Other Sites:
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 27 Mar 2026 at 01:41 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®)
RevDate: 2026-03-25
Hyaluronan and gellan nanohydrogels exhibit an unexpected activity in hampering Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm.
Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society pii:S0168-3659(26)00263-4 [Epub ahead of print].
In clinical settings, the intensive use of antibiotics, particularly in intensive care settings, leads to a significant increase in the number of bacterial species that are resistant to treatments. In this context, biofilm is a crucial virulence factor that enable bacteria to persist within the host, often resulting in the need for extensive antibiotic treatment. Staphylococcus epidermidis, a notable nosocomial pathogen, poses a risk to vulnerable patients due to its ability to form biofilms on indwelling medical devices and its high resistance to antibiotic therapy. For this purpose, investigating alternative strategies that target the virulence of pathogens could offer a promising alternative strategy. In this study, we analyzed innovative polymeric materials, such as polysaccharide-based nanohydrogels, for their potential application contrasting S. epidermidis monospecies biofilm on the surfaces of materials most employed in medical devices. These nanohydrogels were found to be effective in eradicating the biofilm matrix and preventing bacterial adhesion. Additionally, the treatment with hyaluronan-based nanohydrogels altered the surface protein profile of S. epidermidis, leading to the disappearance of AtlE, the primary autolysin involved in biofilm formation, suggesting a potential mechanism of action for these nanogels. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD074516.
Additional Links: PMID-41881072
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41881072,
year = {2026},
author = {Pietrella, A and Paris, I and Migliorini, C and Morelli, M and Carpentieri, A and Matricardi, P and Di Meo, C and Papa, R},
title = {Hyaluronan and gellan nanohydrogels exhibit an unexpected activity in hampering Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {114861},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.114861},
pmid = {41881072},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {In clinical settings, the intensive use of antibiotics, particularly in intensive care settings, leads to a significant increase in the number of bacterial species that are resistant to treatments. In this context, biofilm is a crucial virulence factor that enable bacteria to persist within the host, often resulting in the need for extensive antibiotic treatment. Staphylococcus epidermidis, a notable nosocomial pathogen, poses a risk to vulnerable patients due to its ability to form biofilms on indwelling medical devices and its high resistance to antibiotic therapy. For this purpose, investigating alternative strategies that target the virulence of pathogens could offer a promising alternative strategy. In this study, we analyzed innovative polymeric materials, such as polysaccharide-based nanohydrogels, for their potential application contrasting S. epidermidis monospecies biofilm on the surfaces of materials most employed in medical devices. These nanohydrogels were found to be effective in eradicating the biofilm matrix and preventing bacterial adhesion. Additionally, the treatment with hyaluronan-based nanohydrogels altered the surface protein profile of S. epidermidis, leading to the disappearance of AtlE, the primary autolysin involved in biofilm formation, suggesting a potential mechanism of action for these nanogels. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD074516.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
Mechanistic insights into LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing-regulated biofilm formation and its impact on the texture and flavor of kefir.
International journal of food microbiology, 454:111743 pii:S0168-1605(26)00123-6 [Epub ahead of print].
Kefir is a biofilm-based fermented dairy product whose unique flavor and texture are closely associated with the complex microbial community within kefir grains. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying biofilm formation in kefir and its impact on product quality remain unclear. This study systematically investigated the dynamics of biofilm formation, core microbiota, and key metabolites in both traditional and backslopped kefir. Traditional kefir exhibited more stable metabolic activity and higher biofilm content, with biofilm levels significantly positively correlated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biomass (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), yeast biomass (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), and lactic acid concentration (r = 0.70, p < 0.05). Subsequent co-culture experiments revealed that yeast metabolites promoted LAB growth, and that lactic acid levels modulated yeast-LAB interactions. Critically, both the acidic environment and yeast interaction enhanced biofilm formation by regulating the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system, as evidenced by increased expression of key QS genes and autoinducer-2 activity. Co-fermentation with high-biofilm-forming LAB significantly improved the physicochemical properties of fermented milk, increasing water-holding capacity by 1.2-fold, viscosity by 1.6-fold, and total volatile flavor compounds by 1.3-fold, while enriching fruity and buttery aroma profiles. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which acidic conditions and microbial interactions regulate biofilm formation via the QS system in kefir, and provides a novel strategy for improving fermented food quality through biofilm modulation.
Additional Links: PMID-41881899
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41881899,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, H and Huang, X and Liao, H and Xia, X},
title = {Mechanistic insights into LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing-regulated biofilm formation and its impact on the texture and flavor of kefir.},
journal = {International journal of food microbiology},
volume = {454},
number = {},
pages = {111743},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2026.111743},
pmid = {41881899},
issn = {1879-3460},
abstract = {Kefir is a biofilm-based fermented dairy product whose unique flavor and texture are closely associated with the complex microbial community within kefir grains. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying biofilm formation in kefir and its impact on product quality remain unclear. This study systematically investigated the dynamics of biofilm formation, core microbiota, and key metabolites in both traditional and backslopped kefir. Traditional kefir exhibited more stable metabolic activity and higher biofilm content, with biofilm levels significantly positively correlated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biomass (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), yeast biomass (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), and lactic acid concentration (r = 0.70, p < 0.05). Subsequent co-culture experiments revealed that yeast metabolites promoted LAB growth, and that lactic acid levels modulated yeast-LAB interactions. Critically, both the acidic environment and yeast interaction enhanced biofilm formation by regulating the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system, as evidenced by increased expression of key QS genes and autoinducer-2 activity. Co-fermentation with high-biofilm-forming LAB significantly improved the physicochemical properties of fermented milk, increasing water-holding capacity by 1.2-fold, viscosity by 1.6-fold, and total volatile flavor compounds by 1.3-fold, while enriching fruity and buttery aroma profiles. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which acidic conditions and microbial interactions regulate biofilm formation via the QS system in kefir, and provides a novel strategy for improving fermented food quality through biofilm modulation.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
CmpDate: 2026-03-26
Phage-Inspired Artificial Peroxidases with Robust Sub-Nanometer Cluster Sites for Efficient Oral Biofilm Elimination and Dental Caries Prevention.
Nano-micro letters, 18(1):.
Dental caries, a highly prevalent oral disease, is primarily driven by pathogenic biofilms; however, current antimicrobials exhibit limited efficacy and poor specificity against cariogenic biofilms. Although nanobiocatalysts that can produce reactive oxygen species represent a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobials, most current designs fail to achieve robust bacterial interaction and exhibit insufficient disruption of biofilm integrity. To address these challenges, we report the de novo design of phage-inspired artificial peroxidases (IrNC@TiO2) featuring a robust sub-nanometer cluster site and urchin-like topography, which enables efficient oral biofilm elimination and dental caries prevention. Structural characterization confirmed that sub-nanometer Ir clusters are stably anchored to the TiO2 support via Ir-O coordination. Leveraging the robust enzymatic activity of Ir clusterzymes and the topological advantages of the spiky substrate, IrNC@TiO2 exhibits potent multi-enzyme mimetic activity, generating substantial amounts of ·O2[-] and HClO to effectively capture and eradicate planktonic Streptococcus mutans and suppress biofilm formation. In a caries model, IrNC@TiO2 significantly inhibited tooth surface biofilm development, prevented enamel demineralization, and reduced caries incidence. The material also demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity and outperformed conventional non-abrasive additives in tooth-whitening assays. This work introduces a robust and efficient ROS-generating platform for oral health care and proposes a promising solution for clinical caries prevention.
Additional Links: PMID-41882309
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41882309,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, H and Wang, T and Gao, S and Geng, W and Ma, T and Cheng, L and Han, X and Deng, J and Gao, S and Cheng, C},
title = {Phage-Inspired Artificial Peroxidases with Robust Sub-Nanometer Cluster Sites for Efficient Oral Biofilm Elimination and Dental Caries Prevention.},
journal = {Nano-micro letters},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41882309},
issn = {2150-5551},
abstract = {Dental caries, a highly prevalent oral disease, is primarily driven by pathogenic biofilms; however, current antimicrobials exhibit limited efficacy and poor specificity against cariogenic biofilms. Although nanobiocatalysts that can produce reactive oxygen species represent a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobials, most current designs fail to achieve robust bacterial interaction and exhibit insufficient disruption of biofilm integrity. To address these challenges, we report the de novo design of phage-inspired artificial peroxidases (IrNC@TiO2) featuring a robust sub-nanometer cluster site and urchin-like topography, which enables efficient oral biofilm elimination and dental caries prevention. Structural characterization confirmed that sub-nanometer Ir clusters are stably anchored to the TiO2 support via Ir-O coordination. Leveraging the robust enzymatic activity of Ir clusterzymes and the topological advantages of the spiky substrate, IrNC@TiO2 exhibits potent multi-enzyme mimetic activity, generating substantial amounts of ·O2[-] and HClO to effectively capture and eradicate planktonic Streptococcus mutans and suppress biofilm formation. In a caries model, IrNC@TiO2 significantly inhibited tooth surface biofilm development, prevented enamel demineralization, and reduced caries incidence. The material also demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity and outperformed conventional non-abrasive additives in tooth-whitening assays. This work introduces a robust and efficient ROS-generating platform for oral health care and proposes a promising solution for clinical caries prevention.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
CmpDate: 2026-03-26
Mapping the global landscape of biofilm-associated antimicrobial resistance (1992-2025).
Biofilm, 11:100358.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a great global health threat, with biofilm formation recognized as a key microbial survival strategy that promotes persistence and recurrent infections. Despite growing mechanistic insights, research on biofilm-associated AMR ((biofilm-AMR)) remains fragmented, limiting the development of broadly effective interventions. To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 17,198 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (retrieved November 4, 2025) using Bibliometrix-Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and Excel. Publication output accelerated sharply after 2015, alongside diversification of research themes and increasing interdisciplinary integration. High-output countries and institutions, predominantly in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, emphasize natural products, nanomaterials, anti-quorum-sensing strategies, and plant-derived antimicrobials, reflecting application-oriented approaches. In contrast, high-impact contributors in North America and Europe focus on clinical microbiology, resistance mechanisms, pathogen genomics, and hospital infection control, highlighting translational relevance. Trend analyses reveal key topics including quorum sensing, persister-cell biology, multidrug-resistant pathogens, and innovative interventions such as phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, CRISPR-based antimicrobials, and nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery. Emerging directions include environmental AMR, One Health perspectives, and computational modeling. Despite mechanistic and technological advances, translational barriers persist due to biofilm heterogeneity and model limitations. Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates basic research, clinical microbiology, materials science, and computational approaches will be essential to accelerate clinical translation and develop effective, globally relevant strategies against AMR.
Additional Links: PMID-41883474
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41883474,
year = {2026},
author = {Tan, C and Wang, J and Wu, A and Li, C},
title = {Mapping the global landscape of biofilm-associated antimicrobial resistance (1992-2025).},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100358},
pmid = {41883474},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a great global health threat, with biofilm formation recognized as a key microbial survival strategy that promotes persistence and recurrent infections. Despite growing mechanistic insights, research on biofilm-associated AMR ((biofilm-AMR)) remains fragmented, limiting the development of broadly effective interventions. To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 17,198 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (retrieved November 4, 2025) using Bibliometrix-Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and Excel. Publication output accelerated sharply after 2015, alongside diversification of research themes and increasing interdisciplinary integration. High-output countries and institutions, predominantly in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, emphasize natural products, nanomaterials, anti-quorum-sensing strategies, and plant-derived antimicrobials, reflecting application-oriented approaches. In contrast, high-impact contributors in North America and Europe focus on clinical microbiology, resistance mechanisms, pathogen genomics, and hospital infection control, highlighting translational relevance. Trend analyses reveal key topics including quorum sensing, persister-cell biology, multidrug-resistant pathogens, and innovative interventions such as phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, CRISPR-based antimicrobials, and nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery. Emerging directions include environmental AMR, One Health perspectives, and computational modeling. Despite mechanistic and technological advances, translational barriers persist due to biofilm heterogeneity and model limitations. Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates basic research, clinical microbiology, materials science, and computational approaches will be essential to accelerate clinical translation and develop effective, globally relevant strategies against AMR.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
CmpDate: 2026-03-26
Relationship of electrochemical performance and biofilm development of Desulfuromonas acetexigens and Geobacter sulfurreducens in microbial electrolysis cells.
Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1753230.
Desulfuromonas acetexigens has gained attention as a biocatalyst in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) due to its inability to utilize hydrogen as an electron donor, which favors beneficial Coulombic efficiencies (CE). In this study, the electrochemical performance and biofilm morphology of D. acetexigens were compared with the model organism Geobacter sulfurreducens in flow cell MECs. Biofilm morphology was assessed non-invasively via optical coherence tomography (OCT), providing insight into quantitative parameters, including spatially resolved thickness, biovolume and anode surface coverage. While both species achieved similar maximum current densities when cultivated under identical conditions, D. acetexigens biofilms established faster, generating current after ~4 days, whereas G. sulfurreducens exhibited a lag phase of ~8 days. Limitations of extracellular electron transfer already occurred at lower average biofilm volumes for D. acetexigens ((B V ¯ J ¯ max) ≈ 16 ± 6 μm[3] μm[-2]) than for Geobacter (B V ¯ J ¯ max ≈ 40 ± 7 μm[3] μm[-2]). One monocultural D. acetexigens cultivation revealed a CE of ~96%, consistent with no detectable hydrogen utilization under the tested condition, while some cultivations showed net acetate increases. Phylogenetic analyses of the latter indicated niche dominance of the target EAM despite homoacetogenic and clostridial contaminants. Production of short-chain fatty acids suggested interspecies metabolic interaction and led to the hypothesis of an electrode-mediated ethanol to acetate fermentation by electroactive microorganisms and ethanol-utilizing contaminants such as the homoacetogen Sporomusa sphaeroides.
Additional Links: PMID-41883783
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41883783,
year = {2026},
author = {Rümenapf, M and Horn, H and Hille-Reichel, A},
title = {Relationship of electrochemical performance and biofilm development of Desulfuromonas acetexigens and Geobacter sulfurreducens in microbial electrolysis cells.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1753230},
pmid = {41883783},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Desulfuromonas acetexigens has gained attention as a biocatalyst in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) due to its inability to utilize hydrogen as an electron donor, which favors beneficial Coulombic efficiencies (CE). In this study, the electrochemical performance and biofilm morphology of D. acetexigens were compared with the model organism Geobacter sulfurreducens in flow cell MECs. Biofilm morphology was assessed non-invasively via optical coherence tomography (OCT), providing insight into quantitative parameters, including spatially resolved thickness, biovolume and anode surface coverage. While both species achieved similar maximum current densities when cultivated under identical conditions, D. acetexigens biofilms established faster, generating current after ~4 days, whereas G. sulfurreducens exhibited a lag phase of ~8 days. Limitations of extracellular electron transfer already occurred at lower average biofilm volumes for D. acetexigens ((B V ¯ J ¯ max) ≈ 16 ± 6 μm[3] μm[-2]) than for Geobacter (B V ¯ J ¯ max ≈ 40 ± 7 μm[3] μm[-2]). One monocultural D. acetexigens cultivation revealed a CE of ~96%, consistent with no detectable hydrogen utilization under the tested condition, while some cultivations showed net acetate increases. Phylogenetic analyses of the latter indicated niche dominance of the target EAM despite homoacetogenic and clostridial contaminants. Production of short-chain fatty acids suggested interspecies metabolic interaction and led to the hypothesis of an electrode-mediated ethanol to acetate fermentation by electroactive microorganisms and ethanol-utilizing contaminants such as the homoacetogen Sporomusa sphaeroides.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
Probing the Inner World of Microbial Cities: Electrochemical Sensors for Characterizing Biofilm Chemical Microenvironments.
Current opinion in electrochemistry, 57:.
Biofilms are structurally complex microbial communities whose function is dictated by steep chemical gradients within their microenvironment and the surrounding space outside the biofilm. Although traditional analytical methods provide either bulk or static structural information, they fail to capture real-time metabolic function in situ. Electrochemical sensors provide a powerful solution, offering label-free, quantitative measurements of key chemical species with high spatial and temporal resolution directly within and outside living biofilms. This review highlights recent advances in the design and application of electrochemical sensors for biofilm analysis. We critically discuss the use of core techniques: amperometry for tracking redox-active metabolites (e.g., O2, H2O2, phenazines), potentiometry for monitoring ion activity (e.g., pH, Ca[2+]), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for assessing biofilm volume and interfacial processes. We also explore recent challenges in electrochemical sensor designs and discuss future perspectives on multimodal data collections that combine multiple techniques.
Additional Links: PMID-41884362
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41884362,
year = {2026},
author = {Koley, D},
title = {Probing the Inner World of Microbial Cities: Electrochemical Sensors for Characterizing Biofilm Chemical Microenvironments.},
journal = {Current opinion in electrochemistry},
volume = {57},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41884362},
issn = {2451-9103},
abstract = {Biofilms are structurally complex microbial communities whose function is dictated by steep chemical gradients within their microenvironment and the surrounding space outside the biofilm. Although traditional analytical methods provide either bulk or static structural information, they fail to capture real-time metabolic function in situ. Electrochemical sensors provide a powerful solution, offering label-free, quantitative measurements of key chemical species with high spatial and temporal resolution directly within and outside living biofilms. This review highlights recent advances in the design and application of electrochemical sensors for biofilm analysis. We critically discuss the use of core techniques: amperometry for tracking redox-active metabolites (e.g., O2, H2O2, phenazines), potentiometry for monitoring ion activity (e.g., pH, Ca[2+]), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for assessing biofilm volume and interfacial processes. We also explore recent challenges in electrochemical sensor designs and discuss future perspectives on multimodal data collections that combine multiple techniques.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
CmpDate: 2026-03-26
Smart microenvironment-adaptive nanocatalytic hydrogel for sequential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative therapy of biofilm-infected wounds.
Bioactive materials, 62:342-362.
Biofilm-infected wounds remain a major clinical challenge, as biofilm infections and persistent inflammation hinder conventional therapies from dynamically adapting to the evolving wound microenvironment. Herein, a smart hydrogel dressing (HCOC) is successfully developed for programmed and pH-responsive therapy by integrating humic acid (HAs)-encapsulated ultrasmall mixed-valence copper nanozymes (Cu5.4O) into an oxidized alginate-carboxymethyl chitosan network. In the acidic biofilm-infected phase (pH < 6.5), the HAs shells aggregate, controllably releasing Cu5.4O to initiate chemodynamic therapy (CDT), while simultaneously enabling HAs-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT). This synergistic CDT/PTT achieves exceptional antibacterial efficacy, eradicating > 99.99% of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and dispersing 87.46% of biofilms. As the wound pH rises post-infection (pH ≥ 7.0), HAs dissolves, liberating more Cu5.4O nanozymes, which switch to potent antioxidant modes-scavenging > 90% of reactive oxygen species-and promoting M2 macrophage polarization by suppressing NF-κB and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In vivo, HCOC combined with NIR irradiation accelerates infected wound healing, achieving 91.65% closure within 7 days, significantly enhancing angiogenesis (∼90 CD31[+] cells/field), and boosting M2 macrophage infiltration (∼110 CD163[+] cells/field). This work establishes a paradigm-shifting platform for precision wound management through microenvironment-responsive sequential therapy.
Additional Links: PMID-41884516
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41884516,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, B and Chen, Y and Hou, S and Liu, Z and Yang, Y and Li, T and Zhao, L and Zhang, H and Wei, H and Meng, L and Jing, X and Guan, H},
title = {Smart microenvironment-adaptive nanocatalytic hydrogel for sequential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative therapy of biofilm-infected wounds.},
journal = {Bioactive materials},
volume = {62},
number = {},
pages = {342-362},
pmid = {41884516},
issn = {2452-199X},
abstract = {Biofilm-infected wounds remain a major clinical challenge, as biofilm infections and persistent inflammation hinder conventional therapies from dynamically adapting to the evolving wound microenvironment. Herein, a smart hydrogel dressing (HCOC) is successfully developed for programmed and pH-responsive therapy by integrating humic acid (HAs)-encapsulated ultrasmall mixed-valence copper nanozymes (Cu5.4O) into an oxidized alginate-carboxymethyl chitosan network. In the acidic biofilm-infected phase (pH < 6.5), the HAs shells aggregate, controllably releasing Cu5.4O to initiate chemodynamic therapy (CDT), while simultaneously enabling HAs-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT). This synergistic CDT/PTT achieves exceptional antibacterial efficacy, eradicating > 99.99% of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and dispersing 87.46% of biofilms. As the wound pH rises post-infection (pH ≥ 7.0), HAs dissolves, liberating more Cu5.4O nanozymes, which switch to potent antioxidant modes-scavenging > 90% of reactive oxygen species-and promoting M2 macrophage polarization by suppressing NF-κB and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In vivo, HCOC combined with NIR irradiation accelerates infected wound healing, achieving 91.65% closure within 7 days, significantly enhancing angiogenesis (∼90 CD31[+] cells/field), and boosting M2 macrophage infiltration (∼110 CD163[+] cells/field). This work establishes a paradigm-shifting platform for precision wound management through microenvironment-responsive sequential therapy.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
CmpDate: 2026-03-26
Perillaldehyde combined with domiphen: synergistic bactericidal and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1769865.
INTRODUCTION: Biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli pose a significant threat to public health. Combination therapy has emerged as a promising strategy to combat bacterial infections and biofilm formation. In this study, the natural product perillaldehyde and the surfactant domiphen were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation by these pathogenic strains.
METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of perillaldehyde and domiphen, alone and in combination, was assessed against S. aureus and E. coli strains. Synergism was determined by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration index. Biofilm mass was evaluated using the crystal violet staining assay, and the viability of biofilm cells on stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces was examined via viable cell counting. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of the combination was further assessed using a Galleria mellonella larval infection model.
RESULTS: The combination of perillaldehyde and domiphen showed synergistic effects against both pathogenic strains, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index of less than 0.36. The combination of 1 μL/mL perillaldehyde and 1 μg/mL domiphen dispersed more than 53% of the biofilm mass in both S. aureus and E. coli strains. In addition, the combination reduced the total viable bacterial counts in biofilms on stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces by approximately 103 CFU/mL. The treatment also significantly improved the survival rate of G. mellonella larvae infected with the bacteria.
DISCUSSION: These results indicate that the novel combination of perillaldehyde and domiphen has the potential to decrease biofilm formation on various industrial material surfaces.
Additional Links: PMID-41884534
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41884534,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiao, J and Wu, S and Fu, C and Zhao, Q and Gong, Y and Xu, L and Tang, D and Gao, Y and Luo, W},
title = {Perillaldehyde combined with domiphen: synergistic bactericidal and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1769865},
pmid = {41884534},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Animals ; Drug Synergism ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Microbial Viability/drug effects ; Larva/microbiology ; Moths/microbiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli pose a significant threat to public health. Combination therapy has emerged as a promising strategy to combat bacterial infections and biofilm formation. In this study, the natural product perillaldehyde and the surfactant domiphen were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation by these pathogenic strains.
METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of perillaldehyde and domiphen, alone and in combination, was assessed against S. aureus and E. coli strains. Synergism was determined by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration index. Biofilm mass was evaluated using the crystal violet staining assay, and the viability of biofilm cells on stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces was examined via viable cell counting. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of the combination was further assessed using a Galleria mellonella larval infection model.
RESULTS: The combination of perillaldehyde and domiphen showed synergistic effects against both pathogenic strains, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index of less than 0.36. The combination of 1 μL/mL perillaldehyde and 1 μg/mL domiphen dispersed more than 53% of the biofilm mass in both S. aureus and E. coli strains. In addition, the combination reduced the total viable bacterial counts in biofilms on stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces by approximately 103 CFU/mL. The treatment also significantly improved the survival rate of G. mellonella larvae infected with the bacteria.
DISCUSSION: These results indicate that the novel combination of perillaldehyde and domiphen has the potential to decrease biofilm formation on various industrial material surfaces.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
*Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Animals
Drug Synergism
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Microbial Viability/drug effects
Larva/microbiology
Moths/microbiology
RevDate: 2026-03-26
CmpDate: 2026-03-26
RpoE mediates environmental stress tolerance and biofilm formation in foodborne Staphylococcus aureus.
Current research in food science, 12:101382.
Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus)is a serious foodborne pathogen that is frequently found in food processing facilities like dairy farms. Despite its well-established function in dangerous microbes such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, the functional mechanisms of the σ factor encoded by rpoE in S. aureus remain poorly understood. S. aureus RMSA49 was used as the experimental strain in this investigation. This work examined the function of rpoE in foodborne S. aureus antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation, and environmental stress tolerance. Deletion of rpoE impaired tolerance to environmental stresses (acid, heat, desiccation, osmotic stress, H2O2). While tolerance to H2O2 has dropped by around 99%, resistance to acids, heat, and desiccation has decreased by about 50-60%. Additionally, it inhibits biofilm formation and increases antibiotic susceptibility (Biofilm reduction was approximately 65%). Using transcriptome analysis to determine the gene regulation mechanisms of rpoE in S. aureus. This work shows that rpoE plays a crucial role in antibiotic tolerance and environmental stress responses, offering a new possible target for the prevention and management of foodborne S. aureus. It provides a theoretical foundation for lowering the incidence of illnesses like food poisoning and mastitis brought on by the bacteria.
Additional Links: PMID-41884580
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41884580,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, B and Ma, K and Kong, F and Xue, T},
title = {RpoE mediates environmental stress tolerance and biofilm formation in foodborne Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Current research in food science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {101382},
pmid = {41884580},
issn = {2665-9271},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus)is a serious foodborne pathogen that is frequently found in food processing facilities like dairy farms. Despite its well-established function in dangerous microbes such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, the functional mechanisms of the σ factor encoded by rpoE in S. aureus remain poorly understood. S. aureus RMSA49 was used as the experimental strain in this investigation. This work examined the function of rpoE in foodborne S. aureus antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation, and environmental stress tolerance. Deletion of rpoE impaired tolerance to environmental stresses (acid, heat, desiccation, osmotic stress, H2O2). While tolerance to H2O2 has dropped by around 99%, resistance to acids, heat, and desiccation has decreased by about 50-60%. Additionally, it inhibits biofilm formation and increases antibiotic susceptibility (Biofilm reduction was approximately 65%). Using transcriptome analysis to determine the gene regulation mechanisms of rpoE in S. aureus. This work shows that rpoE plays a crucial role in antibiotic tolerance and environmental stress responses, offering a new possible target for the prevention and management of foodborne S. aureus. It provides a theoretical foundation for lowering the incidence of illnesses like food poisoning and mastitis brought on by the bacteria.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
Recent developments in antimicrobial polymers for biofilm inhibition.
Chemical communications (Cambridge, England) [Epub ahead of print].
Biofilm-associated infections continue to present a formidable clinical challenge, as surface-adhered microbial communities exhibit remarkable tolerance toward conventional antibiotics. Polymeric materials have emerged as a versatile platform for combating biofilms, offering chemical tunability and enabling diverse antimicrobial strategies. This feature review article highlights recent advances in polymeric materials designed to prevent biofilm-associated infections by resisting bacterial adhesion (passive inhibition) or exerting bactericidal effects (active inhibition). These approaches include antifouling surfaces, polymer-nanoparticle composites, and bioinspired materials. Particular attention is given to how polymer structure and functionality (e.g., hydrophobicity, charge, and network architecture) govern bacterial adhesion and viability at interfaces. Emerging glycomaterials are also discussed, where glycan motifs are integrated with nanoparticles or cationic domains to enhance biofilm penetration and antimicrobial efficacy. Collectively, these studies underscore the potential of polymeric materials to modulate microbe-surface interactions, thereby guiding the design of next-generation antibiofilm materials.
Additional Links: PMID-41885023
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41885023,
year = {2026},
author = {Kropp, GA and McMillian, CN and Mase, JD and Kandagiri, S and Nowak, ES and Schulz, MD},
title = {Recent developments in antimicrobial polymers for biofilm inhibition.},
journal = {Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5cc06617d},
pmid = {41885023},
issn = {1364-548X},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections continue to present a formidable clinical challenge, as surface-adhered microbial communities exhibit remarkable tolerance toward conventional antibiotics. Polymeric materials have emerged as a versatile platform for combating biofilms, offering chemical tunability and enabling diverse antimicrobial strategies. This feature review article highlights recent advances in polymeric materials designed to prevent biofilm-associated infections by resisting bacterial adhesion (passive inhibition) or exerting bactericidal effects (active inhibition). These approaches include antifouling surfaces, polymer-nanoparticle composites, and bioinspired materials. Particular attention is given to how polymer structure and functionality (e.g., hydrophobicity, charge, and network architecture) govern bacterial adhesion and viability at interfaces. Emerging glycomaterials are also discussed, where glycan motifs are integrated with nanoparticles or cationic domains to enhance biofilm penetration and antimicrobial efficacy. Collectively, these studies underscore the potential of polymeric materials to modulate microbe-surface interactions, thereby guiding the design of next-generation antibiofilm materials.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
Understanding the impact of dust deposition and CO2 level on biofilm development causing biodeterioration of historic buildings and monuments in India.
Biofouling [Epub ahead of print].
The deterioration of buildings and historic monuments due to phototrophic biofilms, dust, and carbon dioxide concentration is an increasingly significant global issue, but remains insufficiently studied. In this research, phototrophic biofilms were collected from nine sampling sites, which were categorized as control, moderately contaminated, and severely contaminated based on the air quality index and canopy cover. Severely contaminated sites showed higher temperatures, CO2 levels, and dust accumulation, but lower humidity. Cyanobacteria dominated all biofilm samples, followed by fungal hyphae and spores. Green algae and diatoms contributed minimally. Healthy diatom frustules decreased sharply with increasing contamination, from the control sites to severely contaminated sites. Regression analysis revealed significant positive correlations between cyanobacterial abundance and both CO2 levels and dust deposition, indicating that increased air pollutants promote the growth of cyanobacteria and diatoms in phototrophic biofilms, further highlighting their potential as a sensitive bioindicator of environmental contamination affecting cultural heritage sites.
Additional Links: PMID-41885142
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41885142,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh, R and Khan, I and Sharma, R and Mishra, S and Pandey, LK},
title = {Understanding the impact of dust deposition and CO2 level on biofilm development causing biodeterioration of historic buildings and monuments in India.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2645567},
pmid = {41885142},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {The deterioration of buildings and historic monuments due to phototrophic biofilms, dust, and carbon dioxide concentration is an increasingly significant global issue, but remains insufficiently studied. In this research, phototrophic biofilms were collected from nine sampling sites, which were categorized as control, moderately contaminated, and severely contaminated based on the air quality index and canopy cover. Severely contaminated sites showed higher temperatures, CO2 levels, and dust accumulation, but lower humidity. Cyanobacteria dominated all biofilm samples, followed by fungal hyphae and spores. Green algae and diatoms contributed minimally. Healthy diatom frustules decreased sharply with increasing contamination, from the control sites to severely contaminated sites. Regression analysis revealed significant positive correlations between cyanobacterial abundance and both CO2 levels and dust deposition, indicating that increased air pollutants promote the growth of cyanobacteria and diatoms in phototrophic biofilms, further highlighting their potential as a sensitive bioindicator of environmental contamination affecting cultural heritage sites.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-26
Combined use of methyl gallate and N-acyl homoserine lactonase YtnP to inhibit biofilm formation in Burkholderia thailandensis.
Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology], 57(1):.
Additional Links: PMID-41886173
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41886173,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, KZ and Meng, D and Yin, LJ and Wang, M and Ding, ZW and Li, J},
title = {Combined use of methyl gallate and N-acyl homoserine lactonase YtnP to inhibit biofilm formation in Burkholderia thailandensis.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41886173},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {82560694//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XSTS2025179//Academic Enhancement Support Program of Hainan Medical University/ ; 242300420355//Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province/ ; 26B180010//Key Scientific Research Project for Higher Education of Henan Province/ ; YJS2025GZZ41//Postgraduate Education Reform and Quality Improvement Project of Henan Province/ ; },
}
RevDate: 2026-03-24
Castor oil/ZnO-loaded quaternized chitosan nanocomposite with multiple antimicrobials, anti-biofilm and pro-healing functions for advanced wound dressings.
International journal of biological macromolecules pii:S0141-8130(26)01536-9 [Epub ahead of print].
A quaternized chitosan-castor oil/Zinc oxide (QCCOZ) nanocomposite hydrogel was developed as an antibacterial and pro-healing wound dressing. The synergistic effect produced a positively charged (ζ = +38 mV) nanoformulation with high colloidal stability and superior encapsulation efficiencies of 89.9 and 80.5% for ZnO and CO, respectively. The successful quaternization and the loading of ZnO into the oil phase was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM/TEM, and DLS techniques. The in vitro release profiles showed prolonged co-delivery of ZnO and castor oil over 72 h without burst effects and diffusional controlled release profiles for a prolonged wound dressing. QCCOZ demonstrated broad-spectrum anti-bacterial and antifungal activity, higher inhibition zones with 2-8-fold lower MIC/MBC values compared to pristine QCS, ZnO or castor oil against Pseudomonas spp., B. subtilis, and C. albicans and disrupted their biofilms. Cytocompatibility studies with human dermal fibroblasts and A375 cells showed >85% viability at therapeutic concentrations, and scratch wound assays confirmed enhanced wound closure where QCCOZ-treated fibroblast monolayers achieved 90% closing compared to 55% within 24 h for controls. Results indicate QCCOZ nanocomposite possesses antimicrobial potency with cytocompatibility and pro-healing functionality, representing a potential advanced hydrogel dressing for infected wounds.
Additional Links: PMID-41876024
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41876024,
year = {2026},
author = {Nabil, Y and Atta, AH and Abd Elwahab, NH and Elshaarawy, RFM},
title = {Castor oil/ZnO-loaded quaternized chitosan nanocomposite with multiple antimicrobials, anti-biofilm and pro-healing functions for advanced wound dressings.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {151610},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151610},
pmid = {41876024},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {A quaternized chitosan-castor oil/Zinc oxide (QCCOZ) nanocomposite hydrogel was developed as an antibacterial and pro-healing wound dressing. The synergistic effect produced a positively charged (ζ = +38 mV) nanoformulation with high colloidal stability and superior encapsulation efficiencies of 89.9 and 80.5% for ZnO and CO, respectively. The successful quaternization and the loading of ZnO into the oil phase was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM/TEM, and DLS techniques. The in vitro release profiles showed prolonged co-delivery of ZnO and castor oil over 72 h without burst effects and diffusional controlled release profiles for a prolonged wound dressing. QCCOZ demonstrated broad-spectrum anti-bacterial and antifungal activity, higher inhibition zones with 2-8-fold lower MIC/MBC values compared to pristine QCS, ZnO or castor oil against Pseudomonas spp., B. subtilis, and C. albicans and disrupted their biofilms. Cytocompatibility studies with human dermal fibroblasts and A375 cells showed >85% viability at therapeutic concentrations, and scratch wound assays confirmed enhanced wound closure where QCCOZ-treated fibroblast monolayers achieved 90% closing compared to 55% within 24 h for controls. Results indicate QCCOZ nanocomposite possesses antimicrobial potency with cytocompatibility and pro-healing functionality, representing a potential advanced hydrogel dressing for infected wounds.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-25
CmpDate: 2026-03-25
Environmental and chemical modulation of Staphylococcus aureus Newman biofilm formation.
Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 110(1):.
Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation enhances survival on host tissues and medical devices. This study tested how oxidative stress (H2O2), pH (5-9), NaCl (0-10%), and human serum (5-50%) affect the Newman strain biofilm and key genes (icaA, icaD, sarA). Biofilm was quantified by crystal violet assays and Lowry protein assay methods, and gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Biofilm biomass was quantified using crystal violet staining and Lowry protein assays under various environmental conditions. Statistical significance was determined using ANOVA with post hoc analysis (p < 0.001). Hydrogen peroxide induced a dose-dependent reduction in biomass, with significant repression of icaA, icaD, and sarA expression at 3% H2O2 (≤ 22.8%, p < 0.001). Similarly, deviations from neutral pH markedly impaired biofilm formation, with acidic (pH 5) and alkaline (pH 9) conditions reducing biomass by 34.6% and 41.7%, respectively, accompanied by strong downregulation of biofilm-associated genes (p < 0.001). In contrast, NaCl exerted a biphasic effect: mild osmotic stress (1.25% and 5%) enhanced biofilm biomass (up to 154.2%) in the case of crystal violet assays and at 5% biomass increased to 130.8 ± 10.8*%; at 10%, it was 103.5 ± 6.1% (no significant change) in the case of protein quantification, and gene expression (icaA 160.55%, icaD 168.18%, sarA 149.8%, p < 0.001), whereas higher concentrations (≥ 10%) restored expression to near-control levels. Serum exposure produced a threshold-dependent response, with low concentrations (5-10%) slightly enhancing gene expression (~ 110%), while higher concentrations (20-50%) significantly repressed both biomass and transcription, with profound inhibition found at 50% (icaA 12.94%, icaD 10.88%, sarA 12.79%, p < 0.001). In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy technique is used as a confirmatory step for qualitative determination of the effects of both various saline and serum concentrations on the biofilm formation, which induces similar results. Environmental stressors modulate S. aureus biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner via regulation of the ica operon and sarA, offering molecular insights that may guide strategies for biofilm control. KEY POINTS: • Oxidative stress (H2O2) dose-dependently inhibits S. aureus Newman biofilms. • Mild NaCl levels enhance biofilm formation via upregulation of ica and sarA. • High serum concentrations (≥ 20%) suppress biofilm biomass and gene expression.
Additional Links: PMID-41876886
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41876886,
year = {2026},
author = {Ragab, AR and El-Sheakh, AR and Shafik, SM},
title = {Environmental and chemical modulation of Staphylococcus aureus Newman biofilm formation.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {110},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41876886},
issn = {1432-0614},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/genetics/growth & development ; Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Oxidative Stress ; Humans ; Sodium Chloride/pharmacology/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Biomass ; Serum ; Osmotic Pressure ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation enhances survival on host tissues and medical devices. This study tested how oxidative stress (H2O2), pH (5-9), NaCl (0-10%), and human serum (5-50%) affect the Newman strain biofilm and key genes (icaA, icaD, sarA). Biofilm was quantified by crystal violet assays and Lowry protein assay methods, and gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Biofilm biomass was quantified using crystal violet staining and Lowry protein assays under various environmental conditions. Statistical significance was determined using ANOVA with post hoc analysis (p < 0.001). Hydrogen peroxide induced a dose-dependent reduction in biomass, with significant repression of icaA, icaD, and sarA expression at 3% H2O2 (≤ 22.8%, p < 0.001). Similarly, deviations from neutral pH markedly impaired biofilm formation, with acidic (pH 5) and alkaline (pH 9) conditions reducing biomass by 34.6% and 41.7%, respectively, accompanied by strong downregulation of biofilm-associated genes (p < 0.001). In contrast, NaCl exerted a biphasic effect: mild osmotic stress (1.25% and 5%) enhanced biofilm biomass (up to 154.2%) in the case of crystal violet assays and at 5% biomass increased to 130.8 ± 10.8*%; at 10%, it was 103.5 ± 6.1% (no significant change) in the case of protein quantification, and gene expression (icaA 160.55%, icaD 168.18%, sarA 149.8%, p < 0.001), whereas higher concentrations (≥ 10%) restored expression to near-control levels. Serum exposure produced a threshold-dependent response, with low concentrations (5-10%) slightly enhancing gene expression (~ 110%), while higher concentrations (20-50%) significantly repressed both biomass and transcription, with profound inhibition found at 50% (icaA 12.94%, icaD 10.88%, sarA 12.79%, p < 0.001). In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy technique is used as a confirmatory step for qualitative determination of the effects of both various saline and serum concentrations on the biofilm formation, which induces similar results. Environmental stressors modulate S. aureus biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner via regulation of the ica operon and sarA, offering molecular insights that may guide strategies for biofilm control. KEY POINTS: • Oxidative stress (H2O2) dose-dependently inhibits S. aureus Newman biofilms. • Mild NaCl levels enhance biofilm formation via upregulation of ica and sarA. • High serum concentrations (≥ 20%) suppress biofilm biomass and gene expression.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/genetics/growth & development
Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Oxidative Stress
Humans
Sodium Chloride/pharmacology/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Biomass
Serum
Osmotic Pressure
RevDate: 2026-03-25
Correction to "Nano Copper-Chelate Triggers Cuproptosis-Like Death in Fungi and Synergizes With Microneedles for Enhanced Biofilm Removal".
Additional Links: PMID-41877564
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41877564,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction to "Nano Copper-Chelate Triggers Cuproptosis-Like Death in Fungi and Synergizes With Microneedles for Enhanced Biofilm Removal".},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e71093},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.71093},
pmid = {41877564},
issn = {2192-2659},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-25
CmpDate: 2026-03-25
Candida albicans metabolic adaptation gene SFU1 regulates dual-species biofilm with Streptococcus mutans.
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1795742.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the iron-sulfur cluster assembly factor SFU1 in the virulence-related traits of Candida albicans, particularly its function within the cariogenic cross-kingdom biofilm formed with Streptococcus mutans.
METHODS: The SFU1 deletion and complemented strains were constructed. Their effects on growth, acid production, morphogenesis, metabolic activity, ROS accumulation, and biofilm formation of C. albicans were evaluated. The roles of SFU1 in the development, architecture, and spatial distribution of the C. albicans-S. mutans dual-species biofilm were further analyzed. The cariogenic metabolite profile and matrix synthesis were assessed by measuring lactic acid production, lactate dehydrogenase activity, extracellular polysaccharide content, and expression levels of related genes.
RESULTS: The SFU1 deletion strain exhibited inhibited hyphal formation, reduced metabolic activity, elevated intracellular ROS levels, impaired biofilm formation, and downregulated expression of hyphal and adhesion-related genes (ALS3, EFG1, UME6). In the cross-kingdom biofilm, the sfu1/sfu1 mutant failed to form hyphal networks, resulting in loose biofilm architecture, reduced biomass, and poor integration of S. mutans. Furthermore, the dual-species biofilm showed significantly decreased lactic acid and EPS production. Co-cultured S. mutans exhibited downregulated expression of EPS synthesis genes (gtfB/C) and upregulated expression of EPS degradation genes (dexA/B).
CONCLUSION: SFU1 modulates hyphal development, redox homeostasis, and biofilm formation in C. albicans, thereby profoundly affecting its pathogenic synergy with S. mutans. SFU1 deletion leads to disrupted architecture and attenuated cariogenic virulence of the dual-species biofilm. This study reveals the potential value of targeting fundamental metabolic pathways in C. albicans to interfere with the cariogenicity of cross-kingdom biofilms, and provides a novel perspective for the prevention and therapy of dental caries.
Additional Links: PMID-41878260
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41878260,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, Q and Lin, J},
title = {Candida albicans metabolic adaptation gene SFU1 regulates dual-species biofilm with Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1795742},
pmid = {41878260},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Streptococcus mutans/physiology/growth & development/genetics ; *Candida albicans/genetics/growth & development/metabolism/physiology ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; *Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Deletion ; Lactic Acid/metabolism ; Virulence ; Hyphae/growth & development ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the iron-sulfur cluster assembly factor SFU1 in the virulence-related traits of Candida albicans, particularly its function within the cariogenic cross-kingdom biofilm formed with Streptococcus mutans.
METHODS: The SFU1 deletion and complemented strains were constructed. Their effects on growth, acid production, morphogenesis, metabolic activity, ROS accumulation, and biofilm formation of C. albicans were evaluated. The roles of SFU1 in the development, architecture, and spatial distribution of the C. albicans-S. mutans dual-species biofilm were further analyzed. The cariogenic metabolite profile and matrix synthesis were assessed by measuring lactic acid production, lactate dehydrogenase activity, extracellular polysaccharide content, and expression levels of related genes.
RESULTS: The SFU1 deletion strain exhibited inhibited hyphal formation, reduced metabolic activity, elevated intracellular ROS levels, impaired biofilm formation, and downregulated expression of hyphal and adhesion-related genes (ALS3, EFG1, UME6). In the cross-kingdom biofilm, the sfu1/sfu1 mutant failed to form hyphal networks, resulting in loose biofilm architecture, reduced biomass, and poor integration of S. mutans. Furthermore, the dual-species biofilm showed significantly decreased lactic acid and EPS production. Co-cultured S. mutans exhibited downregulated expression of EPS synthesis genes (gtfB/C) and upregulated expression of EPS degradation genes (dexA/B).
CONCLUSION: SFU1 modulates hyphal development, redox homeostasis, and biofilm formation in C. albicans, thereby profoundly affecting its pathogenic synergy with S. mutans. SFU1 deletion leads to disrupted architecture and attenuated cariogenic virulence of the dual-species biofilm. This study reveals the potential value of targeting fundamental metabolic pathways in C. albicans to interfere with the cariogenicity of cross-kingdom biofilms, and provides a novel perspective for the prevention and therapy of dental caries.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Streptococcus mutans/physiology/growth & development/genetics
*Candida albicans/genetics/growth & development/metabolism/physiology
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
*Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Deletion
Lactic Acid/metabolism
Virulence
Hyphae/growth & development
RevDate: 2026-03-25
CmpDate: 2026-03-25
Oxymatrine ameliorates Malassezia overgrowth-induced psoriasis in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting the biofilm formation and inflammation.
Mycology, 17(1):2511903.
The basidiomycetous yeast genus Malassezia is involved in the exacerbation of psoriatic lesions. Oxymatrine (OMT), a quinoline alkaloid derived from Sophora flavescens, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral effects. However, whether OMT exerts therapeutic effects against Malassezia-associated psoriasis remains unclear. This work aimed to study the antifungal and antibiofilm effect of OMT on several Malassezia species and the therapeutic benefits of OMT on Malassezia-associated psoriasis in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with 0.64 mg/mL OMT showed decreasing levels of biofilm formation of Malassezia species. Histomorphology and functional analyses demonstrated that OMT treatment effectively alleviated Malassezia-induced psoriatic lesions and repaired skin barrier integrity. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that OMT significantly reduced the levels of malonaldehyde, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-23, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α while promoting the activation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. OMT also reversed Malassezia-associated apoptosis and decreased the expression of the STAT3/Nf-κB/p-Nf-κB signalling pathway. Additionally, OMT reduces the nuclear expression of AhR/Nrf2 in Malassezia-stimulated HaCaT cells. In summary, this study demonstrated that OMT inhibits Malassezia biofilm formation and ameliorates Malassezia-associated psoriasis by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via STAT3/Nf-κB and AhR/Nrf2 pathways.
Additional Links: PMID-41878517
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41878517,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, MM and Bai, J and Tian, ZY and Zheng, TT and Boekhout, T and Wang, QM},
title = {Oxymatrine ameliorates Malassezia overgrowth-induced psoriasis in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting the biofilm formation and inflammation.},
journal = {Mycology},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2511903},
pmid = {41878517},
issn = {2150-1203},
abstract = {The basidiomycetous yeast genus Malassezia is involved in the exacerbation of psoriatic lesions. Oxymatrine (OMT), a quinoline alkaloid derived from Sophora flavescens, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral effects. However, whether OMT exerts therapeutic effects against Malassezia-associated psoriasis remains unclear. This work aimed to study the antifungal and antibiofilm effect of OMT on several Malassezia species and the therapeutic benefits of OMT on Malassezia-associated psoriasis in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with 0.64 mg/mL OMT showed decreasing levels of biofilm formation of Malassezia species. Histomorphology and functional analyses demonstrated that OMT treatment effectively alleviated Malassezia-induced psoriatic lesions and repaired skin barrier integrity. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that OMT significantly reduced the levels of malonaldehyde, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-23, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α while promoting the activation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. OMT also reversed Malassezia-associated apoptosis and decreased the expression of the STAT3/Nf-κB/p-Nf-κB signalling pathway. Additionally, OMT reduces the nuclear expression of AhR/Nrf2 in Malassezia-stimulated HaCaT cells. In summary, this study demonstrated that OMT inhibits Malassezia biofilm formation and ameliorates Malassezia-associated psoriasis by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via STAT3/Nf-κB and AhR/Nrf2 pathways.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-25
CmpDate: 2026-03-25
In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Antibacterial Effect of an Oxidising Agent on Ex Vivo Biofilm.
Oral health & preventive dentistry, 24:227-231 pii:6966383.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of a mouthrinse and a fluid, both containing an oxidising agent, compared with saline (negative control) and chlorhexidine (0.2%, positive control), after application to 24-hour-old biofilms.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: After 24 participants had refrained from all oral hygiene measures for a period of 24 h, a voluminous biofilm sample was taken from the buccal sites of molars, smeared on a microscope slide and divided into four parts. The four samples were each coated with 5 µl of a mouth rinse solution (BMmr, blueM mouth rinsing solution, NL), a fluid (BMfl, blueM oxygen fluid, NL), chlorhexidine 0.2% (CHX) and NaCl. After 1 min, excess liquid was suctioned off, and biofilms were stained with vital fluorescent dyes for 2 min. The stained samples were covered with a cover slip, and four pictures per sample were recorded with a digital camera under the fluorescence microscope. A special image analysis program used the red and green pixels to calculate the percentage of metabolically active bacteria in the entire biofilm sample (dental biofilm vitality, VF%).
RESULTS: Both BMmr and BMfl reduced VF to 18.46 ± 9.59% and 19.53 ± 12.17% significantly (P 0.001) compared to NaCl, with values of 59.88 ± 10.14%. CHX revealed values of 14.35 ± 6.56%, values that were not significantly lower (P 0.001) than the other active solutions.
CONCLUSION: Both BMmr and BMfl demonstrated a statistically significant antibacterial effect compared to NaCl and showed a similar effect to CHX. However, clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of both products containing oxidising agents when used as oral rinses.
Additional Links: PMID-41879017
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41879017,
year = {2026},
author = {Zschach, D and Neujahr, F and Auschill, P and Sculean, A and Heumann, C and Arweiler, NB},
title = {In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Antibacterial Effect of an Oxidising Agent on Ex Vivo Biofilm.},
journal = {Oral health & preventive dentistry},
volume = {24},
number = {},
pages = {227-231},
doi = {10.3290/j.ohpd.c_2582},
pmid = {41879017},
issn = {1757-9996},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; Humans ; *Mouthwashes/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Chlorhexidine/pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; *Oxidants/pharmacology ; Adult ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of a mouthrinse and a fluid, both containing an oxidising agent, compared with saline (negative control) and chlorhexidine (0.2%, positive control), after application to 24-hour-old biofilms.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: After 24 participants had refrained from all oral hygiene measures for a period of 24 h, a voluminous biofilm sample was taken from the buccal sites of molars, smeared on a microscope slide and divided into four parts. The four samples were each coated with 5 µl of a mouth rinse solution (BMmr, blueM mouth rinsing solution, NL), a fluid (BMfl, blueM oxygen fluid, NL), chlorhexidine 0.2% (CHX) and NaCl. After 1 min, excess liquid was suctioned off, and biofilms were stained with vital fluorescent dyes for 2 min. The stained samples were covered with a cover slip, and four pictures per sample were recorded with a digital camera under the fluorescence microscope. A special image analysis program used the red and green pixels to calculate the percentage of metabolically active bacteria in the entire biofilm sample (dental biofilm vitality, VF%).
RESULTS: Both BMmr and BMfl reduced VF to 18.46 ± 9.59% and 19.53 ± 12.17% significantly (P 0.001) compared to NaCl, with values of 59.88 ± 10.14%. CHX revealed values of 14.35 ± 6.56%, values that were not significantly lower (P 0.001) than the other active solutions.
CONCLUSION: Both BMmr and BMfl demonstrated a statistically significant antibacterial effect compared to NaCl and showed a similar effect to CHX. However, clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of both products containing oxidising agents when used as oral rinses.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/drug effects
Humans
*Mouthwashes/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Chlorhexidine/pharmacology
In Vitro Techniques
*Oxidants/pharmacology
Adult
RevDate: 2026-03-25
Distribution, antibacterial resistance, biofilm formation, and risk factors associated with carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria in ICU patients.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology [Epub ahead of print].
Gram-negative bacteria are major contributors to intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections, further complicated by biofilm formation, multidrug resistance (MDR), and carbapenemase production. This study, conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India (2022-2023), assessed the distribution, antibacterial resistance profiles, biofilm formation, and risk factors associated with carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) in ICU patients. A total of 321 g-negative bacteria (GNB) isolates were recovered from 311 clinical samples. Bacterial identification, antibacterial susceptibility testing, biofilm detection, and PCR-based carbapenemase gene analysis were performed. Clinical and demographic variables were evaluated to determine factors associated with CPO infections and outcomes. The predominant pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 109 (34%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 77 (24%), and Escherichia coli 53 (16.5%). High resistance rates were observed for β-lactams and fluoroquinolones, whereas carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and polymyxins remained largely effective. Biofilm formation was noted in Acinetobacter baumannii 23 (74.2%), K. pneumoniae 56 (72.7%), P. aeruginosa 74 (67.9%), and E. coli 34 (64.1%). The most prevalent carbapenemase genes were blaNDM-1 28 (45.9%), blaOXA-48 14 (23%), and blaVIM 7 (11.5%), with co-existence in 13 isolates (21.3%). CPO infections occurred in 61/311 patients (19.6%). Significant risk factors included male sex (42; 68.9%), age > 40 years (43; 70.5%), ICU stay > 7 days (46; 75.4%), urinary catheterization (41; 67.2%), venous catheterization (37; 60.7%), and mechanical ventilation (40; 65.6%). Mortality was higher in CPO-infected patients (23; 37.7%) than in non-CPO cases (52; 20.8%). Biofilm formation and carbapenemase genes are key drivers of MDR-GNB in ICUs. CPO infections are strongly linked to invasive device use and increased mortality, underscoring the need for robust antibacterial stewardship and infection control practices.
Additional Links: PMID-41879843
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41879843,
year = {2026},
author = {Saleem, M and Khan, MS and Ahmad, I and Qattan, MY and Alharbi, MS},
title = {Distribution, antibacterial resistance, biofilm formation, and risk factors associated with carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria in ICU patients.},
journal = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41879843},
issn = {1432-1912},
support = {R.G.P.2/503/46//Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia/ ; },
abstract = {Gram-negative bacteria are major contributors to intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections, further complicated by biofilm formation, multidrug resistance (MDR), and carbapenemase production. This study, conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India (2022-2023), assessed the distribution, antibacterial resistance profiles, biofilm formation, and risk factors associated with carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) in ICU patients. A total of 321 g-negative bacteria (GNB) isolates were recovered from 311 clinical samples. Bacterial identification, antibacterial susceptibility testing, biofilm detection, and PCR-based carbapenemase gene analysis were performed. Clinical and demographic variables were evaluated to determine factors associated with CPO infections and outcomes. The predominant pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 109 (34%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 77 (24%), and Escherichia coli 53 (16.5%). High resistance rates were observed for β-lactams and fluoroquinolones, whereas carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and polymyxins remained largely effective. Biofilm formation was noted in Acinetobacter baumannii 23 (74.2%), K. pneumoniae 56 (72.7%), P. aeruginosa 74 (67.9%), and E. coli 34 (64.1%). The most prevalent carbapenemase genes were blaNDM-1 28 (45.9%), blaOXA-48 14 (23%), and blaVIM 7 (11.5%), with co-existence in 13 isolates (21.3%). CPO infections occurred in 61/311 patients (19.6%). Significant risk factors included male sex (42; 68.9%), age > 40 years (43; 70.5%), ICU stay > 7 days (46; 75.4%), urinary catheterization (41; 67.2%), venous catheterization (37; 60.7%), and mechanical ventilation (40; 65.6%). Mortality was higher in CPO-infected patients (23; 37.7%) than in non-CPO cases (52; 20.8%). Biofilm formation and carbapenemase genes are key drivers of MDR-GNB in ICUs. CPO infections are strongly linked to invasive device use and increased mortality, underscoring the need for robust antibacterial stewardship and infection control practices.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-25
CmpDate: 2026-03-25
Characterization, genomic insights and anti-biofilm potential of phage vB_PaeM_PKMS3, a lytic Pbunavirus capable of infecting clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 119(4):.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-associated morbidity and mortality. The global surge of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strains necessitates the use of reliable alternative therapeutic strategies like phage therapy. Here, we report the isolation and comprehensive characterisation of a myoviral bacteriophage, vB_PaeM_PKMS3, effective against multiple clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. The phage exhibited potent lytic activity, a relatively broad intra-species host range, and stability across diverse temperature and pH conditions. One-step growth curve analysis revealed a short 20-min latent period, a rapid 10-min rise period, and a moderately high burst size of ~ 82 PFU/infected cell. vB_PaeM_PKMS3 showed excellent in vitro cytocompatibility and was well tolerated in the Danio rerio model during safety assessment. The exceptional in vitro biofilm-degradative ability of the phage, exemplified by a three-fold reduction in established biofilms, was corroborated by fluorescent and electron microscopic analyses. Genome sequencing revealed that phage vB_PaeM_PKMS3 possesses a linear dsDNA genome of ≈66 kbp, belongs to the Pbunavirus genus, and encodes several antibacterial proteins, including holin, depolymerase, and endolysin, while lacking virulence, lysogenic, and antibiotic resistance genes. Collectively, these results identify vB_PaeM_PKMS3 as a safe and favourable candidate for potential inclusion in phage cocktail formulations targeting MDR P. aeruginosa. This work also highlights the importance of systematic characterisation of locally isolated bacteriophages, particularly in regions burdened by drug-resistant infections.
Additional Links: PMID-41879899
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41879899,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohan, N and Sritha, KS and Jose, J and Menachery, SJ and Mohan, CC and Isshack, AT and Gopinathan, H and Koyyappurath, S and Abhitha, K and Dalvi, YB and Bhat, SG},
title = {Characterization, genomic insights and anti-biofilm potential of phage vB_PaeM_PKMS3, a lytic Pbunavirus capable of infecting clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {119},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41879899},
issn = {1572-9699},
support = {TIG 2.0//Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan/ ; DST-PURSE, DST-FIST//Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; },
mesh = {*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/physiology/isolation & purification ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; Genome, Viral ; *Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification/classification ; Animals ; Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology/therapy ; Host Specificity ; *Myoviridae/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; Zebrafish ; Phage Therapy ; Genomics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-associated morbidity and mortality. The global surge of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strains necessitates the use of reliable alternative therapeutic strategies like phage therapy. Here, we report the isolation and comprehensive characterisation of a myoviral bacteriophage, vB_PaeM_PKMS3, effective against multiple clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. The phage exhibited potent lytic activity, a relatively broad intra-species host range, and stability across diverse temperature and pH conditions. One-step growth curve analysis revealed a short 20-min latent period, a rapid 10-min rise period, and a moderately high burst size of ~ 82 PFU/infected cell. vB_PaeM_PKMS3 showed excellent in vitro cytocompatibility and was well tolerated in the Danio rerio model during safety assessment. The exceptional in vitro biofilm-degradative ability of the phage, exemplified by a three-fold reduction in established biofilms, was corroborated by fluorescent and electron microscopic analyses. Genome sequencing revealed that phage vB_PaeM_PKMS3 possesses a linear dsDNA genome of ≈66 kbp, belongs to the Pbunavirus genus, and encodes several antibacterial proteins, including holin, depolymerase, and endolysin, while lacking virulence, lysogenic, and antibiotic resistance genes. Collectively, these results identify vB_PaeM_PKMS3 as a safe and favourable candidate for potential inclusion in phage cocktail formulations targeting MDR P. aeruginosa. This work also highlights the importance of systematic characterisation of locally isolated bacteriophages, particularly in regions burdened by drug-resistant infections.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/physiology/isolation & purification
*Biofilms/growth & development
Genome, Viral
*Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification/classification
Animals
Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology/therapy
Host Specificity
*Myoviridae/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
Zebrafish
Phage Therapy
Genomics
Humans
RevDate: 2026-03-25
Biofilm-mediated surface depolymerization of multiple synthetic polymers by mangrove-derived bacterial consortia.
Journal of hazardous materials, 507:141847 pii:S0304-3894(26)00825-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Plastic pollution persists across marine and terrestrial ecosystems largely due to the intrinsic resistance of synthetic polymers to biological attack. Despite growing evidence of microbial interactions with plastics, the mechanistic basis and extent of biofilm-mediated polymer deterioration remain poorly constrained. Here, we investigate the capacity of mangrove-derived bacterial consortia to initiate early-stage degradation of major synthetic polymers (PET, PS, LDPE, HDPE, and PP) under controlled laboratory conditions. Over a 120-day incubation under controlled laboratory conditions, consortium-exposed polymers exhibited differential mass loss, surface erosion, and mechanical weakening, with PS 20.14% and PET 8.33% showing the highest susceptibility. Integrated surface and molecular analyses using confocal laser scanning microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed extensive biofilm formation, nanoscale pitting, oxidative functional group incorporation, and localized polymer chain modification. Tensile testing further demonstrated reductions in mechanical integrity consistent with surface-driven structural weakening. First-order kinetic fits were applied to gravimetric data to provide comparative, non-predictive estimates of degradation dynamics across polymer types. This study provides quantitative and mechanistic evidence that environmentally adapted microbial consortia can promote biofilm-driven surface depolymerization, highlighting mangrove sediments as underexplored reservoirs of plastic-interacting microbes. These findings advance current understanding of early-stage plastic biodegradation and inform future strategies for biotechnological intervention in microplastic-polluted environments.
Additional Links: PMID-41880855
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41880855,
year = {2026},
author = {Bhattacharya, S and Kolandhasamy, P and Mandal, A and Rajaram, R and Darbha, GK},
title = {Biofilm-mediated surface depolymerization of multiple synthetic polymers by mangrove-derived bacterial consortia.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {507},
number = {},
pages = {141847},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141847},
pmid = {41880855},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Plastic pollution persists across marine and terrestrial ecosystems largely due to the intrinsic resistance of synthetic polymers to biological attack. Despite growing evidence of microbial interactions with plastics, the mechanistic basis and extent of biofilm-mediated polymer deterioration remain poorly constrained. Here, we investigate the capacity of mangrove-derived bacterial consortia to initiate early-stage degradation of major synthetic polymers (PET, PS, LDPE, HDPE, and PP) under controlled laboratory conditions. Over a 120-day incubation under controlled laboratory conditions, consortium-exposed polymers exhibited differential mass loss, surface erosion, and mechanical weakening, with PS 20.14% and PET 8.33% showing the highest susceptibility. Integrated surface and molecular analyses using confocal laser scanning microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed extensive biofilm formation, nanoscale pitting, oxidative functional group incorporation, and localized polymer chain modification. Tensile testing further demonstrated reductions in mechanical integrity consistent with surface-driven structural weakening. First-order kinetic fits were applied to gravimetric data to provide comparative, non-predictive estimates of degradation dynamics across polymer types. This study provides quantitative and mechanistic evidence that environmentally adapted microbial consortia can promote biofilm-driven surface depolymerization, highlighting mangrove sediments as underexplored reservoirs of plastic-interacting microbes. These findings advance current understanding of early-stage plastic biodegradation and inform future strategies for biotechnological intervention in microplastic-polluted environments.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
Down-regulation of biofilm formation genes expression on some gram-negative bacteria by Fumaria officinalis extract.
Journal of microbiological methods pii:S0167-7012(26)00084-9 [Epub ahead of print].
The rapid rise of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens underscores the critical need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Biofilm formation contributes significantly to pathogen resistance and persistence. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of Fumaria officinalis (FO) extract prepared via a green ionic liquid-based extraction method, evaluating its effect on type 1 fimbriae (fimH) and outer membrane protein L (oprL) gene expression. A heat-assisted extraction method is designed and presented in the research with the objective of obtaining valuable biochemical from natural FO using the green solvent 1-butyl-3methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl). Quantitative spectrophotometric assays showed high concentrations of secondary metabolites including total phenols (38.84 ± 1.71 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (36.80 ± 4.51 mg QE/g), and total terpenoids (36.52 ± 7.3 mg OAE/g). Non-volatile bioactive markers, including fumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids, alongside flavonoids and twenty-five volatile bioactive compounds were identified via HPLC and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Biofilm inhibition was quantified via the microtiter plate method and antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion against biofilm-producing isolates; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were also performed. The effect of FO extract on the expression of the fimH and OprL genes was evaluated using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. Out of 14 isolates, only three were found to be strong biofilm producers, while 4 isolates were shown to be moderate biofilm producers. The extract exhibited higher inhibitory activity against moderate biofilm-producing isolates, with MIC values 265 and 512 μg/ml. qRT-PCR demonstrated down-regulation of fimH and OprL expression in treated isolates. FO extract obtained via a sustainable green process showed antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties, partly via suppression of fimH and OprL genes expression; therefore, this study records the first green and sustainable method for FO plant biochemical compound extraction. Additionally, this work shows the inhibitory effect of FO on the two fundamental genes responsible for biofilm formation and bacterial colonization, aiming to balance the ecosystem and human well-being.
Additional Links: PMID-41871690
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41871690,
year = {2026},
author = {Abdulsattar, BO and Abdulsattar, JO and Abdulmunem, OM and Abbas, BF and Neif, OA and Mohammad, MA},
title = {Down-regulation of biofilm formation genes expression on some gram-negative bacteria by Fumaria officinalis extract.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107472},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107472},
pmid = {41871690},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {The rapid rise of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens underscores the critical need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Biofilm formation contributes significantly to pathogen resistance and persistence. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of Fumaria officinalis (FO) extract prepared via a green ionic liquid-based extraction method, evaluating its effect on type 1 fimbriae (fimH) and outer membrane protein L (oprL) gene expression. A heat-assisted extraction method is designed and presented in the research with the objective of obtaining valuable biochemical from natural FO using the green solvent 1-butyl-3methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl). Quantitative spectrophotometric assays showed high concentrations of secondary metabolites including total phenols (38.84 ± 1.71 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (36.80 ± 4.51 mg QE/g), and total terpenoids (36.52 ± 7.3 mg OAE/g). Non-volatile bioactive markers, including fumaric, caffeic, and ferulic acids, alongside flavonoids and twenty-five volatile bioactive compounds were identified via HPLC and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Biofilm inhibition was quantified via the microtiter plate method and antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion against biofilm-producing isolates; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were also performed. The effect of FO extract on the expression of the fimH and OprL genes was evaluated using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. Out of 14 isolates, only three were found to be strong biofilm producers, while 4 isolates were shown to be moderate biofilm producers. The extract exhibited higher inhibitory activity against moderate biofilm-producing isolates, with MIC values 265 and 512 μg/ml. qRT-PCR demonstrated down-regulation of fimH and OprL expression in treated isolates. FO extract obtained via a sustainable green process showed antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties, partly via suppression of fimH and OprL genes expression; therefore, this study records the first green and sustainable method for FO plant biochemical compound extraction. Additionally, this work shows the inhibitory effect of FO on the two fundamental genes responsible for biofilm formation and bacterial colonization, aiming to balance the ecosystem and human well-being.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-24
A new component of the DNA damage response biofilm axis in Acinetobacter baumannii is a TetR-like DNA damage response regulator.
FEMS microbiology letters pii:8539738 [Epub ahead of print].
Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that employs a variety of strategies to evade antibiotic treatment which include forming biofilms, which are protective bacterial multicellular communities. Previously, we demonstrated RecA, a key component of the DNA damage response (DDR), governs biofilms with RecA levels inversely correlated with biofilm formation, such that low RecA levels results in high biofilms. In this study, we identify another DDR regulator, EppR-a recently characterized TetR-family transcriptional repressor-as also playing a role in biofilms. We show that an eppR-deficient strain is unable to form biofilms due to reduced expression of genes encoding adhesive pili. This occurs because EppR represses recA expression. Furthermore, we detected in biofilms an EppR-RecA complex that might lower intracellular RecA levels. Our findings provide further insight into both RecA regulation and the link between the DDR and biofilms.
Additional Links: PMID-41874431
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41874431,
year = {2026},
author = {Nguyen, B and Soo, MW and Tierney, GA and Amorelli, EA and Herlihy, AL and Godoy, VG},
title = {A new component of the DNA damage response biofilm axis in Acinetobacter baumannii is a TetR-like DNA damage response regulator.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnag032},
pmid = {41874431},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that employs a variety of strategies to evade antibiotic treatment which include forming biofilms, which are protective bacterial multicellular communities. Previously, we demonstrated RecA, a key component of the DNA damage response (DDR), governs biofilms with RecA levels inversely correlated with biofilm formation, such that low RecA levels results in high biofilms. In this study, we identify another DDR regulator, EppR-a recently characterized TetR-family transcriptional repressor-as also playing a role in biofilms. We show that an eppR-deficient strain is unable to form biofilms due to reduced expression of genes encoding adhesive pili. This occurs because EppR represses recA expression. Furthermore, we detected in biofilms an EppR-RecA complex that might lower intracellular RecA levels. Our findings provide further insight into both RecA regulation and the link between the DDR and biofilms.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-22
A novel continuous-flow three-stage tandem system based on partial nitrification/Anammox granular sludge and partial denitrification-Anammox biofilm (PN/A-PD-A) for advanced nitrogen removal from mature landfill leachate.
Bioresource technology pii:S0960-8524(26)00555-9 [Epub ahead of print].
A novel continuous-flow system coupling partial nitrification/Anammox (PN/A), partial denitrification (PD), and Anammox (Amx) biofilm reactors was developed (PN/A-PD-A) to treat mature landfill leachate (MLL). To maximize synergy, the NH4[+]-N removal in the PN/A reactor was regulated based on the NO2[-]-N accumulation ratio (NAR) in the PD stage, ensuring optimal substrate stoichiometry for the final Amx polishing step. Over 174 days of operation, the system achieved a superior total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNRE) of 98.30 ± 0.14% (effluent TN: 21.80 ± 1.71 mg/L). The PN/A granular sludge, enriched with Candidatus_Kuenenia (5.87%) and Nitrosomonas (9.73%), demonstrated high adaptability to MLL characteristics and contributed to 83.51% of the TN removal. In the PD stage, the dominant genus Thauera (43.91%) facilitated efficient NAR (82.86 ± 1.61%) at a limited COD/NO3[-]-N ratio of 2.32 ± 0.02. The Anammox biofilm (Candidatus_Kuenenia, 27.80%) in the Amx reactor contributed to 13.10% of TN removal, ensuring to meet the MLL discharge standard. Kinetic and metagenomic analyses confirmed that distinct shifts from complete to partial nitrification (and denitrification) in enzymes activity and gene abundance under chronic MLL stress underpinned the robust NO2[-]-N accumulation in both PN/A and PD reactors. Notably, compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification process, the PN/A-PD-A system significantly reduced oxygen demand (60.18%), exogenous organic carbon consumption (91.61%), sludge yield (83.72%), and CO2 emission (94.66%), demonstrating a sustainable pathway for low-carbon nitrogen removal from high-strength wastewater.
Additional Links: PMID-41865820
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41865820,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, Z and Li, W and Zhang, N and Lei, M and Chen, B and Li, Y and Liu, Q and Zhang, M and Lv, S and Cheng, F and Li, J},
title = {A novel continuous-flow three-stage tandem system based on partial nitrification/Anammox granular sludge and partial denitrification-Anammox biofilm (PN/A-PD-A) for advanced nitrogen removal from mature landfill leachate.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134474},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134474},
pmid = {41865820},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {A novel continuous-flow system coupling partial nitrification/Anammox (PN/A), partial denitrification (PD), and Anammox (Amx) biofilm reactors was developed (PN/A-PD-A) to treat mature landfill leachate (MLL). To maximize synergy, the NH4[+]-N removal in the PN/A reactor was regulated based on the NO2[-]-N accumulation ratio (NAR) in the PD stage, ensuring optimal substrate stoichiometry for the final Amx polishing step. Over 174 days of operation, the system achieved a superior total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNRE) of 98.30 ± 0.14% (effluent TN: 21.80 ± 1.71 mg/L). The PN/A granular sludge, enriched with Candidatus_Kuenenia (5.87%) and Nitrosomonas (9.73%), demonstrated high adaptability to MLL characteristics and contributed to 83.51% of the TN removal. In the PD stage, the dominant genus Thauera (43.91%) facilitated efficient NAR (82.86 ± 1.61%) at a limited COD/NO3[-]-N ratio of 2.32 ± 0.02. The Anammox biofilm (Candidatus_Kuenenia, 27.80%) in the Amx reactor contributed to 13.10% of TN removal, ensuring to meet the MLL discharge standard. Kinetic and metagenomic analyses confirmed that distinct shifts from complete to partial nitrification (and denitrification) in enzymes activity and gene abundance under chronic MLL stress underpinned the robust NO2[-]-N accumulation in both PN/A and PD reactors. Notably, compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification process, the PN/A-PD-A system significantly reduced oxygen demand (60.18%), exogenous organic carbon consumption (91.61%), sludge yield (83.72%), and CO2 emission (94.66%), demonstrating a sustainable pathway for low-carbon nitrogen removal from high-strength wastewater.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
CmpDate: 2026-03-23
A quantitative framework for multiscale analysis of Candida albicans biofilm development.
Biofilm, 11:100356.
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of significant biomedical concern. Its ability to colonize abiotic surfaces of clinical devices - such as catheters and airway management systems - can result in life-threatening sepsis, especially in immunocompromised patients. A deeper understanding of C. albicans biofilm development under different environmental conditions is essential for improving antifungal treatments. In this study, we develop and validate a multiscale quantitative framework for analysing biofilm development. We examine C. albicans biofilm formation using live fluorescence microscopy across multiple scales and modalities, and introduce new quantification approaches. High-magnification tracking of hyphal tips reveals that hyphal elongation occurs intermittently rather than continuously. Using a new automated tracking approach, we show that hyphal emergence is initially rapid, slows down after approximately two hours, then speeds up again. At lower magnifications, area coverage across large fields of view proves to be a robust and scalable metric. It is strongly influenced by seed density and extends analysis to later stages of growth. Elevated carbon dioxide levels significantly accelerate area coverage, promoting rapid biofilm expansion. Blue light illumination reduces C. albicans growth in a dose-dependent manner. Light-sheet imaging enables the long-term capture of vertical biofilm growth, complementing widefield-based approaches. We introduce logistic model parameters to effectively quantify the dynamics of surface area growth. The methodologies presented here are well-suited for high-content screening applications aimed at identifying compounds that inhibit or suppress fungal biofilm formation under clinically relevant conditions.
Additional Links: PMID-41867910
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41867910,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, K and Skivens, S and Green, JEF and Tam, AKY and Pentland, DR and Baumann, H and Gourlay, CW and Binder, BJ and Laissue, PP},
title = {A quantitative framework for multiscale analysis of Candida albicans biofilm development.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100356},
pmid = {41867910},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of significant biomedical concern. Its ability to colonize abiotic surfaces of clinical devices - such as catheters and airway management systems - can result in life-threatening sepsis, especially in immunocompromised patients. A deeper understanding of C. albicans biofilm development under different environmental conditions is essential for improving antifungal treatments. In this study, we develop and validate a multiscale quantitative framework for analysing biofilm development. We examine C. albicans biofilm formation using live fluorescence microscopy across multiple scales and modalities, and introduce new quantification approaches. High-magnification tracking of hyphal tips reveals that hyphal elongation occurs intermittently rather than continuously. Using a new automated tracking approach, we show that hyphal emergence is initially rapid, slows down after approximately two hours, then speeds up again. At lower magnifications, area coverage across large fields of view proves to be a robust and scalable metric. It is strongly influenced by seed density and extends analysis to later stages of growth. Elevated carbon dioxide levels significantly accelerate area coverage, promoting rapid biofilm expansion. Blue light illumination reduces C. albicans growth in a dose-dependent manner. Light-sheet imaging enables the long-term capture of vertical biofilm growth, complementing widefield-based approaches. We introduce logistic model parameters to effectively quantify the dynamics of surface area growth. The methodologies presented here are well-suited for high-content screening applications aimed at identifying compounds that inhibit or suppress fungal biofilm formation under clinically relevant conditions.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
CmpDate: 2026-03-23
Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Properties of Ma'in Hot Springs Targeting Bacteria Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers.
Infection and drug resistance, 19:544236.
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, which is worsened by biofilm-forming bacterial infections that can contribute to antibiotic resistance and delayed wound healing. This study explores the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of Ma'in Hot Springs Water (MHSW) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which are associated with DFU.
METHODS: The chemical composition of MHSW was determined using LC-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and heavy metal profiling. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, bacterial growth kinetics, and biofilm inhibition assays.
RESULTS: The results demonstrated a dose-dependent antibacterial effect. Biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide production, and bacterial adhesion were reduced in treated samples. Moreover, MHSW disrupted virulence factors such as plasma coagulation and metallo-β-lactamase production. It was also found to be non-cytotoxic.
DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate the potential of MHSW as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for DFU infections. However, the presence of heavy metals exceeding safety limits requires further investigation to determine their optimal concentration for clinical usage.
Additional Links: PMID-41868023
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41868023,
year = {2026},
author = {Zubair, M and Alshadfan, H and Alatawy, R and Mesaik, MAH},
title = {Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Properties of Ma'in Hot Springs Targeting Bacteria Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {544236},
pmid = {41868023},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, which is worsened by biofilm-forming bacterial infections that can contribute to antibiotic resistance and delayed wound healing. This study explores the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of Ma'in Hot Springs Water (MHSW) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which are associated with DFU.
METHODS: The chemical composition of MHSW was determined using LC-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and heavy metal profiling. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, bacterial growth kinetics, and biofilm inhibition assays.
RESULTS: The results demonstrated a dose-dependent antibacterial effect. Biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide production, and bacterial adhesion were reduced in treated samples. Moreover, MHSW disrupted virulence factors such as plasma coagulation and metallo-β-lactamase production. It was also found to be non-cytotoxic.
DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate the potential of MHSW as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for DFU infections. However, the presence of heavy metals exceeding safety limits requires further investigation to determine their optimal concentration for clinical usage.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
CmpDate: 2026-03-23
Dihydromyricetin attenuates biofilm formation and virulence in Streptococcus mutans, the key pathogen underlying dental caries.
Journal of oral microbiology, 18(1):2645305.
OBJECTIVE: Streptococcus mutans is a primary pathogen linked to dental caries. This study evaluated the effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid from Ampelopsis grossedentata, on the biofilm formation and virulence of S. mutans UA159 and explored the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS: Antibacterial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and growth assays. Biofilm formation, metabolic activity and viable counts were assessed using crystal violet staining, MTT and CFU assays. Biofilm architecture was examined by electron and confocal microscopy. Acid production, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis, adhesion and aggregation were evaluated. Expression of virulence genes (gtfB, gtfC and spaP) and the quorum sensing gene luxS was analyzed by RT-qPCR.
RESULTS: DHM showed an MIC of 250 μg/mL and significantly inhibited biofilm formation, EPS synthesis, acid production, adhesion and aggregation. Biofilm structure was disrupted and viable cell counts were reduced. DHM markedly downregulated virulence-associated and quorum sensing-related genes.
CONCLUSION: DHM suppresses biofilm formation and cariogenic virulence of S. mutans, partly through the modulation of quorum sensing, indicating its potential as a natural anticariogenic agent.
Additional Links: PMID-41868089
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41868089,
year = {2026},
author = {Liao, Y and Li, X and Sethupathy, S and Zhong, L and Cheng, X and Wang, F and Ding, Z and Hao, C and Ye, L and Li, Y and Dar, OI and Wang, M},
title = {Dihydromyricetin attenuates biofilm formation and virulence in Streptococcus mutans, the key pathogen underlying dental caries.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2645305},
pmid = {41868089},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Streptococcus mutans is a primary pathogen linked to dental caries. This study evaluated the effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid from Ampelopsis grossedentata, on the biofilm formation and virulence of S. mutans UA159 and explored the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS: Antibacterial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and growth assays. Biofilm formation, metabolic activity and viable counts were assessed using crystal violet staining, MTT and CFU assays. Biofilm architecture was examined by electron and confocal microscopy. Acid production, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis, adhesion and aggregation were evaluated. Expression of virulence genes (gtfB, gtfC and spaP) and the quorum sensing gene luxS was analyzed by RT-qPCR.
RESULTS: DHM showed an MIC of 250 μg/mL and significantly inhibited biofilm formation, EPS synthesis, acid production, adhesion and aggregation. Biofilm structure was disrupted and viable cell counts were reduced. DHM markedly downregulated virulence-associated and quorum sensing-related genes.
CONCLUSION: DHM suppresses biofilm formation and cariogenic virulence of S. mutans, partly through the modulation of quorum sensing, indicating its potential as a natural anticariogenic agent.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
CmpDate: 2026-03-23
Shikonin inhibits MRSA biofilm formation to alleviate periprosthetic joint infection.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 17:1739888.
OBJECTIVE: To alleviate periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), shikonin (SKN) had been used to intervene the biofilm formation of MRSA in vivo and in vitro, which provides theoretical support and practical foundation for SKN as a novel drug against drug-resistant bacterial infection.
METHODS: The rat model of periprosthetic joint infection was established, utilizing techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and pathology test to evaluate the MRSA inhibitory of bacterial load and biofilm formation effects of SKN. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) experiments were conducted to assess the antibacterial activity of SKN. The crystal violet staining method was employed to evaluate the effects of SKN on MRSA biofilm formation and eradication. Transcriptomic and amino acid metabolomics analyses were used to investigate the mechanism of SKN inhibition in MRSA biofilm formation. Total thiol detection was used to assess the impact of SKN on the intracellular cysteine levels in MRSA. Finally, MIC and crystal violet staining were used to evaluate the antibacterial effects and biofilm eradication efficacy of SKN against clinical MRSA strains.
RESULTS: In vivo experimental results demonstrated that high doses of SKN significantly reduced the biofilm formation in MRSA PJI in rats, improved local inflammatory responses, and promoted tissue repair. Observations using scanning electron microscopy confirmed that SKN effectively inhibited the formation of biofilms on implant surface. MIC experiments revealed that the lowest inhibitory concentration of SKN was 70 μM, indicating significant antibacterial activity, although no direct bactericidal effects were observed. Results of crystal violet staining showed that SKN could significantly inhibit biofilm formation of MRSA at sublethal concentrations and exhibited efficacy of biofilm removal. Transcriptomic and acid amino metabolomic analyses prompted that the inhibition of MRSA biofilm formation by SKN might be related to regulate the cysteine metabolism in MRSA. Total thiol detection was used to validate the omics findings in vitro. Finally, SKN intervention in MRSA clinical strains showed that the SKN could inhibit MRSA clinical strains and remove biofilm.
CONCLUSION: SKN inhibits MRSA by suppressing biofilm formation, effectively alleviating periprosthetic joint infection by MRSA, and the mechanism of SKN antibacterial activity may be related to regulate the cysteine metabolism in MRSA.
Additional Links: PMID-41868125
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41868125,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, S and Zhang, H and Zheng, X and Mou, X and Wu, Z and Zou, L and Shou, K and Liu, X},
title = {Shikonin inhibits MRSA biofilm formation to alleviate periprosthetic joint infection.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1739888},
pmid = {41868125},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To alleviate periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), shikonin (SKN) had been used to intervene the biofilm formation of MRSA in vivo and in vitro, which provides theoretical support and practical foundation for SKN as a novel drug against drug-resistant bacterial infection.
METHODS: The rat model of periprosthetic joint infection was established, utilizing techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and pathology test to evaluate the MRSA inhibitory of bacterial load and biofilm formation effects of SKN. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) experiments were conducted to assess the antibacterial activity of SKN. The crystal violet staining method was employed to evaluate the effects of SKN on MRSA biofilm formation and eradication. Transcriptomic and amino acid metabolomics analyses were used to investigate the mechanism of SKN inhibition in MRSA biofilm formation. Total thiol detection was used to assess the impact of SKN on the intracellular cysteine levels in MRSA. Finally, MIC and crystal violet staining were used to evaluate the antibacterial effects and biofilm eradication efficacy of SKN against clinical MRSA strains.
RESULTS: In vivo experimental results demonstrated that high doses of SKN significantly reduced the biofilm formation in MRSA PJI in rats, improved local inflammatory responses, and promoted tissue repair. Observations using scanning electron microscopy confirmed that SKN effectively inhibited the formation of biofilms on implant surface. MIC experiments revealed that the lowest inhibitory concentration of SKN was 70 μM, indicating significant antibacterial activity, although no direct bactericidal effects were observed. Results of crystal violet staining showed that SKN could significantly inhibit biofilm formation of MRSA at sublethal concentrations and exhibited efficacy of biofilm removal. Transcriptomic and acid amino metabolomic analyses prompted that the inhibition of MRSA biofilm formation by SKN might be related to regulate the cysteine metabolism in MRSA. Total thiol detection was used to validate the omics findings in vitro. Finally, SKN intervention in MRSA clinical strains showed that the SKN could inhibit MRSA clinical strains and remove biofilm.
CONCLUSION: SKN inhibits MRSA by suppressing biofilm formation, effectively alleviating periprosthetic joint infection by MRSA, and the mechanism of SKN antibacterial activity may be related to regulate the cysteine metabolism in MRSA.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
CmpDate: 2026-03-23
Intraoperative sampling for postoperative metagenomic next-generation sequencing to guide biofilm-targeted therapy for Cutibacterium acnes infective endocarditis complicated by ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: a case report.
Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 13:1707117.
BACKGROUND: Cutibacterium acnes is an easily overlooked pathogen in infective endocarditis (IE) due to its slow growth, propensity for biofilm formation, and high rate of culture-negative results. When complicated by structural heart disease such as a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSVA), its indolent course can lead to severe hemodynamic compromise.
CASE SUMMARY: A 35-year-old male with a known ventricular septal defect (VSD) and unruptured aortic sinus aneurysm presented with persistent fever and progressive heart failure (NYHA class IV). Echocardiography revealed a ruptured right coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RCSVA) into the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) with a large vegetation. Blood cultures were negative. After 6 days of ineffective empirical antibiotic therapy, emergency surgery was performed to resect the aneurysm and vegetation and repair the cardiac structures. Intraoperatively, a vegetation sample was collected for metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Postoperatively, mNGS identified Cutibacterium acnes with high sequence reads (1,284) and coverage (47.62%), enabling a definitive diagnosis. Pathology confirmed microcolonies and necrotic inflammation. The antibiotic regimen was switched to a regimen with potential activity against biofilms with oral doxycycline and intravenous clindamycin for 6 weeks. The patient's inflammatory markers normalized, and cardiac function recovered to NYHA class I, with no recurrence at 12-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION: This case highlights the diagnostic synergy of intraoperative histopathology and mNGS for pathogen identification, underscores the rationale for biofilm-conscious adjuvant therapy, and reaffirms the crucial role of early surgical debridement and repair in achieving cure.
Additional Links: PMID-41869518
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41869518,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Wu, R},
title = {Intraoperative sampling for postoperative metagenomic next-generation sequencing to guide biofilm-targeted therapy for Cutibacterium acnes infective endocarditis complicated by ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: a case report.},
journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1707117},
pmid = {41869518},
issn = {2297-055X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cutibacterium acnes is an easily overlooked pathogen in infective endocarditis (IE) due to its slow growth, propensity for biofilm formation, and high rate of culture-negative results. When complicated by structural heart disease such as a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSVA), its indolent course can lead to severe hemodynamic compromise.
CASE SUMMARY: A 35-year-old male with a known ventricular septal defect (VSD) and unruptured aortic sinus aneurysm presented with persistent fever and progressive heart failure (NYHA class IV). Echocardiography revealed a ruptured right coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RCSVA) into the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) with a large vegetation. Blood cultures were negative. After 6 days of ineffective empirical antibiotic therapy, emergency surgery was performed to resect the aneurysm and vegetation and repair the cardiac structures. Intraoperatively, a vegetation sample was collected for metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Postoperatively, mNGS identified Cutibacterium acnes with high sequence reads (1,284) and coverage (47.62%), enabling a definitive diagnosis. Pathology confirmed microcolonies and necrotic inflammation. The antibiotic regimen was switched to a regimen with potential activity against biofilms with oral doxycycline and intravenous clindamycin for 6 weeks. The patient's inflammatory markers normalized, and cardiac function recovered to NYHA class I, with no recurrence at 12-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION: This case highlights the diagnostic synergy of intraoperative histopathology and mNGS for pathogen identification, underscores the rationale for biofilm-conscious adjuvant therapy, and reaffirms the crucial role of early surgical debridement and repair in achieving cure.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
Targeting Quorum Sensing LsrR Protein in E. coli: A Computational Approach to Screen the Plant Bioactive Compounds as Inhibitors of Biofilm Formation in Urinary Tract Infections.
Assay and drug development technologies [Epub ahead of print].
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli, driven by biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS), presents a significant challenge in combating infections, particularly urinary tract infections. This study explored the potential of plant bioactive compounds to inhibit LsrR, a key transcriptional regulator of the QS system, in E. coli. The active site of LsrR was identified using the Sitemap module, which demonstrated high druggability, with a D-score of 0.987. Structure-based virtual screening was used to identify plant-derived inhibitors, followed by docking, binding free energy calculations, and induced-fit docking to evaluate ligand interactions and stability. Chebulinic acid, rutin, and vicine have emerged as potent inhibitors with better docking scores and multiple protein-ligand interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these complexes, highlighting their potential to disrupt QS pathways and inhibit bacterial biofilm formation. These findings suggest that plant bioactive compounds are promising novel therapeutic agents for mitigating AMR in E. coli by targeting LsrR.
Additional Links: PMID-41869957
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41869957,
year = {2026},
author = {Vijaya Prabhu, S and Suman, S and Chellapandi, A and Baskaradoss, P and Padma Priya, S and Pandurangan, T and Ayyanar, M and Murugesan, R and Srinivasan, P},
title = {Targeting Quorum Sensing LsrR Protein in E. coli: A Computational Approach to Screen the Plant Bioactive Compounds as Inhibitors of Biofilm Formation in Urinary Tract Infections.},
journal = {Assay and drug development technologies},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1540658X261429261},
doi = {10.1177/1540658X261429261},
pmid = {41869957},
issn = {1557-8127},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli, driven by biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS), presents a significant challenge in combating infections, particularly urinary tract infections. This study explored the potential of plant bioactive compounds to inhibit LsrR, a key transcriptional regulator of the QS system, in E. coli. The active site of LsrR was identified using the Sitemap module, which demonstrated high druggability, with a D-score of 0.987. Structure-based virtual screening was used to identify plant-derived inhibitors, followed by docking, binding free energy calculations, and induced-fit docking to evaluate ligand interactions and stability. Chebulinic acid, rutin, and vicine have emerged as potent inhibitors with better docking scores and multiple protein-ligand interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these complexes, highlighting their potential to disrupt QS pathways and inhibit bacterial biofilm formation. These findings suggest that plant bioactive compounds are promising novel therapeutic agents for mitigating AMR in E. coli by targeting LsrR.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-23
CmpDate: 2026-03-23
Supragingival dental biofilm microbiomes of tobacco heating system smokers, cigarette smokers and non-smokers.
Clinical oral investigations, 30(4):.
OBJECTIVES: The study compared the bacterial composition of supragingival dental biofilm (SDB) among smokers and non-smokers (NS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 60 subjects allocated into three groups: tobacco heating system smokers (THSS), cigarette smokers (CS) and NS. SDB samples were collected, and bacterial DNA was extracted and prepared for next generation sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene hypervariable regions. Bioinformatic pipelines were applied to assess microbial diversity and taxonomic composition.
RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in alpha diversity (Observed taxa and Shannon index) or beta diversity (Bray-Curtis index) among groups. In contrast, significant differences in microbiome bacterial composition were identified across multiple taxonomic levels. At the genus level, Alysiella (p = 0.016) and Propionibacterium (p = 0.025) were most abundant in THSS, whereas Actinobaculum (p = 0.004), Avibacterium (p = 0.015) and Haemophilus (p = 0.030) predominated in NS. At the species level: Alysiella filiformis (p = 0.006) and Streptococcus thermophilus (p = 0.025) were most abundant in THSS, Streptococcus lactarius (p = 0.05) in CS, and Prevotella multiformis (p = 0.016) and Lactobacillus salivarius (p = 0.018) in NS group.
CONCLUSIONS: Distinct differences in bacterial composition of SDB were observed among THSS, CS and NS. The increased abundance of anaerobic bacteria with cariogenic potential in THSS and CS suggests a more dysbiotic profile and increased pathogenic potential compared to NS.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Variations in SDB bacterial composition may influence the pathological potential of dental biofilms in smokers and non-smokers.
Additional Links: PMID-41870676
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41870676,
year = {2026},
author = {Božac, E and Žučko, J and Braut, A and Špalj, S and Peršić Bukmir, R and Toplak, N and Hladnik, M and Vitezić, BM},
title = {Supragingival dental biofilm microbiomes of tobacco heating system smokers, cigarette smokers and non-smokers.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41870676},
issn = {1436-3771},
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; *Microbiota ; *Smokers ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; *Non-Smokers ; Middle Aged ; *Gingiva/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial ; Heating ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The study compared the bacterial composition of supragingival dental biofilm (SDB) among smokers and non-smokers (NS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 60 subjects allocated into three groups: tobacco heating system smokers (THSS), cigarette smokers (CS) and NS. SDB samples were collected, and bacterial DNA was extracted and prepared for next generation sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene hypervariable regions. Bioinformatic pipelines were applied to assess microbial diversity and taxonomic composition.
RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in alpha diversity (Observed taxa and Shannon index) or beta diversity (Bray-Curtis index) among groups. In contrast, significant differences in microbiome bacterial composition were identified across multiple taxonomic levels. At the genus level, Alysiella (p = 0.016) and Propionibacterium (p = 0.025) were most abundant in THSS, whereas Actinobaculum (p = 0.004), Avibacterium (p = 0.015) and Haemophilus (p = 0.030) predominated in NS. At the species level: Alysiella filiformis (p = 0.006) and Streptococcus thermophilus (p = 0.025) were most abundant in THSS, Streptococcus lactarius (p = 0.05) in CS, and Prevotella multiformis (p = 0.016) and Lactobacillus salivarius (p = 0.018) in NS group.
CONCLUSIONS: Distinct differences in bacterial composition of SDB were observed among THSS, CS and NS. The increased abundance of anaerobic bacteria with cariogenic potential in THSS and CS suggests a more dysbiotic profile and increased pathogenic potential compared to NS.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Variations in SDB bacterial composition may influence the pathological potential of dental biofilms in smokers and non-smokers.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Biofilms
Cross-Sectional Studies
Male
Female
Adult
*Microbiota
*Smokers
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
*Non-Smokers
Middle Aged
*Gingiva/microbiology
DNA, Bacterial
Heating
RevDate: 2026-03-23
Effect of ultrasonic power settings on intracanal biofilm reduction.
Clinical oral investigations, 30(4):.
Additional Links: PMID-41870810
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41870810,
year = {2026},
author = {Louzada, VG and Oliveira-Silva, M and Goulart, RS and Pitondo-Silva, A and Leoni, GB},
title = {Effect of ultrasonic power settings on intracanal biofilm reduction.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41870810},
issn = {1436-3771},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-21
Streptococcus mutans CcpA Promotes Biofilm Exopolysaccharide Production and Virulence Gene Expression.
Molecular oral microbiology [Epub ahead of print].
Streptococcus mutans is a key cariogenic pathogen of dental caries due to its strong ability to synthesize extracellular glucans and form biofilms. Glucosyltransferases, encoded by gtfB/C/D genes in S. mutans, are responsible for producing biofilm exopolysaccharides (EPS) and are considered to be critical virulence factors. Previous studies have highlighted the roles of various regulatory factors of gtf genes in S. mutans. Here, we investigated the role of the global transcriptional regulator CcpA encoded by ccpA in regulating the EPS synthesis and biofilm formation of S. mutans. A ccpA in-frame deletion strain was observed to develop shiny, round colonies and longer cell length. In addition, the deletion of ccpA resulted in impaired growth, diminished synthesis of EPS, and reduced biofilm formation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes in the ccpA deletion strain were significantly enriched in pathways of carbohydrate transport and metabolism, in which the expressions of gtfB and gtfC were downregulated markedly. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that CcpA directly binds to the promoter sequences of gtfB and gtfC, with a higher affinity for gtfC. Moreover, the expression level of ccpA in part explained differences in the ability to synthesize sufficient EPS and form stable biofilm in clinically isolated strains. These findings highlight that CcpA plays a crucial role in the EPS production and biofilm formation of S. mutans through directly binding to the promoter regions of gtfB and gtfC. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of S. mutans and potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.
Additional Links: PMID-41863040
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41863040,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Chen, Z and Jing, M and Huang, Z and Mao, M},
title = {Streptococcus mutans CcpA Promotes Biofilm Exopolysaccharide Production and Virulence Gene Expression.},
journal = {Molecular oral microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/omi.70027},
pmid = {41863040},
issn = {2041-1014},
support = {82071104 81900988//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23XD1434200/22Y21901000//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality/ ; NCRCO2021-omics-07//National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases/ ; 19MC1910600//Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases/ ; JYZP006//Major and Key Cultivation Projects of Ninth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong university School of Medicine/ ; 2022ZZ01017//Shanghai's Top Priority Research Center/ ; 2019-I2M-5-037//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; JYZZ237//Fundamental research program funding of Ninth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine/ ; JYJC202223//Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine/ ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans is a key cariogenic pathogen of dental caries due to its strong ability to synthesize extracellular glucans and form biofilms. Glucosyltransferases, encoded by gtfB/C/D genes in S. mutans, are responsible for producing biofilm exopolysaccharides (EPS) and are considered to be critical virulence factors. Previous studies have highlighted the roles of various regulatory factors of gtf genes in S. mutans. Here, we investigated the role of the global transcriptional regulator CcpA encoded by ccpA in regulating the EPS synthesis and biofilm formation of S. mutans. A ccpA in-frame deletion strain was observed to develop shiny, round colonies and longer cell length. In addition, the deletion of ccpA resulted in impaired growth, diminished synthesis of EPS, and reduced biofilm formation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes in the ccpA deletion strain were significantly enriched in pathways of carbohydrate transport and metabolism, in which the expressions of gtfB and gtfC were downregulated markedly. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that CcpA directly binds to the promoter sequences of gtfB and gtfC, with a higher affinity for gtfC. Moreover, the expression level of ccpA in part explained differences in the ability to synthesize sufficient EPS and form stable biofilm in clinically isolated strains. These findings highlight that CcpA plays a crucial role in the EPS production and biofilm formation of S. mutans through directly binding to the promoter regions of gtfB and gtfC. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of S. mutans and potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-21
In Vitro Synergistic Inhibition and Eradication of Pathogenic Bacterial Biofilms by Bacillus subtilis-derived Anti-biofilm Enzymes.
Current protein & peptide science pii:CPPS-EPUB-153869 [Epub ahead of print].
INTRODUCTION: Biofilm formation is a crucial virulent attribute of pathogens that promotes their resistance to antibiotics and contributes to chronic illnesses in humans. Traditional antibiotic therapies have proven ineffective in eliminating sessile microbial populations within biofilms, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, the in vitro efficacy of the anti-biofilm enzymes derived from Bacillus subtilis was evaluated against biofilm-forming human clinical pathogens.
METHODS: An in vitro impact of combined anti-biofilm enzymes obtained from Bacillus subtilis C5W on the inhibition and eradication of biofilms of A. baumannii, E. aerogenes, and E.coli was monitored using a spectrophotometric microtiter plate assay.
RESULTS: Among seven clinical pathogens, three pathogens were found to be strong biofilm producers as they formed biofilm at an incubation time of 48 hours. The anti-biofilm enzymes significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of A. baumannii and E. aerogenes at an incubation time of 48 hours, with inhibition rates of 62.51% and 57.91%, respectively. In contrast, the maximum inhibition of biofilm formation in E. coli was observed at 24 hours, with an inhibition rate of 76.69%. The biofilm eradication rates were recorded to be 30.17% (A. baumannii), 46.29% (E. aerogenes), and 53.02% (E. coli) after a 24-hour incubation time. The SEM images confirmed the disruption of adhered biofilm on the glass surface and aggregation of microcolonies.
DISCUSSION: The study highlighted that Bacillus subtilis-derived enzyme combinations showed a synergistic inhibitory effect against biofilms formed by human clinical pathogens under in vitro conditions. The combined enzymatic treatment not only disrupted established biofilms but also suppressed their formation, indicating an enhanced anti-biofilm potential.
CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated the multi-enzyme approach as a promising and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial approaches for managing biofilm-associated infections.
Additional Links: PMID-41863456
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41863456,
year = {2026},
author = {Ullah, AA and Naeem, M and Khan, F and Qadeer, K and Zohra, RR and Ahmad, M},
title = {In Vitro Synergistic Inhibition and Eradication of Pathogenic Bacterial Biofilms by Bacillus subtilis-derived Anti-biofilm Enzymes.},
journal = {Current protein & peptide science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0113892037427870260206112949},
pmid = {41863456},
issn = {1875-5550},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Biofilm formation is a crucial virulent attribute of pathogens that promotes their resistance to antibiotics and contributes to chronic illnesses in humans. Traditional antibiotic therapies have proven ineffective in eliminating sessile microbial populations within biofilms, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, the in vitro efficacy of the anti-biofilm enzymes derived from Bacillus subtilis was evaluated against biofilm-forming human clinical pathogens.
METHODS: An in vitro impact of combined anti-biofilm enzymes obtained from Bacillus subtilis C5W on the inhibition and eradication of biofilms of A. baumannii, E. aerogenes, and E.coli was monitored using a spectrophotometric microtiter plate assay.
RESULTS: Among seven clinical pathogens, three pathogens were found to be strong biofilm producers as they formed biofilm at an incubation time of 48 hours. The anti-biofilm enzymes significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of A. baumannii and E. aerogenes at an incubation time of 48 hours, with inhibition rates of 62.51% and 57.91%, respectively. In contrast, the maximum inhibition of biofilm formation in E. coli was observed at 24 hours, with an inhibition rate of 76.69%. The biofilm eradication rates were recorded to be 30.17% (A. baumannii), 46.29% (E. aerogenes), and 53.02% (E. coli) after a 24-hour incubation time. The SEM images confirmed the disruption of adhered biofilm on the glass surface and aggregation of microcolonies.
DISCUSSION: The study highlighted that Bacillus subtilis-derived enzyme combinations showed a synergistic inhibitory effect against biofilms formed by human clinical pathogens under in vitro conditions. The combined enzymatic treatment not only disrupted established biofilms but also suppressed their formation, indicating an enhanced anti-biofilm potential.
CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated the multi-enzyme approach as a promising and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial approaches for managing biofilm-associated infections.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-21
Characterization of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli isolated from wild boars.
Research in veterinary science, 204:106148 pii:S0034-5288(26)00101-3 [Epub ahead of print].
The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a widely distributed and ecologically adaptable species, increasingly recognized as a useful sentinel for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the human-livestock-wildlife interface. This study investigated the occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli, with particular focus on biofilm-forming ability and associated resistance determinants, in wild boars from Southern Italy. Nasal swabs were collected from healthy wild boars harvested during the 2023 hunting season in the Campania Region. E. coli isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and characterized for phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles. Biofilm production was evaluated using the crystal violet assay, while biofilm-associated genes and selected resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 81 E. coli isolates were analysed. Biofilm formation was detected in 66 isolates (81.5%), mainly as weak producers, and was positively correlated with the presence of biofilm-associated genes (r = 0.79, p < 0.0001), predominantly fliC (13.6%), fimH (9.9%), papC (8.6%), and agn43/flu (6.2%). Carbapenemase genes were predominantly detected among biofilm gene-positive isolates, including the combined presence of blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM in three strains. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found for blaPER, mphA, and blaVIM when comparing biofilm gene-positive and -negative strains. Most isolates exhibited a MDR phenotype, with a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging from 0.20 to 0.39. These findings highlight wild boars as potential reservoirs of multidrug-resistant E. coli and reveal the complex interplay between biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and wildlife, underscoring the need to include wildlife in integrated One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-41864121
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41864121,
year = {2026},
author = {Arslan, S and Schena, R and Romano, A and Hohenegger, M and De Martino, L and Nocera, FP},
title = {Characterization of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli isolated from wild boars.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {106148},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106148},
pmid = {41864121},
issn = {1532-2661},
abstract = {The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a widely distributed and ecologically adaptable species, increasingly recognized as a useful sentinel for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the human-livestock-wildlife interface. This study investigated the occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli, with particular focus on biofilm-forming ability and associated resistance determinants, in wild boars from Southern Italy. Nasal swabs were collected from healthy wild boars harvested during the 2023 hunting season in the Campania Region. E. coli isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and characterized for phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles. Biofilm production was evaluated using the crystal violet assay, while biofilm-associated genes and selected resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 81 E. coli isolates were analysed. Biofilm formation was detected in 66 isolates (81.5%), mainly as weak producers, and was positively correlated with the presence of biofilm-associated genes (r = 0.79, p < 0.0001), predominantly fliC (13.6%), fimH (9.9%), papC (8.6%), and agn43/flu (6.2%). Carbapenemase genes were predominantly detected among biofilm gene-positive isolates, including the combined presence of blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM in three strains. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found for blaPER, mphA, and blaVIM when comparing biofilm gene-positive and -negative strains. Most isolates exhibited a MDR phenotype, with a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging from 0.20 to 0.39. These findings highlight wild boars as potential reservoirs of multidrug-resistant E. coli and reveal the complex interplay between biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and wildlife, underscoring the need to include wildlife in integrated One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-21
Hexanoic acid inhibits in vitro growth and biofilm formation in Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria.
Microbiological research, 308:128504 pii:S0944-5013(26)00068-6 [Epub ahead of print].
Hexanoic acid (Hx) is a naturally occurring fatty acid with antimicrobial properties and potential to induce plant defense responses. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of Hx on Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, focusing on bacterial growth and biofilm formation, key factors for pathogen survival and virulence. The obtained results indicate that Hx did not exert a direct lethal effect at low concentrations on bacterial cells, but higher doses (≥ 12 mM) displayed a bactericidal effect against both species, with X. euvesicatoria showing higher sensitivity than X. vesicatoria. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed cell wall damage and absence of biofilm at ≥ 10 mM Hx, consistent with the quorum sensing (QS) inhibition observed at this concentration. Moreover, exposure to 5 mM Hx triggered a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating the inability of both bacteria to overcome the toxic environment generated by this compound. In addition, gene expression analysis demonstrated that Hx significantly impaired early biofilm establishment by downregulating motility- and virulence-related genes, particularly evident in X. euvesicatoria from lower concentrations. Although responses differed between the two species in survival strategies and sensitivities to Hx, both converged in a compromised biofilm formation and stress response capacity. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into Xanthomonas sensitivity to Hx and highlights biofilm disruption as a central mechanism underlying its antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions.
Additional Links: PMID-41864131
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41864131,
year = {2026},
author = {Sánchez-Giménez, L and Scalschi, L and Llorens, E and Falomir, E and Camañes, G and Vicedo, B},
title = {Hexanoic acid inhibits in vitro growth and biofilm formation in Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {308},
number = {},
pages = {128504},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128504},
pmid = {41864131},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Hexanoic acid (Hx) is a naturally occurring fatty acid with antimicrobial properties and potential to induce plant defense responses. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of Hx on Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, focusing on bacterial growth and biofilm formation, key factors for pathogen survival and virulence. The obtained results indicate that Hx did not exert a direct lethal effect at low concentrations on bacterial cells, but higher doses (≥ 12 mM) displayed a bactericidal effect against both species, with X. euvesicatoria showing higher sensitivity than X. vesicatoria. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed cell wall damage and absence of biofilm at ≥ 10 mM Hx, consistent with the quorum sensing (QS) inhibition observed at this concentration. Moreover, exposure to 5 mM Hx triggered a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating the inability of both bacteria to overcome the toxic environment generated by this compound. In addition, gene expression analysis demonstrated that Hx significantly impaired early biofilm establishment by downregulating motility- and virulence-related genes, particularly evident in X. euvesicatoria from lower concentrations. Although responses differed between the two species in survival strategies and sensitivities to Hx, both converged in a compromised biofilm formation and stress response capacity. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into Xanthomonas sensitivity to Hx and highlights biofilm disruption as a central mechanism underlying its antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-21
Repeated Sublethal Photodynamic Inactivation Does Not Increase Biofilm Formation or Induce Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy pii:S1572-1000(26)00111-0 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) could be an effective and novel approach to address the increasingly severe issue of antibiotic resistance. However, no standardized dosing protocol exists for aPDI administration, and clinical applications have frequently used sublethal doses. This study evaluated whether repeated sublethal antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (sPDT) could not only trigger resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, but also increase biofilm biomass accumulation and upregulate key biofilm-related genes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the response of five clinical antimicrobial-resistant A. baumannii strains to sPDT. A "cycle" was defined as one round of sPDT followed by an overnight regrowth and subsequent resuspension in fresh medium (3-3.5 h) to reach the logarithmic phase. To compare the effects of biofilm properties and antimicrobial responses, bacteria were exposed to 15 cycles of sPDT under three conditions: (1) no treatment (control group); (2) methylene blue (MB) mediated sPDT alone (MB-sPDT group); (3) a combination of MB and potassium iodide (KI) to mediate sPDT (MB/KI-sPDT group).
RESULTS: Our findings showed that the biofilms formed by A. baumannii after consecutive sPDT exhibited no resistance to subsequent aPDT, and that MB/KI-aPDT demonstrated superior efficacy in biofilm eradication. Moreover, some strains exhibited reduced biofilm-forming capacity after 15 cycles of sPDT. Compared to untreated controls (0th cycle), the expression levels of biofilm-associated genes (bap, csuE, ompA, and abaI genes) in most strains decreased after the 5th, 10th, and 15th cycles of MB-sPDT and MB/KI-sPDT, except for the upregulation of ompA observed in one multidrug-resistant strain after 5th cycles of MB-sPDT.
CONCLUSION: These results indicate that after 15 cycles of sPDT there was no increase in biofilm-forming capacity or upregulation of biofilm-related gene expression, and the biofilms formed showed no decreased susceptibility to the same aPDT regimens.
Additional Links: PMID-41864396
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41864396,
year = {2026},
author = {Qi, Q and Yin, XJ and Xuan, WJ and Wang, HM and Hamblin, MR and He, LX and Zhen, XM and Pang, Y and Huang, LY},
title = {Repeated Sublethal Photodynamic Inactivation Does Not Increase Biofilm Formation or Induce Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105444},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105444},
pmid = {41864396},
issn = {1873-1597},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) could be an effective and novel approach to address the increasingly severe issue of antibiotic resistance. However, no standardized dosing protocol exists for aPDI administration, and clinical applications have frequently used sublethal doses. This study evaluated whether repeated sublethal antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (sPDT) could not only trigger resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, but also increase biofilm biomass accumulation and upregulate key biofilm-related genes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the response of five clinical antimicrobial-resistant A. baumannii strains to sPDT. A "cycle" was defined as one round of sPDT followed by an overnight regrowth and subsequent resuspension in fresh medium (3-3.5 h) to reach the logarithmic phase. To compare the effects of biofilm properties and antimicrobial responses, bacteria were exposed to 15 cycles of sPDT under three conditions: (1) no treatment (control group); (2) methylene blue (MB) mediated sPDT alone (MB-sPDT group); (3) a combination of MB and potassium iodide (KI) to mediate sPDT (MB/KI-sPDT group).
RESULTS: Our findings showed that the biofilms formed by A. baumannii after consecutive sPDT exhibited no resistance to subsequent aPDT, and that MB/KI-aPDT demonstrated superior efficacy in biofilm eradication. Moreover, some strains exhibited reduced biofilm-forming capacity after 15 cycles of sPDT. Compared to untreated controls (0th cycle), the expression levels of biofilm-associated genes (bap, csuE, ompA, and abaI genes) in most strains decreased after the 5th, 10th, and 15th cycles of MB-sPDT and MB/KI-sPDT, except for the upregulation of ompA observed in one multidrug-resistant strain after 5th cycles of MB-sPDT.
CONCLUSION: These results indicate that after 15 cycles of sPDT there was no increase in biofilm-forming capacity or upregulation of biofilm-related gene expression, and the biofilms formed showed no decreased susceptibility to the same aPDT regimens.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-21
Black diamond and black silicon for reducing marine biofilm formation.
Environmental research pii:S0013-9351(26)00651-1 [Epub ahead of print].
Marine biofilms quickly colonize submerged surfaces, causing drag, reduced efficiency, and corrosion in vessels and marine infrastructure. Thus, the development of coatings that can resist bacterial adhesion and biofilm growth is essential. This study investigated two nanostructured surfaces - black silicon (bSi) and diamond-coated black silicon (black diamond, bD) - designed to physically disrupt bacterial cells using nanoscale spikes. Hydrogen- and fluorine-terminated versions of these surfaces were evaluated against 7-week-old Cobetia marina biofilms under controlled hydrodynamic conditions using flat silicon (Flat-Si) and flat diamond as controls. Nanostructured surfaces were less wettable than Flat-Si, with the contact angle of the fluorinated black diamond (bD-F) reaching 132°. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed that bSi and bD maintained their high-aspect-ratio nanoneedles, resisted protein adsorption, and had reduced biofilm coverage compared to flat controls. Optical Coherence Tomography revealed ∼50% thinner and less porous biofilms on the bD-F surface. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy analysis showed a 75% reduction in biofilm biovolume on bD-F compared to Flat-Si, with only 45% cell viability. Non-viable cells were predominantly located in inner biofilm layers, indicating a bactericidal effect. Flow cytometry supported these results, showing altered bacterial membrane potential and metabolic activity in bacteria exposed to bD surfaces. Experiments using real seawater and field immersion assays confirmed that bD surfaces maintain structural integrity and strongly reduce biofilm formation under realistic marine conditions. These findings demonstrate the antifouling and antimicrobial effects of nanostructured diamond-coated surfaces, particularly fluorine-terminated ones, for durable marine applications.
Additional Links: PMID-41864415
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41864415,
year = {2026},
author = {Romeu, MJ and Gomes, LC and Teixeira-Santos, R and Zulpukarova, G and Woudstra, W and Atema-Smit, J and Geertsema-Doornbusch, G and Schirhagl, R and May, PW and Mergulhão, FJ},
title = {Black diamond and black silicon for reducing marine biofilm formation.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {124321},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.124321},
pmid = {41864415},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Marine biofilms quickly colonize submerged surfaces, causing drag, reduced efficiency, and corrosion in vessels and marine infrastructure. Thus, the development of coatings that can resist bacterial adhesion and biofilm growth is essential. This study investigated two nanostructured surfaces - black silicon (bSi) and diamond-coated black silicon (black diamond, bD) - designed to physically disrupt bacterial cells using nanoscale spikes. Hydrogen- and fluorine-terminated versions of these surfaces were evaluated against 7-week-old Cobetia marina biofilms under controlled hydrodynamic conditions using flat silicon (Flat-Si) and flat diamond as controls. Nanostructured surfaces were less wettable than Flat-Si, with the contact angle of the fluorinated black diamond (bD-F) reaching 132°. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed that bSi and bD maintained their high-aspect-ratio nanoneedles, resisted protein adsorption, and had reduced biofilm coverage compared to flat controls. Optical Coherence Tomography revealed ∼50% thinner and less porous biofilms on the bD-F surface. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy analysis showed a 75% reduction in biofilm biovolume on bD-F compared to Flat-Si, with only 45% cell viability. Non-viable cells were predominantly located in inner biofilm layers, indicating a bactericidal effect. Flow cytometry supported these results, showing altered bacterial membrane potential and metabolic activity in bacteria exposed to bD surfaces. Experiments using real seawater and field immersion assays confirmed that bD surfaces maintain structural integrity and strongly reduce biofilm formation under realistic marine conditions. These findings demonstrate the antifouling and antimicrobial effects of nanostructured diamond-coated surfaces, particularly fluorine-terminated ones, for durable marine applications.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-20
CmpDate: 2026-03-20
LL-37 and bacterial DNA complexes in dental plaque: Implications for biofilm structure, innate immunity, and periodontal pathogenesis.
Journal of oral biosciences, 68(2):100771.
BACKGROUND: Dental plaque is a highly organized polymicrobial biofilm, in which extracellular DNA serves as a vital structural and functional component of the extracellular matrix. The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 plays an important role in oral innate defense, exhibiting both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Our recent study indicated that LL-37 forms stable complexes with bacterial DNA in dental plaque. This review summarizes current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and immunological consequences of LL-37-bacterial DNA interactions in dental plaque, highlighting their potential implications in biofilm structure, innate immunity, and periodontal pathogenesis.
HIGHLIGHT: LL-37 binds to oral bacterial DNA forming stable, nuclease-resistant, high-molecular-weight complexes with an aggregated morphology. These complexes abrogate the intrinsic antimicrobial activity of LL-37 while enhancing the stability and cohesiveness of the biofilm matrix. Moreover, LL-37-bacterial DNA complexes act as immunostimulatory molecules by activating TLR9 and the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby triggering proinflammatory cytokine production in host immune cells. Notably, this immunostimulatory capacity varies with the bacterial source of the DNA, suggesting species-specific modulation of host responses.
CONCLUSION: LL-37-bacterial DNA complex formation represents a key event at the interface of innate defense and dysbiosis in dental plaque. This dual nature of LL-37, whereby it acts as an antimicrobial peptide when alone, yet promotes biofilm formation and inflammation when complexed with bacterial DNA, sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying biofilm persistence and chronic inflammation. Understanding this interaction may open new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting biofilm-associated periodontal diseases.
Additional Links: PMID-41862276
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41862276,
year = {2026},
author = {Tanabe, G and Mori, T and Hanaoka, M and Domae, E and Into, T},
title = {LL-37 and bacterial DNA complexes in dental plaque: Implications for biofilm structure, innate immunity, and periodontal pathogenesis.},
journal = {Journal of oral biosciences},
volume = {68},
number = {2},
pages = {100771},
doi = {10.1016/j.job.2026.100771},
pmid = {41862276},
issn = {1880-3865},
mesh = {*Biofilms ; Humans ; *Immunity, Innate/immunology ; *Cathelicidins/immunology ; *Dental Plaque/microbiology/immunology ; *Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/immunology ; *DNA, Bacterial/immunology/metabolism ; *Periodontal Diseases/immunology/microbiology ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/immunology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dental plaque is a highly organized polymicrobial biofilm, in which extracellular DNA serves as a vital structural and functional component of the extracellular matrix. The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 plays an important role in oral innate defense, exhibiting both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Our recent study indicated that LL-37 forms stable complexes with bacterial DNA in dental plaque. This review summarizes current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and immunological consequences of LL-37-bacterial DNA interactions in dental plaque, highlighting their potential implications in biofilm structure, innate immunity, and periodontal pathogenesis.
HIGHLIGHT: LL-37 binds to oral bacterial DNA forming stable, nuclease-resistant, high-molecular-weight complexes with an aggregated morphology. These complexes abrogate the intrinsic antimicrobial activity of LL-37 while enhancing the stability and cohesiveness of the biofilm matrix. Moreover, LL-37-bacterial DNA complexes act as immunostimulatory molecules by activating TLR9 and the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby triggering proinflammatory cytokine production in host immune cells. Notably, this immunostimulatory capacity varies with the bacterial source of the DNA, suggesting species-specific modulation of host responses.
CONCLUSION: LL-37-bacterial DNA complex formation represents a key event at the interface of innate defense and dysbiosis in dental plaque. This dual nature of LL-37, whereby it acts as an antimicrobial peptide when alone, yet promotes biofilm formation and inflammation when complexed with bacterial DNA, sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying biofilm persistence and chronic inflammation. Understanding this interaction may open new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting biofilm-associated periodontal diseases.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms
Humans
*Immunity, Innate/immunology
*Cathelicidins/immunology
*Dental Plaque/microbiology/immunology
*Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/immunology
*DNA, Bacterial/immunology/metabolism
*Periodontal Diseases/immunology/microbiology
*Antimicrobial Peptides/immunology
RevDate: 2026-03-21
Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ICU patients and hospital surfaces: β-lactamase burden, biofilm formation and clonal spread.
European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41862732
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41862732,
year = {2026},
author = {da Silva, MEP and de Melo Suica, LM and Rodrigues, RS and Custódio, MGF and Ferreira, VB and da Silva Pontes, L and de Oliveira Santos, IC and Pribul, BR and da Silva Lima, NC and Ramos, IVG and Carvalho, AG and Belém, MGL and Esquerdo, RP and Assef, APDC and Matos, NB},
title = {Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ICU patients and hospital surfaces: β-lactamase burden, biofilm formation and clonal spread.},
journal = {European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41862732},
issn = {1435-4373},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-19
Comparative fermentation performance of biofilm and planktonic Saccharomyces cerevisiae under standard and high-carbon media.
International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41854812
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41854812,
year = {2026},
author = {Chaaya, G and Daccache, M and Yaghi, J and Louka, N and Maroun, RG and Assaf, JC and El Khoury, A and Lteif, R},
title = {Comparative fermentation performance of biofilm and planktonic Saccharomyces cerevisiae under standard and high-carbon media.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41854812},
issn = {1618-1905},
support = {FS173//Saint Joseph University/ ; },
}
RevDate: 2026-03-20
CmpDate: 2026-03-20
Synergistic Anti-quorum Sensing and Anti-biofilm Activities of Crude Terminalia catappa Leaf Extract Combined With Ciprofloxacin Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Cureus, 18(2):e103643.
The increasing prevalence of biofilm-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for alternative and complementary therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the anti-quorum-sensing, anti-biofilm, and antibacterial activities of Terminalia catappa ethanolic crude leaf extract combined with ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa BIOTECH 1335 using an in vitro quantitative experimental design. The crude extract was obtained from fresh leaves, yielding 2.46% (2.46 g/100 g), and phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars, and fixed oils, while alkaloids and anthraquinone glycosides were absent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analysis was performed using an IRPrestige-21 FTIR spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan) equipped with a MIRacle ATR accessory (PIKE Technologies, Madison, WI, USA), confirming functional groups associated with phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Biofilm inhibition assays showed that the extract alone achieved up to 67.23% inhibition at 64 µg/mL. Ciprofloxacin demonstrated an inverse dose-response pattern in biofilm inhibition, wherein higher concentrations exhibited lower inhibitory effects, an atypical finding of potential mechanistic relevance. The combined treatment produced enhanced inhibition at defined concentration ranges, with the highest biofilm inhibition (72.94%) observed at 64 µg/mL extract and 0.0625 µg/mL ciprofloxacin. Quorum-sensing assays showed dose-dependent reductions in swarming and swimming motility across treatments. Checkerboard analysis revealed concentration-dependent synergistic interactions (∑FIC ≤ 0.5) specifically at low-to-moderate extract concentrations (16-32 µg/mL) combined with sub-inhibitory ciprofloxacin doses (0.015625-0.03125 µg/mL), while higher-dose combinations demonstrated predominantly additive effects. Two-way ANOVA confirmed significant main effects of extracts and ciprofloxacin concentrations. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Terminalia catappa crude extract can potentiate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of ciprofloxacin at specific concentration combinations, supporting the potential of plant-antibiotic combination strategies as a multi-targeted approach against biofilm-related infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Additional Links: PMID-41859601
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41859601,
year = {2026},
author = {Ricafrente, RML and Malalay, AP},
title = {Synergistic Anti-quorum Sensing and Anti-biofilm Activities of Crude Terminalia catappa Leaf Extract Combined With Ciprofloxacin Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e103643},
pmid = {41859601},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {The increasing prevalence of biofilm-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for alternative and complementary therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the anti-quorum-sensing, anti-biofilm, and antibacterial activities of Terminalia catappa ethanolic crude leaf extract combined with ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa BIOTECH 1335 using an in vitro quantitative experimental design. The crude extract was obtained from fresh leaves, yielding 2.46% (2.46 g/100 g), and phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars, and fixed oils, while alkaloids and anthraquinone glycosides were absent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analysis was performed using an IRPrestige-21 FTIR spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan) equipped with a MIRacle ATR accessory (PIKE Technologies, Madison, WI, USA), confirming functional groups associated with phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Biofilm inhibition assays showed that the extract alone achieved up to 67.23% inhibition at 64 µg/mL. Ciprofloxacin demonstrated an inverse dose-response pattern in biofilm inhibition, wherein higher concentrations exhibited lower inhibitory effects, an atypical finding of potential mechanistic relevance. The combined treatment produced enhanced inhibition at defined concentration ranges, with the highest biofilm inhibition (72.94%) observed at 64 µg/mL extract and 0.0625 µg/mL ciprofloxacin. Quorum-sensing assays showed dose-dependent reductions in swarming and swimming motility across treatments. Checkerboard analysis revealed concentration-dependent synergistic interactions (∑FIC ≤ 0.5) specifically at low-to-moderate extract concentrations (16-32 µg/mL) combined with sub-inhibitory ciprofloxacin doses (0.015625-0.03125 µg/mL), while higher-dose combinations demonstrated predominantly additive effects. Two-way ANOVA confirmed significant main effects of extracts and ciprofloxacin concentrations. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Terminalia catappa crude extract can potentiate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of ciprofloxacin at specific concentration combinations, supporting the potential of plant-antibiotic combination strategies as a multi-targeted approach against biofilm-related infections and antimicrobial resistance.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-20
CmpDate: 2026-03-20
Enhancing cytidine biosynthesis by coupling minicell-forming morphology with biofilm-based fermentation.
Synthetic and systems biotechnology, 13:390-395.
Cytidine is an important nucleoside in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. To improve its biosynthesis efficiency, this study proposes a strategy that integrates minicell-forming recombinant strains with biofilm-based fermentation. By knocking out the key gene minC that regulates cell division, a cytidine-producing strain capable of stable minicell formation was constructed. In the biofilm-based fermentation system, the cytidine titer of this strain reached 1.74 g/L, representing a 114% increase compared to traditional free-cell fermentation. The study further revealed that minicell formation may promote biofilm formation, which in turn helps mitigate acidification during the fermentation process. This work provides a new approach for the synergistic optimization of morphology engineering and fermentation processes in microbial cytidine production, with significant potential in industrial biotechnology.
Additional Links: PMID-41859727
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41859727,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, D and Shao, C and Liu, D and Ying, H},
title = {Enhancing cytidine biosynthesis by coupling minicell-forming morphology with biofilm-based fermentation.},
journal = {Synthetic and systems biotechnology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {390-395},
pmid = {41859727},
issn = {2405-805X},
abstract = {Cytidine is an important nucleoside in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. To improve its biosynthesis efficiency, this study proposes a strategy that integrates minicell-forming recombinant strains with biofilm-based fermentation. By knocking out the key gene minC that regulates cell division, a cytidine-producing strain capable of stable minicell formation was constructed. In the biofilm-based fermentation system, the cytidine titer of this strain reached 1.74 g/L, representing a 114% increase compared to traditional free-cell fermentation. The study further revealed that minicell formation may promote biofilm formation, which in turn helps mitigate acidification during the fermentation process. This work provides a new approach for the synergistic optimization of morphology engineering and fermentation processes in microbial cytidine production, with significant potential in industrial biotechnology.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-20
Bioinspired antibacterial microrobots derived from mammalian cells for biofilm disruption.
Chemical communications (Cambridge, England) [Epub ahead of print].
This study reports bioinspired antibacterial microrobots for biofilm disruption and bacterial killing. Cell-derived magnetic microrobots (MMCs) have been prepared via polymer-assisted cell metallization, precisely preserving the original cell morphology. When decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, MMCs mechanically disrupt biofilms through structural interactions and dramatically promote the bactericidal performance of H2O2.
Additional Links: PMID-41859892
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41859892,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Ma, J and Fu, L and Zheng, Z and Wang, W},
title = {Bioinspired antibacterial microrobots derived from mammalian cells for biofilm disruption.},
journal = {Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d6cc00121a},
pmid = {41859892},
issn = {1364-548X},
abstract = {This study reports bioinspired antibacterial microrobots for biofilm disruption and bacterial killing. Cell-derived magnetic microrobots (MMCs) have been prepared via polymer-assisted cell metallization, precisely preserving the original cell morphology. When decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, MMCs mechanically disrupt biofilms through structural interactions and dramatically promote the bactericidal performance of H2O2.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-20
Thermoregulation of functional amyloid Fap-dependent biofilm formation via cyclic diguanosine monophosphate signaling in Pseudomonas fluorescens.
Applied and environmental microbiology [Epub ahead of print].
UNLABELLED: We recently reported that Pseudomonas fluorescens PF07, an isolate from refrigerated marine fish, produces the functional amyloid Fap as the major component of its biofilm matrix and that transcription of the fap gene cluster is directly regulated by BrfA, a novel c-di-GMP-responsive transcription regulator. As a psychrotrophic food spoiler, P. fluorescens encounters temperature fluctuations during food processing and distribution; however, the effects of temperature on its biofilm formation remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that reduced temperatures (4°C and 15°C) significantly attenuate macrocolony, pellicle, and solid-surface-associated biofilm formation in PF07 compared to 28°C. Mechanistically, low temperatures suppress Fap-dependent biofilm formation by downregulating intracellular c-di-GMP levels via the coordinated control of two key enzymes: a novel diguanylate cyclase, DebA, and a cold-adapted phosphodiesterase BifA. At 28°C, DebA is highly expressed and maintains robust catalytic activity via its PAS domain, while BifA exhibits low activity due to poor thermostability; these effects together drive c-di-GMP accumulation, fap expression, and biofilm formation. Conversely, low temperatures reduce DebA expression and activity, while BifA retains exceptional cold tolerance to accelerate c-di-GMP degradation, thereby suppressing fap expression and biofilm formation. This study delineates a novel temperature-responsive c-di-GMP signaling pathway in the psychrotrophic food spoiler, P. fluorescens PF07.
IMPORTANCE: The persistence of bacteria in various biofilms frequently leads to food spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Pseudomonas fluorescens is widely recognized as one of the most prevalent spoilage organisms, with a robust capacity for biofilm formation. Temperature is a critical factor in food processing, distribution, and preservation. This study identifies a novel temperature-responsive c-di-GMP signaling module centered on the novel diguanylate cyclase DebA and the cold-adapted phosphodiesterase BifA, which governs Fap-dependent biofilm formation in P. fluorescens PF07. Our findings expand the known repertoire of c-di-GMP-mediated biofilm regulatory pathways and may inform the development of improved antibiofilm strategies for the food industry.
Additional Links: PMID-41860219
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41860219,
year = {2026},
author = {Ru, Y and Tan, S and Shen, X and Zheng, C and Wu, Y and Shao, Y and Liu, X},
title = {Thermoregulation of functional amyloid Fap-dependent biofilm formation via cyclic diguanosine monophosphate signaling in Pseudomonas fluorescens.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0238725},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02387-25},
pmid = {41860219},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: We recently reported that Pseudomonas fluorescens PF07, an isolate from refrigerated marine fish, produces the functional amyloid Fap as the major component of its biofilm matrix and that transcription of the fap gene cluster is directly regulated by BrfA, a novel c-di-GMP-responsive transcription regulator. As a psychrotrophic food spoiler, P. fluorescens encounters temperature fluctuations during food processing and distribution; however, the effects of temperature on its biofilm formation remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that reduced temperatures (4°C and 15°C) significantly attenuate macrocolony, pellicle, and solid-surface-associated biofilm formation in PF07 compared to 28°C. Mechanistically, low temperatures suppress Fap-dependent biofilm formation by downregulating intracellular c-di-GMP levels via the coordinated control of two key enzymes: a novel diguanylate cyclase, DebA, and a cold-adapted phosphodiesterase BifA. At 28°C, DebA is highly expressed and maintains robust catalytic activity via its PAS domain, while BifA exhibits low activity due to poor thermostability; these effects together drive c-di-GMP accumulation, fap expression, and biofilm formation. Conversely, low temperatures reduce DebA expression and activity, while BifA retains exceptional cold tolerance to accelerate c-di-GMP degradation, thereby suppressing fap expression and biofilm formation. This study delineates a novel temperature-responsive c-di-GMP signaling pathway in the psychrotrophic food spoiler, P. fluorescens PF07.
IMPORTANCE: The persistence of bacteria in various biofilms frequently leads to food spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Pseudomonas fluorescens is widely recognized as one of the most prevalent spoilage organisms, with a robust capacity for biofilm formation. Temperature is a critical factor in food processing, distribution, and preservation. This study identifies a novel temperature-responsive c-di-GMP signaling module centered on the novel diguanylate cyclase DebA and the cold-adapted phosphodiesterase BifA, which governs Fap-dependent biofilm formation in P. fluorescens PF07. Our findings expand the known repertoire of c-di-GMP-mediated biofilm regulatory pathways and may inform the development of improved antibiofilm strategies for the food industry.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-20
CmpDate: 2026-03-20
Surfactin selectively suppresses acidogenicity in Streptococcus sobrinus without inhibiting growth or biofilm formation.
Journal of oral biosciences, 68(2):100756.
OBJECTIVES: Dental caries are caused by organic acids produced by cariogenic bacteria through carbohydrate metabolism. Suppression of acid production without disrupting the oral microbiome is a promising preventive strategy against dental caries. Surfactin, a naturally derived biosurfactant, has several biological activities. However, its effects on acid production by cariogenic bacteria remain unclear. In this study, the effects of surfactin on lactate production, growth, biofilm formation, and metabolic activity of Streptococcus sobrinus, were investigated.
METHODS: In vitro assays were performed to distinguish surfactin-mediated suppression of acidogenic metabolism from its effects on bacterial growth or biofilm formation, combined with molecular and enzymatic analyses to explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms.
RESULTS: Surfactin significantly reduced lactate production in planktonic and biofilm-associated S. sobrinus, and it delayed environmental pH reduction in the presence of sucrose. Notably, these effects were observed without inhibition of bacterial growth or biofilm formation. There were no significant changes in the expression of lactate production-related genes, and lactate dehydrogenase activity was not inhibited by surfactin. In contrast, in the MTT assay, there was a transient reduction in metabolic activity, accompanied by delayed initiation of growth.
CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that surfactin selectively attenuates acidogenicity in S. sobrinus, without markedly affecting bacterial viability or biofilm architecture, which is consistent with an anti-virulence mode of action. Although further validation in more complex oral environments and comprehensive safety assessments are required, this study provides fundamental evidence supporting the potential of naturally derived biosurfactants as a basis for future preventive strategies for caries.
Additional Links: PMID-41862269
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41862269,
year = {2026},
author = {Wakamatsu, N and Yoshioka, Y and Habu, M and Ariyoshi, W and Yamasaki, R},
title = {Surfactin selectively suppresses acidogenicity in Streptococcus sobrinus without inhibiting growth or biofilm formation.},
journal = {Journal of oral biosciences},
volume = {68},
number = {2},
pages = {100756},
doi = {10.1016/j.job.2026.100756},
pmid = {41862269},
issn = {1880-3865},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology ; *Lipopeptides/pharmacology ; Lactic Acid/metabolism ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Dental Caries/prevention & control/microbiology ; Humans ; *Streptococcus/drug effects/growth & development/metabolism ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Dental caries are caused by organic acids produced by cariogenic bacteria through carbohydrate metabolism. Suppression of acid production without disrupting the oral microbiome is a promising preventive strategy against dental caries. Surfactin, a naturally derived biosurfactant, has several biological activities. However, its effects on acid production by cariogenic bacteria remain unclear. In this study, the effects of surfactin on lactate production, growth, biofilm formation, and metabolic activity of Streptococcus sobrinus, were investigated.
METHODS: In vitro assays were performed to distinguish surfactin-mediated suppression of acidogenic metabolism from its effects on bacterial growth or biofilm formation, combined with molecular and enzymatic analyses to explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms.
RESULTS: Surfactin significantly reduced lactate production in planktonic and biofilm-associated S. sobrinus, and it delayed environmental pH reduction in the presence of sucrose. Notably, these effects were observed without inhibition of bacterial growth or biofilm formation. There were no significant changes in the expression of lactate production-related genes, and lactate dehydrogenase activity was not inhibited by surfactin. In contrast, in the MTT assay, there was a transient reduction in metabolic activity, accompanied by delayed initiation of growth.
CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that surfactin selectively attenuates acidogenicity in S. sobrinus, without markedly affecting bacterial viability or biofilm architecture, which is consistent with an anti-virulence mode of action. Although further validation in more complex oral environments and comprehensive safety assessments are required, this study provides fundamental evidence supporting the potential of naturally derived biosurfactants as a basis for future preventive strategies for caries.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology
*Lipopeptides/pharmacology
Lactic Acid/metabolism
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Dental Caries/prevention & control/microbiology
Humans
*Streptococcus/drug effects/growth & development/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-03-18
Impact of cleaning protocols on surface integrity and biofilm formation of heat-polymerized and 3D-printed denture base resins after gastric acid exposure.
Journal of dentistry pii:S0300-5712(26)00307-6 [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of commonly used cleaning protocols on the surface, physical, chemical, optical, and microbiological properties of heat-polymerized and 3D-printed denture base resins after gastric acid exposure.
METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens (10×3 mm) were fabricated from one heat-polymerized resin (HT) and two 3D-printed resins (Yller® [YL] and Monile® [M]). After erosive cycling with gastric acid, specimens were allocated to four cleaning protocols (n=20): brushing with denture paste, effervescent tablet combined with brushing, immersion in mouthwash, and rinsing with tap water. Surface roughness, wettability, Vickers hardness, water sorption and solubility, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), color stability (CIEDE2000), and microbiological behavior were assessed at baseline and after cleaning. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05).
RESULTS: Erosive cycling followed by cleaning increased surface roughness (p=0.03) and hydrophilicity (p<0.01) in all resins. Hardness was influenced by both resin type and cleaning protocol (p<0.05), with the greatest reduction observed in YL. Water sorption and solubility remained low and unchanged (p>0.05), and FTIR analysis revealed no chemical degradation. However, all resins exhibited clinically perceptible color changes (p<0.01) and increased Candida albicans colonization (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite stable chemical structure and bulk properties, gastric acid exposure combined with routine cleaning impaired surface integrity, color stability, and resistance to microbial colonization of denture base resins.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gastric acid erosion associated with daily hygiene procedures may accelerate denture degradation and microbial colonization, potentially reducing prosthesis longevity and reinforcing the need for closer monitoring of patients with gastroesophageal reflux.
Additional Links: PMID-41850416
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41850416,
year = {2026},
author = {Gonçalves Veríssimo, MH and Gonçalves, LFF and da Costa, PCQG and de Boa, PWM and Borges, BCD and Magnani, M and de Castro, RD and Batista, AUD and Cavalcanti, YW and Barão, VAR and Pereira, ALC},
title = {Impact of cleaning protocols on surface integrity and biofilm formation of heat-polymerized and 3D-printed denture base resins after gastric acid exposure.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106635},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106635},
pmid = {41850416},
issn = {1879-176X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of commonly used cleaning protocols on the surface, physical, chemical, optical, and microbiological properties of heat-polymerized and 3D-printed denture base resins after gastric acid exposure.
METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens (10×3 mm) were fabricated from one heat-polymerized resin (HT) and two 3D-printed resins (Yller® [YL] and Monile® [M]). After erosive cycling with gastric acid, specimens were allocated to four cleaning protocols (n=20): brushing with denture paste, effervescent tablet combined with brushing, immersion in mouthwash, and rinsing with tap water. Surface roughness, wettability, Vickers hardness, water sorption and solubility, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), color stability (CIEDE2000), and microbiological behavior were assessed at baseline and after cleaning. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05).
RESULTS: Erosive cycling followed by cleaning increased surface roughness (p=0.03) and hydrophilicity (p<0.01) in all resins. Hardness was influenced by both resin type and cleaning protocol (p<0.05), with the greatest reduction observed in YL. Water sorption and solubility remained low and unchanged (p>0.05), and FTIR analysis revealed no chemical degradation. However, all resins exhibited clinically perceptible color changes (p<0.01) and increased Candida albicans colonization (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite stable chemical structure and bulk properties, gastric acid exposure combined with routine cleaning impaired surface integrity, color stability, and resistance to microbial colonization of denture base resins.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gastric acid erosion associated with daily hygiene procedures may accelerate denture degradation and microbial colonization, potentially reducing prosthesis longevity and reinforcing the need for closer monitoring of patients with gastroesophageal reflux.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-19
The anti-biofilm effect of ozonated water and super-oxidized water applied with different activation procedures against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.
BMC oral health pii:10.1186/s12903-026-08147-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41851696
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41851696,
year = {2026},
author = {Albayrak, F and Tunç, T and Altunbaş, D and Zan, R and Ayhan, M and Bal, H},
title = {The anti-biofilm effect of ozonated water and super-oxidized water applied with different activation procedures against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.},
journal = {BMC oral health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12903-026-08147-3},
pmid = {41851696},
issn = {1472-6831},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-19
CmpDate: 2026-03-19
A structural blueprint for antibacterial discovery: microwave- and ultrasound-assisted synthesis of pyrrolidine-fused quinoxalines as novel inhibitors of DNA gyrase and biofilm.
RSC advances, 16(16):14638-14659.
In order to lessen the severity of infectious diseases, anti-infective agents-drugs that prevent, combat, or control infections brought on by microorganisms-are essential in contemporary medicine. To tackle antimicrobial resistance, this project intends to design and synthesize hybrid compounds that contain pyrrolidine, quinoxaline and a hydrazinyl bridge, and assess the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of these compounds against a variety of pathogenic strains. The bactericidal properties of hybrids 24, 27, and 29 against E. coli were verified. The MIC of 12.5 µM was shown by hybrids 24, 25, and 31, which suggests bactericidal hybrids are effective against P. aeruginosa at greater concentrations. In comparison to Levofloxacin, treatment with all hybrids produced an 89-92% reduction in biofilm formation at 90% MIC. Eight hybrids' killing kinetics against P. aeruginosa were time-dependent, with an abrupt decrease in CFU number observed at higher concentrations. While 4-fold and 8-fold MICs resulted in nearly total bacterial eradication, primary bacterial elimination happened after three hours. The most effective DNA gyrase inhibitors were hybrids 25, 28, and 31; their IC50 values were significantly less than that of ciprofloxacin (77.3, 87.6, and 65.5 µM, respectively). To determine the best drug-like qualities, the study examined the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic features of active compounds. Molecular docking simulation experiments were also conducted to comprehend the binding interactions and mechanisms of action of these hits.
Additional Links: PMID-41853207
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41853207,
year = {2026},
author = {Fayed, EA and Najm, MAA and Abdelglil, MI and Ramsis, TM and Gohar, NA and Metwally, SA and Ebrahim, MA},
title = {A structural blueprint for antibacterial discovery: microwave- and ultrasound-assisted synthesis of pyrrolidine-fused quinoxalines as novel inhibitors of DNA gyrase and biofilm.},
journal = {RSC advances},
volume = {16},
number = {16},
pages = {14638-14659},
pmid = {41853207},
issn = {2046-2069},
abstract = {In order to lessen the severity of infectious diseases, anti-infective agents-drugs that prevent, combat, or control infections brought on by microorganisms-are essential in contemporary medicine. To tackle antimicrobial resistance, this project intends to design and synthesize hybrid compounds that contain pyrrolidine, quinoxaline and a hydrazinyl bridge, and assess the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of these compounds against a variety of pathogenic strains. The bactericidal properties of hybrids 24, 27, and 29 against E. coli were verified. The MIC of 12.5 µM was shown by hybrids 24, 25, and 31, which suggests bactericidal hybrids are effective against P. aeruginosa at greater concentrations. In comparison to Levofloxacin, treatment with all hybrids produced an 89-92% reduction in biofilm formation at 90% MIC. Eight hybrids' killing kinetics against P. aeruginosa were time-dependent, with an abrupt decrease in CFU number observed at higher concentrations. While 4-fold and 8-fold MICs resulted in nearly total bacterial eradication, primary bacterial elimination happened after three hours. The most effective DNA gyrase inhibitors were hybrids 25, 28, and 31; their IC50 values were significantly less than that of ciprofloxacin (77.3, 87.6, and 65.5 µM, respectively). To determine the best drug-like qualities, the study examined the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic features of active compounds. Molecular docking simulation experiments were also conducted to comprehend the binding interactions and mechanisms of action of these hits.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-19
CmpDate: 2026-03-19
Pretreatment With Vancomycin Prevents Staphylococcal Biofilm Formation on Marlex Mesh.
Arthroplasty today, 38:101985.
BACKGROUND: Polypropylene (PPE) mesh is a popular surgical treatment for extensor mechanism disruption in revision knee arthroplasty, but development of infection can be catastrophic. Pretreating orthopedic materials with antibiotics has precedence, but has not yet been described for PPE mesh. The purpose of the current study is to determine if mesh pretreatment with vancomycin could effectively prevent biofilm formation.
METHODS: Sterile PPE mesh was cut into 10-mm diameter circles. PPE circles were soaked in saline for 20 minutes with one of the following vancomycin concentrations: 1) 0.625 mg/ml, 2) 1.25 mg/ml, 3) 2.5 mg/ml, 4) 5.0 mg/ml, and 5) 10.0 mg/ml. To simulate surgical irrigation prior to closure, samples were rinsed with saline 0, 1, 2, or 3 times. Each group had 9 samples. Rinsed PPE circles were placed in a 48-well plate, inoculated with 10[6] colony-forming units (CFUs) of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, cultured in tryptic soy broth for 24 hours, rinsed to remove planktonic bacteria, and sonicated in fresh media for 30 minutes. Sonicated fluid was serially diluted and plated for CFUs. Infection prevention was defined as 0 CFUs. PPE circles were imaged with scanning electron microscopy to visualize vancomycin crystals and biofilm.
RESULTS: Pretreatment of PPE mesh with 10 mg/mL of vancomycin was the only condition that prevented S aureus biofilm formation in all conditions. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that vancomycin pretreatment deposited antibiotic crystals on the mesh surface and that biofilm was not present.
CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin pretreatment of PPE mesh can prevent biofilm formation even after rinsing.
Additional Links: PMID-41853806
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41853806,
year = {2026},
author = {Chao, CA and Hoskins, TD and Hammad, M and Jo, S and Bostrom, MP and Carli, AV},
title = {Pretreatment With Vancomycin Prevents Staphylococcal Biofilm Formation on Marlex Mesh.},
journal = {Arthroplasty today},
volume = {38},
number = {},
pages = {101985},
pmid = {41853806},
issn = {2352-3441},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Polypropylene (PPE) mesh is a popular surgical treatment for extensor mechanism disruption in revision knee arthroplasty, but development of infection can be catastrophic. Pretreating orthopedic materials with antibiotics has precedence, but has not yet been described for PPE mesh. The purpose of the current study is to determine if mesh pretreatment with vancomycin could effectively prevent biofilm formation.
METHODS: Sterile PPE mesh was cut into 10-mm diameter circles. PPE circles were soaked in saline for 20 minutes with one of the following vancomycin concentrations: 1) 0.625 mg/ml, 2) 1.25 mg/ml, 3) 2.5 mg/ml, 4) 5.0 mg/ml, and 5) 10.0 mg/ml. To simulate surgical irrigation prior to closure, samples were rinsed with saline 0, 1, 2, or 3 times. Each group had 9 samples. Rinsed PPE circles were placed in a 48-well plate, inoculated with 10[6] colony-forming units (CFUs) of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, cultured in tryptic soy broth for 24 hours, rinsed to remove planktonic bacteria, and sonicated in fresh media for 30 minutes. Sonicated fluid was serially diluted and plated for CFUs. Infection prevention was defined as 0 CFUs. PPE circles were imaged with scanning electron microscopy to visualize vancomycin crystals and biofilm.
RESULTS: Pretreatment of PPE mesh with 10 mg/mL of vancomycin was the only condition that prevented S aureus biofilm formation in all conditions. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that vancomycin pretreatment deposited antibiotic crystals on the mesh surface and that biofilm was not present.
CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin pretreatment of PPE mesh can prevent biofilm formation even after rinsing.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-19
CmpDate: 2026-03-19
Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of thyme oil, oregano oil, and their combination against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii polymicrobial biofilms.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 119(4):.
Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, and their coexistence leads to highly drug-resistant polymicrobial biofilms. We tested the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and biofilm-disrupting activities of thyme oil, oregano oil, and their combination against dual species culture of K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii. Chemical composition was characterized by GC-MS. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion, with MIC and MBC determined by broth dilution. Antibiofilm activities of oils and their combinations were tested using crystal violet staining and live/dead fluorescence imaging. RT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of biofilm-associated genes, and anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using protein denaturation inhibition. Both oils exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with oregano showing stronger bactericidal effects (MIC 5 µL/mL; MBC 10 µL/mL) and thyme exhibiting superior protein denaturation inhibitory activity. The combination of oils acted synergistically (FIC index = 0.5), achieving > 90% disruption of dual-species biofilms. RT-PCR confirmed significant downregulation of mrkA, fimA, ompA, and bap, with the combination showing the strongest suppression (p < 0.0001). GC-MS analysis confirmed carvacrol as the major constituent of oregano oil and thymol as the dominant component of thyme oil, providing a chemical basis for the observed biological activities. Overall, the results highlight the therapeutic potential of oregano and thyme essential oils, individually and in combination, for managing polymicrobial biofilm-associated infections caused by K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii.
Additional Links: PMID-41854771
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41854771,
year = {2026},
author = {Anees, TMM and Suchithra, KV and Shetty, AV},
title = {Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of thyme oil, oregano oil, and their combination against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii polymicrobial biofilms.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {119},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41854771},
issn = {1572-9699},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; *Thymus Plant/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Origanum/chemistry ; *Oils, Volatile/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Oils/pharmacology/chemistry ; Thymol ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, and their coexistence leads to highly drug-resistant polymicrobial biofilms. We tested the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and biofilm-disrupting activities of thyme oil, oregano oil, and their combination against dual species culture of K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii. Chemical composition was characterized by GC-MS. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion, with MIC and MBC determined by broth dilution. Antibiofilm activities of oils and their combinations were tested using crystal violet staining and live/dead fluorescence imaging. RT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of biofilm-associated genes, and anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using protein denaturation inhibition. Both oils exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with oregano showing stronger bactericidal effects (MIC 5 µL/mL; MBC 10 µL/mL) and thyme exhibiting superior protein denaturation inhibitory activity. The combination of oils acted synergistically (FIC index = 0.5), achieving > 90% disruption of dual-species biofilms. RT-PCR confirmed significant downregulation of mrkA, fimA, ompA, and bap, with the combination showing the strongest suppression (p < 0.0001). GC-MS analysis confirmed carvacrol as the major constituent of oregano oil and thymol as the dominant component of thyme oil, providing a chemical basis for the observed biological activities. Overall, the results highlight the therapeutic potential of oregano and thyme essential oils, individually and in combination, for managing polymicrobial biofilm-associated infections caused by K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/physiology/genetics
*Thymus Plant/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Origanum/chemistry
*Oils, Volatile/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Oils/pharmacology/chemistry
Thymol
RevDate: 2026-03-17
Corrigendum to "Fungal quorum-sensing molecules and antiseptics: A promising strategy for biofilm modulation?" [Drug Discov. Today 28 (2023) 103624].
Additional Links: PMID-41844432
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41844432,
year = {2026},
author = {Marcomini, EK and Negri, M},
title = {Corrigendum to "Fungal quorum-sensing molecules and antiseptics: A promising strategy for biofilm modulation?" [Drug Discov. Today 28 (2023) 103624].},
journal = {Drug discovery today},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104641},
doi = {10.1016/j.drudis.2026.104641},
pmid = {41844432},
issn = {1878-5832},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-18
CmpDate: 2026-03-18
Editorial: Novel strategies to target biofilm formation in ESKAPE pathogens for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1800825.
Additional Links: PMID-41847195
Full Text:
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41847195,
year = {2026},
author = {Ravichandran, V and Li, A and Rajasekharan, SK},
title = {Editorial: Novel strategies to target biofilm formation in ESKAPE pathogens for combating antimicrobial resistance.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1800825},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1800825},
pmid = {41847195},
issn = {1664-302X},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-18
CmpDate: 2026-03-18
In vitro antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-quorum-sensing, and cytotoxic activities of leaf crude extracts of Cannabis "Gorilla glue 1".
Frontiers in veterinary science, 13:1750799.
The resilience of biofilms makes it challenging to treat bacterial infections using conventional antibiotics. The study aimed to assess the antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-quorum-sensing, and cytotoxic activities of acetone extracts of Cannabis "Gorilla Glue 1" against fish pathogens. Antibacterial activity was determined using the two-fold serial microdilution method, while anti-biofilm activity was assessed using a modified crystal violet staining in vitro assay. Anti-quorum-sensing activity was evaluated via inhibition of violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum (ATCC 12472). Cytotoxicity was assessed using a colorimetric assay against Vero kidney cells. Solvent extracts from treatment 0.36 g N; 0.12 g P; 0 g K showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (0.02 mg/mL) against Edwardsiella tarda (ATCC 15947) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC 13525) compared with other treatments. All tested solvent extracts demonstrated the ability to prevent or disrupt biofilm formation; however, treatment 0.36 g N; 0.06 g P; 0.12 g K showed consistent anti-biofilm activity (>50% inhibition) against all tested pathogens. All solvent extract treatments exhibited comparable anti-quorum-sensing activity, while treatment 0.36 g N; 0.06 g P; 0.12 g K demonstrated the highest inhibition of violacein production (98.61% at 1.25 mg/mL). Most solvent extracts were non-cytotoxic to Vero cells, with LC50 values >0.1 mg/mL, except treatment 0 g N; 0.24 g P; 0 g K, which showed high cytotoxicity (LC50 = 0.04 mg/mL). Treatments 0.36 g N; 0.12 g P; 0 g K, 0 g N; 0.36 g P; 0.6 g K, and 0 g N; 0 g P; 0 g K exhibited moderate toxicity (LC50 = 0.06 mg/mL). Treatment 0.36 g N; 0.12 g P; 0 g K displayed the highest selectivity index (3.00) against Vero cells, indicating the most favorable safety profile among the extracts investigated. Leaf extracts of Cannabis exhibited useful bioactivities coupled with low cytotoxicity, providing impetus for further studies on their potential development as protective feed additives against microbial infections in fish production.
Additional Links: PMID-41847355
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41847355,
year = {2026},
author = {Monyela, S and Kayoka, PN and Olawuwo, OS and Ngezimana, W and Nemadodzi, LE},
title = {In vitro antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-quorum-sensing, and cytotoxic activities of leaf crude extracts of Cannabis "Gorilla glue 1".},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1750799},
pmid = {41847355},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {The resilience of biofilms makes it challenging to treat bacterial infections using conventional antibiotics. The study aimed to assess the antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-quorum-sensing, and cytotoxic activities of acetone extracts of Cannabis "Gorilla Glue 1" against fish pathogens. Antibacterial activity was determined using the two-fold serial microdilution method, while anti-biofilm activity was assessed using a modified crystal violet staining in vitro assay. Anti-quorum-sensing activity was evaluated via inhibition of violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum (ATCC 12472). Cytotoxicity was assessed using a colorimetric assay against Vero kidney cells. Solvent extracts from treatment 0.36 g N; 0.12 g P; 0 g K showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (0.02 mg/mL) against Edwardsiella tarda (ATCC 15947) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC 13525) compared with other treatments. All tested solvent extracts demonstrated the ability to prevent or disrupt biofilm formation; however, treatment 0.36 g N; 0.06 g P; 0.12 g K showed consistent anti-biofilm activity (>50% inhibition) against all tested pathogens. All solvent extract treatments exhibited comparable anti-quorum-sensing activity, while treatment 0.36 g N; 0.06 g P; 0.12 g K demonstrated the highest inhibition of violacein production (98.61% at 1.25 mg/mL). Most solvent extracts were non-cytotoxic to Vero cells, with LC50 values >0.1 mg/mL, except treatment 0 g N; 0.24 g P; 0 g K, which showed high cytotoxicity (LC50 = 0.04 mg/mL). Treatments 0.36 g N; 0.12 g P; 0 g K, 0 g N; 0.36 g P; 0.6 g K, and 0 g N; 0 g P; 0 g K exhibited moderate toxicity (LC50 = 0.06 mg/mL). Treatment 0.36 g N; 0.12 g P; 0 g K displayed the highest selectivity index (3.00) against Vero cells, indicating the most favorable safety profile among the extracts investigated. Leaf extracts of Cannabis exhibited useful bioactivities coupled with low cytotoxicity, providing impetus for further studies on their potential development as protective feed additives against microbial infections in fish production.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-18
CmpDate: 2026-03-18
Dual-engineering metalloimmunotherapy mediates Staphylococcus aureus virulence silencing and biofilm immune microenvironment reprogramming against implant-associated infections.
Bioactive materials, 62:178-201.
Implant-associated infections (IAIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are notoriously recalcitrant to treatment due to the self-reinforcing interplay between bacterial virulence and a suppressive biofilm immune microenvironment (BIME). Here, we present a dual-engineering metalloimmunotherapy nanoplatform that synchronously silences bacterial virulence and reprograms host immunity to eradicate IAIs. The nanoplatform, termed HMPF, integrates a fenoprofen-loaded, polydopamine-modified hollow MnO2 core that is further cloaked with a macrophage-erythrocyte hybrid membrane, enabling bacteria-targeted delivery and hemolysin-responsive drug release. By inhibiting the SaeRS two-component system of S. aureus, HMPF suppresses virulence factor expression and disrupts biofilm structure, dismantling the physical barrier for immune cell infiltration. Simultaneously, Mn[2+] release and mild photothermal stimulation activate the cGAS-STING and pattern recognition receptor pathways, reprogramming host BIME to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses. Crucially, HMPF establishes pathogen-specific immune memory, which prevents infection recurrence, outperforming vancomycin in murine IAIs models. This pathogen-host dual-engineering strategy remains effective against other clinical S. aureus strains without inducing drug resistance, bridging virulence disarmament and immunomodulation to offer a transformative antibiotic alternative for resistant IAIs.
Additional Links: PMID-41847560
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41847560,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, F and Xuan, Q and Hu, Y and Ren, Z and Wei, A and Cai, J and Wang, B and Li, M and Yu, J and Wang, C and Yang, Y and Guo, G and Tang, J and Han, P and Li, H and Chen, X and Chen, C and Shen, H},
title = {Dual-engineering metalloimmunotherapy mediates Staphylococcus aureus virulence silencing and biofilm immune microenvironment reprogramming against implant-associated infections.},
journal = {Bioactive materials},
volume = {62},
number = {},
pages = {178-201},
pmid = {41847560},
issn = {2452-199X},
abstract = {Implant-associated infections (IAIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are notoriously recalcitrant to treatment due to the self-reinforcing interplay between bacterial virulence and a suppressive biofilm immune microenvironment (BIME). Here, we present a dual-engineering metalloimmunotherapy nanoplatform that synchronously silences bacterial virulence and reprograms host immunity to eradicate IAIs. The nanoplatform, termed HMPF, integrates a fenoprofen-loaded, polydopamine-modified hollow MnO2 core that is further cloaked with a macrophage-erythrocyte hybrid membrane, enabling bacteria-targeted delivery and hemolysin-responsive drug release. By inhibiting the SaeRS two-component system of S. aureus, HMPF suppresses virulence factor expression and disrupts biofilm structure, dismantling the physical barrier for immune cell infiltration. Simultaneously, Mn[2+] release and mild photothermal stimulation activate the cGAS-STING and pattern recognition receptor pathways, reprogramming host BIME to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses. Crucially, HMPF establishes pathogen-specific immune memory, which prevents infection recurrence, outperforming vancomycin in murine IAIs models. This pathogen-host dual-engineering strategy remains effective against other clinical S. aureus strains without inducing drug resistance, bridging virulence disarmament and immunomodulation to offer a transformative antibiotic alternative for resistant IAIs.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-18
Rethinking Biocake in Membrane Bioreactors: Beyond the Biofilm Paradigm.
Environmental science & technology [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41848040
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41848040,
year = {2026},
author = {Tian, T and Zhang, JX and Yu, HQ},
title = {Rethinking Biocake in Membrane Bioreactors: Beyond the Biofilm Paradigm.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c02739},
pmid = {41848040},
issn = {1520-5851},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-18
Harnessing biofilm colonizers: alleviate light limitation and boost nutrients removal via phosphorus-accumulating and photo-related microbes.
Bioprocess and biosystems engineering [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41848890
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41848890,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, Z and Huang, B and Zhao, H and Fan, J},
title = {Harnessing biofilm colonizers: alleviate light limitation and boost nutrients removal via phosphorus-accumulating and photo-related microbes.},
journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41848890},
issn = {1615-7605},
support = {2023-1656-047//Science and Technology Plan of Hubei Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development/ ; },
}
RevDate: 2026-03-18
Potential of Jelleine-I peptide on down-regulation of biofilm-associated genes and the biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Molecular biology reports, 53(1):.
Additional Links: PMID-41848960
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41848960,
year = {2026},
author = {Zafar, S and Sattari-Maraji, A and Moghadam, SO and Nejati, A and Kharrazi, S and Ahadi, EM and Firoozpour, L and Rahbar, M and Pourmand, MR},
title = {Potential of Jelleine-I peptide on down-regulation of biofilm-associated genes and the biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41848960},
issn = {1573-4978},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-16
CmpDate: 2026-03-16
Bioactivity of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Fusarium oxysporum extract on the expression of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and biofilm-associated genes in the pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology, 24(1):100645.
Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a serious clinical threat because of its ability to form biofilms and generate extended-spectrum beta-lactamase enzymes (ESBLs). This research investigated the influence of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles made from Fusarium oxysporum alcohol extract (FOE) on ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV) and the biofilm-associated genes mrkA and luxS. The presence of the 16S rRNA, ESBL and biofilm genes was confirmed through subsequent polymerase chain reaction of the isolates. The FOE and zinc oxide nanoparticles both demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibiting greater inhibition with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 26 μg/ml. Compared with untreated and FOE-treated isolates, those treated with sub-MIC concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles expressed significantly fewer ESBL and biofilm-related genes. The expression levels of the genes blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV, mrkA and luxS were downregulated below a ratio of 1.0 in each of the bacterial isolates. The biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrated strong antibacterial and antibiofilm effects through the downregulation of bacterial antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in K. pneumoniae. The findings of this study demonstrate the ability of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles to function as a green and apotential alternative or support the role of antibiotcs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
Additional Links: PMID-41839669
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41839669,
year = {2026},
author = {Abd-Alrahman, AK and Al-Hayanni, HS},
title = {Bioactivity of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Fusarium oxysporum extract on the expression of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and biofilm-associated genes in the pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {100645},
pmid = {41839669},
issn = {2090-5920},
abstract = {Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a serious clinical threat because of its ability to form biofilms and generate extended-spectrum beta-lactamase enzymes (ESBLs). This research investigated the influence of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles made from Fusarium oxysporum alcohol extract (FOE) on ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV) and the biofilm-associated genes mrkA and luxS. The presence of the 16S rRNA, ESBL and biofilm genes was confirmed through subsequent polymerase chain reaction of the isolates. The FOE and zinc oxide nanoparticles both demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibiting greater inhibition with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 26 μg/ml. Compared with untreated and FOE-treated isolates, those treated with sub-MIC concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles expressed significantly fewer ESBL and biofilm-related genes. The expression levels of the genes blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV, mrkA and luxS were downregulated below a ratio of 1.0 in each of the bacterial isolates. The biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrated strong antibacterial and antibiofilm effects through the downregulation of bacterial antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in K. pneumoniae. The findings of this study demonstrate the ability of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles to function as a green and apotential alternative or support the role of antibiotcs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-17
Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of Florfenicol Modulate the Expression of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance-Associated Genes in Biofilm-Embedded Piscirickettsia salmonis.
Journal of fish diseases [Epub ahead of print].
Piscirickettsiosis is the most prevalent bacterial disease affecting Chilean aquaculture and responsible for the majority of mortality in salmonids. Currently, large quantities of antibiotics, predominantly florfenicol, are used in the Chilean aquaculture industry, and sub-MIC concentrations of this antibiotic, similar to what occurs in the marine environment, have been shown to induce biofilm formation on both biotic and abiotic surfaces when sub-MIC doses of florfenicol, raising concerns about the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether in vitro sub-MIC concentrations of florfenicol induce the expression of genes associated with biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in the biofilm-embedded P. salmonis. Interestingly, in vitro analyses showed that sub-MIC dilutions of antibiotic significantly modulated the expression of an efflux pump acrAB and the two-component systems cpxAR, and qseBC, as well as the antibiotic resistance-associated genes tclor/tflor and t.flor in the biofilm-embedded P. salmonis isolates tested. Thus, this study highlights the negative consequences of the extensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture, which can promote biofilm formation in marine bacterial pathogens, potentially facilitating the spread of resistance genes among different bacterial species in the aquatic environment and increasing the risk of reinfection within culture systems.
Additional Links: PMID-41839781
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41839781,
year = {2026},
author = {Escalona, CE and Santibañez, N and Cortés, M and Arriagada, V and Ruiz, P and Fuentes, D and Romero, A and Oliver, C},
title = {Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of Florfenicol Modulate the Expression of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance-Associated Genes in Biofilm-Embedded Piscirickettsia salmonis.},
journal = {Journal of fish diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70166},
doi = {10.1111/jfd.70166},
pmid = {41839781},
issn = {1365-2761},
support = {11180994//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; 1231761//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; CIA250009//Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias/ ; },
abstract = {Piscirickettsiosis is the most prevalent bacterial disease affecting Chilean aquaculture and responsible for the majority of mortality in salmonids. Currently, large quantities of antibiotics, predominantly florfenicol, are used in the Chilean aquaculture industry, and sub-MIC concentrations of this antibiotic, similar to what occurs in the marine environment, have been shown to induce biofilm formation on both biotic and abiotic surfaces when sub-MIC doses of florfenicol, raising concerns about the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether in vitro sub-MIC concentrations of florfenicol induce the expression of genes associated with biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in the biofilm-embedded P. salmonis. Interestingly, in vitro analyses showed that sub-MIC dilutions of antibiotic significantly modulated the expression of an efflux pump acrAB and the two-component systems cpxAR, and qseBC, as well as the antibiotic resistance-associated genes tclor/tflor and t.flor in the biofilm-embedded P. salmonis isolates tested. Thus, this study highlights the negative consequences of the extensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture, which can promote biofilm formation in marine bacterial pathogens, potentially facilitating the spread of resistance genes among different bacterial species in the aquatic environment and increasing the risk of reinfection within culture systems.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-17
"Salvia officinalis extract-conjugated magnetite and selenium nanocomposites showed enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens".
Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-39983-6 [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41839986
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41839986,
year = {2026},
author = {Enan, G and El-Wafa, NA and El-Saber, MM and Osman, A and Abdel-Shafi, S and Sitohy, M},
title = {"Salvia officinalis extract-conjugated magnetite and selenium nanocomposites showed enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens".},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-39983-6},
pmid = {41839986},
issn = {2045-2322},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-17
Effects of cleaning methods on the removal efficacy of Streptococcus mutans biofilm and material properties of thermoplastic aligner materials.
BMC oral health pii:10.1186/s12903-026-08132-w [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41840555
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41840555,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, J and Lei, J and Yu, J and Jin, C and Liang, S and Guo, J and Huang, C},
title = {Effects of cleaning methods on the removal efficacy of Streptococcus mutans biofilm and material properties of thermoplastic aligner materials.},
journal = {BMC oral health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12903-026-08132-w},
pmid = {41840555},
issn = {1472-6831},
support = {82271010//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
}
RevDate: 2026-03-17
CmpDate: 2026-03-17
Enhanced antibacterial properties of amoxicillin-loaded silver nanoparticles against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: physicochemical characterization, anti-virulence activity, and biofilm inhibition.
PeerJ, 14:e20924.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents significant challenges in healthcare and community settings due to its diverse virulence factors and increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Given the scarcity of effective treatments, developing innovative antibacterial strategies is essential. This study explores the potential of silver nanoparticles conjugated with acacia extracts as nanocarriers for amoxicillin to enhance antibacterial efficacy and circumvent resistance mechanisms in MRSA. The synthesized amoxicillin-loaded silver-acacia nanoparticles were characterized for their physicochemical properties, revealing spherical morphology with a minimum particle size of approximately 230 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.3, and a high negative zeta potential of -32 mV as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. In vitro assays demonstrated that these nanoparticles significantly inhibited bacterial growth, achieving a reduction at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/mL. At this concentration, biofilm formation by MRSA was inhibited by 80%, as verified by scanning electron microscopy, and hemolytic activity on blood agar was completely suppressed. While a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on endothelial cells was observed, the MIC concentration remained cytocompatible (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the promise of amoxicillin-loaded silver-acacia nanoparticles as potent antibacterial agents with minimal cytotoxicity at effective doses. This study highlights the potential of nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery to repurpose amoxicillin and offers a novel platform for combating multidrug-resistant MRSA infections, which may inform future therapeutic developments.
Additional Links: PMID-41841120
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41841120,
year = {2026},
author = {Alenazi, N and Binsuwaidan, R and Alhabardi, S and Alanazi, SS and Aldahasi, RM and Almutairi, JA and Fatani, WK},
title = {Enhanced antibacterial properties of amoxicillin-loaded silver nanoparticles against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: physicochemical characterization, anti-virulence activity, and biofilm inhibition.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e20924},
pmid = {41841120},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/pathogenicity ; *Amoxicillin/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Silver/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Humans ; Virulence/drug effects ; Particle Size ; Acacia/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents significant challenges in healthcare and community settings due to its diverse virulence factors and increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Given the scarcity of effective treatments, developing innovative antibacterial strategies is essential. This study explores the potential of silver nanoparticles conjugated with acacia extracts as nanocarriers for amoxicillin to enhance antibacterial efficacy and circumvent resistance mechanisms in MRSA. The synthesized amoxicillin-loaded silver-acacia nanoparticles were characterized for their physicochemical properties, revealing spherical morphology with a minimum particle size of approximately 230 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.3, and a high negative zeta potential of -32 mV as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. In vitro assays demonstrated that these nanoparticles significantly inhibited bacterial growth, achieving a reduction at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/mL. At this concentration, biofilm formation by MRSA was inhibited by 80%, as verified by scanning electron microscopy, and hemolytic activity on blood agar was completely suppressed. While a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on endothelial cells was observed, the MIC concentration remained cytocompatible (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the promise of amoxicillin-loaded silver-acacia nanoparticles as potent antibacterial agents with minimal cytotoxicity at effective doses. This study highlights the potential of nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery to repurpose amoxicillin and offers a novel platform for combating multidrug-resistant MRSA infections, which may inform future therapeutic developments.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/pathogenicity
*Amoxicillin/pharmacology/administration & dosage
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Silver/pharmacology/chemistry
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Humans
Virulence/drug effects
Particle Size
Acacia/chemistry
RevDate: 2026-03-15
CmpDate: 2026-03-16
Nasal Carriage Rate of Biofilm Producing Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Its Associated Factors Among Health Care Workers at Hospital of Central Ethiopia.
MicrobiologyOpen, 15(2):e70266.
Not susceptible to methicillin Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a potentially harmful bacteria that is resistant to the most important antimicrobial agents. Because MRSA is so resistant to many antibiotics, it can cause illnesses by forming biofilms. The aim of this study was to assess the nasal carriage rate of biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and its associated factors among HealthCare Workers at Wachemo University Nigist Ellen Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Central Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study, carried out at Wachemo University Nigist Ellen Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Central Ethiopia from August 1 to November 30, 2023. Nasal swab samples from 294 healthcare workers (HCWs) were obtained using sterile cotton swabs. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard culture methods on Mannitol Salt and Blood Agar, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing and biofilm formation assessments followed the CLSI 2023 (M100, 33rd edition) guidelines via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion methods. All laboratory analyses were performed in triplicate to ensure consistency. Data were double-entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and cross-checked for accuracy. Missing or inconsistent data were verified against original laboratory records and latterly then, exported to SPSS V25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied for statistical evaluation, with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 regarded as statistically significant. In this study, the occurrence rates of S. aureus, MRSA, and biofilm-producing MRSA were 98 out of 294 isolated strains (33.4%), 41 out of 294 isolated strains (13.9%), and 28 out of 294 isolated strains (9.5%), respectively. The MRSA strains exhibited high sensitivity to linezolid, rifampicin, and vancomycin while showing resistance to cefoxitin, cotrimoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. A history of prior hospitalization (length of stay in the hospital) was statistically significant for the colonization of biofilm-producing MRSA, with an adjusted odds ratio of 10.00 (95% CI: 1.36-73.3; P = 0.024). MRSA and MRSA that produces biofilms were found to be 41.8% and 68.3% prevalent overall in the study area, respectively. Biofilm-producing MRSA is a potential cause of healthcare-associated diseases. Therefore, these findings emphasize the urgent need for improved infection-prevention practices and routine screening of healthcare workers to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Additional Links: PMID-41833560
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41833560,
year = {2026},
author = {Mathewos, W and Kumalo, A and Teklu, T and Demisse, T and Temesgen, M and Chinasho, T},
title = {Nasal Carriage Rate of Biofilm Producing Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Its Associated Factors Among Health Care Workers at Hospital of Central Ethiopia.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e70266},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70266},
pmid = {41833560},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {Humans ; *Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification/physiology/drug effects ; Ethiopia/epidemiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; *Carrier State/microbiology/epidemiology ; Male ; Adult ; *Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/epidemiology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; *Nose/microbiology ; Hospitals ; Nasal Cavity/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Not susceptible to methicillin Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a potentially harmful bacteria that is resistant to the most important antimicrobial agents. Because MRSA is so resistant to many antibiotics, it can cause illnesses by forming biofilms. The aim of this study was to assess the nasal carriage rate of biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and its associated factors among HealthCare Workers at Wachemo University Nigist Ellen Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Central Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study, carried out at Wachemo University Nigist Ellen Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Central Ethiopia from August 1 to November 30, 2023. Nasal swab samples from 294 healthcare workers (HCWs) were obtained using sterile cotton swabs. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard culture methods on Mannitol Salt and Blood Agar, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing and biofilm formation assessments followed the CLSI 2023 (M100, 33rd edition) guidelines via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion methods. All laboratory analyses were performed in triplicate to ensure consistency. Data were double-entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and cross-checked for accuracy. Missing or inconsistent data were verified against original laboratory records and latterly then, exported to SPSS V25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied for statistical evaluation, with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 regarded as statistically significant. In this study, the occurrence rates of S. aureus, MRSA, and biofilm-producing MRSA were 98 out of 294 isolated strains (33.4%), 41 out of 294 isolated strains (13.9%), and 28 out of 294 isolated strains (9.5%), respectively. The MRSA strains exhibited high sensitivity to linezolid, rifampicin, and vancomycin while showing resistance to cefoxitin, cotrimoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. A history of prior hospitalization (length of stay in the hospital) was statistically significant for the colonization of biofilm-producing MRSA, with an adjusted odds ratio of 10.00 (95% CI: 1.36-73.3; P = 0.024). MRSA and MRSA that produces biofilms were found to be 41.8% and 68.3% prevalent overall in the study area, respectively. Biofilm-producing MRSA is a potential cause of healthcare-associated diseases. Therefore, these findings emphasize the urgent need for improved infection-prevention practices and routine screening of healthcare workers to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification/physiology/drug effects
Ethiopia/epidemiology
*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
Cross-Sectional Studies
*Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data
Female
*Carrier State/microbiology/epidemiology
Male
Adult
*Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/epidemiology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Middle Aged
Young Adult
*Nose/microbiology
Hospitals
Nasal Cavity/microbiology
RevDate: 2026-03-16
CmpDate: 2026-03-16
Retraction: Low temperature synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and their ROS mediated inhibition of biofilm formed by food-associated bacteria.
Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1812892.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02567.].
Additional Links: PMID-41834852
Full Text:
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41834852,
year = {2026},
author = {, },
title = {Retraction: Low temperature synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and their ROS mediated inhibition of biofilm formed by food-associated bacteria.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1812892},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1812892},
pmid = {41834852},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02567.].},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-16
Optimization of conditions and mechanism of algal-bacterial biofilm formation: Degradation effects, biofilm characteristics, and bacterial community structure.
Bioresource technology pii:S0960-8524(26)00512-2 [Epub ahead of print].
The study aimed to determine the treatment performance and optimal operating conditions of an algal-bacterial biofilm system supported by either high-density polyethylene (HDPE) carrier or rope-type carrier for domestic wastewater treatment. Response surface methodology (RSM) identified the optimal conditions as: (i) an algae-to-bacteria ratio of 7.4 (sludge: microalgae, in terms of mixed liquid suspended substances (MLSS), mass ratio), (ii) 12.2 mg/L FeCl3, and (iii) one starvation period of one cycle. Both carriers achieved >80% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). The rope-type carrier outperformed HDPE for nutrients, delivering 85.8% TN and 97.6% TP removal. Biofilm mass on the rope-type carrier was 3.66 times higher than on HDPE carrier, indicating rapid algal enrichment and minimized cell washout. In both algal-bacterial biofilms, Proteobacteria and Chlorophyta were dominant. Carrier properties influenced overall community composition, whereas identical operating conditions maintained a stable core bacterial community. The dominance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota likely supported stable nitrogen removal and organic matter degradation. In conclusion, the rope-type carrier conferred superior and more stable performance on the algal-bacterial biofilm system for domestic wastewater treatment.
Additional Links: PMID-41839405
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41839405,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, PF and Hu, BM and Wang, D and Ma, XG and Sun, HW and Wang, A},
title = {Optimization of conditions and mechanism of algal-bacterial biofilm formation: Degradation effects, biofilm characteristics, and bacterial community structure.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134431},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134431},
pmid = {41839405},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The study aimed to determine the treatment performance and optimal operating conditions of an algal-bacterial biofilm system supported by either high-density polyethylene (HDPE) carrier or rope-type carrier for domestic wastewater treatment. Response surface methodology (RSM) identified the optimal conditions as: (i) an algae-to-bacteria ratio of 7.4 (sludge: microalgae, in terms of mixed liquid suspended substances (MLSS), mass ratio), (ii) 12.2 mg/L FeCl3, and (iii) one starvation period of one cycle. Both carriers achieved >80% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). The rope-type carrier outperformed HDPE for nutrients, delivering 85.8% TN and 97.6% TP removal. Biofilm mass on the rope-type carrier was 3.66 times higher than on HDPE carrier, indicating rapid algal enrichment and minimized cell washout. In both algal-bacterial biofilms, Proteobacteria and Chlorophyta were dominant. Carrier properties influenced overall community composition, whereas identical operating conditions maintained a stable core bacterial community. The dominance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota likely supported stable nitrogen removal and organic matter degradation. In conclusion, the rope-type carrier conferred superior and more stable performance on the algal-bacterial biofilm system for domestic wastewater treatment.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-14
CmpDate: 2026-03-14
Synthesis of Core-Shell Chitosan-TiO2 Nanoparticles and Its Impact on Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibition on 3D-Printed Denture Base Resins: An In Vitro Study.
Polymers, 18(5):.
Objective: This study aimed to obtain a core-shell chitosan-TiO2 nanoparticle and to investigate its ability to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation when added to 3D-printed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resins. Materials and Methods: Ionic gelation was employed to prepare and characterize the nanoparticle, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction were used to identify the structure and morphology. Nanoparticle was added to 3D-printed denture resins at four different weight percentages (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) and antibiofilm activity was determined by carrying out Colony Forming Unite (CFU) counts after exposure to C. albicans. Results: The 0.25 wt.% chitosan-TiO2 group exhibited a significant reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs) compared to the control (p < 0.05). Although higher nanoparticle concentrations showed improved biofilm formation, this was most likely caused by nanoparticle aggregation, which interfered with surface homogeneity and biofilm resistance. Conclusions: Incorporating a 0.25 wt.% core-shell chitosan-TiO2 nanoparticle into 3D-printed denture base resin markedly improves its antibiofilm activity against Candida albicans while maintaining the material's integrity.
Additional Links: PMID-41829330
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41829330,
year = {2026},
author = {Ameen, S and Miran, F and Azhdar, B},
title = {Synthesis of Core-Shell Chitosan-TiO2 Nanoparticles and Its Impact on Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibition on 3D-Printed Denture Base Resins: An In Vitro Study.},
journal = {Polymers},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41829330},
issn = {2073-4360},
abstract = {Objective: This study aimed to obtain a core-shell chitosan-TiO2 nanoparticle and to investigate its ability to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation when added to 3D-printed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resins. Materials and Methods: Ionic gelation was employed to prepare and characterize the nanoparticle, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction were used to identify the structure and morphology. Nanoparticle was added to 3D-printed denture resins at four different weight percentages (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) and antibiofilm activity was determined by carrying out Colony Forming Unite (CFU) counts after exposure to C. albicans. Results: The 0.25 wt.% chitosan-TiO2 group exhibited a significant reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs) compared to the control (p < 0.05). Although higher nanoparticle concentrations showed improved biofilm formation, this was most likely caused by nanoparticle aggregation, which interfered with surface homogeneity and biofilm resistance. Conclusions: Incorporating a 0.25 wt.% core-shell chitosan-TiO2 nanoparticle into 3D-printed denture base resin markedly improves its antibiofilm activity against Candida albicans while maintaining the material's integrity.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-14
A modeling perspective on biofilm formation in granular activated carbon filters - local promotion of autotrophic microorganisms due to the effects of adsorption processes on the availability of organic substrates.
Water research, 297:125693 pii:S0043-1354(26)00375-1 [Epub ahead of print].
Various studies demonstrated that biofilm formation occurs in granular activated carbon (GAC) filters for (waste-)water treatment. However, little is known about how transient adsorptive interactions between organic solutes and the GAC within the filter bed influence biofilm development on the macroscale. This study proposes a numerical approach to simulate biofilm development in a GAC filter bed. For this purpose, a model approach for simulations at the single grain scale was extended to additionally account for spatial gradients along the filter bed length. The model was successfully tested with operational data from pilot-scale GAC filters. The subsequently simulated scenarios aimed at conceptually identifying key interactions between the GAC and biofilm formation, including spatial gradients in its composition. The simulation results showed that both heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms grew in GAC filters under typical operating conditions. The heterotrophs grew closer to the filter influent, consistent with the system's plug-flow-like behavior. Adsorption of organic solutes onto the GAC resulted in a stricter longitudinal separation of the two general types of microorganisms in the filter bed compared to a non-adsorbing reference filter bed by decreasing the downstream concentrations of organic substrate. Considering explicit backwash events further consolidated this separation for the GAC case. Together with the periodic adsorptive retention and release of organic solutes in the upper filter bed section, depending on the current biological activity, backwash events created even more favorable conditions for autotrophic growth in intermediate regions of the filter bed. Overall, the simulation results showed that autotrophic activity was locally enhanced by adsorptive effects of the GAC and that its extent was directly influenced by the simulated backwash regime. Considering the link between autotrophic activity and co-metabolic biotransformation of organic micropollutants discussed in literature, the results further highlight the potential biological contributions to the overall removal of certain micropollutants in GAC filters, but also the necessity to adequately represent longitudinal gradients and biofilm thickness control mechanisms in mathematical models.
Additional Links: PMID-41830776
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41830776,
year = {2026},
author = {Kaiser, T and Picioreanu, C and Lackner, S},
title = {A modeling perspective on biofilm formation in granular activated carbon filters - local promotion of autotrophic microorganisms due to the effects of adsorption processes on the availability of organic substrates.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {125693},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125693},
pmid = {41830776},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Various studies demonstrated that biofilm formation occurs in granular activated carbon (GAC) filters for (waste-)water treatment. However, little is known about how transient adsorptive interactions between organic solutes and the GAC within the filter bed influence biofilm development on the macroscale. This study proposes a numerical approach to simulate biofilm development in a GAC filter bed. For this purpose, a model approach for simulations at the single grain scale was extended to additionally account for spatial gradients along the filter bed length. The model was successfully tested with operational data from pilot-scale GAC filters. The subsequently simulated scenarios aimed at conceptually identifying key interactions between the GAC and biofilm formation, including spatial gradients in its composition. The simulation results showed that both heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms grew in GAC filters under typical operating conditions. The heterotrophs grew closer to the filter influent, consistent with the system's plug-flow-like behavior. Adsorption of organic solutes onto the GAC resulted in a stricter longitudinal separation of the two general types of microorganisms in the filter bed compared to a non-adsorbing reference filter bed by decreasing the downstream concentrations of organic substrate. Considering explicit backwash events further consolidated this separation for the GAC case. Together with the periodic adsorptive retention and release of organic solutes in the upper filter bed section, depending on the current biological activity, backwash events created even more favorable conditions for autotrophic growth in intermediate regions of the filter bed. Overall, the simulation results showed that autotrophic activity was locally enhanced by adsorptive effects of the GAC and that its extent was directly influenced by the simulated backwash regime. Considering the link between autotrophic activity and co-metabolic biotransformation of organic micropollutants discussed in literature, the results further highlight the potential biological contributions to the overall removal of certain micropollutants in GAC filters, but also the necessity to adequately represent longitudinal gradients and biofilm thickness control mechanisms in mathematical models.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-15
Stage-specific therapeutic strategies for combating bacterial biofilm infections: Recent advances and future perspectives.
Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society, 393:114815 pii:S0168-3659(26)00217-8 [Epub ahead of print].
Bacterial biofilms are highly organized microbial communities that drive chronic and recurrent infections, posing significant clinical challenges. The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix and dormant cells of biofilms confer strong tolerance to conventional antimicrobials, and their formation through distinct developmental stages presents unique vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted. This review summarizes recent advances in functional biomaterial-based strategies aimed at combating biofilm-associated infections, including prevention of bacterial adhesion, disruption of EPS, eradication of dormant cells, and enhanced antimicrobial penetration. We discuss both in vitro and in vivo validations, emphasize the importance of prophylactic approaches, and highlight emerging multifunctional platforms that improve infection control and biofilm clearance. By linking mechanistic insights to translational applications, this review provides a framework for next-generation therapies capable of effectively combating biofilm-driven infections at each developmental stage.
Additional Links: PMID-41831689
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41831689,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Fan, D and Liu, X and Chen, Y and Xiao, J and Hou, C and Zeng, W and Chen, F},
title = {Stage-specific therapeutic strategies for combating bacterial biofilm infections: Recent advances and future perspectives.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {393},
number = {},
pages = {114815},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.114815},
pmid = {41831689},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms are highly organized microbial communities that drive chronic and recurrent infections, posing significant clinical challenges. The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix and dormant cells of biofilms confer strong tolerance to conventional antimicrobials, and their formation through distinct developmental stages presents unique vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted. This review summarizes recent advances in functional biomaterial-based strategies aimed at combating biofilm-associated infections, including prevention of bacterial adhesion, disruption of EPS, eradication of dormant cells, and enhanced antimicrobial penetration. We discuss both in vitro and in vivo validations, emphasize the importance of prophylactic approaches, and highlight emerging multifunctional platforms that improve infection control and biofilm clearance. By linking mechanistic insights to translational applications, this review provides a framework for next-generation therapies capable of effectively combating biofilm-driven infections at each developmental stage.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-14
CmpDate: 2026-03-14
Capsule Regulation Shapes Klebsiella pneumoniae Pathogenesis by Balancing Adhesion, Biofilm Formation, and Intracellular Survival.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(5): pii:ijms27052169.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major opportunistic pathogen, where the polysaccharide capsule is traditionally recognized as a critical virulence determinant. However, its role in surface interactions and intracellular adaptation remains incompletely understood. Here, we combined phenotypic assays with physicochemical analyses to dissect the contribution of the capsule. A wza knockout mutant displayed enhanced biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion of epithelial cells compared to the encapsulated strain. Zeta potential and hydrodynamic size measurements revealed that capsule absence increased surface negativity and exposure of adhesion structures, thereby promoting host-cell interactions. In contrast, intracellular survival assays demonstrated that the capsule conferred a clear advantage for persistence and replication. Together, our results support a dynamic model in which capsule expression imposes a trade-off: restricting early adhesion and biofilm development but favoring long-term intracellular survival. This trade-off model expands the understanding of capsule biology and may inform novel strategies to disrupt colonization or persistence in antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae.
Additional Links: PMID-41828398
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41828398,
year = {2026},
author = {Guerra, MES and Destro, G and Cezar, RV and Ciaparin, I and Ferraz, LFC and Hakansson, AP and Girardello, R and Darrieux, M and Converso, TR},
title = {Capsule Regulation Shapes Klebsiella pneumoniae Pathogenesis by Balancing Adhesion, Biofilm Formation, and Intracellular Survival.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27052169},
pmid = {41828398},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2019/23566-6//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2022/15111-1//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2024/02517-5//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 400099/2022-5//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 139133/2025-9//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 2021-06050//Swedish Research Council/ ; 2022-01296//Swedish Research Council/ ; Grant//Alfred Österlunds Stiftelse/ ; },
mesh = {*Klebsiella pneumoniae/pathogenicity/physiology/genetics ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Bacterial Capsules/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacterial Adhesion ; Humans ; *Klebsiella Infections/microbiology ; Virulence ; Epithelial Cells/microbiology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major opportunistic pathogen, where the polysaccharide capsule is traditionally recognized as a critical virulence determinant. However, its role in surface interactions and intracellular adaptation remains incompletely understood. Here, we combined phenotypic assays with physicochemical analyses to dissect the contribution of the capsule. A wza knockout mutant displayed enhanced biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion of epithelial cells compared to the encapsulated strain. Zeta potential and hydrodynamic size measurements revealed that capsule absence increased surface negativity and exposure of adhesion structures, thereby promoting host-cell interactions. In contrast, intracellular survival assays demonstrated that the capsule conferred a clear advantage for persistence and replication. Together, our results support a dynamic model in which capsule expression imposes a trade-off: restricting early adhesion and biofilm development but favoring long-term intracellular survival. This trade-off model expands the understanding of capsule biology and may inform novel strategies to disrupt colonization or persistence in antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Klebsiella pneumoniae/pathogenicity/physiology/genetics
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Bacterial Capsules/metabolism/genetics
*Bacterial Adhesion
Humans
*Klebsiella Infections/microbiology
Virulence
Epithelial Cells/microbiology
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
RevDate: 2026-03-14
CmpDate: 2026-03-14
Phytochemical Assessment, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties, and Molecular Docking to Elucidate the Regulation of Bacterial Biofilm Formation in an Herbal Formulation for the Treatment of Abscesses.
International journal of molecular sciences, 27(5): pii:ijms27052145.
Abscess formation is commonly precipitated by bacterial infection. This study delineates the phytochemical composition and evaluates the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activities of a Thai traditional anti-abscess herbal formulation comprising Curcuma zedoaria, Vitex trifolia, and Azadirachta indica. Validated high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) analysis of the ethanolic extract identified curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and vitexicarpin as principal constituents. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 32.08 ± 2.54 mg GAE/g and 17.52 ± 1.28 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. Antioxidant assessment by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay yielded an half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 53.46 ± 3.24 µg/mL, while reducing power corresponded to 383.97 ± 13.24 µg FeSO4/g dry weight. Molecular orbital analysis revealed a highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap for vitexicarpin (ΔE = 9.7710 eV), indicative of greater radical-scavenging potential relative to curcuminoids. Antibacterial assays demonstrated selective activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (inhibition zone 1.48 ± 0.16 cm), with no observed inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Curcumin exhibited the highest activity against S. epidermidis (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 62.5 µg/mL; minimal bactericidal concentration minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) 125 µg/mL). Molecular docking showed curcumin binding to the teicoplanin-associated transcriptional regulator (TcaR) with a binding energy of -8.00 kcal/mol, comparable to methicillin (-8.16 kcal/mol), suggesting a potential mechanism for modulation of biofilm-associated regulatory pathways. Collectively, these findings indicate that the formulation has measurable antioxidant activity and targeted antibacterial efficacy against S. epidermidis, which may contribute to attenuation of abscess progression via interference with biofilm regulation.
Additional Links: PMID-41828371
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41828371,
year = {2026},
author = {Tadtong, S and Techavijit, S and Mukdapattanakul, N and Singh, S and Chittasupho, C and Eiamart, W and Samee, W},
title = {Phytochemical Assessment, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties, and Molecular Docking to Elucidate the Regulation of Bacterial Biofilm Formation in an Herbal Formulation for the Treatment of Abscesses.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27052145},
pmid = {41828371},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {457/2567//Srinakharinwirot University/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Curcuma/chemistry ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Staphylococcus epidermidis/drug effects ; Curcumin/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Abscess formation is commonly precipitated by bacterial infection. This study delineates the phytochemical composition and evaluates the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activities of a Thai traditional anti-abscess herbal formulation comprising Curcuma zedoaria, Vitex trifolia, and Azadirachta indica. Validated high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) analysis of the ethanolic extract identified curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and vitexicarpin as principal constituents. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 32.08 ± 2.54 mg GAE/g and 17.52 ± 1.28 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. Antioxidant assessment by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay yielded an half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 53.46 ± 3.24 µg/mL, while reducing power corresponded to 383.97 ± 13.24 µg FeSO4/g dry weight. Molecular orbital analysis revealed a highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap for vitexicarpin (ΔE = 9.7710 eV), indicative of greater radical-scavenging potential relative to curcuminoids. Antibacterial assays demonstrated selective activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (inhibition zone 1.48 ± 0.16 cm), with no observed inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Curcumin exhibited the highest activity against S. epidermidis (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 62.5 µg/mL; minimal bactericidal concentration minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) 125 µg/mL). Molecular docking showed curcumin binding to the teicoplanin-associated transcriptional regulator (TcaR) with a binding energy of -8.00 kcal/mol, comparable to methicillin (-8.16 kcal/mol), suggesting a potential mechanism for modulation of biofilm-associated regulatory pathways. Collectively, these findings indicate that the formulation has measurable antioxidant activity and targeted antibacterial efficacy against S. epidermidis, which may contribute to attenuation of abscess progression via interference with biofilm regulation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/drug effects
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
*Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
*Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Curcuma/chemistry
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Staphylococcus epidermidis/drug effects
Curcumin/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives/chemistry
RevDate: 2026-03-14
Florida probe combined with guided biofilm therapy in the treatment of severe periodontitis: a case report.
BMC oral health pii:10.1186/s12903-026-08090-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41826947
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41826947,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, Q and Sun, F and Fan, Y and Wang, P and Yang, Y},
title = {Florida probe combined with guided biofilm therapy in the treatment of severe periodontitis: a case report.},
journal = {BMC oral health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12903-026-08090-3},
pmid = {41826947},
issn = {1472-6831},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
Characterization and Affecting Factors' Analysis of Biofilm Formation by Cronobacter sakazakii on Different Food Contact Surfaces.
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry [Epub ahead of print].
Cronobacter sakazakii is a major pathogen that contaminates infant milk powder, which usually attaches to abiotic surfaces in the form of biofilms and causes diseases. However, few in-depth studies have been conducted on the properties of biofilms formed on different abiotic surfaces. Therefore, this study explored the characteristics of biofilm formation by C. sakazakii on commonly used food contact surfaces, including stainless steel (SS), glass (GS), poly(phenylene sulfone) resin (PPSU), and soft silicone (SSI), with a focus on the biofilm formation ability and the biofilms' functional, structural, and compositional properties. Correlation analysis was used to confirm the leading factors affecting C. sakazakii biofilm formation, including surface hardness and stiffness, cell length, and extracellular nucleic acid content. Finally, proteomic analysis revealed menaquinone biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, SOS response, and transport systems as being crucial for C. sakazakii biofilm formation. This study provides valuable insights for a deeper understanding of the bacterium's biofilm formation.
Additional Links: PMID-41824940
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41824940,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Zhu, D and Zhao, C and Jiao, J and Xue, H and Li, P and Du, X},
title = {Characterization and Affecting Factors' Analysis of Biofilm Formation by Cronobacter sakazakii on Different Food Contact Surfaces.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c15768},
pmid = {41824940},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Cronobacter sakazakii is a major pathogen that contaminates infant milk powder, which usually attaches to abiotic surfaces in the form of biofilms and causes diseases. However, few in-depth studies have been conducted on the properties of biofilms formed on different abiotic surfaces. Therefore, this study explored the characteristics of biofilm formation by C. sakazakii on commonly used food contact surfaces, including stainless steel (SS), glass (GS), poly(phenylene sulfone) resin (PPSU), and soft silicone (SSI), with a focus on the biofilm formation ability and the biofilms' functional, structural, and compositional properties. Correlation analysis was used to confirm the leading factors affecting C. sakazakii biofilm formation, including surface hardness and stiffness, cell length, and extracellular nucleic acid content. Finally, proteomic analysis revealed menaquinone biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, SOS response, and transport systems as being crucial for C. sakazakii biofilm formation. This study provides valuable insights for a deeper understanding of the bacterium's biofilm formation.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
Phage-derived depolymerase targeting K27 capsule impairs Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence, biofilm formation, and promotes immune clearance.
Emerging microbes & infections [Epub ahead of print].
The global rise of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophage-derived depolymerases have emerged as promising antimicrobial factors, selectively degrading bacterial capsules and impairing key pathogenic traits. We characterize a novel depolymerase, PRA33gp45, associated with the structural protein of bacteriophage vB_KpnP_PRA33. Bioinformatic structural analyses predicted endo-N-acetyl neuraminidase-like activity and canonical depolymerase domain architecture. The recombinant PRA33gp45 specifically hydrolysed capsular polysaccharides (CPS) of K27-serotype K. pneumoniae and produced characteristic halo zones on bacterial lawns, confirming its enzymatic activity. Capsule staining demonstrated rapid and progressive capsule degradation within 120 minutes of treatment. PRA33gp45 significantly inhibited biofilm formation, disrupted mature biofilms, and altered biofilm architecture as visualized by confocal microscopy. Depolymerase pre-treatment markedly reduced K. pneumoniae survival within A549 human lung epithelial cells, without exhibiting any cytotoxic effect and sensitized bacteria to complement-mediated killing in human serum. Finally, PRA33gp45 treatment of K. pneumoniae lowers morbidity and mortality in the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Collectively, these findings identify PRA33gp45 as a novel and highly specific depolymerase that diminishes K. pneumoniae virulence by targeting its protective capsule, impairing persistence as biofilm, and enhancing innate immune clearance. Its safety and efficacy suggest potential as an antimicrobial or adjuvant therapeutic agent against K27-type K. pneumoniae infections, particularly in the context of multidrug resistance and emerging pathogens.
Additional Links: PMID-41824364
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41824364,
year = {2026},
author = {Pelka, M and Czekala, W and Kwiatek, A and Polanska, M and Maciejewska, B and Otwinowska, A and Golec, P and Wyszyńska, A and Drulis-Kawa, Z and Adamczyk-Popławska, M},
title = {Phage-derived depolymerase targeting K27 capsule impairs Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence, biofilm formation, and promotes immune clearance.},
journal = {Emerging microbes & infections},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {2645857},
doi = {10.1080/22221751.2026.2645857},
pmid = {41824364},
issn = {2222-1751},
abstract = {The global rise of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophage-derived depolymerases have emerged as promising antimicrobial factors, selectively degrading bacterial capsules and impairing key pathogenic traits. We characterize a novel depolymerase, PRA33gp45, associated with the structural protein of bacteriophage vB_KpnP_PRA33. Bioinformatic structural analyses predicted endo-N-acetyl neuraminidase-like activity and canonical depolymerase domain architecture. The recombinant PRA33gp45 specifically hydrolysed capsular polysaccharides (CPS) of K27-serotype K. pneumoniae and produced characteristic halo zones on bacterial lawns, confirming its enzymatic activity. Capsule staining demonstrated rapid and progressive capsule degradation within 120 minutes of treatment. PRA33gp45 significantly inhibited biofilm formation, disrupted mature biofilms, and altered biofilm architecture as visualized by confocal microscopy. Depolymerase pre-treatment markedly reduced K. pneumoniae survival within A549 human lung epithelial cells, without exhibiting any cytotoxic effect and sensitized bacteria to complement-mediated killing in human serum. Finally, PRA33gp45 treatment of K. pneumoniae lowers morbidity and mortality in the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Collectively, these findings identify PRA33gp45 as a novel and highly specific depolymerase that diminishes K. pneumoniae virulence by targeting its protective capsule, impairing persistence as biofilm, and enhancing innate immune clearance. Its safety and efficacy suggest potential as an antimicrobial or adjuvant therapeutic agent against K27-type K. pneumoniae infections, particularly in the context of multidrug resistance and emerging pathogens.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
CmpDate: 2026-03-13
Biofilm Control with Rare-Earth Oxides: A Mechanistic Framework for Next-Generation Antibiofilm Materials.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland), 16(5): pii:nano16050302.
Biofilm-associated infections remain a major barrier to wound healing, implant integration, and chronic infection management. Rare-earth oxides (REOs) have emerged as promising antibiofilm materials, though their mechanisms, limitations, and translational potential are still being defined. Cerium oxide (CeO2) serves as the benchmark due to its redox adaptability, oxygen-vacancy-driven catalytic activity, and host compatibility. In contrast, non-ceria REOs show antibiofilm effects under more restricted conditions, often requiring surface functionalization, composite architectures, or hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces-such as polyphenol coatings or hydroxyapatite-based composites-to achieve comparable activity. Across systems, biofilm control arises not from bactericidal potency but from matrix-level mechanisms including extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) destabilization, extracellular DNA (eDNA) sequestration, redox modulation, and quorum-sensing interference. Preclinical and near-clinical evidence, particularly in chronic wound models, supports the translational relevance of these mechanisms, though the evidence base remains preliminary. This review synthesizes mechanistic data across cerium-, samarium-, lanthanum-, and strontium-based systems to establish a unified framework for REO-mediated biofilm disruption. REOs are positioned as biofilm-modulating platforms that complement antibiotics, enhance healing, and improve outcomes. Design rules emphasize controlled redox activity, targeted coordination chemistry, functional surface engineering, and host-compatible performance, alongside regulatory and manufacturing guidance for future development.
Additional Links: PMID-41823755
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41823755,
year = {2026},
author = {Luong, JHT},
title = {Biofilm Control with Rare-Earth Oxides: A Mechanistic Framework for Next-Generation Antibiofilm Materials.},
journal = {Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/nano16050302},
pmid = {41823755},
issn = {2079-4991},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections remain a major barrier to wound healing, implant integration, and chronic infection management. Rare-earth oxides (REOs) have emerged as promising antibiofilm materials, though their mechanisms, limitations, and translational potential are still being defined. Cerium oxide (CeO2) serves as the benchmark due to its redox adaptability, oxygen-vacancy-driven catalytic activity, and host compatibility. In contrast, non-ceria REOs show antibiofilm effects under more restricted conditions, often requiring surface functionalization, composite architectures, or hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces-such as polyphenol coatings or hydroxyapatite-based composites-to achieve comparable activity. Across systems, biofilm control arises not from bactericidal potency but from matrix-level mechanisms including extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) destabilization, extracellular DNA (eDNA) sequestration, redox modulation, and quorum-sensing interference. Preclinical and near-clinical evidence, particularly in chronic wound models, supports the translational relevance of these mechanisms, though the evidence base remains preliminary. This review synthesizes mechanistic data across cerium-, samarium-, lanthanum-, and strontium-based systems to establish a unified framework for REO-mediated biofilm disruption. REOs are positioned as biofilm-modulating platforms that complement antibiotics, enhance healing, and improve outcomes. Design rules emphasize controlled redox activity, targeted coordination chemistry, functional surface engineering, and host-compatible performance, alongside regulatory and manufacturing guidance for future development.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
Species-specific chlorine resistance and biofilm regulation by extracellular polymeric substances and quorum sensing in drinking water pipeline bacteria.
Applied and environmental microbiology [Epub ahead of print].
Biofilms in drinking water distribution systems pose significant risks by harboring chlorine-resistant bacteria. This study isolated five bacterial strains (Sphingomonas ursincola, Sphingobium amiense, Gordonia amicalis, Microbacterium saccharophilum, Hydrogenophaga laconesensis) from municipal pipelines to evaluate differences in biofilm formation and chlorine resistance. Biofilm formation ability varied notably, with S. ursincola showing the strongest capacity and H. laconesensis the weakest. Quorum sensing (QS) signal molecules (C6-HSL, 3-OXO-C14-HSL; 0.2240-0.2481 μg/L) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs: 19.940-32.407 mg/L) were critical in biofilm regulation, where QS molecules influenced EPS composition. Chlorine resistance assays revealed species-specific tolerance: at ≤1.0 mg/L, resistance ranked M. saccharophilum > S. amiense > G. amicalis > S. ursincola > H. laconesensis; above 1.0 mg/L, S. ursincola and S. amiense exhibited robust resistance. Low chlorine levels (0.6 mg/L) damaged only 25.91%-34.80% of bacteria, insufficient to control the biofilm formation of the tested isolates. Optimal disinfection occurred at 1.0-1.5 mg/L, effectively controlling biofilm biomass. These findings highlight EPS-driven chlorine resistance mechanisms and QS-mediated biofilm regulation, providing actionable strategies for pipeline management.IMPORTANCEThis study addressed a critical gap in understanding different bacterial biofilm dynamics and chlorine resistance mechanisms in drinking water systems. By linking quorum sensing to extracellular polymeric substance production, it reveals how bacteria modulate biofilm resilience, elucidating species-specific mechanisms underlying biofilm resilience to chlorine disinfection. The identification of chlorine-resistant species (Sphingomonas ursincola, Sphingobium amiense) and optimal disinfection thresholds (1.0-1.5 mg/L) directly informs municipal water treatment protocols, providing a practical chlorine concentration range (1.0-1.5 mg/L) that effectively controls biofilms while avoiding excessive disinfectant use. These results are pivotal for mitigating secondary contamination risks and safeguarding public health, particularly in aging infrastructure where biofilm-related outbreaks are prevalent.
Additional Links: PMID-41823455
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41823455,
year = {2026},
author = {Niu, J and Chen, D and Lin, T and Li, S and Xu, J and Xu, H and Liu, X and Chen, X and Wei, N and Meng, K},
title = {Species-specific chlorine resistance and biofilm regulation by extracellular polymeric substances and quorum sensing in drinking water pipeline bacteria.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0153125},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01531-25},
pmid = {41823455},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Biofilms in drinking water distribution systems pose significant risks by harboring chlorine-resistant bacteria. This study isolated five bacterial strains (Sphingomonas ursincola, Sphingobium amiense, Gordonia amicalis, Microbacterium saccharophilum, Hydrogenophaga laconesensis) from municipal pipelines to evaluate differences in biofilm formation and chlorine resistance. Biofilm formation ability varied notably, with S. ursincola showing the strongest capacity and H. laconesensis the weakest. Quorum sensing (QS) signal molecules (C6-HSL, 3-OXO-C14-HSL; 0.2240-0.2481 μg/L) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs: 19.940-32.407 mg/L) were critical in biofilm regulation, where QS molecules influenced EPS composition. Chlorine resistance assays revealed species-specific tolerance: at ≤1.0 mg/L, resistance ranked M. saccharophilum > S. amiense > G. amicalis > S. ursincola > H. laconesensis; above 1.0 mg/L, S. ursincola and S. amiense exhibited robust resistance. Low chlorine levels (0.6 mg/L) damaged only 25.91%-34.80% of bacteria, insufficient to control the biofilm formation of the tested isolates. Optimal disinfection occurred at 1.0-1.5 mg/L, effectively controlling biofilm biomass. These findings highlight EPS-driven chlorine resistance mechanisms and QS-mediated biofilm regulation, providing actionable strategies for pipeline management.IMPORTANCEThis study addressed a critical gap in understanding different bacterial biofilm dynamics and chlorine resistance mechanisms in drinking water systems. By linking quorum sensing to extracellular polymeric substance production, it reveals how bacteria modulate biofilm resilience, elucidating species-specific mechanisms underlying biofilm resilience to chlorine disinfection. The identification of chlorine-resistant species (Sphingomonas ursincola, Sphingobium amiense) and optimal disinfection thresholds (1.0-1.5 mg/L) directly informs municipal water treatment protocols, providing a practical chlorine concentration range (1.0-1.5 mg/L) that effectively controls biofilms while avoiding excessive disinfectant use. These results are pivotal for mitigating secondary contamination risks and safeguarding public health, particularly in aging infrastructure where biofilm-related outbreaks are prevalent.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
Targeting biofilm and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: AidH@SPEEK as a novel quorum-sensing inhibitor.
Microbiology spectrum [Epub ahead of print].
UNLABELLED: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, poses severe risks to immunocompromised patients. Conventional antibiotics often fail due to toxicity and resistance, primarily linked to biofilm formation controlled by quorum sensing (QS). Here, we developed an AidH-loaded sulfonated polyetheretherketone (AidH@SPEEK) composite, optimizing its loading conditions (400 μL AidH, 30 min). Enzymatic activity peaked at 40°C and pH 7.0 but remained stable at 37°C. AidH@SPEEK significantly suppressed PA biofilm formation and virulence factor secretion while downregulating QS (LasR/LasI, RhlR/RhlI) and virulence genes (exoS, phzM). Notably, it enhanced PA's antibiotic susceptibility, offering a promising QS-targeting strategy to combat resistant infections.
IMPORTANCE: The rising antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study highlights the potential of AidH@SPEEK as a non-antibiotic strategy to combat PA infections by targeting the quorum-sensing (QS) system, a key regulator of biofilm formation and virulence. By degrading QS signaling molecules, AidH@SPEEK disrupts bacterial communication, reduces pathogenicity, and enhances antibiotic sensitivity. The use of SPEEK as a delivery platform ensures sustained enzyme activity and biocompatibility, making it suitable for medical implants. These findings offer a promising direction for developing anti-infective materials that mitigate biofilm-associated resistance, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for high-risk patients.
Additional Links: PMID-41823410
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41823410,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Li, D and Zhou, M and Zhao, L and Chen, L and Cheng, Z},
title = {Targeting biofilm and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: AidH@SPEEK as a novel quorum-sensing inhibitor.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0166825},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01668-25},
pmid = {41823410},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, poses severe risks to immunocompromised patients. Conventional antibiotics often fail due to toxicity and resistance, primarily linked to biofilm formation controlled by quorum sensing (QS). Here, we developed an AidH-loaded sulfonated polyetheretherketone (AidH@SPEEK) composite, optimizing its loading conditions (400 μL AidH, 30 min). Enzymatic activity peaked at 40°C and pH 7.0 but remained stable at 37°C. AidH@SPEEK significantly suppressed PA biofilm formation and virulence factor secretion while downregulating QS (LasR/LasI, RhlR/RhlI) and virulence genes (exoS, phzM). Notably, it enhanced PA's antibiotic susceptibility, offering a promising QS-targeting strategy to combat resistant infections.
IMPORTANCE: The rising antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study highlights the potential of AidH@SPEEK as a non-antibiotic strategy to combat PA infections by targeting the quorum-sensing (QS) system, a key regulator of biofilm formation and virulence. By degrading QS signaling molecules, AidH@SPEEK disrupts bacterial communication, reduces pathogenicity, and enhances antibiotic sensitivity. The use of SPEEK as a delivery platform ensures sustained enzyme activity and biocompatibility, making it suitable for medical implants. These findings offer a promising direction for developing anti-infective materials that mitigate biofilm-associated resistance, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for high-risk patients.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
Filamentous surface structures drive biofilm formation in ICU-isolated Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus: implications for persistent environmental contamination.
Microbiology spectrum [Epub ahead of print].
The relationship between surface biofilms and the persistent contamination of environmental surfaces has garnered increasing attention. Although biofilm research is extensive, systematic comparisons of the morphological characteristics of pathogens isolated from healthcare surfaces, particularly strains that retain biofilm-forming capacity after long-term preservation, are still lacking. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biofilm formation potential and ultrastructural features of the cell membrane surfaces of healthcare environment-isolated Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The revived strains were inoculated into 96-well plates containing TSB and incubated for 24 h to assess their biofilm-forming potential under favorable growth conditions. Biofilm formation was assessed using crystal violet staining. Strains with different biofilm-forming abilities were examined for their morphological characteristics under a scanning electron microscope. Of the 198 historically preserved strains of the three common pathogens, 162 were successfully revived (78 A. baumannii, 36 P. aeruginosa, and 48 S. aureus). The biofilm formation rates of A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus were 70.51%, 88.89%, and 25%, respectively. The cell surface morphology between the biofilm- and non-biofilm-forming strains differed significantly. Biofilm-forming strains exhibited numerous filamentous structures on their surfaces and displayed aggregation and multidimensional stacking owing to the "net-like" effect of the filaments. In contrast, non-biofilm-forming strains had smooth surfaces without filamentous structures or aggregation. This study provides systematic evidence for the biofilm-forming capabilities of common pathogens associated with healthcare-associated infections, isolated from healthcare environment surfaces. All biofilm-forming strains displayed distinct filamentous structures on their surfaces, with the clonal strains exhibiting similar characteristics.IMPORTANCEThis study is the first to demonstrate the biofilm-forming capacity and morphological characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus in intensive care unit (ICU) environments, filling a critical gap in our understanding of biofilm mechanisms among healthcare-associated pathogens. Notably, P. aeruginosa exhibited an 88.89% biofilm formation rate, with its distinctive filamentous fibrous structures significantly enhancing bacterial adhesion and aggregation-a key explanation for persistent environmental contamination. These findings directly inform the optimization of ICU cleaning protocols, promote the development of biofilm-targeted disinfection standards, and provide a scientific foundation for refining environmental monitoring metrics in infection control policies, ultimately reducing healthcare-associated infection rates.
Additional Links: PMID-41823381
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41823381,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, B and Ni, K and Wang, W and Lu, M and Jin, H},
title = {Filamentous surface structures drive biofilm formation in ICU-isolated Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus: implications for persistent environmental contamination.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0211425},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02114-25},
pmid = {41823381},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The relationship between surface biofilms and the persistent contamination of environmental surfaces has garnered increasing attention. Although biofilm research is extensive, systematic comparisons of the morphological characteristics of pathogens isolated from healthcare surfaces, particularly strains that retain biofilm-forming capacity after long-term preservation, are still lacking. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biofilm formation potential and ultrastructural features of the cell membrane surfaces of healthcare environment-isolated Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The revived strains were inoculated into 96-well plates containing TSB and incubated for 24 h to assess their biofilm-forming potential under favorable growth conditions. Biofilm formation was assessed using crystal violet staining. Strains with different biofilm-forming abilities were examined for their morphological characteristics under a scanning electron microscope. Of the 198 historically preserved strains of the three common pathogens, 162 were successfully revived (78 A. baumannii, 36 P. aeruginosa, and 48 S. aureus). The biofilm formation rates of A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus were 70.51%, 88.89%, and 25%, respectively. The cell surface morphology between the biofilm- and non-biofilm-forming strains differed significantly. Biofilm-forming strains exhibited numerous filamentous structures on their surfaces and displayed aggregation and multidimensional stacking owing to the "net-like" effect of the filaments. In contrast, non-biofilm-forming strains had smooth surfaces without filamentous structures or aggregation. This study provides systematic evidence for the biofilm-forming capabilities of common pathogens associated with healthcare-associated infections, isolated from healthcare environment surfaces. All biofilm-forming strains displayed distinct filamentous structures on their surfaces, with the clonal strains exhibiting similar characteristics.IMPORTANCEThis study is the first to demonstrate the biofilm-forming capacity and morphological characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus in intensive care unit (ICU) environments, filling a critical gap in our understanding of biofilm mechanisms among healthcare-associated pathogens. Notably, P. aeruginosa exhibited an 88.89% biofilm formation rate, with its distinctive filamentous fibrous structures significantly enhancing bacterial adhesion and aggregation-a key explanation for persistent environmental contamination. These findings directly inform the optimization of ICU cleaning protocols, promote the development of biofilm-targeted disinfection standards, and provide a scientific foundation for refining environmental monitoring metrics in infection control policies, ultimately reducing healthcare-associated infection rates.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
A biofilm-penetrating nanozyme robot for drug-free inactivation of drug-resistant bacteria.
Journal of materials chemistry. B [Epub ahead of print].
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections mainly due to the proliferation of bacterial biofilms poses a critical clinical challenge. The low efficacy of currently used antibacterial agents, caused due to their poor penetration into biofilms, hinders their therapeutic potential. Here, we report a drug-free, nanozyme-based, self-propelling Janus nanobot engineered to penetrate bacterial biofilms and eradicate drug-resistant pathogens through a synergistic physical-chemical mechanism. The nanobot is fabricated using magnesium (Mg) nanoparticles as a propulsion core, which generate hydrogen bubbles upon reaction with water, and a hemispherical copper oxide (CuO) shell that imparts catalytic and bactericidal activities. The CuO shell catalyses Fenton-like reactions in response to elevated hydrogen peroxide levels within bacterial microenvironments, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and cell death. Autonomous propulsion enables the nanobots to actively traverse the dense extracellular polymeric matrix of biofilms, thereby enhancing the antibacterial effect. The Mg-CuO (MCO) nanobots achieved efficient biofilm removal and significant reduction in cell viability against S. aureus (MIC - 256 µg mL[-1]), P. aeruginosa (MIC - 512 µg mL[-1]), and MRSA (MIC - 1024 µg mL[-1]). This drug-free, self-powered nanozyme platform effectively overcomes diffusion-limited biofilm barriers and demonstrates potent activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering strong translational potential for the treatment of chronic and drug-resistant infections.
Additional Links: PMID-41823272
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41823272,
year = {2026},
author = {Gaware, MG and Goswami, S and Sahai, S and Chate, GP and Banerjee, T and Biswas, S and Wavhale, RD and Banerjee, SS},
title = {A biofilm-penetrating nanozyme robot for drug-free inactivation of drug-resistant bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5tb02853a},
pmid = {41823272},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections mainly due to the proliferation of bacterial biofilms poses a critical clinical challenge. The low efficacy of currently used antibacterial agents, caused due to their poor penetration into biofilms, hinders their therapeutic potential. Here, we report a drug-free, nanozyme-based, self-propelling Janus nanobot engineered to penetrate bacterial biofilms and eradicate drug-resistant pathogens through a synergistic physical-chemical mechanism. The nanobot is fabricated using magnesium (Mg) nanoparticles as a propulsion core, which generate hydrogen bubbles upon reaction with water, and a hemispherical copper oxide (CuO) shell that imparts catalytic and bactericidal activities. The CuO shell catalyses Fenton-like reactions in response to elevated hydrogen peroxide levels within bacterial microenvironments, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and cell death. Autonomous propulsion enables the nanobots to actively traverse the dense extracellular polymeric matrix of biofilms, thereby enhancing the antibacterial effect. The Mg-CuO (MCO) nanobots achieved efficient biofilm removal and significant reduction in cell viability against S. aureus (MIC - 256 µg mL[-1]), P. aeruginosa (MIC - 512 µg mL[-1]), and MRSA (MIC - 1024 µg mL[-1]). This drug-free, self-powered nanozyme platform effectively overcomes diffusion-limited biofilm barriers and demonstrates potent activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering strong translational potential for the treatment of chronic and drug-resistant infections.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
CmpDate: 2026-03-13
Biofilm-driven multi-stage anaerobic-aerobic process for high-strength petrochemical wastewater treatment.
Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1778614.
High-strength petrochemical wastewater typically shows poor biodegradability, making stable compliance difficult with biological treatment alone. In this study, an integrated train combining coagulation-Fenton oxidation pretreatment with a biofilm-driven multi-stage anaerobic-aerobic process was developed. The Fenton pretreatment was optimized by response surface methodology, and the downstream system comprised an anaerobic biofilter, multi-stage biological contact oxidation, followed by hydrolysis-acidification/contact oxidation and clarification. Results indicated that the Initial pH was the most influential factor for Fenton performance. Under optimized conditions (pH 2.20, H2O2 dosage 4.5 mL/L, H2O2/Fe[2+] molar ratio 20), pretreatment achieved 51.9% COD removal. At steady operation (Day 28), overall COD decreased from 3740 mg/L to 239.2 mg/L (93.6% cumulative removal). Anaerobic biofilter provided stable COD removal of 20.2-23.5% with an optimal temperature window of 25-35°C, while the multi-stage biological contact oxidation maintained 64.1-80.0% COD removal and was buffered under higher loading by extending reaction time/increasing hydraulic retention time. Biofilm stability was supported by MLSS of 4,151 mg/L and SVI of 75.9 mL/g in the multi-stage reactor (Day 30). Overall, coagulation-Fenton served as an influent-shaping module, complementing the anaerobic-aerobic biofilm process to achieve robust removal of high-strength refractory organics.
Additional Links: PMID-41822123
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41822123,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, D and Ma, G and Li, G and Zhang, C},
title = {Biofilm-driven multi-stage anaerobic-aerobic process for high-strength petrochemical wastewater treatment.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1778614},
pmid = {41822123},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {High-strength petrochemical wastewater typically shows poor biodegradability, making stable compliance difficult with biological treatment alone. In this study, an integrated train combining coagulation-Fenton oxidation pretreatment with a biofilm-driven multi-stage anaerobic-aerobic process was developed. The Fenton pretreatment was optimized by response surface methodology, and the downstream system comprised an anaerobic biofilter, multi-stage biological contact oxidation, followed by hydrolysis-acidification/contact oxidation and clarification. Results indicated that the Initial pH was the most influential factor for Fenton performance. Under optimized conditions (pH 2.20, H2O2 dosage 4.5 mL/L, H2O2/Fe[2+] molar ratio 20), pretreatment achieved 51.9% COD removal. At steady operation (Day 28), overall COD decreased from 3740 mg/L to 239.2 mg/L (93.6% cumulative removal). Anaerobic biofilter provided stable COD removal of 20.2-23.5% with an optimal temperature window of 25-35°C, while the multi-stage biological contact oxidation maintained 64.1-80.0% COD removal and was buffered under higher loading by extending reaction time/increasing hydraulic retention time. Biofilm stability was supported by MLSS of 4,151 mg/L and SVI of 75.9 mL/g in the multi-stage reactor (Day 30). Overall, coagulation-Fenton served as an influent-shaping module, complementing the anaerobic-aerobic biofilm process to achieve robust removal of high-strength refractory organics.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
CmpDate: 2026-03-13
Effect of biofilm lifestyle caused by water matric potential on invasion of exogenous plasmid.
ISME communications, 6(1):ycag031.
Conjugal plasmid transfer is an efficient mechanism for gene exchange among bacteria. Most bacteria exist in biofilms encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which provide protection against environmental stressors such as water deprivation. We hypothesized that enhanced EPS production in response to water matric stress would create a physical barrier limiting exogenous plasmid invasion into established biofilms. Employing filter mating assays, we demonstrate that Pseudomonas putida (serving as recipient strain), which produces more EPS with decreasing water matric potential, suppresses plasmid invasion from exogenously added P. putida (pKJK5) donor cells. Similarly, transfer into a biofilm formed by an EPS overproducing P. putida mutant was impaired. This barrier effect was not observed in biofilms co-established by mixtures of donor and recipient strains, probably because EPS does not form a thick enough internal barrier within the biofilm compared to the external barrier on top of a mature biofilm. Hence, sufficiently high cell-to-cell contacts remain possible within these biofilms regardless of water matric stress and EPS production capability. We further tested these mechanisms employing a complex, natural soil bacterial community as recipient; also here conjugal plasmid invasion declined with decreasing matric potential. Our study provides novel insight into the complex dynamics of horizontal transfer of plasmids in microbial biofilms.
Additional Links: PMID-41821963
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41821963,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Dechesne, A and Franck, SL and Klümper, U and Wang, G and Smets, BF},
title = {Effect of biofilm lifestyle caused by water matric potential on invasion of exogenous plasmid.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag031},
pmid = {41821963},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Conjugal plasmid transfer is an efficient mechanism for gene exchange among bacteria. Most bacteria exist in biofilms encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which provide protection against environmental stressors such as water deprivation. We hypothesized that enhanced EPS production in response to water matric stress would create a physical barrier limiting exogenous plasmid invasion into established biofilms. Employing filter mating assays, we demonstrate that Pseudomonas putida (serving as recipient strain), which produces more EPS with decreasing water matric potential, suppresses plasmid invasion from exogenously added P. putida (pKJK5) donor cells. Similarly, transfer into a biofilm formed by an EPS overproducing P. putida mutant was impaired. This barrier effect was not observed in biofilms co-established by mixtures of donor and recipient strains, probably because EPS does not form a thick enough internal barrier within the biofilm compared to the external barrier on top of a mature biofilm. Hence, sufficiently high cell-to-cell contacts remain possible within these biofilms regardless of water matric stress and EPS production capability. We further tested these mechanisms employing a complex, natural soil bacterial community as recipient; also here conjugal plasmid invasion declined with decreasing matric potential. Our study provides novel insight into the complex dynamics of horizontal transfer of plasmids in microbial biofilms.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-13
CmpDate: 2026-03-13
Advancing Biofilm Removal: Evaluating Electrolytic Methods for Decontaminating Dental Implants In Vitro.
Journal of periodontal research, 61(2):216-218.
Multispecies oral biofilms were established on titanium implants using a controlled bioreactor model and subjected to different decontamination strategies. Biofilm persistence was evaluated by v-qPCR, SEM, and CLSM to assess treatment efficacy.
Additional Links: PMID-41821380
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41821380,
year = {2026},
author = {Castro, AB and Hadisurya, J and Gaurav Srivastava, M and Bernaerts, K and Braem, A and Zayed, N},
title = {Advancing Biofilm Removal: Evaluating Electrolytic Methods for Decontaminating Dental Implants In Vitro.},
journal = {Journal of periodontal research},
volume = {61},
number = {2},
pages = {216-218},
doi = {10.1111/jre.70031},
pmid = {41821380},
issn = {1600-0765},
support = {1SHFK24N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Dental Implants/microbiology ; *Decontamination/methods ; Titanium ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; *Electrolysis/methods ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Bioreactors ; },
abstract = {Multispecies oral biofilms were established on titanium implants using a controlled bioreactor model and subjected to different decontamination strategies. Biofilm persistence was evaluated by v-qPCR, SEM, and CLSM to assess treatment efficacy.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Dental Implants/microbiology
*Decontamination/methods
Titanium
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
*Electrolysis/methods
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Bioreactors
RevDate: 2026-03-13
Pogostone disrupts key virulence traits of Candida albicans: hyphal inhibition and biofilm suppression.
BMC microbiology pii:10.1186/s12866-026-04890-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41820875
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41820875,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, L and Luo, Z and Zou, X and Sun, C and Peng, F and Peng, C and Zhou, Q},
title = {Pogostone disrupts key virulence traits of Candida albicans: hyphal inhibition and biofilm suppression.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-04890-3},
pmid = {41820875},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {U24A20790//National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program/ ; U24A20790//National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program/ ; U24A20790//National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program/ ; U24A20790//National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program/ ; U24A20790//National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program/ ; U24A20790//National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program/ ; U24A20790//National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Key Program/ ; 2024NSFSC0054//National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project/ ; 2024NSFSC0054//National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project/ ; 2024NSFSC0054//National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project/ ; 2024NSFSC0054//National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project/ ; 2024NSFSC0054//National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project/ ; 2024NSFSC0054//National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project/ ; 2024NSFSC0054//National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project/ ; 2024ZD02//Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Scientific Research Project/ ; 2024ZD02//Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Scientific Research Project/ ; 2024ZD02//Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Scientific Research Project/ ; 2024ZD02//Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Scientific Research Project/ ; 2024ZD02//Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Scientific Research Project/ ; 2024ZD02//Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Scientific Research Project/ ; 2024ZD02//Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Special Scientific Research Project/ ; },
}
RevDate: 2026-03-12
CmpDate: 2026-03-12
Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of calcineurin reduces biofilm formation by the pathogenic fungus Trichosporon asahii in an in vivo silkworm infection model.
PloS one, 21(3):e0344259.
Trichosporon asahii is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus that causes catheter-related bloodstream infection in immunocompromised patients with neutropenia. Biofilm formation by T. asahii on the surfaces of medical devices such as catheters is influenced by various host environmental factors. Calcineurin, a protein phosphatase composed of the catalytic subunit Cna1 and the regulatory subunit Cnb1, regulates multiple stress responses and virulence of T. asahii. The role of calcineurin in biofilm formation under host-derived conditions, however, remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that calcineurin is essential for biofilm formation in vivo by T. asahii. While the cna1 gene- and the cnb1 gene-deficient mutants formed biofilms comparable to those of the parent strain in vitro, it produced significantly less biofilm than the parent strain in the in vivo silkworm infection model. Similarly, tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, did not inhibit biofilm formation by T. asahii in vitro but markedly suppressed biofilm formation in vivo. Together, these findings suggest that calcineurin plays a crucial role in biofilm formation by T. asahii under host environmental conditions.
Additional Links: PMID-41818211
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41818211,
year = {2026},
author = {Matsumoto, Y and Shimizu, Y and Nakayama, M and Takizawa, M and Kurakado, S and Sugita, T},
title = {Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of calcineurin reduces biofilm formation by the pathogenic fungus Trichosporon asahii in an in vivo silkworm infection model.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {e0344259},
pmid = {41818211},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Calcineurin/genetics/metabolism ; *Bombyx/microbiology ; *Trichosporon/drug effects/genetics/physiology/pathogenicity ; Tacrolimus/pharmacology ; *Calcineurin Inhibitors/pharmacology ; *Trichosporonosis/microbiology/drug therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; Basidiomycota ; },
abstract = {Trichosporon asahii is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus that causes catheter-related bloodstream infection in immunocompromised patients with neutropenia. Biofilm formation by T. asahii on the surfaces of medical devices such as catheters is influenced by various host environmental factors. Calcineurin, a protein phosphatase composed of the catalytic subunit Cna1 and the regulatory subunit Cnb1, regulates multiple stress responses and virulence of T. asahii. The role of calcineurin in biofilm formation under host-derived conditions, however, remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that calcineurin is essential for biofilm formation in vivo by T. asahii. While the cna1 gene- and the cnb1 gene-deficient mutants formed biofilms comparable to those of the parent strain in vitro, it produced significantly less biofilm than the parent strain in the in vivo silkworm infection model. Similarly, tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, did not inhibit biofilm formation by T. asahii in vitro but markedly suppressed biofilm formation in vivo. Together, these findings suggest that calcineurin plays a crucial role in biofilm formation by T. asahii under host environmental conditions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Calcineurin/genetics/metabolism
*Bombyx/microbiology
*Trichosporon/drug effects/genetics/physiology/pathogenicity
Tacrolimus/pharmacology
*Calcineurin Inhibitors/pharmacology
*Trichosporonosis/microbiology/drug therapy
Disease Models, Animal
*Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
Basidiomycota
RevDate: 2026-03-12
Analysis of the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol in preventing biofilm bacterial infection in double-J stents among diabetic patients and the factors associated with infection.
International urology and nephrology [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol powder (FMT) in preventing biofilm-associated bacterial infections on double-J stents in diabetic patients; to characterize the species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of biofilm-forming bacteria isolated from these devices; and to identify clinical and microbiological risk factors associated with such infections-thereby informing evidence-based strategies for infection prevention in this high-risk population.
METHODS: A total of 100 adult diabetic patients who underwent double-J stent placement at our tertiary care center between June 2024 and June 2025 were prospectively enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group or a control group (n = 50 per group). Patients in the experimental group received a single oral dose of 3 g FMT on the day before stent insertion and on postoperative days 7 and 15; those in the control group received a single oral dose of 0.5 g levofloxacin (LFX) tablets on the day before stent insertion and on postoperative days 1 and 2. At the time of stent removal, stent surface specimens were collected for quantitative biofilm-forming bacterial culture, species identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Baseline clinical characteristics, stent-related symptoms, and infection outcomes were systematically recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0, with two-sided p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Among the 100 diabetic patients with indwelling double-J stents, biofilm-forming bacterial colonization was detected in 24 (24.0%), with significantly lower prevalence in the experimental group (7/50, 14.0%) than in the control group (17/50, 34.0%) (χ[2] = 5.48, p = 0.019). Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the predominant pathogen isolated (accounting for 50% of all positive cultures); among these E. coli isolates, 83.3% (10/12) were confirmed as extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains. Gram-negative bacilli exhibited high-level resistance to ciprofloxacin (93.7%), ampicillin (100%), levofloxacin (87.5%), cefepime (68.7%), cefazolin (87.5%), cefuroxime (81.2%), and ceftriaxone (75.0%). Multivariable logistic regression identified age ≥ 60 years, double-J stent indwelling duration ≥ 30 days, daily fluid intake ≤ 2000 mL, serum albumin < 30 g/L, serum creatinine > 110 μmol/L, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 6% as independent risk factors for biofilm-associated bacterial infection (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: When administered with equivalent dosing frequency (three doses total), FMT was associated with a significantly lower detection rate of biofilm-forming bacteria in double-J stent specimens compared with LFX among diabetic patients. These findings support the preferential use of FMT over LFX for targeted prophylaxis in high-risk diabetic populations and underscore the importance of integrating antimicrobial stewardship-particularly agent selection aligned with local resistance patterns-with proactive management of modifiable risk factors to optimize infection prevention and clinical outcomes.
Additional Links: PMID-41817910
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41817910,
year = {2026},
author = {Ye, JB and Zeng, K and Li, XB and Yang, J and Zhang, S and Chen, Q},
title = {Analysis of the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol in preventing biofilm bacterial infection in double-J stents among diabetic patients and the factors associated with infection.},
journal = {International urology and nephrology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41817910},
issn = {1573-2584},
support = {Project No. 22yb050//the General Project of the Scientific Research Program of the Zigong Municipal Health Commission/ ; Project No. 2024GZL14//the High-Quality Development Project of the First People's Hospital of Zigong City/ ; Project No. 2024-YKY-03-13//the Scientific Research Project of the Zigong Medical Academy/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of fosfomycin trometamol powder (FMT) in preventing biofilm-associated bacterial infections on double-J stents in diabetic patients; to characterize the species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of biofilm-forming bacteria isolated from these devices; and to identify clinical and microbiological risk factors associated with such infections-thereby informing evidence-based strategies for infection prevention in this high-risk population.
METHODS: A total of 100 adult diabetic patients who underwent double-J stent placement at our tertiary care center between June 2024 and June 2025 were prospectively enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group or a control group (n = 50 per group). Patients in the experimental group received a single oral dose of 3 g FMT on the day before stent insertion and on postoperative days 7 and 15; those in the control group received a single oral dose of 0.5 g levofloxacin (LFX) tablets on the day before stent insertion and on postoperative days 1 and 2. At the time of stent removal, stent surface specimens were collected for quantitative biofilm-forming bacterial culture, species identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Baseline clinical characteristics, stent-related symptoms, and infection outcomes were systematically recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0, with two-sided p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Among the 100 diabetic patients with indwelling double-J stents, biofilm-forming bacterial colonization was detected in 24 (24.0%), with significantly lower prevalence in the experimental group (7/50, 14.0%) than in the control group (17/50, 34.0%) (χ[2] = 5.48, p = 0.019). Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the predominant pathogen isolated (accounting for 50% of all positive cultures); among these E. coli isolates, 83.3% (10/12) were confirmed as extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains. Gram-negative bacilli exhibited high-level resistance to ciprofloxacin (93.7%), ampicillin (100%), levofloxacin (87.5%), cefepime (68.7%), cefazolin (87.5%), cefuroxime (81.2%), and ceftriaxone (75.0%). Multivariable logistic regression identified age ≥ 60 years, double-J stent indwelling duration ≥ 30 days, daily fluid intake ≤ 2000 mL, serum albumin < 30 g/L, serum creatinine > 110 μmol/L, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 6% as independent risk factors for biofilm-associated bacterial infection (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: When administered with equivalent dosing frequency (three doses total), FMT was associated with a significantly lower detection rate of biofilm-forming bacteria in double-J stent specimens compared with LFX among diabetic patients. These findings support the preferential use of FMT over LFX for targeted prophylaxis in high-risk diabetic populations and underscore the importance of integrating antimicrobial stewardship-particularly agent selection aligned with local resistance patterns-with proactive management of modifiable risk factors to optimize infection prevention and clinical outcomes.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-12
CmpDate: 2026-03-12
Fitness cost and biofilm formation in fosfomycin-resistant clinical Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.
Turkish journal of medical sciences, 56(1):315-325.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Fosfomycin has regained importance owing to its unique mechanism of action and effectiveness against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the biological fitness cost associated with fosfomycin resistance and its impact on biofilm formation in clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 78 Escherichia coli and 34 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from urine samples at Ege University Hospital were analyzed. Fosfomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the reference agar dilution method. Resistance was induced by exposing two K. pneumoniae strains with a fosfomycin MIC of 4 μg/mL and two E. coli strains susceptible to fosfomycin (MIC ≤ 8 μg/mL) to gradually increasing concentrations of the antibiotic. Biofilm-forming capacities, growth rates, and expression levels of selected virulence genes (fimH and papC in E. coli; entB, mrkD, uge, wabG, and ycfM in K. pneumoniae) were compared between variants with low and high fosfomycin MICs.
RESULTS: Of the 78 E. coli isolates, 13 (16.6%) were resistant to fosfomycin. Additionally, eight (23.5%) of 34 K. pneumoniae isolates exhibited high fosfomycin MICs (MIC > 32 μg/mL). No significant differences in biofilm formation were observed between the variants. However, the expression of the fimH gene decreased in one E. coli resistant variant compared with its susceptible counterpart. While the expression of the uge gene decreased in one K. pneumoniae isolate with a high MIC, the expression of the wabG gene increased. Slower growth rates were observed in two fosfomycin-resistant E. coli strains and one K. pneumoniae strain with a high fosfomycin MIC than in their counterparts.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that, in the examined isolates, decreased susceptibility to fosfomycin was associated with slower growth, whereas biofilm formation ability remained largely unaffected. Continued surveillance of fosfomycin resistance is essential owing to its potential implications for bacterial fitness and pathogenicity.
Additional Links: PMID-41816737
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41816737,
year = {2026},
author = {Ökeer, M and Aydemir, SŞ and Eraç, B},
title = {Fitness cost and biofilm formation in fosfomycin-resistant clinical Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.},
journal = {Turkish journal of medical sciences},
volume = {56},
number = {1},
pages = {315-325},
pmid = {41816737},
issn = {1303-6165},
mesh = {*Fosfomycin/pharmacology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification ; *Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Klebsiella Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/AIM: Fosfomycin has regained importance owing to its unique mechanism of action and effectiveness against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the biological fitness cost associated with fosfomycin resistance and its impact on biofilm formation in clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 78 Escherichia coli and 34 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from urine samples at Ege University Hospital were analyzed. Fosfomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the reference agar dilution method. Resistance was induced by exposing two K. pneumoniae strains with a fosfomycin MIC of 4 μg/mL and two E. coli strains susceptible to fosfomycin (MIC ≤ 8 μg/mL) to gradually increasing concentrations of the antibiotic. Biofilm-forming capacities, growth rates, and expression levels of selected virulence genes (fimH and papC in E. coli; entB, mrkD, uge, wabG, and ycfM in K. pneumoniae) were compared between variants with low and high fosfomycin MICs.
RESULTS: Of the 78 E. coli isolates, 13 (16.6%) were resistant to fosfomycin. Additionally, eight (23.5%) of 34 K. pneumoniae isolates exhibited high fosfomycin MICs (MIC > 32 μg/mL). No significant differences in biofilm formation were observed between the variants. However, the expression of the fimH gene decreased in one E. coli resistant variant compared with its susceptible counterpart. While the expression of the uge gene decreased in one K. pneumoniae isolate with a high MIC, the expression of the wabG gene increased. Slower growth rates were observed in two fosfomycin-resistant E. coli strains and one K. pneumoniae strain with a high fosfomycin MIC than in their counterparts.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that, in the examined isolates, decreased susceptibility to fosfomycin was associated with slower growth, whereas biofilm formation ability remained largely unaffected. Continued surveillance of fosfomycin resistance is essential owing to its potential implications for bacterial fitness and pathogenicity.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Fosfomycin/pharmacology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Escherichia coli/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification
*Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Klebsiella Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
RevDate: 2026-03-12
CmpDate: 2026-03-12
Framework for Analyzing the Anti-biofilm and Anti-virulence Activities of Fatty Acids from Hermetia illucens Larvae Targeting Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Bio-protocol, 16(5):e5629.
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the persistence of Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms represent significant challenges to public health. Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae are considered a sustainable reservoir of novel bioactive compounds. This protocol details a method for extracting fatty acids from HI larvae fat (AWME3 fraction) and studying their effects on multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Effects are evaluated by crystal violet and ethidium bromide uptake assays, motility assays (swimming, swarming, and twitching), minimal biofilm inhibitory and eradication concentration tests (MBIC/MBEC) for single, mixed, and mature biofilms, light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy imaging, and microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS). This protocol offers a reliable methodology for evaluating the anti-biofilm and anti-virulence properties of natural compounds. Key features • A reproducible protocol for extracting fatty acids from Hermetia illucens larvae fat (AWME3). • A comprehensive set of assays to assess biofilm inhibition and eradication in multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. • Combines light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy to visualize biofilm structure and fatty acid-induced morphological changes. • Includes microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS) analysis for evaluating cell surface hydrophobicity in relation to biofilm formation.
Additional Links: PMID-41815836
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41815836,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohamed, H and Marusich, E and Leonov, S},
title = {Framework for Analyzing the Anti-biofilm and Anti-virulence Activities of Fatty Acids from Hermetia illucens Larvae Targeting Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e5629},
pmid = {41815836},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the persistence of Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms represent significant challenges to public health. Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae are considered a sustainable reservoir of novel bioactive compounds. This protocol details a method for extracting fatty acids from HI larvae fat (AWME3 fraction) and studying their effects on multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Effects are evaluated by crystal violet and ethidium bromide uptake assays, motility assays (swimming, swarming, and twitching), minimal biofilm inhibitory and eradication concentration tests (MBIC/MBEC) for single, mixed, and mature biofilms, light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy imaging, and microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS). This protocol offers a reliable methodology for evaluating the anti-biofilm and anti-virulence properties of natural compounds. Key features • A reproducible protocol for extracting fatty acids from Hermetia illucens larvae fat (AWME3). • A comprehensive set of assays to assess biofilm inhibition and eradication in multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. • Combines light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy to visualize biofilm structure and fatty acid-induced morphological changes. • Includes microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS) analysis for evaluating cell surface hydrophobicity in relation to biofilm formation.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-12
CmpDate: 2026-03-12
Overcoming Candida biofilm resistance: targeting persister cells with probiotic-derived metabolites.
Frontiers in antibiotics, 5:1767028.
Candida biofilms pose a significant complication in clinical settings due to antifungal drug tolerance and the presence of persister cells. Biofilm-mediated resistance is influenced by several associated factors, including the high density and extracellular matrix characteristics of the biofilm, metabolic downregulation, efflux pump activity, and stress-response signaling pathways, which ultimately diminish drug permeability and effectiveness. Within biofilms, persister cells form a small subpopulation of cells with unique phenotypic traits that enable them to survive lethal antifungal exposure and promote the recurrence of infection. Failure of antifungal treatments in eliminating biofilm and their resilient communities suggests a need for new, adjunct treatment options Recent findings have highlighted the therapeutic potential of probiotic-derived metabolites for inhibiting certain aspects of biofilm behavior and survival. These postbiotic compounds could offer a multi-faceted, low-toxicity treatment approach that may be used as an adjunct with existing antifungal therapies. Future investigations incorporating mechanistic studies, biofilm models, and drug product development for metabolite formulations could lead to a new treatment strategy for persistent Candida infections.
Additional Links: PMID-41815221
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41815221,
year = {2026},
author = {Debta, P and Sahu, BK and Patra, SK and Debta, FM and Mishra, E and Panda, SK},
title = {Overcoming Candida biofilm resistance: targeting persister cells with probiotic-derived metabolites.},
journal = {Frontiers in antibiotics},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1767028},
pmid = {41815221},
issn = {2813-2467},
abstract = {Candida biofilms pose a significant complication in clinical settings due to antifungal drug tolerance and the presence of persister cells. Biofilm-mediated resistance is influenced by several associated factors, including the high density and extracellular matrix characteristics of the biofilm, metabolic downregulation, efflux pump activity, and stress-response signaling pathways, which ultimately diminish drug permeability and effectiveness. Within biofilms, persister cells form a small subpopulation of cells with unique phenotypic traits that enable them to survive lethal antifungal exposure and promote the recurrence of infection. Failure of antifungal treatments in eliminating biofilm and their resilient communities suggests a need for new, adjunct treatment options Recent findings have highlighted the therapeutic potential of probiotic-derived metabolites for inhibiting certain aspects of biofilm behavior and survival. These postbiotic compounds could offer a multi-faceted, low-toxicity treatment approach that may be used as an adjunct with existing antifungal therapies. Future investigations incorporating mechanistic studies, biofilm models, and drug product development for metabolite formulations could lead to a new treatment strategy for persistent Candida infections.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-12
CmpDate: 2026-03-12
Plumbagin Disrupts Biofilm Integrity and Resistance Gene Expression in Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
Journal of microbiology and biotechnology, 36:e2601011 pii:jmb.2601.01011.
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has appeared as a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, resulting in high mortality rates and limited treatment options. The development of novel antibacterial agents has lagged behind the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria; thus, alternative therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated plumbagin, a natural compound derived from Plumbago zeylanica L., for its potential antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against CRAB. MIC and MBC determinations showed that plumbagin significantly inhibited growth and exerted bactericidal activity at low concentrations. Biofilm inhibition concentration and biofilm eradication concentration assays revealed that plumbagin both prevented biofilm formation and eradicated mature biofilms. Consistent with these findings, XTT reduction assays showed a marked decrease in metabolic activity after plumbagin treatment, and confocal laser scanning microscopy with COMSTAT analysis confirmed reduced biofilm biomass and decreased viability of biofilm-embedded cells. Further, quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed the downregulation of the carbapenem-resistance gene blaOXA-23 and biofilm-related genes, including bfmR, csuA/B, ompA, and bap. Collectively, these results reveal plumbagin as a therapeutic candidate against CRAB.
Additional Links: PMID-41814592
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41814592,
year = {2026},
author = {Youn, MJ and Eom, YB},
title = {Plumbagin Disrupts Biofilm Integrity and Resistance Gene Expression in Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {36},
number = {},
pages = {e2601011},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.2601.01011},
pmid = {41814592},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics ; *Naphthoquinones/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Carbapenems/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology ; Humans ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Plumbaginaceae/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has appeared as a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, resulting in high mortality rates and limited treatment options. The development of novel antibacterial agents has lagged behind the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria; thus, alternative therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated plumbagin, a natural compound derived from Plumbago zeylanica L., for its potential antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against CRAB. MIC and MBC determinations showed that plumbagin significantly inhibited growth and exerted bactericidal activity at low concentrations. Biofilm inhibition concentration and biofilm eradication concentration assays revealed that plumbagin both prevented biofilm formation and eradicated mature biofilms. Consistent with these findings, XTT reduction assays showed a marked decrease in metabolic activity after plumbagin treatment, and confocal laser scanning microscopy with COMSTAT analysis confirmed reduced biofilm biomass and decreased viability of biofilm-embedded cells. Further, quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed the downregulation of the carbapenem-resistance gene blaOXA-23 and biofilm-related genes, including bfmR, csuA/B, ompA, and bap. Collectively, these results reveal plumbagin as a therapeutic candidate against CRAB.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics
*Naphthoquinones/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Carbapenems/pharmacology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology
Humans
Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Plumbaginaceae/chemistry
RevDate: 2026-03-12
Povidone iodine demonstrates strong efficacy in reducing Candida biofilm in an in vitro fungal prosthetic infection.
Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-42366-6 [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41813782
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41813782,
year = {2026},
author = {Hong, JY and Moon, YG and Choi, SK and Kim, HT and Jo, S},
title = {Povidone iodine demonstrates strong efficacy in reducing Candida biofilm in an in vitro fungal prosthetic infection.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-42366-6},
pmid = {41813782},
issn = {2045-2322},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-11
Lactic Acid Bacteria Derived Postbiotic Preparations Disrupt Biofilm Architecture of Mastitis-Related Pathogens in vitro.
Microbial pathogenesis pii:S0882-4010(26)00159-2 [Epub ahead of print].
Rising antimicrobial resistance necessitates alternative therapeutic approaches for bovine mastitis, especially strategies targeting biofilm-related infections. This study explores the antibiofilm effects of LAB-derived postbiotic preparations (neutralized cell-free supernatants, nCFS) from Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactococcus lactis, isolated from local sources as potential complementary or adjuncts to conventional antibiotic therapy. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, while antibiofilm efficacy was determined via the microtiter plate assay. Biofilm eradication assays showed that L. lactis CNM81-derived postbiotic preparations removed up to 93% Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, with 63-94% reductions in other Gram-positive pathogens, including Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In contrast, postbiotic preparations from P. pentosaceus M46 were more effective against Gram-negative pathogens, achieving up to 88% biofilm removal in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 74% in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Several pathogen-treatment combinations exceeded the 50% eradication threshold, highlighting the condition-dependent nature of the antibiofilm activity. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to support the bioactive potential of L. lactis CNM81. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed extensive structural disruption of mature biofilms, particularly in S. aureus. Raman spectroscopy further confirmed molecular-level biofilm damage, showing marked reductions in carotenoid- and protein-associated bands following treatment with L. lactis-derived postbiotic preparations. These LAB-derived postbiotic preparations represent a promising non-antibiotic strategy against S. aureus, the most prevalent pathogen implicated in both clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis, particularly in chronically infected mammary glands.
Additional Links: PMID-41812688
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41812688,
year = {2026},
author = {Özdemir, FN},
title = {Lactic Acid Bacteria Derived Postbiotic Preparations Disrupt Biofilm Architecture of Mastitis-Related Pathogens in vitro.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108433},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108433},
pmid = {41812688},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Rising antimicrobial resistance necessitates alternative therapeutic approaches for bovine mastitis, especially strategies targeting biofilm-related infections. This study explores the antibiofilm effects of LAB-derived postbiotic preparations (neutralized cell-free supernatants, nCFS) from Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactococcus lactis, isolated from local sources as potential complementary or adjuncts to conventional antibiotic therapy. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, while antibiofilm efficacy was determined via the microtiter plate assay. Biofilm eradication assays showed that L. lactis CNM81-derived postbiotic preparations removed up to 93% Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, with 63-94% reductions in other Gram-positive pathogens, including Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In contrast, postbiotic preparations from P. pentosaceus M46 were more effective against Gram-negative pathogens, achieving up to 88% biofilm removal in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 74% in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Several pathogen-treatment combinations exceeded the 50% eradication threshold, highlighting the condition-dependent nature of the antibiofilm activity. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to support the bioactive potential of L. lactis CNM81. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed extensive structural disruption of mature biofilms, particularly in S. aureus. Raman spectroscopy further confirmed molecular-level biofilm damage, showing marked reductions in carotenoid- and protein-associated bands following treatment with L. lactis-derived postbiotic preparations. These LAB-derived postbiotic preparations represent a promising non-antibiotic strategy against S. aureus, the most prevalent pathogen implicated in both clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis, particularly in chronically infected mammary glands.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-11
In-sewer biofilm and sediment-derived suspended solids accelerate virus genome-signal decay and implications for wastewater-based epidemiology.
Water research, 297:125607 pii:S0043-1354(26)00290-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Mechanistic models in wastewater-based epidemiology rely on robust in-sewer virus genome-signal decay parameters, yet most existing decay estimates are derived from bulk wastewater and neglect the role of suspended solids originating from sewer infrastructure. Here, we quantified the decay of an enveloped virus (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, PEDV), an enveloped bacteriophage (Phi6), and a non-enveloped bacteriophage (T7) in suspended solids derived from sewer biofilms (BF-SS) and sediments (SD-SS), and compared them with raw wastewater (WW) across temperatures from 4 to 35 °C. Biofilm- and sediment-derived suspended solids significantly accelerated virus genome-signal decay relative to raw wastewater, contributing 34.32-44.15 % and 27.98-41.75 % of the total decay, respectively, under the tested solids conditions and controlled matrix preparation. Elevated temperatures increased decay rates by approximately 2-3 times across all matrices. Integrating these kinetics, we developed a temperature-dependent comprehensive decay model (T-CMD) that jointly represents virus genome-signal decay in wastewater, biofilm-derived, and sediment-derived suspended solids. The T-CMD exhibited 2.2-3.0-fold higher temperature sensitivity compared with wastewater-only models, indicating that neglecting suspended solids leads to systematic underestimation of in-sewer virus genome-signal loss. These findings identify biofilm and sediment-sourced suspended solids as major drivers of virus genome-signal decay in sewers and provide a mechanistic framework to refine sewer process models and improve the accuracy of wastewater-based epidemiology for public health surveillance.
Additional Links: PMID-41812557
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41812557,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, S and Zuo, Z and Li, S and Ma, M and Liu, Y and Huang, X},
title = {In-sewer biofilm and sediment-derived suspended solids accelerate virus genome-signal decay and implications for wastewater-based epidemiology.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {125607},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125607},
pmid = {41812557},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Mechanistic models in wastewater-based epidemiology rely on robust in-sewer virus genome-signal decay parameters, yet most existing decay estimates are derived from bulk wastewater and neglect the role of suspended solids originating from sewer infrastructure. Here, we quantified the decay of an enveloped virus (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, PEDV), an enveloped bacteriophage (Phi6), and a non-enveloped bacteriophage (T7) in suspended solids derived from sewer biofilms (BF-SS) and sediments (SD-SS), and compared them with raw wastewater (WW) across temperatures from 4 to 35 °C. Biofilm- and sediment-derived suspended solids significantly accelerated virus genome-signal decay relative to raw wastewater, contributing 34.32-44.15 % and 27.98-41.75 % of the total decay, respectively, under the tested solids conditions and controlled matrix preparation. Elevated temperatures increased decay rates by approximately 2-3 times across all matrices. Integrating these kinetics, we developed a temperature-dependent comprehensive decay model (T-CMD) that jointly represents virus genome-signal decay in wastewater, biofilm-derived, and sediment-derived suspended solids. The T-CMD exhibited 2.2-3.0-fold higher temperature sensitivity compared with wastewater-only models, indicating that neglecting suspended solids leads to systematic underestimation of in-sewer virus genome-signal loss. These findings identify biofilm and sediment-sourced suspended solids as major drivers of virus genome-signal decay in sewers and provide a mechanistic framework to refine sewer process models and improve the accuracy of wastewater-based epidemiology for public health surveillance.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-11
CmpDate: 2026-03-11
Biofilm-forming capability of Salmonella isolates sourced from poultry production and farm environments in Great Britain.
Journal of medical microbiology, 75(3):.
Introduction. Poultry and poultry products are commonly implicated in human salmonellosis, making effective Salmonella control in the poultry and allied industries an important public health priority. Several factors have been identified which contribute to Salmonella survival and persistence in the environment, including biofilm formation.Gap Statement. Biofilm-forming capability in Salmonella has previously been under-studied in environmental isolates sourced from some commercial poultry production environments, such as poultry feed mills, hatcheries and duck farms.Aim. This study assessed the biofilm-forming capabilities of 96 Salmonella isolates from the environments of commercial poultry premises in Great Britain: feed mills, hatcheries, chicken farms, turkey farms and duck farms.Methodology. A crystal violet microtitre plate biofilm assay was used at environmentally relevant temperatures of 20 °C and 25 °C under aerobic conditions. Analysis of correlations between the biofilm-forming capability and serovar of isolates, assay conditions and origin was undertaken.Results. Ninety-five of the 96 Salmonella isolates formed biofilms. The influence of incubation temperature varied between isolates but increased significantly after an extended incubation period of 72 h. Isolates originating from different types of commercial poultry environments showed significant differences in biofilm-forming capability. However, as different serovars predominated in the isolate panels from each poultry environment, the influences of serovar versus origin could not be differentiated. The influence on biofilm formation of sample type and/or surface material of origin was not statistically significant. Inter-serovar variation was observed with nine serovars also demonstrating intra-serovar variation, consistent with biofilm-forming capability being strain dependent.Conclusion. This study demonstrates that most Salmonella isolated from poultry environments have strong or moderate biofilm-forming capabilities in microtitre plate assays.
Additional Links: PMID-41811925
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41811925,
year = {2026},
author = {Oastler, C and La Ragione, RM and Chambers, MA and Gosling, RJ and Martelli, F and Wales, AD and Davies, RH},
title = {Biofilm-forming capability of Salmonella isolates sourced from poultry production and farm environments in Great Britain.},
journal = {Journal of medical microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/jmm.0.002131},
pmid = {41811925},
issn = {1473-5644},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Animals ; *Salmonella/physiology/isolation & purification/classification ; United Kingdom ; *Poultry/microbiology ; Farms ; *Environmental Microbiology ; *Salmonella Infections, Animal/microbiology ; Poultry Diseases/microbiology ; Serogroup ; Temperature ; Chickens/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Introduction. Poultry and poultry products are commonly implicated in human salmonellosis, making effective Salmonella control in the poultry and allied industries an important public health priority. Several factors have been identified which contribute to Salmonella survival and persistence in the environment, including biofilm formation.Gap Statement. Biofilm-forming capability in Salmonella has previously been under-studied in environmental isolates sourced from some commercial poultry production environments, such as poultry feed mills, hatcheries and duck farms.Aim. This study assessed the biofilm-forming capabilities of 96 Salmonella isolates from the environments of commercial poultry premises in Great Britain: feed mills, hatcheries, chicken farms, turkey farms and duck farms.Methodology. A crystal violet microtitre plate biofilm assay was used at environmentally relevant temperatures of 20 °C and 25 °C under aerobic conditions. Analysis of correlations between the biofilm-forming capability and serovar of isolates, assay conditions and origin was undertaken.Results. Ninety-five of the 96 Salmonella isolates formed biofilms. The influence of incubation temperature varied between isolates but increased significantly after an extended incubation period of 72 h. Isolates originating from different types of commercial poultry environments showed significant differences in biofilm-forming capability. However, as different serovars predominated in the isolate panels from each poultry environment, the influences of serovar versus origin could not be differentiated. The influence on biofilm formation of sample type and/or surface material of origin was not statistically significant. Inter-serovar variation was observed with nine serovars also demonstrating intra-serovar variation, consistent with biofilm-forming capability being strain dependent.Conclusion. This study demonstrates that most Salmonella isolated from poultry environments have strong or moderate biofilm-forming capabilities in microtitre plate assays.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Biofilms/growth & development
Animals
*Salmonella/physiology/isolation & purification/classification
United Kingdom
*Poultry/microbiology
Farms
*Environmental Microbiology
*Salmonella Infections, Animal/microbiology
Poultry Diseases/microbiology
Serogroup
Temperature
Chickens/microbiology
RevDate: 2026-03-11
CmpDate: 2026-03-11
Hypoxia-responsive hybrid nanoparticles loaded with fingolimod and colistin against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with mature biofilm.
Asian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 20(6):101107.
Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) is characterized by high mortality and risk of nosocomial transmission, and biofilm constitutes the primary challenge in the treatment of its implant-associated and refractory pulmonary infections. Notably, the hypoxic microenvironment and the physical barrier of biofilm leading to the increased tolerance of the bacteria to antibiotics. Herein, a hypoxia-responsive hybrid nanoparticle (CHLip@FLD/COL) loaded separately with anti-biofilm candidate fingolimod (FLD) and antibiotic colistin (COL) is achieved targeting antibacterial efficacy against MDR-KP in vitro and in vivo. CHLip@FLD/COL is composed of hybridizing hypoxia-responsive lipids (HLipid) and lipid A targeting materials DSPE-mPEG-COL. HLipid is synthesized by hexadecanedioic acid esterified with nitroimidazole, while DSPE-mPEG is coupling with vector COL via amide reaction. The relative level of extracellular polymeric substances and the NIR-IIb sO2 images of the infection site are used as indicators to establish mature biofilm models. CHLip@FLD/COL readily releases FLD and COL in hypoxic conditions, and its MIC against MDR-KP is only one-sixteenth of that when COL is used alone in vitro. The nanoparticle exhibits bacterial targeting ability and antibacterial effect in the pulmonary infection and biofilm infection mice models. Bacterial loads eliminated by 4 Log10 CFU and 2 Log10 CFU, respectively. The strategy provides a valuable reference for the treatment of refractory infections caused by MDR-KP.
Additional Links: PMID-41809886
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41809886,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, M and Liu, X and Zhang, T and Wang, Y and Yao, H and Liu, X and Fang, Z and Yu, Y and Luo, L},
title = {Hypoxia-responsive hybrid nanoparticles loaded with fingolimod and colistin against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with mature biofilm.},
journal = {Asian journal of pharmaceutical sciences},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {101107},
pmid = {41809886},
issn = {2221-285X},
abstract = {Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) is characterized by high mortality and risk of nosocomial transmission, and biofilm constitutes the primary challenge in the treatment of its implant-associated and refractory pulmonary infections. Notably, the hypoxic microenvironment and the physical barrier of biofilm leading to the increased tolerance of the bacteria to antibiotics. Herein, a hypoxia-responsive hybrid nanoparticle (CHLip@FLD/COL) loaded separately with anti-biofilm candidate fingolimod (FLD) and antibiotic colistin (COL) is achieved targeting antibacterial efficacy against MDR-KP in vitro and in vivo. CHLip@FLD/COL is composed of hybridizing hypoxia-responsive lipids (HLipid) and lipid A targeting materials DSPE-mPEG-COL. HLipid is synthesized by hexadecanedioic acid esterified with nitroimidazole, while DSPE-mPEG is coupling with vector COL via amide reaction. The relative level of extracellular polymeric substances and the NIR-IIb sO2 images of the infection site are used as indicators to establish mature biofilm models. CHLip@FLD/COL readily releases FLD and COL in hypoxic conditions, and its MIC against MDR-KP is only one-sixteenth of that when COL is used alone in vitro. The nanoparticle exhibits bacterial targeting ability and antibacterial effect in the pulmonary infection and biofilm infection mice models. Bacterial loads eliminated by 4 Log10 CFU and 2 Log10 CFU, respectively. The strategy provides a valuable reference for the treatment of refractory infections caused by MDR-KP.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-11
CmpDate: 2026-03-11
Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans: antibacterial activity and transcriptomic insights into planktonic and biofilm states.
Materials today. Bio, 37:102983.
Dental caries, one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide, is closely associated with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilms that exhibit strong resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. Herein, a green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reported to use extracellular metabolic products derived from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as natural reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents for antibacterial therapy. The resulting AgNPs possess nanoscale size, negative surface charge, and excellent colloidal stability. These green AgNPs display potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against S. mutans, significantly disrupting bacterial membranes, suppressing acidogenicity, and inducing metabolic dysfunction. Biofilm evaluation further revealed a marked reduction in bacterial and extracellular polysaccharide biomass, indicating the collapse of the three-dimensional biofilm structure. To gain deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms of AgNPs-mediated antibacterial activity, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted, revealing significant transcriptional reprogramming associated with the inhibition of metabolic and translational processes, disruption of cell wall homeostasis, suppression of virulence gene expression, and perturbation of carbohydrate metabolism. This study presents an environmentally friendly and effective strategy that bridges green nanotechnology with oral microbiology, offering a sustainable approach for caries prevention and biofilm control.
Additional Links: PMID-41809372
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41809372,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Singh, P and Chen, X and Shi, L and Cao, Z and Rahimi, S and Pandit, S and Mijakovic, I},
title = {Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans: antibacterial activity and transcriptomic insights into planktonic and biofilm states.},
journal = {Materials today. Bio},
volume = {37},
number = {},
pages = {102983},
pmid = {41809372},
issn = {2590-0064},
abstract = {Dental caries, one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide, is closely associated with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilms that exhibit strong resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. Herein, a green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reported to use extracellular metabolic products derived from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as natural reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents for antibacterial therapy. The resulting AgNPs possess nanoscale size, negative surface charge, and excellent colloidal stability. These green AgNPs display potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against S. mutans, significantly disrupting bacterial membranes, suppressing acidogenicity, and inducing metabolic dysfunction. Biofilm evaluation further revealed a marked reduction in bacterial and extracellular polysaccharide biomass, indicating the collapse of the three-dimensional biofilm structure. To gain deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms of AgNPs-mediated antibacterial activity, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted, revealing significant transcriptional reprogramming associated with the inhibition of metabolic and translational processes, disruption of cell wall homeostasis, suppression of virulence gene expression, and perturbation of carbohydrate metabolism. This study presents an environmentally friendly and effective strategy that bridges green nanotechnology with oral microbiology, offering a sustainable approach for caries prevention and biofilm control.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-11
CmpDate: 2026-03-11
Development of lysine-branched dendrimeric antimicrobial peptides targeting ESKAPE pathogens: broad-spectrum activity, biofilm eradication, and endotoxin neutralization.
Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1702629.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a pressing global health challenge, driving the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents with improved stability and selectivity. In this study, we present the rational design and synthesis of lysine-branched dendrimeric antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) based on short arginine/tryptophan-rich motifs (Du-6 and Lf-6), yielding dimeric and tetrameric architectures. Physicochemical analyses revealed a systematic increase in net charge and hydrophobicity with higher degrees of branching. Comparative biological evaluations demonstrated that dimeric peptides (di-Du-6 and di-Lf-6) achieved optimal broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. These dimers maintained low hemolytic activity and exhibited therapeutic indices of up to 40. In contrast, despite their elevated charge density and tryptophan content, tetrameric peptides showed increased cytotoxicity, likely due to deeper membrane penetration into eukaryotic cells, thereby compromising selectivity. To overcome proteolytic degradation, D-enantiomeric dimers [(di-Du-6) D and (di-Lf-6) D ] were synthesized. These retained potent antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrated complete resistance to trypsin digestion, and remained active under physiologically relevant conditions, including the presence of salts and serum. Beyond their antibacterial effects, the dimeric peptides effectively inhibited and eradicated biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exhibited synergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics, and attenuated inflammatory responses by suppressing the production and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Furthermore, they neutralized endotoxins through direct binding and disaggregation of LPS aggregates. Collectively, these results establish dimeric peptides as multifunctional anti-infective agents, combining broad-spectrum antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory activities. The enhanced proteolytic stability and selectivity of D-form dimers underscore their promise as next-generation therapeutics for combating multidrug-resistant infections and sepsis-associated inflammation.
Additional Links: PMID-41809201
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41809201,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumar, SD and Kim, EY and Radhakrishnan, NK and Ganbaatar, B and Lee, CW and Yang, S and Shin, SY},
title = {Development of lysine-branched dendrimeric antimicrobial peptides targeting ESKAPE pathogens: broad-spectrum activity, biofilm eradication, and endotoxin neutralization.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1702629},
pmid = {41809201},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a pressing global health challenge, driving the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents with improved stability and selectivity. In this study, we present the rational design and synthesis of lysine-branched dendrimeric antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) based on short arginine/tryptophan-rich motifs (Du-6 and Lf-6), yielding dimeric and tetrameric architectures. Physicochemical analyses revealed a systematic increase in net charge and hydrophobicity with higher degrees of branching. Comparative biological evaluations demonstrated that dimeric peptides (di-Du-6 and di-Lf-6) achieved optimal broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. These dimers maintained low hemolytic activity and exhibited therapeutic indices of up to 40. In contrast, despite their elevated charge density and tryptophan content, tetrameric peptides showed increased cytotoxicity, likely due to deeper membrane penetration into eukaryotic cells, thereby compromising selectivity. To overcome proteolytic degradation, D-enantiomeric dimers [(di-Du-6) D and (di-Lf-6) D ] were synthesized. These retained potent antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrated complete resistance to trypsin digestion, and remained active under physiologically relevant conditions, including the presence of salts and serum. Beyond their antibacterial effects, the dimeric peptides effectively inhibited and eradicated biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exhibited synergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics, and attenuated inflammatory responses by suppressing the production and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Furthermore, they neutralized endotoxins through direct binding and disaggregation of LPS aggregates. Collectively, these results establish dimeric peptides as multifunctional anti-infective agents, combining broad-spectrum antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory activities. The enhanced proteolytic stability and selectivity of D-form dimers underscore their promise as next-generation therapeutics for combating multidrug-resistant infections and sepsis-associated inflammation.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-11
Role of biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in urogenital Haemophilus influenzae isolates.
BMC microbiology pii:10.1186/s12866-026-04914-y [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41808008
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41808008,
year = {2026},
author = {Belkacem, N and Terrade, A and Hong, E and Deghmane, AE and Taha, MK},
title = {Role of biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in urogenital Haemophilus influenzae isolates.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-04914-y},
pmid = {41808008},
issn = {1471-2180},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-11
Efficacy of a novel bacteriophage in controlling Escherichia coli associated with swine farm environments and its potential for biofilm disruption.
Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-42644-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41807572
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41807572,
year = {2026},
author = {Wintachai, P and Thonguppatham, R and Smith, DR and Voravuthikunchai, SP and Sitthisak, S and Boripun, R and Surachat, K and Clokie, MRJ},
title = {Efficacy of a novel bacteriophage in controlling Escherichia coli associated with swine farm environments and its potential for biofilm disruption.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-42644-3},
pmid = {41807572},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {N42A670603//the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Walailak University/ ; },
}
RevDate: 2026-03-10
Myricetin as a potential therapeutic agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: inhibition of biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and virulence factor production.
Biofouling [Epub ahead of print].
Multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), pose a significant threat to human health. Despite the huge persistence of antibiotics, there remains a lack of effective natural compounds capable of simultaneously disrupting quorum sensing (QS), biofilm formation, and virulence in this pathogen. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of myricetin against P. aeruginosa focusing on its ability to interfere with QS-regulated virulence traits. Antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-QS, and virulence factor activities were evaluated using crystal violet biofilm formation and QS-regulated virulence factor inhibition assays (e.g. pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, and exopolysaccharides). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) required to inhibit visible bacterial growth was 0.97 mg/mL. Additionally, the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration of 50 (MBIC50) was recorded at the MIC value. Myricetin showed a significant inhibitory effect against biofilm formation by suppressing bacterial hydrophobicity, aggregation, and swarming motility. Furthermore, myricetin significantly reduced the production of pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, and exopolysaccharides. The myricetin effectively impeded QS mechanisms as evidenced by a significant reduction in the production of acyl homoserine lactone and violacein pigment, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Gene expression analysis exhibited a significant downregulation of LasI/R and RhlI/R genes, further enhancing the myricetin role in QS inhibition. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that myricetin effectively interferes with QS-mediated virulence mechanisms in P. aeruginosa, supporting its potential as a promising lead compound for developing anti-virulence strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-41807094
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41807094,
year = {2026},
author = {Al Hashedi, SA and Dmour, SM and Galut, HS and Alsheikh, ADI and Abukhalil, MH and Ma'aitah, S and Al-Zoreky, NS and Ramadan, KMA and Sattar, MN and Iqbal, Z and Alshoaibi, A and Saghir, SAM},
title = {Myricetin as a potential therapeutic agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: inhibition of biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and virulence factor production.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2634395},
pmid = {41807094},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {Multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), pose a significant threat to human health. Despite the huge persistence of antibiotics, there remains a lack of effective natural compounds capable of simultaneously disrupting quorum sensing (QS), biofilm formation, and virulence in this pathogen. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of myricetin against P. aeruginosa focusing on its ability to interfere with QS-regulated virulence traits. Antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-QS, and virulence factor activities were evaluated using crystal violet biofilm formation and QS-regulated virulence factor inhibition assays (e.g. pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, and exopolysaccharides). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) required to inhibit visible bacterial growth was 0.97 mg/mL. Additionally, the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration of 50 (MBIC50) was recorded at the MIC value. Myricetin showed a significant inhibitory effect against biofilm formation by suppressing bacterial hydrophobicity, aggregation, and swarming motility. Furthermore, myricetin significantly reduced the production of pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, and exopolysaccharides. The myricetin effectively impeded QS mechanisms as evidenced by a significant reduction in the production of acyl homoserine lactone and violacein pigment, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Gene expression analysis exhibited a significant downregulation of LasI/R and RhlI/R genes, further enhancing the myricetin role in QS inhibition. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that myricetin effectively interferes with QS-mediated virulence mechanisms in P. aeruginosa, supporting its potential as a promising lead compound for developing anti-virulence strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2026-03-10
Modeling chemotaxis-biofilm competition during NAPL biodegradation in porous media.
Journal of contaminant hydrology, 279:104904 pii:S0169-7722(26)00065-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Bioremediating non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in subsurface environments poses a persistent challenge due to their low solubility and the tendency of microbial biofilms to induce pore clogging, both of which limit contaminant accessibility. This study develops a continuum-scale bioreactive transport model to investigate the competitive dynamics between chemotactic motility - defined as the intrinsic ability of bacteria to migrate in response to chemical gradients - and biofilm formation during toluene biodegradation under diffusion-dominated conditions. The model incorporates NAPL dissolution, solute diffusion, chemotactic migration, microbial growth, and biofilm-induced pore clogging. We tested three microbial strategies: a biofilm-only population, a chemotaxis-only population, and a combined system. Our results reveal that competition for feeding alone, even in the absence of physical pore obstruction, limits bacterial mobility. Simulations show that chemotactic bacteria migrate along solute gradients, forming patterns that refresh the contaminant targeting. However, this directed migration toward the aromatic hydrocarbon is progressively restricted in the presence of growing biofilms by a dynamic feeding competition for dissolved toluene. As bacterial activity suppresses the dissolved toluene gradient, the system shifts into a growth-dominated regime, chemotactic activity is suppressed, and continuous biofilm expansion leads to clogging and more reduced substrate accessibility. Our results also show that chemotactic bacteria can mitigate clogging by suppressing biofilm formation through competitive interactions, but this comes at a cost: reduced overall degradation rates compared to biofilm-only systems. While advective transport and shear-induced biofilm detachment are not considered here, the results isolate key microbial competitive mechanisms relevant to diffusion-controlled environments, with implications for bioremediation and other subsurface applications such as underground hydrogen storage, where suppressing microbial activity and bioclogging are desirable.
Additional Links: PMID-41806603
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid41806603,
year = {2026},
author = {Eddaoui, N and Soulaine, C},
title = {Modeling chemotaxis-biofilm competition during NAPL biodegradation in porous media.},
journal = {Journal of contaminant hydrology},
volume = {279},
number = {},
pages = {104904},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconhyd.2026.104904},
pmid = {41806603},
issn = {1873-6009},
abstract = {Bioremediating non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in subsurface environments poses a persistent challenge due to their low solubility and the tendency of microbial biofilms to induce pore clogging, both of which limit contaminant accessibility. This study develops a continuum-scale bioreactive transport model to investigate the competitive dynamics between chemotactic motility - defined as the intrinsic ability of bacteria to migrate in response to chemical gradients - and biofilm formation during toluene biodegradation under diffusion-dominated conditions. The model incorporates NAPL dissolution, solute diffusion, chemotactic migration, microbial growth, and biofilm-induced pore clogging. We tested three microbial strategies: a biofilm-only population, a chemotaxis-only population, and a combined system. Our results reveal that competition for feeding alone, even in the absence of physical pore obstruction, limits bacterial mobility. Simulations show that chemotactic bacteria migrate along solute gradients, forming patterns that refresh the contaminant targeting. However, this directed migration toward the aromatic hydrocarbon is progressively restricted in the presence of growing biofilms by a dynamic feeding competition for dissolved toluene. As bacterial activity suppresses the dissolved toluene gradient, the system shifts into a growth-dominated regime, chemotactic activity is suppressed, and continuous biofilm expansion leads to clogging and more reduced substrate accessibility. Our results also show that chemotactic bacteria can mitigate clogging by suppressing biofilm formation through competitive interactions, but this comes at a cost: reduced overall degradation rates compared to biofilm-only systems. While advective transport and shear-induced biofilm detachment are not considered here, the results isolate key microbial competitive mechanisms relevant to diffusion-controlled environments, with implications for bioremediation and other subsurface applications such as underground hydrogen storage, where suppressing microbial activity and bioclogging are desirable.},
}
▼ ▼ LOAD NEXT 100 CITATIONS
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.
RJR Picks from Around the Web (updated 11 MAY 2018 )
Old Science
Weird Science
Treating Disease with Fecal Transplantation
Fossils of miniature humans (hobbits) discovered in Indonesia
Paleontology
Dinosaur tail, complete with feathers, found preserved in amber.
Astronomy
Mysterious fast radio burst (FRB) detected in the distant universe.
Big Data & Informatics
Big Data: Buzzword or Big Deal?
Hacking the genome: Identifying anonymized human subjects using publicly available data.