@article {pmid41794508,
year = {2026},
author = {Mgomi, FC and Lu, C and Tang, A and Xu, S and Chen, F and Yuan, L and Yang, ZQ},
title = {Biofilm-inspired encapsulation enhances the viability of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NN4-1 under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {230},
number = {},
pages = {118649},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.118649},
pmid = {41794508},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Probiotics ; *Microbial Viability ; Alginates/chemistry ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; *Lacticaseibacillus paracasei/physiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {The survival of probiotics during transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) remains a significant challenge, limiting their in vivo functional efficacy. Microorganisms often resist adverse conditions by forming biofilms. Leveraging this property, the current study introduces a novel biofilm-inspired encapsulation approach using single- and multilayer-coated sodium alginate gel beads (SAGBs) to promote in situ biofilm formation by Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NN4-1. Comparative analyses were conducted to assess bacterial viability in SAGBs, planktonic cells, and biofilm cells under simulated GIT conditions. In vitro studies showed enhanced resistance in SAGBs, with a survival rate of 81.48% compared to unencapsulated cells. Additionally, biofilm encapsulation increased biochemical production, yielding average protein and polysaccharide concentrations of 0.633 mg/mL and 1.056 mg/mL, respectively. The scanning electron microscope revealed clusters of bacterial colonization inside the SAGBs. Whole-genome sequencing revealed multiple genes associated with biofilm formation, stress tolerance, adhesion, acid, and bile salt resistance. Multilayer of SAGBs reduced bacterial leakage by 52.52%, slowed small-molecule diffusion, and slightly improved textural properties without compromising bacterial metabolic activity or growth. Furthermore, SAGBs exhibited markedly higher survival (99.43%) than planktonic (76.3%) and biofilm cells (77.5%) after 21 days of refrigerated storage in milk. This approach offers promising applications in designing next-generation functional foods and targeted probiotic delivery systems, warranting higher viability of probiotics under adverse conditions of the GIT.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Probiotics
*Microbial Viability
Alginates/chemistry
*Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
*Lacticaseibacillus paracasei/physiology/genetics

@article {pmid41793880,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, S and Tang, P and Wang, L and Xi, Y and Huang, X and Yin, S},
title = {Zein-based Upconversion Nanoplatform enables NIR-activated Photothermal-photodynamic synergy for rapid sterilization and biofilm eradication.},
journal = {Journal of colloid and interface science},
volume = {714},
number = {},
pages = {140229},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2026.140229},
pmid = {41793880},
issn = {1095-7103},
abstract = {Bacterial resistance is a major factor compromising the efficacy of conventional antibiotics, particularly in the treatment of biofilm-associated infections. To tackle this critical challenge and enable antibiotic-free antimicrobial therapy, we developed a near-infrared (NIR)-activated photothermal-photodynamic therapy nanoplatform (UCNPs/Cur@Zein@PDA, denoted as UCZP), through an innovative Zein-based hierarchical integration strategy. Specifically, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and curcumin (Cur) were co-encapsulated within the hydrophobic core of Zein nanoparticles through self-assembly, followed by surface polymerization of polydopamine (PDA). Under 808 nm laser irradiation, the resulting UCZP nanoplatform exhibits efficient photothermal conversion and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to rapid bacterial inactivation within 10 min via disruption of cell wall and membrane integrity, as well as inhibition of the respiratory chain. Moreover, the UCZP nanoplatform achieves effective eradication of mature biofilms under the same irradiation conditions. Collectively, this work establishes a NIR-activated synergistic ROS-thermal antibacterial paradigm and presents a promising colloidal strategy combating biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid41793807,
year = {2026},
author = {Gu, J and Guo, J and Peng, R and Wu, Y and Long, M and Zheng, X and Huang, H and Chen, Y},
title = {Biofilm-suspension syntrophy drives synergistic electro-fermentation through engineered spatial division of labor for concurrent carbon recovery and pollutant degradation.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {125665},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125665},
pmid = {41793807},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Electro-fermentation systems (EFS) offer a promising approach for waste activated sludge valorization, yet the spatial metabolic interaction between electrode biofilms and planktonic suspensions remains unclear. This lack of understanding limits the optimization of systems aimed at simultaneous resource recovery and pollutant removal. This work investigated the cooperation between biofilms and suspensions in EFS designed to synchronize carbon recovery (volatile fatty acid, VFAs) production and halogenated contaminant degradation (4-bromophenol, 4-BP, as model pollutant). The system demonstrated dual advantages, achieving 97.4% removal of 4-BP while increasing VFAs production by 40.2% compared to the control. Multi-omics analysis revealed a distinct spatial division of labor. Electrode biofilms primarily governed reductive debromination by enriching electroactive bacteria (e.g., Syntrophomonas and Geobacter) and dehalogenators (e.g., Hydrogenophaga). This process was driven by the enrichment of genes related to electron transfer and dehalogenation. In contrast, planktonic suspensions mainly drove acidogenesis by enriching fermentative bacteria (e.g., Sedimentibacter and Petrimonas) and accelerating hydrolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. Partial least squares path modeling identified extracellular electron transfer as the key factor reinforcing this biofilm-suspension syntrophy, significantly contributing to both dehalogenation and acidogenesis. Furthermore, the microbial community activated an integrated adaptive network involving sensing, defense, and energy metabolism to protect the system from toxicity. This work provides in-depth insight into how biofilms and suspensions partition metabolic functions in EFS, clarifying rules that coordinate carbon and redox flows for robust sludge valorization and detoxification.},
}

@article {pmid41792774,
year = {2026},
author = {Sołtysiuk, M and Przyborowska, P and Wiszniewska-Łaszczych, A and Tobolski, D},
title = {Virulence, cytotoxicity potential and biofilm production ability of Listeria spp. isolated from raw fish in Poland.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12917-026-05323-z},
pmid = {41792774},
issn = {1746-6148},
support = {the Regional Initiative of Excellence Program//the Minister of Science (Poland)/ ; the Regional Initiative of Excellence Program//the Minister of Science (Poland)/ ; the Regional Initiative of Excellence Program//the Minister of Science (Poland)/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41792751,
year = {2026},
author = {Ballı Akgöl, B and Bayram, M and Üstün, N and Aksaka, N},
title = {Effect of plaque-disclosing agents on biofilm removal: single-center randomized trial in fourth-year dental students.},
journal = {Head & face medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13005-026-00596-z},
pmid = {41792751},
issn = {1746-160X},
}

@article {pmid41792180,
year = {2026},
author = {Pereira, GL and Belizario, JA and Ambrósio, SR and Benard, G and Pires, RH},
title = {Tolerance of outbreak-associated Candida parapsilosis isolates to antiseptics in a dry surface biofilm model.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-40814-x},
pmid = {41792180},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2023/15798-0//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2023/17649-1//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41791612,
year = {2026},
author = {Qin, Y and Zhang, J and Yuan, P and Ding, Y and Guo, R and Wang, C and Ma, B},
title = {Membrane aerated biofilm reactors for sustainable nitrogen management: Mechanisms, process integration, and engineering implications.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134354},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134354},
pmid = {41791612},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) have emerged as a promising platform for sustainable nitrogen management in wastewater treatment, owing to their unique counter-diffusion biofilm architecture. This review critically examines how stratified redox microenvironments in MABRs govern nitrogen transformation pathways, enabling shortcut nitrogen removal and improved energy efficiency. We synthesize recent advances in gas diffusion and mass transfer modeling, microbial functional organization, and process integration strategies, with particular emphasis on simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND) and partial nitritation-anammox (PN/A) configurations. Beyond performance advantages, key sustainability challenges are discussed, including nitrite accumulation, nitrous oxide (N2O) formation, operational stability, and scale-up limitations. By linking mechanistic insights with engineering implications, this review identifies critical knowledge gaps and control strategies for minimizing emissions and maximizing nitrogen removal efficiency. The analysis provides a framework for advancing MABR applications toward robust, low-energy, and low-emission nitrogen management in full-scale wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid41791499,
year = {2026},
author = {Witte, M and Lee, KH and Hardy, J},
title = {Biofilm and planktonic Staphylococcus aureus exhibit distinct gene expression patterns in response to cinnamaldehyde.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105919},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105919},
pmid = {41791499},
issn = {1567-7257},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus forms biofilms in the context many infections, including endocarditis, lung infection, and the colonization of implants. How antimicrobials specifically affect S. aureus biofilms as opposed to planktonic S. aureus is an important consideration in the development of treatments of these infections. It is well known that bacteria in biofilms are more resistant to antimicrobials, and the degree and nature of the responses is crucial to understanding the basis of this resistance. While certain antimicrobials such as antibiotics have specific mechanisms that induce pathways related to those mechanisms, and others such as hypochlorite are highly toxic, a wide variety of compounds exhibit intermediate effects that affect multiple systems. Responses to these substances are important to understand if new therapeutics are to be designed. Here, we investigated antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of cinnamaldehyde (CmAl), an antibacterial agent commonly used in foods. CmAl affects multiple bacterial systems, providing a model for the characterization of these intermediate responses. We measured CmAl activity on established biofilm and planktonic bacteria using recombinant bioluminescent S. aureus and performed RNA-seq on CmAl-treated biofilms and planktonic bacteria. RNA-seq results revealed response pathways that differ between these states, including phosphate uptake. The results of this study demonstrate how CmAl differentially affects S. aureus biofilms compared to planktonic forms.},
}

@article {pmid41791283,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Qin, H and Guo, R and Wang, Y},
title = {The impact of the hly gene deletion on biofilm formation and antibiotic sensitivity in Listeria monocytogenes.},
journal = {International journal of medical microbiology : IJMM},
volume = {322},
number = {},
pages = {151709},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijmm.2026.151709},
pmid = {41791283},
issn = {1618-0607},
abstract = {Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a pathogenic bacterium that poses a significant threat in food safety due to its ability to form resilient biofilms, contributing to cross-contamination risks in food processing environments. This study examines the role of the hly gene on biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in L. monocytogenes. By generating a hly deletion mutant (Lm-Δhly), we investigated how the absence of this gene affects bacterial behavior and biofilm development. Our results revealed that hly deletion did not impact bacterial growth but significantly impaired biofilm formation. The Lm-Δhly strain exhibited a reduced biofilm biomass and a looser biofilm structure compared to the wild-type (WT) strain. Microscopic analysis, including SEM and CLSM, confirmed that biofilm architecture was compromised, with more viable cells in the WT biofilms and a substantial decrease in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the mutant strain. Furthermore, the Lm-Δhly strain displayed reduced motility, auto-aggregation, and surface hydrophobicity, indicating a reduced ability to adhere and disseminate. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of key virulence factors such as prfA, sigB, and quorum sensing (QS) genes in the Lm-Δhly strain, suggesting that hly plays a role in their regulation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that the Lm-Δhly strain was more sensitive to ribosome-targeting antibiotics, including tetracycline and roxithromycin, correlating with impaired biofilm development under antibiotic stress. These findings emphasize the importance of hly in biofilm development, antibiotic resistance, and virulence regulation in L. monocytogenes. Targeting hly or its associated pathways may be a promising strategy to combat persistent L. monocytogenes contamination in food-related environments. Further investigation into hly' interactions with broader regulatory networks is needed to fully elucidate its role in L. monocytogenes pathogenesis.},
}

@article {pmid41791150,
year = {2026},
author = {Kumar, A and Deepshikha, and Saini, S and Chaturvedi, V and Kayastha, AM},
title = {Ficus benghalensis β-amylase: A potent biofilm-degrading enzyme with broad-Spectrum activity against nosocomial and foodborne pathogens.},
journal = {Food chemistry},
volume = {510},
number = {},
pages = {148688},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148688},
pmid = {41791150},
issn = {1873-7072},
abstract = {The current study elucidates the purification and characterization of β-amylase derived from the fruit of the Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) and its potential efficacy as an antibiofilm agent. The enzyme was purified by utilizing a four-step process that included acetone precipitation, acid precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography with DEAE-cellulose, and epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B affinity chromatography. This resulted in 11-fold purification with a specific activity of 376.74 U/mg. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), SDS-PAGE, and LC/MS analysis have confirmed the identity of β-amylase from F. benghalensis fruit. SDS-PAGE confirmed purity, with a single band at 29 ± 1 kDa. The purified β-amylase showed optimal activity at 60 °C and pH 5.6. Kinetic analysis using soluble starch yielded Km and Vmax values of 3.67 mg/mL and 381.68 μmol/min/mg, respectively. Most importantly, the enzyme was highly effective at degrading preformed biofilms of foodborne bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The enzyme breaks down Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), which are important parts of the biofilm matrix. The results indicate that β-amylase derived from F. benghalensis fruit is a potentially novel therapy for disorders associated with biofilms, along with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.},
}

@article {pmid41790930,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction for Potapova et al., Vibrio cholerae biofilm matrix assembly and growth are shaped by a glutamate-specific TAXI/TRAP protein.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {11},
pages = {e2605129123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2605129123},
pmid = {41790930},
issn = {1091-6490},
}

@article {pmid41790864,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, T and Cao, W and Fan, S and Liu, R and Zhu, H and Lu, X and Zhang, Z and He, X and Zhang, K and Huang, J and Ma, N and Chang, G and Yang, Z},
title = {Repurposing metformin as a dual-function agent to combat E. coli-induced mastitis: Mechanistic insights into biofilm dispersion and AMPK/SIRT1-mediated NF-κB inhibition.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {22},
number = {3},
pages = {e1014012},
doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1014012},
pmid = {41790864},
issn = {1553-7374},
abstract = {Escherichia coli-induced bovine mastitis represents a major challenge in dairy production due to the prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. This study repurposes metformin as a dual-function agent that simultaneously targets bacterial virulence and host inflammation. Epidemiological surveillance identified phylogroup B1 as the most prevalent (52.5%) and resistant E. coli lineage. Against a representative B1 strain, metformin potently inhibited and dispersed bacterial biofilms, and synergized with conventional β-lactam antibiotics. Bacterial transcriptomics revealed metformin downregulated genes critical for membrane integrity and metabolism. In parallel, metformin attenuated the inflammatory response in bovine mammary epithelial cells and in murine and ovine mastitis models. In vivo, it significantly reduced bacterial colonization in mammary tissue and suppressed key pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, metformin activated the AMPK/SIRT1 axis, leading to deacetylation of NF-κB p65. In the ruminant model, this culminated in epigenetic regulation, with increased chromatin compaction at promoters of inflammatory genes, and a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.77) between NF-κB binding and chromatin accessibility. Collectively, metformin combats resistant E. coli mastitis through a dual mechanism: disrupting biofilm-dependent bacterial persistence and reprogramming host immunometabolism via AMPK/SIRT1-mediated epigenetic regulation. These findings provide a compelling non-antibiotic strategy for overcoming antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid41790731,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, X and Dong, J and Wang, B and Chen, L and Gong, Z and Yang, J and Shu, G and Ning, Q},
title = {Molecular mechanism of gallium nitrate in inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation through pykF modulation.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {e0337557},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0337557},
pmid = {41790731},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Gallium/pharmacology ; Animals ; Mice ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Virulence/drug effects ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Gallium nitrate, a non-redox analog of iron (III), suppresses bacterial biofilms and virulence within the framework of bacterial regulation. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways through which gallium nitrate modulates bacterial activity and function.

METHODS: The antimicrobial properties of gallium nitrate, its effects on bacterial biofilms, and gallium-responsive signaling pathways were assessed. Observation of marked upregulation of pyruvate kinase (pykF) expression following gallium nitrate exposure prompted in vitro and in vivo experiments to examine how gallium influences the expression, enzymatic activity, and functional role of bacterial pykF.

RESULTS: Crystal violet staining, XTT assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy consistently indicated that gallium nitrate suppressed bacterial biofilm formation and metabolic activity. Transcriptomic profiling and subsequent validation analyses further suggested a strong association between pykF and gallium-mediated antibacterial effects. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that pykF knockout significantly enhanced bacterial survival and biofilm formation.

CONCLUSION: Gallium nitrate modulates bacterial biofilm development and virulence, with its antimicrobial effect largely dependent on pykF upregulation. Concurrent therapeutic targeting of both pykF and gallium may provide a more effective strategy against persistent biofilm-associated infections. This work also establishes a mechanistic basis for clinical approaches aimed at reducing biofilm formation and limiting device-related infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Gallium/pharmacology
Animals
Mice
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Virulence/drug effects

@article {pmid41790700,
year = {2026},
author = {AlKhalidi, HM and Ali, AH and Abo-Ouf, AM and El-Bidawy, MH and Arafah, AMR and Aldawsari, SM and Dayel, SB and Hajelbashir, MI and Abd El-Naem, MM and AlGhamdi, MAA and Alhumaid, KH and Abd El-Lateef, AES and Aljabr, KHE and Khairy, HA and Samhan, MA},
title = {Effect of the antidepressant drug paroxetine in downregulating the biofilm-adhering genes in Staphylococcus aureus: In vitro and in silico studies.},
journal = {Medicine},
volume = {105},
number = {10},
pages = {e47907},
doi = {10.1097/MD.0000000000047907},
pmid = {41790700},
issn = {1536-5964},
abstract = {Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection of the bone that affects millions globally. Due to problems in drug delivery, bacterial resistance through biofilm formation, adverse effects of the medications in use, etc, the scientists are searching for novel antimicrobial agents. As drug repurposing is an excellent method to develop new antimicrobials, this study evaluates the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of the antidepressant paroxetine, combined with hydroxyapatite (HA), against drug-resistant, biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial activity of paroxetine was assessed using the agar diffusion assay, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution method. The antibiofilm potential of paroxetine was quantified through the crystal violet assay and further examined using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The bacterial load on drug-loaded hydroxyapatite was determined using the viable colony count method. The expression of bacterial adhesion genes following paroxetine treatment was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the binding affinity of paroxetine to bacterial adhesion proteins and penicillin-binding proteins. The study demonstrated promising antibacterial properties of the drug and the drug-HA combination against S aureus with a MIC of 18.75 µg/mL. Paroxetine prevented the biofilms formation by S aureus, and could eradicate mature biofilms, with 83%, 86%, and 89% efficacy after 1X MIC, and 2X treatment. The antibiofilm effect was further confirmed by in silico, in vitro methods, wherein a strong affinity was noted for biofilm adhesion protein and paroxetine. Paroxetine treatment revealed downregulation of biofilm-adhering genes, like icaA, clfA, cna, fnbpA, and fib, using RT-PCR. When combined with HA, paroxetine displayed synergistic activity, and this was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy, which showed 81% and 19% dead/live cells after treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy analysis displayed the impact of the drug paroxetine on S aureus cell morphology, which showed remarkable damage to the bacterial cells. In silico docking revealed that paroxetine's mode of action was mediated through binding with proteins and penicillin-binding protein, thereby inducing cell death. These results suggest that the paroxetine-HA combination may serve as a promising adjunctive strategy for treating biofilm-associated infections caused by S aureus.},
}

@article {pmid41790510,
year = {2026},
author = {Supparitsch, S and Zeitlinger, M},
title = {Experimental biofilm models for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations: bridging in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo systems.},
journal = {The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy},
volume = {81},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jac/dkag091},
pmid = {41790510},
issn = {1460-2091},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections represent a major therapeutic challenge due to reduced antimicrobial susceptibility and the limited predictive value of conventional pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices with clinical outcome. A wide spectrum of experimental models has been developed to study biofilms, ranging from simple in vitro assays to ex vivo tissue-derived systems and in vivo infection models. Each category provides distinct advantages: in vitro platforms enable high-throughput compound screening and measurement of biofilm-specific indices such as MBIC and MBEC; ex vivo models preserve host tissue architecture and allow investigation of topical therapies and therapeutic windows; and in vivo systems are indispensable for analysing host-pathogen interactions and systemic PK/PD relationships. No single model is sufficient to replicate clinical biofilm complexity, but combined use and progressive standardization can improve translational value. This review provides a structured overview of available models, their PK/PD readouts and their strengths and limitations, aiming to guide model selection in preclinical biofilm research and antimicrobial development.},
}

@article {pmid41790256,
year = {2026},
author = {Aydın, E and Genç, S and Perçin Renders, D},
title = {Interaction between lpxABCD and pmrABC genes and Biofilm Formation in Colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41790256},
issn = {1432-0991},
}

@article {pmid41788398,
year = {2025},
author = {Kayser, C and Druart, K and Bouscasse, E and Matondo, M and Chane, A and Hoh, F and Groboillot, A and Barbey, C and Merieau, A and Latour, X and Soule, P and Mühle, E and Norris, V and Konto-Ghiorghi, Y},
title = {Staphylococcus epidermidis DnaK alters biofilm formation and proteome in Staphylococcus aureus CIP 107093.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1705130},
pmid = {41788398},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two Gram-positive bacteria of the human skin microbiota, form biofilms that contribute to dysbiosis and inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), involved in skin inflammation, was previously shown to enhance the virulence of S. epidermidis MFP04. We previously observed a significant increase in the level of the molecular chaperone DnaK/Hsp70 in the secretome of CGRP-activated S. epidermidis. Here, we investigated the role of recombinant S. epidermidis DnaK in biofilm formation in both S. aureus and S. epidermidis. DnaK modulates biofilm formation in a strain-dependent manner. In commensal strains (S. aureus MFP03 and S. epidermidis MFP04), it is associated with an increase in biofilm biomass. In contrast, it significantly reduces biofilm formation in the clinical S. aureus strain CIP 107093. Point mutations in the substrate-binding domain (SBD) and nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) of DnaK differentially affect its modulation of biofilm formation. Specifically, only the mutation in the SBD abolishes the biofilm reduction observed in CIP 107093, while the NBD mutation results in a milder effect. Notably, these mutations have no significant impact on DnaK-induced biofilm changes in strains where DnaK promotes biofilm formation. Proteomic analyses of S. aureus CIP 107093 reveal that DnaK alters the S. aureus biofilm proteome, stabilizing protein degradation components and downregulating key biofilm regulators. These findings highlight the cross-species regulatory potential of S. epidermidis extracellular DnaK in the skin microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid41787690,
year = {2026},
author = {Dong, J and Feng, S and Shao, J and Huang, L and Xiang, L and Zhou, X},
title = {Synthesis of LiYbF4: Tm-Based Core-Shell Upconversion Nanoparticles for Biofilm Eradication on Titanium Implants via Dominated Photoelectron Therapy.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.5c23508},
pmid = {41787690},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilm-induced inflammation can corrode implant surfaces and is the main reason for implantation failures. Considering that conventional mechanical treatments show limited efficacy, prolonged antibiotic therapy carries certain risks as well. Here, we developed NIR-active antibacterial Ti implant surfaces. LiYbF4-based core-shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were synthesized with controlled core size (∼10 nm) and shell thickness (∼2 nm). These UCNPs were homogeneously coated onto sandblasted and acid-etched titanium (SLA Ti) implants by ultrasonic spraying following the prior deposition of a conformal polydopamine (PDA) coating. Upon NIR excitation (λ = 980 nm), the UCNPs generate upconverted ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be absorbed by PDA and natural TiO2 layers on Ti implants. The PDA layer not only mediates localized energy transfer but also enhances light absorption through the aromatic structures. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated excellent biofilm eradication rate (98.9% in vitro and 99.99% in vivo) and potentially high biocompatibility. This approach combines the high efficiency of LiYbF4 core-shell UCNPs with PDA, providing antibacterial functionality based on photoelectron therapy on Ti implants. The deep-tissue penetration of NIR light and the localized UV generation minimize off-target effects, making this system a promising and clinically translatable strategy for infection-resistant implants.},
}

@article {pmid41787281,
year = {2026},
author = {Van Rossum, U and Heyndrickx, M and Rasschaert, G and Demaître, N and Sadiq, FA and Boon, N and Cools, A and De Reu, K},
title = {Hidden threats: exploring biofilm communities in broiler houses and pig nursery units drinking water lines.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-04790-6},
pmid = {41787281},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {HBC.2021.1060//VLAIO-LA/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41787264,
year = {2026},
author = {Su, J and Wen, J and Zheng, W and Wang, J},
title = {Phenotypic-genotypic characteristics of Corynebacterium striatum clinical isolates and diversified biofilm production capabilities in the presence of plasma proteins.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-04912-0},
pmid = {41787264},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {No. 82260416//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 82260416//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 82260416//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 82260416//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2025YFSH0088//Science and Technology Plan Project of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region/ ; No. 2025YFSH0088//Science and Technology Plan Project of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region/ ; No. 2025YFSH0088//Science and Technology Plan Project of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region/ ; No. 2025YFSH0088//Science and Technology Plan Project of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region/ ; No. ZY20241209//Zhiyuan talents project of Inner Mongolia Medical University/ ; No. ZY20241209//Zhiyuan talents project of Inner Mongolia Medical University/ ; No. ZY20241209//Zhiyuan talents project of Inner Mongolia Medical University/ ; No. ZY20241209//Zhiyuan talents project of Inner Mongolia Medical University/ ; No. 2024GLLH0302//Science and Technology Program of the Joint Fund of Scientific Research for the Public Hospitals of Inner Mongolia Academy of Medical Sciences/ ; No. 2024GLLH0302//Science and Technology Program of the Joint Fund of Scientific Research for the Public Hospitals of Inner Mongolia Academy of Medical Sciences/ ; No. 2024GLLH0302//Science and Technology Program of the Joint Fund of Scientific Research for the Public Hospitals of Inner Mongolia Academy of Medical Sciences/ ; No. 2024GLLH0302//Science and Technology Program of the Joint Fund of Scientific Research for the Public Hospitals of Inner Mongolia Academy of Medical Sciences/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41786098,
year = {2026},
author = {Mukherjee, S and Sikdar, B and Chaudhuri, D and Giri, K and Roy, S},
title = {Attenuating effect of plumbagin on Chromobacterium violaceum quorum sensing and biofilm formation: an in-vitro and in-silico approach.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {108418},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108418},
pmid = {41786098},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The increasing problem of antibiotic resistance over recent decades calls for alternative methods to reduce bacterial pathogenicity. Targeting quorum sensing (QS) is gaining attention as a promising alternative treatment. This study investigates the potential of plumbagin, a natural naphthoquinone derived from Plumbago species, to inhibit quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Chromobacterium violaceum using both in vitro and in silico methods. In vitro assays revealed that sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of plumbagin significantly suppressed QS-regulated traits compared to controls. These included a reduction in violacein production by up to 40%, exopolysaccharide levels by up to 30%, and swarming motility and biofilm formation, which were reduced by up to 40%. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that plumbagin (at 2.42 μg/ml, corresponding to 1/4th MIC) decreases the expression of key QS genes (with relative fold changes of 0.36 ± 0.06, 0.35 ± 0.06, and 0.18 ± 0.01 for cviI, cviR, and vioA, respectively), indicating interference with bacterial communication pathways. Furthermore, the hemocompatibility assay demonstrated that the plumbagin concentrations used in this study are safe. Complementary in-silico molecular docking and dynamic simulations confirmed stable interactions between plumbagin and the QS regulatory protein CviR, suggesting its plausible mechanism of action. These results highlight plumbagin as a promising anti-QS agent that could be developed into alternative antibacterial therapies.},
}

@article {pmid41785019,
year = {2026},
author = {Harrington, NE and Allen, F and Garcia Maset, R and Harrison, F},
title = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene expression changes during established biofilm infection in a cystic fibrosis lung model.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {172},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mic.0.001678},
pmid = {41785019},
issn = {1465-2080},
abstract = {The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms biofilm infections in the lungs of people with the genetic condition cystic fibrosis (CF) that can persist for decades. There are numerous P. aeruginosa lifestyle changes associated with chronic biofilm infection that are cued by the CF lung environment. These include a loss of virulence, metabolic changes and increased antimicrobial tolerance. We have investigated P. aeruginosa PA14 biofilm infection over 7 days in an ex vivo pig lung (EVPL) model for CF, previously shown to facilitate formation of a clinically relevant P. aeruginosa biofilm structure with expression of key genes comparable to human infection. We have compared P. aeruginosa gene expression between sequential time points: 24 h, 48 h and 7 days post-infection, and investigated tolerance to polymyxins. Our results demonstrate that the EVPL model can maintain a P. aeruginosa biofilm population, which exhibits increased antibiotic tolerance, for at least 7 days. Differential expression of antimicrobial resistance-associated genes was not observed; however, there was significant upregulation of sulphur metabolism and maintenance of a structured biofilm. Our findings demonstrate that 7 days is a viable time point for studying established, chronic biofilm infection in the EVPL model and provide insight into the accompanying gene expression changes.},
}

@article {pmid41784609,
year = {2026},
author = {Vincy, A and Anand, V and Kannan, DK and Pandith, A and Gurnani, B and Ranjan, P and Pathak, A and Jain, N and Chahal, S and Kumar, P and Vankayala, R},
title = {Correction to "NIR-Responsive Free Standing Borophene Mediates Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy to Reduce Bacterial Biofilm Burden".},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.6c03914},
pmid = {41784609},
issn = {1944-8252},
}

@article {pmid41782171,
year = {2026},
author = {Hosny, NS and Elgamal, SG},
title = {Efficacy of Calcium Silicate-Based, Simvastatin, Levofloxacin and Calcium Hydroxide Intracanal Medicaments Against Mature Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm. An In Vitro Study.},
journal = {Australian endodontic journal : the journal of the Australian Society of Endodontology Inc},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/aej.70070},
pmid = {41782171},
issn = {1747-4477},
abstract = {This in vitro study investigated the antibiofilm efficacy of calcium silicate-based, Simvastatin, Levofloxacin and calcium hydroxide intracanal medicaments against mature Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. Ninety dentine specimens were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis biofilm for three weeks and divided into five groups (n = 18): (1) calcium silicate-based; (2) Simvastatin; (3) Levofloxacin; (4) calcium hydroxide (CH); (5) positive control, no medicament. After two weeks of intracanal medicament application, live/dead bacterial cells were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in the percentage of dead bacteria of the four tested groups compared to the positive control group (H = 30.45, p < 0.001). The calcium silicate-based group recorded the highest median (IQR) percentage of dead bacteria at 56.33 (10.03), followed by Simvastatin 44.88 (7.30), CH 41.70 (12.53), Levofloxacin 35.99 (3.78), and the positive control group 3.61 (1.01). These findings suggest that these intracanal medicaments demonstrate promising antibiofilm activity, with further investigations needed.},
}

@article {pmid41781815,
year = {2026},
author = {Abduljalil, H and Bartie, K and Bal, AM and Rautemaa-Richardson, R and Williams, C and Kean, R and Ramage, G},
title = {Rezafungin exhibits anti-biofilm properties against fungal biofilms in vitro.},
journal = {The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy},
volume = {81},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jac/dkag058},
pmid = {41781815},
issn = {1460-2091},
support = {//MundiPharma/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the comparative activity of rezafungin compared with caspofungin and other antifungal classes against biofilms from a large clinical panel of Candida strains (n = 167).

METHODS: Biofilm killing and inhibition were assessed using standard XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide salt] metabolic assessment. Biofilm time-kill kinetics were also evaluated using metabolic and viable cell counts. Microscopy was performed to visually assess biofilm inhibition.

RESULTS: Rezafungin was shown to outperform caspofungin and other antifungals against C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and Nakaseomyces glabratus (previously called C. glabrata) strains with a heterogeneous biofilm phenotype. Assessment of high biofilm-forming strains at 0.03 mg/L concentrations showed that rezafungin killed biofilms to an equal or greater extent than caspofungin. Time-kill studies showed a rapid reduction in metabolism and viable cfus by both rezafungin and caspofungin, but with little difference between both compounds. Evaluation of biofilm inhibition characteristics of both compounds showed that rezafungin was marginally more effective than caspofungin, which was corroborated by microscopical analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data show that rezafungin is non-inferior to caspofungin in terms of anti-biofilm activity and displays characteristics that suggest it can control biofilms more effectively than caspofungin. Further evaluation is required to establish whether these in vitro effects translate clinically, but the data indicate an opportunity for rezafungin to be used for the clinical management of biofilm-related diseases.},
}

@article {pmid41780771,
year = {2026},
author = {Kanchanapiboon, J and Tuntoaw, S and Poonsatha, S and Maiuthed, A and Rukthong, P and Thumanu, K and Siriwong, S and Thunyaharn, S and Wachisuthon, D and Sakpetch, A and Chuennangchee, V},
title = {Boesenbergia rotunda extract decreases biofilm formation and host-pathogen interaction of bloodstream-isolated Candida albicans by interfering with biomolecule composition and metabolomics adaptation.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108417},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108417},
pmid = {41780771},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. rhizome has been traditionally used to treat abscesses, leukoplakia, and leukorrhea. Candida albicans is a major cause of these incidences and can lead to bloodstream infection. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms of B. rotunda extract on susceptibility, biofilm formation, and invasion into human endothelial EA.hy926 cells of bloodstream-isolated C. albicans. Their virulence were determined by microdilution, metabolic activity, lactate dehydrogenase release, and internalization assays. Alterations in biomolecule composition were determined by Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy. The metabolomic profiles during host-pathogen interactions were assessed with high-resolution accurate-mass spectrometry. The B. rotunda extract consisted of 15.60% (w/w) pinostrobin and 6.02% (w/w) pinocembrin. All strains of C. albicans were not susceptible to the extract at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. The biofilm formation was inhibited only in C. albicans Isolate03 by the B. rotunda extract with IC50 value of 46.03 μg/mL. However, the ability of Isolate03 and Isolate04, invasive phenotypes, to damage the endothelial EA.hy926 cells was significantly inhibited with IC50 values of 27.39 and 30.81 μg/mL, respectively. The extract markedly altered the invasive phenotype's biomolecule composition and metabolomic profiles. The glycogen and carbohydrate compositions were decreased, whereas protein was increased. Moreover, propanoate and glycerolipid metabolism were dramatically regulated. These results suggest that alterations of biomolecule and metabolism could decrease their virulences because metabolic adaptation involved in pathogenic traits of C. albicans. Therefore, the B. rotunda extract might disrupt biomolecule compositions and metabolic pathways of the isolated C. albicans, thereby reducing biofilm formation and tissue invasion.},
}

@article {pmid41780377,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, H and Fan, Q and Liu, B and Wang, Y and Jia, A and Yi, L and Wang, Y},
title = {Glycosyltransferases play a pivotal role in regulating biofilm formation and pathogenicity in Streptococcus suis.},
journal = {Veterinary microbiology},
volume = {315},
number = {},
pages = {110962},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110962},
pmid = {41780377},
issn = {1873-2542},
abstract = {In bacteria, the glycosyltransferases play important roles in bacterial fitness and virulence. A prior transposon screen implicated glycosyltransferase Gtf-2 in the regulation of S. suis biofilm formation, but the biological function of Gtf-2 and how biofilm is modulated by Gtf-2 remains largely unclear. Here, we characterized the major components of S. suis biofilm matrix and further elucidated the its regulatory role in biofilm formation, which involved the regulation of S. suis extracellular matrix, c-di-AMP, cell surface properties, and bacterial energy metabolism. Additionally, we also revealed that Gtf-2 regulates the content and composition of capsular polysaccharide. Finally, the regulatory role of Gtf-2 in the virulence of S. suis was elucidated based on in vitro and in vivo infection models, and the loss of Gtf-2 function weakened the virulence of S. suis.},
}

@article {pmid41780240,
year = {2026},
author = {Calabro-Souza, G and Lorke, A and Simons, A and Chaumont, C and Tassin, B and Dris, R},
title = {Understanding the role of turbulence and biofilm on low density microplastic dynamics: An experimental approach towards natural conditions.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {506},
number = {},
pages = {141640},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141640},
pmid = {41780240},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The fate of microplastics (MP) in rivers is controlled by particle properties, biological interactions, and hydrodynamics, yet mechanisms governing near-bed behavior of low-density MP remain unclear. Despite their buoyancy, low-density MP are frequently found in sediments, suggesting that turbulence-driven transport and benthic biofilms influence the near-bed transport and retention. Flume experiments quantified how turbulence modulates MP transport, biofilm contact, and MP-biofilm interaction at the sediment-water interface. Flume integrating water, sediment, and biofilm compartments used fluorescent polyethylene spheres (0.995 g cm[-3]; ∼50 µm) under controlled flows. Particle trajectories near a monospecific Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm were reconstructed via particle tracking velocimetry, while turbulence intensity was characterized by friction velocity (u* = 0.0009, 0.0014 and 0.0024 m s[-1]). Increasing turbulence significantly increased MP-biofilm encounters (p < 0.001), with median fractions reaching 3.3-4.3% of all observed MP at u* ≥ 0.0014 m s[-1] , compared with 1.6% at 0.0009 m s[-1] . Most MPs contacting the biofilm originated within the viscous boundary layer, although up to ∼20% came from above under higher turbulence, reflecting a shift in transport pathways. Biofilm retention of MPs remained low (0.6-5.8%) and decreased slightly with turbulence, revealing a trade-off between delivery and attachment. These results indicate a two-step mechanism: turbulence delivers particles to near-bed zone, while biofilm properties govern retention. This coupled process helps explain the presence of buoyant MP in sediments and highlights the role of benthic biofilms in mediating MP exchange between water and riverbeds. The empirical relationships derived here can inform process-based transport models to improve predictions of MP fate and fluxes in fluvial systems.},
}

@article {pmid41779039,
year = {2026},
author = {Yogendraiah, KM and Sadanandan, B and Natraj, LK and Vijayalakshmi, V and Shetty, K},
title = {Biofilm formation directly correlates with cell viability in Candida tropicalis on polypropylene.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {110},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41779039},
issn = {1432-0614},
abstract = {Candida tropicalis, the most prevalent non-Candida albicans Candida species, is an emerging pathogen forming robust biofilms on medical devices, contributing to biofouling, virulence, and antifungal resistance. In this study, growth conditions for six C. tropicalis clinical isolates (C4, U873, U951, U1179, U1309, U1360) and a standard strain (MTCC-184) were optimized on polypropylene using central composite design-based response surface methodology. The parameters tested included temperature, pH, shaker speed, inoculum size, and incubation time, with biofilm formation quantified by crystal violet, cell viability by MTT, biomass by calcofluor white, and wet/dry weight measurements. Notably, C. tropicalis forms biofilm on polypropylene surfaces, resembling extracellular polymeric substance-rich matrices. Among the isolates, C4, U873, U951, and U1179 fit the CCD model, whereas for MTCC-184, U1309, and U1360, the Johnson Transformation was required to obtain unified optimal conditions. Temperature and pH were the major factors influencing biofilm formation in C4 and U1179, while temperature and incubation time were significant for U873 and U951. A direct correlation was observed between cell viability and biofilm formation, though biomass varied, indicating strain-specific virulence. This high-throughput optimization strategy establishes a platform for antifungal screening, biofilm-material interaction studies, and the development of medical devices resistant to fungal colonization. KEY POINTS: • Optimized growth conditions of Candida tropicalis biofilm on polypropylene material by RSM • Four C. tropicalis isolates fit the CCD model; the other three isolates were modelled using CCD-JT • A direct correlation was observed between cell viability and biofilm with variations in cell mass.},
}

@article {pmid41778856,
year = {2026},
author = {Ge, J and Shi, X and Hou, S and Wang, Y and Zhou, X and Ji, Y and Tao, Z and Liu, X and Cheng, Y and Li, S and Xiao, Y and Hong, Y and Zhao, Z and Ge, F and Wang, J},
title = {Magnetically Recyclable Core-Shell Ag@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Waterborne Pathogen Inactivation and Medical Biofilm Eradication.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.6c00025},
pmid = {41778856},
issn = {2576-6422},
abstract = {The proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria in water poses a significant public health threat. Experimental wastewater from microbiology laboratories and residual fluids in medical catheters are particularly prone to pathogenic bacterial growth and biofilm formation. This challenge requires antibacterial agents that can eliminate pathogenic bacteria with high efficiency. In this study, core-shell Ag@Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized via a straightforward solvothermal method. This structuration minimizes silver ion loss and ensures sustained antibacterial activity through core-shell synergy. Mechanistic studies revealed that Ag@Fe3O4 disrupts biofilm architecture and induces nucleic acid leakage via the synergistic release of Ag[+] ions and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Significantly, Ag@Fe3O4 NPs exhibit superparamagnetic properties and demonstrate a low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 10 μg/mL. In water treatment simulations, Ag@Fe3O4 NPs maintained a 100% pathogen elimination rate across diverse environmental conditions after 40 magnetic recovery cycles. Furthermore, the Ag@Fe3O4 NPs achieved precise targeting and efficient removal of biofilms in a medical catheter model under magnetic guidance. Ag@Fe3O4 NPs offer an efficient and sustainable solution for eradicating waterborne pathogens and eliminating medical catheter biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid41778798,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, J and Fan, S and Shi, J and Hu, X and Ding, W and Hao, J and Zhang, W},
title = {Genomic and chemical analyses of 713 marine biofilm-derived bacterial strains.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0259325},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02593-25},
pmid = {41778798},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Marine biofilms are known as a reservoir of bacterial specialized metabolites, but the majority of these metabolites remain unexplored because most biofilm-associated bacteria have not yet been cultivated or genomically characterized. In a recent study, we isolated and cultivated 713 bacterial strains from marine biofilms and generated their nearly complete genomes. Here, we conduct a systematic analysis of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) contained in these bacterial genomes. A total of 3,146 BGCs are predicted and organized into 2,176 mostly new gene cluster families (GCFs), in comparison with the GCFs in the Minimum Information about a Biosynthetic Gene cluster database, and those from genomes of global seawater bacteria. In particular, certain less-studied microorganisms, such as members of the Roseobacteriaceae family, possess a number of novel BGCs. Moreover, through bacterial antagonistic tests, 50 of the 713 strains inhibit the growth of at least one tested pathogenic bacterial strain. Furthermore, metabolomics followed by molecular networking reveals previously uncharacterized antimicrobial activities associated with known secondary metabolites, represented by the polycyclic tetramate macrolactam alteramide A.

IMPORTANCE: Marine microorganisms are important sources of natural products, yet quite a few studies have systematically explored the production of active molecules by marine biofilm-associated bacteria. In the present study, we analyzed nearly complete genomes of 713 strains isolated from marine biofilms to assess their biosynthetic potential. We further conducted experiments to discover compounds with a strong inhibitory effect against pathogenic bacterial strains. This work has laid the groundwork for further prospecting marine biofilm-associated bacterial strains for antibacterial agents.},
}

@article {pmid41778262,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, J and Huang, S and Li, Y and Qiu, Z and Hao, Y and Huang, J and Zhan, L and Chen, S and Huang, X},
title = {Deletion of dltD gene modulates biofilm matrix and acid metabolism to attenuate Streptococcus mutans cariogenicity.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1741359},
pmid = {41778262},
issn = {2235-2988},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus mutans (SM) is one of the key pathogenic bacteria in the occurrence and development of dental caries. Its complex virulence regulation network has become an important target in current ecological caries prevention research. This study explored how dltD attenuates SM cariogenicity using standard strain SMUA159, high-cariogenic clinical strain SM593, and their dltD deletion/complemented strains.

METHODS: In this study, the clinical serotype C SM593 clinical strain isolated from caries-active patients (DMFT6), the SM593 dltD deletion strain (SM593-dltD), and SM593-dltD complementary strain (SM593-dltD-c) were selected as the experimental strains. Rat caries model was constructed to detect the cariogenicity. Colony forming counting units (CFU) counting was used to detect the colonization ability in vivo. The adhesion ability and surface hydrophobicity of each strain were examined by tube attachment assay and microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons method. Biofilm of each strain was constructed in vitro., CFU counting and MTT staining were used to analyze the SM biofilm formation. Laser confocal scanning microscope were used to observe the biofilm morphology, live/dead staining distribution. Anthrone-sulfuric acid assay, laser confocal scanning microscope, SYTOX probe assay and BCA protein kit assay were used to detect the extracellular polysaccharide content, extracellular polysaccharide distribution, eDNA content and extracellular protein content of the biofilm. Acid production was examined by detecting the pH of the biofilm supernatant. Potassium iodide assay and lactate dehydrogenase detection kit assay were used to examine intracellular polysaccharides and lactate dehydrogenase activity. CFU counting was used to detect the adaptive acid tolerance ability. Laurdan fluorescent probe was used to examine the cell membranes fluidity under the acidic condition. The expression of genes related to biofilm formation and acid tolerance was detected by RTqPCR.

RESULTS: In vivo, dltD deletion significantly reduced fissure and proximal caries severity (P<0.05), with strain-specific colonization differences. In vitro, dltD deletion strains showed decreased biofilm viable cells (P<0.05), metabolic activity (P<0.01), and water-insoluble polysaccharides (P<0.01), associated with downregulated gtfB and gtfC expression (P<0.05), increased autolysis, and extracellular DNA (P<0.01). Acidogenicity and acid tolerance were impaired, associated with downregulated dexA, fabM, and atpD expression (P<0.05).

DISCUSSION: These findings confirmed that dltD deletion attenuates SM cariogenicity by disrupting biofilm EPS and acid metabolism, supporting dltD as a potential target for caries prevention.},
}

@article {pmid41778016,
year = {2026},
author = {Sharma, A and Katoch, P and Shrivastava, R},
title = {Bacterial biofilm conundrum: insight into the frontiers of antibiotic resistance and state-of-the-art anti-biofilm interventions.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1589866},
pmid = {41778016},
issn = {2235-2988},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms are organized multicellular structures enmeshed in a self-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM). The communities present an alarming challenge in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They act as a protective niche for microbes, provide chemical and physical protection to the resident cells, allow bacteria to endure host immune responses, and undermine the standard antimicrobial treatments. Despite advancements in microbiological research, biofilms remain an invisible frontier that complicates diagnostics and treatment. This perspective article provides insights into the enigmatic nature of biofilms and examines their role in human infections and diseases. It scrutinizes biofilm AMR mechanisms, including altered metabolic states, ECM-linked decreased antibiotic penetration, and augmented horizontal gene transfer. Further, it delves into the innovative anti-biofilm interventions for mitigating impact of bacterial biofilm on human health. The article also highlights the challenges in engineering ECM for eradicating the recalcitrant biofilms. The article emphasizes critical urgency to integrate biofilm-related research with the comprehensive AMR response, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaborations to transform laboratory discoveries into healthcare advancements. Research uncovering the complexity of biofilms and intriguing therapeutic approaches can address the requirement of revolutionary solutions to combat biofilm-associated infections and ensuing AMR. Overall, this perspective serves as a call to action, underscoring the compelling need to prioritize collective efforts in biofilm research to promote public health.},
}

@article {pmid41777716,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Xia, A and Huang, Y and Ji, J and Zhang, J and Zhu, X and Zhu, X and Liao, Q},
title = {Engineering a semi-artificial photosynthetic biofilm for robust and high-efficiency CO2-to-methane conversion.},
journal = {Chemical science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41777716},
issn = {2041-6520},
abstract = {Hybrid semi-artificial photosynthetic systems, which integrate semiconductor nanomaterials with methanogens, offer an innovative strategy for the solar-driven conversion of CO2 to CH4 with high selectivity. However, these systems face challenges, including light harvesting losses, low quantum efficiency, and instability due to photodamage. To overcome the intrinsic limitations, we introduce a paradigm-shifting strategy: leveraging biofilms as a new platform for efficient solar-driven CO2-to-CH4 conversion. The strategic modification of carbon nitride promoted the self-assembly of stable biofilms. This process formed an integrated, cross-linked network comprising the material, cells, and extracellular polymeric substances, which remarkably improved light utilization efficiency compared to traditional suspension systems. Furthermore, the extracellular polymeric substance matrix served as a biocompatible shield, effectively quenching reactive oxygen species and suppressing photodamage to the cells. To further enhance efficiency, Methanosarcina barkeri was decorated with silver nanoparticles. This modification rewires the electron transfer pathway, promoting a ferredoxin-independent mechanism and significantly enhancing cellular electron uptake. We achieved a state-of-the-art performance with a record 1.92% quantum yield and 97.1% methane selectivity by suppressing photodamage. This study pioneers the paradigm of integrating biofilms within hybrid systems. By elucidating its advantages and potential applications, our work provides a foundational blueprint for engineering the hybrid-biofilm microenvironment and designing practically viable reactors.},
}

@article {pmid41777556,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Tang, Q and Zhu, Q and Xu, W and Wang, Z and Jiao, Z and Zuo, J and Jiang, W and Huang, C and Yin, H and Han, X and Zhou, W},
title = {Discovery of novel coumarin amphiphiles: dual-action antimicrobials with bacteria-mediated biofilm disruption and host-directed immunomodulation.},
journal = {RSC medicinal chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41777556},
issn = {2632-8682},
abstract = {Bacterial infections pose a threat to the health of animals and humans, and biofilm formation exacerbates the microbial threat. Therefore, new antimicrobial agents to address this challenge are much needed. In this study, some new amphipathic compounds derived from the natural product coumarin were designed and synthesized by mimicking the structure and function of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Compound 15 exhibited strong inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213 and four clinical isolates, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 1 to 4 μg mL[-1]. It also demonstrated rapid bactericidal activity and a low propensity for resistance development. The in vivo activity of compound 15 was supported by good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse wound infection model. More importantly, the good immunomodulatory effects, biofilm formation inhibition and biofilm clearance were detectable in the treatment of compound 15, which made it a potential antibacterial candidate for controlling S. aureus forming biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid41773870,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, A and Li, X and Lu, S and Zhang, J and Zheng, Y and Wang, M and Zhao, K},
title = {Role of sucrose-dependent exopolysaccharides in the biofilm development of Streptococcus mutans revealed at the microscale level.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0000926},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00009-26},
pmid = {41773870},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) has a superior ability to rapidly metabolize sucrose into exopolysaccharides (EPS, mainly glucans), which serve as a critical virulence factor related to dental caries. Despite extensive research on sucrose-dependent EPS at the molecular and macroscale levels, however, the mechanisms underlying EPS effects at the microscale level remain poorly understood. Here, by employing bacteria tracking and fluorescence staining techniques, we investigated the role of sucrose-dependent EPS during biofilm development of S. mutans at the microscale level for both WT and ΔgtfB strains. The results showed that at the early stages of biofilm development, the sucrose-derived glucans enhanced the surface attachment of S. mutans through bamboo joint-like glucan patterns displayed on cell surfaces and altered their microcolony structures from loose 2D chains in ΔgtfB to dense-packed cell clusters in WT; then, after microcolonies formed, sucrose-dependent EPS promoted their development by speeding up the 2D-3D transition of WT microcolonies and affected final biofilm morphologies at the stage of biofilm maturation. Moreover, by tracking the long-time dynamic process of WT biofilm development at the microscale, the results demonstrated clearly the origin of liquid regions and their correlations with the structural and pH heterogeneity of biofilms. These findings establish sucrose-dependent EPS as dual-functional scaffolds-mechanically accelerating biofilm assembly, meanwhile, facilitating the formation of structural and pH heterogeneity inside biofilms that are critical for enamel demineralization, and thus provide insights for developing new anti-caries strategies.

IMPORTANCE: Streptococcus mutans is a major pathogen in caries development due to its ability to rapidly metabolize sucrose into EPS. EPS serves as a major component of the S. mutans biofilm matrix, and previous studies mostly explored the effects of EPS on the macroscale. However, how EPS shapes S. mutans biofilm formation at the microscale is not well understood. By combining single-cell tracking with fluorescence staining techniques, we demonstrate that sucrose-dependent EPS governs the transition from 2D growth to 3D biofilm architecture and facilitates the formation of a liquid region at the bottom of the biofilm. These findings bridge a fundamental knowledge gap between the microscale organization and macroscale attributes of biofilms, offering novel perspectives for developing targeted anti-caries strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41772628,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, C and Huo, S and Guo, R and Li, X and Wang, X and Gu, C and Li, Z and Lu, L and Shi, C and Liu, X},
title = {Ultrasound-activated MoS2@Fe3O4 nanoplatform orchestrates biofilm disruption and immune reprogramming in implant-associated infections.},
journal = {Journal of nanobiotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12951-025-03995-7},
pmid = {41772628},
issn = {1477-3155},
support = {82472391//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82402272//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Implant-associated infections (IAIs), particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens and protected by biofilms, remain a formidable challenge in orthopedic surgery due to limited antibiotic efficacy and sustained local immunosuppression. Addressing this dual bottleneck, we report a multifunctional MoS2@Fe3O4 heterostructure nanocomposite that enables ultrasound (US)-triggered piezocatalytic antibacterial therapy coupled with immune microenvironment remodeling. The nanoplatform integrates the piezoelectric polarization of MoS2 and the Fenton-like catalytic activity of Fe3O4 to achieve efficient charge separation, interfacial polarization, and enhanced Fe[3+]/Fe[2+] cycling, generating high levels of ROS (•OH, •O2[-], [1]O2) under low-intensity US irradiation. These reactive species effectively disrupt MRSA biofilms, promote bacterial membrane rupture, and expose pathogen-associated antigens. Importantly, this treatment activates the cGAS-STING signaling axis in dendritic cells, enhances M1-type macrophage polarization, and triggers coordinated innate and adaptive immune responses. In a murine subcutaneous IAI model, MoS2@Fe3O4 + US not only eradicated biofilm infections and reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration, but also induced robust CD4[+]/CD8[+] T cell activation and memory B/T cell formation, effectively preventing infection recurrence after implant replacement. This work presents a paradigm-shifting, non-antibiotic immunotherapeutic strategy that integrates catalytic disinfection, immune activation, and long-term protection in a single nanoplatform. By overcoming key limitations of current treatments, our approach offers substantial promise for improving clinical outcomes in IAIs and advancing the field of immune-interactive nanomedicine.},
}

@article {pmid41772582,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, X and Hu, Y and Xu, C and Lian, T and Li, H and Sun, L and Sun, S and Hu, M and Wang, Y and Liu, D},
title = {Injectable dual-drug hydrogel containing curcumin and glycyrrhizic acid for biofilm inhibition and immunomodulatory therapy in periodontitis.},
journal = {Journal of nanobiotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12951-026-04219-2},
pmid = {41772582},
issn = {1477-3155},
support = {82401076//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82273499//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82571050//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23JCZDJC00210//Key Program of Tianjin Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by excessive oxidative stress, persistent bacterial biofilms, and progressive destruction of periodontal tissues. Current clinical treatments primarily focus on controlling bacterial infection but often show limited long-term efficacy due to unresolved immune dysregulation. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target microbial biofilms and the pathological immune microenvironment are urgently needed. In this study, we developed an injectable dual-drug hydrogel incorporating curcumin (CUR) and glycyrrhizic acid (GL) for the treatment of periodontitis.

METHODS: CUR was dissolved in melted polyethylene glycol distearate and then dispersed in an aqueous medium to form micelles (CURM). Compared to CUR, CURM exhibited improved solubility and stability, thereby displaying greatly enhanced antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. CURM were subsequently embedded within a hydrogel self-assembled from glycyrrhizic acid and polyvinyl alcohol (GLH) to form a dual-drug hydrogel system (CURM@GLH). Experimental periodontitis was established in mice to test their in vivo effects.

RESULTS: Owing to the intrinsic anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of glycyrrhizic acid, the hydrogel exhibited combined effects in regulating immune dysregulation. The CURM@GLH effectively protected cells from oxidative damage, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, promoted macrophage polarization from the proinflammatory M1 phenotype toward the pro-regenerative M2 phenotype, and downregulated proinflammatory cytokine expression. In a ligature-induced rat model of periodontitis, local administration of the hydrogel significantly alleviated periodontal oxidative stress and inflammation and markedly reduced alveolar bone resorption.

CONCLUSIONS: This study presents an injectable dual-drug hydrogel, CURM@GLH, that integrates biofilm inhibition with immunomodulatory regulation, offering a promising host-directed therapeutic strategy for periodontitis. The proposed approach provides new insights into the design of multifunctional biomaterials for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases associated with biofilm persistence and immune imbalance.},
}

@article {pmid41772134,
year = {2026},
author = {Sadiq, FA and Yang, N and Goeteyn, J and De Reu, K and Heyndrickx, M and Burmølle, M},
title = {Microbial Interactions Shape Spatial Organisation and Transcriptional Responses in a Model Mixed-Species Biofilm.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02701-w},
pmid = {41772134},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Dynamic social interactions within bacterial biofilms drive distinct spatial organisation and transcriptional responses. Here, we combine fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to investigate a model three-species biofilm community derived from a dairy pasteuriser, comprising Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, Microbacterium lacticum, and Bacillus licheniformis. CLSM revealed species-specific biovolume dynamics and stratified 3D structures over 24 h, with S. rhizophila as the dominant species and M. lacticum exhibiting the lowest abundance yet playing an essential role as the initial coloniser. Spatial patterns reflected known pairwise interactions - commensalism, exploitation, and neutral interaction. Transcriptomic profiling of S. rhizophila revealed extensive gene expression changes in dual-species biofilms with M. lacticum, including upregulation of genes related to flagellar motility, nutrient acquisition, energy metabolism, and TonB-dependent transport. In contrast, co-culture with B. licheniformis induced minimal transcriptional changes in S. rhizophila, consistent with a neutral interaction among the two. Our findings demonstrate how interspecies interactions govern both spatial topology and functional specialisation in mixed-species biofilms which is of relevance to microbial ecology, industrial biofilm control, and the targeting of keystone biofilm species.},
}

@article {pmid41768750,
year = {2026},
author = {Yılmaz, MK and Esen, MK and Yalçın, MS and İnce, S and Özdemir, S},
title = {Design, Synthesis and Multitarget Biological Evaluation of Perfluoroalkylated Benzoylthiourea Compounds: From Biofilm Disruption to DNA Cleavage.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {11911-11919},
doi = {10.1021/acsomega.5c10893},
pmid = {41768750},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {In the present study, a series of benzoylthiourea compounds bearing a perfluorinated group (-C8F17), namely N-((4-(heptadecafluorooctyl)-phenyl)-carbamothioyl)-benzamide (1) and N-((3-(heptadecafluorooctyl)-phenyl)-carbamothioyl)-benzamide (2) along with their non-fluorinated analogue, N-(phenylcarbamothioyl)-benzamide (3), were synthesized and characterized. Subsequently, various biological properties of the thiourea derivatives 1, 2, and 3 were evaluated, with a particular focus on elucidating the effect of the fluorinated group. The free radical scavenging activities of these compounds were evaluated with ascorbic acid and Trolox standards. Antioxidant activity peaked at 84.56% for 1 and 74.22% for 3. While 1 and 2 showed 97.70 and 96.50% inhibitory effects on α-amylase at 6.25 mg/L, 3 demonstrated 74.90% inhibitory effect at 100 mg/L. All compounds also displayed effective DNA nuclease activity. Additionally, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of benzoylthiourea compounds were also investigated. The most resistant microorganisms to the tested compounds were found to be Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In contrast, the most sensitive microorganisms were found to be Legionella pneumophila subsp. pneumophila and Enterococcus faecalis. The biofilm formation inhibition activities of benzoylthiourea compounds against S. aureus were 71.79, 69.80, and 63.53%, and against P. aeruginosa were 53.52, 63.33, and 70.00%, respectively, at the highest concentration. These findings provide a basis for proposing perfluorinated benzoylthiourea derivatives as potential potent, selective, and multitarget medicinal agents.},
}

@article {pmid41766602,
year = {2026},
author = {Jennings, JA and Abdelbary, H and Abdulla, FS and Arafah, O and Benzouak, T and Choe, H and Coenye, T and Coraça-Huber, DC and Drago, L and Gustavo Garcia, R and Goh, GS and Hamilton, J and Hamoudeh, R and Hickok, NJ and Jensen, LK and Lee, HG and Li, B and Manzary, M and Markovics, A and McDonald, K and Fintan Moriarty, T and Muthukrishnan, G and Nishitani, K and Norton, NJ and Oral, E and Parvizi, J and Del Pozo, J and Priddy, LB and Raafat, D and Saeed, K and Spiegel, C and Schwarz, EM and Siverino, C and Trobos, M and Tubbs, A and Yeasmin, R},
title = {2025 International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection: Summary From Biofilm Workgroup on Treatment of Biofilm-Related Infection and Preclinical Models.},
journal = {Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society},
volume = {44},
number = {3},
pages = {e70169},
doi = {10.1002/jor.70169},
pmid = {41766602},
issn = {1554-527X},
abstract = {Despite advancements in surgical techniques, musculoskeletal infections (MSKI) remain severe complications following orthopedic surgery, imposing a substantial financial and personal burden on patients and healthcare systems globally. To establish the current state of knowledge in this field, International Consensus Meetings (ICM) were held in 2013, 2018, and 2025, including a Biofilm Section focused on establishing state-of-the-art basic science and translational research. The latest ICM utilized a 2-year-long Delphi process that commenced on May 31, 2023, and culminated in an in-person meeting involving voting on 30 questions by 47 delegates on May 8-10, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey. Following the voting process, the Biofilm Section formed three workgroups (Biofilm Basic Science, Biofilm Treatment, and Research Priorities) to interpret the results and disseminate the findings in Consensus Articles that highlight priorities. The following is the summation of the Biofilm Treatment Workgroup, which aims to shape future pre-clinical MSKI research directions and grant funding with respect to: (1) elevating scientific rigor to ensure reproducibility and high-quality data in preclinical research; (2) transitioning mature therapeutic concepts into rigorous in vivo models to definitively prove their clinical feasibility; and (3) accelerating the development of novel molecular targets and advanced drug-delivery systems. Finally, the workgroup acknowledged a critical shift in the funding landscape. As government support faces future challenges, there is an urgent need for increased investment from industry and philanthropic partners. Such support is essential to develop effective treatments for serious orthopedic infections and to improve outcomes for patients facing life-altering illnesses.},
}

@article {pmid41765712,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, L and Dong, N and Fu, M and Yue, X and Jian, Y and Li, H and Zhuang, WQ},
title = {Corrigendum to "Dissimilatory sulfate reduction in an anaerobic biofilm reactor for tofu processing wastewater treatment: Bacterial community and their functional genes" [Sci. Total Environ. 892, (2023), 164579].},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {181598},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181598},
pmid = {41765712},
issn = {1879-1026},
}

@article {pmid41765503,
year = {2026},
author = {Sato, T and Fukada, N and Kobayashi, H and Okaniwa, A and Okada, M and Yamazaki, K},
title = {Biofilm and Dermatophytoma.},
journal = {Medical mycology journal},
volume = {67},
number = {1},
pages = {71-77},
doi = {10.3314/mmj.26.006},
pmid = {41765503},
issn = {2186-165X},
abstract = {Dermatophytoma is a type of onychomycosis with distinctive clinical features. Clinically, it typically appears as a linear spike, triangular, or round white- or yellow-colored mass on the nail plate. Dermatophytes are thought to adhere to the nail surface and secrete extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), proteins, DNA, and other components, forming a biofilm matrix. EPS typically encases this microbial aggregation and is synthesized by the microbial constituents of the biofilm. Herein, we review dermatophytoma and the relationship between nail infection and biofilm. We also discuss green nails with dermatophytoma and infection models of biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid41765389,
year = {2026},
author = {Jurrat, H and Liaqat, I and Naseem, S and Abdul Latif, A and Saleem, G and Ali, A and Aftab, MN and Ali, S and Ismoilov, M},
title = {Biotechnological Evaluation of Anti-microbial and Anti-biofilm Properties of Biosurfactants Isolated from Catla catla Fats Derived Bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of oleo science},
volume = {75},
number = {3},
pages = {251-270},
doi = {10.5650/jos.ess25217},
pmid = {41765389},
issn = {1347-3352},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections are major global health concerns, requiring sustainable antimicrobial alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm potential of biosurfactants produced by Bacillus strains (H1, H2, and H5) isolated from the fat of Catla catla, a freshwater fish from the Sutlej River, Pakistan. The biosurfactants were extracted, purified, and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Quantitative analysis revealed that strain H5 produced the highest levels of surfactin (107.5 ± 0.3 mg L[-1]) and iturin A (60.5 ± 0.5 mg L[-1]). The biosurfactants exhibited strong antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of up to 28.3 ± 0.3 mm against Bacillus licheniformis and 24.3 ± 0.3 mm against Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations against Staphylococcus aureus were 6.6 ± 0.6 µg mL[-1] and 11.8 ± 0.4 µg mL[-1], respectively. Antifungal tests showed up to 34.6 ± 0.3 mm inhibition zones against Fusarium moniliforme. Antibiofilm assays demonstrated that the extracellular biosurfactant from strain H2 achieved the highest inhibition (82.7 ± 0.3 %) at 50 µg mL[-1]. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the isolates as Bacillus subtilis (PV789583), Bacillus thuringiensis (PV789584), and Bacillus cereus (PV789585). These findings indicate that biosurfactants derived from Catla catla fat as a substrate represent a cost-effective and eco-friendly source of potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm compounds with promising biotechnological and therapeutic applications.},
}

@article {pmid41764148,
year = {2026},
author = {Murugesan, S and Rengarajan, S and Subbarayalu, A and Raman, S and Navaneethan, RD and S, SS and G, RR and Pandian, A and Chinnapandi, B},
title = {Sustainable fabrication of TiO2 nanoparticles using Gracilaria edulis extract: a study on biofilm inhibition and photocatalytic industrial dye degradation.},
journal = {Environmental geochemistry and health},
volume = {48},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41764148},
issn = {1573-2983},
abstract = {Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were green-synthesized using whole Gracilaria edulis. The G. edulis was washed, dried, powdered and extracted, which is rich with various natural reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents. The TiO2 nanoparticles confirmed with strong UV-Vis absorption with peaks between 250 and 350 nm, consistent with the anatase TiO2 band gap. FTIR analysis revealed surface hydroxyl groups and organic residues from the algal extract, potentially facilitating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. XRD confirmed a highly crystalline nature of green-synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles and showed irregular nanoscale morphology by SEM, while EDS confirmed Ti and O with minor algal-derived elements. TEM images showed mostly spherical, well-dispersed nanoparticles with minimal aggregation. Antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated stronger inhibition, with MIC values of 0.50 mg/mL for bacteria and 0.25 mg/mL for fungi. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under sunlight achieved efficiencies of 90.1-94.4% at neutral pH (7) and 88.3-90.1% at alkaline pH (9), with performance improving at higher TiO2 loadings (10-30 ppm), while acidic pH showed slightly lower but variable degradation. Immobilization within sodium alginate produced uniform, stable beads with minimal leaching, suitable for reuse, and biofilm assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation. These results highlight that G. edulis-mediated TiO2 nanoparticles are promising sustainable materials in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial work because they have good physiochemical properties, strong antimicrobial and anti-biofilm action, and high dye degradation by photocatalysts.},
}

@article {pmid41763718,
year = {2026},
author = {Radcliffe, T},
title = {Overcoming Biofilm Detection and Mitigation Challenges to Improve Process Control of a Pharmaceutical Water-for-Injection System: Poster presented at PDA Microbiology Conference 2025.},
journal = {PDA journal of pharmaceutical science and technology},
volume = {80},
number = {1},
pages = {187-188},
doi = {10.5731/pdajpst.2026.26133},
pmid = {41763718},
issn = {1948-2124},
abstract = {The development and existence of bioburden in pharmaceutical water systems is often misunderstood. Microorganisms are always present and have a keen ability to adapt to their environment. This is especially true in a Water-for-Injection (WFI) system, where microbial attachment and biofilm growth will occur regardless of flow rate, material of construction, turbulent flow and low nutrient conditions. While industry makes every effort to control and eliminate bioburden, traditional sanitization methods are not one-hundred-percent effective at accomplishing this objective. Additionally, because of the limitations and time to result delay of conventional plate counting, we may be at a disadvantage for assessing bioburden, causing us to use water at risk. This poster explores real-life examples of biofilm in pharmaceutical water systems, risk mitigation strategies, and how real-time microbial detection could be used as a tool for improved risk management and process control.},
}

@article {pmid41763046,
year = {2026},
author = {Tao, Y and Zhang, Y and Liu, H and Xu, X and Zhuang, J and Huang, T and Lu, H and Wu, B},
title = {Sustainable nutrient removal without chemical addition: Pilot-scale performance of a biochar-enhanced hybrid biofilm system in municipal wastewater treatment.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {402},
number = {},
pages = {129151},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129151},
pmid = {41763046},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {This study proposes a chemical-free and carbon-efficient strategy for advanced nutrient removal by integrating functional biochar into a hybrid biofilm system within a modified A[2]/O process. A long-term pilot-scale demonstration was conducted at a municipal wastewater treatment plant to evaluate system performance under realistic operating conditions. The biochar-enhanced system achieved stable treatment performance, consistently meeting China's Class 1A discharge standards without the addition of external carbon sources or chemical precipitants. The system achieved average removal efficiencies of 80.6% for total nitrogen and 94.2% for total phosphorus, with effluent concentrations consistently below 10 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L, respectively, which are well within the stringent regulatory limits. Biochar served as a multi-functional habitat and electron mediator, fostering the development of redox-stratified microenvironments and enhancing direct interspecies electron transfer. The introduction of biochar reduced aeration energy demand by 15-20%, which significantly decreased operational costs and enhanced overall system efficiency. High-throughput sequencing revealed the selective enrichment of key functional guilds, including denitrifying Caldilineaceae (12.3% relative abundance) and phosphorus-removing Saprospiraceae (8.7%). Structural equation modeling further quantified that biofilm-surface communities contributed 1.8-2.3 times more to pollutant removal than internal populations. The system also demonstrated robust adaptability to varying C/N ratios (2-8) and temperatures (15-30 °C), showcasing its potential for widespread application in diverse environments. These results provide not only insights into biochar-facilitated microbial processes but also a practical and scalable retrofit strategy for existing treatment plants to achieve sustainable nutrient management with reduced operational costs and chemical dependency.},
}

@article {pmid41759977,
year = {2026},
author = {Jing, K and Li, Y and Li, Y and Meng, Q and Zhang, J and Guan, Q},
title = {Migration of antibiotic resistance genes in process of biodegradation of sulfonamide antibiotics in biofilm-sediment: Mechanisms, microbial communities, and driving factors.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {448},
number = {},
pages = {134286},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134286},
pmid = {41759977},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The main removal pathway of sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) in biofilm-sediment system is biodegradation, which not only promotes the enrichment of drug-resistant bacteria, but its metabolic intermediates also promote the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Since the biofilm-sediment multiphase system is closer to characteristics of the natural aquatic environment, the study of the dynamic migration process of ARGs in this system can reveal the propagation patterns of ARGs more realistically. Therefore, this study investigated the migration characteristics of ARGs and their driving mechanisms during the biodegradation of SAs in the biofilm-sediment system. The results showed that the migration of ARGs exhibited obvious stratification characteristics: the abundance of ARGs in the surface biofilm fluctuated in synchrony with the degradation of SAs, the HGT mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in middle sediments enabled the cross-layer migration and accumulation of ARGs, while deep sediments were limited in migration due to hypoxia and pore barriers. Changes in the bacterial community also facilitated the migration of ARGs, with the proliferation of host bacteria dominating the surface layer and the formation of a composite transfer system of "host bacteria-ARGs-MGEs" in the middle layer. The multivariate statistical analysis model confirmed that the synergistic effects of bacterial abundance, MGEs and environmental factors contributed 95-99% to the migration of ARGs in the surface and middle layers, with pH being the strongest positive regulator. These results demonstrated that the migration of ARGs is closely related to the degradation process of pollutants.},
}

@article {pmid41759553,
year = {2026},
author = {Felton, SM and Ficarrotta, JM and Kolling, GL and Papin, JA and Berger, BW},
title = {Enzyme-enhanced RNA isolation from biofilm-producing bacteria.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0307725},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03077-25},
pmid = {41759553},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {RNA isolation is a critical first step for gene expression analysis; however, obtaining high-quality RNA from polysaccharide-rich or biofilm-producing microbial samples remains challenging. High polysaccharide content hinders cell lysis, decreases RNA yield, and reduces sample purity, limiting the reliability and accuracy of downstream techniques such as RNA-seq and RT-qPCR. In this study, we evaluated the use of polysaccharide lyase, Smlt1473, as a pre-processing step to improve RNA isolation from Pseudomonas species. Incorporation of Smlt1473 into a commercial RNA extraction kit workflow significantly improved RNA extraction for mucoid clinical and agricultural pseudomonads and did not adversely affect the non-mucoid isolate, PA14. More specifically, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that pre-processing with Smlt1473 increased the proportion of assigned reads without introducing significant changes in gene expression. Only a limited set of genes-primarily hypothetical proteins and potential phage-associated elements-were differentially expressed, while global transcriptional profiles remained stable. Together, these findings demonstrate that pre-processing with Smlt1473 provides an effective, easily integrated method to enhance RNA isolation from biofilm-forming bacteria and improves RNA-seq data quality without perturbing the underlying biology.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa, along with other clinically relevant pathogens, is notorious for forming complex biofilms. Microbial biofilms can be composed of anywhere from 50% to 90% polysaccharides. This high polysaccharide content of microbial biofilms severely hinders RNA extraction by complicating bacterial cell lysis, causing a decrease in yield and purity. Challenges with isolating RNA from clinically relevant biofilm-forming pathogens limit our ability to study and better understand bacterial pathogenesis. Low quality and quantity of RNA impede the accuracy and reproducibility of downstream analysis and may ultimately obstruct the discovery of novel drug targets and therapeutic interventions. Developing strategies to overcome these barriers, such as enzymatic pre-processing, is therefore critical to improving RNA recovery from biofilm-producing bacteria to enable more accurate transcriptomic studies that advance both basic science and clinical applications.},
}

@article {pmid41758651,
year = {2026},
author = {Bjarnsholt, T and Lex, C and Stewart, P},
title = {The biofilm paradigm: A milestone, not the destination.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {3},
pages = {117014},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117014},
pmid = {41758651},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Biofilms have profoundly shaped our understanding of chronic infection, yet their explanatory reach is limited. This commentary argues that chronicity emerges from a host-pathogen partnership, where host-derived structural, metabolic, immune, and systemic constraints define persistence, tolerance, and treatment responses beyond microbial architecture alone.},
}

@article {pmid41758321,
year = {2026},
author = {Pathak, A and Singh, J and Swati, and Dwibedi, V},
title = {Deciphering microbial biofilm: mechanism, infection, and advanced approaches for control.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41758321},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {Microbial biofilms are densely organised microbial communities that adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, encased within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Microorganisms within these biofilm structures gain enhanced protection, versatility, and resistance to external stresses, antibiotics, and host immune systems. The biofilm formation follows a series of steps, including initial microbial adherence, microcolony establishment, EPS production, regulation by quorum sensing (QS), and dispersal. This flexibility enables biofilm survival in multiple environments, such as medical devices and natural systems, posing serious challenges in healthcare, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The review focuses on the mechanisms involved in biofilm formation and discusses the role of EPS in promoting biofilm stability and resistance to antimicrobials. It addresses biofilm-associated infections in medical environments, such as chronic wounds, cystic fibrosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and complications with implanted medical devices. The capacity of biofilm-forming microorganisms to evade immune responses and persist through extended antibiotic use highlights the urgent demand for novel therapeutic approaches. The discussion includes emerging strategies for biofilm control, including anti-biofilm agents, QS inhibitors, enzymatic treatments, and innovative combination therapies combining antibiotics with biofilm-disrupting agents. Emerging technologies, like antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), CRISPR-Cas systems, nanotechnology, and bioelectric therapies, present innovative biofilm disruption and removal approaches. This paper discusses the effectiveness of natural products, plant-derived compounds, and bacteriophage therapies for mitigating biofilm-associated infections linked to biofilms. The review examines the dynamic challenges posed by biofilms, particularly their role in chronic and device-related infections, which contribute to significant healthcare complications. The study highlights the significance of adopting new approaches to overcome biofilm-induced antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, this paper discusses the promising potential of emerging technologies, such as nanomaterials, QS interference, and biofilm-specific antimicrobial agents, in enhancing biofilm control and prevention measures across clinical, industrial, and environmental domains.},
}

@article {pmid41757890,
year = {2026},
author = {Tarasov, K and Zarubin, M and Yakhnenko, A and Gangapshev, A and Kravchenko, E},
title = {Metagenomic analysis of the biofilm community at the oxic-anoxic interface of a deep-underground saline spring at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0210325},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02103-25},
pmid = {41757890},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {In this work, the first-ever metagenomic study of the microbial community from the deep-underground saline spring located at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory (BNO) (Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia) is presented. Using the metagenomic approach, we obtained 19 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) attributed to the phyla Pseudomonadota (the dominant phyla), Planctomycetota, Myxococcota, Nitrospirota, Gemmatimonadota, Armatimonadota, and Cyanobacteriota. Archaea are generally absent in the metagenome. The microbial community of the Baksan Neutrino Observatory demonstrates a high metabolic diversity, including carbon dioxide-fixing, methane-oxidizing, dinitrogen-fixing, nitrate- and iron-reducing, anammox, nitrifying, and predatory bacteria. Hydrogen, methane, ammonia, and reduced iron compounds, present in the ecosystem, provide energy for primary organic production. The abundance and diversity of bacteria capable of carrying out various stages of the nitrogen cycle suggest that nitrogen compounds are of great significance for microbial community metabolism. On the basis of the Genome Taxonomy Database Toolkit classification of MAGs and comparison to the closest RefSeq genomes, we have identified six new genera, with the proposed names-"Candidatus Jinrbaksania," "Candidatus Neutrinellum," "Candidatus Jinrextremum," "Candidatus Inrsubterrania," "Candidatus Inralta," and "Candidatus Neutrinobacter." Comparative analysis with metagenomes of microbial communities from the deep underground granitic sites and karst caves reveals that the BNO microbial community represents a unique transitional ecosystem on the boundary between the deep anoxic and surface aerobic biosphere.IMPORTANCEThe deep biosphere makes up 12-20% of the Earth's biomass and is poorly studied due to its inaccessibility. To date, only a few metagenomic studies of local deep biospheres have been performed in Russia. The Baksan Neutrino Observatory (BNO) is a deep-underground laboratory, with some abandoned tunnels. One of them hosts a mineral spring saturated with volcanic gases from the peripheral magma chamber of Mount Elbrus. The metagenomic analysis of the biofilm from this mineral spring has revealed the presence of unique microbial community whose composition occupies a transitional position between deep-underground microbial communities and communities of karst caves. We believe that this study of the microbial metagenome of the saline spring of the BNO will make a valuable contribution to understanding the composition and functioning of microbial communities formed at the oxic-anoxic interface.},
}

@article {pmid41757571,
year = {2026},
author = {Tian, X and Liu, K and Wang, P},
title = {Flower-Shaped Supramolecular Polymer Enabling Biofilm Eradication, Improved Foliar Affinity, and Bacterial Disease Management.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e25538},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202525538},
pmid = {41757571},
issn = {1521-3773},
support = {22578085//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32560673//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82404431//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22467025//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; JYB2025XDXM701//Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Disciplines Breakthrough Plan of the Ministry of Education of China/ ; GCC[2023]008//Innovation Program for High-level Talents of Guizhou Province/ ; ZK[2022]017//Guizhou Provincial S&T Project/ ; QianKeHe Basic-[2024] Youth 315//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Projects/ ; Guidakechuangtuan[2023]03//Research and Innovation Team of Guizhou University/ ; Guidazhuanjihe[2024]02//Natural Science Special Project of Guizhou University/ ; },
abstract = {The management of bacterial plant diseases is impeded by biofilm fortifications and the poor foliar affinity of conventional antimicrobials. Supramolecular assemblies have recently emerged as promising biofilm-eradicating agents with enhanced surface adhesion. Yet, supramolecular polymers, although endowed with comparable or even greater potential, remain largely untapped in this arena. Herein, we introduce NOP@CB[8], a flower-like supramolecular polymer self-assembled in water from a de novo designed cationic pyridinium salt (NOP) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). Acting as a multifunctional agent, NOP@CB[8] disrupts bacterial membranes, perturbs redox equilibrium, disintegrates biofilms, and concurrently enhances foliar affinity. These combined attributes endow NOP@CB[8] with potent in vivo efficacy, exhibiting protective and curative efficacies of 56.1% and 51.2%, respectively, at 200 µg mL[-1] against rice bacterial leaf blight, thereby surpassing both free NOP (47.9%/43.1%) and thiodiazole copper (TC, 36.2%/33.7%). Remarkably, NOP@CB[8] delivers high control efficacy with uncompromised safety toward both target and non‑target organisms, even demonstrates enhanced safety in zebrafish relative to free NOP. Extending its scope to citrus and kiwifruit cankers, NOP@CB[8] achieves approximately 80% protective and over 60% curative efficacy, consistently outperforming NOP and TC. Together, this study delineates a green alternative for crop protection and a conceptual framework for next-generation functional supramolecular polymers.},
}

@article {pmid41757472,
year = {2026},
author = {Das, S and Roy, R and Malik, M and Paul, P and Chakraborty, P and Chatterjee, S and Maiti, D and Tribedi, P},
title = {Piperine inhibits biofilm formation in co-cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-18},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2630947},
pmid = {41757472},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {Polymicrobial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose serious clinical challenges due to their persistence, metabolic adaptability, and antibiotic tolerance. The present study investigated the ability of these two bacteria to co-exist and form mixed-species biofilms and evaluated the antibiofilm potential of piperine, a plant-derived alkaloid from Piper nigrum. Co-existence of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was confirmed by enumeration of colony-forming units, growth kinetics, cross-streaking, metabolic fingerprinting, Gini coefficient analysis, and antibiotic susceptibility. Sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of piperine significantly inhibited mixed-species biofilm formation, as demonstrated by biochemical, microbiological and microscopic analysis. Piperine treatment led to noticeable reductions in biofilm biomass, exopolysaccharide content, total protein content, metabolic activity and extracellular DNA. Mechanistic investigations revealed that piperine impaired biofilm-forming determinants by reducing cellular co-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity, inducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and increasing membrane permeability. Significantly, piperine effectively disrupted pre-established mixed-species biofilms, and its antibiofilm efficacy was further validated in a catheter model, highlighting its relevance against device-associated infections. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that piperine inhibits and disintegrates S. aureus-P. aeruginosa biofilms through diverse mechanisms, positioning it as a promising phytochemical for managing biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid41756912,
year = {2026},
author = {Fields, JL and Sebastian, CC and Zhang, H and Zia, A and Robertson, AN and Wu, H and Kiedrowski, MR and Wang, F},
title = {The archaic CUP pilus SMF-1 utilizes a specific antiparallel bundling mechanism to initiate biofilm formation.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.02.19.706768},
pmid = {41756912},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms represent a survival strategy that enables microbial communities to withstand environmental stress. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging, antibiotic-resistant, Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that frequently colonizes the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis. Its chaperone-usher pathway (CUP) pilus, SMF-1, is present in nearly all clinical isolates and is essential for biofilm development; however, its molecular architecture has remained unknown. Here, we present a 4.0 Å cryo-EM structure revealing that SMF-1 is an archaic, rather than a classic, CUP pilus. SMF-1 forms thin, zigzag filaments that assemble into defined antiparallel "pili-couples," which further aggregate into thick bundles. These bundles act as robust intercellular tethers, facilitating the rapid cell-to-cell aggregation required for biofilm initiation. Despite high sequence and structural similarity to classic CUP systems, SMF-1 lacks the interfaces required to form a rod-like architecture, suggesting it may represent an evolutionary intermediate between the CUP classes. Finally, we demonstrate that SMF-1 producing bacteria initiate biofilm formation within 24 hours and that flagella can further accelerate this process. Together, these findings uncover a conserved bundling mechanism that promotes bacterial colonization and may contribute to pathogenicity.},
}

@article {pmid41754955,
year = {2026},
author = {Skiba-Kurek, I and Namysł, M and Kania, K and Czekajewska, J and Sepioło, A and Gosiewski, T and Olechowska-Jarząb, A},
title = {In Vitro Activity of Rezafungin Against Planktonic and Biofilm Forms of Candida albicans and Nakaseomyces glabratus Clinical Isolates from Vascular Infections in Poland: A Pilot Study.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754955},
issn = {1999-4923},
support = {N42/DBS/000093//the Jagiellonian University Medical College's statutory funds/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Certain yeast species are recognized as significant opportunistic pathogens, capable of causing severe systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with disrupted physiological barriers. The rising incidence of invasive candidiasis associated with vascular infections poses a significant clinical challenge due to the high mortality rates and the limited efficacy of conventional antifungal therapies. The formation of resilient biofilms on vascular catheters by species such as Candida albicans and Nakaseomyces glabratus further complicates treatment, often leading to persistent fungemia and necessitating device removal. With the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, there is a critical need for new therapeutic agents like rezafungin-a novel, long-acting echinocandin with potential enhanced antibiofilm activity. Methods: This study tested susceptibility to antimycotics available in Poland (fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin) using the commercial Micronaut-AM test (Bruker, Bremen, Germany). Susceptibility to rezafungin (Angene Chemical, Great Britain) was determined using the microdilution method in RPMI medium, recommended by European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), with amphotericin B as a control compound. We evaluated the biofilm-forming capacity and the in vitro activity of rezafungin against 42 clinical isolates of Candida albicans and Nakaseomyces glabratus recovered from positive blood cultures. Results: The obtained minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values suggest rezafungin activity against all the tested isolates, with different susceptibility to echinocandins and other antifungal drugs (azoles, amphotericin B) currently registered and used in Poland. The MIC readings for rezafungin were in the range of 0.008-0.5, with MIC50 = 0.016 and MIC90 = 0.25. The isolates were categorized as low, moderate, or strong biofilm producers according to established Stepanović criteria (cut-off values OD630 < 0.019, 0.19-0.38, >0.38, respectively). Furthermore, the higher minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) compared to the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of planktonic cells confirm the reduced activity of rezafungin against biofilms. Conclusions: Critically, the high antibiofilm efficacy at clinically achievable concentrations suggests that rezafungin shows promise as a potential therapeutic option for catheter-related candidemia, though further clinical studies are needed. Furthermore, the high susceptibility of N. glabratus isolates-a species frequently associated with azole resistance-suggests rezafungin may be a valuable addition to the existing antifungal arsenal of multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal infections in hospital settings. Future research should focus on in vivo models to confirm if these in vitro results translate into accelerated clearance of vascular biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid41754826,
year = {2026},
author = {Bolotnikov, G and Gruber, D and Walter, JC and Kühnel, K and Kemal, T and Rodriguez, A and Preising, N and Ständker, L and Firacative, C and Spellerberg, B and Stenger, S and Rosenau, F and Kissmann, AK},
title = {Phage Display-Derived Peptides Have Neutralizing Activities Against Biofilm Formation by Candida albicans, Candidozyma auris and Candida parapsilosis.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754826},
issn = {1424-8247},
support = {FTI22-G-012//Gesellschaft für Forschungsförderung (GFF) of Lower Austria/ ; WST-F-5035462/004-2024//Förderstelle Wirtschaft, Tourismus und Technologie (WST)/ ; 915477//Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)/ ; 465229237//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation)/ ; A 2025//Anschubfinanzierung A 2025 of Ulm University/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Infections caused by Candida albicans, Candidozyma auris, and Candida parapsilosis increasingly challenge current treatment options as resistance to currently used antifungals is continuously developing. Neutralizing antimicrobial peptides (nAMPs), which modulate pathogenic behavior rather than inducing cell death, represent a promising approach to fighting against fungal infections. Methods: This study established a whole-cell phage display workflow to identify novel nAMPs, and therefore three independent biopanning processes with the Ph.D.-12 phage display library against C. albicans, C. auris, and C. parapsilosis cells were conducted. Results: Phage display produced species-selective, high-affinity peptides that were non-cytotoxic to human cells and did not affect planktonic Candida viability. These peptides inhibited early biofilm formation, and several also slowed early biofilm maturation down. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that whole-cell phage display as a powerful and adaptable discovery tool is suitable for identifying nAMPs that neutralize biofilm development without toxicity towards human cells. Beyond the peptides described here, this approach expands the methodological toolbox for antifungal research and provides a sustainable approach for generating targeted peptides.},
}

@article {pmid41754445,
year = {2026},
author = {Duda-Madej, A and Bazan, H and Łabaz, J and Viscardi, S},
title = {Berberine Interferes with the Molecular Landscape of Biofilm-Driven Pathogenicity.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754445},
issn = {2076-0817},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections pose a significant clinical challenge due to their increased antibiotic tolerance and strong association with multidrug-resistant pathogens. The biofilm protects bacteria against antimicrobial agents and host immune response through a complex matrix, altered cell metabolism, activation of quorum sensing, and overexpression of efflux pumps. Despite the availability of numerous therapeutic strategies, the effectiveness of treatment of these infections remains limited, justifying the search for new pharmaceutics, e.g., compounds of natural origin. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid from the plants of the Berberidaceae family, is of growing interest due to its broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of berberine against the biofilm forming Gram-(+) and Gram-(-) bacteria. Its effect on bacterial cell adhesion, modulation of quorum sensing, inhibition of extracellular matrix synthesis, disruption of biofilm maturation, and the dispersion process are discussed. The role of berberine as an adjuvant to antibiotic therapy was also analyzed, in particular, its ability to restore bacterial sensitivity to different classes of antibiotics. The pharmacokinetic limitations of berberine and the prospects for the use of modern delivery systems are also considered. The collected data indicate that berberine is a promising factor supporting the treatment of biofilm-related infections.},
}

@article {pmid41754440,
year = {2026},
author = {Gerges, B and Rosenblatt, J and Truong, YL and Jiang, Y and Raad, I},
title = {Elevated Antibacterial Activity of a Polygalacturonic + Caprylic Acids Wound Ointment Compared with Hypochlorous Acid in a Three-Dimensional Wound Biofilm Model.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754440},
issn = {2076-0817},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms play a major role in delayed wound-healing and in the development of chronic, non-healing wounds. Natural, plant-based agents, which can eradicate bacterial biofilms, are alternatives to antibiotics and antiseptics in the treatment of bacterially contaminated wounds. Bacterial wound biofilms are three-dimensional and complex microbial communities. Therefore, in this study, we used a three-dimensional fibrin-gel wound biofilm (FGWB) model to compare a commonly used natural agent in wound care, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), to a combination of two natural plant-based agents, polygalacturonic acid (PG) and caprylic acid (CAP) (PG + CAP), for their abilities to eradicate resistant bacterial biofilms of common wound pathogens methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, metallo β-Lactamase Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes. PG + CAP produced a significantly greater reduction in viable organisms when compared to HOCL (p ≤ 0.05) against all tested bacterial isolates. PG + CAP was highly effective against biofilms of all resistant bacterial isolates and is a promising option that merits further study for treating chronic wounds contaminated with bacterial biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid41753773,
year = {2026},
author = {Zammit, G and Fenech, K and Sinagra, E},
title = {Responses of Biofilm-Forming Halophilic Calothrix and Coelastrella Strains to Environmental Stressors Associated with Climate Change.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753773},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Research into the effects of environmental stressors associated with global climate change (GCC) on cyanobacteria and microalgae is scarce, with bloom-forming planktonic cyanobacteria being the exception. This study aimed to address the issue by assessing morphological and biochemical changes in cyanobacterial and microalgal cells exposed to an increased temperature (T), ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. The strains selected were Calothrix sp. SLM0211 and Coelastrella sp. SLM0503, which were isolated from a coastal environment in the central Mediterranean island of Malta. Elevated UVR had a pronounced effect on Calothrix sp. filaments, which produced screening compounds and resorted to trichome coiling to enhance self-shading. Enhanced growth was observed in cultures of Calothrix sp. grown at an increased CO2 concentration, which produced significantly high amounts of biomass, chlorophylls and carotenoids. An increased T resulted in stunted growth and low biomass accumulation in both strains. Each strain exhibited a unique response to T and UVR stressors, which stimulated the production of exopolymeric substances (EPS) and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in cultures of Calothrix sp. and lipid production in Coelastrella sp. cells. Our findings indicate that the effects of stressors related to GCC on cyanobacterial and microalgal cells are strain-specific, making changes at community and ecosystem levels difficult to predict.},
}

@article {pmid41753655,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Hu, H and Pan, W and Wang, Z and Chen, Y and Qiu, M and Luo, X and Xu, Q and Su, H and Lin, F and Huang, T},
title = {A Biofilm-State Bacillus thuringiensis Formulation Drives Midgut Structural Disruption and Transcriptomic Reprogramming in Ectropis grisescens.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753655},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2023XQ019//Fujian Science and Technology Planning Project/ ; N2023Z007//Nanping Academy of Resource Industrialization Chemistry Project/ ; },
abstract = {Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of the most extensively used microbial insecticides, attributed to the action of insecticidal crystal proteins (ICPs), primarily Cry toxins, which mediate damage to the insect midgut epithelium. Recent evidence suggests that Bt toxicity is also strongly influenced by its physiological state and interactions with the host gut environment. Biofilm formation represents an important adaptive strategy that enhances bacterial stress tolerance and may modulate insecticidal performance, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. However, it is still unclear how Bt in the biofilm state alters host responses at the structural and transcriptomic levels. Using the tea plantation pest Ectropis grisescens as a model, we systematically evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of biofilm-state Bt formulations and their synergistic effects with a biofilm inducer system composed of Tween-80, tea saponin, matrine, and tea polyphenols. Bioassays showed that the biofilm-state Bt supplemented with composite inducers achieved the highest corrected mortality and reduced the LC50 against neonate larvae by 2.88-fold compared with conventional planktonic Bt. Histopathological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses further revealed that biofilm-state Bt caused more severe midgut damage and induced extensive remodeling of detoxification- and stress-response-related pathways. These findings highlight Bt physiological state as a critical determinant of formulation efficacy and provide a novel framework for Bt optimization through microbial physiological regulation.},
}

@article {pmid41753598,
year = {2026},
author = {Romo-González, C and Aquino-Andrade, A and Pérez-Carranza, A and Chaparro-Camacho, D and Becerril-Osnaya, A and García-Romero, MT},
title = {Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Pediatric Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753598},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {073/2019//This research was supporting the Mexican Government Ministry of Taxes Program E022 for Health Research Development project/ ; },
abstract = {Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by barrier dysfunction and susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Biofilm formation modifies antibiotic resistance and the host immune response. This longitudinal study analyzed antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm formation in 136 S. aureus isolates obtained over 18 months from lesional, nonlesional, and nasal samples of 26 pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined by the disk diffusion method, and biofilm production was quantified using a crystal violet microtiter assay. Clinical parameters, including disease severity, treatment response, and the administration of dilute bleach baths, were evaluated in relation to bacterial characteristics. Overall, 60.2% of isolates exhibited moderate-to-strong biofilm production, significantly associated with severe AD at baseline (p = 0.01), lack of clinical improvement (p = 0.04), and persistent moderate-to-severe disease (p = 0.01). Resistance rates for penicillin, gentamicin, clindamycin, and erythromycin exceeded 15%. Isolates from patients using dilute bleach baths showed greater resistance to ciprofloxacin (p < 0.0001) and exhibited constitutive or inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance, with ermA detected in 80% of inducible cases. In conclusion, S. aureus biofilm formation is linked to disease severity and treatment failure in pediatric AD, underscoring the importance of culture-guided, targeted therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41753559,
year = {2026},
author = {Cano-Pérez, M and Caballero Pérez, JD and Gómez García de la Pedrosa, E and Gómez-López, A},
title = {Biofilm Formation in Aspergillus fumigatus: A Comparative Study of Strains from Different Origins.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753559},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {AESi PI21CIII/00012//National Institute of Health Carlos III/ ; },
abstract = {One of the most notable aspects of Aspergillus fumigatus, and related to its dynamic adaptation, is its ability to form biofilm and produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites. The aim of this study is to advance the characterization of biofilms generated by different A. fumigatus strains across their developmental stages and analytically evaluate their structure and composition and their relationship with secondary metabolism activation. An in vitro biofilm model was standardized to investigate structural and analytical differences among strains isolated from distinct clinical settings and associated with different pathologies. We found that all tested strains could form biofilms; however, the characteristics of these structures-including total biomass, cellular viability and overall structure-varied markedly among strains under the evaluated conditions. Strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients exhibited distinct behaviors in most conducted assays compared to other strains. These findings provide new insights into the variability of biofilm composition and may contribute to a better understanding of the role of biofilms in fungal pathogenesis, persistence and treatment resistance.},
}

@article {pmid41750524,
year = {2026},
author = {He, Y and Kuang, N and Chang, Z and Feng, C and Cheng, L and Liu, J and Li, P and Shi, Y and Wang, F and Zhang, Y and Zhong, C},
title = {Biofilm Formation in Chicken-Derived Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Alters the Expression of Biofilm- and Virulence-Associated Genes.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41750524},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) poses significant health risks to poultry and humans, with biofilm formation often complicating treatment by enhancing bacterial persistence and resistance. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying this lifestyle transition is crucial for controlling infections. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biofilm formation on the transcriptional expression of specific biofilm- and virulence-associated genes in chicken-derived ExPEC strains.

METHODS: Biofilm formation conditions for three strong biofilm-producing chicken-derived ExPEC strains were optimized using an orthogonal experimental design (L9(3[3])), evaluating culture medium, incubation time, and initial inoculum concentration. Biofilm biomass was quantified via crystal violet staining. Subsequently, the transcription levels of 10 biofilm-associated genes and 17 virulence-associated genes were compared between planktonic and biofilm states using Reverse Transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS: Optimal culture conditions varied among strains, though nutrient-rich media consistently promoted rapid biofilm formation. Transcriptional analysis revealed significant reprogramming in the biofilm state. Among biofilm-associated genes, flhC, tolA, qseC, mhpB, and bdcR were consistently and significantly upregulated across all strains (p < 0.05). Regarding virulence determinants, the expression of eaeA, LT, fimH, ompF, and iss was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05), whereas Sta levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Biofilm formation induces a distinct transcriptional shift in chicken-derived ExPEC, simultaneously enhancing the expression of key genes involved in biofilm maintenance and pathogenicity. The conserved upregulation of flhC, tolA, qseC, mhpB, and bdcR suggests these genes are critical drivers of biofilm development. Consequently, they represent potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing E. coli infections and eradicating biofilms in clinical and agricultural settings.},
}

@article {pmid41750453,
year = {2026},
author = {Chopjitt, P and Kanha, W and Sachit, A and Thongkam, J and Kanthain, P and Pradabsri, P and Paiboon, S and Thananchai, S and Khankhum, S and Kerdsin, A and Sunthamala, N},
title = {Bacteriophage-Based Control of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Anti-Biofilm Activity, Surface-Active Formulation Compatibility, and Genomic Context.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41750453},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {6801034//Mahasarakham University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to pose a significant challenge for infection prevention, particularly because of its ability to persist on surfaces and form resilient biofilms. Although bacteriophages have attracted renewed interest as alternatives or complements to chemical disinfectants, their applied use requires careful assessment of antimicrobial performance, formulation tolerance, and genomic context.

METHODS: Staphylococcus-infecting bacteriophages were isolated from environmental sources and examined against reference Staphylococcus isolates. Two phage isolates, designated MRSA-W3 and SA-W2, displayed lytic activity against a broad subset of clinical MRSA strains. Using a time-resolved agar-based infection assay, phage exposure resulted in a multiplicity-of-infection-dependent decline in viable MRSA populations.

RESULTS: Time-resolved infection assays revealed a multiplicity-of-infection-dependent reduction in viable MRSA, with a pronounced decrease observed approximately 40 min post-infection. At this time point, phage-treated cultures showed a reduction of 1.2-1.8 log10 CFU/mL relative to untreated controls (mean Δlog10 = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9), while control cultures remained stable. Quantitative biofilm assays demonstrated that both phages reduced biofilm biomass compared with untreated conditions, with inhibition values ranging from 20% to 45% across isolates (p ≤ 0.05), reflecting strain-dependent but reproducible effects. Assessment of formulation compatibility indicated that both phages retained infectivity following exposure to sodium dodecyl sulfate, Triton X-100, and Tween 80, whereas ethanol (≥10%) and higher concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide were associated with rapid loss of activity. In surface disinfection models, selected phage-surfactant formulations achieved a maximum reduction of 2.18 log10 CFU/cm[2] compared with untreated controls (p ≤ 0.05). Infection-coupled whole-genome sequencing of MRSA-infecting phage MRSA-W3 produced a high-quality assembly (99.99% completeness; 0.13% contamination) and revealed a mosaic genome containing incomplete prophage-like regions, which were interpreted conservatively as evidence of shared phage ancestry rather than active temperate behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, these findings suggest that bacteriophage-based approaches may be feasible for MRSA surface decontamination, while clearly emphasizing the need for context-specific validation before practical implementation.},
}

@article {pmid41750448,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, YN},
title = {Real-World Experience in the Treatment of Biofilm-Associated Wounds Using Medical-Grade Honey: A Retrospective Case Series.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41750448},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Wounds complicated by biofilm formation remain a major challenge in wound management. Medical-grade honey (MGH) possesses potent antimicrobial and biofilm-disrupting properties. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of MGH in the treatment of biofilm-associated wounds. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted involving ten patients with biofilm-suspected wounds treated at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and Wesing Hospital. All wounds exhibited positive bacterial cultures and clinical signs of biofilm formation. MGH was applied topically, and wound progression was monitored throughout the treatment period. Results: Eight out of ten wounds achieved complete healing, with a median healing time of 16 weeks (range: 4-46 weeks). Most wounds demonstrated reduced exudate and inflammation, along with progressive granulation and epithelialization. Two wounds did not fully heal within the follow-up period. Conclusions: MGH appears to be a promising adjunctive therapy for wounds associated with biofilm formation, particularly in cases refractory to conventional antibiotic therapy. Further large-scale, controlled studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.},
}

@article {pmid41750425,
year = {2026},
author = {Zalaru, C and Dumitrascu, F and Draghici, C and Ferbinteanu, M and Tarcomnicu, I and Marinescu, M and Moldovan, Z and Nitulescu, GM and Tatia, R and Popa, M},
title = {Design, Synthesis, Spectral, Structural Analysis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Pyrazole Derivatives as Anti-Tumor, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Biofilm Agents.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41750425},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Objective: Based on our previous findings, we designed new molecules by extending functionalized pyrazole derivatives containing iodine atoms, which are linked via an amino bond to halogen-substituted phenyl groups. In addition, these newly developed pyrazole compounds exhibit anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activities. Methods: Three new series of pyrazole compounds were designed. Fifteen novel pyrazole derivatives, distributed across three series (4a-d, 5a-d, and 6a-g), were synthesized and structurally characterized by [1]H-NMR, [13]C-NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Results: Among them, compound 4c, which exhibited notable anti-tumor activity, crystallized in a monoclinic system and was further analyzed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro on NCTC normal fibroblast cells and HEp-2 tumor epithelial cells. Compound 4c demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity while displaying no cytotoxic effects on normal cells. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of the compounds were also assessed against four bacterial strains. Compounds 5a and 5c exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, both with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.023 μg/mL. Additionally, compounds 4a, 5a, 6a, 6e, and 6f showed the strongest anti-biofilm effects, each presenting a minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) of 0.023 μg/mL. ADME and ADMET in silico predictions indicated that all compounds exhibit generally favorable, drug-like physicochemical properties. Conclusions: The study reinforces the applicability of these compounds as promising anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm drugs.},
}

@article {pmid41750267,
year = {2026},
author = {Rosignoli, S and Lustrino, E and Shevchuk, O and Rinaldo, S and Rubini, E and Paiardini, A and Carev, I},
title = {Bioinformatics-Driven, Plant-Based Antibiotic Research Against Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli Multiresistant Microbes.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41750267},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {2022N3JXLA//Ministero dell'Istruzione e del Merito/ ; HOLO-GT 101019289/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
abstract = {Quorum-sensing (QS) systems play a crucial role in regulating virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant microbes. This review explores the potential of QS systems as targets for developing novel plant-based therapeutic strategies using bioinformatics, aimed at combating highly pathogenic bacteria: uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We examine the key components and molecular pathways of QS systems in these microbes, including autoinducer synthases, receptors, and regulatory proteins. In UPEC, we discuss the LuxS-dependent autoinducer (AI)-2 system, while for P. aeruginosa, we analyze the more complex interconnected Las, Rhl, and PQS circuits. We highlight how these systems control the expression of virulence factors and contribute to biofilm formation, emphasizing their importance in pathogenesis. Furthermore, we explore bioinformatics approaches for identifying and characterizing QS components, i.e., by predicting protein structures and interactions. The potential of in silico screening for QS inhibitors is also discussed, along with challenges and opportunities in targeting QS systems for therapeutic interventions. By integrating microbiological, molecular, and computational perspectives, this review aims to provide insights into the application of bioinformatics in understanding and targeting QS systems in these clinically significant pathogens. The goal is to facilitate the development of novel anti-virulence approaches in search of novel antibiotics that could complement or replace traditional antibiotic treatments, addressing the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance in these clinically relevant microbes.},
}

@article {pmid41749319,
year = {2026},
author = {Yadav, V and Pal, D and Poonia, AK},
title = {Penetration and disruption of Salmonella typhimurium biofilm using synthesized citric acid doped zein nanocomposites.},
journal = {BMC pharmacology & toxicology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40360-026-01107-1},
pmid = {41749319},
issn = {2050-6511},
}

@article {pmid41747854,
year = {2026},
author = {Nava, V and Attermeyer, K and Schelker, J and Kalem, J and Dory, F and Gandolfi, I and Ambrosini, R and Kruszelnicki, A and Gwinnett, C and Leoni, B},
title = {Temporal succession outweighs substrate characteristics in shaping riverine plastisphere biofilm on textiles.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {127881},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127881},
pmid = {41747854},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Biofilms developing on plastic surfaces (the plastisphere) are increasingly recognized for their ecological significance, yet the drivers of community biomass and biodiversity remain poorly understood. Moreover, plastisphere research has focused on a narrow range of polymers, leaving widely distributed substrates such as textiles understudied. Here, we assessed the relative importance of temporal succession and substrate properties (polymeric composition and color) in shaping microalgal and bacterial community composition and photosynthetic abundances, and evaluated whether substrate-specific selection results in long-term community divergence or is restricted to early colonization. We conducted a mesocosm experiment simulating a lotic system to examine biofilm development on polyester textiles and non-synthetic analogue (cotton), each in two colors (black, white). Prokaryotic and microalgal eukaryotic community composition (16S, 18S rRNA), together with pico-photosynthetic abundances assessed by flow cytometry, were monitored over five time points spanning 7 to 35 days. Microbial diversity, community composition, and inferred prokaryotic functions did not differ significantly among polymer types or colors, indicating that substrate characteristics played a limited role in overall community assembly and the predominance of opportunistic colonization, despite the presence of indicator species. In contrast, microalgal abundances differed among substrates, with higher abundances observed on cotton, suggesting that substrate properties may still influence specific aspects of biofilm development. Temporal succession emerged as the primary driver of community change, with significant effects observed for prokaryotic communities even over short timescales. These findings emphasize that temporal dynamics must be explicitly considered in plastisphere studies, as minor differences in colonization time may confound interpretations of substrate effects.},
}

@article {pmid41747678,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, S and Zhang, X and Zheng, Y and Song, Y and Wang, C},
title = {Biodegradability of microplastics reshapes surface biofilm microbial community structure and nitrogen cycling functions in aquatic environments.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {402},
number = {},
pages = {129109},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129109},
pmid = {41747678},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Environmental impacts of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems have been extensively studied, limited attention has been given to how their material types affect surface biofilm development and related nutrient cycling. This experimental study involving three types of MPs biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) revealed that the PLA surface bioflims had a higher content of chlorophyll a (Chl a), and there are significant differences in the microbial community structure among the three groups of MPs. The PLA group enriched Niveispirillum and Flavobacterium, which are involved in the nitrogen cycle, and were positively associated with increased microbial diversity and community structural shifts at day 55. In contrast, the PE and PVC groups enriched Sediminibacterium, a genus with pollutant-degradation capabilities. Analysis of nitrogen cycling genes revealed that the PLA group had consistently high levels of the nitrite reductase gene (nirS) while the PVC group showed a significant increase in the copper-containing nitrite reductase gene (nirK) during the mid-stage of the experiment. Functional prediction analysis also revealed that PLA group showed enrichment in energy metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, indicating that surface microbes preferentially utilize sugars as carbon and energy sources. In contrast, the PVC group showed higher reliance on amino acid metabolism, with enriched biosynthesis pathways of L-tryptophan and L-ornithine. The PE group had strong organic pollutant degradation, as surface microbes adapt to hydrophobic conditions by decomposing complex organics. Our results reveal that biodegradable PLA and non-biodegradable PE/PVC exert divergent effects on the development and ecological functions of surface biofilms, highlighting the key role of MP biodegradability in mediating these outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41746561,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, T and Tabassum, N and Javaid, A and Hassan, MI and Khan, F},
title = {Marine-derived Peptides As Anti-biofilm and Anti-virulence Agents: Mechanistic Insights and Applications Against Microbial Pathogens.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746561},
issn = {1867-1314},
support = {202506400001//This work was supported by the 2025 Global Joint Research Program funded by the Pukyong National University, Republic of Korea/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41746453,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, X and Liu, J and Li, H and Zhang, W and Wei, H and Song, S and Chen, X},
title = {Isolation and characterization of a novel phage AbT1 and evaluating its anti-biofilm activity and antibiotic synergy.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746453},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {32300033//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; (325RC647)//Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; KYQD(ZR)-23141//the Scientific Research Foundation of Hainan University/ ; KYQD (ZR)-23006//the Scientific Research Foundation of Hainan University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is a formidable multidrug-resistant pathogen prevalent in healthcare settings. Amid the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance, phage therapy has regained significant attention. This approach harnesses the natural predatory ability of bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A novel phage, AbT1, specific for A. baumannii, was isolated and comprehensively characterized. Under testing conditions, the phage AbT1 demonstrated notable stability across a broad spectrum of temperatures and pH conditions, and suggested potent lytic activity against A. baumannii isolates. Phage AbT1 belongs to the class Caudoviricetes. It appears phylogenetically closest to members of the genus Vieuvirus and likely represents a novel species. It possesses a double-stranded DNA genome of 53,410 bp containing 78 open reading frames (ORFs), among which 29 are predicted to encode structural or functional proteins. Furthermore, treatment with phage AbT1 mitigated A. baumannii-induced cytotoxicity in host cells and disrupted biofilm formation. Notably, the combination of phage AbT1 with antibiotics (GM/Kan) significantly enhanced bactericidal efficacy and improved the survival rate of Galleria mellonella larvae, compared to either monotherapy alone.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the substantial therapeutic potential of phage AbT1, whether used alone or in combination with antibiotics, providing valuable insights for the development of phage-based approaches to combat multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infections.},
}

@article {pmid41745232,
year = {2026},
author = {Mello, TP and Barcellos, IC and Oliveira, SSC and Giovanini, L and Lackner, M and Branquinha, MH and Santos, ALS},
title = {Role of Iron Availability in Modulating Pseudomonas aeruginosa's Antifungal Effects on Planktonic and Biofilm Growth of Scedosporium/Lomentospora Under Cystic Fibrosis-Mimicking Conditions.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745232},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {001//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 001//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; 001//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 200.096/2025//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 200.095/2025//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; },
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Scedosporium/Lomentospora often coexist in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients, where their interaction can affect disease outcomes. Our group has recently demonstrated that P. aeruginosa suppresses the growth of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species partly through mechanisms involving iron sequestration. In this study, we have investigated how molecules secreted by P. aeruginosa under high (36 µM) and low (3.6 µM) iron conditions affect the planktonic growth and biofilm formation by S. apiospermum, S. minutisporum, S. aurantiacum and L. prolificans. Although P. aeruginosa exhibited enhanced proliferation under high-iron conditions, spectrophotometric analyses revealed a marked increase in phenazine and pyoverdine production under low-iron conditions, with siderophore activity confirmed by Chrome Azurol S assays. Supporting these findings, supernatants from P. aeruginosa cells grown under iron limitation markedly inhibited fungal growth (≈30%) and biofilm formation (≈70%), whereas those from high-iron cultures were less effective. Notably, low-iron bacterial-free supernatants exhibited pronounced cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells, reducing metabolic activity by an average of 20% in A549 lung epithelial cells and 40% in THP-1 macrophages, and significantly compromising survival in the Tenebrio molitor infection model, resulting in 100% larval mortality within 7 days. Collectively, these results indicate that the antifungal activity of P. aeruginosa is closely coupled with increased host toxicity. Moreover, the results demonstrate that environmental iron availability plays a critical role in modulating both antifungal activity and toxicity, thereby shaping P. aeruginosa interactions with Scedosporium/Lomentospora species. Such iron-dependent dynamics may influence the progression and severity of respiratory co-infections, with important implications for patient management and therapeutic interventions.},
}

@article {pmid41744904,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, F and Luo, J and Wang, Y and Tian, S and Kang, X and Zhang, N and Zheng, W and Li, W and Xia, Q and Kuang, D},
title = {The IrlS2-IrlR2 two-component system is a global regulator of biofilm formation, stress adaptation, and virulence in Burkholderia pseudomallei.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0074425},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00744-25},
pmid = {41744904},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, is an adaptable pathogen that survives in diverse environments. Two-component systems (TCSs) play pivotal roles in bacterial signal transduction and adaptation, yet the functions of most TCSs in B. pseudomallei remain poorly characterized. Here, we identified and functionally characterized a previously unstudied TCS, IrlS2-IrlR2, which shares partial homology with the IrlS-IrlR system but exhibits distinct regulatory roles. Knockout of irlR2 (ΔirlR2) did not affect growth in nutrient-rich medium but led to enhanced biofilm formation, reduced motility, decreased siderophore production, and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress, all of which were restored in the complemented strain. The mutant also exhibited growth retardation under subinhibitory cobalt concentrations, despite unchanged MICs. In infection assays, ΔirlR2 displayed impaired adhesion and cytotoxicity toward A549 cells and attenuated virulence in Galleria mellonella, with a higher median lethal dose than the wild type. Transcriptomic analysis revealed hcp2 within the type VI secretion system 2 (T6SS-2) cluster, and multiple T3SS-3 genes were strongly downregulated, consistent with reduced intracellular survival, whereas T3SS-1 and T3SS-2 were upregulated, suggesting a dysregulated secretion system balance. Adhesion-related (fimA) and iron transport (fhuBCDF) genes were repressed, while oxidative stress-associated (cydABX) and nitrate reductase (narIJHGK-nasA) operons were induced, indicating altered regulation of iron homeostasis, redox balance, and nitrogen metabolism, which may reflect adaptive responses to environmental stress. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the IrlS2-IrlR2 system functions as a global regulator, integrating biofilm formation, stress adaptation, and virulence regulation, highlighting its role in the environmental resilience and pathogenic potential of B. pseudomallei.

IMPORTANCE: Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, poses a serious threat to human and animal health in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Classified as a tier 1 biothreat agent by the U.S. CDC and a category II pathogen in China, B. pseudomallei causes severe pneumonia and septicemia with case-fatality rates approaching 50%. Despite its medical and epidemiological significance, the regulatory mechanisms controlling its virulence and environmental persistence remain poorly understood. This study identifies IrlS2-IrlR2 as a previously uncharacterized two-component system (TCS) that acts as a global regulator integrating biofilm formation, stress adaptation, and virulence. Functional and transcriptomic analyses reveal that IrlS2-IrlR2 modulates secretion systems, iron homeostasis, and redox balance. These findings deepen our understanding of B. pseudomallei pathogenesis and highlight the role of TCS-mediated regulatory networks.},
}

@article {pmid41743510,
year = {2025},
author = {Bseikri, H and Michniewski, S and Goicoechea Serrano, E and Jameson, E},
title = {Simple Catheter Biofilm Flow Model: Klebsiella Phages Disrupt E. coli Biofilms on Urinary Catheters Under Static and Dynamic Flow Conditions.},
journal = {PHAGE (New Rochelle, N.Y.)},
volume = {6},
number = {4},
pages = {242-249},
pmid = {41743510},
issn = {2641-6549},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biofilms pose a significant challenge in medical settings, leading to persistent infections. Phage therapy shows promise in biofilm eradication, but its effectiveness under dynamic flow conditions remains unclear.

METHODS: We used two novel phages isolated on Klebsiella, Llofrudd and Samara, and characterized their genomes, host range, virulence, and impact on biofilms. In this study, we built a simple catheterized bladder model with flow to investigate the impact of phage treatment on biofilm viability in a flow-based catheter model.

RESULTS: Our analyses demonstrate that phages Llofrudd and Samara are the same species and infect a limited number of strains (3/221), but crucially across three species: Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and E. coli.

CONCLUSIONS: Phage treatment significantly reduced E. coli biofilm viability in catheters both in static conditions and under flow and liberated bacteria from the biofilms, highlighting the potential of phage therapy as an intervention strategy for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI).},
}

@article {pmid41741969,
year = {2026},
author = {Pulat, G and Bilgiç, E and Sezer, B},
title = {Plasma-Assisted KR-12 Conjugated PLGA Nanofibers With Dual Osteogenic and Biofilm-Inhibitory Activity.},
journal = {Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A},
volume = {114},
number = {3},
pages = {e70059},
doi = {10.1002/jbm.a.70059},
pmid = {41741969},
issn = {1552-4965},
support = {323S035//Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu/ ; },
abstract = {Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections pose a significant challenge in bone tissue engineering, primarily due to the formation of biofilms on implant surfaces, which can impede osteointegration. KR-12, a cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with dual osteoinductive and biofilm-inhibitory properties, represents a promising strategy to address this issue. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun nanofiber (NF) scaffolds offer biocompatibility, tunable morphology, and support for cell adhesion and proliferation, making them ideal for bone regeneration. While cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment has been explored to enhance peptide functionalization, covalent conjugation of KR-12 to PLGA electrospun NFs has not yet been reported. In this study, KR-12 was incorporated into electrospun PLGA NFs to create a dual-functional scaffold that promotes osteogenic differentiation while inhibiting biofilm formation. Scaffold surface properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements, and peptide incorporation was confirmed via fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling and FTIR spectroscopy. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on KR-12-functionalized NFs exhibited enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium and collagen deposition, and upregulated expression of collagen type I (COL1), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN), as well as positive immunofluorescence staining. Antibacterial and biofilm formation inhibition activities were evaluated against multidrug-resistant MRSA and P. aeruginosa, as well as non-MDR E. coli and S. aureus, demonstrating potent inhibition of biofilm formation. KR-12-functionalized PLGA NFs thus provide a dual-functional platform for infection-resistant bone tissue regeneration, combining osteogenic support with potent inhibition of biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid41740934,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, W and Zhu, S and Dong, Q and Tang, S and Liu, Q and Sha, Y and Chen, T and Wang, R and Chen, Y and Ying, H},
title = {Engineering Escherichia coli cell Factories for continuous 5'-cytidine monophosphate production via biofilm-anchored dual-enzyme cascade catalysis.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134267},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134267},
pmid = {41740934},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {5'-cytidine monophosphate (5'-CMP) serves as a crucial intermediate for diverse nucleotide derivatives and finds extensive applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, existing enzymatic production processes suffer from low catalytic efficiency and poor economic feasibility. In this study, we developed a continuous 5'-CMP production system based on a cell-enzyme co-immobilized biocatalytic platform. First, the pgaABCD gene cluster was integrated into ClearColi BL21(DE3) using CRISPR-Cas9, enhancing its biofilm-forming capacity by 168.93% and enabling robust cell immobilization on the carrier. Second, a dual-anchoring strategy utilizing ice-nucleation protein (INP) and autotransporter (AIDA-I) enabled surface display of uridine kinase (UDK) and acetate kinase (AckA) on the cell surface. This approach successfully addressed the instability and recovery issues of free enzymes by using biofilm engineering to co-immobilize cells and enzymes. The modified strain achieved a 5'-CMP productivity of 1.77 mmol/L/h, 5.98-fold higher than free intracellular enzyme catalysis, and was reused for ten consecutive cycles under the tested conditions while maintaining a cytidine conversion rate above 73.79%, and a 5'-CMP yield above 59.26%. This work demonstrates the first successful realization of continuous 5'-CMP biosynthesis and establishes an efficient route for its industrial production.},
}

@article {pmid41738758,
year = {2026},
author = {Ji, Y and Yang, Y and Zhang, T and Zeng, X and Bao, W and Pan, D and Zhao, L and Li, H and Wu, Z},
title = {Sortase A regulates cell wall integrity, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation to modulate adhesion properties in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum C8.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0002926},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00029-26},
pmid = {41738758},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a ubiquitous probiotic in fermented foods and the human gut, relies on gastrointestinal tract colonization for its health-promoting functions. Central to this colonization is Sortase A (SrtA), a transpeptidase that anchors LPXTG motif-containing proteins to the cell wall peptidoglycan layer. This study investigates the srtA-mediated regulatory axis linking cell wall integrity, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing (QS) to adhesion properties in L. plantarum C8 (CGMCC No. 30504). Gene Ontology (GO)-KEGG enrichment analysis reveals that srtA deletion disrupts pathways critical for environmental adaptation, including two-component signal transduction and AI-2-dependent QS. Furthermore, the results of differential gene expression analysis indicate that srtA deletion is associated with the downregulation of genes involved in pyruvate metabolism, amino sugar/nucleotide sugar metabolism (essential for exopolysaccharide biosynthesis), and cell wall-associated signaling cascades, processes linked to adhesion and colonization. The molecular-level alterations were consistent with the observed phenotypic changes, including impaired cell wall integrity, reduced adhesion, and diminished biofilm-forming capacity. These results establish a mechanistic connection between srtA-directed cell wall anchoring, QS-regulated biofilm dynamics, and probiotic adhesion efficacy in L. plantarum.IMPORTANCEGastrointestinal tract colonization is the foundation of probiotic efficacy, enabling Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to modulate the gut microbiota, reinforce intestinal barriers, and confer health benefits. Sortase A (SrtA) is central to this process, covalently anchoring LPXTG-containing surface proteins that mediate adhesion, biofilm formation, and immune modulation. While srtA's role in pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria is well documented, its regulatory functions in non-pathogenic probiotic strains remain largely unexplored-especially regarding its integration with quorum sensing (QS) and environmental adaptation pathways. This study dissects the srtA-mediated molecular network in L. plantarum C8, revealing srtA as a master regulator integrating cell wall integrity, QS-regulated biofilm dynamics, and surface protein function via pathways including pyruvate and amino sugar/nucleotide sugar metabolism. These insights provide a mechanistic foundation for engineering probiotic strains with enhanced adhesion, colonization, and persistence and offer a scientific basis for developing precision-targeted functional foods and therapeutics.},
}

@article {pmid41738449,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, X and Su, Y and Shen, H and Lian, Z and Cao, J and Wu, B and Zhang, Q and Shi, B and Lu, Z and Li, G},
title = {Small-Portion Replacement with MnOx Media Promotes Biofilm Development, Leading to Rapid Biological Maturation and Sustained Mn(II) Removal in Sand Filtration.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c13201},
pmid = {41738449},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Stringent control of Mn is critical for drinking water safety. However, conventional rapid sand filters exhibit slow biological maturation for Mn(II) removal, limiting their performance in engineered Mn(II) removal. This study examined the effectiveness of partially replacing sand with natural manganese ore (NMO) to enhance Mn(II) removal and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that replacing only 1/8 of sand with NMO enabled consistently effective Mn(II) removal (residual <5 μg/L) from start-up through long-term operation, even under stressful conditions; its performance was comparable to columns packed with 100% NMO. In 1/8 NMO columns, early Mn(II) removal driven by MnOx-mediated chemical processes rapidly diminished, after which MnOx-enhanced biological processes promptly took over. Compared with sand columns, 1/8 NMO columns biologically matured nearly 100 days earlier, and biomass on the rough, porous MnOx surface was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that on sand. Although NMO partly altered microbial communities, the relative abundance of Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria did not increase; the larger absolute biofilm biomass primarily drove sustained efficient Mn(II) removal. These findings highlighted the important but previously overlooked role of MnOx in promoting biofilm accumulation and accelerating the maturation of biological Mn(II) removal systems and provided a practical and cost-effective upgrade for conventional sand filtration.},
}

@article {pmid41738310,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, H and Guo, BW and Chen, Y and Chen, H and Yang, Z and Wu, MY and Jiang, Y},
title = {Combating Multiple-Drug Resistance Polymicrobial Biofilm Infections with an Amphiphilic Cationic Photosensitizer.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.5c24458},
pmid = {41738310},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {Polymicrobial infections, particularly those involving both Gram-positive (G+) and Gram-negative (G-) bacteria, present a severe public health threat due to the lack of effective treatments. The formation of polymicrobial biofilms further complicate this challenge, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. To address this issue, we designed a series of amphiphilic cationic photosensitizers (PSs) featuring distinct hydrophilic cationic side chains (pyridinium, imidazolium, alkyl quaternary ammonium, and quaternary phosphonium) and systematically investigated their structure-activity relationships. Among them, the pyridinium-modified PS, TBTCP-PY, demonstrated a superior performance. It efficiently generates hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and singlet oxygen ([1]O2) upon light irradiation, enabling it to target and disrupt the membranes of both G+ and G- bacteria. Furthermore, TBTCP-PY exhibits a strong capacity to penetrate extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), leading to the effective eradication of polymicrobial biofilms formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA). In a murine model, TBTCP-PY successfully eliminated MRSA-MDR-PA polymicrobial biofilms from implanted medical catheters, reduced subsequent inflammation, and promoted wound healing. This work not only presents a promising candidate for treating complex polymicrobial biofilm infections but also provides valuable theoretical insights into developing novel antibiofilm materials.},
}

@article {pmid41737991,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, K and Lu, M and Fu, S and Jiang, C and Dong, X and Liu, T and Chen, Y and Li, X and Xu, S and Su, H and Jia, S and Zhang, J and Gu, L},
title = {The proteinaceous biofilm of Gardnerella vaginalis enables a novel enzymatic therapy for bacterial vaginosis.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100346},
pmid = {41737991},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Since it was first reported in the 1950s, bacterial vaginosis (BV) has become a globally vital concern among women of childbearing age. Gardnerella vaginalis is widely recognized as the primary causative agent responsible for BV development. G. vaginalis has a strong tendency to form biofilms which have been linked to widespread antimicrobial tolerance and recurrent or persistent BV episodes. Our study demonstrated that proteins constitute more than 50% of the G. vaginalis biofilm matrix, which significantly protects the bacterium from degradation by lysozyme, and that LasA, an elastase derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, effectively disrupts G. vaginalis biofilms and subsequently lyses the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell death. Four candidate biofilm-associated proteins of G. vaginalis were identified using cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) and subsequently confirmed as LasA substrates through purification and LasA digestion. Peptidoglycan debris was observed after treating the G. vaginalis cell wall extract with LasA. We also found that LasA showed a minimal adverse effect on lactobacilli strains when used in vitro. In vivo studies utilizing murine models artificially infected with G. vaginalis further demonstrated that a single dose of LasA effectively reduces G. vaginalis colonization while exerting a negligible adverse effect on lactobacilli populations. The safety of LasA was further supported by the fact that no negative effects were observed on the treated mice's vaginal tissue sections during the post-treatment administration period.},
}

@article {pmid41737880,
year = {2026},
author = {Nir, I and Sharaby, A and Barak, H and Pavan, MJ and Friedlander, LR and Multanen, V and Kushmaro, A},
title = {Correction: Extensive biofilm covering on sgraffito wall art: a call for proactive monitoring.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1795378},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1795378},
pmid = {41737880},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1664404.].},
}

@article {pmid41737868,
year = {2026},
author = {Mukashema, H and Yadufashije, C and Tuyishimire, A and Imurinde, Y and Rugira Niyonkuru, B and Muhimpundu, L and Nshimiyimana, A and Musabyumuremyi, C and Muhizi, E and Muhire, P and Habyarimana, T},
title = {Profile of Biofilm Formation and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Escherichia coli Isolated from Adult Patients Presenting with Urinary Tract Infections at Ruhengeri Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {559490},
pmid = {41737868},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a public health concern worldwide, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the primary cause. Biofilm-forming E. coli increases bacterial resistance to antibiotics, leading to significant morbidity and mortality among patients with UTIs. This study was conducted to determine biofilm formation potential and assess antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of E. coli isolated from adults with suspected UTIs attending Ruhengeri Level Two Teaching Hospital (RLTTH), Rwanda.

METHODS: A cross-sectional laboratory-based study was conducted between April and June 2025 on 151 adults with suspected UTIs. A questionnaire was used to record sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors contributing to UTIs among the participants. Midstream urine samples were collected, cultured, and biochemically analyzed to identify E. coli in urine samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined using the disc diffusion method. Biofilm production in E. coli isolates was detected using Congo Red Agar (CRA) method.

RESULTS: Of 151 adults, 64.2% were female and 35.8% male, and the majority of participants were in the age group of 29-39 years (34.4%). E. coli accounted for 37/151 (24.5%) isolates, of which 16 (43.2%) were confirmed biofilm producers. High resistance was observed for amoxicillin (100%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (93.8%), nitrofurantoin (87.5%), ampicillin (87.5%), cefixime (56.2%), gentamycin (50%), and ceftazidime (37.5%). Ciprofloxacin and meropenem were effective. Age was the only risk factor associated with biofilm production by E. coli in the study population (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical role of E. coli in biofilm production in adults with UTI at RLTTH. A high prevalence of drug resistance was observed among biofilm-producing strains. Intervention strategies, such as frequent biofilm screening, continuous surveillance, and enhanced antimicrobial stewardship programs, are needed.},
}

@article {pmid41737838,
year = {2026},
author = {Kothari, PP and Banerjee, T and Ghosh, B and Biswas, S},
title = {Bimetallic Nanozymes/Polypyrrole/Methylene Blue Platform for Photothermal and Catalytic Biofilm Disruption and Angiogenesis Enhancement in Diabetic Wound Healing.},
journal = {Small science},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {e202500445},
pmid = {41737838},
issn = {2688-4046},
abstract = {Diabetic wounds pose a significant challenge due to impaired tissue regeneration, prolonged inflammation, poor oxygen supply, and microbial infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections delay healing by prolonging inflammation and increasing antimicrobial resistance. To develop an effective antibiotic alternative, multifunctional nanocomposites, ceria-zinc nanoflowers (CeZn@PPY@MB NFs) bearing a polypyrrole (PPY) coating loaded with methylene blue (MB) are developed, to address the multifaceted requirements for healing diabetic wounds. Due to the synergistic effects of photothermal, catalysis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation,CeZn@PPY@MB NFs exhibit robust antibacterial activity with high collagen deposition and angiogenesis. The nanoflowers, with a high surface area of water lily-like morphology, are confirmed through scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. PPY/MB-mediated synergistic photothermal effect, ROS generation, and catalytic activities lead to robust MRSA killing and biofilm disruption. Nanoflowers demonstrate rapid wound healing due to reduced inflammation, tissue regeneration, and angiogenesis in the diabetes-induced wound model by modulating tumor necrosis factor-α, CD-44, Ki-67, collagen deposition, ROS, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and IL-6 expression. Therefore, the developed multifunctional hybrid-metallic nanoflowers provide an advanced nanotherapeutic platform to eradicate MRSA effectively, offering a promising alternative to antibiotic therapy for managing resistant bacteria-infected diabetic foot ulcers.},
}

@article {pmid41735832,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmed, AB and Rezgui, M and Dauelbait, M and El-Shaboury, GA and Salamatullah, AM and Algopishi, UB and Ruzieva, M and Mahmoudi, F and Jaouani, A and Cheffei-Haouari, C and Ammar, WB},
title = {Impact of biofilm support media on microbial dynamics, rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) growth, and antioxidative content in aquaponics.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-025-07953-1},
pmid = {41735832},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {RGP2/134/46//King Khalid University/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41735619,
year = {2026},
author = {Hirabayashi, A and Kurakado, S and Wakaura, F and Sasaki, H and Sugita, T and Koyama, K and Kinoshita, K},
title = {Meroterpenoids from the fruiting body of Albatrellus dispansus with inhibitory activities against Candida albicans budded-to-hyphal-form transition and biofilm formation.},
journal = {Journal of natural medicines},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41735619},
issn = {1861-0293},
abstract = {Six novel meroterpenoids, dispanoic acids A-C (1-3), 2'-hydroxydaurichromanic acid (4), albatrellutin A (5), and dispanolactone (6), along with four known meroterpenoids, grifolin (7), grifolic acid (8), grifolin methyl ether (9), and grifolic acid methyl ether (10), were obtained by bioactivity-guided isolation from the n-hexane, CHCl3 and MeOH extracts of the fruiting body of Albatrellus dispansus. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated from NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Although 5 was determined to have the same structure as albatrellutin, its [1]H and [13]C NMR data were inconsistent with published data. Therefore, we synthesized albatrellutin (reported original structure) and a positional isomer of albatrellutin (revised structure). The published NMR data for albatrellutin and the synthesized positional isomer of albatrellutin were in good agreement. Thus, we corrected the structure of albatrellutin to the positional isomer and renamed it albatrellutin A. Compound 5, which has the structure originally reported as albatrelutin, was named neoalbatrellutin. Isolated compounds (1-10) were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against Candida albicans budded-to-hyphal-form transition (BHT). A new compound 3 showed potent inhibitory activity against BHT and biofilm formation by C. albicans and also downregulated expression of the hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1).},
}

@article {pmid41733756,
year = {2026},
author = {Azeez, DA and Al-Zayadi, FQJ and Shakir, AS},
title = {The synergistic antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of fluoxetine and quercetin against carbapenemase producing Stenotrophomonas maltophilia clinical isolates.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41733756},
issn = {1573-4978},
}

@article {pmid41732928,
year = {2026},
author = {Urbančič, I and Lunder, M and Fink, R},
title = {Targeting resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm with organic acids: uncovering the biofilm disinfection mechanism.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2634396},
pmid = {41732928},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {This study examines the effects of ascorbic, acetic, citric, and lactic acids on resistant S. aureus, assessing planktonic growth using minimal inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal concentrations, and evaluating mature biofilms for viability, biomass, enzyme activity, membrane integrity and stress. We found the lowest antimicrobial potential for acetic acid, followed by ascorbic acid, citric acid and lactic acid. Treatment of mature biofilms showed a reduction of up to 3 log CFU mL[-1] for lactic acid, while other organic acids were less effective. Lactic acid was also the most effective in reducing biofilm biomass by up to 33%, indicating potential for combination with other antibacterial compounds. The crystal violet staining confirmed a reduction in biomass regarding the non-treated samples. Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride assay showed a decrease in metabolic activity, with the highest formazan reduction (88%) observed with acetic acid. Live/dead staining indicated increased cell death at higher concentrations (9 MIC), with lactic acid causing the most severe membrane damage. In addition, intracellular stress increased with acid concentration. These findings reveal not only differential biofilm-targeting effects among common organic acids but also highlight the translational potential of lactic and acetic acids as cost-effective strategies to control resistant S. aureus in clinical and industrial settings, providing a foundation for future therapeutic and preventive applications.},
}

@article {pmid41730354,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, Y and Li, Z and Wang, H and Li, X and Zhang, Q and Zhang, L and Peng, Y},
title = {Synergistic integration of denitrifying phosphorus removal with partial denitrification/anammox in biofilm-floc system for advanced nutrient removal from mixed municipal and pickling wastewater.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {447},
number = {},
pages = {134260},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134260},
pmid = {41730354},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Achieving simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal from low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio municipal wastewater co-treated with high-nitrate industrial wastewater remains challenging for sustainable water treatment. This study developed a biofilm-floc dual-sludge system integrating partial denitrification/anammox (PD/A) with denitrifying phosphorus removal (DPR) for treating mixed municipal and pickling wastewater. Through systematic regulation of carbon source composition, dissolved oxygen (DO), and external carbon-to-nitrate ratio (C/NO3[-]-N), the system achieved 97.6 ± 1.2% phosphorus and 99.4 ± 0.4% total inorganic nitrogen removal. A dual-source nitrite (NO2[-]-N) supply mechanism via biofilm-mediated PD and floc-based DPR sustained 82.4 ± 3.2% anammox-dominated nitrogen removal. Cultivation with municipal wastewater shifted the competitive balance between denitrifying phosphorus-accumulating organisms (DPAOs) and glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs), increasing the proportion of DPAOs for carbon storage (PPAO) to 74.5 ± 3.8%. Spatial niche differentiation enabled stable anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB)-DPAOs coexistence, with AnAOB (Candidatus_Brocadia: 3.05%, Candidatus_Jettenia: 1.23%) colonizing biofilm while DPAOs (Dechloromonas: 2.59%) dominating flocs. This configuration resolved the inherent sludge retention time (SRT) conflict between AnAOB and DPAOs, providing a robust and energy-efficient strategy for mixed wastewater treatment under carbon-limited conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41728988,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Zhang, L and Li, Y and Cao, L and Zhang, J and Tong, Y and Li, M},
title = {Characterization and complete genomic sequence of a novel phage BUCT805 infecting Serratia marcescens and its anti-biofilm activities.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0311925},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03119-25},
pmid = {41728988},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in the environment and is capable of causing nosocomial and various severe infections. Bacteriophages (phages), as safe and eco-friendly natural antibacterial agents, hold promise for eradicating S. marcescens and its biofilms in hospital settings. In this study, we report a novel phage, BUCT805, isolated from wastewater, which effectively lysed S. marcescens, and we provide a detailed analysis of its physiological properties and genomic characteristics. BUCT805 was classified within the kingdom Heunggongvirae and the phylum Uroviricota. It formed clear plaques with a diameter of approximately 3.36 ± 0.63 mm, featuring a transparent center surrounded by a halo. The optimal multiplicity of infection for BUCT805 was 0.1, with a burst size of 338 ± 17 PFU per infected cell (n = 3), and the phage exhibited robust stability across a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. The genome of phage BUCT805 was composed of double-stranded DNA with a total length of 42,067 bp and a G+C content of 47%, exhibiting the highest sequence similarity to Serratia phage vB_SmaS_Serratianator with a query coverage of 88%. Importantly, no known antibiotic resistance or virulence genes were identified in the genome, and 40.32% of its open reading frames were annotated as functional proteins. Although the efficiency of biofilm removal by BUCT805 varied among different bacterial strains, it demonstrated significant biofilm eradication effects at high titers (10[9] PFU/mL) against all tested strains. Overall, our findings supported the potential of phage BUCT805 as a promising candidate for the removal of S. marcescens biofilms from environmental settings.

IMPORTANCE: Hospital surfaces could harbor Serratia marcescens, a resilient bacterium that forms protective biofilms and causes hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). We isolated and fully characterized BUCT805, a novel phage that specifically targeted S. marcescens and effectively removed its biofilms on plastic surfaces. BUCT805 was highly stable across a broad range of temperatures and pH, exhibited a high burst size, and carried no known antibiotic-resistance or toxin genes, supporting its safety for environmental applications. Phage BUCT805 had the potential to remove biofilms in the environment, thereby reducing the risk of HAI and providing an additional option for controlling S. marcescens and its biofilms in clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid41728109,
year = {2026},
author = {Eom, JH and Cho, MY and Kim, JW and Kim, Y and Yang, SJ and Hwang, J and Lee, D and Kim, HS and Baek, H and Kim, YY},
title = {Peri-implantitis biofilm from explanted implants in Korean patients: microbial and functional profiling.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1768841},
pmid = {41728109},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; *Peri-Implantitis/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Middle Aged ; *Dental Implants/microbiology ; Male ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Female ; Republic of Korea ; Microbiota ; Aged ; Adult ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Dental Plaque/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease affecting tissues surrounding dental implants, with microbial biofilms recognized as the primary etiological factor. However, most previous studies analyzed samples from peri-implant pockets, and research on biofilms directly attached to explanted implant surfaces remains limited. This study compared the microbial composition and functional characteristics of biofilms from explanted implant surfaces in peri-implantitis cases with subgingival plaque from healthy controls. A total of 41 samples (peri-implantitis n=19, healthy controls n=22) were obtained from the Apple Tree Oral Biobank. The V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq, ASVs were generated using DADA2, and taxonomic assignment was performed using SILVA database (v138.1). Alpha and beta diversity analyses were conducted, and functional potential was predicted using PICRUSt2. The peri-implantitis group showed significantly higher Simpson index (p=0.0086) and phylogenetic diversity (p<0.0001), with distinct clustering separation between groups. Beyond well-known periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Filifactor alocis), the peri-implantitis group exhibited significant increases in sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfobulbus, Desulfovibrio) and emerging pathogens ([Eubacterium] nodatum group, [Eubacterium] saphenum group, Phocaeicola abscessus, Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus, Pyramidobacter). Health-associated bacteria (Corynebacterium, Neisseria, Capnocytophaga, Lautropia) were decreased. Functional analysis revealed enrichment in LPS biosynthesis, sulfur metabolism, iron acquisition, and amino acid degradation pathways, while carbohydrate metabolism was decreased. This study demonstrates that diverse emerging pathogens, including sulfate-reducing bacteria, are associated with peri-implantitis biofilms in explanted implant surface biofilms, contributing to expanded understanding of peri-implantitis etiology and development of candidate biomarkers.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
*Peri-Implantitis/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
Middle Aged
*Dental Implants/microbiology
Male
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Female
Republic of Korea
Microbiota
Aged
Adult
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Dental Plaque/microbiology

@article {pmid41727627,
year = {2026},
author = {Rajashekara, AM and Reed, T and Torres-Huerta, A and Gomulinski, M and Boger-May, A and Hiller, M and Cronberger, E and Kane, G and Fowler, A and Jessel, K and Chapman, M and Boone, D},
title = {A host anti-amyloidogenic stomach-specific protein inhibits colonization and biofilm formation by adherent invasive Escherichia coli in the colon.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.21203/rs.3.rs-8663439/v1},
pmid = {41727627},
issn = {2693-5015},
abstract = {Gastrokine-1 (Gkn1) is an anti-amyloidogenic host protein secreted into the gut lumen by the stomach. Gut bacteria make functional amyloids to facilitate biofilm formation and biofilms in the gastrointestinal tract are associated with a variety of disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. Adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) is a pathobiont that produces amyloids, forms biofilms, and is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. We therefore investigated whether Gkn1 is required to clear AIEC from the gastrointestinal tract by comparing the course of infection in wild-type and Gkn1-deficient (Gkn1 [-/-]) mice. Our findings reveal that Gkn1 does not impact initial colonization by AIEC, but is required for effective clearance of AIEC from the distal GI tract. We also find that Gkn1 inhibits biofilm formation by AIEC and that Gkn1 inhibits the formation of amyloid fibers by the functional E. coli amyloid curli. Furthermore, biofilms of AIEC were evident in the distal gut of Gkn1 [-/-] mice. Together these results indicate that Gkn1 inhibits bacterial amyloid fiber formation, bacterial biofilms, and facilitates clearance of a biofilm forming, IBD-associated, pathobiont from the distal gut. In addition, as the stomach is the sole source of Gkn1, these results implicate the stomach as a source of protection from intestinal biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid41727250,
year = {2026},
author = {Majlesi, S and Divsar, F and Moshiri Langroudi, M and Izee, N and Amin Malek, M and Yousefipour, S and Zendehrokh, SJ and Mirdamadi, A and Jafari, Z and Zahmatkesh, H and Nikpassand, M and Shahriarinour, M and Ranji, N},
title = {Synthesis of stable micelle/liposome nanocarriers to deliver silibinin into ciprofloxacin resistant isolates of Escherichia coli with effects on biofilm formation and efflux pumps.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {107},
pmid = {41727250},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Silibinin-loaded micelle/liposome nanocarriers (SMLNs) were successfully synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XRD and TGA analyses. The nanocarriers exhibited an average particle size of 16.33 nm as determined by TEM imaging and less than 60 nm by FE-SEM analysis. They displayed an amorphous structure, and high thermal stability, maintaining integrity at temperatures exceeding 650 °C. The silibinin loading content and entrapment efficiency were 3.2% and 83.3%, respectively. In vitro release studies demonstrated a rapid, pH-dependent release, achieving complete drug release within 60 min at pH 5.0 and 65 min at pH 7.4. The combination of SMLNs with ciprofloxacin produced strong synergistic antibacterial effects, reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin by 2- to 128-fold against resistant E. coli isolates. Biofilm formation decreased significantly under combination therapy compared with ciprofloxacin alone. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that co-treatment downregulated efflux pump (acrA, acrB and tolC) and virulence (fimH and sfa) genes, while upregulating the repressor gene acrR. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding of silibinin to AcrAB-TolC, acrR, and fimH with binding affinities ranging from - 6.0 to - 8.9 kcal/mol.These findings demonstrate that SMLNs enhance the antibacterial efficacy of ciprofloxacin by inhibiting efflux pumps and biofilm formation, highlighting their potential as a multifunctional nanoplatform to combat antibiotic-resistant E. coli.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04604-y.},
}

@article {pmid41722708,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, W and Shi, Z and Hong, J and Zhu, M},
title = {Biological ponds enhanced with autotrophic moving bed biofilm reactor for upgrading rural wastewater treatment plant effluent: performance and microbial mechanisms.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {447},
number = {},
pages = {134238},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134238},
pmid = {41722708},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Rural small-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) typically discharge nutrient-rich effluent characterized by low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio and high dissolved oxygen (DO), posing a significant challenge to conventional heterotrophic denitrification. To address this, we retrofitted effluent-receiving ponds into enhanced biological ponds using two novel autotrophic moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) carriers: iron-based (MBBR + VIA) and sulfur-iron-based (MBBR + SIA). During the 19-day experiment, both enhanced systems achieved superior removal rates for nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N: 97.4%/100.0%), total nitrogen (TN: 92.7%/94.2%), and total phosphorus (TP: 35.1%/76.5%), far exceeding those of conventional MBBR and blank controls (-69.5% to 15.1%). Microbial analysis revealed that both carriers enhanced microbial richness (Ace index: 315.13 - 482.96 vs. 98.29 for conventional MBBR) and established distinct denitrification pathways: Hydrogenophaga-driven hydrogenotrophic denitrification dominated in MBBR + VIA, whereas Pseudomonas-mediated sulfur-iron autotrophic denitrification prevailed in MBBR + SIA. These established autotrophic pathways are proposed as the key mechanism underlying the superior performance of the two enhanced systems.},
}

@article {pmid41722165,
year = {2026},
author = {Auzoux-Bordenave, S and Kavousi, J and Nedelec, K and Martin, S and Badou, A and Dubois, P and M'Zoudi, S and Hubas, C and Huchette, S and Roussel, S},
title = {Interactive effects of ocean acidification and settlement biofilm on the early development of the European abalone Haliotis tuberculata.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {227},
number = {},
pages = {119412},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119412},
pmid = {41722165},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Ocean acidification (OA) and associated shifts in carbonate chemistry represent major threats to marine organisms, particularly calcifiers. OA effects can be influenced by other environmental variables, including the biotic environment. This study investigated the effects of OA and algal density, acting through an Ulvella-conditioned settlement biofilm, on post-larval and juvenile abalone (Haliotis tuberculata). In a three-month full factorial experiment, abalone were exposed from metamorphosis onward to two pH conditions (ambient 8.0 and reduced 7.7) and two initial densities of the green alga Ulvella lens on settlement plates. Biofilm biomass and composition were characterised using spectral reflectance and HPLC pigment analysis. Biological (density, length), physiological (respiration rate), behavioural (hiding response) and shell parameters (colour, surface corrosion, strength) of abalone were measured. Biofilm biomass and composition assessed with pigment proxies remained relatively stable under both pH conditions, though greater variability in algal biomass occurred at low initial Ulvella density. Post-larval density and total length decreased significantly under low pH, while high Ulvella density reduced juvenile length at 80 days, likely due to competition between algal groups. A pH × Ulvella interaction affected shell fracture resistance and colouration, but not metabolism or behaviour, indicating that juvenile abalone maintained vital functions. Overall, the results confirm the sensitivity of early H. tuberculata stages to moderate OA (-0.3 pH unit) and highlight indirect macroalgal effects through changes in diatom cover. In natural environment, the capacity of abalone to cope with future OA will depend on complex trade-offs between direct acidification effects and food-related biotic interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41721742,
year = {2026},
author = {Raghubansi, A and Greene, CM},
title = {MicroRNA-Enriched EVs from mesenchymal stromal cells: a novel approach to suppress biofilm and inflammation in CF airway epithelium.},
journal = {American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1152/ajplung.00353.2025},
pmid = {41721742},
issn = {1522-1504},
}

@article {pmid41721221,
year = {2026},
author = {Jahangiri, N and Abedinnezhad Naeini, MM and Jafarpoor Kami, A and Mohammadi Gozarji, M and Masuomi, MH and Zamani, A and Mahdevar, M},
title = {ZnO@Carvacrol nanoparticles effectively suppress biofilm and quorum-sensing mechanisms in MDR Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-025-04688-9},
pmid = {41721221},
issn = {1471-2180},
}

@article {pmid41720203,
year = {2026},
author = {Shukla, A and Seyyadali, A and Rastogi, S and Rani, S and Nath, G},
title = {Synergistic Potential of Bacteriophage and Blue Light Therapy Against Biofilm-Associated Klebsiella pneumoniae in Postoperative Gynaecological Infections.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105399},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105399},
pmid = {41720203},
issn = {1873-1597},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae, a prominent member of the ESKAPE pathogen group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species), represents a serious concern in postoperative gynaecological infections due to its multidrug resistance (MDR) and strong biofilm-forming ability. The limited efficacy of conventional antibiotics against such infections underscores the need for innovative combinatorial strategies, such as bacteriophage therapy and phototherapy.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic antibacterial potential of bacteriophage therapy and blue light (450 nm) phototherapy against biofilm-associated MDR K. pneumoniae isolated from a post- cesarean wound infection.

METHODS: A clinically isolated MDR K. pneumoniae strain was characterised, and biofilms were treated with phage, blue light, or sequential phage-light combinations. Crystal violet assays and microscopy quantified biofilm biomass reduction, while synergy was analysed using the Bliss independence model. Phage stability under blue light and cytocompatibility with HiFi™ human PBMCs were also assessed, along with cytokine profiling.

RESULTS: The combined phage-blue light treatment achieved an 82.3% reduction in biofilm biomass, significantly surpassing either monotherapy (p < 0.0001). Sequence-dependent synergy was observed, with Phage→Light treatments showing stronger early effects (6 h). Phage viability remained unaffected by blue light, and PBMC assays confirmed high cytocompatibility with no detectable cytokine induction. Mechanistically, blue light-induced ROS disrupted the biofilm matrix, facilitating enhanced phage penetration and infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Bacteriophage-blue light combination therapy represents a safe, synergistic, and resistance-mitigating approach for managing MDR K. pneumoniae biofilm infections, offering promising translational potential in postoperative gynaecological wound care.},
}

@article {pmid41719909,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Xue, R and Zhang, S and Ye, M and Zhao, J},
title = {Biofilm surface proximity-induced branched hybridization chain reaction strategy based on microchip electrophoresis for distinguishing exosomes from different cancer cells.},
journal = {Talanta},
volume = {304},
number = {},
pages = {129563},
doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129563},
pmid = {41719909},
issn = {1873-3573},
abstract = {The exosome surface contains various cancer markers that can be suitable candidates for early cancer diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy evaluation. However, due to the very small size of exosomes, major challenges remain to detect tumor markers on their surface. To circumvent these challenges, a signal amplification strategy based on microchip electrophoresis-assisted biofilm surface proximity-induced branched hybridization chain reaction (bHCR) is proposed to distinguish exosomes from different cancer types. It uses an aptamer to identify the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) protein on the exosome surface by adjacent hybridization reaction on the biofilm surface. The multistage bHCR is designed for signal amplification, inducing a detection limit of 250 exosomes/μL in MCF-7 cells. When applied to distinguish exosomes from different cancer cell types, the results show that exosomes from MCF-7 cells contain a large number of EpCAM protein molecules on their membrane surface, while exosomes from A549 and HeLa cells contain relatively few EpCAM protein molecules. This finding indicates that EpCAM protein is highly expressed on the surface of exosomes secreted from breast cancer cells, and the expression of EpCAM protein from different types of cancer cells are also varies. The developed method has important application potential in terms of exosome analysis, and is expected to provide a new technical platform for breast cancer screening and prognosis assessment.},
}