@article {pmid42726282,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, W and Deng, T and Shi, L and Wen, W},
title = {Probiotic Characterization and Anti-biofilm Activity of Ligilactobacillus salivarius: Implications for Periodontal Disease Management.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42726282},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {Anhui Provincial College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program (No. S202410368058)//the Anhui Provincial College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Porphyromonas gingivalis/physiology/drug effects ; *Probiotics/pharmacology ; Antioxidants/pharmacology/metabolism ; *Periodontal Diseases/microbiology/therapy ; Humans ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Porphyromonas gingivalis-driven periodontal disease is closely associated with pathogenic biofilm formation and oxidative stress-mediated tissue damage. This study evaluated the probiotic characteristics, antioxidant activity, and anti-biofilm effects of Ligilactobacillus salivarius and its cell-free supernatant (CFS). L. salivarius maintained growth under 0.8 mM H2O2, pH 5.0, and lysozyme exposure at 100 and 200 µg/mL, indicating tolerance to oxidative, acidic, and oral innate immune-related stresses. The strain showed an auto-aggregation rate of 56.6 ± 3.0% and co-aggregation rate with P. gingivalis of 46.7 ± 5.5%. Surface hydrophobicity was highest in chloroform (76.0 ± 3.0%), followed by ethyl acetate (39.1 ± 2.9%) and xylene (1.3 ± 0.9%). L. salivarius CFS exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging rates of 87.1 ± 4.0% and 97.8 ± 1.0%, respectively, and a FRAP value of 1.30 ± 0.06 µM FeE/mL. The MIC of CFS against P. gingivalis was 20% (v/v), and the inhibition zone was 12.5 mm. CFS treatment also reduced P. gingivalis biofilm biomass and increased non-viable cells within biofilms. No significant cytotoxicity toward gingival epithelial cells were observed at 2.5-20% CFS. These findings suggest that L. salivarius CFS has probiotic-associated, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm potential in vitro, although further studies are required to identify active components and validate its periodontal protective effects in vivo.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Porphyromonas gingivalis/physiology/drug effects
*Probiotics/pharmacology
Antioxidants/pharmacology/metabolism
*Periodontal Diseases/microbiology/therapy
Humans
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/metabolism

@article {pmid42726334,
year = {2026},
author = {Furukido, R and Kurokawa, Y and Isobe, N and Suzuki, N},
title = {Effects of bovine lactoferrin on the growth and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae associated with bovine mastitis.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {50},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42726334},
issn = {1573-7446},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lactoferrin/pharmacology ; Cattle ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Mastitis, Bovine/microbiology ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology/growth & development ; Female ; *Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests/veterinary ; Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology ; *Klebsiella Infections/veterinary/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are major causal pathogens of mastitis in dairy cows. In this study, we focus on bovine lactoferrin, an endogenous protein with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities expressed in mammary glands. Given that the activity of lactoferrin against bovine mastitis-associated pathogens has yet to be fully elucidated, we sought to determine its effects on the growth and biofilm formation of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. We selected 24 and 20 isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, respectively, including mastitis- and environmentally derived isolates, and examined the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of lactoferrin using a microdilution method and crystal violet staining, respectively. The percentages of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates for which we obtained lactoferrin minimum inhibitory concentration ≥ 4,000 µg/mL were 57% and 80%, respectively. At concentrations of 200 and 1,000 µg/mL, although lactoferrin caused significant reductions in the growth of both E. coli and K. pneumoniae, whereas biofilm formation by K. pneumoniae was inhibited, that of E. coli was paradoxically enhanced. These findings highlight that E. coli and K. pneumoniae, which have traditionally been grouped as coliforms in the context of bovine mastitis, have distinct responses when exposed to lactoferrin.},
}

Animals
*Lactoferrin/pharmacology
Cattle
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Mastitis, Bovine/microbiology
*Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology/growth & development
Female
*Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests/veterinary
Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology
*Klebsiella Infections/veterinary/microbiology

@article {pmid42726449,
year = {2026},
author = {Montaseri, M and Ganji, M and Rahiminejad, M and Bastani, MH},
title = {Phenotypic characterization of raw milk-associated Pseudomonas spp.: biofilm formation across different temperatures, antimicrobial resistance, and cytotoxicity.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42726449},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {School of Veterinary Science, Shiraz University//School of Veterinary Science, Shiraz University/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; Animals ; *Milk/microbiology ; *Pseudomonas/drug effects/physiology/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Caco-2 Cells ; Temperature ; Phenotype ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {This study investigated biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and in vitro cytotoxicity in 31 Pseudomonas isolates recovered from raw milk, and assessed relationships among these traits. Biofilm formation was evaluated at 7, 15, 25, 37, and 42 °C using Congo Red Agar (CRA) and Crystal Violet (CV) assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method, and cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Associations were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction. The highest frequency of CRA-positive phenotypes occurred at 25 °C (90.3%), while all isolates were classified as biofilm producers by CV at this temperature; biofilm formation was also widely observed at 7 and 15 °C. Some isolates provisionally assigned to P. veronii, P. brenneri, and P. fluorescens showed strong biofilm-associated phenotypes in both CRA and CV assays at low temperatures. Cytotoxicity ranged from 0.11% to 42.8%. Multidrug resistance was detected in 90.3% of isolates, with a mean multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.52. CRA phenotypes were negatively correlated with cytotoxicity at 15 and 25 °C (P < 0.05). No significant associations were found between cytotoxicity and MAR index, individual antibiotic susceptibility, or quantitative CV measurements (P > 0.05). Most nominal associations between biofilm formation and individual antibiotics did not remain significant. These findings highlight substantial phenotypic diversity among raw milk-associated Pseudomonas and the ability of many isolates to maintain biofilm-forming phenotypes under dairy-relevant temperatures.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
Animals
*Milk/microbiology
*Pseudomonas/drug effects/physiology/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Caco-2 Cells
Temperature
Phenotype
Drug Resistance, Bacterial

@article {pmid42727195,
year = {2026},
author = {Taira, EA and Ventura, TMO and Ferrari, CR and Pelá, VT and Francese, MM and Silva, GV and Meloni, VA and de Ataide, DSM and Da Silva, NDG and de Souza, EP and Buzalaf, MAR},
title = {Salivary enrichment with MaquiCPI-3 enhances acquired enamel pellicle properties and attenuates enamel mineral loss induced by microcosm biofilm.},
journal = {Archives of oral biology},
volume = {192},
number = {},
pages = {106743},
doi = {10.1016/j.archoralbio.2026.106743},
pmid = {42727195},
issn = {1879-1506},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of a recombinant cystatin derived from Aristotelia chilensis, Maqui berry (MaquiCPI-3), with hydroxyapatite surfaces, its influence on salivary film formation and its potential to reduce biofilm-induced enamel demineralization.

DESIGN: Protein adsorption and film stability were assessed using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) on hydroxyapatite-coated sensors, allowing real-time analysis of frequency and dissipation shifts. In vitro microcosm biofilm assays were performed using human saliva to simulate oral conditions, and enamel demineralization was quantified through transverse microradiography (TMR). Experimental groups included MaquiCPI-3 at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL, Sugarcane Cystatin (CaneCPI-5) at 0.1 mg/mL, Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) as the negative control, and 0.12% Chlorhexidine (CHX) as a positive control.

RESULTS: MaquiCPI-3 at 0.5 mg/mL exhibited the highest adsorption and retention on hydroxyapatite, promoting the formation of a stable salivary film. QCM-D modeling revealed concentration-dependent differences in the viscoelastic properties of the adsorbed films. TMR analysis showed that MaquiCPI-3 at 0.5 mg/mL significantly reduced lesion depth compared with PBS, whereas the 0.1 and 1.0 mg/mL concentrations did not significantly differ from PBS. All MaquiCPI-3 concentrations significantly reduced mineral loss compared with PBS, with no significant differences among the three concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS: MaquiCPI-3 demonstrated potential to reduce enamel demineralization through modulation of surface-associated salivary film properties. At 0.5 mg/mL, it exhibited protective effects approaching those observed for CHX, highlighting its potential as a promising alternative for caries prevention and enamel protection.},
}

@article {pmid42727644,
year = {2026},
author = {Master, NG and Markande, AR},
title = {Functional amyloid BE-AM1 modulates microbial surface properties, biofilm formation, and adaptation to hydrocarbon stress.},
journal = {Journal of biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2026.09.005},
pmid = {42727644},
issn = {1873-4863},
abstract = {Amyloid proteins are mainly known as misfolded aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases in humans and other eukaryotes. However, growing evidence shows that in bacteria, amyloids can serve important functional roles. These include facilitating surface attachment, forming amphipathic films, supporting biofilm development, and mediating interactions with the extracellular matrix and cell surfaces. In the present study, the bacterial amyloid bioemulsifier AM1 (BE-AM1), produced by Solibacillus silvestris AM1, was investigated for its effects on the growth of different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and haloarchaea. The findings highlight its potential utility in antimicrobial applications and in broader biotechnological processes. These groups were selected to assess whether amyloid-mediated surface interactions are conserved across different microbial lineages. The addition of amyloid BE-AM1 increased the free-energy of interaction potential, as determined by contact-angle-based surface thermodynamic analysis, indicating reduced cell-surface hydrophobicity in the tested bacterial, haloarchaeal, and fungal strains. Furthermore, the presence of functional amyloids enhanced secreted protease activity in three bacterial strains and amylase activity in S. silvestris, increased tolerance to hydrocarbons, and promoted microbial growth using hydrocarbons as the sole carbon source. The ability of amyloid BE-AM1 to influence biofilm formation was also investigated in other bacterial species that produce their amyloid proteins. This study improves insight into interspecies interactions involving amyloid proteins and offers a foundation for future research of broader relevance to the amyloid field.},
}

@article {pmid42728196,
year = {2026},
author = {Crowther, A and Keller, SB and LuTheryn, G and Garcia-Maset, R and Sutton, JM and Hind, C and Stride, E and Parhizkar, M and Carugo, D},
title = {Disrupting Biofilms by Combining Ultrasound-Stimulated Microbubbles, Anti-Biofilm Agents and Antibiotics.},
journal = {Ultrasound in medicine & biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2026.07.031},
pmid = {42728196},
issn = {1879-291X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Chronic infections are often sustained by biofilms, which exhibit high tolerance to antimicrobials and immune clearance. Ultrasound (US)-stimulated microbubbles (MBs) have shown promise for biofilm disruption, yet their integration with chemical anti-biofilm agents and antibiotics has not been systematically explored. This study reports, for the first time, the combined application of MBs with tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (T-EDTA), nitric oxide (NO)-releasing NONOates (PAPA NONOate and spermine NONOate) and ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms.

METHODS: P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms were grown in Ibidi channel slides in LB broth for 24 or 48 h. Biofilms were then treated with lipid-shell MBs in combination with anti-biofilm agents (4% w/v T-EDTA or 250 µM NONOates) and 0.25 µg/mL ciprofloxacin. Biofilms were exposed to US at 1.1 MHz and 1.0 MPa peak-negative pressure. Biofilm surface area was determined by fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS: MBs demonstrated stable physicochemical properties and cavitation profiles, with 1 MPa peak-negative pressure producing the greatest biofilm dispersal. Among all regimens, T-EDTA combined with ciprofloxacin and US-stimulated MBs achieved the most consistent and substantial biofilm removal, highlighting multimodal efficacy combining physical disruption, matrix modification and antibiotic action. NONOates showed limited benefit when paired with US-stimulated MBs, suggesting cavitation does not enhance NO-mediated dispersal. Biofilm maturity (24 vs. 48 h) significantly influenced treatment outcomes, with early stage biofilms responding more readily to cavitation-driven disruption.

CONCLUSION: These findings establish a novel multimodal strategy for anti-biofilm therapy and underscore the importance of considering biofilm developmental stage in ultrasound-enhanced treatment design.},
}

@article {pmid42730256,
year = {2026},
author = {Jung, EA and Kim, H and Yokoyama, WH and Nitin, N and Seo, KH},
title = {Comparative inhibition of oral pathogens, biofilm formation, and inflammation-related responses by postbiotics from Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens DD2.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2712769},
doi = {10.1080/20002297.2026.2712769},
pmid = {42730256},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Postbiotics derived from lactic acid bacteria are attracting significant interest as safe and stable alternatives to live probiotics for controlling oral biofilms and inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Building on previous research that identified Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens DD2 as a potent anti-cariogenic strain, we compared antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties of postbiotics produced by DD2 with those from two newly isolated kefir strains (LKF4 and LK12) and two commercial probiotics, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 3105 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell-free postbiotics were evaluated for their antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against major oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Porphyromonas gulae. Furthermore, their immunomodulatory effects were investigated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through nitric oxide assays and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: All tested postbiotics significantly inhibited planktonic growth and biofilm formation of the pathogens (p < 0.05), and DD2 consistently demonstrated the strongest suppression across all species. In macrophages, DD2-derived postbiotics markedly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (Cox2, Nos2, Tnf-α, and Il-1β) to approximately 0.5-fold relative to the control, while inducing the highest levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Il-10. DD2 upregulated Tlr4, Nrf2, and Ho-1 mRNA, indicating the preservation of pathogen sensing and the activation of cytoprotective pathways via the Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling axis. Notably, this multi-targeted approach highlighted DD2's superior efficacy compared to other kefir and commercial strains.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the potential of DD2-derived postbiotics as bioactive alternatives for managing oral pathogens, biofilm formation, and inflammation relevant to oral health. Further studies are needed to identify the active components and to validate these effects in oral in vivo models.},
}

@article {pmid42730895,
year = {2026},
author = {Baser, S and Celebi, D and Celebi, O and Kara, A and Turkes, C},
title = {Synergistic effects of luteolin and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm inhibition: in vitro and in silico molecular deployment studies.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42730895},
issn = {1874-9356},
support = {TCD-2025-1075//Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office/ ; },
abstract = {Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections due to its remarkable biofilm-forming ability and multidrug resistance, highlighting the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. The present study investigated the antibacterial, antibiofilm, antivirulence, and cytotoxic effects of luteolin alone and in combination with Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacterial suspension natant against MRSA. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), disk diffusion, and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) assays. Biofilm inhibition was quantified using the crystal violet method, while the expression levels of biofilm-associated genes (icaA, icaB, icaC, icaD, clfA, clfB, fnbA, and fnbB) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Molecular docking analysis was performed to investigate the interaction between luteolin and S. aureus Sortase A (SrtA), and the cytotoxic potential of the treatments was evaluated in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells using the WST-8 assay. Luteolin exhibited MIC and MBC values of 128 and 256 µg/mL, respectively, whereas L. rhamnosus bacterial suspension natant also demonstrated antibacterial activity against MRSA. Combination treatment significantly increased the inhibition zone diameter and produced a synergistic interaction with an FIC index of 0.50. Moreover, the combination inhibited biofilm formation by approximately 75%, markedly exceeding the inhibitory effects of either treatment alone. Gene expression analysis revealed dose-dependent modulation of several biofilm-associated genes, particularly suppression of fnbA, suggesting interference with bacterial adhesion mechanisms. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable binding of luteolin to the active site of Sortase A with a predicted binding energy of - 9.220 kcal/mol, supporting its potential antivirulence mechanism. No significant cytotoxicity was observed in HDF cells within the tested concentration range. Collectively, these results demonstrate that luteolin combined with L. rhamnosus bacterial suspension natant represents a promising natural therapeutic strategy for controlling MRSA infections by simultaneously targeting bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and virulence while maintaining acceptable biocompatibility.},
}

@article {pmid42730929,
year = {2026},
author = {Rezk, A and Said, HS and Elfeky, SM and El-Mowafy, M and Hassan, R},
title = {Disulfiram reverses fluconazole-resistance mediated by Cdr1 in Candida albicans and interferes with biofilm formation.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {110},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42730929},
issn = {1432-0614},
mesh = {*Disulfiram/pharmacology ; *Fluconazole/pharmacology ; *Candida albicans/drug effects/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Drug Resistance, Fungal/drug effects ; *Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Candidiasis/microbiology ; Drug Synergism ; },
abstract = {The incidence of Candida albicans infections has risen markedly, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Fluconazole is commonly used as a first-line treatment for C. albicans infections; however, increasing clinical resistance poses a significant therapeutic challenge. As a result, developing new strategies to enhance the management of C. albicans infections has become critical. This study aims to assess the prevalence of azole's resistance among clinical C. albicans isolates in Egypt and to evaluate disulfiram/fluconazole combination against fluconazole resistant isolates. A total of 64 C. albicans clinical isolates were tested for fluconazole susceptibility using disc diffusion method and broth microdilution method (alone and in combination with disulfiram). The combination of fluconazole and disulfiram was further assessed using checkerboard method. The expression levels of resistance determinants were analyzed using RT-PCR. Molecular docking was used for further analysis. Sixteen isolates (25%) were resistant to fluconazole. Combination with subinhibitory concentration of disulfiram reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fluconazole in resistant isolates (2-128 fold). Checkerboard assay revealed that fluconazole/disulfiram combination was mostly synergistic. In fluconazole-resistant isolates, Cdr1 was overexpressed, whereas disulfiram (at subinhibitory concentration) has triggered its downregulation. Docking studies showed that disulfiram may compete with ATP for binding and may disrupt fluconazole's interaction with Cdr1. Additionally, disulfiram exhibited a potent anti-biofilm activity against the tested C. albicans isolates. Fluconazole/disulfiram combination appears to be a promising approach for overcoming fluconazole resistance in C. albicans. Further studies are needed to validate this finding and explore its clinical potential. KEY POINTS: • Fluconazole/disulfiram combination is a promising approach to overcome fluconazole resistance in C. albicans • Disulfiram triggered downregulation of Cdr1 expression in fluconazole-resistant C. albicans. • Disulfiram competes with ATP for Cdr1 binding, disrupting fluconazole-Cdr1 interaction.},
}

*Disulfiram/pharmacology
*Fluconazole/pharmacology
*Candida albicans/drug effects/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Drug Resistance, Fungal/drug effects
*Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Humans
Molecular Docking Simulation
Candidiasis/microbiology
Drug Synergism

@article {pmid42721469,
year = {2026},
author = {Loftus, RW and Dexter, F and Patel, HM and Parra, MC and Charnin, JE and Brown, JR},
title = {Perioperative Staphylococcus aureus Phenotypic Screening to Detect Chlorhexidine Tolerance and Strength of Biofilm Formation for Optimization of Surgical Site Infection Preventive Measures.},
journal = {Anesthesia and analgesia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1213/ANE.0000000000008315},
pmid = {42721469},
issn = {1526-7598},
}

@article {pmid42721801,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmmed, MT and Prapti, BBR and Islam, T and Arnop, KMA and Rahman, A and Amin, MA and Rahman, MA and Haque, N and Yasmin, S and Siddique, MP},
title = {Molecular epidemiology of multidrug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli: Virulence, biofilm formation, phylogenetic distribution, and genetic diversity.},
journal = {Journal of infection and public health},
volume = {19},
number = {10},
pages = {103358},
doi = {10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103358},
pmid = {42721801},
issn = {1876-035X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli mediated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an increasing public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income nations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and virulence profile, biofilm forming ability with phylogenetic distribution and genetic diversity of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolated from UTI patients.

METHODS: A total of 718 urine samples were collected from the diagnostic outpatient department of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Samples were analyzed using standard culture technique, and E. coli was identified by MALDI-TOF MS and PCR. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was detected by the disc diffusion method. Both CRA and CVMP techniques were used to identify the biofilm forming ability. Virulence and resistance genes were identified by PCR. Genetic diversity was studied through phylogrouping, ERIC-PCR, and sequencing of 16 s rRNA gene.

RESULT: 125 (17.41%) samples showed significant bacteriuria and were confirmed as UTI cases. E. coli was identified in 38 (30.4%) of these cases and most of the isolates were recovered from females (63.2%) and individuals aged 15-35 years (47.4%). High resistance was observed against meropenem (100%) and amoxicillin (100%), while nitrofurantoin (7.9%) and imipenem (23.7%) had the lowest resistance rate. All of the study isolates were either MDR (66%) or XDR (34%). blaOXA (81.6%), blaCTX-M (55.3%), and qnrA (89.5%) were most prevalent resistance genes. A strong positive correlation (rₛ = 0.719, p < 0.001) was found between resistance gene load and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index. crl (100%), uidA (100%), and csgA (94.7%) were highly prevalent virulence genes. Approximately 85% of isolates were biofilm producer. Phylogenetic group B2 (36.82%) was predominant and significantly associated with virulence gene carriage and biofilm formation. Furthermore, ERIC PCR revealed a considerable genetic variability among the study isolates.

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the alarming spread of MDR and XDR E. coli strains with high virulence potential, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and judicious antibiotic use.},
}

@article {pmid42722168,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Li, B and Najman, MA and Huang, S and Qi, Y and Kim, DH and Sim, YB and Kim, SH and Ratnaweera, H and Zhang, H and Shi, X},
title = {Steering carbon and nitrogen toward biopolymer recovery in synthetic municipal wastewater using an intertidal wetland sediment-seeded biofilm-based reactor.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135837},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135837},
pmid = {42722168},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Recovering value-added biopolymers from municipal wastewater offers a promising route to improve the sustainability of wastewater treatment. In this study, two moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) seeded with intertidal wetland sediment (IWS) (Riws) and conventional activated sludge (AS) (Ras) were operated in parallel for synthetic municipal wastewater treatment and biopolymer recovery. A higher total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency was achieved in the Riws than in the Ras (92.4 ± 0.5% and 80.1 ± 3.8%, respectively). Moreover, Riws achieved a higher alginate-like exopolymers (ALE) yield than Ras, reaching 374.3 ± 10.5 mg/g VSS compared with 242.6 ± 8.4 mg/g VSS. The recovered ALE from Riws also contained more protein (890.0 ± 11.7 mg/g ALE) and showed a higher alginate-equivalent response (598.6 ± 32.5 mg/g ALE). Estimated COD and nitrogen partitioning further showed that ALE-associated COD accounted for 17.5% of influent COD in Riws and 6.9% in Ras, while ALE protein-associated N represented 19.1% and 5.9% of influent TN, respectively. Moreover, metagenomic analysis showed that the mature Riws biofilm had higher abundances of genes associated with nitrogen assimilation and denitrification, together with genes involved in ALE biosynthesis, and extracellular-polymer regulation through quorum sensing and c-di-GMP-related pathways. These functional differences were consistent with the greater retention of wastewater carbon and protein-associated nitrogen in recoverable ALE in Riws. These results demonstrate that inoculum selection can effectively regulate microbial assembly and redirect wastewater carbon and nitrogen toward extracellular biopolymer synthesis and recovery, providing a feasible strategy for wastewater valorization.},
}

@article {pmid42722551,
year = {2026},
author = {Baldodiya, GM and Parangi, S and Mishra, G and Jain, S and Soni, N and Bissa, B and Pandey, J and Prusty, D},
title = {Corrigendum to "Phytochemical-mediated disruption of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm by Tecomella undulata, Dalbergia sissoo, Heliotropium indicum, and Solanum virginianum extracts via targeting extracellular matrix" [Microb. Pathog. 219 (2026) 108763].},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108817},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108817},
pmid = {42722551},
issn = {1096-1208},
}

@article {pmid42723011,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Wang, P and Liu, Y and Yu, Q and Zhang, Y and Ma, X and Wei, M},
title = {Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic profiling reveals alteration of oxidative phosphorylation in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-mediated inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm formation.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42723011},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Candida albicans/drug effects/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Oxidative Phosphorylation/drug effects ; Proteomics/methods ; Eicosapentaenoic Acid/pharmacology ; Docosahexaenoic Acids/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Transcriptome ; Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/drug effects ; Proteome ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Candida albicans biofilms are highly tolerant to conventional antifungals, posing a major clinical challenge. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), exhibit antibiofilm activity, but their mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

METHODS: Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches were used to investigate the antibiofilm activity of DHA and EPA against C. albicans ATCC 90028. Biofilm inhibition was assessed by crystal violet staining and XTT reduction assays. Biofilm cells treated with 1 mM DHA or EPA (sub-MIC, both MICs > 1 mM) were subjected to RNA‑seq and DIA proteomics. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs) were identified, and integrated KEGG pathway analysis was conducted.

RESULTS: Both DHA and EPA inhibited biofilm formation at 1 mM without affecting planktonic growth. DHA altered 1787 transcripts (750 up, 1037 down) and 554 proteins (170 up, 384 down). EPA altered 905 transcripts (446 up, 459 down) and 259 proteins (104 up, 155 down). DHA suppressed ribosome biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation at both mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, EPA transcriptionally down-regulated DNA replication genes while affecting oxidative phosphorylation predominantly via post-transcriptional mechanisms. Integrated analysis identified oxidative phosphorylation and central carbon metabolism as core convergent targets, with DHA showing more extensive metabolic disruption than EPA.

CONCLUSION: DHA and EPA suppress C. albicans biofilms through distinct regulatory modes that converge on pathways linked to mitochondrial energy metabolism. These findings provide a molecular framework for omega-3 PUFA-based antibiofilm strategies and underscore the value of multi-omics integration in generating insights into complex drug mechanisms.},
}

*Candida albicans/drug effects/genetics/metabolism/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Oxidative Phosphorylation/drug effects
Proteomics/methods
Eicosapentaenoic Acid/pharmacology
Docosahexaenoic Acids/pharmacology
Gene Expression Profiling
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
Transcriptome
Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/drug effects
Proteome
Multiomics

@article {pmid42723628,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, KZ and Meng, D and Yin, LJ and Wang, M and Li, J},
title = {Repurposing GS-441524 to inhibit biofilm formation and virulence of Bacillus cereus.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-12},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2730440},
pmid = {42723628},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {Bacillus cereus is a resilient foodborne pathogen, with biofilm formation and virulence regulated by quorum sensing (QS). This study evaluates GS-441524, the active metabolite of remdesivir, as an anti-virulence agent against B. cereus. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, GS-441524 dose-dependently reduced protease, lipase, hemolysin, and AI-2 production, impaired motility, and inhibited biofilm formation. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation of key QS (papR, luxS, plcR) and toxin (hblD, cytK, nprB) genes. Molecular docking indicated strong binding to HblD. In a Galleria mellonella model, GS-441524 enhanced survival upon B. cereus challenge. These findings demonstrate that GS-441524 disrupts QS and virulence, offering a promising strategy to control B. cereus.},
}

@article {pmid42725769,
year = {2026},
author = {Van Rossum, U and Heyndrickx, M and Demaître, N and Sadiq, FA and Boon, N and Rasschaert, G and Cools, A and De Reu, K},
title = {Biofilm formation and multispecies interactions of bacteria recovered from drinking water systems in broiler houses and piglet nursery units.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0108426},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01084-26},
pmid = {42725769},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The presence of biofilms on the surfaces of drinking water systems in livestock housing can compromise the microbiological quality of drinking water. Understanding the biofilm microbiome and the biofilm-forming capacity of its dominant species is therefore essential, particularly for identifying species that coexist and enhance biofilm formation through interactions. This study investigated 248 bacterial isolates representing the dominant microbiota of biofilm samples collected from drinking water systems in broiler houses and pig nursery units. Biofilm formation was assessed in both single-species cultures and 341 multispecies combinations. Of the tested isolates, 80% formed biofilms in single culture; however, only 25% were classified as strong biofilm formers. In multispecies combinations with up to four species or isolates, antagonistic or competitive interactions were dominant, whereas biofilm mass enhancement was observed in only a limited number of combinations. These included opportunistic pathogens, with Citrobacter freundii and Staphylococcus nepalensis identified as key species driving the interactions. Our research highlights the importance of specific microbial interactions in biofilm development and provides a potentially practice relevant four-species model to guide future research aimed at improving strategies for controlling biofilms in livestock drinking water systems.IMPORTANCEEnsuring the quality of drinking water on livestock production farms benefits animal production and health. Persistent biofilms on water line surfaces can lead to microbial contamination, resulting in lower-quality drinking water. This study examines bacteria commonly found in biofilms within livestock drinking water systems in pig nursery units and broiler houses. Most bacterial isolates can form biofilms in monoculture. Specific interactions among certain species primarily mediate bacterial interactions that enhance biofilm biomass in multispecies communities. Identifying these key interactions enables the development of a synthetic model to guide research on controlling biofilms in livestock drinking water systems.},
}

@article {pmid42725979,
year = {2026},
author = {Frederick, EH and Nair, SS and Jayatilake, S and Wardell, SJT and Bremer, P and Pletzer, D},
title = {Antibiofilm Peptides Revisited: From Biofilm Models and Metrics to Mechanisms and Translation.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {2900-2921},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.6c00266},
pmid = {42725979},
issn = {2373-8227},
support = {NA//University of Otago/ ; UOO2453//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry ; Humans ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Bacteria/drug effects ; *Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections contribute substantially to the antimicrobial resistance-related burden by promoting persistent, difficult-to-treat infections. Antibiotic failure often reflects biofilm recalcitrance (tolerance and persistence) and, in some contexts, the enhanced selection and dissemination of resistance. To overcome this burden, antibiofilm peptides (ABPs) are emerging as a versatile solution. ABPs can inhibit biofilm development, weaken established biofilms, and synergize with existing antimicrobials. This review highlights current biofilm models and susceptibility end points, emphasizing how experimental design and readout selection shape conclusions about ABP activity and comparability across studies. We describe ABP discovery, the sequence-property features that drive activity, and outline key modes of action. These include reprogramming biofilm-associated regulatory pathways, targeting conserved nucleotide signaling networks such as guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) and cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), matrix-directed effects, and biofilm-specific tolerance and resistance mechanisms that may limit ABP durability. Finally, we briefly discuss translational considerations and selected clinical and industrial use cases for ABPs, emphasizing the importance of improving and assessing their stability, delivery, and selectivity under physiological and industrially relevant conditions.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
*Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry
Humans
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
*Bacteria/drug effects
*Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry

@article {pmid42710131,
year = {2026},
author = {Elsamahy, T and Mohamad, OAA and Li, X and Liu, YH and Rajivgandhi, G and Li, S and Peng, C and Abdelkarim, EA and Hatab, S and Zhang, Y and Li, WJ},
title = {Exploring the mechanism of low-density polyethylene depolymerization and extracellular electron transfer at bio-nano interfaces mediated by biofilm-forming electroactive bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {517},
number = {},
pages = {143500},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143500},
pmid = {42710131},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The environmental persistence of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) results from its hydrophobic surface and inert C-C backbone, which restrict microbial colonization and oxidative chain breakdown. Although extracellular electron transfer (EET) is a defining feature of electroactive bacteria (EAB), its role in polyolefin oxidation remains understood. Here, we developed a hybrid bio-nano platform combining EAB from plastic-contaminated soils with Fe3O4-NPs to enhance LDPE biodegradation by integrating EET-associated redox activity, biofilm formation, and oxidative catalysis. The selected strains, Acinetobacter johnsonii PDB-22 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PDB-38, exhibited biofilm-forming capacity (1.20 ± 0.13 and 0.98 ± 0.10, respectively) and electrochemical activity. The integration of Fe3O4-NPs accelerated the biodegradation, resulting in reductions in polymer weight (11.2 ± 1.2% and 10.5 ± 0.3%, respectively), crystallinity (32.8% and 24.7% relative reduction, respectively), tensile strength (55.0% and 38.8% reduction, respectively), and molecular weight (18.0% Mw reduction for PDB-22-NPs). Mechanistically, Fe3O4-NPs enhanced oxidative enzyme activities and altered their temporal catalytic behavior, consistent with more sustained ROS-associated oxidative depolymerization. Metabolomic profiling revealed strain-specific oxidative transformation patterns, consistent with differences in LDPE depolymerization. These findings support a functional contribution of EET-associated redox activity to LDPE oxidation at the bacteria-NP-polymer interface and provide a promising strategy for plastic bioremediation and a circular bioeconomy.},
}

@article {pmid42711243,
year = {2026},
author = {Hirschbiegel, CM and Hassan, MA and Cicek, YA and Ndugire, W and Abdelaziz, M and Truong, J and Yang, J and Nasim, N and Shrikanth, M and Rotello, VM},
title = {Bioorthogonal Polymer Nanozymes for Effective Treatment of Bacterial Wound Biofilm Infections.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.6c12077},
pmid = {42711243},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections are a rapidly emerging healthcare crisis. The challenge of MDR bacteria is further exacerbated through biofilm formation that limits effective drug penetration and hinders the ability of the host immune system to clear the infection. Cationic polymer nanoparticles carrying bioorthogonal transition-metal catalysts (polyzymes) can penetrate bacterial biofilms and locally catalyze the uncaging of antimicrobial drug derivatives, acting as an in situ bioorthogonal "drug factory". Polyzymes were designed and fabricated using an amphiphilic polymer nanoscaffold and iron(III) tetraphenyl porphyrin as the catalyst. The polyzyme bioorthogonally uncaged an azide-protected prodrug of the antimicrobial drug moxifloxacin. The efficacy of this approach was tested in vitro against an in vitro Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilm, resulting in a ∼3.5-log10 colony-forming units (CFU/mL) reduction of bacterial load (99.99%). The polyzyme was subsequently incorporated into a thermoresponsive Poloxamer 407 hydrogel to create a wound dressing, and the localized activation of pro-moxifloxacin was tested in an in vivo E. coli wound biofilm model. The polyzyme-mediated localized activation of the prodrug was highly effective, resulting in significantly more bacterial killing compared to the free drug moxifloxacin. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of bioorthogonal polyzymes for treating wound biofilm infections, with enhanced local activity and improved treatment outcomes compared to standard clinical treatment methods.},
}

@article {pmid42713544,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, H and Khan, S and Qi, X and Lin, Z and Liu, G and Lv, Y and Zhang, M and Xia, Z and Wu, N},
title = {Seasonal Effect of a Small Hydropower Plant on Benthic Biofilm Microbial Community Structure and Predicted Functional Potential.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {e74330},
pmid = {42713544},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Benthic biofilm microbial communities play a critical role in riverine primary production, nutrient cycling, and organic matter decomposition, yet their responses to hydrological alterations due to small hydropower plants (SHPs) remain poorly understood, particularly with respect to seasonal dynamics. This study conducted a one-year monitoring survey across four river sections (upstream, reservoir, dewatered reach, and downstream) in the Oujiang River Basin, Zhejiang Province, China, covering all four seasons. The results showed that the reservoir section exhibited distinct bacterial composition, while the dewatered reach harbored the highest diversity, broader niche breadth, and was governed by stochastic assembly processes. Seasonally, deterministic processes dominated in summer, whereas stochastic processes prevailed in winter. Predicted functional profiling suggested that the SHP may exert a regulatory role in carbon and nutrient metabolism, with pronounced functional differences observed in summer. This study indicates that SHPs reshape microbial assembly and predicted function by altering hydrological regimes. As an observational case study based on a single representative facility, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than conclusive; however, they provide key ecological insights and a methodological reference for future impact assessments of similar diversion-type SHPs in subtropical river systems.},
}

@article {pmid42714412,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction: Prevalence, genetic diversity, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from urban environments.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {137},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag225},
pmid = {42714412},
issn = {1365-2672},
}

@article {pmid42717305,
year = {2026},
author = {Villafuerte, KRV and Reis, FJCD and Carrara, HHA and Martinez, CH and Palioto, DB},
title = {Integrating Supragingival Scaling and Biofilm Management Into Breast Cancer Patients' Care.},
journal = {International journal of dental hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/idh.70156},
pmid = {42717305},
issn = {1601-5037},
support = {2012/20971-8//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The study was designed as a quasi-experimental clinical trial to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on periodontal conditions, haematology and salivary flow in patients with breast cancer and gingivitis, after supragingival scaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: They were divided into patients with breast cancer and gingivitis (BC/G = 20); and patients without cancer with gingivitis (G = 20). Clinical parameters [Plaque Index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), Probing Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)], haematological parameters (complete blood count) and salivary flow were evaluated at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 weeks.

RESULTS: After supragingival scaling, both groups exhibited a reduction in BOP and PI. However, the group without cancer (G) showed a significantly (p < 0.05) greater reduction at weeks 12 and 24 compared to the group with cancer (BC/G). In the haematological parameters, the G group showed higher haemoglobin and red blood cell levels than the BC/G group at 6, 12 and 24 weeks (p < 0.05). The salivary flow rate was decreased at 6, 12 and 24 weeks in cancer patients (< 0.3 mL/min); however, they did not show hyposalivation (< 0.1 mL/min).

CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy negatively impacts periodontal conditions, making it difficult to control inflammation, affects haematological parameters and reduces salivary flow rate, although without causing hyposalivation. This highlights the need for the application of supragingival scaling with strict biofilm control in breast cancer patients.},
}

@article {pmid42718900,
year = {2026},
author = {Codina Alonso, V and Lopez Oliver, D and Massa, H},
title = {Serratia marcescens corneal abscess with pink biofilm clue.},
journal = {American journal of ophthalmology case reports},
volume = {44},
number = {},
pages = {102646},
pmid = {42718900},
issn = {2451-9936},
}

@article {pmid42709547,
year = {2026},
author = {Das Ghatak, P and Muniz de Oliveira, F and Yadav, A and Abouhashem, AS and Srivastava, R and Banerjee, P and Mukherjee, S and Singh, S and Singh, K and Zamarripa, C and Gordillo, GM and Sen, CK and Ghatak, S and Roy, S},
title = {Staphylococcus aureus biofilm infection impairs efferocytosis in wound-macrophages via induction of a MARCO[hi]MERTK[lo] subset.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {9},
pages = {117915},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117915},
pmid = {42709547},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Chronic, non-healing wounds are sustained by Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, yet how biofilm reprograms the immune cells tasked with resolving injury has remained unclear. We show that biofilm-derived soluble cues, not bacterial contact, generate a previously undescribed biofilm-associated macrophage (BAM) subset marked by high Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) and suppressed MERTK, which recognizes apoptotic cells but fails to engulf them. Using isogenic S. aureus USA300 variants of graded biofilm capacity, only high biofilm-conditioned medium elicited this state in human macrophages; MARCO neutralization restored corpse clearance. Mechanistically, biofilm factors drove phospho-C/EBPβ into the nucleus to repress MERTK, severing sensing from engulfment. Single-cell and Xenium spatial transcriptomics, with cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and PhenoCycler, localized BAMs to biofilm-proximal niches as a hybrid CD64[+]CD163[+] state outside M1/M2 categories, populating 60%-80% of infected chronic wounds. In vivo, myeloid-restricted MARCO overexpression by tissue nanotransfection recapitulated impaired efferocytosis and persistent inflammation, nominating MARCO[hi]MERTK[lo] macrophages as a druggable checkpoint in biofilm-associated disease.},
}

@article {pmid42709980,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, S and Wei, X and Jiang, S and Wang, D and Liu, X and Hu, Y and Chen, Y and Ma, H and Ding, P and Kai, T},
title = {Hydrogel-Delivered Standardized Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Extract Suppresses Quorum Sensing and Disrupts the Biofilm Structure in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.6c01343},
pmid = {42709980},
issn = {2576-6422},
support = {2023QYJC013//Central South University/ ; 2026ZZTS0541//Central South University/ ; SDFEYVS2426//Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University/ ; },
abstract = {Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel is a rich source of polyphenols with recognized bioactivities. This study evaluated the quorum sensing (QS)-inhibitory and anti-biofilm properties of a standardized pomegranate extract, as well as its major ellagitannins (punicalagin and ellagic acid), against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important opportunistic pathogen associated with multidrug-resistant infections. Using the P. aeruginosa strain (ATCC 27853) and the QS biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum, the pomegranate extract and punicalagin (MIC = 0.5 and 0.1 mg/mL, respectively) suppressed the production of QS-regulated virulence factors (pyocyanin >80%, rhamnolipids >60%), inhibited bacterial motility, and disrupted biofilm formation (>70%) without inducing resistance. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the favorable cytocompatibility of the extract in mammalian cells. To enable localized delivery, a mechanically robust polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (PVA-CS) hydrogel was developed. Structural characterization revealed a porous, hydrogen-bond-stabilized structure with enhanced thermal stability, favorable swelling behavior, and excellent moisture retention. Under simulated infection conditions, the extract-loaded hydrogel (P3C2P) significantly inhibited bacterial growth, attenuated virulence production, and suppressed both motility and biofilm formation. These findings demonstrate a triple-action anti-infective mechanism-mediated by punicalagin, which concurrently targets virulence, motility, and biofilm formation. This work establishes a natural product-based hydrogel platform with significant translational potential for wound management and antimicrobial applications.},
}

@article {pmid42703996,
year = {2026},
author = {Sprinkel, KC and Geiger, AR and van Hoek, ML},
title = {Characterization of carABpyrB operon and role of pyrE in Francisella novicida biofilm.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e70355},
pmid = {42703996},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Pyrimidines/biosynthesis ; *Operon ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Francisella/genetics/physiology/growth & development/metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics ; Culture Media/chemistry ; DNA Transposable Elements ; },
abstract = {Pyrimidine biosynthesis is essential for bacterial growth, but its role in regulating biofilm formation in Francisella (F.) novicida remains poorly defined. In this study, we experimentally defined the carABpyrB operon in F. novicida and investigated how disruption of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway affects growth and biofilm formation under nutrient-restricted conditions. Reverse transcriptase PCR confirmed co-transcription of carA, carB, and pyrB, and promoter prediction identified two putative σ[70]-dependent promoter regions upstream of carA. Transposon mutants disrupted in carA, carB, and pyrB exhibited pronounced growth defects in Chamberlain's Defined Medium that were restored by uracil supplementation, confirming pyrimidine auxotrophy and functional disruption of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. We then extended this analysis to additional genes in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway and assessed biofilm formation in modified Mueller-Hinton broth, a nutrient-restricted condition. In this medium, carA, carB, pyrB, and pyrE mutants exhibited growth deficiencies; however, the pyrE mutant uniquely produced significantly more biofilm than the wild type. This phenotype remained evident even without growth normalization, with the pyrE mutant producing 3.3-fold more biofilm than wild type, despite impaired growth, and increased to 11.8-fold when normalized to growth. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that uracil supplementation represses carA, carB, and pyrB transcription, consistent with feedback regulation of the pathway. Together, these findings indicate that pyrimidine limitation is not simply a growth-limiting condition but can alter biofilm regulation, with pyrE disruption revealing a strong association between de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and biofilm formation.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Pyrimidines/biosynthesis
*Operon
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Francisella/genetics/physiology/growth & development/metabolism
Promoter Regions, Genetic
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics
Culture Media/chemistry
DNA Transposable Elements

@article {pmid42704703,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, T and Chen, Z and Gao, Y and Peng, L},
title = {Er:YAG Laser Conditioning of Biofilm-Fouled Titanium Supports Osteoblast Adhesive Retention and Osteogenic Maturation: Stage-Specific Adhesion- and Osteogenesis-Related Transcriptomic Signatures.},
journal = {Lasers in surgery and medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/lsm.70207},
pmid = {42704703},
issn = {1096-9101},
support = {82571065//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20YYJC3660//Basic Research Project of Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser conditioning of clinically derived supragingival biofilm-fouled sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) titanium reduces residual biofilm, improves apparent wettability, and supports early osteoblast adhesive retention and osteogenic maturation.

METHODS: Supragingival plaque biofilms were generated on SLA titanium discs after 48 h of intraoral splint wear and treated with an Er:YAG laser under saline irrigation. Surface morphology, roughness, wettability, and residual biofilm were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle measurement, live/dead fluorescence imaging, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MC3T3-E1 cells were evaluated for spreading, adhesive retention, adhesion- and osteogenesis-related gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralized matrix deposition. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed at 4 h after cell seeding without detachment challenge and on Day 7 under osteogenic induction.

RESULTS: Er:YAG treatment preserved local SLA roughness, reduced residual biofilm burden, and improved apparent wettability. Laser conditioning enhanced early osteoblast spreading and adhesive retention, accompanied by time-dependent changes in Fn1, Col1a1, and Ptk2. 4-h RNA-seq showed limited exploratory transcriptional differences without a coordinated up-regulated focal adhesion or PI3K-Akt signature. On Day 7 under osteogenic induction, laser-treated biofilm-fouled surfaces showed higher Runx2, Alpl, and Spp1 expression and broader enrichment of extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, Rap1/Ras, PI3K-Akt, and mTOR-related pathways. These surfaces also showed higher alkaline phosphatase activity on Day 7 and greater mineralized matrix deposition on Day 14.

CONCLUSIONS: Within this supragingival-biofilm model, Er:YAG conditioning preserved local SLA roughness, reduced residual biofilm burden, improved apparent wettability, enhanced early osteoblast adhesive retention, and supported osteogenic maturation. Integrated qRT-PCR and RNA-seq findings indicated stage-specific extracellular matrix-, focal adhesion-, cytoskeleton-, and osteogenesis-related responses, with PI3K-Akt-mTOR representing an exploratory component of the osteogenic-phase network rather than a continuous or causal mechanism.},
}

@article {pmid42705551,
year = {2026},
author = {Munoz, MA and Dos Santos, MV and Moroni, P and Latorre, AA and Gonzalez-Cordova, BA},
title = {Standardized biofilm ratio: a comparative tool for crystal-violet microtiter plate assay testing in gram-negative bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107701},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107701},
pmid = {42705551},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {Currently, assessment of bacterial biofilm formation using crystal-violet microtiter plate assay presents challenges in both method consistency and underlying biological rationale. This problem has limited comparison of results among researchers and standardized practical interpretation as a virulence factor. We propose a Standardized Biofilm Ratio (SBR) calculation model protocol for in vitro biofilm evaluation in Gram-negative bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid42705607,
year = {2026},
author = {Minagawa, H and Shigemura, K and Hatayama, N and Sato, Y and Ono, T and Matsunaga, N and Yoshino, Y and Nakagawa, T},
title = {Calculous pyelonephritis caused by biofilm-forming Staphylococcus epidermidis: a case report.},
journal = {Journal of infection and chemotherapy : official journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103070},
doi = {10.1016/j.jiac.2026.103070},
pmid = {42705607},
issn = {1437-7780},
abstract = {Staphylococcus epidermidis rarely causes urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to gram-negative rods; however, biofilms formed on urinary calculi or debris can persist and lead to refractory infection. Here, we report a case of S. epidermidis-induced pyelonephritis with bacteremia in a patient referred for evaluation of a mass in the left renal pelvis. The patient presented to the emergency department with fever and left flank pain and was admitted with suspected pyelonephritis. He had a history of chronic pyuria and intermittent fever suggestive of bacteremia. Blood and urine cultures yielded S. epidermidis, which had previously been detected in the urine. Although his clinical parameters initially improved after emergency ureteral stent placement and intravenous antimicrobial therapy, the infection proved intractable. Therefore, left nephroureterectomy was performed to remove the calculus, control the persistent infection, and exclude the possibility of malignancy. Scanning electron microscopy of the harvested calculus revealed a dense biofilm on and surrounding the stone. In vitro phenotypic analysis demonstrated that one of two clinical isolates from the patient exhibited a markedly stronger biofilm-forming capacity, supporting the conclusion that a biofilm-mediated process limited antimicrobial efficacy. This case underscores that although UTIs by S. epidermidis are uncommon, they can be severe and persistent due to biofilm formation on urinary calculus with mass-like lesion. When S. epidermidis is detected in both blood and urine from patients with nephrolithiasis, clinicians should suspect biofilm-associated infection, evaluate the obstructing material, and consider early source control in addition to antibiotic therapy to prevent treatment failure and improve outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid42707384,
year = {2026},
author = {Joy, MNH and Hasan, MKE and Hossan, MS and Sourov, MMH and Shahriar, S and Hasan, MF and Dutta, AK and Haque, ME},
title = {Computational structure modeling, functional characterization, and identification of potential inhibitors for the cyclic-di-GMP mediated biofilm forming membrane protein in Vibrio cholerae.},
journal = {In silico pharmacology},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {221},
pmid = {42707384},
issn = {2193-9616},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, continues to pose a serious global public health challenge, with its impact worsened by rising antibiotic resistance associated with bacterial biofilm formation. This study explicitly describes the role of the uncharacterised protein (UP) TYC33605.1 in cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP)-mediated biofilm regulation and identifies natural computationally predicted inhibitors to disrupt this mechanism. Functional annotation revealed TYC33605.1 as a membrane-associated diguanylate cyclase (DGC) with GGDEF and sensory domains, a potential driver for c-di-GMP synthesis and biofilm persistence. Homology modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations supported a plausible, stable predicted 3D structure (C-score: -1.22, Ramachandran favoured regions: 91.1%) and dynamic behaviour (average RMSD: 8.55 Å). Moreover, virtual molecular docking screening of 1,092 natural compounds identified Luteolin (CID 5280445) and Sativanone (CID 13886678) as top candidates, exhibiting strong binding affinities (- 9.1 and - 9.0 kcal/mol, respectively) and forming stable hydrogen bonds, π-cation, and hydrophobic interactions with key residues (Glu293, Arg364, Ala176). MD simulations (100 ns) were consistent with complex stability, with Luteolin and Sativanone showing lower RMSD fluctuations (7.78 and 8.13 Å) compared to the control and apoprotein. The ADME/Tox predictions indicated favourable pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK), high gastrointestinal absorption, no hepatotoxicity, and drug-likeness (Lipinski compliance). Besides, principal component, probability density function, and free energy analyses were consistent with ligand-induced conformational stability. This study proposes the molecular characterisation of the protein and the bioactive compounds Luteolin and Sativanone as promising inhibitors targeting TYC33605.1, offering a novel strategy to combat biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance and a framework for analogous antimicrobial discovery in Vibrio cholerae.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40203-026-00719-z.},
}

@article {pmid42708462,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, C and Ju, X and Ma, M and Li, K and Zhu, M and Tian, Y and Xie, Z and Niu, Z},
title = {A 4-Arm polyethylene-glycol-based multivalent galactoside disrupts Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and restores antibiotic susceptibility.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d6tb00885b},
pmid = {42708462},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {The formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) biofilm significantly enhances bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents and escape from the host immune system, making the treatment of related infections considerably more challenging. As a potential approach for anti-biofilm strategies, the inhibition of lectins often relies on multivalent interactions to enhance binding affinity between the inhibitor and its target. In this study, targeting the P. aeruginosa lectin LecA, we constructed a polyethylene glycol-based multivalent galactoside, termed 4-Arm-PEG-Gal, by modifying the termini of 4-Arm-PEG with galactosides specific to LecA. The results indicate that 4-Arm-PEG-Gal significantly disrupts mature biofilm and is specifically recognized by the lectin LecA. Compared to the use of antibiotics alone, the combination of 4-Arm-PEG-Gal and TOB reduces antibiotic usage by 75% and additionally eradicates 73% of the bacteria within the biofilm. Furthermore, in a model of chronic lung infection, the combination of 4-Arm-PEG-Gal and TOB cleared all bacteria from the lungs, significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in the lungs, and effectively ameliorated lung damage caused by bacterial infection.},
}

@article {pmid42708491,
year = {2026},
author = {Werner, N and Schöffel, M and Wittmer, A and Pelz, K and Vach, K and Frese, C and von Ohle, C and Wolff, D and Cieplik, F and Al-Ahmad, A},
title = {Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm-Forming Capacity of Oral Biofilm Bacteria in Patients With Periodontitis and Healthy Individuals.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e70400},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70400},
pmid = {42708491},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {AL 1179/5-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; CI 263/3-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; WE7745/1-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; VR-MED_FAK//Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts in Baden-Württemberg/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; Female ; Male ; *Periodontitis/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Adult ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Bacteria/drug effects/isolation & purification/classification ; Middle Aged ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Young Adult ; Mouth/microbiology ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to analyse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial isolates from subgingival biofilms of patients with periodontitis and supragingival biofilms of orally healthy individuals, and to explore the association between biofilm-forming capacity and AMR. Three hundred and forty-seven bacterial isolates from 44 patients were analysed. Bacterial isolates were obtained from subgingival/supragingival biofilm and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated by the Kirby-Bauer test, the E-test, and a β-lactamase activity assay, and biofilm formation capacity was assessed using the gentian violet assay. The 44 participants (median age 28.0 [25.0; 55.0]) were stratified into untreated generalised stage III/IV periodontitis (n = 21) and orally healthy (n = 23) groups. Among 347 isolates, 74.4% formed biofilms. AMR was generally higher in isolates from orally healthy subjects (77.7% vs. 59.1% in periodontitis patients, p < 0.001) and females (73.2% vs. 60.6% in males, p = 0.026). Multivariate binary logistic mixed models linked biofilm formation to AMR (OR: 1.66 CI: [1.12, 2.49]; p = 0.045 for severe biofilm formers and OR: 1.93 CI: [1.31, 2.83]; p = 0.004 for moderate biofilm formers). Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was thus commonly detected throughout the cohort and was at least as frequent in orally healthy participants as in patients with periodontitis. Because the orally healthy group was substantially younger, this contrast is confounded by age and smoking and cannot be interpreted as an independent effect of periodontal status. Furthermore, this study might indicate that biofilm-forming isolates may exhibit increased antibiotic resistance.},
}

Humans
*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
Female
Male
*Periodontitis/microbiology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Adult
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Bacteria/drug effects/isolation & purification/classification
Middle Aged
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
Young Adult
Mouth/microbiology

@article {pmid42708590,
year = {2026},
author = {Lim, HW and Xu, J and Koh, J and Cao, B and Tu, W},
title = {Amino acid reprogramming and biofilm-specific tricarboxylate transporters in PET-degrading Piscinibacter sakaiensis.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0146526},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01465-26},
pmid = {42708590},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Plastic-degrading bacteria predominantly colonize polymer surfaces as biofilms, yet it remains unclear whether the biofilm phenotype contributes to metabolism beyond retaining extracellular enzymes. Here, we combine population-level RNA-sequencing across three conditions-biofilm cells on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), planktonic cells incubated with PET, and planktonic cells on maltose-with single-cell Raman spectroscopy to characterize the PET response of Piscinibacter sakaiensis (formerly Ideonella sakaiensis). This integrated approach reveals two metabolically distinct response layers. A carbon-source-driven response shared by all PET-exposed cells is dominated by a broad amino acid reprogramming, led by upregulation of branched-chain amino acid transport genes, enhanced serine biosynthesis, and reduced chemotaxis. A biofilm-specific layer selectively induces tripartite tricarboxylate transporter genes from three distinct genomic loci. This transcriptional feature is accompanied by a single-cell phenotype consistent with a protein-rich and saturated membrane. These results suggest that biofilm formation is not limited to enzyme retention but is associated with selective activation of transport systems, consistent with a putative role in capturing PET-derived intermediates at the polymer interface. This two-layer model separates general metabolic adaptation to PET from biofilm-specific functions and provides a framework for understanding how surface-associated bacterial physiology contributes to plastic degradation.IMPORTANCEPolyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation in natural and engineered environments is largely mediated by surface-attached microbial communities, yet the physiological role of biofilm state during plastic degradation remains poorly understood. Using the model PET degrader Piscinibacter sakaiensis, we show that biofilm-associated cells are not simply retained near the polymer surface but exhibit a distinct metabolic program characterized by selective induction of tripartite tricarboxylate transporters. In contrast, extensive amino acid reprogramming occurs in both biofilm and planktonic PET-exposed cells, indicating that it is driven by carbon source rather than surface attachment. These findings reveal that PET degradation involves two separable physiological layers: a general metabolic response to PET-derived carbon shared across cell phenotypes, and a biofilm-specific transport response potentially linked to substrate capture at the plastic interface. This work advances our understanding of how microbial physiology is organized during plastic biodegradation and identifies transport processes as previously unrecognized components of PET-degrading biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42709211,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, Z and Fu, Q and Li, J and Wu, J and Wu, H and Liang, Y and Luo, Y and Yang, W and Li, H and Wang, T and Ni, G and Liu, X},
title = {Caerin 1.1/1.9 Inhibits Growth and Biofilm Formation of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Induces Coordinated Transcriptomic Stress Responses.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42709211},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Carbapenems/pharmacology ; *Transcriptome/drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Klebsiella Infections/microbiology ; Humans ; *Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/growth & development ; Stress, Physiological/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections and a World Health Organization critical-priority pathogen due to extensive antimicrobial resistance and limited treatment options. Host-defense peptides represent promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics because of their broad-spectrum activity and low propensity for resistance development. Here, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of a fixed 1:1 combination of the frog-derived peptides caerin 1.1 and caerin 1.9 (F1/F3) against a reference K. pneumoniae strain and four clinical CRKP isolates. Individually, F1 and F3 exhibited MICs of 12 µM against the reference strain, whereas the F1/F3 combination reduced the MIC to 5 µM and showed an additive antibacterial interaction. F1/F3 retained activity against clinical CRKP isolates with strain-dependent susceptibility and inhibited biofilm formation and reduced pre-established biofilm biomass in a concentration-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy revealed pronounced morphological and surface alterations following peptide treatment. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated broad bacterial responses to F1/F3 exposure, including downregulation of genes associated with ribosomal function, protein synthesis, metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation, together with activation of stress-response pathways and differential expression of predicted small regulatory RNAs. SNP analysis revealed no evidence of increased mutation burden following peptide exposure. These findings demonstrate the antibacterial potential of F1/F3 against CRKP and provide insights into bacterial responses associated with caerin peptide treatment.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/genetics/growth & development/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Carbapenems/pharmacology
*Transcriptome/drug effects
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Gene Expression Profiling
Klebsiella Infections/microbiology
Humans
*Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/growth & development
Stress, Physiological/drug effects

@article {pmid42701081,
year = {2026},
author = {Dadeh Amirfard, K and Amarasiri, M and Sano, D},
title = {Corrigendum to "Energy allocation trade-offs among conjugative transfer, biofilm formation, and heavy metal resistance: a dynamic energy budget theory perspective" [Water Research, 291 (2026), 125216].},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {126821},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126821},
pmid = {42701081},
issn = {1879-2448},
}

@article {pmid42701409,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, K and Zhang, B and Zhang, X and Yang, Y and Xu, Q and Xue, T},
title = {ArlR regulates environmental stress tolerance and biofilm formation in foodborne Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Current research in food science},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {101543},
pmid = {42701409},
issn = {2665-9271},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major Gram-positive pathogen capable of sensing and responding to diverse host- and environment-derived stresses, contributing to both clinical infections and foodborne illnesses. This exceptional stress tolerance is primarily mediated by intricate regulatory networks. Although the ArlRS two-component system is known to regulate autolysis, capsule synthesis, and virulence, the specific role of ArlR in environmental stress adaptation remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that deletion of arlR significantly reduces the tolerance of the foodborne strain RMSA49 to acetic acid, desiccation, whereas its responses to temperature and osmotic stress not affected. Notably, the arlR mutant also exhibits significantly enhanced biofilm formation. Transcriptomic analysis, validated by RT-qPCR, further reveals that ArlR regulates a broad set of stress- and biofilms-associated genes, highlighting its central role in coordinating environmental adaptation. These findings establish ArlR as a key regulator of environmental stress adaptation in foodborne S. aureus RMSA49 and suggest its potential as a target for controlling S. aureus.},
}

@article {pmid42701444,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, K and Feng, L and Ouyang, L and Li, X and Shi, X and Chen, L and Hao, M},
title = {Plasmid encoded mrk gene cluster promotes biofilm formation, environmental persistence, and invasiveness in Salmonella Thompson.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100394},
pmid = {42701444},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Biofilm formation is a fundamental survival strategy that enables bacterial persistence across diverse environments and hosts. While the mrk gene cluster encoding type 3 fimbriae is a well-established determinant of biofilm formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae, its presence and functional significance in Salmonella enterica remains poorly defined. In this study, we identified a plasmid-encoded mrkABCDF gene cluster carried on a highly conjugative IncX1 plasmid in a clinical Salmonella Thompson isolate. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the mrk-containing Tn6011 transposon, plasmid curing, targeted gene deletion, and genetic complementation, we systematically dissected the contribution of mrkABCDF genes to biofilm development and associated phenotypes. Loss of the mrk gene cluster resulted in a profound reduction in biofilm biomass and a concomitant increase in bacterial motility. Type 3 fimbriae were detected exclusively on the surface of mrk-positive cells, confirming their structural role in surface attachment. The mrk operon was strongly expressed from an IS1-associated promoter, bypassing canonical MrkH-dependent regulation. Functionally, mrk expression enhanced bacterial tolerance to desiccation and oxidative stresses, and reduced susceptibility to macrophage phagocytosis. In vivo, mrk-positive strains exhibited enhanced gastrointestinal colonization and tissue invasion. Notably, carbapenems exhibited exceptional efficacy in inhibiting mrk-mediated biofilm formation, indicating their superior potential for treating biofilm-associated infections. Our findings demonstrate that plasmid-encoded mrkABCDF genes can act as key architectural and functional determinants of biofilm formation in Salmonella enterica. The horizontal dissemination of mrk-carrying IncX1 plasmids may promote the emergence of biofilm-adapted Salmonella lineages with enhanced environmental persistence and host colonization potential.},
}

@article {pmid42701909,
year = {2026},
author = {Panigrahi, S and Roy, DN},
title = {Correction: Aloin of Aloe vera disrupts pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation: exploring nutritional therapeutics.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00203-026-05150-8},
pmid = {42701909},
issn = {1432-072X},
}

@article {pmid42702682,
year = {2026},
author = {Heidar, S and Hassan, HY and Schäfer, E and Saber, S},
title = {A preliminary antimicrobial investigation of lactobacillus bulgaricus probiotic supernatants as an intracanal medication against mature E. faecalis biofilm in an ex-vivo dentin blocks model.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {30},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42702682},
issn = {1436-3771},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects ; *Probiotics/pharmacology ; *Dentin/microbiology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; *Lactobacillus ; *Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology ; Calcium Hydroxide/pharmacology ; Humans ; Lactobacillus acidophilus ; *Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology ; },
abstract = {AIM: To provide a preliminary assessment of the antimicrobial potential of Lactobacillus bulgaricus probiotic against mature Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in dentin model under ex-vivo conditions using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

METHODS: Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic strains were grown, centrifuged, filtered by syringe filter size 0.45 microns to acquire cell free supernatants (CFS). Lyophilized CFS of each probiotic strain was individually mixed with Poloxamer gel using cold technique to prepare probiotic supernatants (PS) gel. Dentin blocks from cervical root portions were standardized at similar dimensions, infected with E. faecalis for 21 days to generate a mature biofilm. At the end of incubation, infected dentin blocks were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10) based on the medication as follows: positive control (PC), calcium hydroxide (CH), Lactobacillus acidophilus PS gel (LA), Lactobacillus bulgaricus PS gel (LB), Lactobacillus combination PS gel (LC) combining LA and LB at a 1:1 ratio. All dentin blocks were medicated and incubated for 7 days under anaerobic conditions. Then, dentin blocks were examined with CLSM at 40X magnification; three-dimensional imaging in Z-stack mode was processed, and the dead E. faecalis% was quantitatively assessed using bioImage_L v21 software and total biovolume was calculated. Dead E. faecalis% were compared across groups using a one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Biovolume data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc test with p-value adjustment using Holm's method. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 for all tests. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.6.0 for Windows.

RESULTS: LB was linked to the highest percentage of dead E. faecalis% (p < 0.05), followed by LC, LA, CH, and the PC. Significant differences in dead E. faecalis% were observed between all groups (p < 0.05) except for CH and the PC groups. There was no significant difference in total biovolume among all groups.

CONCLUSION: The Initial assessment of LB showed a promising antimicrobial action in dentin model that exceeded LA and CH. As biofilm biovolume was unaffected, LB appears to reduce bacterial viability rather than remove biofilm mass, warranting further validation in polymicrobial and intact canal models.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Probiotics may be of clinical relevance due to their antimicrobial action against E. faecalis.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects
*Probiotics/pharmacology
*Dentin/microbiology
Microscopy, Confocal
*Lactobacillus
*Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology
Calcium Hydroxide/pharmacology
Humans
Lactobacillus acidophilus
*Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology

@article {pmid42702805,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Wan, B and Yao, S and Guo, M and Ding, T and Feng, J and Liu, D and Xu, E},
title = {Nanostarch-Functionalized PDMS Membranes Inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm via Topographical Interference and Metabolic Perturbation.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e71704},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.71704},
pmid = {42702805},
issn = {2192-2659},
support = {32272464//Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms pose persistent public health challenges, and although surface modification is a promising anti-biofilm strategy, environmentally friendly approaches remain limited. Here, we report a nanostarch-functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (NS-PDMS) membrane with potent anti-biofilm efficacy arising from physical topographical interference coupled with metabolism-associated adaptation in surface-attached bacteria. Corn-derived starch nanoparticles (∼200 nm), produced via tunable antisolvent precipitation, were thermally deposited onto PDMS, forming an interwoven porous topography that physically impedes Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 adhesion. This microporous architecture enhances surface hydrophilicity and adsorption of extracellular metabolites. Transcriptomic analysis revealed pronounced metabolic disruption in surface-attached cells, particularly in denitrification, leading to impaired proton motive force generation and ATP production. In a CAUTI model, NS-PDMS resisted P. aeruginosa colonization and alleviated bladder inflammation. Biofilms on NS-PDMS showed enhanced chlorine susceptibility, achieving ∼96% viability reduction. This work presents a sustainable nanostarch-based anti-biofilm strategy with broad healthcare and food-processing potential.},
}

@article {pmid42702835,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, R and Song, Y and Zeng, J and Ma, Q and Zhou, L and Du, S and Wang, M and Hao, L and Jiang, R and Qi, X},
title = {Self-Reinforced DNase-Based Nanosystem With Accelerated Biofilm Disruption and Boosted Antibiotic Delivery for Bacterial Keratitis Therapy.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e71691},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.71691},
pmid = {42702835},
issn = {2192-2659},
support = {52305317//National Science Foundation of China/ ; tsqn202408379//research collaboration project between Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province/ ; 202307021470//Shandong Province Medical Health Science and Technology Project/ ; W2412095//National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; ZR20230B113//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 2024KJH045//Youth Innovation Team of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections remain refractory to antibiotics due to the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) barrier limiting drug penetration and promoting drug resistance genes transfer. Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I)-based strategies designed to degrade the EPS scaffold paradoxically fail within the biofilm microenvironment, where oxidative stress rapidly deactivates the enzyme and its cleavage efficiency remains intrinsically low. Here, we developed a self-reinforced nanosystem (D-HIC) by integrating MnO2 (HMnO2) with DNase I and co-loading indocyanine green and ciprofloxacin, simultaneously addressing the intrinsic limitations of enzyme-based therapies. Crucially, HMnO2 catalyzed the excess ROS to protect DNase I from oxidative degradation, and this catalytic process is accompanied by the generation of Mn[2+] which was found to significantly accelerate DNase I-mediated EPS cleavage by nearly fourfold to achieve rapid biofilm skeleton disruption. This potentiation created rapid penetration channels, enabling deep delivery of loadings for near-infrared-triggered complete biofilm elimination and remarkable bacterial killing rate (>99%) at reduced antibiotic doses. In a murine bacterial keratitis model, this strategy achieved superior therapeutic outcomes compared to clinical eye drops. By coupling oxidative stress relief with catalytic cofactor generation from a single material platform, this work establishes a versatile strategy that overcomes the fundamental limitations of traditional enzyme-based antibiofilm approaches.},
}

@article {pmid42703023,
year = {2026},
author = {Perez-Muelas, E and Ruiz-Fresneda, MA and Lazuen-Lopez, G and Lopez-Perez, T and Eddaoudi-Lakraichi, F and Bakkali, M and Merroun, ML},
title = {Genomic Insights Into the Multimetal Resilience and Biofilm-Templated Nanorod Biosynthesis of Stenotrophomonas bentonitica BII-R7: Bioremediation and Green Nanotechnology Implications.},
journal = {Microbial biotechnology},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {e70422},
doi = {10.1111/1751-7915.70422},
pmid = {42703023},
issn = {1751-7915},
support = {101079345//HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme/ ; TED2021-131099B-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; },
mesh = {*Stenotrophomonas/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Nanotubes/chemistry ; Genomics ; Nanotechnology ; Selenium/metabolism ; Metals/metabolism ; },
abstract = {While microbial metal reduction is widely documented, the genomic determinants that govern the morphological transition from disordered phases to structured nanocrystals remain elusive. Here, we present an integrative study of Stenotrophomonas bentonitica BII-R7, a strain exhibiting exceptional metal resistance and the unique capacity to synthesize crystalline trigonal selenium (t-Se) nanorods. Comparative pangenomic analysis of 38 Stenotrophomonas strains revealed that BII-R7 possesses a notably large accessory genome of 2311 exclusive singletons. We identify a specialized genomic toolkit, absent in all related strains, comprising key metal resistance determinants (e.g., copB, copF, and czcA) alongside extracellular remodelling enzymes (Wzyligase and GH92-glycosyl hydrolase). This unique repertoire confers BII-R7 with significantly higher Cu and Ni tolerance compared to related Stenotrophomonas species, which we hypothesize is fundamental for maintaining metabolic activity in polymetallic environments. RT-qPCR and functional assays confirm that these singletons are not only upregulated under metal stress (e.g., czcA: 42.2-fold) but are also consistent with a critical role in maintaining biofilm resilience. Crucially, we propose a mechanistic model where this unique genetic repertoire governs the assembly of a compositionally distinctive Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS). Using a three-state (biofilm, planktonic, EPS-depleted) experiment, we provide direct phenotypic evidence that an intact EPS matrix is required for the efficient transition from amorphous nanospheres to highly ordered crystalline nanorods, and we propose that it acts as a molecular template directing the anisotropic growth of selenium. By bridging genomics and bionanotechnology, this work positions BII-R7 as a promising candidate for sustainable green synthesis and bioremediation, while defining the targeted gene-knockout and complementation experiments now required to establish direct causal roles for the candidate determinants.},
}

*Stenotrophomonas/genetics/metabolism/physiology
Biodegradation, Environmental
Genome, Bacterial
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Nanotubes/chemistry
Genomics
Nanotechnology
Selenium/metabolism
Metals/metabolism

@article {pmid42703722,
year = {2026},
author = {Tegegne, DT and Jajor, P and Bania, J and Migdał, P and Dziedzic, R and Poźniak, B},
title = {Assessment of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm response to amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin using a dynamic in vitro pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.},
journal = {The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy},
volume = {81},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jac/dkag311},
pmid = {42703722},
issn = {1460-2091},
support = {N070/0011/24//Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology/pharmacokinetics ; *Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/physiology ; *Amoxicillin/pharmacology/pharmacokinetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/pharmacokinetics ; *Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Humans ; *Catheter-Related Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Bacterial Load ; Microbial Viability/drug effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common types of healthcare-associated infections. Among uropathogens, Enterococcus faecalis is particularly notable for its strong capacity to form biofilms on urinary catheters, thereby decreasing its susceptibility to antibiotics commonly used to treat CAUTIs. However, current antibiotic dosing strategies still rely on planktonic phenotypes, limiting their applicability to biofilm-associated infections. To address this limitation, a dynamic in vitro pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model was developed to assess E. faecalis biofilms' response to different treatment regimens.

METHODS: Biofilms of model E. faecalis strains (ATCC 29212 and 54) were preformed on urinary catheters. Mature biofilms were subjected to simulated urinary dosing regimens of amoxicillin (500 mg q12h for 3 days) or ciprofloxacin (500 mg q24h for 3 days), as well as to constant antibiotic concentrations for 3 days. Viable bacterial counts and biofilm biomass were then measured at predefined timepoints, and the effects of the simulated dosing regimens were compared to those observed under constant antibiotic exposure.

RESULTS: Our findings indicate that daily ciprofloxacin demonstrated the greatest antibacterial activity, significantly surpassing the effects of constant ciprofloxacin exposure, twice-daily dosing of amoxicillin, and constant amoxicillin exposure. Although the simulated amoxicillin regimen was more effective than constant amoxicillin exposure, both achieved only moderate reductions. Notably, constant amoxicillin exposure induced biofilm formation. Ciprofloxacin exhibited markedly greater antibiofilm activity than amoxicillin against both E. faecalis strains. Among the evaluated regimens, CIP 500 mg q24h produced the most pronounced reduction in biofilm bacterial burden, achieving decreases exceeding 3 log10 cfu/cm2 in both strains after 72 h of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that antibiotic efficacy against E. faecalis biofilms depends on the antibiotic and its dosing regimen, with fluctuating ciprofloxacin exposure producing the strongest bactericidal effect and biofilm reduction.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology/pharmacokinetics
*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/physiology
*Amoxicillin/pharmacology/pharmacokinetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/pharmacokinetics
*Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Humans
*Catheter-Related Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Bacterial Load
Microbial Viability/drug effects

@article {pmid42698529,
year = {2026},
author = {Antunes, JT and Gomes, IB and Proia, L},
title = {Editorial: Biofilms in aquatic environments and new strategies for microbial biofilm control.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1960548},
pmid = {42698529},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid42700653,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Chen, C and Xia, A and Kumar, V and Zhang, J and Huang, Y and Zhu, X and Zhu, X and Liao, Q},
title = {Acidic-site-mediated interfacial interactions promote methanogen adhesion and biofilm formation on conductive carriers for anaerobic digestion.},
journal = {Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces},
volume = {269},
number = {},
pages = {116122},
doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.116122},
pmid = {42700653},
issn = {1873-4367},
abstract = {The application of conductive substrates in anaerobic digestion has garnered growing interest due to their potential to enhance wastewater treatment performance. However, the initial attachment mechanisms governing distinct colonization across substrates remain unclear. In this study, the most commonly used conductive materials from previous research (biochar, activated carbon, magnetite, and graphite) were employed to investigate the adhesion and biofilm formation characteristics of a typical electron acceptor, Methanosarcina barkeri. Results indicate that adsorption is governed primarily by Lewis acid-base interactions between acidic functional groups on the activated carbon surface and methanochondroitin in the cellular outer layer. During early colonization, cell attachment to activated carbon was 2.3, 3.3 and 6.3 times higher than biochar, magnetite and graphite, respectively. This mechanism was corroborated by substrate modification experiments demonstrating that removing surface acidic functional groups reduced attachment capacity by 57.6%, whereas enriching carboxyl groups increased it by 116.8%. Theoretical calculations revealed that this enhancement arises from an attractive interaction energy of approximately -15 kcal/mol between methanochondroitin and carboxyl groups. Consequently, this advantage in early colonization promoted the preferential formation of a structurally mature, extracellular polymeric substances-rich biofilm on the activated carbon surface, ensuring mechanical stability under fluid shear stress and providing substantial material support for efficient electron transfer and storage. This study provides a predictive framework for substrate selection, in which tailoring surface functional-group density to match specific microbial biochemical motifs enables the development of high-performance systems, shifting the field from empirical trial and error to rational design.},
}

@article {pmid42700947,
year = {2026},
author = {Francese, MM and Kim, RR and Bicalho, JP and Barros, HZ and Vertuan, M and Magalhães, AC},
title = {Effect of a toothpaste containing titanium tetrafluoride and chitosan on enamel and dentin demineralization in an in vitro microcosm biofilm model.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107029},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2026.107029},
pmid = {42700947},
issn = {1879-176X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the anticariogenic effect and antibacterial activity of a titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4)/chitosan (Ch) toothpaste on enamel and dentin demineralization in an in vitro microcosm biofilm model.

METHODS: Microcosm biofilm was produced from human saliva mixed with McBain saliva (0.2% sucrose) on bovine enamel and dentin for three days (5% CO2, 37°C). The treatments were applied as slurry (1 × 60 s/day): 1) TiF4/Ch (1400 ppm F⁻, 0.5% chitosan, 75% deacetylation, 500 mPas, pH 4.5); 2) TiF4 (1400 ppm F[-], pH 4.5); 3) Ch (0.5% chitosan, 75% deacetylation, 500 mPas, pH 4.5); 4) Elmex® Caries Protection (GABA, Switzerland, 1450 ppm F[-] as AmF, pH 4.5, positive control); 5) placebo (pH 7.0, negative control); and 6) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2). Colony-forming units (CFU) count was performed for total microorganisms, Lactobacillus spp., and Streptococcus mutans/S. sobrinus. Demineralization was measured by transverse microradiography (TMR). Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: In enamel biofilm, TiF4/Ch significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans/S. sobrinus compared to placebo, whereas in dentin biofilm, this effect was observed only for TiF4 alone compared to both placebo and PBS. In enamel, TiF₄/Ch showed the lowest values of the integrated mineral loss (ΔZ) and lesion depth (LD), differing from Chitosan, Placebo and PBS groups. In dentin, similar performance was found for TiF4 and Elmex® on ΔZ, but not on LD (Elmex® was similar to placebo). No performance difference was observed between TiF4 and TiF4/Ch under this model.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, toothpastes containing TiF4 were able to reduce enamel and dentin demineralization in an in vitro microcosm biofilm model.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TiF₄/Ch toothpaste reduced enamel and dentin demineralization under the present in vitro model, supporting its anticaries potential.},
}

@article {pmid42694949,
year = {2026},
author = {Shalipour, A and Kiaheyrati, N and Ali Hossien, H and Fardsanei, F and Bahari, M and Nikkhahi, F},
title = {From Phenotype to Genotype: A Clonal Perspective on Virulence and Biofilm Formation in Bloodstream-Derived Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {627946},
pmid = {42694949},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections, BSIs caused by Escherichia coli are a major healthcare concern due to the increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant and virulent strains. This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of bloodstream-derived E. coli isolates, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, virulence-associated genes, phylogenetic distribution, and clonal diversity.

METHODS: A total of 150 blood culture samples were collected from patients with suspected BSIs, of which 60 (40%) E. coli isolates were recovered and confirmed using conventional microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to the CLSI2026 guidelines, whereas biofilm formation was assessed using a microtiter plate assay. Virulence genes, phylogenetic groups, and clonal relationships were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction-based, PCR methods.

RESULTS: High susceptibility rates were observed for colistin (96.7%) and meropenem (93.3%), whereas the highest rates of resistance were detected against ciprofloxacin (93.3%) and co-trimoxazole (61.7%). Multidrug resistance, MDR was detected in 41.7% of the isolates, while 31.7% were phenotypically characterized as Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase, ESBL producers. Biofilm analysis revealed that 75% of the isolates were capable of biofilm formation. Among the investigated virulence genes, fimH (88.3%), ompT (73.3%), and irp2 (58.3%) were most prevalent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a predominance of groups B2 (26.7%), B1 (23.3%), and D (23.3%). The ERIC-PCR analysis classified the isolates into 26 distinct ERIC types, indicating substantial genetic diversity.

CONCLUSION: The coexistence of virulence-associated genes, biofilm-forming ability, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic diversity among bloodstream-derived E. coli isolates highlights the circulation of potentially high-risk lineages in healthcare environments. These observations underscore the necessity for ongoing molecular epidemiological monitoring and the implementation of effective infection control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42695726,
year = {2026},
author = {Jeremia, L and Bezold, EL and Wuest, WM},
title = {Total Synthesis and Biofilm Inhibitory Studies of Knightine Cembranoid Diterpenes.},
journal = {The Journal of organic chemistry},
volume = {91},
number = {35},
pages = {12120-12125},
doi = {10.1021/acs.joc.6c01571},
pmid = {42695726},
issn = {1520-6904},
support = {GM119426/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; TL1 DK136047/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; NA//Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation/ ; NA//Roche Diagnostics/ ; },
mesh = {*Diterpenes/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry ; Animals ; Molecular Structure ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {We report the first total synthesis of the cembranoid diterpenes knightol, knightal, and knightol acetate isolated from the Caribbean Sea Whip, Eunicea knighti. Highlights of the synthesis include leveraging farnesol as a feedstock starting material, a late-stage Shi epoxidation, and a penultimate Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons macrocyclization. Biological studies reveal modest biofilm inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus for the most active member, (-)-knightol.},
}

*Diterpenes/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry
Animals
Molecular Structure
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid42695887,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, HH and Ju, Y and Liu, Y and Jiang, M and Yao, H and Zhao, S and Cui, G and Yin, TP and Wang, Z and Du, GF and Yang, XY},
title = {Targeting Arginine Metabolism via ArcR: Blestriarene B Suppresses Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation and Cellular ATP Production.},
journal = {Journal of proteome research},
volume = {25},
number = {9},
pages = {4757-4771},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jproteome.6c00236},
pmid = {42695887},
issn = {1535-3907},
support = {QKH-MS[2025]344//Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; 18zy-005//Zunyi Medical University/ ; 2024KCXTD005//Innovation Team Project for Universities in Guangdong Province/ ; 32360117//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; KC25104//Xuzhou Sustainable Development Social Public Welfare Research Grant on Health and Wellness/ ; ZHGY2024-1//Zunyi Medical University/ ; ZHTD2024-2//Zunyi Medical University/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/metabolism/physiology/genetics ; *Arginine/metabolism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Adenosine Triphosphate/biosynthesis/metabolism ; Animals ; *Repressor Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Blestriarene B (BB), a biphenanthrene compound isolated from the medicinal plant Bletilla striata, possesses antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus; however, its molecular target and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Arginine metabolism plays a pivotal role in antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm development, making this pathway an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we demonstrate that blestriarene B exerts potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus both in vitro and in vivo. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics analysis suggests that the antibacterial mechanism of blestriarene B involves an interaction with the HTH-type transcriptional regulator ArcR, which is a key regulator of arginine catabolism. Comparative analyses between wild-type and arcR-deficient S. aureus strains confirmed that ArcR is the molecular target of blestriarene B. Further mechanistic studies revealed that blestriarene B inhibits biofilm formation, impairs cellular ATP production, and ultimately induces bacterial death by binding to ArcR. Collectively, these findings identify blestriarene B as a promising antibacterial drug and validate ArcR as a novel target for anti-S. aureus therapeutics.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/metabolism/physiology/genetics
*Arginine/metabolism
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Adenosine Triphosphate/biosynthesis/metabolism
Animals
*Repressor Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy/microbiology

@article {pmid42696471,
year = {2026},
author = {Pinder, H and Rudkin, JK and Quail, NPA and Wall, DM and Young, P and Rooney, LM},
title = {Convergent methodologies in prosthetic joint infection research: integrating transdisciplinary approaches to understand and prevent biofilm-driven failure of orthopaedic prostheses.},
journal = {Journal of medical microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42696471},
issn = {1473-5644},
mesh = {*Prosthesis-Related Infections/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; *Joint Prosthesis/microbiology ; Prosthesis Failure ; },
abstract = {Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) remain among the most devastating complications of arthroplasty, imposing substantial clinical, economic and patient burdens. Although culture-based diagnostics underpin current clinical practice, PJIs are biofilm-driven infections shaped by taxonomic diversity, spatial organization, host responses and surface interactions, meaning conventional approaches provide only a partial and often decontextualized view of the infection process. We examine how convergent methodologies can transform PJI research by integrating approaches that have traditionally been studied in isolation, including sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics, advanced imaging and culture-based characterization. We discuss how whole-genome sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches resolve pathogen identity, functional activity and adaptive persistence and how cross-scale imaging and spatial biology techniques reveal where microbes colonize, interact and survive across implant surfaces. We highlight emerging opportunities to unify these datasets into coherent frameworks that capture both the molecular and physical dimensions of PJIs. Integrating these complementary approaches will enable a multi-layered understanding of PJIs that link composition, function and spatial organization. Ultimately, this provides a foundation for predictive diagnostics, precision antimicrobial strategies and improved implant design and supports a shift towards more effective, mechanism-informed management of implant-associated infection.},
}

*Prosthesis-Related Infections/microbiology/prevention & control
*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
*Joint Prosthesis/microbiology
Prosthesis Failure

@article {pmid42688403,
year = {2026},
author = {Idrees, A and Abbas, IS and Li, J and Hussein, M and Velkov, T},
title = {Zanthoxylum beecheyanum enhances vancomycin activity and inhibits biofilm formation in resistant staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1919407},
pmid = {42688403},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus continues to compromise the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapy and highlights the need for novel adjunctive treatment strategies. Despite the traditional medicinal use of Zanthoxylum species, the antibacterial potential of Zanthoxylum beecheyanum remains largely unexplored. Here, we characterized the chemical composition of Zanthoxylum beecheyanum essential oil (ZBEO) and evaluated its antibacterial activity against a panel of clinically relevant S. aureus strains, its ability to potentiate vancomycin activity, and its effects on biofilm formation. GC-MS profiling identified D-limonene and methyl cinnamate as the predominant volatile metabolites. ZBEO exhibited antibacterial activity against all tested strains, with MIC values ranging from 8 to 128 mg/L. Checkerboard assays demonstrated synergistic effects between ZBEO and vancomycin, with fractional inhibitory concentration index values as low as 0.375. Time-kill assays showed that ZBEO exhibited antibacterial activity as monotherapy and, in combination, enhanced bacterial killing and reduced bacterial regrowth compared with vancomycin alone. In addition, ZBEO inhibited biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner, with the greatest activity observed during combination treatment with vancomycin. Preliminary safety assessment demonstrated low hemolytic activity and limited cytotoxicity toward HEK-293 cells (CC50 > 128 mg/L) within the antibacterial concentration range. These findings identify ZBEO as a promising adjunct to vancomycin for enhancing antibacterial activity and inhibiting S. aureus biofilm formation, warranting further investigation as a plant derived adjunctive therapy for difficult-to-treat staphylococcal infections.},
}

@article {pmid42690706,
year = {2026},
author = {Garcia-Bonillo, C and López-Lisbona, R and Díez-Ferrer, M and Marti, S and Gilabert, J and Cubero, N and Santos, S and Borrós, S and Rosell, A and Texidó, R},
title = {Nanostructured Silver-Coated Silicone Tracheal Stents Confer Hybrid Anti-Biofilm Activity In Vivo.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.6c00591},
pmid = {42690706},
issn = {2576-6422},
support = {RTC-2017-6668-1//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial colonization and biofilm formation remain major limitations of airway stenting, contributing to device obstruction and infection-related complications. Here, we translated to silicone tracheal stents a previously developed plasma-assisted micro/nanostructured silver interface designed to provide hybrid anti-biofilm activity through reduced bacterial adhesion and controlled silver release. The coated stents were characterized to confirm the generation of the nanostructured silver coating and were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro, followed by in vivo assessment in a miniature pig airway model. In vitro, the coating reproduced the dual bacteriophobic and silver-mediated antimicrobial behavior previously observed on model silicone surfaces. In vivo, animals implanted with silver-coated stents showed lower endpoint bacterial loads in bronchial washes than those receiving commercial stents (1.0 × 108 vs 1.2 × 109 CFU/mL, p =0.0085). Bacterial adhesion on explanted stents was also markedly lower for coated devices (109 vs 1011 CFU /cm2, 99.8% reduction, p < 0.0001), and scanning electron microscopy showed a thinner and less mature biofilm structure. Potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were more frequently detected on commercial stents, whereas coated stents were mainly associated with the native respiratory microbiota. Overall, these results indicate that nanostructured silver-coated silicone tracheal stents display hybrid anti-biofilm functionality in a challenging in vivo airway setting.},
}

@article {pmid42690754,
year = {2026},
author = {Koirala, M and Shi, Y and Carter, MQ and Fagerquist, CK},
title = {Computational Simulations of Biofilm-Associated Proteins Generated by Pathogenic Escherichia coli Identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Top-Down Protein Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry},
volume = {37},
number = {9},
pages = {2155-2167},
doi = {10.1021/jasms.6c00188},
pmid = {42690754},
issn = {1879-1123},
support = {DE-SC0014664//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; 0500-00093-001-00-D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; 2030-42000-055-000-D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
mesh = {*Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/methods ; *Escherichia coli Proteins/chemistry/analysis/metabolism ; *Escherichia coli/chemistry/physiology ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Biofilms ; Protein Conformation ; },
abstract = {Five proteins extracted from bacterial biofilms of a pathogenic Escherichia coli strain were identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometry and top-down protein analysis. They are cold-shock proteins CspC and CspE, DNA-binding proteins HU-α and HU-β and CsgA (the major subunit of curli). The fragmentation efficiency of these singly charged protein ions varied considerably. The pattern of fragment ions obtained from tandem mass spectrometry postsource decay of these protein ions was compared to in silico protein structures obtained using AlphaFold3 to better understand the factors that contribute to their gas phase dissociation as well as their likelihood of unfolding during MALDI sample preparation. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed to calculate the root-mean-square fluctuations (RMSF) of Cα atoms and root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of the protein backbone to assess their propensity to unfold/denature during MALDI sample preparation. A molecular dynamics simulation was performed on a curli multimer composed of one CsgB (the minor curli subunit) and five CsgA which showed rapid disintegration of this short curli complex in hexafluoro-isopropanol (HFIP) consistent with experimental observations. Strong hydrogen bonding of HFIP appears to disrupt the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of this amyloid protein complex but does not unfold CsgA monomer because of 138 intramolecular hydrogen bonds present in its solenoidal β-sheet structure. Finally, electrostatic analysis of the curli complex reveals partitioned regions of positive and negative charge along the fibril axis that may facilitate its assembly.},
}

*Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/methods
*Escherichia coli Proteins/chemistry/analysis/metabolism
*Escherichia coli/chemistry/physiology
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
*Biofilms
Protein Conformation

@article {pmid42692596,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiang, Y and Wang, E and Mo, X and Wei, Z and Xu, Z and Li, W and Lin, C and Zhang, Y and Ma, C and Zheng, B and Li, Z and Liu, C and Deng, R and Xu, T and Liang, Z and He, Y and He, J},
title = {Illicium verum polysaccharide targets fimbriae and flagella to disrupt biofilm and inhibit multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli proliferation.},
journal = {Carbohydrate polymers},
volume = {390},
number = {},
pages = {125711},
doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125711},
pmid = {42692596},
issn = {1879-1344},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology ; *Polysaccharides/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Flagella/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; *Fimbriae, Bacterial/drug effects ; },
abstract = {The widespread dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli has led to a decrease in the efficacy of antibiotics, posing severe challenges to clinical anti-infective therapy. Owing to their safety, multitarget activities, and low risk of inducing drug resistance, plant polysaccharides represent a promising alternative strategy. In this study, an acidic polysaccharide (IVP-3) was isolated and purified from the medicinal and edible plant Illicium verum, and it was found to inhibit MDR E. coli colonization by disrupting its biofilm. The Mw of IVP-3 was determined to be 35.566 kDa. Its backbone consists of →4)-α-D-GalpA-6-OMe-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →3,4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 → residues, whereas the branched chain is composed of α-L-Araf-(1 → 5)-α-L-Araf-(1 → attached to the O-5 position of →2,5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, which is further linked to the O-3 position of the backbone. Mechanistically, IVP-3 disrupts the structure of fimbriae and flagella, inhibits bacterial motility, effectively prevents initial biofilm adhesion, and eradicates preformed mature biofilms. Additionally, IVP-3 damages cell membrane integrity, disrupts the proton motive force, and induces energy metabolism disorder, efflux pump inhibition, and oxidative stress, ultimately leading to bacterial lysis. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of natural antibacterial agents targeting MDR E. coli biofilms and for the high-value utilization of Illicium verum.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology
*Polysaccharides/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects
*Flagella/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
*Fimbriae, Bacterial/drug effects

@article {pmid42694036,
year = {2026},
author = {Molnár, A and Vaz, AG and Homa, M and Tyagi, C and Bodai, L and Nagy, G and Zsindely, N and Németh, D and Sinka, R and Kedves, A and Rónavári, A and Kónya, Z and Janovák, L and Rafael, B and Szegedi, BF and Kiss, K and Khaliefeh, T and Voigt, K and Nagy, G and Szebenyi, C and Papp, T},
title = {Three hydrophobic surface binding a proteins link surface hydrophobicity to sporulation, biofilm formation, and host interaction in Mucor lusitanicus.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1904531},
pmid = {42694036},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Mucor/physiology/genetics/growth & development/pathogenicity/metabolism ; *Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; *Spores, Fungal/growth & development ; Virulence ; Mucormycosis/microbiology ; Animals ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Protein Binding ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Mucor lusitanicus is a model organism for studying fungal development and physiology, as well as pathogenicity of Mucorales fungi. Hydrophobic surface-binding proteins (HsbA family) have been described in filamentous fungi as interface-associated factors involved in adhesion, enzymatic recruitment, and surface interactions; however, their functional diversification in Mucorales remains poorly understood.

METHODS: Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of three HsbA proteins in M. lusitanicus.

RESULTS: All examined HsbA proteins share a conserved α-helical fold with a hydrophobic core and are capable of binding fatty acids, while displaying differential affinity for hydrophobic interfaces.

DISCUSSION: These structural properties translate into distinct surface-associated functions, including modulation of surface hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, and sporangial architecture. Genetic analyses further demonstrate that HsbA proteins play a central role in developmental regulation, affecting spore germination timing, stress responses, sporulation, and spore hydrophobicity. At the host interaction level, HsbA overexpression increases early phagocytic uptake but impairs infection progression, whereas gene disruption enhances virulence in in vivo insect models. These findings support a model in which HsbA proteins primarily regulate developmental timing rather than acting as classical virulence determinants. Collectively, our results show that HsbA proteins in M. lusitanicus function as regulators that couple fungal surface remodeling with developmental transitions. Unlike previously characterized fungal surface systems that mainly mediate adhesion, immune evasion, or enzymatic recruitment, Mucor HsbA proteins integrate surface properties with growth timing, thereby coordinating environmental adaptation and host-pathogen interactions.},
}

Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Mucor/physiology/genetics/growth & development/pathogenicity/metabolism
*Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
*Spores, Fungal/growth & development
Virulence
Mucormycosis/microbiology
Animals
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
Protein Binding

@article {pmid42694428,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, S and Yao, Y and Shen, H and Zhang, X},
title = {Light-responsive sodium butyrate-loaded manganese porphyrinic HOF for enhanced antibacterial and biofilm-inhibitory activity.},
journal = {Frontiers in chemistry},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1941361},
pmid = {42694428},
issn = {2296-2646},
abstract = {Bacterial infections of biofilms are hard to treat as the matrix and physiological differences in the cells within a biofilm limit the ability of traditional antibiotics to control the growth of bacteria. We synthesized a sodium butyrate-encapsulated manganese tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin hydrogen-bonded organic framework (NaB@Mn-TCPP HOF), which was used to determine its physical and chemical properties, guest-loading capacity, release behavior, hemolytic effects, antibacterial activity and anti-biofilm formation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The NaB incorporation was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential measurement, elemental mapping, and other methods demonstrated that the parent Mn-TCPP HOF retained most of its principal spectroscopic, solid-state diffraction, and colloidal features. Indirect spectrophotometry of absorbance of UV light revealed an apparent loading of NaB of 56 percent with respect to the mass of carrier at feed ratio of 4 mg NaB per 5 mg carrier corresponding to an estimated NaB content of about 36 wt% in the recovered composite and an apparent encapsulation rate of about 70%. About half of the calculated loaded NaB was released gradually over 12 h without reaching the final plateau. In a five-group design that is exploratory and not dose-matched, images of the colonies were taken after exposure to 660 nm irradiation at 100 mW cm[-2,] and the results indicated the reduction of colony development, crystal-violet staining, propidium-iodide-associated signal, and surface-related bacterial coverage in the NaB@Mn-TCPP HOF group. Biofilm experiment was performed on the inhibition of a new biofilm in the course of 24 h instead of destroying an already matured one. After 2 hours of exposure, less than 5 percent hemolysis was produced by the composite at 100 micrograms mL [-1]. These findings can be used to make further studies of NaB@Mn-TCPP HOF as a combined material platform that reacts to light. It has not been clarified by the current design whether reactive oxygen species, manganese excretion, the pathway of bacteria controlled by NaB, or pharmacological interactions were involved.},
}

@article {pmid42682542,
year = {2026},
author = {Al-Bayatı, ESA and Külahcı, MB and Yıldız, Y},
title = {Fermented sausage-derived Latilactobacillus sakei postbiotic inhibits biofilm formation and quorum sensing-related virulence in clinical antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Food science and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {11},
pages = {3337-3348},
pmid = {42682542},
issn = {2092-6456},
abstract = {A single-center in vitro study was performed using 50 clinically-derived Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates to evaluate the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and modulation of quorum sensing (QS)-related phenotypes of a fermented sausage-originated Latilactobacillus sakei postbiotic. A total of 50 antibiotic-resistant clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were evaluated. Thirty isolates (60%) were identified as strong biofilm producers. Biofilm formation was inhibited in all strong biofilm-producing isolates following treatment with the MIC/2 concentration of the L. sakei postbiotic. Application of the postbiotic at the MIC/2 concentration reduced biofilm formation and attenuated QS-regulated virulence traits, including pyocyanin production, exoprotease activity, swimming motility, and rhamnolipid production, in strong biofilm-forming isolates. These findings indicate that L. sakei-derived postbiotic may serve as a promising in vitro anti-virulence candidate against antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa by reducing biofilm formation and quorum sensing-related phenotypes. Nevertheless, further chemical, molecular, safety, and in vivo studies are needed to confirm its potential applications.},
}

@article {pmid42682619,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, X and Chen, F and Zheng, C and Yin, S},
title = {Immune-inflammatory prediction of PICC-related bloodstream infection in oldest-old adults with exploratory berberine biofilm-inflammation experiments.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1914929},
pmid = {42682619},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adults aged 80 years or older frequently require peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement for prolonged intravenous therapy, nutritional support, and difficult vascular access. In this oldest-old population, PICC-related bloodstream infection (PICC-CRBSI) risk may be shaped by catheter factors, frailty, nutritional depletion, immune-inflammatory imbalance, and competing events such as death or non-infectious catheter removal. This study developed and internally validated a competing-risk model for 60-day definite PICC-CRBSI in patients aged ≥80 years and separately explored the antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activity of berberine in vitro.

METHODS: Consecutive patients aged ≥80 years who underwent PICC placement at a single tertiary teaching hospital between January 2019 and December 2025 were included in a retrospective cohort. The prediction landmark was 24 h after PICC insertion. Definite PICC-CRBSI within 60 days was analyzed with death and non-infectious PICC removal treated as competing events. Clinical, biomarker, and combined models were developed using L2-penalized Fine-Gray regression and internally validated with 1,000 patient-level bootstrap resamples. After model locking, a separate exploratory substudy evaluated berberine effects on Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms formed on PICC material and on macrophage inflammatory responses induced by risk-stratified donor plasma and sterile biofilm-conditioned medium.

RESULTS: A total of 386 patients were analyzed, and 46 developed definite PICC-CRBSI over 19,528 catheter-days, corresponding to an incidence density of 2.36 per 1,000 catheter-days. Patients with definite PICC-CRBSI had greater frailty, longer catheter dwell time, lower lymphocyte and albumin levels, and higher systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) than those without definite infection. The combined model showed an apparent 60-day time-dependent area under the curve (AUC) of 0.758 and a bootstrap-corrected AUC of 0.731, indicating moderate internally validated discrimination. The Aalen-Johansen 60-day cumulative incidence of PICC-CRBSI was 3.2%, 8.5%, and 28.1% in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. In vitro, berberine reduced viable S. epidermidis biofilm burden from 7.656 log10 CFU/coupon under vehicle exposure to 6.919 log10 CFU/coupon at one-half of the strain-specific minimum inhibitory concentration. In macrophage experiments, high-risk donor plasma induced higher interleukin-6 release than low-risk donor plasma under vehicle conditions, while 10 μM berberine reduced interleukin-6 by approximately 23% without substantial cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION: A single-center competing-risk model combining catheter-related variables with routine immune-inflammatory biomarkers provided preliminary internal risk stratification for 60-day PICC-CRBSI in patients aged ≥80 years. The berberine substudy suggested antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, but it did not directly validate the clinical prediction model or establish clinical efficacy. Before the locked prediction equation can be used clinically, independent multicenter validation is required across settings with different PICC products, patient case-mix, catheter-maintenance protocols, blood-culture practices, and local microbiological epidemiology. Further mechanistic studies are also required before berberine-based catheter-infection prevention can be considered.},
}

@article {pmid42684916,
year = {2026},
author = {Tonhetta, AJV and Mozombite, LAC and Oliveira, NdS and Goes, ICRdS and Hori, PH and Iwai, LK and Galhardo, JVdL and Koide, T and Brocchi, M and Alvarez-Martinez, CE and Lourenço, RF},
title = {A functional interplay of hns genes governs the control of the motile-to-biofilm lifestyle switch in Burkholderia cenocepacia.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0034426},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00344-26},
pmid = {42684916},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The onset of the chronic stage of infection by bacteria in the Burkholderia cepacia complex depends on the controlled transition to the biofilm-associated lifestyle. In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of all five hns genes of Burkholderia cenocepacia H111 on the motile-to-biofilm lifestyle switch and pathogenicity. The hns genes are distributed across the three replicons (hns1.1 and hns1.2 on chromosome 1, hns2 on chromosome 2, and hns3.1 and hns3.2 on the megaplasmid pC3). We showed that deletion of either hns1.1 or hns1.2 affects cell growth and promotes the cell transition to the biofilm, with the major impact observed in cells lacking hns1.2. According to a comparative transcriptome analysis, the motile-to-biofilm switch linked to the absence of hns1.2 is supported by downregulation of flagellar and chemotaxis genes and upregulation of several genes involved in biofilm formation. In contrast, biofilm-related genes were downregulated; biofilm formation was reduced; and motility was increased in cells lacking hns3.1. An opposite impact of hns1.2 and hns3.1 on the motile-to-biofilm transition was also supported by using cells expressing these hns genes at high levels. Furthermore, hns3.1 and hns1.1 were shown to play a role in bacterial virulence in the Galleria mellonella infection model. Therefore, this study uncovers hns genes as new players of the motile-to-biofilm transition in B. cenocepacia.

IMPORTANCE: Several opportunistic pathogenic bacteria can thrive as motile, free-living cells in soil and water, as well as in biofilm in their hosts. This includes the closely related species comprising the Burkholderia cepacia complex, which chronically colonize the airway in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Over the last two decades, the number of genes involved in the control of the motile-to-biofilm lifestyle switch has increased in this bacterial group, particularly in Burkholderia cenocepacia. In the present study, we uncover three hns genes that participate in the motile-to-biofilm lifestyle switch in B. cenocepacia H111 under the conditions tested. While two chromosomally encoded hns genes work to maintain cells at the motile stage, a megaplasmid-encoded hns gene facilitates the cell transition to biofilm. By systematically investigating all five hns genes, we considerably expand our understanding of the control of the motile-to-biofilm lifestyle switch in the Burkholderia cepacia complex.},
}

@article {pmid42685669,
year = {2026},
author = {Garcia-Contreras, R and Vazquez-Vazquez, FC},
title = {Dental biomaterials-on-chip: A scoping review of dynamic material-tissue-biofilm models.},
journal = {Biomaterials advances},
volume = {190},
number = {},
pages = {215136},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioadv.2026.215136},
pmid = {42685669},
issn = {2772-9508},
abstract = {The preclinical evaluation of dental biomaterials remains largely dependent on static in vitro assays that provide limited insight into dynamic material-tissue-biofilm interactions. Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LoC) and organ-on-a-chip (OoC) platforms can reproduce selected features of the oral microenvironment, including controlled transport, tissue barriers, three-dimensional cellular organization, microbial challenge, and time-resolved monitoring. This scoping review with structured narrative synthesis mapped peer-reviewed dental and oral microfluidic studies published through July 27, 2026. An initial search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, ScienceDirect, Embase, and IEEE Xplore was supplemented by an updated focused search, Google Scholar, and backward and forward citation tracking. Of 114 records identified, 82 remained after duplicate removal, 46 full-text reports were assessed, and 28 sources were included: 21 original experimental studies and seven dental/oral reviews. Original platforms comprised tooth and dentin-pulp models, oral mucosa and gingival barriers, periodontal and bone-vascular interfaces, dental pulp angiogenesis systems, peri-implant models, and dynamic host-microbe platforms. These systems enabled trans-barrier exposure, controlled flow and shear, long-term barrier monitoring, biomaterial cytotoxicity testing, inflammatory modeling, biofilm challenge, and regenerative assessment. Nevertheless, fluidic parameters, adsorption, oxygenation, comparator assays, and interlaboratory reproducibility were inconsistently reported. None of the included original dental studies used artificial intelligence for externally validated predictive inference. A conceptual Modular Dental Microfluidic Ecosystem Platform is presented as an evidence-informed future framework. Current dental chips should therefore be regarded as complementary mechanistic and qualification tools rather than replacements for standardized testing.},
}

@article {pmid42688089,
year = {2026},
author = {Nguyen, TTH and Hassan, M and Teng, KW and Backert, S and Wang, SW and Liu, CJ and Wu, DC and Kuo, CH and Kao, MC},
title = {HP1581 (WecA)-dependent O-antigen biosynthesis governs adhesion, virulence, and biofilm dynamics in Helicobacter pylori.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1909795},
pmid = {42688089},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contributes to bacterial fitness, immune evasion, host colonization, and virulence. The O-antigen region contains Lewis antigens and other glycans that facilitate adaptation to the gastric environment. HP1581 is predicted to encode a WecA-like UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate transferase that catalyzes the first step of O-antigen biosynthesis. However, its role in LPS assembly and H. pylori pathogenesis remains unclear.

METHODS: An HP1581 (wecA) knockout mutant and a complemented strain were constructed in H. pylori strain 26695 to investigate the role of HP1581 in LPS biosynthesis, bacterial physiology, outer membrane vesicle (OMV) composition, host cell interactions, and virulence. Biofilm formation and swimming motility were examined using O-antigen-deficient mutants of the motile H. pylori G27 strain, including HP1581 (wecA), HP1206 (wzk), and HP1039 (waaL) mutants.

RESULTS: Disruption of HP1581 abolished O-antigen biosynthesis and eliminated Lewis X and Lewis Y antigen expression, resulting in a truncated LPS structure lacking the O-antigen region. The mutant displayed increased sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate and novobiocin, elevated surface hydrophobicity and autoaggregation, and reduced survival during late-stage growth. Loss of HP1581 significantly impaired bacterial adhesion and internalization in AGS cells and attenuated the induction of the elongated (hummingbird) phenotype. In addition, OMVs from the mutant contained substantially lower levels of CagA and VacA. In the Galleria mellonella infection model, the mutant exhibited reduced persistence and attenuated virulence. Furthermore, O-antigen-deficient mutants of the motile H. pylori G27 strain, including HP1581 (wecA), HP1206 (wzk), and HP1039 (waaL) mutants, exhibited enhanced biofilm formation despite reduced swimming motility. Biofilm stability was found to depend primarily on extracellular proteins rather than extracellular DNA.

CONCLUSION: HP1581 (WecA) is essential for O-antigen biosynthesis and plays critical roles in maintaining outer membrane integrity, regulating bacterial surface properties, promoting host cell interactions, modulating virulence-associated factors, and influencing biofilm development. These findings identify HP1581 (WecA)-dependent O-antigen biosynthesis as a key determinant of H. pylori virulence and persistence and highlight HP1581 as a potential therapeutic target.},
}

@article {pmid42677026,
year = {2026},
author = {Sato, R and Sotozono, M and Takenaka, S and Ishii, H and Noiri, Y},
title = {Efficacy of the fully automated oral care robot with adjunctive MA-T gel for dental biofilm removal: A prospective crossover study.},
journal = {Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {101526},
pmid = {42677026},
issn = {2212-4268},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dental biofilm (DB) is the main cause of periodontal disease and dental caries, but individuals with impaired manual dexterity may struggle to brush effectively. Although fully automatic toothbrushing devices exist, their DB removal efficacy remains limited. The clinical efficacy of the next-generation multifunctional oral care robot (OCR) has not yet been evaluated. This study evaluated the DB removal efficacy of the OCR compared with manual and sonic toothbrushes and assessed the antibacterial effect of the Matching Transformation System (MA-T) gel used with OCR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective crossover study, 10 dental professionals brushed under four conditions: manual toothbrush, sonic toothbrush, OCR, and OCR with MA-T gel (OCRM). DB removal was assessed using O'Leary's Plaque Control Record (PCR), and dental biofilm reduction rates (DBRR) were compared among the four methods. For the OCR and OCRM groups, saliva samples were collected from five randomly selected participants to assess total streptococcal and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) counts.

RESULTS: PCR scores decreased significantly after brushing in all groups (p < 0.05). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated a significantly greater DBRR for the manual toothbrush than for the sonic toothbrush (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed among the other brushing methods. Salivary total streptococcal counts decreased more with OCRM than with OCR (p < 0.05). S. mutans reduction did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION: The OCR demonstrated DB removal efficacy comparable to manual and sonic toothbrushes. OCRM resulted in a greater reduction of salivary total streptococci than OCR alone.},
}

@article {pmid42678153,
year = {2026},
author = {Pressler, K and Lorkowski, M and Hengge, R},
title = {Redox control and mechanisms of transmembrane signaling in CSS domain c-di-GMP phosphodiesterases that control biofilm formation in Escherichia coli.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0132526},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.01325-26},
pmid = {42678153},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Bis-(3',5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) control of biofilm formation in Escherichia coli K-12 is balanced by multiple diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and c-di-GMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Five of the 13 PDEs feature a periplasmic CSS domain with two conserved cysteines, flanked by transmembrane (TM) regions, and an enzymatically active cytoplasmic EAL domain. One of these (PdeC) was previously shown to be redox-regulated by DsbA/DsbB-mediated disulfide bond (DSB) formation in the cysteine serine serine (CSS) domain. Comparing all five CSS domain PDEs, we found them to fall into two groups with similar biochemical features, resulting in different consequences for PDE activity. PdeB, PdeC, and PdeG are more active when lacking the periplasmic DSB, resulting in diminished biofilm formation, while PdeN and PdeD are active in their oxidized forms. Using PdeB and PdeN as prototypes for the two groups, not only the periplasmic DSB but also differently charged amino acid motifs close to the transmembrane (TM) domains and a putative additional DSB in PdeN were identified as important for transmembrane signaling. All these elements, including its stable structural DSB in the periplasm, which can form independently of DsbA, maintain PdeN in a rigid, proteolysis-resistant active conformation. By contrast, for PdeB, the more rigid DSB-containing conformation is inactive, with mutations in the stabilizing elements leading to a structurally less constrained, more active enzyme. Notably, low PdeN levels are post-transcriptionally upregulated at acidic pH, resulting in less biofilm formation. Overall, the five CSS domain PDEs enable E. coli to adapt to diverse environmental niches.IMPORTANCESensing environmental cues and transmembrane signal transduction via membrane-embedded proteins is a process of key importance in all living cells. To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved, we performed a systematic functional comparison of the five CSS domain phosphodiesterases of Escherichia coli, which degrade the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP in response to redox and other signals. With a sensory domain in the periplasm linked to a cytoplasmic enzymatic domain, these proteins represent minimal devices for transmembrane signaling. We demonstrate that these signal-transducing enzymes fall into two functional classes with a similar periplasmic redox biochemistry resulting in opposite states of cytoplasmic enzymatic activity. Several characteristic sequence elements convey redox and structural information in the periplasmic and transmembrane protein segments to their ability to dimerize into an enzymatically active form in the cytoplasm. Comparing the five enzymes also shows that evolution has played with these elements to facilitate adaptation to various environmental niches.},
}

@article {pmid42679010,
year = {2026},
author = {Daneshnia, F and Gunasekaran, D and Bergin, S and Lombardi, L and Perry, AM and Cai, L and Walker, LA and Nemeth, T and Hilmioglu-Polat, S and Salzberg, LI and Ebadati, A and Köhler, T and Braune, G and de Almeida, JN and Caggiano, G and Kus, JV and Mosharaf Ghahfarokhy, P and Munoz, J and Floyd, DJ and Fuentes-Palacios, D and Gonçalves, SM and Gonçales, RA and Salehi, M and Desai, JV and Carvalho, A and Mei, S and Munro, CA and Hopke, A and Gabaldón, T and Gacser, A and Kurzai, O and Butler, G and Perlin, DS and Fang, W and Nobile, CJ and Mansour, MK and Arastehfar, A},
title = {Outbreaks of fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis are driven by low-biofilm-producing isolates that emerge under host selection.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {24},
number = {9},
pages = {e3003973},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3003973},
pmid = {42679010},
issn = {1545-7885},
abstract = {Candida parapsilosis is a major human fungal pathogen, with recent global outbreaks driven by fluconazole-resistant (FLCR-Cp) isolates that are difficult to eradicate and associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, the microbial traits enabling persistence of these outbreak lineages remain poorly defined. Here, we show that FLCR-Cp isolates responsible for prolonged, multi-country outbreaks consistently exhibit a striking low-biofilm-producing (LBP) phenotype. Contrary to the prevailing view that robust biofilm formation promotes persistence, LBP strains displayed enhanced stress tolerance, increased cell wall masking, and reduced immune recognition. These traits conferred resistance to neutrophil and macrophage killing and enhanced survival in immune cell-rich organs during systemic infection. Genome-wide transcriptomic profiling revealed extensive metabolic and regulatory rewiring in LBP strains. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of a global isolate collection further demonstrated that the LBP phenotype has emerged independently multiple times, supporting convergent evolution under host selection. Functional genomic analyses suggest that biofilm attenuation arises through multigenic changes, and disruption of key biofilm-associated transcriptional regulators enhanced fitness during immune interactions. Together, our findings overturn the assumption that robust biofilm formation drives outbreak persistence and instead identify biofilm attenuation as an adaptive tradeoff that promotes immune evasion and long-term survival. These results redefine our understanding of C. parapsilosis adaptation during healthcare-associated outbreaks and shift attention toward host-driven evolutionary processes than environmental persistence alone.},
}

@article {pmid42680310,
year = {2026},
author = {Pathirana, HNKS and Flint, S and Palmer, J},
title = {Interface-dependent V. parahaemolyticus biofilm under varying temperatures, media, and oxygen conditions: implications for seafood safety.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {242},
number = {Pt 3},
pages = {120008},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.120008},
pmid = {42680310},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Vibrio parahaemolyticus/growth & development/physiology/metabolism ; *Oxygen/metabolism ; *Seafood/microbiology ; *Temperature ; *Food Microbiology ; Stainless Steel ; Culture Media ; *Food Safety ; Microbial Viability ; },
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus biofilms play a critical role in pathogen persistence in marine and seafood-processing environments, where oxygen availability, temperature, and surface interfaces vary widely. This study investigated biofilm development by three strains on partially submerged stainless-steel coupons under gas-liquid-wall (GLW) and fully submerged (SM) interfaces. Viable cell counts (log10CFU/cm[2]) along with normalized protein concentration per viable cell (nProt) and normalized polysaccharide concentration per viable cell (nPol) were measured, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions across a temperature range of 15-30 °C, using tryptic soy broth with 3% NaCl (TSB) and seawater-based medium (SW). GLW biofilms consistently exhibited higher cell counts (6.4-7.3 log10CFU/cm[2]) compared to SM biofilms (5.9-6.3 log10CFU/cm[2]), suggesting that enhanced oxygen diffusion promotes bacterial proliferation. Conversely, SM biofilms exhibited significantly higher nProt and nPol levels (p < 0.001), indicating increased production of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix under low-oxygen, high-nutrient conditions. Microscopy and three-dimensional surface plot analyses revealed relatively uniform biofilm layers at the GLW interface, whereas SM biofilms formed heterogeneous, tower-like structures. EPS production was further influenced by medium composition, oxygen, and temperature. SM biofilms grown in SW exhibited significantly higher nProt and nPol than those in TSB under aerobic conditions (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced matrix stabilization. Under anaerobic conditions at 15 °C, nProt and nPol were higher, whereas under aerobic conditions, peak nProt and nPol occurred at elevated temperatures. These findings highlight a trade-off between bacterial growth and matrix production and provide insight into biofilm adaptation and persistence in seafood-processing environments. These insights may help develop improved biofilm control and seafood safety management.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/growth & development/physiology/metabolism
*Oxygen/metabolism
*Seafood/microbiology
*Temperature
*Food Microbiology
Stainless Steel
Culture Media
*Food Safety
Microbial Viability

@article {pmid42673801,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, X and Heeb, S and Zhang, H and Marsili, E},
title = {Biofilm-associated transformation of polylactic acid (PLA) microbeads by single- and dual-species bacterial communities.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {516},
number = {},
pages = {143428},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143428},
pmid = {42673801},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Biofilm formation represents a pivotal step in bioplastic biodegradation, yet the degradation is often limited by insufficient microbial colonization and unstable biofilm formation. This study investigated the early-stage biodegradation of polylactic acid (PLA) microbeads in presence of single- (Pseudomonas putida, Escherichia coli) and dual-species biofilms on after 1 and 7 days of incubation in M9 minimal medium at 30°C. PLA surface alterations confirmed that the dual-species biofilms caused interfacial transformation, as shown by the CO bond cleavage, C-O and C-C bond formation, as well as reduced thermal stability of PLA, with CO atomic ratio decreasing from 26.1 ± 0.50% to 16.0 ± 1.11% after 7 days. In multi-well plates, dual-species biofilms show higher biomass than single-species, but biofilm formation on PLA microbeads was lower than single-species P. putida. Quantification of the key intermediate metabolites lactate and pyruvate levels in dual-species biofilms show metabolic cooperation between the two species. The improved degradation performance was attributed to enhanced interfacial colonization and complementary metabolic activity that collectively promoted sustained polymer hydrolysis. These findings suggest a controllable biofilm-based strategy for improving PLA bioconversion efficiency and offer insights into designing microbial consortia for polymer biodegradation processes.},
}

@article {pmid42673920,
year = {2026},
author = {Du, X and Liao, Z and Xie, W and Lin, D and Wang, Z and Nie, J and Zhang, W and Luo, Y and Shaw, DR and Saikaly, PE},
title = {A Microalgal-bacterial Consortium Reshapes Biofilm Architecture to Enhance Stable Flux in a Gravity-Driven Membrane Bioreactor.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt A},
pages = {126724},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126724},
pmid = {42673920},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Global expansion of mariculture generates large volumes of saline wastewater that require sustainable and decentralized treatment to protect coastal ecosystems. Gravity-driven membrane bioreactors (GMBRs) are an attractive low-energy option for this purpose; however, severe membrane fouling in saline environments usually limits water flux. In this study, a microalgal-bacterial consortium (MBC) was introduced to reshape biofilm architecture and improve the long-term performance of GMBRs. Four ceramic membrane-integrated GMBRs were operated for 160 days to treat synthetic mariculture wastewater, including two MBC systems with bacteria-to-microalgae inoculation ratios of 3:2 and 5:2 and two bacteria-only controls. The optimized MBC system (5:2) achieved a stable flux of 14.9 LMH, which was 2.4 times that of the conventional GMBRs (∼6 LMH), while also showing superior nutrient removal (TN removal: 67.9-73.3%, effluent TN: 4.65-5.73 mg/L; TP removal: 92.0-96.3%, effluent TP: 0.1-0.3 mg/L). The improved performance was associated with the formation of larger, more porous aggregates (>20 μm), the development of a synergistic MBC architecture, and enhanced degradation of extracellular polymeric substances. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed a dynamic "loose-dense-loose" structural evolution of the biofilm in the MBC systems, which prevented the dense and irreversible layering observed in the conventional systems. Microbial community analysis further showed that the optimized system enriched functional bacteria (e.g., Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira) while maintaining high microalgal viability. These findings demonstrate that MBC is an effective strategy for improving GMBR performance and offers a sustainable approach for mariculture wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42674140,
year = {2026},
author = {Abdillah, A and Hidaka, T and Fujiwara, T and Ngatiman, M and Yoshida, N and Hidayatullah, IM and Maulidiany, ND},
title = {Syntrophic biofilm architecture rather than surface chemistry governs the long-term performance of palm oil mill effluent digestion amended with carbon-conductive materials.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135747},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135747},
pmid = {42674140},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The application of carbon-conductive materials to enhance palm oil mill effluent digestion from sustained semi-continuous operations has been limited in the literature. This study compared carbon felt (CF) and carbon graphite felt (CGF) at 3 g·L[-1] over 150 days in 400 mL duplicate reactors at 37 ± 1°C and 1.5 g volatile solids (VS)added·L[-1]·day[-1]. Under steady-state operation (days 30 - 150), CF raised the volumetric methane production rate by 22% relative to the control (0.922 ± 0.096 vs. 0.756 ± 0.080 NL-CH4·Lreactor[-][1]·d[-][1]) and CGF by 11%, and the specific methane yield gave identical improvements. VS removal followed the same order (CF 88 ± 4%; CGF 78 ± 4%; control 77 ± 3%), and CF was the only configuration whose effluent volatile fatty acids stayed below its own influent throughout the experiment. Pred[icted functional gene profiles were broadly similar, and relative community composition did not track performance; instead, CF retained substantially greater attached biomass, and the absolute abundance of syntrophic bacteria and Methanothrix-dominated methanogens was the highest in CF, paralleling its methane yield. The less conductive material (CF) outperformed the more conductive one (CGF), indicating that the biofilm-carrying capacity on a more colonizable architecture, rather than surface chemistry, community composition, or a distinct gene repertoire, best explains the difference between the two carriers. These findings support CF as a practical fixed-media strategy for energy recovery in POME digesters.},
}

@article {pmid42674630,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, J and Zhang, L and Zhou, L and Wang, W and Wu, S and Huang, J and Chen, C and Cheng, S},
title = {A Potential Difference-Driven Cascade Effect of Cathode Biofilm-Plant Physiology Governs the Efficiency-Energy-Risk Trade-Off in Constructed Wetland-Microbial Electrolysis Cells.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {33},
pages = {23463-23477},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c09157},
pmid = {42674630},
issn = {1520-5851},
support = {52170168//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Biofilms ; Electrolysis ; Electrodes ; Wastewater ; },
abstract = {Conventional potential difference optimization in microbial electrolysis cell-integrated constructed wetlands (ECWs) treating antibiotic-laden wastewater frequently prioritizes single-dimensional removal efficiency, critically overlooking trade-offs with energy consumption and ecological risks. By evaluating four ECWs operated under varying potential differences treating chloramphenicol (CAP) wastewater via physicochemical metrics, multiomics, structural equation modeling, and comprehensive risk assessment, we identified a potential difference-driven "cathode biofilm-plant physiology" cascade effect governing this "efficiency-energy-risk" trade-off. Specifically, moderate potential differences (0.5 and 0.8 V) achieved superior total nitrogen (79.5-80.1%) and substantial CAP (90.9-92.5%) removal, driven by the selectively enriched electroactive, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and CAP-degrading bacteria (e.g., Geobacter sp., Ectobacillus sp., Defluviilinea sp016789025). These microbiomes provided continuous ammonium supply, activating diverse plant nitrogen pathways and stimulating robust root radial oxygen loss to engineer a microoxic-anoxic microenvironment for comprehensive risk mitigation. Concurrently, relative to the 0.2 V control group, the 0.5 V condition minimized greenhouse gas emissions (a 49.2% reduction), lowered effluent ecotoxicity by 47.4%, and suppressed AMR risk by 56.0%, without incurring excess energy input. Ultimately, the optimal 0.5 V potential difference establishes a sustainable efficiency-energy-risk equilibrium, empowering ECWs as robust biogeochemical barriers under a unified "One Health" perspective.},
}

*Wetlands
*Biofilms
Electrolysis
Electrodes
Wastewater

@article {pmid42675634,
year = {2026},
author = {Kakavan, M and Gholami, M and Ahanjan, M and Ebrahimzadeh, MA and Hossein Nataj, A and Mousavi, T and Goli, HR},
title = {Effect of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles From Nepeta pogonosperma and Astrodaucus persicus on the Reduction of Bap Gene Expression in Strong Biofilm-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e70391},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70391},
pmid = {42675634},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {19934//Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences./ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Silver/pharmacology/metabolism/chemistry ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Humans ; Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology ; Gene Expression/drug effects ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Given the critical role of the bap gene in biofilm formation of Acinetobacter baumannii, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from Nepeta pogonosperma and Astrodaucus persicus (Boiss) in reducing the expression of this gene and inhibiting biofilm production in clinical isolates of A. baumannii. AgNPs were synthesized using the leaf extracts of the plants and characterized using standard techniques. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the AgNPs was determined by the microbroth dilution method. Biofilm production and the anti-biofilm effects of the nanoparticles were assessed using a microtiter plate assay. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to evaluate bap gene expression levels before and after treatment with the AgNPs. The AgNPs significantly inhibited biofilm formation in A. baumannii. Furthermore, a marked reduction in bap gene expression was observed following treatment. Moreover, 90% and 10% of the isolates showed up to 60% and 61%-80% of biofilm disruption after treatment with A. persicus AgNP, respectively. In addition, 80%, 15%, and 5% of the isolates showed up to 60%, 61%-80%, and more than 80% of biofilm disruption after treatment with N. pogonosperma AgNP, respectively. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles represent a promising strategy to counteract antimicrobial resistance. The AgNPs investigated in this study demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting biofilm formation and reducing bap gene expression in strong biofilm-producing clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the clinical application of these nanoparticles.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Silver/pharmacology/metabolism/chemistry
*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Humans
Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology
Gene Expression/drug effects
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid42668197,
year = {2027},
author = {Tang, X and He, G and Wang, D and Yu, X and Li, Y and Wu, Z},
title = {Genomic sequencing reveals htpX is a novel spoilage factor from foodborne pathogen Aeromonas veronii: Insights into extracellular enzymes, biofilm formation, stress tolerance, virulence and spoilage.},
journal = {Food microbiology},
volume = {141},
number = {},
pages = {105260},
doi = {10.1016/j.fm.2026.105260},
pmid = {42668197},
issn = {1095-9998},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Aeromonas veronii/genetics/enzymology/pathogenicity/physiology ; Virulence ; Animals ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {The spoilage bacterium Aeromonas veronii poses increasing risks to the safety of edible bivalves, yet the regulatory mechanisms of its key spoilage factors remain largely unknown. In this study, a foodborne pathogen A. veronii GL2 was isolated from edible Hyriopsis cumingii and its genomic sequencing was conducted, in which the mRNA level of metalloprotease-encoded gene htpX was significantly upregulated under thermal processing. A htpX-defected mutant (ΔhtpX) was then constructed to investigate its role in virulence and spoilage potentials. Although htpX deficiency did not affect growth or proteolytic activity, it remarkably impaired biofilm formation, hemolytic activity and stress tolerance. In the hemolymph model of H. cumingii, ΔhtpX exhibited lower survival rates in supernatant and decreased cytotoxicity toward hemocytes. Further detection of virulence demonstrated that ΔhtpX exhibited an 18.5-fold higher LD50 value than GL2, and reduced bacterial loads in edible portions (foot, adductor muscle). Besides, the spoilage potentials of ΔhtpX were markedly attenuated, in which decreased bacterial proliferation further suppressed the levels of TCA-soluble peptide, TVB-N and pH. In conclusion, these results reveal htpX as a novel determinant linking protein quality control to spoilage and virulence in A. veronii, and provide a novel target for developing control strategies against A. veronii contamination in aquatic products.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Aeromonas veronii/genetics/enzymology/pathogenicity/physiology
Virulence
Animals
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
Stress, Physiological
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

@article {pmid42668248,
year = {2026},
author = {Bo, M and Fang, J and Wu, Y and Chen, Z and Liu, Y and Liu, S and Li, C and Wang, L and Sun, X},
title = {Metabolic-reprogrammed MnO2-Mg/Pt@BBF nanozyme disrupts biofilm cohesion for enhanced chemodynamic therapy of periodontitis.},
journal = {Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.dental.2026.08.012},
pmid = {42668248},
issn = {1879-0097},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To overcome the intrinsic incompatibility between dense periodontal biofilms and chemodynamic therapy (CDT), we developed a vacancy-engineered MnO2 nanozyme that integrates redox-state programming, Mg[2+]-enabled endogenous H2O2 amplification, and covalently immobilized quorum-sensing inhibition for the local treatment of periodontitis.

METHODS: Mg²⁺-coordinated MnO₂ nanoflowers were decorated with Pt nanoparticles and covalently functionalized with BBF. Physicochemical properties, Mn valence states, H₂O₂ and ·OH generation, LuxS/AI-2 signaling, Porphyromonas gingivalis metabolomic changes, antibiofilm activity, and therapeutic efficacy in rat periodontitis were evaluated.

RESULTS: Pt decoration increased the Mn²⁺ fraction from 33% to 51%, while Mg²⁺ enhanced SpxB-mediated H₂O₂ production by Streptococcus gordonii. Immobilized BBF reduced AI-2 activity from 67.8% to 22.8% and downregulated luxS, fimA, mfa1, kgp, and rgpA. In dual-species biofilms, MnO₂-Mg/Pt@BBF yielded 68.7% dead cells, an approximately 4-log₁₀ reduction in viable bacteria, and the lowest residual thickness. Metabolomics revealed depletion of G6P, R5P, NADPH, ATP, and α-ketoglutarate in P. gingivalis. In vivo, treatment reduced periodontal bacterial burden by approximately 3 orders of magnitude and decreased the CEJ-ABC distance from 1.44 ± 0.28 mm to 0.56 ± 0.15 mm, accompanied by reduced inflammation and IL-6 expression, improved collagen organization, and elevated Arg-1 levels.

SIGNIFICANCE: This locally deliverable platform couples vacancy/valence-tuned catalysis, Mg²⁺-primed endogenous oxidant supply, and surface-immobilized quorum-sensing blockade, offering a composition-guided strategy for controlling polymicrobial periodontal biofilms and limiting infection-associated tissue destruction.},
}

@article {pmid42668481,
year = {2026},
author = {Fu, YH and Ma, KJ and Ye, YL and Wu, YH and Zheng, DQ and Sun, C and Xu, XW},
title = {The microbial community composition and potential for carbon sequestration differences among mudflats with and without biofilm colonization.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100390},
pmid = {42668481},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Mudflats play an important role in coastal carbon cycling. The colonization of diatom-dominated microphytobenthic biofilms and associated heterotrophic microbial communities, affects the biogeochemical cycling in mudflats. Yet, the influence of biofilm colonization on the microbial communities and organic matter profiles in mudflats remains poorly understood. Here, 84 samples were collected in different seasons, locations and depths with/without biofilms in tidal flats of Zhejiang, China, and a multiparametric analysis was performed on environmental factors, microbial communities and dissolved organic matter (DOM) profiles to reveal the multidimensional influence of biofilm colonization on mudflats. The results showed that, compared with surface adjacent bare sediment (surface ABS), biofilms exhibited higher carbon stocks, lower bacterial diversity, and a shift in the dominant community assembly process from dispersal limitation to homogeneous dispersal. The microbial communities in biofilms and related sediments showed a higher abundance of functional genes involved in carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycling, including carbon fixation and metabolism, leading to high proportion of recalcitrant DOM in the biofilm-related sediments, in which, Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexota and Bacillota acted as key functional groups. This study highlights the association between biofilm occurrence, microbial community composition, functional potential, and organic matter characteristics in mudflat sediments, highlighting the potential contribution of biofilms to carbon retention and transformation processes in mudflat ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42669567,
year = {2026},
author = {Benavent-Celma, C and Oster, S and Pietz, S and Filker, S and Bundschuh, M and Mühlhaus, T and Feckler, A},
title = {Biofilm Source Shapes the Tolerance to Short-Term Ciprofloxacin Exposure.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {e70408},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70408},
pmid = {42669567},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//SULSA-Rheinland-Pfalz Research Collaboration Funding program/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Bacteria/drug effects/classification/genetics ; Biomass ; Fatty Acids/analysis/metabolism ; Fresh Water/microbiology ; Wastewater/microbiology ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/pharmacology ; Drug Tolerance ; },
abstract = {Periphytic biofilms are key mediators of freshwater ecosystem processes but are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic stressors. We compared biofilms sampled upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, two source communities presumed to differ in prior exposure to wastewater-associated press disturbance, to examine differences in tolerance to ciprofloxacin (CIP) exposure. We assessed biomass, photosynthetic pigments and fatty acid (FA) profiles as well as microbial community structure using qPCR and metabarcoding. Downstream-sourced biofilms exhibited higher biomass stability, reduced pigment and FA losses and fewer bacterial and eukaryotic community shifts under CIP exposure than upstream-sourced biofilms. Upstream-sourced communities, despite higher baseline pigment and FA contents, showed pronounced sensitivity to CIP, including biomass declines and reduced prokaryotic diversity. Taxon-specific responses revealed stress-tolerant Chlorophyceae, cyanobacteria and heterotrophic taxa, which may have contributed to higher functional stability under the tested conditions. Our findings show that biofilm responses to CIP varied with source site and community composition. While not a direct test of environmental filtering, the observed patterns are consistent with its predictions. The results further suggest that legacy effects and spatial heterogeneity may influence biofilm vulnerability to antibiotic exposure, although this requires validation across multiple WWTP-impacted and reference sites.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Bacteria/drug effects/classification/genetics
Biomass
Fatty Acids/analysis/metabolism
Fresh Water/microbiology
Wastewater/microbiology
Water Pollutants, Chemical/pharmacology
Drug Tolerance

@article {pmid42671519,
year = {2026},
author = {Tabancali, A and Karacay, S and Tunali, E and Albayrak, O and Kaya, A},
title = {Boron-doped nano-hydroxyapatite for enamel demineralization prevention and biofilm inhibition.},
journal = {Odontology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42671519},
issn = {1618-1255},
abstract = {This study evaluated the effects of boron-doped nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) formulations, with and without sintering, on enamel surface hardness and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation under in vitro conditions. Ninety-eight sound human premolars were randomly allocated into seven groups (n = 14): pre-sintered nHA, sintered nHA, 2% boron-doped pre-sintered nHA, 2% boron-doped sintered nHA, 4% boron-doped pre-sintered nHA, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and artificial saliva. Enamel demineralization was assessed using Vickers microhardness testing and scanning electron microscopy following a 10-day pH-cycling protocol. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated by cultivating S. mutans biofilms on orthodontic brackets (n = 7 per group). The 2% boron-doped sintered nHA group demonstrated significantly higher enamel surface microhardness compared with all other groups (P < 0.05), with qualitative scanning electron microscopy observations showing a relatively more uniform and intact surface appearance. Significant differences in S. mutans biofilm formation were observed among the groups (P < 0.001). The pre-sintered 2% and 4% boron-doped nHA groups showed significantly lower OD values than artificial saliva, whereas the sintered 2% boron-doped nHA group did not differ significantly from the negative control. Boron incorporation combined with sintering enhanced the capacity of nano-hydroxyapatite to preserve enamel surface hardness under acidic challenge in vitro, with the sintered 2% boron-doped formulation demonstrating the highest final microhardness among the tested materials.},
}

@article {pmid42671711,
year = {2026},
author = {Alabbosh, KF and Snoussi, M and Alzahrani, MM and Alsenani, Q and Hosni, K and Alshammari, M and Ceylan, O and Alkhiyari, AHM and Saoudi, M and Noumi, E and Kadri, A},
title = {Integrated in Vitro and in Silico Investigation of Antimicrobial, Anti-biofilm, and Quorum-Sensing Inhibitory Activities of Allium atroviolaceum Bulb Extract.},
journal = {Applied biochemistry and biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42671711},
issn = {1559-0291},
support = {RG-25 096//This research has been funded by Scientific Research Deanship at University of Ha'il- Saudi Arabia/ ; },
abstract = {The growing burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the persistence of biofilm-associated and quorum-sensing-mediated infections represent major public health challenges, highlighting the need for new anti-infective agents from natural sources. In this context, Allium atroviolaceum is recognized for its culinary and medicinal uses, remains relatively underexplored with respect to its anti-virulence potential, despite biological activities previously attributed to its organosulfur and phenolic constituents. In this study, ethanolic Allium atroviolaceum bulb extract (EAABE) was investigated for its antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing (QS) activities. HR-LCMS analysis tentatively annotated 19 metabolites, including organic acids, phenolics, triterpenoids, fatty acids, glycosides, alkaloids, sphingolipids, steroid derivatives, and peptide-type compounds. EAABE demonstrated moderate antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones ranging from 6.00 to 7.33 mm and MIC values between 0.292 and 2.343 mg/mL. In contrast, a relatively enhanced antifungal activity was observed, with inhibition zones of 12.67-15.00 mm and MIC values of 0.292-0.585 mg/mL. The extract also inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, achieving up to a 56.91% reduction, while swarming motility was reduced by up to 64.13%. In addition, EAABE significantly attenuated QS-regulated virulence traits in a concentration-dependent manner. Violacein production was reduced by 67-86% at concentrations of 250-1000 µg/mL, whereas swarming motility was inhibited by 29 to 64% at 50-100 µg/mL. Similarly, pyocyanin production and extracellular proteases activity were reduced by 67-90% and 29-46%, respectively, across the concentration range of 250-1000 µg/mL. Molecular docking analysis predicted favorable binding affinities for several tentatively annotated metabolites, ranging from - 7.9 to - 12.4 kcal/mol, with Gravelliferone, Americine, and (2'S)-Deoxymyxol 2'-α-L-fucoside as compounds with favorable predicted binding affinities toward the selected targets. These interactions were further supported by 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. ADMET predictions and DFT calculations provided further insights into the physicochemical, predicted pharmacokinetic, and electronic properties of the tentatively annotated metabolites. Overall, the findings indicate that EAABE exhibits promising in vitro antimicrobial and anti-virulence activities; however, further isolation of individual constituents, experimental validation, and mechanistic investigations are needed to clarify the specific contribution of each metabolite to the observed effects.},
}

@article {pmid42673797,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, L and Zhang, Z and Pang, H and Yang, J and Liu, Y and Lu, J},
title = {Antipyretic pharmaceuticals intensify sewer H2S accumulation linked to biofilm matrix remodeling and altered sulfur metabolic potential.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {516},
number = {},
pages = {143343},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143343},
pmid = {42673797},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Pharmaceuticals enter sewer systems before wastewater treatment, but their role in hazardous gas accumulation remains poorly understood. This study used long-term gravity sewer reactors to examine how acetaminophen (APAP) and ibuprofen (IBU) affect headspace hydrogen sulfide (H2S) accumulation, the properties of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and microbial functional potential in sewer biofilms. Both pharmaceuticals changed H2S from a stable baseline to a staged pattern with early suppression followed by accumulation above the control level. IBU showed earlier and higher H2S peaks than APAP, with the peak under 500 μg/L IBU exceeding that under 5000 μg/L APAP. Pharmaceutical exposure depleted extracellular proteins, enriched polysaccharides and humic acid, and promoted the retention of matrix-forming components in tightly bound EPS. QCM-D analysis showed marked decreases in |ΔD/ΔF| from 0.35 in the control to 0.03 and 0.09 under 5000 μg/L APAP and IBU exposure, respectively, indicating EPS interfacial rigidification. Metagenomic profiling further indicated reduced flagellar assembly, enhanced attachment-related potential, increased dsrA/B-associated terminal sulfite reduction potential, and reduced sulfide oxidation potential. These findings suggest that enhanced sewer H2S accumulation under antipyretic pharmaceutical exposure is associated with EPS interfacial rigidification and shifts in sulfur metabolic potential. These results identify antipyretic pharmaceuticals as underrecognized biofilm-structuring stressors associated with intensified sewer H2S accumulation and altered sulfur metabolic potential.},
}

@article {pmid42667816,
year = {2026},
author = {Silva, D and Mendonça, I and Vieira, C and Neves, MGPMS and Faustino, MA and Bartolomeu, M and Almeida, A},
title = {Targeting planktonic uropathogens and Escherichia coli biofilm with photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue and potassium iodide.},
journal = {Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology},
volume = {283},
number = {},
pages = {113551},
doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113551},
pmid = {42667816},
issn = {1873-2682},
abstract = {Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide, with many hospital-acquired cases linked to biofilm formation on urinary catheter surfaces. The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance limits the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as a promising alternative. This approach is based on the combination of a photosensitizer (PS), dioxygen, and visible light to reduce bacterial concentration without promoting resistance. In this study, the potential of aPDT in controlling UTIs was evaluated using a well-studied PS, methylene blue (MB), alone or in the presence of potassium iodide (KI). Ex vivo assays in urine were conducted using the five most common UTI-causing bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MB alone effectively photoinactivated E. coli, P. mirabilis, and E. faecalis in planktonic form, with limited activity against K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The addition of KI significantly enhanced the photodynamic effect against all tested strains, resulting in a reduced treatment time, and was also effective against mixed bacterial populations in the planktonic state. The efficacy of the treatments was further evaluated against E. coli cells within biofilms formed on urinary catheter surfaces. The combined action of MB and KI successfully controlled E. coli biofilms, achieving reductions of 3.9 (> 99.987%) and 6.0 log10 CFU mL[-1] after one and two aPDT treatment cycles, respectively. Overall, these findings highlight MB + KI-mediated aPDT as a promising strategy for the photoinactivation of planktonic uropathogens and E. coli biofilms formed on urinary catheter surfaces.},
}

@article {pmid42668194,
year = {2027},
author = {Zeng, S and Ma, T and Lu, Y and Duan, M and Liu, Y and Lü, N and Zhao, K and Cui, H and Zhang, S and Ji, R and Zhang, Z and Yang, H and Shi, C},
title = {Molecular mechanisms of the VBNC state induced by polyhexamethylene guanidine in biofilm-associated Staphylococcusaureus.},
journal = {Food microbiology},
volume = {141},
number = {},
pages = {105257},
doi = {10.1016/j.fm.2026.105257},
pmid = {42668194},
issn = {1095-9998},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/growth & development/metabolism ; *Guanidines/pharmacology ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Animals ; *Disinfectants/pharmacology ; Microbial Viability/drug effects ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Milk/microbiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) is widely used to eliminate biofilms in the dairy industry; however, sublethal chemical stress inadvertently forces pathogens into a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. This study examined PHMG-induced VBNC formation in biofilm-associated Staphylococcus aureus under laboratory and food-relevant conditions. PHMG at 4.0 mg/mL (0.4%) eliminated culturability within 3 h, whereas flow cytometry detected a viable fraction of 25.70 ± 3.83% in TSB-grown biofilms at 25 °C. This shift was primarily driven by acute oxidative stress, marked by a 1.56-fold accumulation of intracellular ROS levels and compensatory increases in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Concurrently, the cells underwent severe metabolic shutdown, characterized by intracellular ATP depletion, membrane depolarization, and cell shrinkage. Transcriptional profiling of energy- and virulence-related genes confirmed this systemic reprogramming, revealing altered expression in key energy metabolism and stress survival pathways. Crucially, this dormant state was highly unstable in food environments. When transferred back to milk, the VBNC cells rapidly resuscitated within 4 h and successfully resumed hemolysin production. Ultimately, these findings highlight the urgent need for the dairy industry to re-evaluate current PHMG disinfection strategies and closely monitor hidden VBNC risks to ensure food safety.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/growth & development/metabolism
*Guanidines/pharmacology
Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Animals
*Disinfectants/pharmacology
Microbial Viability/drug effects
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Milk/microbiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism

@article {pmid42662765,
year = {2026},
author = {Roshan Arbaaz, B and Peter, S and Kangaiyan, S and Shiamala, J and Maheswaran, T and Arunkumar, VR},
title = {Peri-Implantitis: Biofilm-Induced Disease or Prosthetically Driven Complication?.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {e113497},
pmid = {42662765},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Peri-implantitis is a prevalent biological complication of implant therapy; however, whether it should be understood primarily as a biofilm-induced infection or as a consequence of prosthetically driven mechanical factors remains unclear. This narrative review synthesizes microbiological, biomechanical, and prosthetic evidence to address this question from an interdisciplinary perspective. Peri-implant biofilms occupy a distinct microbial niche, and their dysbiotic transition and the accompanying host response appear to be central to disease initiation, while an implant-directed foreign body reaction may contribute independently to bone loss. Occlusal overload, residual cement, and unfavorable emergence angles or contours do not independently initiate disease but consistently accelerate progression once inflammation is established, with wide emergence angles and cemented restorations with residual material showing particularly strong associations with the marginal bone loss. Epidemiological data confirm a multifactorial risk profile in which a history of periodontitis, smoking, and systemic conditions interact with local biofilms and prosthetic factors. Clinically, these findings support the integration of restorative, periodontal, and relevant endodontic assessments into implant treatment planning and long-term supportive care, as prosthetic design functions as a modifiable determinant of peri-implant health rather than a purely esthetic or mechanical consideration.},
}

@article {pmid42663477,
year = {2026},
author = {Appel, AE and Goetsch, AG and van Wijngaarden, EW and Novacek, DJ and Burnham, PM and Silberstein, MN and Hershey, DM},
title = {Diversification of biofilm architecture among freshwater Pararheinheimera isolates.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0040026},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00400-26},
pmid = {42663477},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Extracellular matrices that scaffold microbial biofilms offer a rich source of polymeric materials with a range of potential applications. However, our understanding of these matrices is largely restricted to model organisms that form biofilms with specific architectures. Examining biofilms from understudied niches has the potential to identify extracellular matrices with novel properties. Here, we targeted a resource-rich boundary at the top of the water column known as the air-liquid interface (ALI). ALIs lack a solid substrate for cellular attachment, suggesting that microbes utilize specialized biofilm architectures to persist at this boundary. We used samples from a lake to enrich for microbes that colonize the ALI. Mixed-species pellicle biofilms formed rapidly in these enrichments and displayed a pronounced ecological succession. We isolated 31 members of the genus Pararheinheimera from early stages of pellicle maturation that formed five phylogenetically distinct clades. We used representative isolates to show that only one Pararheinheimera clade formed adherent films resembling classical pellicles. Isolates from the remaining clades formed floating structures that could be categorized either as non-adhesive films or viscous masses (VMs). VM pellicle formation was a polyphyletic trait that correlated with a mucoid appearance on agar plates, suggesting that the process is driven by copious extracellular matrix secretion. Matrices from VM biofilms were largely non-adhesive, contained a mixture of acidic polysaccharides and proteins, and formed thermally stable, shear-thinning hydrogels. Our results demonstrate that ALI colonization strategies vary widely even among closely related aquatic bacteria and identify VM pellicles as a promising platform for biomaterials development.

IMPORTANCE: Microbial biofilms contain specialized polymers with immense industrial potential, yet only a subset of biofilm architectures has been studied in detail. Many aquatic microbes live within a boundary at the surface of lakes, rivers, and oceans known as the air-liquid interface (ALI). The strategies microbes use to form biofilms at this boundary remain poorly characterized. Our study investigated how bacteria from a freshwater lake accumulate at the ALI. Lake water samples incubated in nutrient medium formed a floating pellicle biofilm, and we isolated 31 bacteria from the genus Pararheinheimera that were abundant during the early stages of pellicle formation. Only a subset of Pararheinheimera isolates formed traditional pellicle biofilms. Most formed either thin, non-adhesive films or large, gelatinous aggregates that appeared to persist at the ALI due to buoyancy. These findings expand our understanding of biofilm diversity in aquatic systems and suggest that the production of buoyant hydrogels could be useful scaffolds for engineering new materials.},
}

@article {pmid42663482,
year = {2026},
author = {Dehkohneh, A and Schumacher, J and Cockx, BJR and Keil, K and Camenzind, T and Kreft, J-U and Gorbushina, AA and Gerrits, R},
title = {Carbon and nitrogen availability affects biofilm growth and morphology of the extremotolerant fungus Knufia petricola.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0065626},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00656-26},
pmid = {42663482},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Rock-inhabiting fungi thrive in subaerial oligotrophic environments, such as desert rocks, solar panels, and marble monuments, where organic carbon and nitrogen are scarce. We tested whether the rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola showed a preference regarding nitrogen ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]) and carbon (glucose or sucrose) sources, and whether it was sensitive toward carbon and nitrogen limitation. As this fungus produces the carbon-rich, nitrogen-free 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin, we tested whether a melanin-deficient mutant would be less sensitive to carbon limitation. The carbon and nitrogen concentrations were the primary predictors of growth, with a broad optimum partially explained by an optimal fungal C:N ratio. Limiting carbon or nitrogen supply decreased biomass formation, [Formula: see text] production, and biofilm thickness, but promoted substratum penetration through filamentous growth. The nitrogen content of the biomass was flexible within limits, increasing with increasing nitrogen supply or decreasing carbon supply. The carbon use efficiency was fairly constant, whereas melanization correlated with a higher nitrogen content of the biomass, despite melanin being nitrogen-free. In conclusion, in vitro, K. petricola switches to explorative growth under nutrient limitations, like fast-growing fungi, revealing universal fungal resource-acquisition patterns.

IMPORTANCE: Since their discovery in the 1980s, extremotolerant fungi have been shown to inhabit desert rocks and coastal salterns, deteriorate marble monuments, weather minerals, colonize solar panels, and positively interact with cyanobacteria, algae, and plant microbiomes. These fungi endure sudden shifts in temperature and water availability, as well as intense sunlight, while persisting on very low nutrient levels. Despite their ecological relevance, their biology remains underexplored. The black fungus Knufia petricola offers a rare opportunity to study these organisms in depth because it can be genetically engineered and represents the wider group of resilient surface colonizers. Here, we compared a wild-type strain with a melanin-deficient mutant and generated quantitative data suitable for mathematical modeling of growth. This work provides a foundation for predicting how K. petricola behaves on natural and human-made materials, informing future efforts to harness extremotolerant fungi in sustainable technologies, agriculture, and environmental resilience.},
}

@article {pmid42664113,
year = {2026},
author = {Salducci, M and Simonelli, MS and Raimondi, R},
title = {Medico Legal aspects on Low-Grade Biofilm Infection to MDR Nosocomial Prosthetic Joint Infection.},
journal = {La Clinica terapeutica},
volume = {177},
number = {5},
pages = {979-981},
doi = {10.7417/CT.2026.2093},
pmid = {42664113},
issn = {1972-6007},
mesh = {Humans ; *Prosthesis-Related Infections/microbiology/physiopathology ; *Biofilms ; *Cross Infection/microbiology/physiopathology ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are among the most challenging complications of orthopedic surgery, particularly when involving both biofilm-forming low-virulence organisms and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This report outlines the complex pathophysiology and clinical challenges associated with PJI, transitioning from a low-grade chronic infection to an acute MDR nosocomial infection, highlighting significant medicolegal implications.},
}

Humans
*Prosthesis-Related Infections/microbiology/physiopathology
*Biofilms
*Cross Infection/microbiology/physiopathology
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial

@article {pmid42667397,
year = {2026},
author = {Imam, MW and Mohan, N and Maurya, N and Chanotiya, CS and Tandon, S and Luqman, S},
title = {Multi-target molecular mechanisms of Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil reveal membrane destabilization, ROS-mediated cellular damage, efflux perturbation, biofilm suppression and resistance-target interference in Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {42667397},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {HCP 0007 and MLP002610//Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India/ ; },
mesh = {*Cymbopogon/chemistry ; *Oils, Volatile/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/metabolism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Cell Membrane/drug effects ; Acyclic Monoterpenes ; Eucalyptus/chemistry ; Plant Oils/pharmacology ; Monoterpenes/pharmacology ; Terpenes/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus necessitates exploring alternative antimicrobial agents with multi-target mechanisms of action. In the present study, the antibacterial efficacy and mechanistic activity of 21 essential oils were investigated against S. aureus using integrated microbiological, biochemical, flow cytometric, microscopic, and computational approaches. Preliminary screening through disc diffusion, MIC, and MBC assays identified Cymbopogon flexuosus, Cymbopogon nardus, and Eucalyptus hybrida as the most active essential oils, with C. flexuosus exhibiting the strongest antibacterial potency. Percentage inhibition assays, growth kinetics, confirmed concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with C. flexuosus and C. nardus producing > 60% inhibition and rapid growth suppression within 2 h at MIC and 2×MIC. Mechanistic investigations revealed that C. flexuosus essential oil induced significant membrane destabilization, as evidenced by the crystal violet permeability assay, as they increase relative permeability 58.2% at twice MIC, increased nucleic acid and protein leakage, increased propidium iodide permeability, and elevated ethidium bromide accumulation, indicating membrane disruption and perturbation of efflux pumps. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed severe morphological alterations, including membrane collapse and cellular deformation. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation increased significantly following treatment, suggesting oxidative stress-mediated bacterial killing. C. flexuosus also demonstrated potent antibiofilm activity, reducing biofilm formation by more than 60% at the MIC and twice the MIC in S. aureus. GC-MS analysis identified geranial, neral, citronellal, geraniol, limonene, and β-caryophyllene as major volatile constituents. Molecular docking studies revealed favourable interactions between several compounds and critical bacterial targets involved in cell wall biosynthesis and antibiotic resistance, including β-lactamases and penicillin-binding proteins. Furthermore, in silico ADMET profiling suggested that the selected constituents possess favourable physicochemical and safety properties for topical therapeutic applications. These findings demonstrate that C. flexuosus essential oil exerts potent anti-staphylococcal activity through multiple mechanisms, including membrane destabilisation, ROS-mediated cellular damage, efflux perturbation, biofilm suppression, and interference with resistance targets. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of C. flexuosus essential oil as a promising natural antibacterial candidate against S. aureus infections.},
}

*Cymbopogon/chemistry
*Oils, Volatile/pharmacology/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/metabolism
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Cell Membrane/drug effects
Acyclic Monoterpenes
Eucalyptus/chemistry
Plant Oils/pharmacology
Monoterpenes/pharmacology
Terpenes/pharmacology

@article {pmid42655918,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, J and Soliman, M and Zhang, B and Krawiel, D and McCarthy, RR},
title = {Hydrogels Augmented With Artificial Sweeteners can Inhibit Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Growth and Biofilm Formation While Demonstrating Safety in Pre-Clinical Pilot Human Trials.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e05777},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.202505777},
pmid = {42655918},
issn = {2192-2659},
support = {BB/V007823/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; UKRI1911/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/Y001354/1//Medical Research Council Grant/ ; SBF006\1040//Academy of Medical Sciences/the Welcome Trust/ the Government Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy/the British Heart Foundation/Diabetes UK Springboard Award/ ; },
abstract = {There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to tackle multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Artificial sweeteners (AS) specifically acesulfame potassium, sodium saccharin, and sodium cyclamate, have recently demonstrated antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-borate hydrogel is developed as a carrier for antimicrobial AS to combat wound infections. Through extensive optimization, we developed cytocompatible 8% AS-loaded hydrogels with 3% PVA + 3% borax that reduced the viability of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii AB5075 by 99.9% colony-forming unit enumeration following 1 h hydrogel treatment. Most currently available wound dressings have limited efficacy against bacterial biofilms, but we demonstrate that each of these sweeteners can attenuate A. baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa dual-microbial biofilms. Haemolysis and cell viability assays demonstrate excellent blood compatibility and non-cytotoxic behavior of the sweetener-loaded hydrogels. To further evaluate the clinical potential of these AS-loaded hydrogels, we conducted a pilot Phase I clinical study with human volunteers focused on evaluating short-term safety and irritancy. This study revealed that the dressings had no adverse effects on the volunteers. This research underscores the translational potential of hydrogels augmented with AS and their capacity to overcome many of the hurdles that typically lead to wound dressing failure.},
}

@article {pmid42656269,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, X and Ma, L and Li, Y and Liu, B and Zhang, W and Su, X and Liu, Y},
title = {Isolation and characterization of a novel Staphylococcus phage SPD: genomic insights and its anti-biofilm efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1861467},
pmid = {42656269},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus Phages/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification/physiology ; *Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/virology/physiology ; Genome, Viral ; Host Specificity ; Animals ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/therapy ; Podoviridae/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification ; Genomics ; DNA, Viral/genetics ; Wastewater/virology ; Viral Plaque Assay ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Base Composition ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterize a novel Staphylococcus phage with activity against animal-derived methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and biofilms in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

METHODS: Phage SPD was isolated through enrichment from farm wastewater, purified using the double-layer plaque assay, and characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), spot assays, growth kinetics, stability tests, and whole-genome sequencing (Illumina HiSeq). Anti-biofilm activity was evaluated via crystal violet staining.

RESULTS: SPD is a virulent Podovirus characterized by an icosahedral head (~50 nm in diameter) and a short tail phage (~60 nm in length). It exhibits a broad host range (lyses 38 out of 50 tested strains, including 7 MRSA), a short latent period (~10 min), a high burst size (4,470 PFU/cell), and stability at temperatures ranging from 4 to 50 °C and pH values between 6 and 9. The 17,066 bp double-stranded DNA genome (35.1% GC content) encodes a lysin and a holin, with no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes detected. SPD effectively inhibits planktonic MRSA growth and reduces biofilm formation (>50% inhibition) as well as pre-formed biofilms (>60% clearance) in vitro.

CONCLUSION: SPD represents a safe, novel Andhravirus phage with potent activity against MRSA and biofilms, offering a promising candidate for phage therapy, particularly in the Xinjiang region.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Staphylococcus Phages/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification/physiology
*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/virology/physiology
Genome, Viral
Host Specificity
Animals
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/therapy
Podoviridae/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification
Genomics
DNA, Viral/genetics
Wastewater/virology
Viral Plaque Assay
Whole Genome Sequencing
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Base Composition

@article {pmid42656373,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Liu, J and Han, X and Zheng, S and Jiang, X and Huang, T and Yang, B and Zhu, S},
title = {Bio-adhesive cationic carbon dots enable photodynamic reactive oxygen species generation for cariogenic biofilm suppression.},
journal = {Materials today. Bio},
volume = {40},
number = {},
pages = {103582},
pmid = {42656373},
issn = {2590-0064},
abstract = {Bacterial infections remain a major threat to human health and are often difficult to eradicate once bacteria establish structured communities. In the oral cavity, this challenge is exemplified by dental caries, a highly prevalent chronic infectious disease driven by cariogenic biofilms dominated by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). To develop an efficient antimicrobial strategy for cariogenic biofilms, we synthesized D-lysine-derived cationic carbon dots (Lys-CDs) through a facile hydrothermal method and investigated their photodynamic antibacterial activity. The resulting Lys-CDs are water-dispersible and exhibit favorable cytocompatibility under the tested conditions. Their positive surface charge enhanced association with biofilm-associated bacterial communities. Under blue-light irradiation (450 nm), Lys-CDs generate abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing membrane destabilization and causing substantial structural alterations of mature biofilms. In mature S. mutans biofilms, Lys-CDs + light achieved over 99% bacterial killing, reduced biofilm thickness by about 70%, and increased ROS production. Mechanistic assays and transcriptomic profiling collectively suggested a ROS-driven multi-hit mode involving membrane permeabilization, oxidative stress amplification, and broad suppression of pathways associated with energy metabolism, envelope biogenesis, and stress regulation. In a rat caries model, topical Lys-CDs + light effectively inhibited caries progression. Collectively, this work provides experimental evidence supporting that biophilic cationic Lys-CDs can acts as a simple photodynamic strategy for cariogenic biofilms control and attenuate caries development under the investigated experimental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42658845,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, D and Svagan, AJ and Yang, N and Hansen, MF and Kühl, M and Burmølle, M},
title = {Carbon substrate type shapes spatial self-organization in a multi-species biofilm community.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag223},
pmid = {42658845},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Spatial organization is a defining feature of multispecies biofilms and critically influences microbial interactions and emergent community properties. However, understanding and manipulating how microbes assemble into spatially structured biofilms remains challenging because most experimental frameworks emphasize species composition and pairwise interactions, while often overlooking the spatial constraints on biofilms imposed by the environment. In this study, we focus on how carbon substrate type, distinguishing between diffusible sugars and polymeric substrates, affects biofilm self-organization in a four-member synthetic bacterial community (SynCom). Across all tested conditions, the SynCom consistently formed more biofilm biomass than any of its subsets, indicating a robust synergistic phenotype. Using chemically defined, 3D-printed hydrogel substrates with consistent physical properties, we varied carbon source composition to identify its impact on biofilm assembly. Microscopic imaging showed that carbon substrate type strongly influenced biofilm self-organization with diffusible simple carbon substrates yielding relatively intermixed communities, whereas polymer-rich carbon substrates promoted a highly structured biofilm organization characterized by the dominance and peripheral localization of polymer-degrading species. Bioinformatic analyses of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) repertoires and genome-scale metabolic modeling suggested bidirectional metabolite exchange among the SynCom members, which was also supported by analysis of biofilm formation in conditioned community supernatants. Together, our findings suggest carbon substrate type as an important ecological determinant of biofilm self-organization, highlighting the need to integrate environmental factors alongside species composition and metabolic potential to fully understand and manipulate natural and engineered multispecies biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42661110,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, K and Chen, P and Wang, L and Zhu, C and Li, Y and Bei, W and He, S},
title = {Berberine Hydrochloride Attenuates Growth, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence Associated Phenotypes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Strain APP-2023.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42661110},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {DKYJ202204//Talent Introduction Project of Anhui Science and Technology University/ ; 32302854//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XK-XJGF002//Veterinary Science Peak Discipline Project of Anhui Science and Technology University/ ; },
mesh = {*Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae/drug effects/pathogenicity/growth & development/physiology/genetics ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Animals ; *Actinobacillus Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/veterinary ; Virulence/drug effects ; Mice ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; *Berberine/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Swine ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Phenotype ; Swine Diseases/microbiology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A. pleuropneumoniae), the causative agent of porcine contagious pleuropneumonia, poses significant economic threats to the global swine industry, further compounded by increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the antibacterial and antivirulence effects of berberine hydrochloride (BBH) against A. pleuropneumoniae strain APP-2023 using in vitro assays and a murine infection model. BBH exhibited measurable antibacterial activity against the tested strain, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 312.5 µg/mL, indicating relatively modest growth-inhibitory potency. At subinhibitory concentrations, BBH reduced crystal violet-stained surface-associated biofilm biomass and increased bacterial susceptibility to oxidative and osmotic stress. Treated bacteria displayed marked morphological alterations including cell elongation, accompanied by reduced transcription of cell division genes ftsZ and ftsA. In the murine challenge model, infection with BBH-pretreated bacteria resulted in improved survival and reduced pulmonary bacterial burden. These findings provide preliminary evidence that BBH attenuates several virulence-associated phenotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae strain APP-2023 and warrant further mechanistic and translational studies in multiple strains and natural porcine infection models.},
}

*Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae/drug effects/pathogenicity/growth & development/physiology/genetics
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Animals
*Actinobacillus Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/veterinary
Virulence/drug effects
Mice
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/administration & dosage
*Berberine/pharmacology/administration & dosage
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Swine
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Disease Models, Animal
Female
Phenotype
Swine Diseases/microbiology/drug therapy

@article {pmid42662764,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, C and Mazurel, D and Yang, J and Ligtenberg, AJM and Deng, D},
title = {From adhesion to biofilm: strain-specific and environmental factors shaping Streptococcus mutans biofilms.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100391},
pmid = {42662764},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen in dental caries and adheres to tooth surfaces via the surface protein SpaP, which binds salivary agglutinin (SAG). However, the extent to which adherence properties influence subsequent biofilm formation remains unclear. This study investigated biofilm formation of S. mutans strains with varying adherence properties on glass surfaces with or without a crude SAG (cSAG) coating prepared from human parotid saliva, under static or laminar flow conditions, and in mono- or multispecies conditions. Green-fluorescent protein-labeled S. mutans strains (V403, NG8, C67-1, and UA159) were tested using the Calgary Biofilm device (CBD) and the BioFlux™ microfluidic system. Following a 2 h adhesion phase and 10 h of biofilm development, adherence and biofilm formation were quantified using resazurin assay or image analysis. cSAG coating enhanced adherence and biofilm formation under flow in strains V403, NG8, and C67-1, whereas UA159 showed low adherence and almost no biofilm formation under flow. All strains formed substantially more biofilm under flow than under static conditions, with increases exceeding 200-fold for V403 and NG8. Under laminar flow, the presence of a multispecies community generally reduced the amount of S. mutans in biofilms. In conclusion, cSAG coating promoted both adherence and biofilm formation, particularly under flow conditions. However, variation in initial cSAG-mediated adherence among S. mutans strains did not predict subsequent biofilm formation. Instead, biofilm formation was influenced by multiple factors, including strain-specific characteristics, flow conditions, and microbial community composition.},
}

@article {pmid42648151,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Ma, W and Ouyang, Y and Zhong, D and Cheng, P and Ma, J},
title = {Dynamic remodeling of pipe material interfacial properties: Intervention effects on biofilm in water distribution networks and multi-omics insights.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt A},
pages = {126523},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126523},
pmid = {42648151},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Biofilm contamination in water distribution networks (WDNs) persistently threatens water safety and operational efficiency, representing a critical public health challenge. Herein, we develop an environmentally adaptive, pH-responsive, and non-leaching antibacterial coating strategy to construct a durable bio-safe interface on pipe walls. Leveraging polydopamine (PDA) for robust interfacial adhesion, the coating incorporated chitosan and gelatin to form a stable composite layer. The engineered surface exhibited superhydrophilicity, low roughness, and elevated total pipe-bacteria interaction energy (ΔG[TOT]), and reversible surface charge switching in response to pH variations. Such features enable environmentally triggered antibacterial responses, enhancing both bacterial repulsion and inactivation. Owing to its positively charged and structurally disruptive interface, the coating synergized with free chlorine (Cl2) to potentiate antimicrobial efficacy. Under long-term flow conditions simulating actual WDNs operation, this combination achieved up to a 3-log reduction of adhered bacteria, effectively delaying colonization and suppressing biofilm matrix formation. Multi-omics analyses revealed that the coating molecularly inhibited biofilm establishment by downregulating key pathways such as quorum sensing, simultaneously limiting microbial exchange between the water and biofilm phases, thereby promoting pronounced inter-phase community divergence. This study establishes a new paradigm for constructing bio-safe interfaces and safeguarding water supply reliability.},
}

@article {pmid42648604,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, FS and Chan, YJ and Liu, YC and Chen, A and Kuan, YC and Chen, CJ},
title = {Diagnostic performance of a portable autofluorescence imaging system (Qraycam PRO) for the detection of mature supragingival biofilm: a tooth-level diagnostic accuracy study.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105634},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105634},
pmid = {42648604},
issn = {1873-1597},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Conventional plaque indices are operator-dependent and subject to substantial inter- and intra-examiner variability. Portable autofluorescence imaging-based on red autofluorescence from bacterial porphyrins-has been proposed as a chairside adjunct, but its diagnostic accuracy across different levels of biofilm maturity remains insufficiently characterized. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the portable Qraycam PRO autofluorescence imaging system for the detection of supragingival dental plaque, using disclosed-plaque scoring as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study, 40 systemically healthy adults underwent autofluorescence imaging of the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth (FDI 13-23 and 33-43). After exclusion of missing or prosthetically restored teeth, 467 tooth surfaces were available for analysis. Fluorescence images were acquired before application of a two-tone plaque disclosing agent to avoid spectral interference; the Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI) was then recorded for each surface. The presence or absence of red autofluorescence was scored independently from the stored images. To accommodate intra-subject clustering, Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with an exchangeable working correlation structure were used to estimate sensitivity, specificity, and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at two thresholds: any biofilm (PI ≥ 1) and mature biofilm (PI ≥ 2). Reporting follows the STARD 2015 guidelines.

RESULTS: At the PI ≥ 1 threshold the system showed a sensitivity of 19.64% (95% CI 15.41-24.69) and a specificity of 93.58% (95% CI 89.12-96.29) (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI 2.04-6.52; P < 0.001); at PI ≥ 2, sensitivity rose to 33.64% (95% CI 25.49-42.89) and specificity remained high at 91.60% (95% CI 88.26-94.05) (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI 2.63-8.80; P < 0.001). The red-fluorescence detection rate increased monotonically with biofilm maturity (6.42% at PI = 0, 10.59% at PI = 1, 23.29% at PI = 2, and 54.05% at PI = 3).

CONCLUSIONS: The portable Qraycam PRO autofluorescence imaging system demonstrated a maturity-selective diagnostic profile-high specificity (> 90%) combined with limited sensitivity for immature biofilm-consistent with its proposed porphyrin-dependent mechanism. The device is therefore best positioned as a confirmatory chairside adjunct for the identification of clinically significant mature biofilm rather than a stand-alone screening tool, and may contribute to objective plaque-site identification during patient motivation and supportive periodontal therapy.},
}

@article {pmid42648689,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, L and Xie, J and Zhang, L and Kong, L and Deng, P and Huang, J and Wang, W and Wu, S and He, S and Cheng, S},
title = {Substrate filling ratio affects nitrogen removal and antibiotic resistance risk in modular moving bed constructed wetland: Biofilm-mediated microbial community succession and resistome profiles reshaping.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125574},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125574},
pmid = {42648689},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely used for advanced treatment of wastewater treatment plant effluents and their nitrogen (N) removal performance is often inhibited by antibiotics. Biofilms on CW substrates play a fundamental role in pollutant biodegradation, microbial community stability and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dissemination. This study investigated the effects of substrate filling ratios (90% and 60%) in modular moving bed constructed wetlands (MMB-CWs) on operational performance, biofilm properties and antibiotic resistance risks. The MMB-CW with higher substrate filling ratio exhibited a better N removal efficiency of 83.7% and a significant reduction of nitrous oxide emission by 72.6%. The higher substrate filling ratio increased the protein/polysaccharide ratio of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), potentially forming a hydrophobic barrier and structured a highly modular microbial network with pronounced niche differentiation. Genome-centric analysis revealed that core taxa carrying denitrification and anammox genes (narG, narH, nirS, nosZ, hzs, hdh) enriched by 1.5- to 12.6-fold in abundance in the MMB-CW with 90% substrate filling ratio. Notably, Desulfobacillus increased by 1.7-fold in abundance, which served as a keystone species driving denitrification, EPS construction, oxidative stress adaptation and energy production. The elevated abundances of enzymes catalyzing key electron- and energy-generating steps in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and denitrification enzymes drove a more complete denitrification process. The highly modular network restricted horizontal gene transfer of ARGs, mitigated the enrichment of pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (PARBs) and occurrence of high-risk ARGs in MMB-CW. The findings provide an optimization strategy for MMB-CW in view of treatment performance and ecological risk.},
}

@article {pmid42649018,
year = {2026},
author = {Fujishima, K and Hoshika, T and Watanabe, A and Oku, Y and Kudo, Y and Nishitani, Y and Tamaki, N},
title = {Inhibitory effects of surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer eluate on Candida albicans and commensal oral streptococci dual-species biofilm.},
journal = {Dental materials journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4012/dmj.2026-127},
pmid = {42649018},
issn = {1881-1361},
abstract = {Surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) fillers, a bioactive material, possess various biological functions. Various studies have investigated the bioactive effects of S-PRG fillers; however, their effects on biofilms formed by multiple microorganisms remain unclear. Recently, several cases of rampant caries onset and severe caries in childhood caused by coinfections with cariogenic bacteria and commensal oral fungi have been reported. This study evaluated the effects of S-PRG eluate on complex biofilms involved in the onset of rampant and severe caries. The amounts of biofilm formed by co-culturing cariogenic bacteria and fungus was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by the S-PRG eluate. Furthermore, intracellular oxidative stress increased in proportion to the S-PRG eluate. The results of this study suggest that oxidative stress generated by S-PRG eluate suppresses the formation of complex microbial biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42650660,
year = {2026},
author = {Facchin, A and Ratti, G and Mauri, I and Gazzonis, AL and Dall'Ara, P and Pollera, C and Rapi, MC and Lauzi, S},
title = {Phenotypic and Genetic Profile, Biofilm-Forming Ability and Antibiotic Sensibility of ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Complex from Fecal Samples of Cats in Italy.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080735},
pmid = {42650660},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {LINEA2_SLAUZ_2019_AA, Piano di Sostegno alla Ricerca UNIMI 2019: Zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in pets: a model study from the One health-One welfare perspective//University of Milan/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance mediated by ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is an emerging concern in both human and veterinary medicine, with companion animals increasingly considered relevant within the One Health framework. This study aimed to investigate the fecal carriage of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complex in cats from Italy and to characterize the strains by the phenotypic and genetic profile of ESBL production, virulent pathotypes, antibiotic resistance profile and biofilm production.

METHODS: Fecal samples collected from cats admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Milan (Italy) in 2020-2026 were bacteriologically and genetically analyzed.

RESULTS: All the Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated [4/200 (2%, 95% CI: 0.06-3.94%)] were ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complex isolates harboring blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV, and blaTEM genes. The isolates were detected with higher presence in cats with diarrhea and were found only in cats treated with antibiotics and hospitalized. All four ESBL-producing isolates were classified as the classical K. pneumoniae pathotype based on the negative string test results, the absence of reliable virulence genes used for pathotype identification (peg-344, iucA, rmpA and rmpA2), and the lack of K1 and K2 serotypes, despite the detection of terB and irp2 virulence genes in one and two isolates, respectively. All four ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complexes were classified as multidrug-resistant, with resistance mainly observed to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, quinolones and folate antagonists. All four ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complexes demonstrated biofilm-forming abilities, with two isolates showing weak adhesion, one moderate adhesion, and one strong adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS: The detection of ESBL genes together with the MDR pattern, biofilm-forming capacity and selected virulence determinants suggests the potential epidemiological relevance of cats in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant K. pneumoniae complexes, underscoring the need for strengthened surveillance and prevention strategies in veterinary settings to provide information to pet cat owners and children who may interact with stray cats, in full implementation of the One Health approach.},
}

@article {pmid42650661,
year = {2026},
author = {Mayombo Ngoussou, E and Mabika Mabika, R and Ampa, R and Zong Minko, O and Ondjiangui, LF and Mounioko, F and Mbadinga Mackanga, F and Litchangou Bouka, FS and Mambu, M and Yala, JF},
title = {Biofilm-Forming Capacity and fimH Gene Prevalence Among Uropathogenic Klebsiella spp. in Gabon: Assessing the Link with Resistance to Third-Generation Cephalosporins and Aminoglycosides.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080736},
pmid = {42650661},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bacteria of the genus Klebsiella are opportunistic pathogens frequently responsible for severe urinary tract infections (UTIs). Biofilm formation is a critical virulence factor that facilitates bacterial persistence and promotes the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to characterize the biofilm-forming capacity and the prevalence of the fimH adhesin gene among clinical Klebsiella isolates in Gabon, and to evaluate their association with resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides.

METHODS: A total of 114 urinary isolates, including Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 96), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 7), and Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 11), were analyzed. Biofilm formation was assessed using the crystal violet staining method and quantified by spectrophotometry. The fimH gene was detected using conventional PCR. Susceptibility to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, and amikacin was determined using an automated system.

RESULTS: The study revealed that 81.58% of the clinical Klebsiella isolates were biofilm producers. Quantitative analysis showed a predominance of weak (43.86%) and moderate (26.32%) producers, while only 5.26% were categorized as strong producers. The fimH gene was detected in 95.61% of the isolates, reaching 100% prevalence in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Interestingly, non-biofilm-producing Klebsiella spp. isolates exhibited the highest resistance rates to 3GC (67.90% for both cefotaxime and ceftazidime), suggesting that resistance to this class may be independent of biofilm-forming capacity in this cohort. Conversely, the highest resistance rates to aminoglycosides were observed among strong biofilm producers, reaching 60% for gentamicin and 40% for amikacin.

CONCLUSIONS: Uropathogenic Klebsiella spp. in Gabon exhibit a high capacity for biofilm formation, with resistance patterns appearing to be antibiotic-class dependent. These findings suggest that considering biofilm phenotypes could be relevant for microbiological surveillance to improve the understanding of UTI resistance dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42650664,
year = {2026},
author = {Dittmer, M and Liegenfeld, SC and Krueger, N and Geffken, M and Delle Coste, A and Schoeller, C and Alio, I and Streit, WR and Stuermer, EK},
title = {Interkingdom Biofilms in Chronic Wounds: The Collaboration of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus Against Conventional Wound Antiseptics in a Wound-like Leucocyte-Rich Human Plasma Biofilm Model (lhBIOM).},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080739},
pmid = {42650664},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic wounds are frequently associated with biofilms, in which not only bacterial but also fungal pathogens can impair wound healing. Among the most relevant opportunistic pathogens is Staphylococcus aureus; together with Candida albicans, both are part of the human skin microbiome but can also colonize chronic wounds. Interkingdom biofilms formed by these microorganisms have been shown to exacerbate the course of diseases compared to infections caused by either species alone.

METHODS: To address the limited number of studies examining fungal-bacterial interactions in wound environments, leucocyte-rich human plasma biofilm models (lhBIOMs) inoculated with S. aureus and C. albicans were prepared. The efficacy of the commonly used clinical antiseptics octenidine dihydrochloride/phenoxyethanol (OCT/PE) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) was examined using the quantitative suspension method (QSM). In addition, spatial distribution and morphology of the microorganisms within this biofilm model were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

RESULTS: In this study, the presence of S. aureus triggered an increase in the formation of filamentation of C. albicans in contrast to the single-species biofilm. In addition, treatment with the tested antimicrobial agents was effective against C. albicans after repetitive applications and showed a clear reduction against S. aureus. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis of the co-culture revealed increased growth of S. aureus in the control culture compared to the single-species model.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the pathogenic relevance of interkingdom biofilms in chronic wounds and emphasize the importance of effective species-independent antimicrobial treatment strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42650692,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Li, J and Deng, S and Lei, J and Gao, L and Li, X and Gao, L and Yuan, Y and Wu, H and Zhai, Y and Liu, J},
title = {Associations of Biofilm Capacity with Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae from Chickens in Henan, China, 2023-2025.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080767},
pmid = {42650692},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {32072914//National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant/ ; 221111111300//Key R&D Program of Henan Province under Grant/ ; },
abstract = {Background:Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that can cause respiratory diseases in chickens. The aim of this study was to investigate the biofilm formation, resistance, and virulence of K. pneumoniae isolates from chickens in Henan Province, China, between 2023 and 2025, and to analyze the associations among these characteristics. Methods: We identified the isolates through blood agar culture, Gram staining and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Hypermucoviscosity phenotype, biofilm-forming ability, antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes were assessed by the string test, crystal violet assay, disk diffusion and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Results: A total of 102 K. pneumoniae isolates were identified. Of these, 81.4% were biofilm-forming strains, and 15.7% exhibited the hypermucoviscosity phenotype. The susceptibility profiles of the K. pneumoniae isolates indicated high resistance to penicillins (>90.0%) and low resistance to carbapenems (<10%), with 88.2% identified as multidrug-resistant. The results of virulence gene detection indicated that luxS (79.4%), mrkD (75.5%), and uge (73.5%) were the most prevalent virulence genes, followed by wabG (49.0%), ybtA (34.3%), and iucA (20.6%). The association analysis indicated that biofilm formation was significant association with multidrug-resistant and the carriage of virulence genes. Compared with non-biofilm-forming isolates, biofilm-forming isolates showed significantly higher resistance to ceftiofur and florfenicol, as well as higher detection rates of luxS, mrkD, and uge (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The data obtained in this study reveal the pathogenic potential and multidrug-resistant characteristics of this pathogen, highlighting the need for surveillance and monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid42650708,
year = {2026},
author = {Goroftei, L and Popescu, CM and Profir, I and Jalba, GA and Gurau, G},
title = {Biofilm-Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance in Pediatric Klebsiella pneumoniae Urinary Tract Infections: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Challenges, and Therapeutic Strategies.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080783},
pmid = {42650708},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are an increasing challenge in pediatric practice due to the combined effects of biofilm formation, multidrug resistance (MDR), and limited therapeutic options for children. Biofilm development promotes bacterial persistence by impairing antibiotic penetration, enabling metabolic adaptation, promoting persister-cell formation, facilitating horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and inducing stress-induced mutagenesis, thereby reducing the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapy. These mechanisms are further compounded by pediatric-specific challenges, including age-dependent pharmacokinetic variability, congenital urinary tract abnormalities, device-associated infections, and the limited availability of validated diagnostic tools for biofilm-associated infections. This narrative review integrates current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance with the unique diagnostic, pharmacological, and therapeutic challenges encountered in pediatric patients with K. pneumoniae UTIs. Emerging therapeutic strategies, such as optimized antibiotic combination therapy, bacteriophages, biofilm matrix-degrading enzymes, quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and microbiome-directed approaches are critically evaluated with particular emphasis on their potential applicability in children. Although several anti-biofilm strategies have demonstrated encouraging results in experimental models, robust pediatric clinical evidence remains scarce. Current international guidelines continue to rely primarily on planktonic antimicrobial susceptibility testing without addressing biofilm-specific therapeutic considerations. In the absence of validated biofilm diagnostics, catheter stewardship and dosing optimization remain the most defensible clinical interventions available today. Broader translation of anti-biofilm strategies into pediatric practice will require dedicated pharmacokinetic studies, standardized biofilm diagnostics, and prospective clinical trials.},
}

@article {pmid42650712,
year = {2026},
author = {Dyce, H and Schweiger, P and Patel, R and Johnson, S and Sharp, I and Schwan, WR},
title = {Global Transcriptional Differences in Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm-Associated Genes in a brpR Mutant Compared to Wild-Type Strain.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080787},
pmid = {42650712},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {//Mayo Clinic/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Staphylococcus aureus causes bloodstream and skin infections in humans. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains means new antibiotics are needed. A novel antimicrobial drug named SK-03-92, a synthetic aromatic organic stilbenoid compound, kills S. aureus cells within 30 min, but an increase in both biofilm formation and persister cells occurs. SK-03-92 treatment downregulates transcription of the biofilm regulating protein regulator (brpR) gene and biofilm regulating protein sensor (brpS) gene in S. aureus. BrpR/BrpS system may be a LytTR regulatory system tied to biofilm formation, creation of persister cells, and late-stage competence in S. aureus. The aim of this study was to determine what biofilm, late-stage competence, and persister-associated genes were regulated in a brpR mutant compared to wild-type strains. Methods: In this study, involvement of BrpR in regulating other genes was assessed by comparing transcriptional changes in a brpR mutant strain to the S. aureus parent strain via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Bioinformatic analysis was then performed on the RNA-Seq data to assess what biochemical pathways might be involved. Results: From these analyses, 440 genes were identified that had significant differences in transcript abundance when comparing the brpR mutant to wild-type strains. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed bacA, icd, metE, and pdhA transcript levels were lower, whereas alr and mraY were higher in the brpR mutant versus wild-type strain. Furthermore, an enzymatic assay targeting NADH production from the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex showed lower levels in the mutant compared to wild-type strain. Conclusions: Overall, the study demonstrated several biosynthetic pathways tied to biofilm formation and late-stage competency may be regulated by BrpR and some potential leads for the mechanism of action of the SK-03-92 drug were uncovered.},
}