofilm biomass production of two strains: PAO1 and the CF isolate FRD1. The D-amino acid causing the most significant decrease in biofilm mass and a decrease in quorum sensing molecules was D-aspartic acid. Meanwhile D-glutamic acid and D-serine had the opposite effects with an increase in biofilm mass and increase in quorum sensing molecule abundance. D-proline also showed a decrease in quorum sensing signaling with a decrease in biofilm biomass. P. aeruginosa had a lower or delayed quorum sensing response in the presence of D-aspartic acid and the absence of its L- counterpart at 48 h, a potential therapeutic route to explore.

RevDate: 2025-07-13

Xiao P, Su Y, Kong W, et al (2025)

Eco-friendly biofilm dispersion: Biosurfactant-metal complexes efficiently disrupt adhesion architecture of sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Environmental research pii:S0013-9351(25)01594-4 [Epub ahead of print].

The aim of this study was to provide a new possibility to inhibit microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and microbial resistance problems prevalent in the oilfield industry. The study focused on the preparation of composite nanoparticles by using rhamnolipids as stabilizers and doping them with copper-based nanoparticles and utilizing the functional synergy of both to inhibit the MIC. The antibacterial and corrosion inhibition properties of the prepared composites against mixed sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) enriched in oilfield production water were investigated. The antibacterial and corrosion inhibition effects of the composite nanoparticles were superior to those of the copper-based nanoparticles at the same concentration. Antibacterial experiments showed that the synthesized composites significantly inhibited the growth of SRB and disrupted their cellular structure. In corrosion inhibition experiments, an effective corrosion inhibition effect against SRB corrosion on X65 carbon steel corrosion was observed, with the corrosion inhibition rate reaching 75.26%, the biofilm thickness was reduced by 75.35%, and the depth of corrosion pits was reduced by 87.54%. The corrosion inhibition mechanism mainly includes the synergistic destruction of cell structure by rhamnolipids and copper-based nanoparticles, which affects metabolic activities, reduces bacterial adhesion on the carbon steel surface and inhibits the formation of biofilm. Therefore, the composite have the potential to act as effective corrosion inhibitors.

RevDate: 2025-07-13

Pudipeddi A, Bijle MN, C Yiu (2025)

Effect of arginine-based synbiotics on multispecies biofilm.

Journal of dentistry pii:S0300-5712(25)00418-X [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of arginine (Arg)-based synbiotics on multispecies biofilm.

METHODS: In vitro biofilms (Streptococcus mutans UA159, S. gordonii DL1, S. sanguinis DSS-10) were grown on HA discs under anaerobic conditions (37°C, 5% CO₂, 24 h) and treated with: (1) Arg (0.25%, 0.5% w/v.), (2) Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LRG) at 10⁷ CFU/mL, or (3) their combinations, 2× daily for 3 days. At 96 h, biofilm matrix components (exoproteins, eDNA, and carbohydrates) and microbial viability (confocal microscopy and PMA-qPCR) were quantified. Relative gene expression analysis was also conducted with species-specific genes (gtfB, sagP, arcA, argG, argH).

RESULTS: For carbohydrates, no significant difference was identified among treatment groups (p>0.05). Protein content for 0.5% Arg+LRG was significantly lower than LRG (p<0.05). The lowest eDNA content was observed in LRG (p<0.05); while eDNA content of 0.5% Arg+LRG, was similar to 0.5% Arg and control (p>0.05). Using confocal imaging, the highest proportion of live cell was found in 0.5% Arg+LRG (p<0.05), followed by 0.25% Arg+LRG, 3-D biofilm imaging demonstrated increased biomass with smoother architecture in biofilms treated with 0.5% Arg+LRG (p<0.05). 0.5% Arg+LRG significantly enhanced growth of commensal streptococci (S. gordonii, S. sanguinis) compared to monotherapies and control, while also reducing viability of S. mutans compared to control (p<0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of S. mutans virulence (gtfB) and upregulation of commensal metabolism (sagP, arcA) for 0.5% Arg+LRG (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The 0.5% Arg+LRG synbiotics uniquely integrates ecological modulation by regulating biochemical matrix components, promoting commensal enrichment and suppressing cariogenic pathogens.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A deliverable Arg-LRG synbiotics for caries prevention addresses a global public health priority. This strategy aligns with microbial homeostasis principles, presenting a novel paradigm for caries prevention. The Arg-LRG synbiotics can counter the limitations of fluorides to establish a diverse oral microbiome, imparting an ecologically driven approach to caries prevention.

RevDate: 2025-07-13

Abdulkareem ZA (2025)

Zataria multiflora essential oil: a potent agent with antibacterial, anti-NorA efflux pump and anti-biofilm activity against ciprofloxacin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis.

Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology] [Epub ahead of print].

Bovine mastitis is a prevalent and economically significant disease in dairy cattle, leading to reduced milk production and quality. Staphylococcus aureus is a major causative agent of bovine mastitis, often complicating treatment due to its ability to develop antibiotic resistance. This resistance is frequently mediated by efflux pumps, such as the NorA pump. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Zataria multiflora essential oil (EO) to inhibit biofilm formation and disrupt the NorA efflux pump in ciprofloxacin-resistant S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis.The plant EO was extracted using the hydrodistillation method, and its composition was determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of the EO were assessed against 7 clinical ciprofloxacin-resistant S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis. The NorA efflux pump inhibitory (EPI) potential of the EO was assessed using the checkerboard assay against S. aureus norA overexpressed (SA1199B strain) and clinical isolates. Then, the expression of the norA gene at sub-minimum inhibitory (sub-MICs) concentrations levels was also determined. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the Z. multiflora essential oil was assessed using the MTT assay on the Vero cell line. The potent antibacterial activity of Z. multiflora EO against clinical and standard strains was found, with MIC values ranging from 0.25 to 64 µg.ml[- 1]. The tested EO demonstrated significant anti-biofilm activity at MIC/2 and MIC/4 concentrations. In all clinical and norA overexpressed strains, Z. multiflora EO had a total or partial synergistic effects with ciprofloxacin and ethidium bromide with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) < 2, indicating EPI activity. At MIC/2 and MIC/4 concentrations, Z. multiflora EO significantly downregulated the norA gene (P < 0.01). Z. multiflora EO showed no significant cytotoxicity towards human cells at MIC and 2MIC concentrations. In conclusion, Zataria multiflora EO exhibited promising antibacterial, anti-biofilm and EPI properties against ciprofloxacin-resistant S. aureus isolated from bovine mastitis. Moreover, it showed no significant cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells, suggesting its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic agent for bovine mastitis. Further investigations are warranted to explore its efficacy in vivo.

RevDate: 2025-07-12

da Silva JSSC, Barbaresco MJ, Rocha RM, et al (2025)

Chlorhexidine Combined with Curcumin-Mediated Photodynamic treatment Effectively Inhibits Biofilm Formation by Clinical Candida Isolates from the Oral Cavity.

Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy pii:S1572-1000(25)00241-8 [Epub ahead of print].

This study evaluated the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) in combination with curcumin-mediated photodynamic therapy (CUR-PDT) against clinical Candida spp. isolates. Seven strains were analyzed, including Candida albicans (Ca2, Ca4, CaATCC 10231) and Candida krusei (Ck7, Ck8, Ck11, Ck12), previously characterized for their biofilm-forming ability using the crystal violet assay after 48 h of incubation in BHIS medium at 35.5 °C, with an initial inoculum of approximately 1-5 × 10[5] CFU/mL. Antifungal activity was assessed through the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC50) under both irradiated and non-irradiated conditions using blue LED light at 450 nm (20 and 100 J/cm[2]). CHX alone exhibited MBIC50 values ranging from 3.71 to 14.84 µM. CUR showed no inhibitory activity in the absence of light, with no measurable MIC or MBIC50 values. Upon irradiation, CUR exhibited MBIC50 values ranging from 4 to 64 µM, depending on the strain and light dose. The combined CHX + CUR treatment under 100 J/cm[2] irradiation demonstrated a pronounced additive effect, reducing MBIC50 values to 0.625 µM for all strains except Candida albicans Ca2, which required 1.25 µM. This combination achieved biofilm inhibition rates exceeding 90% (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that CHX combined with CUR-PDT under high-dose irradiation significantly enhances biofilm inhibition in Candida spp., supporting its potential as a promising antifungal strategy for the management of biofilm-associated infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-12

Wang ZH, Chen C, Ye KY, et al (2025)

Bromate-reducing capability of nitrate/nitrite-dependent methane driven membrane biofilm reactors.

Water research, 286:124184 pii:S0043-1354(25)01091-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Bromate (BrO3[-]) contamination poses a significant environmental and health risk, often coexisting with nitrate pollution in water sources. As a sustainable wastewater treatment strategy, methane-driven removal of oxidized contaminants removal has emerged as a promising low-carbon solution. However, interactions between bromate and nitrate reduction remain poorly understood. This study investigates two methane-based membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs) enriched with either nitrate (MBfR-W1) or nitrite (MBfR-W2) as electron acceptors. Both MBfRs achieved near-complete bromate removal at a maximum reduction rate of 5.6 ± 0.1 mg BrO3[-]-Br L[-1]·d[-1] while simultaneously eliminating nitrate or nitrite when present. Notably, nitrate and nitrite consistently outcompeted bromate as preferred electron acceptors, yet MBfR-W2 demonstrated greater resilience to dynamic operational changes and higher bromate loads, suggesting benefits from nitrite pre-enrichment. Unexpectedly, under high influent concentrations, nitrate and nitrite appeared to enhance bromate reduction, suggesting regulatory stimulation. Microbial community analysis revealed a dominance of heterotrophic denitrifiers (Pseudomonas, Ochrobactrum, Stenotrophomonas) rather than classical methanotrophs, indicating alternative methane oxidation pathways. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate, were continuously produced from methane and consumed, serving as key intermediates linking methane oxidation to electron acceptor reduction. It was hypothesized that methane was initially converted into complex carbon intermediates, such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which were then fermented into SCFAs. These findings highlight the central role of methane-derived SCFAs in facilitating multi-contaminant removal and offer new insights into methane-based denitrification processes relevant for sustainable water treatment design.

RevDate: 2025-07-12

Liu Y, Wu Y, Chen L, et al (2025)

Double-edged sword of microbial self-adaptive mechanisms in biofilm systems under non-antibiotic bisphenol stress: Promoting contaminant degradation and antibiotic resistance genes propagation.

Journal of hazardous materials, 496:139201 pii:S0304-3894(25)02117-X [Epub ahead of print].

Biofilm systems demonstrate significant potential for the efficient degradation of persistent organic pollutants and serve as a crucial reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) due to the widespread misuse of antibiotics. However, the role of biofilm systems under non-antibiotic bisphenol stress in contaminant removal and ARGs dissemination remains uncertain. This research investigates the removal performance of bisphenol S (BPS) as a representative bisphenol and its impact on ARG dynamics in biofilm systems. The results indicate that biofilm systems can achieve nearly 100 % BPS removal, accompanied by a 17.1 % enrichment in the relative abundance of ARGs. Hydrogen bonding with -6.9 kJ/mol binding energy played a major role in the interactions between the hydroxyl groups of BPS and the biofilm. This interaction promotes the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances, which provide habitats for mobile genetic elements (MGEs), leading to 64.3 % enrichment in their abundance. Meanwhile, microbial communities shift towards BPS-degrading microorganisms and are also potential ARG hosts. Additionally, the presence of BPS triggers microbial self-adaptive mechanisms, including SOS responses, quorum sensing, and two-component systems, enhancing bisphenol degradation pathways for BPS removal. Unfortunately, these activated microbial adaptation mechanisms lead to ARG proliferation by increasing membrane permeability, enhancing biofilm formation, and improving microbial connectivity.

RevDate: 2025-07-12
CmpDate: 2025-07-12

Grychowska K, Klesiewicz K, Pęgiel J, et al (2025)

New Quipazine Derivatives Active Against Drug-Resistant Oncogenic Helicobacter pylori Strains with Biofilm.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(13):.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is regarded as a significant risk factor for gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. However, the increasing resistance of H. pylori strains has resulted in low eradication rates and ineffective treatments. Herein, we report on identification of a new quipazine derivative-compound 9c (N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-2-(piperazin-1-yl)quinolin-4-amine), which displayed antibacterial properties (MIC range 2-4 µg/mL) against H. pylori CagA-positive reference strains associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, including metronidazole-resistant ATCC 43504, clarithromycin-resistant ATCC 700684 and susceptible J99 strain, as well as clinical, multidrug-resistant isolate (3CML, resistant to clarithromycin, metronidazole and levofloxacin). Compound 9c showed bacteriostatic activity (MBC/MIC ratio > 4), demonstrated antibiofilm-forming properties and prevented auto-aggregation of microbial cells. It also displayed an additive effect in ½ MIC (2 µg/mL) when administered with clarithromycin and/or metronidazole. Compound 9c had no impact on gut microbiota reference strains of S. aureus, E. coli, E. faecalis and L. paracasei as well as no hemolytic activity against sheep erythrocytes. Finally, by reducing the viability of the SNU-1 human gastric cancer cell line (IC50 = 3.28 μg/mL), compound 9c might offer important implications regarding the oncogenic characteristics of cagA+ H. pylori strains.

RevDate: 2025-07-14
CmpDate: 2025-07-12

Shea A, MT Bernards (2025)

A Review of Recent Progress in Synthetic Polymer Surface Coatings for the Prevention of Biofilm Formation.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 30(13):.

Bacterial adhesion and the subsequent formation of biofilms and biofouling have significant economic and health impacts across all sectors. They are especially impactful in industrial corrosion, healthcare, food processing, agriculture, and waste and drinking water. Synthetic polymers that resist bacterial adhesion are adaptable to a wide range of applications in all of these fields. While there are many bacteria-resistant polymers, some of the best performing include polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(oxazoline) (POZ), and zwitterionic polymers, with zwitterionic polymers showing the most promise with reductions in bacteria adhesion up to 99% over controls. This review summarizes the demonstrated bacterial resistance performance of these polymer coatings based on literature published over the last ten years. It also identifies the front runners for preventing bacterial adhesion while providing the critical next steps for widespread adoption of this technology.

RevDate: 2025-07-11

Taj MI, Guan P, Ding Y, et al (2025)

Antibacterial activity and mechanism of novel phage endolysin lysSEP21 against dual-species biofilm of Salmonella and Escherichia coli and its application in food preservation.

International journal of food microbiology, 441:111337 pii:S0168-1605(25)00282-X [Epub ahead of print].

Biofilms of Salmonella and Escherichia coli promote drug resistance and pathogenicity, as their multi-lipid structures hinder the eradication of these bacteria. Phage lytic proteins provide viable treatment strategies to eradicate biofilms. In this context, the antibiofilm efficacy of phage endolysin lysSEP21 was investigated against both species. Results of antibacterial activity showed the potent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≤0.025 mg/mL, resulting in substantial 80 % lytic effects against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. The membrane disruption mechanism was further confirmed with increased release of β-lactamase and β-galactosidase from periplasm and cytosol, indicating effective degradation of outer and inner membranes (OM, IM), respectively. Furthermore, larger reductions up to 3.68 log10 CFU/mL were quantified in 1 h treated groups, leading to a ≥ 90 % reduction in biofilm-mass after 6 h. The viability of 36-42 h mature biofilm eradication was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in a dead/live cell staining. Importantly, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that lysSEP21 significantly suppressed the relative gene expressions of key biofilm-regulating and virulence genes in Salmonella and E. coli. Moreover, this endolysin exhibited robust MDR Salmonella inhibition across food matrices, with reductions between 0.93 and 3.12 log10 CFU/mL. Altogether, lysSEP21 efficiently degraded mature biofilms and decontaminated food surfaces. Its application represents a remarkable advancement in food safety interventions and provides an exceptional strategy to mitigate public health risks associated with Salmonella and E. coli biofilms.

RevDate: 2025-07-11

Zhang H, Jiang H, Yin J, et al (2025)

Biofilm response in potential difference-enhanced membrane-aerated biofilm systems for accelerated antibiotic removal and ARG mitigation.

Water research, 285:124154 pii:S0043-1354(25)01061-9 [Epub ahead of print].

A membrane-aerated bio-cathode configuration was engineered, leveraging counter-diffusion biofilm architecture to physically segregate oxygen from cathode reactions. This design minimized electron diversion to oxygen (a competing terminal electron acceptor), thereby optimizing electron allocation for antibiotic co-metabolism. Further, the biofilms self-regulation and the molecular dynamics (MD) mechanism of antibiotic/antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) reduction were simultaneously investigated. At 80 V/m potential difference, anode biofilms exhibited enhanced protein secretion (2.31-fold increase versus controls), which mitigated SMX-induced static quenching of tyrosine-like fluorophores by shifting to dynamic quenching mechanisms. Concurrent cathode analyses revealed substantial ARG suppression, with sul1 (-1.25 log2) and sul2 (-1.22 log2) reductions attributed to host genus inactivation (Nitrateductor, Pseudomonas, Methylobacterium abundance undetectable). MD simulations elucidated critical interaction mechanism: Reduced polar solvation energy (ΔGPB=-31.363 kJ/mol) promoting Sul1-encoded protein and SMX interactions strengthened, enhancing resistance sustainability under ARGs reduction. Besides, Flavin mononucleotide activation promoted SMX degradation via Cytochrome P450, likely driving rapid SMX removal under electric fields, with a 1.5-fold SMX removal rate enhancement versus conventional MABR.

RevDate: 2025-07-11
CmpDate: 2025-07-11

Sahu A, Jain S, Junghare M, et al (2025)

Biofilm-dispersal patterns in ESKAPE pathogens.

Archives of microbiology, 207(9):194.

Biofilm formation is now universal behavior of microbes to protect themselves from harsh environment. For ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter) pathogens it is one of the strategies to deal with antibiotic tolerance. Biofilms formation involves following major steps initial adhesion of planktonic cells, microcolony formation, biofilm maturation, and finally dispersal. In recent, interest of researchers to understand biofilm dispersal is considered important as it can make us to recognize infection dynamics, antibiofilm strategies, bacterial ecology and antibiotic resistance. A widely supported strategy for combating biofilms involves promoting their dispersal followed by the application of antibiotic therapy to enhance treatment efficacy. But different molecular studies regarding transition of bacteria to biofilms and back to dispersal have highlighted unique physiology and phenotype which might impact treatment strategies. For example, enzymatic degradation using Dispersin B or DNase I have been shown to decrease biofilm mass by over 70% in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa models, significantly increasing antibiotic susceptibility. Similarly, in E. faecalis, combining proteases with antibiotics has demonstrated up to 3-log reductions in viable biofilm cells. Thus, we discuss how native dispersal cues helps the cells in biofilms to decide for dispersal, while how matrix degradation-based dispersal can develop antibiofilm strategies. Considering ESKAPE as priority pathogens and known for biofilm formation hence we discuss patterns of dispersal focused on them only. We believe dispersing biofilms by targeting biofilm matrix components have much potential for future treatments as signaling cues may generate virulent phenotype.

RevDate: 2025-07-13
CmpDate: 2025-07-11

Mori M, Fassi EMA, Villa F, et al (2025)

Nature-Inspired Compounds Targeting Escherichia coli WrbA as Biofilm-Modulating Agents: Computational Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation.

Archiv der Pharmazie, 358(7):e70049.

Biofilms pose significant challenges in multiple settings due to their resistance to conventional treatments. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel class of nature-inspired 5,7-dihydroxy-2,2-dimethylchroman-4-one derivatives as binders of WrbA, a potential target for biofilm modulation. Using a structure-based computational approach, a small library of analogs with varied amide moieties was developed and synthesized. The evaluation of their binding affinity to WrbA demonstrated good-to-excellent Kd values, as confirmed by microscale thermophoresis (MST). Antibiofilm assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed different modulating effects on biofilm formation, conceivably linked to ROS production. These findings emphasize the importance of ROS levels in biofilm, as well as the pivotal role of WrbA as a target in its regulation.

RevDate: 2025-07-11

Hu DX, Liang J, Yan J, et al (2025)

Butenolide synergises with vancomycin to eradicate pre-formed biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus by interfering with energy-associated metabolism.

Biofouling [Epub ahead of print].

Bacterial biofilms significantly contribute to persistent infections and the emergence of drug resistance of Staphylococcus aureus. Integrating conventional antibiotics with antibiofilm agents represents a promising strategy for combating biofilm-associated infections. This study systematically investigated the antibiofilm activity and underlying mechanisms of butenolide (BU) against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), with a focus on the synergistic effects between BU and vancomycin (VAN). BU exhibited dual antibiofilm activities by efficiently preventing biofilm formation and eradicating established biofilms. Phenotypic characterisation revealed that 200 μg/mL of BU suppressed extracellular DNA production and autoaggregation of MRSA, leading to a significant reduction in biofilm thickness, biovolume, and coverage by up to 30%, 98%, and 96%, respectively. Transcriptome and quantitative-PCR analyses showed that BU treatment downregulated the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism. Notably, BU exhibited promising synergistic and additive effects with VAN in eradicating pre-formed biofilms, achieving synergy or additivity in five out of six S. aureus clinical strains tested, with a minimal fractional inhibitory concentration index as low as 0.375. These results highlight the potential of BU as an effective antibiofilm agent for preventing S. aureus-related infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-13
CmpDate: 2025-07-10

Hammouda ZK, Wasfi R, NF Abdeltawab (2025)

Fexofenadine HCl enhances growth, biofilm, and lactic acid production of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium longum: implications for allergy treatment.

BMC microbiology, 25(1):430.

BACKGROUND: It is evident that various drugs influence the gut microbiota, yet the precise mechanism driving these effects remain ambiguous. Considering the growing recognition of gut microbiota's role in health and disease, it is important to explore how commonly used drugs, such as antihistamines, may alter microbial composition and function. Histamine, an essential interkingdom signaling molecule, shapes bacterial virulence, biofilm formation, and immune regulation. However, the effects of antihistamines on bacterial colonization are mostly unknown. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of antihistamine exposure on critical factors which affect the pathogenicity and colonization of selected gut bacterial species, such as growth, biofilm formation, and adherence to cell lines, at intestinal concentrations. If antihistamines influence bacterial metabolism or composition, they may consequently affect Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) production, which could have downstream effects on gut homeostasis and immune function. Specifically, we examined the impact of three antihistamines - fexofenadine HCl, cyproheptadine HCl, and desloratadine -on bacteria from the four dominant gut phyla: Bifidobacterium longum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Bacteroides fragilis, and Escherichia coli.

RESULTS: Our results showed that cyproheptadine HCl and desloratadine inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria, whereas fexofenadine HCl promoted the growth of all species except B. longum. Furthermore, cyproheptadine HCl and desloratadine reduced the biofilm-forming capacity of these bacterial species and altered their effects on adherence to Caco-2/HT-29 cell lines aligning with changes in cell surface hydrophobicity: increased cell surface hydrophobicity correlated with greater bacterial adherence to surfaces. In contrast, fexofenadine HCl enhanced biofilm formation and adherence of B. longum and L. reuterii in Caco-2/HT-29 co-cultures. It also led to increased production of lactic and propionic acids, with a statistically significant increase observed in acetic acid levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In summary, our findings suggest that fexofenadine HCl, unlike cyproheptadine HCl and desloratadine, supports the growth, and colonization of probiotic bacteria such as L. reuteri and B. longum with potential anti allergic benefits, and enhancing their SCFA production. Conversely, cyproheptadine HCl and desloratadine suppressed bacterial growth, hinting at potential antimicrobial properties that may warrant exploration for drug repurposing.

RevDate: 2025-07-10

Anonymous (2025)

Correction to "Bacterial Diversity of Marine Biofilm Communities in Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica) by Culture-Dependent and -Independent Approaches".

Environmental microbiology, 27(7):e70135.

RevDate: 2025-07-10

Ma R, Zhao H, Zhao Y, et al (2025)

Interaction effects in microbiota-filter media-pharmaceutical in biofilm-based reactors: a case study of anoxic biofilters.

Environment international, 202:109669 pii:S0160-4120(25)00420-9 [Epub ahead of print].

The removal of micropollutants, particularly pharmaceuticals, from wastewater remains a significant challenge due to their persistence and complex degradation mechanisms. Biofilm-based systems offer a promising solution due to their high microbial diversity and metabolic versatility. However, interactions between the microbiota and pharmaceuticals in these reactors remain inadequately explored. This study represented a pioneering investigation into the interactions among microbiota, filter media and pharmaceuticals in anoxic biofilters under the stress of mixed-pharmaceuticals. Under autotrophic conditions, microbial community exhibited improved adaptability to pharmaceutical stress with minimal differentiation. Introduction of pharmaceuticals increased the complexity of microbial co-occurrence networks, with autotrophic biofilters showing a higher proportion of positive correlations. Community assembly was primarily driven by drift, nevertheless, pharmaceuticals shifted community towards increased deterministic assembly, especially enhancing homogeneous selection (HoS) in autotrophic bio-ceramic filters (34.59 %), HoS drove community succession, with deterministic processes shaping taxonomic shifts. Thiobacillus was identified as a keystone taxon in autotrophic filters, demonstrating high abundance, strong competitive ability, and emerged as a pivotal genus contributing to biofilm homogenization and stability. Positive correlations were identified between pharmaceutical molecular weight, hydrogen bond donors/acceptors and removal rates (p ≤ 0.05), resulting in preferred adsorption of pharmaceuticals with high molecular weight by filter media. Therefore, this study proposed the interaction mechanism of "pharmaceuticals preferred adsorption - biofilm homogenization - carbon and nitrogen co-metabolism", which underscored its significance in optimizing biofilm-based processes for precise design and regulation of the microbiota in biofilm reactors.

RevDate: 2025-07-10
CmpDate: 2025-07-10

Romero AI, Surkov S, Wirsén P, et al (2025)

LubriShieldTM-A permanent urinary catheter coating that prevents uropathogen biofilm formation in vitro independent of host protein conditioning.

PloS one, 20(7):e0328167.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, with biofilm formation playing a key role in its pathogenesis. Indwelling medical devices introduce ideal pathways inside the body for pathogens and feature surfaces conducive to biofilm development, often leading to severe clinical infections recalcitrant to antimicrobials. When bacteria and fungi switch to biofilm mode of growth, they produce a matrix in the form of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This creates a unique environment for growing virulent colonisers and persisting cells while forming a shielding barrier against immune system attacks, antimicrobial agents and mechanical removal by fluid shear forces. To address this challenge, LubriShieldTM - a novel permanent coating - was invented and evenly applied to both internal and external surfaces of indwelling urinary Foley catheters. Without releasing active substances, it effectively prevented pathogens from producing biofilm. The superhydrophilic coating, incorporating a proprietary anti-fouling ligand, significantly inhibited colonising uropathogens from forming biofilm for up to 14 days in artificial urine medium without microbial killing (up to 99% reduction, P < 0.001). In a glass bladder flow model, LubriShieldTM still significantly reduced biofilm formation by 83% (P < 0.0001). Importantly, LubriShield™ maintained its antibiofilm efficacy even after conditioning with fibrinogen, a host-derived protein known to promote bacterial attachment (P = 0.007). RNA-seq analysis revealed significant downregulation of genes associated with microbial EPS formation on the coated surfaces. Additionally, microorganisms adhering to LubriShieldTM coated catheters showed a 78% increased susceptibility to antibiotics compared to those on uncoated catheters (P = 0.004).

RevDate: 2025-07-10
CmpDate: 2025-07-10

Borges MHR, Miranda LFB, Malheiros SS, et al (2025)

The role of citric acid in denture cleansing: Effects on biofilm reduction and corrosion resistance of Co-Cr alloys.

Brazilian oral research, 39:e070.

This in vitro study evaluated the effects of citric acid (CA) on surface properties, biofilm removal, and electrochemical performance of Co-Cr alloys compared to common denture cleansers. Co-Cr discs were divided into five groups based on the decontamination solution: NaCl 0.9% (control), Corega Tabs®, Periogard®, and 10% CA. The surface was characterized at baseline in terms of morphology, topography, and chemical and phase composition. Surface properties, including microhardness, wettability, and roughness, were assessed before and after exposure to each solution. Microbial viability, metabolic activity, and morphology of the polymicrobial biofilm were assessed after treatment to evaluate the efficacy of the decontamination solutions. Electrochemical and morphological evaluations were performed to assess the impact of each solution on the alloy's corrosion process. No significant changes in microhardness were observed (p > 0.05). Decontamination solutions significantly increased surface hydrophilicity (p < 0.05) and roughness, though Ra values remained below the threshold for bacterial colonization. All denture cleansers significantly reduced biofilm viability compared to NaCl (p < 0.05), with no viable colonies post-treatment. The CA group showed a significant reduction in bacterial metabolic activity compared to NaCl and Periogard® (p < 0.05), indicating superior biofilm disruption. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that CA maintained a stable Cr-oxide passive layer, evidenced by nobler OCP values and lower icorr and corrosion rates compared to Periogard® (p < 0.05). SEM images revealed pitting corrosion in all groups, except CA. These findings suggest that CA is a promising and safer alternative for denture care, offering effective antimicrobial action while preserving the electrochemical integrity of Co-Cr alloys.

RevDate: 2025-07-10

Enggardipta RA, Akizuki M, Sekine K, et al (2025)

Antibacterial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles against Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic and biofilm forms.

Journal of applied microbiology pii:8196184 [Epub ahead of print].

AIM: To evaluate antibacterial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) as a root canal irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic and biofilm forms.

METHODS AND RESULTS: CNPs synthesized using high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) chitosan via modified ionic gelation were characterized. E. faecalis biofilm formation and CNPs antibacterial activity against mature biofilms were evaluated via crystal violet (CV) staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM), adenosine triphosphate assay, colony forming unit counting, and live/dead staining. CNPs showed spherical morphology (size = 137.1 and 343 nm, PDI = 0.12 and 0.14, and zeta potential = 43.45 and 42.49 mV [LMW and HMW, respectively]). CNPs significantly reduced biofilm biomass and E. faecalis viability compared to negative control (p < 0.05) in biofilm formation. In mature biofilms, CV staining and SEM showed no biofilm biomass reduction in CNPs groups. However, other assays revealed significantly lower E. faecalis viability in CNPs groups than in the negative control (p < 0.05). HMW- and LMW-CNPs exhibited similar antibacterial properties.

CONCLUSIONS: CNPs, regardless of molecular weight, exhibited antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis by decreasing biofilm formation and bacterial viability.

RevDate: 2025-07-11

Muturi P, Mbae C, Kibet E, et al (2025)

Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation in rarely reported Salmonella enterica serovars from patients presenting with gastroenteritis in Nairobi, Kenya.

Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1628784.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella infections are a significant global public health concern, causing approximately 150 million illnesses and 60,000 deaths annually, with majority of the cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing to identify and characterize uncommon non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars isolated from patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms in the Mukuru area of Nairobi, Kenya. Sixteen less common NTS serovars (excluding Salmonella Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis) were identified from 25 patients, with 1 isolate from blood and 24 from stool samples. The most common serovar was S. Newport, isolated from 6 of the 25 patients, followed by S. Breda (2 patients), S. Eastbourne (2 patients), S. Orion (2 patients) and 12 other serovars, each isolated from a single individual. These serovars displayed diverse antigenic profiles, grouped into 9 distinct serogroups. Antimicrobial resistance profiles and in vitro biofilm formation of the isolates were also assessed. Antimicrobial resistance was detected in three S. Newport strains: two sequence type 31 (ST31) isolates carried the bla TEM-1 and tet(A) resistance genes, while one ST166 isolate carried bla TEM-1, tet(A), aph(6)-Id, and sul2. Biofilm formation varied among the serovars and was enhanced by cholesterol while inhibited by bile. Strong biofilm formation was observed in S. Breda, S. Hann, and S. Eastbourne, whereas S. Chicago and S. Kentucky formed weak biofilms. This study highlights the diversity of NTS serovars circulating in Nairobi and emphasizes on the importance of localized studies in addressing regional variations in NTS epidemiology. To effectively mitigate the burden of NTS infections and curb the spread of AMR, sustained genomic surveillance, the development of advanced diagnostic tools for emerging S. enterica infections, and the implementation of integrated public health interventions are essential.

RevDate: 2025-07-12
CmpDate: 2025-07-09

Kissmann AK, Mildenberger V, Krämer M, et al (2025)

Anti-biofilm peptides can rescue fluconazole and amphotericin B efficacies against Candida albicans.

Scientific reports, 15(1):24593.

Candida albicans infections are a global health thread and challenge healthcare environments due to acquired resistances against prominent antifungals like amphotericin B and fluconazole, which additionally have severe adverse effects. The peptide Pom-1 originally isolated from the freshwater mollusk Pomacea poeyana, and its derivatives Pom-1 A-F have proven their potential against biofilms of clinical C. albicans isolates and were suspected to act without candidolytic pore-formation. Here, Pom-1 and its derivatives were shown to act as neutralizing antimicrobial peptides (nAMPs) inhibiting cell-cell interactions and hence biofilm formation. Combining Pom-1 nAMPs with fluconazole and amphotericin B restored their efficacy against resistant C. albicans isolates. Addition of Pom-1 nAMPs allowed to reduce required concentrations to 10-50% below their described effective therapeutic doses. This opens doors not only to mitigate adverse effects of fluconazole and amphotericin B therapies, but also towards novel combination therapies against C. albicans as a severe re-emerging pathogen.

RevDate: 2025-07-12

Yang X, Zhou Y, Zhang L, et al (2025)

Enhanced biofilm formation and municipal wastewater treatment efficiency using granular activated carbon modified bio-ball carriers in moving bed biofilm reactor.

Bioresource technology, 435:132947 pii:S0960-8524(25)00913-7 [Epub ahead of print].

This study introduces a novel enhancement to biological wastewater treatment by integrating Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) with plastic bio-balls in a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) configuration treating municipal sewage. The resulting GAC-MBBR system demonstrated significantly improved treatment efficiency, achieving 81.8 % carbon and 74.9 % nitrogen removal under high loading conditions-outperforming the conventional plastic-MBBR (64.5 % and 62.7 %, respectively). The macroporous structure of GAC provided increased surface area, promoting superior biofilm growth and microbial retention. Enrichment of key functional genera, including Zoogloea, Thauera, Nitrospira, and Nitrosomonas, was observed, indicating enhanced nitrification potential. Additionally, greater biomass accumulation on GAC carriers underscored their effectiveness in supporting microbial aggregation. These findings suggest that incorporating GAC into MBBR systems offers a promising strategy to optimize biofilm development and improve nutrient removal in wastewater treatment.

RevDate: 2025-07-09

Sroor FM, El-Sayed AF, M Abdelraof (2025)

Design, synthesis, and antimicrobial activity of new thiourea-uracil derivatives: Anti-biofilm, ROS, DHFR, computational and SAR studies.

Bioorganic chemistry, 163:108719 pii:S0045-2068(25)00599-1 [Epub ahead of print].

A new series of thiourea derivatives bearing uracil ring was synthesized. The reaction of 5-amino uracil with isothiocyanate derivatives afforded the corresponding thiourea-uracil derivatives in excellent yields. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized thiourea-uracil derivatives was successfully determined against different pathogen types. Interestingly, some derivatives such as TUU-05 and TUU-08 show a potent impact on microbial proliferation with a notable MIC value, particularly in the case of Aspergillus niger (7.5 ± 2.11 μg/mL). Accordingly, compound TUU-08 was considered a promising antimicrobial agent that could release elevated Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and inhibit the bacterial Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) enzyme at lower IC50 (7.29 ± 0.02 μM) compared with methotreaxat (IC50 = 6.55 ± 0.05 μM). Molecular docking analyses revealed that the most active compounds TUU-01, TUU-02, and TUU-08 exhibited strong binding affinities and targeted interactions with key antimicrobial-associated enzymes: Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular docking analyses revealed that the most active compounds TUU-01, TUU-02, and TUU-08 exhibited strong binding affinities and targeted interactions with key antimicrobial-associated enzymes: Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Computational ADMET profiling further indicated that TUU-01, TUU-02, and TUU-08 adhered to Pfizer's drug-likeness criteria, displaying favorable physicochemical properties, high predicted oral bioavailability and low toxicity risks. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborated the stability of these interactions, particularly for TUU-02, which showed RMSD values of 0.35-0.55 nm (A. niger), 0.25-0.35 nm (C. albicans), 0.20-0.25 nm (P. aeruginosa), and 0.18-0.25 nm (S. aureus), alongside moderate structural flexibility (RMSF: 0.10-0.9 nm). Additional metrics-including solvent-accessible surface area (SASA: 200-230 nm[2], 85-95 nm[2], 125-135 nm[2], 130-140 nm[2]) and radius of gyration (Rg: 2.2-2.4 nm, 1.80-1.90 nm, 1.55-1.60 nm, 1.80-1.90 nm) highlighted the compactness and solvent interaction profiles of the complexes.

RevDate: 2025-07-09

Thakur V, Chalana A, Gupta A, et al (2025)

Dual-species biofilm of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae are Susceptible to Colistin-Rifamycin Combination Therapy.

Journal of applied microbiology pii:8195522 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Co-infections by MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae pose daunting challenges in healthcare settings. This study aimed at investigating the biofilm formation potential of their co-culture and evaluating the effect of combination therapy.

METHOD: Spatial distribution of A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae in co-cultured biofilm was analysed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and mCherry-tagged strains and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The antibiotic combination was selected through checkerboard assay and its antibiofilm activity was assessed against the co-culture of MDR strains.

RESULTS: Cell free supernatant of K. pneumoniae enhanced the planktonic and biofilm growth of A. baumannii. Co-culture of these pathogens revealed interspersed growth in close proximity and significantly higher biofilm than their monocultures (p-value < 0.01). Synergistic combination of colistin (MIC/8) and rifamycin (MIC/4) at Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) killed both the pathogens in monoculture within 3 h. However, the co-culture exhibited enhanced resistance requiring 24 h for complete eradication. Biofilm formation was inhibited by 77% at 2 × FIC. Whereas, the preformed biofilm was eradicated by 40% at 3 × FIC (1/4th of Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration). CLSM confirmed structural disruption of the biofilm matrix post-treatment at 3 × FIC, with reduction in biofilm thickness from 7 to 4 µm.

CONCLUSION: A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae co-exist harmoniously, forming enhanced biofilms in co-cultures. Colistin-rifamycin combination proved highly effective against these dual-species biofilms.

RevDate: 2025-07-09
CmpDate: 2025-07-09

Astrada A, Nakagami G, Kashiwabara K, et al (2025)

Biofilm detection-based wound management in diabetic foot ulcers: a randomised controlled trial.

Journal of wound care, 34(7):514-524.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of wound blotting-guided biofilm management in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and to compare it to standard of care (SoC).

METHOD: This double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted at an outpatient clinic in Pontianak City, Indonesia in September-November 2017 and June 2018-November 2019. Adults with diabetes with at least a two-week DFU located below the knee were included. Patients in the control group received SoC followed by the application of any appropriate dressings. Patients in the intervention group in addition to SoC also received additional wound cleansing according to the wound blotting result and antimicrobial dressing. Wound treatment was performed weekly for three weeks. Primary and secondary objectives were: the reductions in total depth; maceration; inflammation/infection; size; tissue type; type of wound edge; tunnelling/undermining (DMIST) score; and percentage of biofilm removal.

RESULTS: A total of 162 participants were recruited. There were significant differences in the total DMIST score at week 3 (p<0.01) between groups and biofilm percentage reduction at week 1 (p=0.01) and week 2 (p=0.03).

CONCLUSION: The findings of this RCT showed that the intervention could significantly improve DFU healing and maximise biofilm elimination, especially after two weeks of treatment. A further study with a longer period of intervention, such as 12 weeks, is suggested to further evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.

RevDate: 2025-07-09

Long HZ, Tang W, Huang MY, et al (2025)

Discovery of Dual-Acting Biofilm Inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the Coupling of 3-Hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-ones with N-Phenylamide QS Inhibitors.

Journal of medicinal chemistry [Epub ahead of print].

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is prevalent in hospital infections and strongly complicates the treatment for its propensity to cause biofilm-associated resistance. Herein, a series of novel dual-acting biofilm inhibitors were designed and synthesized by coupling 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-ones with N-phenylamides quorum sensing inhibitors. The hit compound 19l (IC50 = 0.33 ± 0.06 μM) demonstrated significant biofilm inhibition compared to previously reported 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-one derivatives in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that there was a decreased production of virulence regulated by quorum sensing system and a lack of iron acquisition under the treatment of 19l, which led to the inhibition of biofilm. More importantly, 19l demonstrated significant antibacterial synergistic effects in the mice wound infection model, enhancing the antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin and tobramycin by 1000-fold and 200-fold, respectively. Therefore, our study highlighted the clinical application potential of dual-acting biofilm inhibitory strategies and 19l may be a potent antibacterial synergist to combat P. aeruginosa infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-09

Wang Z, Lv X, Kong L, et al (2025)

The c-di-GMP Metabolic Gene pdeN Interacts with LacY and ManZ to Modulate Biofilm Formation in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli.

Advanced biology [Epub ahead of print].

Bis-(3'-5')-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP), a ubiquitous secondary messenger, affects multiple biological characteristics, including biofilm formation in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). C-di-GMP is synthesized by diguanylate cyclase harboring a GGDEF domain and degraded by phosphodiesterase harboring either an EAL or an HD-GYP domain. However, the roles of PdeN, encoding a CSS-EAL domain, are uncharacterized. In this study, it is demonstrated that lacking pdeN significantly promotes biofilm formation and reduces the motility of the clinically isolated APEC O2 serotype strain DE17. In addition, macrocolony morphotypes showed that the ΔpdeN strain exhibits increasing production of curli fibers and cellulose, which is consistent with the results of RNA-seq and qPCR. Further exploration shows that lactose permease LacY and mannose permease subunit ManZ interact with PdeN. Infection experiments show that lacking pdeN significantly reduced the release of LDH in HD-11 cells and adhesion capacity to DF-1 cells. In conclusion, c-di-GMP metabolic gene pdeN involves biofilm formation and pathogenicity of APEC. Besides, it interacts with LacY and ManZ. Those results provide a basis for the prevention and control of APEC from the perspective of biofilm and carbohydrate metabolism.

RevDate: 2025-07-10

Song JX, Scales BS, Nguyen M, et al (2025)

Close encounters on a micro scale: microplastic sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their potential effects on associated biofilm communities.

Environmental microbiome, 20(1):84.

BACKGROUND: Within systems as dynamic as the aquatic environment, it is crucial to address the impacts of an ever-growing network of emerging pollutants at their intersection. With previous research having demonstrated the capacity of microplastics (MPs) to sorb persistent organic pollutants, we ask in our study how different plastic polymers that are found throughout aquatic systems interact with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and how this intersection of pollutants might impact the bacterial communities that form on MP surfaces. We performed an in situ incubation experiment at different sites along the Baltic Sea coast and through a PAH and 16S amplicon analysis, we investigated the sorption patterns of different substrates and their potential impacts on associated biofilm communities.

RESULTS: PAH sorption patterns of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and aquaria stone were found to be dictated predominantly by substrate type and secondly by incubation site. While PE showed a general positive trend of sorption, stone rather leached PAHs into the environment, whereas the PAH levels of PS remained relatively unchanged following incubation. These sorption patterns correlated significantly with the composition of biofilm communities observed on all three substrate types after a 6-week incubation period. Strong correlations between specific PAHs and bacterial taxa indicate a direct relationship between these factors. Elevated levels of specific 3- and 4-ring PAHs on PE and PS coincided with higher proportions of specific taxa reportedly capable of hydrocarbon utilisation as well as a reduced diversity among biofilm communities.

CONCLUSION: The findings in our study highlight the importance of investigating contaminants such as MPs holistically, including any associated substances, to fully understand how they impact surrounding ecological systems as they traverse the different compartments of the aquatic ecosystem.

RevDate: 2025-07-08

Gao PP, Shen XX, Chen YC, et al (2025)

MR-10 peptide from Cordyceps militaris enhances thermotolerance in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei R21 by preserving membrane integrity and promoting biofilm formation.

Microbiological research, 300:128266 pii:S0944-5013(25)00225-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Protein hydrolysates derived from the mycelium of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) have shown potential as thermoprotective agents for lactobacilli. To identify the peptides responsible for this effect, albumin and glutenin were separately extracted from C. militaris and hydrolyzed. Results showed that glutenin peptides in the 5-10 kDa range provided optimal protection for Lacticaseibacillus paracasei R21 (L. paracasei R21) during exposure to 65°C for 20 min. A 1 % concentration of these peptides increased viable L. paracasei R21 counts by 2.05 log CFU/mL compared to unsupplemented conditions. Among the five peptides identified by LC-MS/MS, MR-10 (MAVNLVPFPR) exhibited the strongest thermoprotective effect. Adding 0.5 % MR-10 during heating increased cell survival by 0.89 log CFU/mL. Structural analysis of L. paracasei R21 cells exposed to 65°C revealed progressive damage to the membrane, cell wall, and DNA, with membrane damage identified as the main cause of cell death. MR-10 significantly improved cell survival by preserving membrane integrity and morphology, as observed via inverted fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Multi-omics analyses revealed that MR-10 participates in peptide transport via ABC transporters, promotes biofilm formation, and boosts fatty acid synthesis. Collectively, these processes reinforce membrane stability and protect cells from heat stress.

RevDate: 2025-07-08

Bowden LC, Sithole ST, Walton EC, et al (2025)

Copper-coated carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotube surfaces effectively inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation.

Applied and environmental microbiology [Epub ahead of print].

Implant-associated infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are a growing problem for healthcare systems. Implant materials that resist bacterial colonization may help reduce infection rates and severity. This research examined the effect of a copper-coated carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotube surface (Cu-CICNT). We have previously shown that CICNT without copper has an anti-biofilm effect, and copper has long been known to have anti-bacterial properties. Bacterial biofilms were grown in a droplet on the Cu-CICNT surface, and a control consisting of copper deposited on a relatively flat, non-nanotube-structured surface. The Cu-CICNT surface was highly effective at reducing biofilm formation, reducing recoverable S. aureus bacteria by 99.9999% in 12 hours (a 6.3-log reduction). This effect was confirmed in both a methicillin-resistant and a methicillin-sensitive isolate of S. aureus. The Cu-CICNT surface was also highly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resulting in a 6.9-log reduction in adherent bacteria. The Cu-CICNT surface was more effective at inhibiting biofilm formation than the flat copper-coated titanium, indicating a synergistic effect between the CICNT topography and copper. The concentration of copper ions in growth media was low after exposure to Cu-CICNT (6.2 ppm), and media with this amount of supplemented copper had only a small effect on biofilm reduction, as did conditioned media previously exposed to Cu-CICNT. Our findings suggest that the antibacterial effect is likely due to contact killing of bacteria on the textured copper surface.IMPORTANCEOrthopedic implants and devices are becoming increasingly common. Unfortunately, as their use increases, so does the prevalence of implant-associated infections. These infections are most commonly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus infections are particularly difficult to treat because they form biofilms resistant to antibiotics and the host immune system. In this research, we used a carbon nanotube-based surface combined with a thin film of copper to produce a surface coating that could be used on implants to prevent bacterial infection. The combination of the surface topography with the copper coating resulted in over a 6-log reduction in the number of adherent bacteria, preventing the formation of a bacterial biofilm. This reduction in adherent bacteria is likely due to the surface killing effects of the bacteria on contact. The potential applications of such a surface could help reduce infection burden, improve patient quality of life, and reduce stress on healthcare systems.

RevDate: 2025-07-10
CmpDate: 2025-07-08

Kumar D, Beles M, Saha A, et al (2025)

Global analysis of the Hfq-mediated RNA interactome discovers a MicA homolog that affects the cytotoxicity, biofilm formation, and resistance to complement of Bordetella pertussis.

Nucleic acids research, 53(13):.

Bordetella pertussis is a Gram-negative, strictly human re-emerging respiratory pathogen and the causative agent of whooping cough. The requirement of the RNA chaperone Hfq for the virulence of B. pertussis suggests that Hfq-dependent small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are involved in the virulence of this pathogen. To identify their potential mRNA targets, we applied a method combining experimental and computational approaches called RIL-seq. The majority of putative mRNA targets, including several virulence factors, interact with two sRNAs, CT_433 and CT_521, suggesting that these sRNAs may represent central riboregulatory nodes of B. pertussis. Furthermore, our data suggest that CT_532 sRNA can base pair with the 5'UTR region of ompA mRNA encoding outer membrane protein BP0943 (OmpA) and that CT_532, RNase III and Hfq are involved in the control of ompA expression. The CT_532 sRNA shares 60% identity with the E. coli sRNA MicA and its expression is also modulated by Hfq and stress conditions such as heat and cold shocks. Overall, these results suggest that CT_532 represents a MicA homolog. Importantly, the mutant lacking the first 22 nucleotides of CT_532 exhibits reduced cytotoxicity towards human macrophages and impaired biofilm production but increased resistance to complement compared to the wild type strain.

RevDate: 2025-07-09

Ullah S, Chen Y, Wu C, et al (2025)

Mechanistic insights and therapeutic innovations in engineered nanomaterial-driven disruption of biofilm dynamics.

RSC advances, 15(29):23187-23222.

Bacteria employ biofilm formation as a survival strategy, characterized by the self-assembly of cells into 3D architectures encapsulated in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that results in reduced antibiotic efficacy, increased tolerance, and emergence of multidrug resistance phenotypes. To overcome this challenge, persistent efforts are directed toward developing cutting-edge approaches and agents that rejuvenate antibiotic efficacy, mitigate biofilm formation, and eradicate biofilm-associated bacterial infections. Within this framework, nanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal tool for developing innovative functional materials with tailored attributes, exhibiting substantial potential in addressing the global health challenge of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections. This updated review article provides a comprehensive overview, commencing with a thorough analysis of biofilm formation and its implications, followed by a critical evaluation of cutting-edge strategies derived from recent research advancements. Our discussion encompasses novel strategies, including traditional nanomaterials, micro-nanobubbles, multifunctional nanozyme-mimetic platforms, artificial phage-like structures, and sophisticated nano-microrobotic systems. Each strategy is assessed for its potential to effectively target biofilms, enhance antimicrobial penetration, and restore antibiotic susceptibility. We anticipate that this timely review will inform and inspire innovative research directions, focusing on the rational design and application of advanced nanomaterials for targeted biofilm modulation and efficacious treatment, thereby advancing healthcare solutions.

RevDate: 2025-07-09

Rosado-Rosa JM, JV Sweedler (2025)

Bacterial biofilm sample preparation for spatial metabolomics.

The Analyst [Epub ahead of print].

Spatial metabolomics using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has become an important approach to study the surface of biological systems. MSI can probe bacterial metabolic processes through the direct analysis of bacterial colonies. In this review, we explore recent advancements made for bacterial metabolomics of primary and secondary metabolites using MSI, focusing on improvements in agar-based sample preparation and the use of membranes for improved sample preparation. The application of derivatization agents on bacterial samples enhances select metabolite signals and can aid analyte identification. Implementing dual imaging or multi-omics techniques also aids in identifying analytes and elucidating metabolic pathways active during the host-microbe interactions. Finally, we explore improvements towards robust three-dimensional protocols for whole colony MSI analysis. These advances enhance MSI analysis of bacterial samples and pose promising avenues for future studies.

RevDate: 2025-07-08

Rahman MA, Akter S, Md Ashrafudoulla , et al (2025)

Biofilm-microplastic interactions in food safety: mechanisms, risks, and control strategies.

Critical reviews in food science and nutrition [Epub ahead of print].

The pervasive use of plastics in the food industry has led to significant microplastic contamination, heightening food safety concerns. Microplastics not only infiltrate food systems but also provide optimal substrates for biofilm formation due to their hydrophobic and rough surface properties, which enhance microbial attachment. These biofilm-microplastic complexes protect embedded bacteria from disinfection efforts and facilitate the dissemination of pathogens and antibiotic-resistance genes, posing substantial risks to human health. This review investigates the mechanisms of biofilm formation on various plastic materials and elucidates how these interactions contribute to antimicrobial resistance and contamination in food systems. It also evaluates preventive and remedial strategies, including the development of alternative packaging materials, advanced cleaning protocols, and detection techniques for monitoring biofilm-microplastic complexes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate contamination risks and enhance food safety and security. By integrating recent findings and proposing innovative strategies, this review aims to guide future research and inform policy development, supporting safer and more sustainable food production practices.

RevDate: 2025-07-07
CmpDate: 2025-07-08

El-Bouseary MM, Eliwa D, Farghali MH, et al (2025)

Investigating the potential antibacterial, anti-biofilm, wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Aspergillus niger endophyte isolated from cucumber leaves: in vitro and in vivo study.

BMC microbiology, 25(1):420.

BACKGROUND: Endophytic fungi are a vast inventory of bioactive compounds, offering potent, cost-effective, renewable, and low-toxicity alternatives for therapeutic applications. The current investigation focused on the endophytic fungus Aspergillus niger, which was isolated for the first time from Cucumis sativus (cucumber) leaves and subjected to comprehensive evaluation, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and in vitro wound healing potential. 18 S rRNA gene sequencing was utilized to identify A. niger after isolation, and the fungus was cultivated on Asian rice to produce fungal metabolites. The high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-HRESI-MS/MS) was then used to elucidate its phytochemical profile.

RESULTS: Fingerprint compounds detected in the ethyl acetate of the endophyte A. niger (ANM) revealed 15 compounds that are mainly pyrones and quinones in nature, including citric acid, nigerasperone A, aspernigrin A, aspinonene, campyrone B, aurasperone F, and plastoquinone-3. The ANM showed a strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus clinical isolates (MIC values ranging from 32 to 512 µg/mL) and a significant reduction in biofilm formation, where the total number of biofilm producers, S. aureus isolates, decreased from 19 to 6 after treatment with ½ MIC of ANM. Furthermore, ANM-treated WI38 human fibroblast cells displayed a wound closure percentage of 99.68% ± 0.02 compared to 83.37% ± 0.05 for the control cells. Additionally, the ANM demonstrated potential in promoting wound healing, particularly in infected wounds, through its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerating properties.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight A. niger as a valuable source of natural therapeutics. Additional research is needed to explore its key active components and potential side effects.

RevDate: 2025-07-07

Ma J, He Q, Lai L, et al (2025)

TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals Inhibitory Mechanism of CD-g-CS against the Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus xylosus.

Microbial pathogenesis pii:S0882-4010(25)00556-X [Epub ahead of print].

Chitosan-grafted β-cyclodextrin (CD-g-CS) serves as an excipient combining drug delivery capacity with antimicrobial activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that the CD-g-CS nanoformulations have significant inhibitory effects on bacterial biofilms, although the mechanism of action remains unclear. Consequently, the present study used tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics coupled with quantitative PCR (qPCR) to investigate the mechanism underlying CD-g-CS-mediated inhibition of Staphylococcus xylosus (S. xylosus) biofilm formation at the protein level. The results showed that 903 proteins were identified to be altered in S. xylosus treated with CD-g-CS, of which 430 were down-regulated and 500 were up-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) have different molecular functions and are involved in different molecular pathways. CD-g-CS can affected the functional pathways of S. xylosus in terms of ribosomes, phosphotransferase system (PTS), tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and nitrate respiration. These pathways affected the stability and morphology of biofilms, which in turn interfere with biofilm formation. These results provide a critical excipients for future development of anti-biofilm pharmaceutical formulations, offering novel solutions to combat biofilm infections.

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RJR Experience and Expertise

Researcher

Robbins holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in the life sciences. He served as a tenured faculty member in the Zoology and Biological Science departments at Michigan State University. He is currently exploring the intersection between genomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity — an area that promises to transform our understanding of the biosphere.

Educator

Robbins has extensive experience in college-level education: At MSU he taught introductory biology, genetics, and population genetics. At JHU, he was an instructor for a special course on biological database design. At FHCRC, he team-taught a graduate-level course on the history of genetics. At Bellevue College he taught medical informatics.

Administrator

Robbins has been involved in science administration at both the federal and the institutional levels. At NSF he was a program officer for database activities in the life sciences, at DOE he was a program officer for information infrastructure in the human genome project. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he served as a vice president for fifteen years.

Technologist

Robbins has been involved with information technology since writing his first Fortran program as a college student. At NSF he was the first program officer for database activities in the life sciences. At JHU he held an appointment in the CS department and served as director of the informatics core for the Genome Data Base. At the FHCRC he was VP for Information Technology.

Publisher

While still at Michigan State, Robbins started his first publishing venture, founding a small company that addressed the short-run publishing needs of instructors in very large undergraduate classes. For more than 20 years, Robbins has been operating The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project, a web site dedicated to the digital publishing of critical works in science, especially classical genetics.

Speaker

Robbins is well-known for his speaking abilities and is often called upon to provide keynote or plenary addresses at international meetings. For example, in July, 2012, he gave a well-received keynote address at the Global Biodiversity Informatics Congress, sponsored by GBIF and held in Copenhagen. The slides from that talk can be seen HERE.

Facilitator

Robbins is a skilled meeting facilitator. He prefers a participatory approach, with part of the meeting involving dynamic breakout groups, created by the participants in real time: (1) individuals propose breakout groups; (2) everyone signs up for one (or more) groups; (3) the groups with the most interested parties then meet, with reports from each group presented and discussed in a subsequent plenary session.

Designer

Robbins has been engaged with photography and design since the 1960s, when he worked for a professional photography laboratory. He now prefers digital photography and tools for their precision and reproducibility. He designed his first web site more than 20 years ago and he personally designed and implemented this web site. He engages in graphic design as a hobby.

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An examination of the research and translational application to prevent and treat biofilm-associated diseases In the decade since the first edition of Microbial Biofilms was published, the interest in this field has expanded, spurring breakthrough research that has advanced the treatment of biofilm-associated diseases. This second edition takes the reader on an exciting, extensive review of bacterial and fungal biofilms, ranging from basic molecular interactions to innovative therapies, with particular emphasis on the division of labor in biofilms, new approaches to combat the threat of microbial biofilms, and how biofilms evade the host defense.

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Collection of publications by R J Robbins

Reprints and preprints of publications, slide presentations, instructional materials, and data compilations written or prepared by Robert Robbins. Most papers deal with computational biology, genome informatics, using information technology to support biomedical research, and related matters.

Research Gate page for R J Robbins

ResearchGate is a social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. According to a study by Nature and an article in Times Higher Education , it is the largest academic social network in terms of active users.

Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

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Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

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