@article {pmid31419460,
year = {2019},
author = {Miryala, SK and Anbarasu, A and Ramaiah, S},
title = {Systems biology studies in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 to understand their role in biofilm formation and multidrug efflux pumps.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103668},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103668},
pmid = {31419460},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) exhibited against broad spectrum and new generation antibiotics used for Pseudomonas infections is a major threat and renders the treatment ineffective. In our present study, we have used a computational approach to understand various drug resistance mechanisms which contribute to Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) in P. aeruginosa. The interaction network of 60 AMR genes along with the 337 functional interactions was analyzed. Functional enrichment analysis of AMR genes has shown that the genes in the network are mainly associated with efflux pump mechanisms, alginate biosynthesis, biofilm formation, and ampC beta-lactamase biosynthesis. Interestingly, the genes phoP, phoQ, and cat genes are observed to have roles in more than one drug-resistant mechanism. The genes phoP and phoQ apart from their role in two-component regulatory systems also play major roles in multidrug efflux pumps and alteration in drug target. The gene cat involves in alteration of drug target and enzymatic inactivation. The interaction network analysis has shown that the AMR genes oprJ, oprM, oprN, ampC, gyrA, mexA, oprD, mexB and nfxB have higher number of direct interactors and they are considered as the hub nodes in the network and these genes can be used as potential drug targets for developing new drugs. The results from our study will be helpful in better understanding of the antibiotic resistance mechanisms in P. aeruginosa. The gene targets reported, can be used for new drug discovery against Pseudomonas infections.},
}

@article {pmid31413280,
year = {2019},
author = {Inui, T and Palmer, RJ and Shah, N and Li, W and Cisar, JO and Wu, CD},
title = {Effect of mechanically stimulated saliva on initial human dental biofilm formation.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {11805},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-48211-3},
pmid = {31413280},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Intramural Research Program//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)/ ; NA//Mars Incorporated | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (Wrigley Company)/ ; },
abstract = {This study evaluated the impact of mechanically stimulated saliva on initial bacterial colonization. Interaction between oral bacteria and both unstimulated and stimulated saliva was examined in vitro by laying labeled bacteria over SDS-PAGE-separated salivary proteins. The effects of chewing on in vivo biofilm, microbial composition, and spatial arrangement were examined in two human volunteers using an intraoral stent containing retrievable enamel chips. In vitro experiments showed that bacterial binding to proteins from stimulated saliva was lower than that to proteins from unstimulated saliva. Lack of binding activity was noted with Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei. Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM) analyses revealed a consistent chewing-related increase in the binding of Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus gordonii. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated the presence of multi-species colonies and cells bearing different serotypes of the coaggregation-mediating streptococcal cell-surface receptor polysaccharides (RPS). Differences in bacterial colonization were noted between the two volunteers, while the type 4 RPS-reactive serotype was absent in one volunteer. Cells reacting with antibody against Rothia or Haemophilus were prominent in the early biofilm. While analysis of the data obtained demonstrated inter-individual variations in both in vitro and in vivo bacterial binding patterns, stimulating saliva with multiple orosensory stimuli may modulate oral bacterial colonization of tooth surfaces.},
}

@article {pmid31412645,
year = {2019},
author = {Magin, V and Garrec, N and Andrés, Y},
title = {Selection of Bacteriophages to Control In Vitro 24 h Old Biofilm of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Drinking and Thermal Water.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v11080749},
pmid = {31412645},
issn = {1999-4915},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes public healthcare issues. In moist environments, this Gram-negative bacterium persists through biofilm-associated contamination on surfaces. Bacteriophages are seen as a promising alternative strategy to chemical biocides. This study evaluates the potential of nine lytic bacteriophages as biocontrol treatments against nine environmental P. aerginosa isolates. The spot test method is preliminarily used to define the host range of each virus and to identify their minimum infectious titer, depending on the strain. Based on these results, newly isolated bacteriophages 14.1, LUZ7, and B1 are selected and assessed on a planktonic cell culture of the most susceptible isolates (strains MLM, D1, ST395E, and PAO1). All liquid infection assays are achieved in a mineral minimum medium that is much more representative of real moist environments than standard culture medium. Phages 14.1 and LUZ7 eliminate up to 90% of the PAO1 and D1 bacterial strains. Hence, their effectiveness is evaluated on the 24 h old biofilms of these strains, established on a stainless steel coupon that is characteristic of materials found in thermal and industrial environments. The results of quantitative PCR viability show a maximum reduction of 1.7 equivalent Log CFU/cm2 in the coupon between treated and untreated surfaces and shed light on the importance of considering the entire virus/host/environment system for optimizing the treatment.},
}

@article {pmid31411265,
year = {2019},
author = {Yu, MK and Kim, MA and Rosa, V and Hwang, YC and Del Fabbro, M and Sohn, WJ and Min, KS},
title = {Role of extracellular DNA in Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation and its susceptibility to sodium hypochlorite.},
journal = {Journal of applied oral science : revista FOB},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e20180699},
doi = {10.1590/1678-7757-2018-0699},
pmid = {31411265},
issn = {1678-7765},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the role of extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilm and the susceptibility of E. faecalis to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

METHODOLOGY: E. faecalis biofilm was formed in bovine tooth specimens and the biofilm was cultured with or without deoxyribonuclease (DNase), an inhibitor of eDNA. Then, the role of eDNA in E. faecalis growth and biofilm formation was investigated using colony forming unit (CFUs) counting, eDNA level assay, crystal violet staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The susceptibility of E. faecalis biofilm to low (0.5%) or high (5%) NaOCl concentrations was also analyzed by CFU counting.

RESULTS: CFUs and biofilm formation decreased significantly with DNase treatment (p<0.05). The microstructure of DNase-treated biofilms exhibited less structured features when compared to the control. The volume of exopolysaccharides in the DNase-treated biofilm was significantly lower than that of control (p<0.05). Moreover, the CFUs, eDNA level, biofilm formation, and exopolysaccharides volume were lower when the biofilm was treated with DNase de novo when compared to when DNase was applied to matured biofilm (p<0.05). E. faecalis in the biofilm was more susceptible to NaOCl when it was cultured with DNase (p<0.05). Furthermore, 0.5% NaOCl combined with DNase treatment was as efficient as 5% NaOCl alone regarding susceptibility (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of eDNA leads to decrease of E. faecalis biofilm formation and increase of susceptibility of E. faecalis to NaOCl even at low concentrations. Therefore, our results suggest that inhibition of eDNA would be beneficial in facilitating the efficacy of NaOCl and reducing its concentration.},
}

@article {pmid31410982,
year = {2019},
author = {Petrovich, ML and Ben Maamar, S and Hartmann, EM and Murphy, BT and Poretsky, RS and Wells, GF},
title = {Viral composition and context in metagenomes from biofilm and suspended growth municipal wastewater treatment plants.},
journal = {Microbial biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1751-7915.13464},
pmid = {31410982},
issn = {1751-7915},
support = {C-060//Chicago Biomedical Consortium/ ; //Northwestern University/ ; //Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust/ ; },
abstract = {Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contain high density and diversity of viruses which can significantly impact microbial communities in aquatic systems. While previous studies have investigated viruses in WWTP samples that have been specifically concentrated for viruses and filtered to exclude bacteria, little is known about viral communities associated with bacterial communities throughout wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, differences in viral composition between attached and suspended growth wastewater treatment bioprocesses are not well characterized. Here, shotgun metagenomics was used to analyse wastewater and biomass from transects through two full-scale WWTPs for viral composition and associations with bacterial hosts. One WWTP used a suspended growth activated sludge bioreactor and the other used a biofilm reactor (trickling filter). Myoviridae, Podoviridae and Siphoviridae were the dominant viral families throughout both WWTPs, which are all from the order Caudovirales. Beta diversity analysis of viral sequences showed that samples clustered significantly both by plant and by specific sampling location. For each WWTP, the overall bacterial community structure was significantly different than community structure of bacterial taxa associated with viral sequences. These findings highlight viral community composition in transects through different WWTPs and provide context for dsDNA viral sequences in bacterial communities from these systems.},
}

@article {pmid31410606,
year = {2019},
author = {Wang, Z and Shi, LD and Lai, CY and Zhao, HP},
title = {Methane oxidation coupled to vanadate reduction in a membrane biofilm batch reactor under hypoxic condition.},
journal = {Biodegradation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s10532-019-09887-6},
pmid = {31410606},
issn = {1572-9729},
support = {LR17B070001//Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar of Zhejiang Province/ ; 21577123//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 51878596//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2018YFC1802203//National Key Technology R&D Program/ ; },
abstract = {This study shows vanadate (V(V)) reduction in a methane (CH4) based membrane biofilm batch reactor when the concentration of dissolved oxygen (O2) was extremely low. V(IV) was the dominant products formed from V(V) bio-reduction, and majority of produced V(IV) transformed into precipitates with green color. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Illumina sequencing analysis showed that archaea methanosarcina were significantly enriched. Metagenomic predictive analysis further showed the enrichment of genes associated with reverse methanogenesis pathway, the key CH4-activating mechanism for anaerobic methane oxidation (AnMO), as well as the enrichment of genes related to acetate synthesis, in archaea. The enrichment of aerobic methanotrophs Methylococcus and Methylomonas implied their role in CH4 activation using trace level of O2, or their participation in V(V) reduction.},
}

@article {pmid31410037,
year = {2019},
author = {Bidossi, A and Bottagisio, M and De Grandi, R and Drago, L and De Vecchi, E},
title = {Chlorquinaldol, a topical agent for skin and wound infections: anti-biofilm activity and biofilm-related antimicrobial cross-resistance.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {2177-2189},
doi = {10.2147/IDR.S211007},
pmid = {31410037},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {Purpose: Persistence of skin and wound infections is nowadays accepted being linked to bacterial biofilms, which are highly recalcitrant to treatments and contribute to maintain a constant inflammation state and prevent a correct healing. Topical antimicrobials are the most common first-line self-medications; however, treatment failure is not uncommon and emerging resistance to antibiotics is alarming. Chlorquinaldol is an antimicrobial with a wide spectrum of activity and desirable characteristics for topical application. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chlorquinaldol to prevent or eradicate S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms, in comparison to classic topical antibiotics like gentamicin and fusidic acid.

Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were assessed for each strain and subinhibitory concentrations (½ and ¼ MIC) were used in the biofilm assay. Antimicrobial assays were performed during biofilm formation or were applied on mature biofilms and were evaluated by means of crystal violet assay and confocal laser scan microscopy.

Results: Chlorquinaldol and gentamicin were the most effective antimicrobials in both eradicating and preventing pathogens biofilm; however, resistance to methicillin and impermeability to carbapenems impaired chlorquinaldol effect. In addition, similarly to other hydroxyquinolines, aspecific metal chelation is here proposed as chlorquinaldol mode of action.

Conclusion: Relying on an acceptable antibiofilm and a wide spectrum of activity, an aspecific mode of action and consequent absence of resistance development, chlorquinaldol proved to be a good antimicrobial for topical use.},
}

@article {pmid31409687,
year = {2019},
author = {Jung, YC and Lee, MA and Lee, KH},
title = {Role of Flagellin-Homologous Proteins in Biofilm Formation by Pathogenic Vibrio Species.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1128/mBio.01793-19},
pmid = {31409687},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {The pathogenic bacterium Vibrio vulnificus exhibits the ability to form biofilm, for which initiation is dependent upon swimming motility by virtue of a polar flagellum. The filament of its flagellum is composed of multiple flagellin subunits, FlaA, -B, -C, and -D. In V. vulnificus genomes, however, open reading frames (ORFs) annotated by FlaE and -F are also present. Although neither FlaE nor FlaF is involved in filament formation and cellular motility, they are well expressed and secreted to the extracellular milieu through the secretion apparatus for flagellar assembly. In the extrapolymeric matrix of V. vulnificus biofilm, significant levels of FlaEF were detected. Mutants defective in both flaE and flaF formed significantly decreased biofilms compared to the wild-type biofilm. Thus, the potential role of FlaEF during the biofilm-forming process was investigated by exogenous addition of recombinant FlaEF (rFlaEF) to the biofilm assays. The added rFlaE and rFlaF were predominantly incorporated into the biofilm matrix formed by the wild type. However, biofilms formed by a mutant defective in exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis were not affected by added FlaEF. These results raised a possibility that FlaEF specifically interact with EPS within the biofilm matrix. In vitro pulldown assays using His-tagged rFlaEF or rFlaC revealed the specific binding of EPS to rFlaEF but not to rFlaC. Taken together, our results demonstrate that V. vulnificus FlaEF, flagellin-homologous proteins (FHPs), are crucial for biofilm formation by directly interacting with the essential determinant for biofilm maturation, EPS. Further analyses performed with other pathogenic Vibrio species demonstrated both the presence of FHPs and their important role in biofilm formation.IMPORTANCE Flagellar filaments of the pathogenic Vibrio species, including V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. cholerae, are composed of multiple flagellin subunits. In their genomes, however, there are higher numbers of the ORFs encoding flagellin-like proteins than the numbers of flagellin subunits required for filament assembly. Since these flagellin-homologous proteins (FHPs) are well expressed and excreted to environments via a flagellin transport channel, their extracellular role in the pathogenic Vibrio has been enigmatic. Their biological significance, which is not related with flagellar functions, has been revealed to be in maturation of biofilm structures. Among various components of the extracellular polymeric matrix produced in the V. vulnificus biofilms, the exopolysaccharides (EPS) are dominant constituents and crucial in maturation of biofilms. The enhancing role of the V. vulnificus FHPs in biofilm formation requires the presence of EPS, as indicated by highly specific interactions among two FHPs and three EPS.},
}

@article {pmid31408199,
year = {2019},
author = {Ali, IAA and Cheung, BPK and Yau, JYY and Matinlinna, JP and Lévesque, CM and Belibasakis, GN and Neelakantan, P},
title = {The influence of substrate surface conditioning and biofilm age on the composition of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms.},
journal = {International endodontic journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/iej.13202},
pmid = {31408199},
issn = {1365-2591},
abstract = {AIM: To investigate the null hypothesis that neither the surface conditioning (collagen, serum, saliva) of HA discs, nor the biofilm age (3 days vs 21 days) have a significant effect on the cellular and matrix composition of biofilms, using Enterococcus faecalis as the model organism.

METHODOLOGY: Sterile Hydroxyapatite (HA) discs were conditioned with collagen, saliva or serum, and inoculated with E. faecalis to form 3-day and 21-day-old biofilms. Unconditioned discs served as controls. The biofilms were analysed using culture-dependent and independent (confocal microscopy and biochemical analysis) methods, to determine the colony forming units (CFU) and the biofilm matrix composition (polysaccharides and proteins), respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests (P=0.05).

RESULTS: Collagen conditioning significantly increased the number of CFUs in the 21-day biofilms, compared to the 3-day biofilms (P<0.05). Although the biochemical analysis revealed that surface conditioning had no significant effect on the total carbohydrate content in the 21-day biofilms, confocal microscopic analysis revealed that collagen and saliva conditioning selectively increased the polysaccharide content of 21-day biofilms, compared to the 3-day biofilms (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study raise an important methodological concern that the substrate conditioning substances and biofilm age differentially influence the cellular and extracellular matrix components of E. faecalis biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid31407877,
year = {2019},
author = {Nie, L and Li, Y and Chen, S and Li, K and Huang, Y and Zhu, Y and Sun, Z and Zhang, J and He, Y and Cui, M and Wei, S and Qiu, F and Zhong, C and Liu, W},
title = {Biofilm Nanofibers-Coated Separator for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anode and Ultrahigh-Rate Lithium Batteries.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.9b08656},
pmid = {31407877},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {Rechargeable batteries that combine high energy density with high power density are highly demanded. However, the wide utilization of lithium metal anode is limited by the uncontrollable dendrite growth and the conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) commonly suffer from low rate capability. Here, we for the first time develop a biofilm-coated separator for high-energy and high-power batteries. It reveals that the coating of Escherichia coli protein nanofibers can improve electrolyte wettability and enhance adhesion between separators and electrodes. Thus, lithium dendrite growth is impeded due to the uniform distribution of Li-ion flux. The modified separator also enables the stable cycling of high-voltage Li|Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 cells at an extremely high rate of 20 C, delivering a high specific capacity of 83.1 mAh g-1, which exceeds the conventional counterpart. In addition, the modified separator in the Li4Ti5O12|Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 full cell also exhibits a larger capacity of 68.2 mAh g-1 at 10 C than the uncoated separator of 48.1 mAh g-1. Such remarkably performances of the modified separators arise from the conformal, adhesive and endurable coating of biofilm nanofibers. Our work opens up a new opportunity for protein-based biomaterials in practical application of high-energy and high-power batteries.},
}

@article {pmid31407437,
year = {2019},
author = {Daubert, DM and Weinstein, BF},
title = {Biofilm as a risk factor in implant treatment.},
journal = {Periodontology 2000},
volume = {81},
number = {1},
pages = {29-40},
doi = {10.1111/prd.12280},
pmid = {31407437},
issn = {1600-0757},
abstract = {This article summarizes the microbiological findings at dental implants, drawing distinctions between the peri-implant microbiome and the periodontal microbiome, and summarizes what is known regarding biofilm as a risk factor for specific stages of implant treatment. Targeted microbial analysis is reviewed as well as the latest results from open-ended sequencing of the peri-implant flora. At this time there remains a lack of consensus for a specific microbial profile that is associated with peri-implantitis, suggesting that there may be other factors which influence the microbiome such as titanium surface dissolution. Therapeutic interventions to address the biofilm are presented at the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative stages. Evidence supports that perioperative chlorhexidine reduces biofilm-related implant complications and failure. Regular maintenance for dental implants is also shown to reduce peri-implant mucositis and implant failure. Maintenance procedures should aim to disrupt the biofilm without damaging the titanium dioxide surface layer in an effort to prevent further oxidation. Evidence supports the use of glycine powder air polishing as a valuable adjunct to conventional therapies for use at implant maintenance visits. For the treatment of peri-implantitis, nonsurgical therapy has not been shown to be effective, and while surgical intervention is not always predictable, it has been shown to be superior to nonsurgical treatment for decontamination of the implant surface that is not covered by bone.},
}

@article {pmid31406097,
year = {2019},
author = {Saad, A and Nikaido, T and Abdou, A and Matin, K and Burrow, MF and Tagami, J},
title = {Inhibitory effect of zinc-containing desensitizer on bacterial biofilm formation and root dentin demineralization.},
journal = {Dental materials journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4012/dmj.2018-352},
pmid = {31406097},
issn = {1881-1361},
abstract = {This study compared the effect of a novel zinc containing, Caredyne Shield (CS), and a fluoroaluminocalciumsilicate-based, Nanoseal (NS) desensitizers on dentin tubule occlusion, inhibition of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm growth, and resistance to bacterial demineralization. Desensitizers were applied to simulated hypersensitive bovine dentin, with distilled water used as a control. S. mutans biofilms were grown on the surface of each specimen in an oral biofilm simulator. CS showed the least bacterial count and water insoluble glucan amount followed by NS. Transverse micro radiography revealed that both CS and NS showed significant reduction in mineral loss and lesion depth of the associated lesion. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the two desensitizers formed obvious depositions on the dentin surfaces, occlusion of tubules and mineral tag formation.},
}

@article {pmid31405860,
year = {2019},
author = {Willems, HME and Stultz, JS and Coltrane, ME and Fortwendel, JP and Peters, BM},
title = {Disparate Candida albicans biofilm formation in clinical lipid emulsions due to capric acid mediated inhibition.},
journal = {Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1128/AAC.01394-19},
pmid = {31405860},
issn = {1098-6596},
abstract = {Receipt of parenteral nutrition (PN) remains an independent risk factor for developing catheter-related blood stream infections (CR-BSI) caused by fungi, including the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans that is notoriously adept at forming drug-resistant biofilm structures. Among a variety of macronutrients, PN solutions contain lipid emulsions to supply daily essential fats and are often delivered via central venous catheters (CVC). Therefore, using an in vitro biofilm model system, we sought to determine whether various clinical lipid emulsions differentially impacted biofilm growth in C. albicans We observed that lipid emulsions Intralipid® and Omegaven® both stimulated C. albicans biofilm formation during growth in minimal medium or a macronutrient PN solution. Conversely, Smoflipid® inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation by approximately 50%. Follow up studies revealed that while Smoflipid did not impair C. albicans growth, it did significantly inhibit hypha formation and hyphal elongation. Moreover, growth inhibition could be recapitulated in Intralipid® when supplemented with capric acid-a fatty acid present in Smoflipid® but absent in Intralipid®. Capric acid was also found to dose-dependently inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation in PN solutions. This is the first study to directly compare different clinical lipid emulsions for their capacity to affect C. albicans biofilm growth. Results derived from this study necessitate further research regarding different lipid emulsions and rates of fungal-associated CR-BSIs.},
}

@article {pmid31405233,
year = {2019},
author = {Kwiecińska-Piróg, J and Skowron, K and Bogiel, T and Białucha, A and Przekwas, J and Gospodarek-Komkowska, E},
title = {Vitamin C in the Presence of Sub-Inhibitory Concentration of Aminoglycosides and Fluoroquinolones Alters Proteus mirabilis Biofilm Inhibitory Rate.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {8},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics8030116},
pmid = {31405233},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Vitamin C has antimicrobial activity and is often used as an oral supplement accompanying antibiotic treatment in urinary tract infections (UTI). Proteus mirabilis is the third common species responsible for UTIs that are mostly treated with fluoroquinolones or aminoglycosides. Treatment of the UTI caused by P. mirabilis is problematic due to the ability to form biofilm on the urinary catheters. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of ascorbic acid in combination with antibiotics on P. mirabilis abilities to form biofilm. The susceptibility of P. mirabilis reference strain ATCC® 29906™ and four clinical strains isolated from the urine samples of patients with urinary catheter were evaluated according to EUCAST recommendations. The influence of ascorbic acid (0.4 mg × mL-1) in combination with antibiotics on biofilm formation was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Aminoglycosides at sub-inhibitory concentrations more successfully limited biofilm formation by P. mirabilis strains without ascorbic acid addition. Inhibition rate differences at the lowest concentrations of gentamicin and amikacin were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Ascorbic acid addition to the culture medium limited the inhibitory effect of fluoroquinolones, facilitating biofilm formation by P. mirabilis strains. The addition of ascorbic acid during aminoglycosides therapy may disturb treatment of urinary tract infections related to the presence of P. mirabilis biofilm.},
}

@article {pmid31405172,
year = {2019},
author = {Guzzon, A and Di Pippo, F and Congestri, R},
title = {Wastewater Biofilm Photosynthesis in Photobioreactors.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {7},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms7080252},
pmid = {31405172},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {QLK3-CT2002-01938//EC/ ; },
abstract = {Photosynthetic performance of algal-bacterial biofilms from an Italian wastewater treatment plant was studied in a flow-lane photobioreactor at different irradiances, temperatures, and flow regime to evaluate the effects of these environmental parameters on biofilms' functioning, in view of application of these communities in wastewater biological treatment. Pulse amplitude modulated fluorescence was used to estimate the effective quantum yield of PSII (ΔF/Fm') of the light-acclimated biofilms and to perform rapid light curves (RLCs) for the determination of the photosynthetic parameters (rel.ETRmax, α, Ik). Chl a, ash free dry weight (AFDW), and dry weight (DW) were measured to assess phototrophic and whole biofilm biomass development over time. From the analysis of photosynthetic parameter variation with light intensity, temperature and flow rate, it was possible to identify the set of experimental values favoring biofilm photosynthetic activity. Biomass increased over time, especially at the highest irradiances, where substrata were fastly colonized and mature biofilms developed at all temperatures and flow conditions tested.},
}

@article {pmid31404843,
year = {2019},
author = {Kłodzińska, SN and Wan, F and Jumaa, H and Sternberg, C and Rades, T and Nielsen, HM},
title = {Utilizing nanoparticles for improving anti-biofilm effects of azithromycin: A head-to-head comparison of modified hyaluronic acid nanogels and coated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles.},
journal = {Journal of colloid and interface science},
volume = {555},
number = {},
pages = {595-606},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2019.08.006},
pmid = {31404843},
issn = {1095-7103},
abstract = {HYPOTHESIS: The widespread resistance of bacteria to traditional antibiotic treatments has expedited the search for novel therapies against these pathogens. The hypothesis of this work is that two distinctively different polymeric delivery systems, specifically D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and octenyl succinic anhydride-modified low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (OSA-HA) nanogels may be used to substantially improve the properties of azithromycin, allowing its use for effective treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections.

EXPERIMENTS: Azithromycin was encapsulated in both delivery systems and the physicochemical properties of the loaded delivery systems, including size, surface charge and drug loading were evaluated. Additionally, particle interaction with a mucin layer, penetration into a bacterial biofilm, prevention of biofilm formation and eradication of pre-formed biofilms, the influence on production of virulence factors and bacterial motility as well as cytotoxicity towards hepatocytes and lung epithelial cells were compared head-to-head.

FINDINGS: The TPGS-PLGA nanoparticles noticeably improved the antimicrobial activity and the biofilm prevention activity of azithromycin whereas the OSA-HA nanogels showed reduced mucin interactions together with improved reduction of pre-formed biofilms and maintained the low eukaryotic cell cytotoxicity of azithromycin.},
}

@article {pmid31404739,
year = {2019},
author = {Sun, G and Wan, J and Sun, Y and Li, H and Chang, C and Wang, Y},
title = {Enhanced removal of nitrate and refractory organic pollutants from bio-treated coking wastewater using corncobs as carbon sources and biofilm carriers.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {237},
number = {},
pages = {124520},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124520},
pmid = {31404739},
issn = {1879-1298},
abstract = {The quality of the bio-treated coking wastewater (BTCW) is difficult to meet increasingly stringent coking wastewater discharge standards and future wastewater recycling needs. In this study, the pre-treatment process of BTCW was installed including the two up-flow fixed-bed bioreactors (UFBRs) which were separately filled with alkali-pretreated or no alkali-pretreated corncobs used as solid carbon sources as well as biofilm carriers. Results showed that this pre-treatment process could significantly improve the biodegradability of BTCW and increase the C/N ratio. Thus, over 90% of residual nitrate in BTCW were removed stably. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis confirmed that the typical refractory organic matters decreased significantly after UFBRs pre-treatment. High-throughput sequencing analysis using 16S rRNA demonstrated that dominant denitrifiers, fermentative bacteria and refractory-organic-pollutants-degrading bacteria co-existed inside the UFBRs system. Compared with no alkali-pretreated corncobs, alkali-pretreated corncobs provided more porous structure and much stable release of carbon to guarantee the growth and the quantity of the functional bacteria such as denitrifiers. This study indicated that the UFBRs filled with alkali-pretreated corncobs could be utilized as an effective alternative for the enhanced treatment of the BTCW.},
}

@article {pmid31404326,
year = {2019},
author = {Wang, S and Wang, Y and Wang, Y and Duan, Z and Ling, Z and Wu, W and Tong, S and Wang, H and Deng, S},
title = {Theaflavin-3,3'-Digallate Suppresses Biofilm Formation, Acid Production, and Acid Tolerance in Streptococcus mutans by Targeting Virulence Factors.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {1705},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01705},
pmid = {31404326},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {As one of the most important cariogenic pathogens, Streptococcus mutans has strong abilities to form biofilms, produce acid and tolerate acid. In present study, we found that theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3) had an inhibitory effect on S. mutans UA159 in vitro. Visualized by field emission-scanning electron microscopy, the suppressed formation of S. mutans biofilms grown with TF3 at sub-inhibitory concentrations could be attributed to the reduced biofilm matrix, which was proven to contain glucans and extracellular DNA (eDNA). Glucan-reduced effect of TF3 was achieved by down-regulating expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD encoding glucosyltransferases. Besides, TF3 reduced eDNA formation of S. mutans by negatively regulating lrgA, lrgB, and srtA, which govern cell autolysis and membrane vesicle components. Furthermore, TF3 also played vital roles in antagonizing preformed biofilms of S. mutans. Bactericidal effects of TF3 became significant when its concentrations increased more than twofold of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Moreover, the capacities of S. mutans biofilms to produce acid and tolerate acid were significantly weakened by TF3 at MIC. Based on real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, the mechanistic effects of TF3 were speculated to comprise the inhibition of enolase, lactate dehydrogenase, F-type ATPase and the agmatine deiminase system. Moreover, TF3 has been found to downregulate LytST, VicRK, and ComDE two component systems in S. mutans, which play critical roles in the regulatory network of virulence factors. Our present study found that TF3 could suppress the formation and cariogenic capacities of S. mutans biofilms, which will provide new strategies for anti-caries in the future.},
}

@article {pmid31403663,
year = {2019},
author = {Shafeeq, S and Pannanusorn, S and Elsharabasy, Y and Ramírez-Zavala, B and Morschhäuser, J and Römling, U},
title = {Impact of manganese on biofilm formation and cell morphology of Candida parapsilosis clinical isolates with different biofilm forming abilities.},
journal = {FEMS yeast research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsyr/foz057},
pmid = {31403663},
issn = {1567-1364},
abstract = {The commensal species Candida parapsilosis is an emerging human pathogen that has the ability to form biofilms. In this study, we explored the impact of the divalent cations cobalt (Co2+), copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe3+), manganese (Mn2+), nickel (Ni2+) and zinc (Zn2+) on biofilm formation of clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis with no, low and high biofilm-forming abilities at 30 and 37°C. All strains beside one isolate showed a concentration dependent enhancement of biofilm formation at 30°C in the presence of Mn2+ with a maximum at 2 mM. The biofilm forming ability of no- and low-biofilm forming isolates was more than two-fold enhanced in the presence of 2 mM Mn2+, while the effect in high biofilm forming isolate was significantly less pronounced. Of note, cells in the biofilms of no- and low-biofilm forming strains differentiated into yeast and pseudohyphal cells similar in morphology to high biofilm formers. The biofilm transcriptional activator BCR1 has a dual developmental role in the absence and presence of 2 mM Mn2+ as it promoted biofilm formation of no biofilm forming strains, and, surprisingly, suppressed cells of no biofilm forming strains to develop into pseudohyphae and/or hyphae. Thus, environmental conditions can significantly affect the amount of biofilm formation and cell morphology of C. parapsilosis with Mn2+ to overcome developmental blocks to trigger biofilm formation and to partially relieve BCR1 suppressed cell differentiation.},
}

@article {pmid31402901,
year = {2019},
author = {van Vugt, TAG and Arts, JJ and Geurts, JAP},
title = {Antibiotic-Loaded Polymethylmethacrylate Beads and Spacers in Treatment of Orthopedic Infections and the Role of Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {1626},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01626},
pmid = {31402901},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) also referred as (acrylic) bone cement is a non-degradable biomaterial that has been used in clinical orthopedic practice for several decades. PMMA can be used in a plain formulation, but is often used in an antibiotic-loaded formulation in (primary and revision) arthroplasty and in treatment of orthopedic infections as prosthetic joint infections (PJI) and chronic osteomyelitis. In treatment of PJIs antibiotic-loaded PMMA is often used as a carrier material for local antibiotic delivery in addition to treatment with systemic antibiotics. In this case, the antibiotic-loaded PMMA is often used as a spacer or as a bead chain. Since the introduction of PMMA as an antibiotic carrier there is a tremendous amount of scientific and clinical papers published, which studied numerous different aspects of antibiotic-loaded PMMA. This paper will review the research regarding basic principles of antibiotic-loaded PMMA as mechanism of action, antibiotic-release capacities, choice of antibiotics and influences on mechanical properties of PMMA. Subsequently, concerns regarding the application of antibiotic-loaded PMMA, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance and local or systemic toxicity will be discussed. In addition to these subjects, the role of antibiotic loaded PMMA in clinical treatment of PJIs and chronic osteomyelitis is discussed in the final part of this paper.},
}

@article {pmid31402749,
year = {2019},
author = {Krantz, GP and Lucas, K and Wunderlich, EL and Hoang, LT and Avci, R and Siuzdak, G and Fields, MW},
title = {Bulk phase resource ratio alters carbon steel corrosion rates and endogenously produced extracellular electron transfer mediators in a sulfate-reducing biofilm.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2019.1646731},
pmid = {31402749},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20 biofilms were cultivated on 316 steel, 1018 steel, or borosilicate glass under steady-state conditions in electron-acceptor limiting (EAL) and electron-donor limiting (EDL) conditions with lactate and sulfate in a defined medium. Increased corrosion was observed on 1018 steel under EDL conditions compared to 316 steel, and biofilms on 1018 carbon steel under the EDL condition had at least twofold higher corrosion rates compared to the EAL condition. Protecting the 1018 metal coupon from biofilm colonization significantly reduced corrosion, suggesting that the corrosion mechanism was enhanced through attachment between the material and the biofilm. Metabolomic mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated an increase in a flavin-like molecule under the 1018 EDL condition and sulfonates under the 1018 EAL condition. These data indicate the importance of S-cycling under the EAL condition, and that the EDL is associated with increased biocorrosion via indirect extracellular electron transfer mediated by endogenously produced flavin-like molecules.},
}

@article {pmid31402466,
year = {2019},
author = {Balasundararajan, V and Dananjeyan, B},
title = {Occurrence of diversified N-acyl homoserine lactone mediated biofilm-forming bacteria in rice rhizoplane.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.201900202},
pmid = {31402466},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {5-5/2014 - TS VII//Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi, India/ ; },
abstract = {Quorum sensing (QS)-mediated biofilm-forming rhizobacteria are indispensable due to their competitiveness in the crop rhizosphere. In the present work, we have reported on the occurrence of diversified bacterial species capable of producing N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) as the QS signal in the roots of a rice plant grown under field conditions. The AHL-producing bacteria were directly isolated from the rice root by the biosensor reporter (Chromobacterium violaceum CV026) overlay method and characterized for biofilm production by the microtiter plate method. A total of 48 QS-positive bacterial isolates were purified from different aged (7, 20, 24, 26, and 36 days) rice seedlings. The in vitro biofilm production and genetic diversity as revealed by BOX-PCR fingerprinting showed high variability among the isolates. Most of the best biofilm-forming isolates produced a N-butyryl dl-homoserine lactone (a C4-AHL type) signal in the medium. The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence of these putative elite isolates identified that they were close to Aeromonas hydrophila (QS7-4; QS36-2), A. enteropelongenes (QS20-8), A. veronii (QS36-3), Enterobacter sp. (QS20-11), Klebsiella pneumoniae (QS24-6), Kosakonia cowanii (QS24-21), Providentia rettigeri (QS24-2), Sphingomonas aquatilis (QS24-17), and Pseudomonas sihuiensis (QS24-20). These strains profusely colonized the rice root upon inoculation and formed biofilms on the surface of the root under gnotobiotic conditions. Developing inoculants from these strains would ensure competitive colonization on the rhizoplane of the crop through their biofilm and thereby improve plant growth and health.},
}

@article {pmid31279761,
year = {2019},
author = {Parvin, F and Hu, H and Whiteley, GS and Glasbey, T and Vickery, K},
title = {Difficulty in removing biofilm from dry surfaces.},
journal = {The Journal of hospital infection},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhin.2019.07.005},
pmid = {31279761},
issn = {1532-2939},
abstract = {Cleaning is fundamental to infection control. This report demonstrates that a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm is significantly more difficult to remove than dried planktonic bacteria. A single wiping action removed >99.9% (>3 log10) of dried planktonic bacteria, whereas only 1.4 log10 of biofilm (96.66%) was removed by 50 wiping actions with a standardized wiping process.},
}

@article {pmid31401655,
year = {2019},
author = {Bajoul Kakahi, F and Ly, S and Tarayre, C and Deschaume, O and Bartic, C and Wagner, P and Compère, P and Derdelinckx, G and Blecker, C and Delvigne, F},
title = {Modulation of fungal biofilm physiology and secondary product formation based on physico-chemical surface properties.},
journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00449-019-02187-6},
pmid = {31401655},
issn = {1615-7605},
abstract = {Relative to the amount of knowledge concerning bacterial biofilms, little is known about the impact of physico-chemical properties of support material on fungal biofilm adhesion and physiology. In the field of industrial fermentation, large-scale production of low-cost fungal secondary product is a challenging area of research. In the present work, the effect of physico-chemical surface properties of five different materials (Teflon, glass, Viton™ rubber, silicon rubber, and stainless steel) on the production of class II hydrophobins (HFBI and HFBII) from Trichoderma reesei (HFB2a-2) and Trichoderma harzianum) was evaluated. Two culture systems (shake flask and drip flow reactor (DFR)) were used in this study to promote biomass growth and the production of hydrophobins. Furthermore, the effect of physico-chemical surface properties (hydrophobicity, surface energy) and surface texture (roughness) of support material on the initial colonization and attachment of the fungal biofilm was evaluated. Maximum biofilm productivity was obtained using Viton™ rubber for T. reesei and Viton™ rubber and stainless steel as support materials for T. harzianum. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that fungal biofilm adhesion was higher on the rough hydrophobic Viton rubber surface as compared to the smooth hydrophobic Teflon surface. Initial colonization initiated because of surface irregularities and holes in the material as hyphal filaments. Moreover, compared to traditional submerged fermentation, a significant increase in biofilm productivity for both strains (T. reesei, T. harzianum) in all five materials was obtained.},
}

@article {pmid31401462,
year = {2019},
author = {Czuban, M and Wulsten, D and Wang, L and Di Luca, M and Trampuz, A},
title = {Release of different amphotericin B formulations from PMMA bone cements and their activity against Candida biofilm.},
journal = {Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces},
volume = {183},
number = {},
pages = {110406},
doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110406},
pmid = {31401462},
issn = {1873-4367},
abstract = {Amphotericin B is used for local delivery from polymethylmethacrylate to treat fungal prosthetic joint infections. The optimal amphotericin B formulation and the influence of different poragens in the bone cements are unknown. To investigate the necessary amount of amphotericin B in the bone cement to prevent Candida biofilm several amphotericin B formulations were studied: non-liposomal and liposomal with or without poragen gentamicin. For the non-liposomal formulation, standard bile salt, the sodium deoxycholate, was used and additionally N-methyl-D-glucamine/palmitate was applied. The activity of the released amphotericin B was tested against C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei biofilms with application of the isothermal calorimeter and standard microbiological methods. Compressive strength was measured before and after antifungal elution from the cements. There is less aggregated N-methyl-D-glucamine/palmitate amphotericin B released but its antifungal activity is equivalent with the deoxycholate amphotericin B. The minimum quantity of antifungal preventing the Candida biofilm formation is 12.5 mg in gram of polymer powder for both non-liposomal formulations. The addition of gentamicin reduced the release of sodium deoxycholate amphotericin B. Gentamicin can be added to N-methyl-D-glucamine/palmitate amphotericin B in order to boost the antifungal release. When using liposomal amphotericin B more drug is released. All amphotericin B formulations were active against Candida biofilms. Although compressive strength slightly decreased, the obtained values were above the level of strength recommended for the implant fixation. The finding of this work might be beneficial for the treatment of the prosthetic joint infections caused by Candida spp.},
}

@article {pmid31400984,
year = {2019},
author = {Ionescu, A and Brambilla, E and Hahnel, S},
title = {Does recharging dental restorative materials with fluoride influence biofilm formation?.},
journal = {Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.dental.2019.07.019},
pmid = {31400984},
issn = {1879-0097},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of recharging dental restorative materials with fluoride on biofilm formation.

METHODS: Specimens produced from a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC), a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and a resin-based composite (RBC) were randomly allotted to incubation in artificial saliva either for one week (AS-1), for five weeks (AS-5), for five weeks including twice/day brushing with 1450ppm NaF toothpaste (AS-5-brush), or one-time exposition to 5000ppm NaF after five weeks of incubation (AS-5-exp). Human enamel was used as reference. Surface roughness and the release of fluoride from the specimens was determined; biofilm formation was simulated using mono- or multispecies microbiological models and analysed employing an MTT-based approach and confocal laser-scanning microscopy.

RESULTS: Monospecies biofilm formation was significantly reduced on HVGIC in comparison to RMGIC and RBC. It was also reduced on HVGIC and enamel after treatment with fluoride in groups AS-5-brush and AS-5-exp in comparison to AS-5. These effects were particularly pronounced after 24h, and less pronounced after 48h of biofilm formation. In the multispecies microbiological model, similar observations were identified for HVGIC, while for enamel a significant reduction in biofilm formation was observed in groups AS-5-brush and AS-5-exp. No significant effect of fluoride treatments was identified for RMGIC and RBC, regardless of the microbiological model applied.

SIGNIFICANCE: These data indicate that biofilm formation on the surfaces of a glass ionomer cement and enamel can be relevantly influenced by treatment with fluoride. Enamel may serve as a fluoride reservoir which requires regular recharge.},
}

@article {pmid31400892,
year = {2019},
author = {Vasileiou, NGC and Chatzopoulos, DC and Cripps, PJ and Ioannidi, KS and Gougoulis, DA and Chouzouris, TM and Lianou, DT and Gonzalez-Valerio, TC and Vallverdu, RG and Argyros, S and Cesio, M and Font, I and Mavrogianni, VS and Petinaki, E and Fthenakis, GC},
title = {Evaluation of efficacy of a biofilm-embedded bacteria-based vaccine against staphylococcal mastitis in sheep-A randomized, placebo-controlled field study.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2019-16287},
pmid = {31400892},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a vaccine against staphylococcal mastitis in 5 dairy sheep farms, with 316 ewes in the vaccinated (V) group and 307 in the control (C) group studied throughout a lactation period. Two administrations of the vaccine were performed during the last stage of gestation of ewes. Starting 15 d after lambing and at monthly intervals thereafter, up to 9 milk samplings were performed for bacteriological and cytological examinations. Staphylococcal isolates recovered were examined for biofilm formation. Blood samples were collected for measurement of IgG poly-N-acetylglucosamine-specific antibodies. The most frequently isolated bacteria were staphylococci: 56.4 and 76.1%, respectively, of total isolates recovered from ewes of group V and C, respectively; staphylococci as causal agents of mastitis were isolated less frequently from V (5.3%) than in ewes in C (10.3%). Among mastitis-associated staphylococcal isolates recovered from V ewes, a smaller proportion was biofilm-forming than among ones from C: 53.2% versus 74.9% of isolates; biofilm-forming staphylococci as causal agents of mastitis were isolated less frequently from ewes in group V (2.3%) than in ewes in group C (6.0%). Anti-poly-N-acetylglucosamine-specific antibody values increased in V ewes and were higher than in C; a greater proportion of ewes with low antibody titers developed staphylococcal mastitis (41.4%) than of V ewes with high antibody titers (17.0%). Incidence risk of mastitis, staphylococcal mastitis, and biofilm-associated staphylococcal mastitis was smaller in V than in C: 36.7, 17.1, and 8.0% versus 44.3, 30.9, and 18.9%, respectively. The first case of staphylococcal mastitis occurred later in V than in C: 3rd versus 2nd sampling point. Overall, efficacy of the vaccine was 44.6% for staphylococcal mastitis, 57.7% for biofilm-associated staphylococcal mastitis, 33.1% for staphylococcal intramammary infection, and 51.5% for biofilm-associated staphylococcal intramammary infection. Nevertheless, vaccination should not be the only means for controlling mastitis; other udder health management measures should be included therein to improve control of the infection.},
}

@article {pmid31400863,
year = {2019},
author = {Hans, S and Fatima, Z and Hameed, S},
title = {Retrograde signaling disruption influences ABC superfamily transporter, ergosterol and chitin levels along with biofilm formation in Candida albicans.},
journal = {Journal de mycologie medicale},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.mycmed.2019.07.003},
pmid = {31400863},
issn = {1773-0449},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The rise in fungal infections is alarming due to emergence of multidrug drug resistance (MDR). Hence elucidating novel drug targets to circumvent the problem of MDR warrants immediate attention. This study analyzes the effect of retrograde (RTG) signaling disruption on major MDR mechanisms and virulence of the human pathogenic fungal species Candida albicans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Drug transporter activity was measured by rhodamine 6G (R6G) efflux. Membrane damage was studied by propidium iodide intake and ergosterol level determination. Cell wall effect was estimated by quantifying chitin levels and cell sedimentation rate. Biofilm formation was visualized by calcoflour white and crystal violet staining and measured by dry mass and MTT assay. Cell adherence to buccal epithelial cell was determined by trypan blue staining and MTT assay. Virulence was studied using nematode model Caenorhabditis elegans.

RESULT: We demonstrated that mutant of transcription factor CaRTG3 leads to impaired efflux activity of ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamily multidrug transporters. We further uncover that rtg3 mutant exhibited a disrupted membrane, decreased ergosterol levels and increased chitin content. Furthermore, RTG signaling disruption leads to inhibited biofilm formation and cell adherence to buccal epithelial cells. Lastly, rtg3 mutant displayed a reduced infectivity in C. elegans illustrating its vulnerability as antifungal target. Interestingly, all the abrogated phenotypes could be rescued in the revertant strain of rtg3 mutant.

CONCLUSION: Present study establishes a link between RTG signaling, drug efflux and biofilm formation and validates CaRTG3 as antifungal target. Intricate studies are needed to further understand and exploit this therapeutic opportunity.},
}

@article {pmid31400688,
year = {2019},
author = {Li, H and Zhou, L and Lin, H and Zhang, W and Xia, S},
title = {Nitrate effects on perchlorate reduction in a H2/CO2-based biofilm.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {694},
number = {},
pages = {133564},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.370},
pmid = {31400688},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The H2/CO2-based membrane biofilm reactor (H2/CO2-MBfR) that effectively combines microporous diffusions of H2 and CO2 is efficient in removing perchlorate (ClO4-). Nitrate (NO3-) is a common oxidized contaminant frequently coexists with ClO4- in water, with the NO3- concentration in most ClO4--contaminated waters being several orders of magnitude higher than ClO4-. Determining the effect of NO3- on ClO4- reduction is a critical issue in practice. The ClO4- reduction performance, biofilm microbial community and influencing mechanism were investigated under a series of feed NO3- loadings in this work. ClO4- reduction was slightly promoted when NO3--N levels were <10 mg/L and inhibited at higher NO3--N levels. Denitrification competed more strongly for H2 than ClO4- reduction, regardless of H2 availability. A higher NO3--N loading was a strong driving force to change the biofilm microbial community. Betaproteobacteria were the dominant bacteria at all stages, and the biofilm reactor was enriched in Methyloversatilis and Zoogloea (31.9-56.5% and 10.6-25.8%, respectively). Changes in the relative amounts of Methyloversatilis and Zoogloea coincided with changes in the ClO4- fluxes and removal efficiencies and the relative abundances of nitrogen cycle functional genes. These results suggest that Methyloversatilis and Zoogloea likely follow independent reduction mechanisms for ClO4- removal.},
}

@article {pmid31398534,
year = {2019},
author = {Dieser, SA and Fessia, AS and Zanotti, AR and Raspanti, CG and Odierno, LM},
title = {Fibronectin and laminin induce biofilm formation by Streptococcus uberis and decrease its penicillin susceptibility.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103652},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103652},
pmid = {31398534},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fibronectin and laminin on the in vitro biofilm formation by Streptococcus uberis and the susceptibility to penicillin under planktonic and biofilm growth conditions. We observed that a high percentage (76.5%) of the S. uberis isolates was weak biofilm producers in Todd Hewitt Broth (THB). A high percentage of moderate (38.2%) or strong (53%) biofilm producers was observed in THB supplemented with laminin or fibronectin, respectively. All S. uberis isolates growing as planktonic cells were sensitive to penicillin. Minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs) were ranging between 0.25 and 2 μg/ml, whereas minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) ranging from 8 to 256 μg/ml. These results show that biofilm-growing S. uberis cells required higher concentrations of the antibiotic than those needed to inhibit planktonic cells. Similar MBICs of penicillin were obtained when S. uberis cells growing in THB supplemented or not with laminin or fibronectin, whereas the MBECs markedly increased when one of two proteins were added to culture medium compared with the medium without proteins. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of decreased susceptibility to penicillin likely related to a higher production of biofilms stimulated by laminin or fibronectin. Therapeutic failures of penicillin to treat S. uberis infections may be due to biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid31398514,
year = {2019},
author = {Shin, NR and Yi, YJ and Choi, JS},
title = {Hand motor functions on the presence of red fluorescent dental biofilm in older community-dwelling Koreans.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2019.08.010},
pmid = {31398514},
issn = {1873-1597},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence-Digital (QLF-D) system visualizes old and mature dental biofilm as red fluorescence. Risk factors for poor oral hygiene have been identified, however, few studies have evaluated the relationship between mature dental biofilm and hand motor functions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two important manual motor functions for object manipulation -handgrip strength and manual dexterity- on the presence of red fluorescent dental biofilm in older community-dwelling Koreans using QLF-D, an optical device that reveals dental biofilm.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 70 Korean participants aged ≥65 years, all of whom completed questionnaires and were tested for handgrip strength and manual dexterity. In total, 840 dental surfaces were photographed using QLF-D, and ΔR20 values, which reflect mature dental biofilm accumulation, were calculated. The t-test was performed to analyze the differences in the △R20 values according to sociodemographic characteristics, health-related characteristics and hand motor functions, while multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of hand motor functions on the △R20 values.

RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis revealed that handgrip strength (β = -0.294) was the factor most strongly affecting mature dental biofilm accumulation (ΔR20), followed by tooth-brushing time (β = -0.262) and manual dexterity (β = -0.241).

CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in handgrip strength and manual dexterity were independent risk factors for pathogenic dental biofilm accumulation. The results of this investigation suggest that programs designed to prevent the decline, as well as improve, handgrip strength and manual dexterity might improve the oral hygiene of older adults.},
}

@article {pmid31398473,
year = {2019},
author = {Arenas-Vivo, A and Amariei, G and Aguado, S and Rosal, R and Horcajada, P},
title = {An Ag-loaded photoactive nano-Metal Organic Framework as a promising biofilm treatment.},
journal = {Acta biomaterialia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.actbio.2019.08.011},
pmid = {31398473},
issn = {1878-7568},
abstract = {Surface biofilm inhibition is still currently a considerable challenge. Among other organisms, Staphylococcus aureus is notable for its ability to form a strong biofilm with proved resistance to chemotherapy. Contamination of high-touch surfaces with S. aureus biofilm not only promotes disease spread but also generates tremendous health-associated costs. Therefore, development of new bactericidal and antiadhesive surface coatings is a priority. Considering that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as promising antibacterial agents, we originally report here the synthesis of a multi-active silver-containing nanoscaled MOF composite as a potential surface coating against S. aureus biofilm owing to a triple effect: intrinsic bactericide activity of the MOF, biocidal character of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and photoactivity after UVA irradiation. AgNPs were successfully entrapped within the benchmarked nanoscaled porous photoactive titanium(IV) aminoterephthalate MIL-125(Ti)NH2 using a simple and efficient impregnation-reduction method. After complete characterization of the composite thin film, its antibacterial and anti-adherent properties were fully evaluated. After UVA irradiation, the composite coating exhibited relevant bacterial inhibition and detachment, improved ligand-to-cluster charge transfer, and steady controlled delivery of Ag+. These promising results establish the potential of this composite as an active coating for biofilm treatment on high-touch surfaces (e.g., surgical devices, door knobs, and rail bars). STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Surface contamination due to bacterial biofilm formation is still a demanding issue, as it causes severe disease spread. One possible solution is the development of antifouling and antibacterial surface coatings. In this work, we originally propose the use of photoactive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for biofilm treatment. The novelty of this work relies on the following: i) the treatment of strongly contaminated surfaces, as previous studies with MOFs have exclusively addressed biofilm prevention; ii) this pioneering work reports both antiadherent effect, which removes the biofilm, and bacterial inhibition; iii) our original successful strategy has never been proposed thus far, involving the multi-active combination of 1) intrinsic antibacterial effect of a photoactive titanium-based nanoMOF, 2) immobilization of biocide silver nanoparticles, and 3) improved anti-bioadherent effect upon irradiation of the composite coating.},
}

@article {pmid31398188,
year = {2019},
author = {Rai, LS and Singha, R and Sanchez, H and Chakraborty, T and Chand, B and Bachellier-Bassi, S and Chowdhury, S and d'Enfert, C and Andes, DR and Sanyal, K},
title = {The Candida albicans biofilm gene circuit modulated at the chromatin level by a recent molecular histone innovation.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {e3000422},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3000422},
pmid = {31398188},
issn = {1545-7885},
abstract = {Histone H3 and its variants regulate gene expression but the latter are absent in most ascomycetous fungi. Here, we report the identification of a variant histone H3, which we have designated H3VCTG because of its exclusive presence in the CTG clade of ascomycetes, including Candida albicans, a human pathogen. C. albicans grows both as single yeast cells and hyphal filaments in the planktonic mode of growth. It also forms a three-dimensional biofilm structure in the host as well as on human catheter materials under suitable conditions. H3VCTG null (hht1/hht1) cells of C. albicans are viable but produce more robust biofilms than wild-type cells in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Indeed, a comparative transcriptome analysis of planktonic and biofilm cells reveals that the biofilm circuitry is significantly altered in H3VCTG null cells. H3VCTG binds more efficiently to the promoters of many biofilm-related genes in the planktonic cells than during biofilm growth, whereas the binding of the core canonical histone H3 on the corresponding promoters largely remains unchanged. Furthermore, biofilm defects associated with master regulators, namely, biofilm and cell wall regulator 1 (Bcr1), transposon enhancement control 1 (Tec1), and non-dityrosine 80 (Ndt80), are significantly rescued in cells lacking H3VCTG. The occupancy of the transcription factor Bcr1 at its cognate promoter binding sites was found to be enhanced in the absence of H3VCTG in the planktonic form of growth resulting in enhanced transcription of biofilm-specific genes. Further, we demonstrate that co-occurrence of valine and serine at the 31st and 32nd positions in H3VCTG, respectively, is essential for its function. Taken together, we show that even in a unicellular organism, differential gene expression patterns are modulated by the relative occupancy of the specific histone H3 type at the chromatin level.},
}

@article {pmid31397415,
year = {2019},
author = {Sampaio, GG and Leódido, G and Gonçalves, LM and Benini Paschoal, MA},
title = {In vitro antimicrobial potential of infant mouthwashes against streptococcus mutans biofilm: A preliminary study.},
journal = {Indian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian Society for Dental Research},
volume = {30},
number = {3},
pages = {399-402},
doi = {10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_500_17},
pmid = {31397415},
issn = {1998-3603},
abstract = {Background: Children and teenagers accumulate dental plaque easily due to immature motor coordination present at this specific age. Thus, chemical solutions such as mouthwashes are used for biofilm control. The widespread use of mouthwash could potentially change the oral environment though there is no evidence of its effects on the biofilm.

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of infant mouthwashes on mature Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

Methods: The susceptibility of S. mutans biofilm UA 159 (ATCC700610) to infant mouthwashes was tested with childrens mouthwashes containing the following active agents: G1-cetylpyridinium chloride, G2-xylitol and triclosan and G3-Malva sylvestris and xylitol. Phosphage-buffered saline (PBS) was used at the negative control (G4). In this study, cariogenic biofilm was exposed once a day for one minute to the mouthwashes over a period of five days. Following this, an aliquot of each mouthwash used was seeded in brain heart infusion (BHI) agar and then incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 48 h. The results were expressed as colony-forming units (CFU) and converted into log10. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5%.

Results: It was observed 7.75, 7.66, and 7.49 CFUlog10 values to G1, G2, and G3, respectively, with 9.53 CFUlog10 value to G4. Accordingly, all studied mouthwashes showed no significant statistical difference between them but with statistically significant bacterial reduction in comparison to control group.

Conclusion: Infant mouthwashes presented a highly significant antimicrobial effect on cariogenic biofilm in an in vitro model, which raises concern when used by a young population.},
}

@article {pmid31397177,
year = {2019},
author = {Acquaviva, R and D'Angeli, F and Malfa, GA and Ronsisvalle, S and Garozzo, A and Stivala, A and Ragusa, S and Nicolosi, D and Salmeri, M and Genovese, C},
title = {Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of walnut pellicle extract (Juglans regia L.) against coagulase-negative staphylococci.},
journal = {Natural product research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-6},
doi = {10.1080/14786419.2019.1650352},
pmid = {31397177},
issn = {1478-6427},
abstract = {Juglans regia L. (common walnut) is a deciduous tree belonging to Juglandaceae family. Since ancient time, walnut was widely used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and liver-protective effects. In this work, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of walnuts pellicle extract against coagulase-negative staphylococci were evaluated. Qualitative chemical analysis was performed by the thin layer chromatography. UPLC-Ms/Ms was used to identify the chemical composition of J. regia extract. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined by the Aluminium chloride and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. The extract showed antibacterial activity with MIC ranging from 3.60 to 461.75 µg/ml and MBC ranging from 461.75 to >461.75 µg/ml. Furthermore, it significantly reduced biofilm biomass and cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Biological activities of J. regia extract may be due to its high flavonoid and phenolic contents. The obtained results are promising and they deserve further scientific investigations.},
}

@article {pmid31396394,
year = {2019},
author = {Cameron, LC and Bonis, B and Phan, CQ and Kent, LA and Lee, AK and Hunter, RC},
title = {A putative enoyl-CoA hydratase contributes to biofilm formation and the antibiotic tolerance of Achromobacter xylosoxidans.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {20},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-019-0093-6},
pmid = {31396394},
issn = {2055-5008},
abstract = {Achromobacter xylosoxidans has attracted increasing attention as an emerging pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis. Intrinsic resistance to several classes of antimicrobials and the ability to form robust biofilms in vivo contribute to the clinical manifestations of persistent A. xylosoxidans infection. Still, much of A. xylosoxidans biofilm formation remains uncharacterized due to the scarcity of existing genetic tools. Here we demonstrate a promising genetic system for use in A. xylosoxidans; generating a transposon mutant library which was then used to identify genes involved in biofilm development in vitro. We further described the effects of one of the genes found in the mutagenesis screen, encoding a putative enoyl-CoA hydratase, on biofilm structure and tolerance to antimicrobials. Through additional analysis, we find that a fatty acid signaling compound is essential to A. xylosoxidans biofilm ultrastructure and maintenance. This work describes methods for the genetic manipulation of A. xylosoxidans and demonstrated their use to improve our understanding of A. xylosoxidans pathophysiology.},
}

@article {pmid31396193,
year = {2019},
author = {Woodburn, KW and Jaynes, JM and Clemens, LE},
title = {Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Peptide, RP557, for the Broad-Spectrum Treatment of Wound Pathogens and Biofilm.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {1688},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01688},
pmid = {31396193},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The relentless growth of multidrug resistance and generation of recalcitrant biofilm are major obstacles in treating wounds, particularly in austere military environments where broad-spectrum pathogen coverage is needed. Designed antimicrobial peptides (dAMPs) are constructed analogs of naturally occurring AMPs that provide the first line of defense in many organisms. RP557 is a dAMP resulting from iterative rational chemical structural analoging with endogenous AMPs, human cathelicidin LL-37 and Tachyplesin 1 and the synthetic D2A21 used as structural benchmarks. RP557 possesses broad spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, including recalcitrant biofilm with substantial selective killing over bacterial cells compared to mammalian cells. RP557 did not induce resistance following chronic passages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at subinhibitory concentrations, whereas concurrently run conventional antibiotics, gentamycin, and clindamycin, did. Furthermore, RP557 was able to subsequently eliminate the generated gentamycin resistant P. aeruginosa and clindamycin resistant S. aureus strains without requiring an increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) concentrations. RP557 was evaluated further in a MRSA murine wound abrasion infection model with a topical application of 0.2% RP557, completely eliminating infection. If these preclinical results are translated into the clinical setting, RP557 may become crucial for the empirical broad-spectrum treatment of wound pathogens, so that infections can be reduced to a preventable complication of combat-related injuries.},
}

@article {pmid31396166,
year = {2019},
author = {Yan, S and Wu, G},
title = {Can Biofilm Be Reversed Through Quorum Sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa?.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {1582},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01582},
pmid = {31396166},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium causing diseases in plants, animals, and humans, and its drug resistance is a major concern in medical care. Biofilms play an important role in P. aeruginosa drug resistance. Three factors are most important to induce biofilm: quorum sensing (QS), bis-(3'-5')-cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), and small RNAs (sRNAs). P. aeruginosa has its own specific QS system (PQS) besides two common QS systems, LasI-LasR and RhlI-RhlR, in bacteria. PQS is interesting not only because there is a negative regulation from RhlR to pqsR but also because the null mutation in PQS leads to a reduced biofilm formation. Furthermore, P. aeruginosa dispersed cells have physiological features that are distinct between the planktonic cells and biofilm cells. In response to a low concentration of c-di-GMP, P. aeruginosa cells can disperse from the biofilms to become planktonic cells. These raise an interesting hypothesis of whether biofilm can be reversed through the QS mechanism in P. aeruginosa. Although a single factor is certainly not sufficient to prevent the biofilm formation, it necessarily explores such possibility. In this hypothesis, the literature is analyzed to determine the negative regulation pathways, and then the transcriptomic data are analyzed to determine whether this hypothesis is workable or not. Unexpectedly, the transcriptomic data reveal a negative regulation between lasI and psqR. Also, the individual cases from transcriptomic data demonstrate the negative regulations of PQS with laslI, laslR, rhlI, and rhlR under different experiments. Based on our analyses, possible strategies to reverse biofilm formation are proposed and their clinic implications are addressed.},
}

@article {pmid31394187,
year = {2019},
author = {Barrios-Gumiel, A and Sanchez-Nieves, J and Pérez-Serrano, J and Gómez, R and Javier de la Mata, F},
title = {PEGylated AgNP covered with cationic carbosilane dendrons to enhance antibacterial and inhibition of biofilm properties.},
journal = {International journal of pharmaceutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {118591},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118591},
pmid = {31394187},
issn = {1873-3476},
abstract = {This work focuses on preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) covered with cationic carbosilane dendrons and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). It is well known that AgNP and cationic carbosilane dendritic systems present antibacterial properties. On the other hand, PEG ligand provides antifouling properties and improved biocompatibility. Hence, combination of both ligands, carbosilane dendrons and PEG, on the AgNP surface can be a way to improve antibacterial capacity of AgNP. The new family of heterofunctionalized AgNP has been directly synthesized using silver precursor and cationic carbosilane dendrons and PEG ligands containing a thiol moiety. AgNP were characterized by TEM, TGA, UV, 1H NMR, DLS, Z potential, XRD. The antibacterial capacity of these systems was evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus. The results confirmed the influence of both silver core and cationic carbosilane dendrons on the activity of these systems. The behaviour obtained for PEGylated systems were slightly lower than for non-PEGylated AgNP. However, hemolysis assays demonstrated that this decrease was compensated for by the greater biocompatibility. To more completely characterize the improvements of PEGylation on dendronized AgNP, one non-PEGylated and one PEGylated AgNP were tested for resistance in a planktonic state. Both AgNPs barely affected the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) whereas reference antibiotics generated significant resistance. In addition, relevant improvement in biofilm inhibition was achieved by dendronized AgNP after PEGylation.},
}

@article {pmid31393795,
year = {2019},
author = {Fronzo, C},
title = {An early, biofilm-focused wound management approach.},
journal = {Journal of wound care},
volume = {28},
number = {8},
pages = {524-526},
doi = {10.12968/jowc.2019.28.8.524},
pmid = {31393795},
issn = {0969-0700},
abstract = {Wound care experts at the 2019 EWMA conference described the need to adopt biofilm-based wound care, the case for silver dressings, the importance of early intervention and the benefits of effective antibiofilm technologies. Camila Fronzo, JWC chief sub editor, summarises the main points.},
}

@article {pmid31392229,
year = {2019},
author = {Abbaszadeh, A and Tehmasebi-Foolad, A and Rajabzadeh, A and Beigi-Brojeni, N and Zarei, L},
title = {Effects of Chitosan/Nano Selenium Biofilm on Infected Wound Healing in Rats; An Experimental Study.},
journal = {Bulletin of emergency and trauma},
volume = {7},
number = {3},
pages = {284-291},
doi = {10.29252/beat-0703012},
pmid = {31392229},
issn = {2322-2522},
abstract = {Objective: The present study was aimed at assessment of effect of application of Chitosan/Nano Selenium biofilm on infected wound healing in rats.

Methods: Sixty-eight male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups of 17 animals each. In group I (Normal) the wounds were created with no infection. In group II (MRSA), the wounds were infected with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA). In group III (MRSA/CHIT), animals with infected wounds were dressed with chitosan biofilm only. In group IV (MRSA/CHIT/NS), animals with infected wounds were dressed with Chitosan/Nano Selenium biofilm.

Results: There were significant differences in comparisons of group IV and other groups, particularly in terms of cellular infiltration and neovascularization. During the study period, scores for neovascularization was significantly higher in group IV rats than other groups (P<0.05). Polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MNC) cell count and fibroblast cell proliferation in group IV were significantly higher than those of other experimental groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Chitosan/Nano Selenium biofilm resulted in significant improvement in histopathological indices in full thickness infected wound healing.},
}

@article {pmid31391891,
year = {2019},
author = {Cox, KE and Melander, C},
title = {Anti-biofilm activity of quinazoline derivatives against Mycobacterium smegmatis.},
journal = {MedChemComm},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {1177-1179},
doi = {10.1039/c9md00156e},
pmid = {31391891},
issn = {2040-2511},
abstract = {Bacteria employ a number of mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, including the formation of biofilms. We explored the anti-biofilm capabilities of a library of compounds based upon a 2-aminoquinazoline (2-AQ) scaffold against Mycobacterium smegmatis. This study resulted in the identification of 2-AQ derivatives with biofilm inhibition activity against M. smegmatis.},
}

@article {pmid31390848,
year = {2019},
author = {Pennone, V and Sanz-Gaitero, M and O'Connor, P and Coffey, A and Jordan, K and van Raaij, MJ and McAuliffe, O},
title = {Inhibition of L. monocytogenes Biofilm Formation by the Amidase Domain of the Phage vB_LmoS_293 Endolysin.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v11080722},
pmid = {31390848},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {14/F/881//Food Institutional Research Measure/ ; },
abstract = {Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous Gram-positive bacterium that is a major concern for food business operators because of its pathogenicity and ability to form biofilms in food production environments. Bacteriophages (phages) have been evaluated as biocontrol agents for L. monocytogenes in a number of studies and, indeed, certain phages have been approved for use as anti-listerial agents in food processing environments (ListShield and PhageGuard Listex). Endolysins are proteins produced by phages in the host cell. They cleave the peptidoglycan cell wall, thus allowing release of progeny phage into the environment. In this study, the amidase domain of the phage vB_LmoS_293 endolysin (293-amidase) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia. coli(E. coli). Muralytic activity at different concentrations, pH and temperature values, lytic spectrum and activity against biofilms was determined for the purified 293-amidase protein. The results showed activity on autoclaved cells at three different temperatures (20 °C, 37 °C and 50 °C), with a wider specificity (L. monocytogenes 473 and 3099, a serotype 4b and serogroup 1/2b-3b-7, respectively) compared to the phage itself, which targets only L. monocytogenes serotypes 4b and 4e. The protein also inhibits biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. These results show the potential of using recombinant antimicrobial proteins against pathogens in the food production environment.},
}

@article {pmid31389671,
year = {2019},
author = {Martínez-García, S and Ortega-Peña, S and De Haro-Cruz, MJ and Aguilera-Arreola, MG and Alcántar-Curiel, MD and Betanzos-Cabrera, G and Jan-Roblero, J and Pérez-Tapia, SM and Rodríguez-Martínez, S and Cancino-Diaz, ME and Cancino-Diaz, JC},
title = {Non-biofilm-forming commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates produce biofilm in the presence of trypsin.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e906},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.906},
pmid = {31389671},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {269242//Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT)/ ; 20181167//SIP-Instituto Politécnico Nacional Mexico/ ; //Instituto Politécnico Nacional fellowships/ ; //Sistema Nacional de Investigadores, CONACyT/ ; //CONACyT/ ; 247489//PDCPN/ ; IN220613//Program UNAM-DGAPA-PAPIIT/ ; },
abstract = {Epidemiological studies comparing clinical and commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates suggest that biofilm formation is a discriminant biomarker. A study showed that four non-biofilm-forming clinical S. epidermidis isolates could form an induced biofilm by trypsin treatment, suggesting that S. epidermidis can form biofilms in a protease-independent way and in a trypsin-induced way. In this study, the trypsin capacity to induce biofilm formation was evaluated in non-biofilm-forming S. epidermidis isolates (n = 133) in order to support this mechanism and to establish the importance of total biofilms (meaning the sum of protease-independent biofilm and trypsin-induced biofilm). Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from ocular infections (OI; n = 24), prosthetic joint infections (PJI; n = 64), and healthy skin (HS-1; n = 100) were screened for protease-independent biofilm formation according to Christensen's method. The result was that there are significant differences (p < .0001) between clinical (43.2%) and commensal (17%) protease-independent biofilm producers. Meanwhile, non-biofilm-forming isolates were treated with trypsin, and biofilm formation was evaluated by the same method. The number of commensal trypsin-induced biofilm producers significantly increased from 17% to 79%. In contrast, clinical isolates increased from 43.2% to 72.7%. The comparison between clinical and commensal total biofilm yielded no significant differences (p = .392). A similar result was found when different isolation sources were compared (OI vs. HS-1 and PJI vs. HS-1). The genotype icaA- /aap+ was associated with the trypsin-induced biofilm phenotype; however, no correlation was observed between aap mRNA expression and the level of trypsin-induced biofilm phenotype. Studying another group of commensal S. epidermidis non-biofilm-forming isolates (HS-2; n = 139) from different body sites, it was found that 70 isolates (60.3%) formed trypsin-induced biofilms. In conclusion, trypsin is capable of inducing biofilm production in non-biofilm-forming commensal S. epidermidis isolates with the icaA- /aap+ genotype, and there is no significant difference in total biofilms when comparing clinical and commensal isolates, suggesting that total biofilms are not a discriminant biomarker.},
}

@article {pmid31388951,
year = {2019},
author = {Bó, LG and Almeida, RM and Cardoso, CMM and Zavarize, DG and Brum, SS and Mendonça, ARV},
title = {Acetylsalicylic acid biosorption onto fungal-bacterial biofilm supported on activated carbons: an investigation via batch and fixed-bed experiments.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s11356-019-06075-0},
pmid = {31388951},
issn = {1614-7499},
abstract = {This study reports on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) biosorption onto fungal-bacterial biofilm supported on two types of activated carbons (one commercial type made of coconut fibers, CAC, and one other manufactured from fruit rinds of Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart., HYAC, which after biofilm inoculation, they were named CAC-b and HYAC-b), via batch and fixed-bed experiments. These materials were characterized by BET Specific Surface Area and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). Biosorption onto HYAC-b was 57.2% higher than HYAC. Despite presenting the highest biosorption capacity over time (qt = 85.4 ± 0.82 mg g-1), CAC-b had a lower increase in efficiency (32.4%) compared to CAC. Kinetic data from the biosorption experiments responded well to the pseudo-first-order model thus suggests the predominance of physisorption, while without biofilm presence, there was a better agreement with the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption. The possible interaction mechanism of ASA to biofilm was attributed to ionic forces between the drug in anionic form and eventual presence of cationic by-products of the biologically active surface metabolism. Biosorption equilibrium data responded better to the Sips model and CAC-b presented the highest biosorption capacity (qe = 292.4 ± 2.01 mg g-1). A combination of faster volumetric flow rates, higher inlet concentrations and shorter beds accelerated the breakthrough time of ASA biosorption in the fixed-bed experiments. These operational conditions affected C/Co ratio in the following magnitude order: volumetric flow rate < inlet concentration < bed height. Breakthrough data responded better to the modified dose-response model compared to Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models.},
}

@article {pmid31385644,
year = {2019},
author = {Quan, K and Zhang, Z and Chen, H and Ren, X and Ren, Y and Peterson, BW and van der Mei, HC and Busscher, HJ},
title = {Artificial Channels in an Infectious Biofilm Created by Magnetic Nanoparticles Enhanced Bacterial Killing by Antibiotics.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e1902313},
doi = {10.1002/smll.201902313},
pmid = {31385644},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {2016YFC1100402//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 21334004//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 11574222//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21522404//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //UMCG/ ; },
abstract = {The poor penetrability of many biofilms contributes to the recalcitrance of infectious biofilms to antimicrobial treatment. Here, a new application for the use of magnetic nanoparticles in nanomedicine to create artificial channels in infectious biofilms to enhance antimicrobial penetration and bacterial killing is proposed. Staphylococcus aureus biofilms are exposed to magnetic-iron-oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs), while magnetically forcing MIONP movement through the biofilm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrates artificial channel digging perpendicular to the substratum surface. Artificial channel digging significantly (4-6-fold) enhances biofilm penetration and bacterial killing efficacy by gentamicin in two S. aureus strains with and without the ability to produce extracellular polymeric substances. Herewith, this work provides a simple, new, and easy way to enhance the eradication of infectious biofilms using MIONPs combined with clinically applied antibiotic therapies.},
}

@article {pmid31384892,
year = {2019},
author = {He, ZY and Zhou, W and Huang, ZW and Liang, JP and Jiang, W},
title = {[The effect of Streptococcus mutans luxS gene on mixed-species biofilm communities].},
journal = {Shanghai kou qiang yi xue = Shanghai journal of stomatology},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {113-117},
pmid = {31384892},
issn = {1006-7248},
abstract = {PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of S.mutans luxS gene on mixed-species biofilms communities.

METHODS: Biofilms were formed by S. mutans (wild type strain, its luxS overexpression strain and luxS knockout strain) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (ATCC4356) with a ratio of 1:1 at 37℃ for 4 h, 14 h and 24 h. MTT assay was used to detect the quantification of the biofilms formed. The structures of biofilms were observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy after 24 h, and expression of biofilm-related genes (ftf, smu630, brpA, gbpB, gtfB, vicR, comDE and relA) was investigated by real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS17.0 software package.

RESULTS: The results showed that biofilm formed by S. mutans(wild type strain, its luxS overexpression strain and luxS knockout strain) and L.acidophilus after 14 h were 0.481±0.024, 0.591±0.023 and 0.279±0.019, respectively. The same findings were present after 24 h, the biofilm formed by S.mutans overexpression strain with L.acidophilus was higher than wild type strain, and the biofilm formed by knockout strain significantly decreased; but there was no significant difference at 4 h time points. CLSM images revealed that both S.mutans overexpression strain and its wild type strain tended to aggregate into distinct clusters and dense structures, whereas the luxS knockout strain appeared relatively sparse. Compared with wild type strain, all of the genes examined were upregulated in the biofilms formed by the overexpression strain, and were downregulated in the biofilms formed by the luxS mutant strain in mixed-species biofilm.

CONCLUSIONS: S.mutans luxS gene can affect mixed-species biofilm formation with L.acidophilus, which provides evidences for further study.},
}

@article {pmid31382580,
year = {2019},
author = {Cattò, C and Cappitelli, F},
title = {Testing Anti-Biofilm Polymeric Surfaces: Where to Start?.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {20},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms20153794},
pmid = {31382580},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {Present day awareness of biofilm colonization on polymeric surfaces has prompted the scientific community to develop an ever-increasing number of new materials with anti-biofilm features. However, compared to the large amount of work put into discovering potent biofilm inhibitors, only a small number of papers deal with their validation, a critical step in the translation of research into practical applications. This is due to the lack of standardized testing methods and/or of well-controlled in vivo studies that show biofilm prevention on polymeric surfaces; furthermore, there has been little correlation with the reduced incidence of material deterioration. Here an overview of the most common methods for studying biofilms and for testing the anti-biofilm properties of new surfaces is provided.},
}

@article {pmid31382523,
year = {2019},
author = {Karampoula, F and Doulgeraki, AI and Fotiadis, C and Tampakaki, A and Nychas, GE},
title = {Monitoring Biofilm Formation and Microbial Interactions that May Occur During a Salmonella Contamination Incident across the Network of a Water Bottling Plant.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {7},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms7080236},
pmid = {31382523},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {380229//European Social Fund/ ; 548//Education and Lifelong Learning/ ; },
abstract = {The present study aims to monitor the ability of Salmonella to colonize and compete as a member of the mixed species biofilm within key points at a water bottling plant, in case of a contamination incident with this major foodborne pathogen. To achieve this goal, bacterial communities throughout the production line were collected and their identities were investigated by microbial counts and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). These bacterial communities alone or along with constructed Salmonellaenterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) fluorescence-based bioreporters were left to form a biofilm on stainless steel for 6 days at 20 °C. ST bioreporters were constructed by introducing plasmids expressing EYFP (enhanced yellow fluorescent protein) fusions of the genes csgB, csrA, sspH2, and fliD into ST 14028S. The bead vortexing-plate counting method was applied for the enumeration of the biofilm population, while the behavior of the bioreporters was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. From a set of 16 samples that were collected from the plant, species of Citrobacter, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Exiguobacterium were identified. The presence of these indigenous bacteria neither inhibited nor enhanced the biofilm formation of ST in mixed bacterial communities (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the csrA-based bioreporter was shown to be induced in multispecies biofilms with Citrobacter. In conclusion, this study enhanced our knowledge of bacterial interactions occurring within a biofilm in a water bottling plant.},
}

@article {pmid31382160,
year = {2019},
author = {Martins, ML and Monteiro, ASN and Guimarães, JEC and Guimarães, MBCT and da Silva, RF and Cabral, LM and Farah, A and dePaula, J and Romanos, MTV and Maia, LC and Cavalcanti, YW and Fonseca-Gonçalves, A},
title = {Cytotoxic and antibacterial effect of a red propolis mouthwash, with or without fluoride, on the growth of a cariogenic biofilm.},
journal = {Archives of oral biology},
volume = {107},
number = {},
pages = {104512},
doi = {10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.104512},
pmid = {31382160},
issn = {1879-1506},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluatein vitro the antibacterial activity, the antibiofilm effect and the cytotoxic potential of mouthwashes containing Brazilian red propolis with or without fluoride.

METHODS: The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, S. salivarius and L. casei were determined for RPE mouthwashes. A cariogenic biofilm with the aforementioned bacteria was formed over cellulose membrane disks (N = 30, 13 mm), which were submitted for 1 min to the following mouthwashes: plain mouthwash base; 0.05% NaF; 0.8% RPE; 0.8% RPE + 0.05% NaF and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX). The bacterial viability and the production of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) were measured. Cytotoxic potential of the mouthwashes was also evaluated. For bacterial viability and EPS production, Mann-Withney and one-way ANOVA tests were performed followed by Tukey, with results considered significant when p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: MIC and MBC values of RPE mouthwashes ranged from 7.44 to 29.76 mg/mL and from 7.44 to ≥59.52 mg/mL, respectively, presenting better action against S. salivarius. RPE mouthwashes showed 44% of viable cells after 1 min of contact with fibroblasts. RPE (7.74) had the greatest reduction of viable total microorganisms and did not differ from the RPE + NaF (7.95) (p = 0.292). CHX (7.54) was the most effective in reducing Streptococcus spp, but did not differ from RPE (p = 0.521) and RPE + NaF (p = 0.238). There was no difference between the treatments regarding EPS production.

CONCLUSION: RPE and RPE + NaF mouthwash showed similar antibacterial activity, toxicity level and antibiofilm effect compared to CHX.},
}

@article {pmid31380192,
year = {2019},
author = {Lei, W and Bruchmann, J and Rüping, JL and Levkin, PA and Schwartz, T},
title = {Biofilm Bridges Forming Structural Networks on Patterned Lubricant-Infused Surfaces.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {6},
number = {13},
pages = {1900519},
doi = {10.1002/advs.201900519},
pmid = {31380192},
issn = {2198-3844},
abstract = {Despite many decades of research, biofilm architecture and spreading mechanisms are still not clear because of the heterogenous 3D structure within biofilms. Here, patterned "slippery" lubricant-infused porous surfaces are utilized to study biofilm structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Staphylococcus aureus. It is found that bacteria are able to spread over bacteria-repellent lubricant-infused regions by using a mechanism, termed "biofilm bridges". Here, it is demonstrated that bacteria use bridges to form interconnected networks between distant biofilm colonies. Detailed structure of bridges shows a spatial distribution of bacteria with an accumulation of respiratory active bacteria and biomass in the bridges. The core-shell structure of bridges formed by two-species mixed population is illustrated. It is demonstrated that eDNA and nutrients have a strong effect on biofilm bridges formation. Thus, it is believed that biofilm bridging is important to reveal the structure and communication within biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid31379772,
year = {2019},
author = {Josse, J and Valour, F and Maali, Y and Diot, A and Batailler, C and Ferry, T and Laurent, F},
title = {Interaction Between Staphylococcal Biofilm and Bone: How Does the Presence of Biofilm Promote Prosthesis Loosening?.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {1602},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01602},
pmid = {31379772},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {With the aging of population, the number of indications for total joint replacement is continuously increasing. However, prosthesis loosening can happen and is related to two major mechanisms: (1) aseptic loosening due to prosthesis micromotion and/or corrosion and release of wear particles from the different components of the implanted material and (2) septic loosening due to chronic prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The "aseptic" character of prosthesis loosening has been challenged over the years, especially considering that bacteria can persist in biofilms and be overlooked during diagnosis. Histological studies on periprosthetic tissue samples reported that macrophages are the principle cells associated with aseptic loosening due to wear debris. They produce cytokines and favor an inflammatory environment that induces formation and activation of osteoclasts, leading to bone resorption and periprosthetic osteolysis. In PJIs, the presence of infiltrates of polymorphonuclear neutrophils is a major criterion for histological diagnosis. Neutrophils are colocalized with osteoclasts and zones of osteolysis. A similar inflammatory environment also develops, leading to bone resorption through osteoclasts. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus lugdunensis are the main staphylococci observed in PJIs. They share the common feature to form biofilm. For S. aureus and S. epidermidis, the interaction between biofilm and immunes cells (macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils) differs regarding the species. Indeed, the composition of extracellular matrix of biofilm seems to impact the interaction with immune cells. Recent papers also reported the major role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in biofilm-associated PJIs with S. aureus. These cells prevent lymphocyte infiltration and facilitate biofilm persistence. Moreover, the role of T lymphocytes is still unclear and potentially underestimates. In this review, after introducing the cellular mechanism of aseptic and septic loosening, we will focus on the interrelationships between staphylococcal biofilm, immune cells, and bone cells.},
}

@article {pmid31378149,
year = {2019},
author = {Wang, W and Nemati, M},
title = {Co-biodegradation of naphthenic acids in anoxic denitrifying biofilm reactors.},
journal = {Environmental technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1080/09593330.2019.1650122},
pmid = {31378149},
issn = {1479-487X},
abstract = {Anoxic co-biodegradation of linear and cyclic naphthenic acids (NAs) namely octanoic acid, trans-4-methyl-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid (trans-4MCHCA), cis- and trans-4-methyl-1-cyclohexane-acetic acids (cis-4MCHAA and trans-4MCHAA) was investigated in denitrifying biofilm reactors. In all evaluated compositions, co-biodegradation of NAs was coupled to denitrification, with octanoic acid showing the fastest biodegradation rate (1180.4 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 1180.4 mg L-1 h-1), followed by trans-4MCHCA (398.1 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 435.8 mg L-1 h-1), trans-4MCHAA (25.7 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 221.7 mg L-1 h-1), and cis-4MCHAA (5.3 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 16.9 mg L-1 h-1). Biodegradation of octanoic acid and trans-4MCHCA were not influenced by the presence of recalcitrant NAs (cis- and trans-4MCHAA). Co-biodegradation of cis- and trans-4MCHAA with octanoic acid, trans-4MCHCA, or their combination enhanced the biodegradability of these recalcitrant NAs, with the positive impact being more pronounced for trans-4MCHCA. Finally anoxic co-biodegradation of NAs under denitrifying conditions proceeded at rates that were faster than the aerobic rates obtained in similar mixtures. Anoxic biodegradation, therefore, is an effective alternative for in situ treatment of oil sands process water in anoxic stabilization ponds amended with nitrate, or as an ex situ treatment approach in denitrifying bioreactors whereby the cost and technical challenges of aeration are eliminated.},
}

@article {pmid31376667,
year = {2019},
author = {Li, X and Wang, X and Lee, DJ and Yan, WM},
title = {Highly heterogeneous interior structure of biofilm wastewater for enhanced pollutant removals.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {291},
number = {},
pages = {121919},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121919},
pmid = {31376667},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Biofilm processes are widely used in wastewater treatment. The biofilm has highly heterogeneous interior structure, which can significantly affect the transport processes and the biological reactions over the biofilm. This study for the first time detailed the complicated velocity and concentration fields of substrate in a real biofilm structure. With a real biofilm interior being profiled and meshed to numerical solutions, the flow-through mode has significant distortion of inflow velocity fields and concentration distributions, which lead to enhanced biological reactions at regimes nearby major pores. Conversely, the crossflow mode depends weakly on the biofilm interior structure. The uniform biofilm model fails to describe the real biofilm processes. Future research needs based on real biofilm structures were discussed.},
}

@article {pmid31376126,
year = {2019},
author = {Kumari, S and Das, S},
title = {Expression of metallothionein encoding gene bmtA in biofilm-forming marine bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa N6P6 and understanding its involvement in Pb(II) resistance and bioremediation.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s11356-019-05916-2},
pmid = {31376126},
issn = {1614-7499},
support = {BT/PR14998/GBD/27/279/2010//Department of Biotechnology , Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {The genetic basis and biochemical aspects of heavy metal endurance abilities have been precisely studied in planktonic bacteria; however, in nature, bacteria mostly grows as surface-attached communities called biofilms. A hallmark trait of biofilm is increased resistance to heavy metals compared with the resistance of planktonic bacteria. A proposed mechanism that contributes to this increased resistance is the enhanced expression of metal-resistant genes. bmtA gene coding for metallothionein protein is one such metal-resistant gene found in many bacterial spp. In the present study, lead (Pb) remediation potential of a biofilm-forming marine bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa N6P6 was explored. Biofilm-forming marine bacterium P. aeruginosa N6P6 possess bmtA gene and shows resistance towards many heavy metals, i.e., Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Zn. The expression of metallothionein encoding gene bmtA is significantly high in 48-h-old biofilm culture (11. 4 fold) followed by 24-h-old biofilm culture of P. aeruginosa N6P6 (4.7 fold) (P < 0.05). However, in the case of planktonically grown culture of P. aeruginosa N6P6, the highest expression of bmtA gene was observed in 24-h-old culture. The expression of bmtA also increased significantly with increase in Pb concentration up to 800 ppm. CSLM analysis indicated significant reduction in the raw integrated density of biofilm-associated lipids and polysaccharides (PS) of P. aeruginosa N6P6 biofilm grown in Pb (sub-lethal concentration)-amended medium (P < 0.05), whereas no significant reduction was observed in the raw integrated density of EPS-associated protein. The role of bmtA gene as Pb(II)-resistant determinant was characterized by overexpressing the bmtA gene derived from P. aeruginosa N6P6 in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). ESI-MS and SDS-PAGE analyses validated the presence of 11.5-kDa MT protein isolated from Pb(II)-induced recombinant E. coli BL21(DE3) harboring bmtA gene.},
}

@article {pmid31375964,
year = {2019},
author = {Fonseca, DL and Bassin, JP},
title = {Investigating the most appropriate methods for attached solids determination in moving-bed biofilm reactors.},
journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00449-019-02182-x},
pmid = {31375964},
issn = {1615-7605},
abstract = {Moving-bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) have been employed worldwide as an efficient technology for the treatment of a diverse set of wastewaters. Although the attached biomass represents the major fraction of solids in MBBR systems, there is still no standard for its reliable quantification. An extensive literature review indicated that several methods for attached biomass assessment are applied, hindering the comparability of results issued from different studies. Therefore, the most reported methods for biofilm quantification in the MBBR literature were compared using three different carriers. The results revealed that the performance of each method was biased depending on the carrier type and shape. Moreover, differences in total attached solids (TAS) concentrations varied from 13% up to more than 90%, depending on the employed method for a given carrier. Overall, direct weighing of the carrier containing the biofilm, accounting for the clean carrier weight, and manual extraction of the biofilm, preceded or not by sonication for at least 15 min, were the most suitable techniques for assessing TAS and the volatile/total solids ratio in non-porous medias, respectively. The results here presented may be used as a frame of reference for standardization of the methods for assessing the biofilm mass in MBBR carriers.},
}

@article {pmid31374264,
year = {2019},
author = {Sherly Carolyn, J and Selva Raj, D and Malaikozhundan, B and Govindarajan, M and Alharbi, NS and Kadaikunnan, S and Khaled, JM and Al-Anbr, MN and Alobaidi, AS and Vaseeharan, B},
title = {Anti-cancer, anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties of Hen's albumen: a photodynamic approach.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2019.07.026},
pmid = {31374264},
issn = {1873-1597},
abstract = {The albumen plays a major role in the protection of eggs against microorganisms. It contains an arsenal of natural antimicrobial molecules and antibacterial proteins, including the well-known ovotransferrin and lysozyme, which exert their activities against a range of bacteria. In the present study, the hen's albumen extract treated with the dried insect body of blister beetle M. pustulata was assessed for antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity. The zone of inhibition against Gram positive E. faecalis and S. aureus was 10.8 mm and 12.1 mm respectively at 100 µg mL-1. However, it was 13.6 mm and 15.3 mm for Gram negative P. aeruginosa and P. vulgaris respectively. The biofilm of tested bacteria was significantly inhibited at 100 µg mL-1. The hydrophobicity of bacterial biofilms was considerably condensed after treatment with the hen's albumen extracts at 100 µg mL-1. The anti-inflammatory activity of hen's albumen extracts was confirmed by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme to 84.91% at 100 μg mL-1 with the relative IC50 of 8.26 μg mL-1. The albumen extract effectively inhibited the viability (23.61%) of HepG2 hepatic cancer cells at 100 µg mL-1. The anti-proliferative activity of the albumen extracts was further revealed by the induction of HepG2 apoptotic cell morphology. This study concludes that the hen's albumen extract treated with M. pustulata is a natural therapeutic agent to treat biofilm associated clinical bacteria, inflammations and human hepatic cancer cells.},
}

@article {pmid31373891,
year = {2019},
author = {Bottino, MA and Pereira, S and Amaral, M and Milhan, N and Pereira, CA and Camargo, S and Carvalho, A and Melo, RM},
title = {Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation and Cell Viability on Polymer-infiltrated Ceramic and Yttria-stabilized Polycrystalline Zirconium Dioxide Ceramic.},
journal = {Operative dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2341/18-278-L},
pmid = {31373891},
issn = {1559-2863},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the biofilm formation and cell viability of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic (PIC) and an yttria-stabilized polycrystalline zirconium dioxide ceramic (Y-TZP). The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in biofilm formation and cell viability between the materials.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Streptococcus mutans biofilm was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy, and colony counting (colony-forming units/mL). The cell viability (fibroblasts) of both materials was measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium) (MTT) test. Roughness measurements were also performed.

RESULTS: The PIC displayed higher roughness but showed similar colony-forming units and biovolume values to those of Y-TZP. SEM showed a higher amount of adhered fibroblasts on the PIC surface on the first day and similar amounts on both materials after seven days. Moreover, the materials were biocompatible with human fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION: PIC and Y-TZP are biocompatible and present the same characteristics for biofilm formation; therefore, they are indicated for indirect restorations and implant abutments.},
}

@article {pmid31373035,
year = {2019},
author = {Simkins, JW and Stewart, PS and Codd, SL and Seymour, JD},
title = {Non-invasive imaging of oxygen concentration in a complex in vitro biofilm infection model using 19 F MRI: Persistence of an oxygen sink despite prolonged antibiotic therapy.},
journal = {Magnetic resonance in medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/mrm.27888},
pmid = {31373035},
issn = {1522-2594},
support = {R01GM109452/NIH HHS/National Institutes of Health/United States ; //National Science Foundation./ ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Oxygen availability is a critical determinant of microbial biofilm activity and antibiotic susceptibility. However, measuring oxygen gradients in these systems remains difficult, with the standard microelectrode approach being both invasive and limited to single-point measurement. The goal of the study was to develop a 19 F MRI approach for 2D oxygen mapping in biofilm systems and to visualize oxygen consumption behavior in real time during antibiotic therapy.

METHODS: Oxygen-sensing beads were created by encapsulating an emulsion of oxygen-sensing fluorocarbon into alginate gel. Escherichia coli biofilms were grown in and on the alginate matrix, which was contained inside a packed bed column subjected to nutrient flow, mimicking the complex porous structure of human wound tissue, and subjected to antibiotic challenge.

RESULTS: The linear relationship between 19 F spin-lattice relaxation rate R1 and local oxygen concentration permitted noninvasive spatial mapping of oxygen distribution in real time over the course of biofilm growth and subsequent antibiotic challenge. This technique was used to visualize persistence of microbial oxygen respiration during continuous gentamicin administration, providing a time series of complete spatial maps detailing the continued bacterial utilization of oxygen during prolonged chemotherapy in an in vitro biofilm model with complex spatial structure.

CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic exposure temporarily causes oxygen consumption to enter a pseudosteady state wherein oxygen distribution becomes fixed; oxygen sink expansion resumes quickly after antibiotic clearance. This technique may provide valuable information for future investigations of biofilms by permitting the study of complex geometries (typical of in vivo biofilms) and facilitating noninvasive oxygen measurement.},
}

@article {pmid31372943,
year = {2019},
author = {Ansari, FA and Ahmad, I},
title = {Isolation, functional characterization and efficacy of biofilm-forming rhizobacteria under abiotic stress conditions.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s10482-019-01306-3},
pmid = {31372943},
issn = {1572-9699},
abstract = {Abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought and excessive heat are associated with significant loss of crop productivity globally, and require effective strategies for their reduction or tolerance. Biofilm-forming rhizobacteria, which harbor multifarious plant growth promoting traits and tolerance to abiotic stress, are believed to benefit plant health and production even under environmental stresses. The primary objective of this study was to investigate indigenous biofilm-forming rhizobacteria (Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus sp., Pantoea sp., Brevibacterium sp. and Acinetobacter sp.) for their functional diversity relevant to plant growth promoting activities, biofilm development and tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. The most promising isolates among FAP1, FAP2, FAP3, FAP4, FAP5, FAP10, FAB1, FAB3 and FAA1 were selected. Rhizobacteria exhibited high tolerance to salinity (1.5 M NaCl) and drought stress (up to 55% PEG-6000) conditions in vitro. The isolates demonstrated varying levels of PGP activities (IAA production and phosphate solubilization), biofilm development, and production of alginate and exopolysaccharides in the presence of salinity, drought stress and elevated temperature. Further efficacy of the isolates was demonstrated by inoculating to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants in greenhouse conditions under both normal and drought stress for up to 30 days inoculation. The plant growth potential of the isolates was in the order of FAP3 > FAB3 > FAB1 > FAP10 > FAP5 > FAP4 > FAA1 > FAP2 > FAP1. The present study resulted in successful selection of promising PGPR as identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Field study is needed to evaluate their relative performance in both 'normal' and stressed environments in order to be exploited for plant stress management.},
}

@article {pmid31371744,
year = {2019},
author = {Stępień-Pyśniak, D and Hauschild, T and Kosikowska, U and Dec, M and Urban-Chmiel, R},
title = {Biofilm formation capacity and presence of virulence factors among commensal Enterococcus spp. from wild birds.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {11204},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-47602-w},
pmid = {31371744},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens that can form biofilms during infections and many virulence determinants are involved in this process. Although the virulence factors are often analysed in Enterococcus spp. from humans and food animals, little is known about gut enterococcal isolates from wild birds. Therefore, the determination of virulence factors among enterococci isolated from wild birds may provide new information about a possible source of infection for humans and animals or vice versa via the environment. We analysed different phenotypic and genotypic traits in enterococci from wild birds related to potential virulence in humans and animals and to evaluate biofilm formation and its relationship to virulence genes. The E. faecalis isolates were characterised by greater frequency of biofilm formation in BHI than E. faecium. There was a correlation between hydrophobicity and biofilm formation in BHI broth in E. faecalis. None of the isolates was haemolytic. The presence of some adhesion and gelatinase genes was detected in biofilm-positive isolates. The enterococcal pathogenic factors (esp, hyl, and cyl operon genes) did not seem to be necessary or sufficient for production of biofilm by analysed bacteria. Enterococcus species isolated from wild birds should be considered as a possible source of some virulence determinants.},
}

@article {pmid31370119,
year = {2019},
author = {Song, YJ and Yu, HH and Kim, YJ and Lee, NK and Paik, HD},
title = {Anti-biofilm Activity of Grapefruit Seed Extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1041/jmb.1905.05022},
pmid = {31370119},
issn = {1738-8872},
abstract = {Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a safe and effective preservative that is used widely in the food industry. However, there are few studies addressing the anti-biofilm effect of GSE. In this study, the anti-biofilm effect of GSE was investigated against biofilm-forming strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The GSE minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for S. aureus and E. coli were 25 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml, respectively. To investigate biofilm inhibition and degradation effect, crystal violet assay and stainless-steel were used. Biofilm formation rates of four strains (S. aureus 7, and S. aureus 8, E. coli ATCC 25922, and E. coli O157:H4 FRIK 125) were 55.8%, 70.2%, 55.4%, and 20.6% at 1/2 × MIC of GSE, respectively. The degradation effect of GSE on biofilms attached to stainless-steel coupons was observed (≥1 log CFU/coupon) after exposure to concentrations above the MIC for all strains and 1/2 × MIC for S. aureus 7. In addition, the specific mechanisms of this anti-biofilm effect were investigated by evaluating hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production rate, and motility. Significant changes in EPS production rate and motility were observed in both S. aureus and E. coli in the presence of GSE, while changes in hydrophobicity were observed only in E. coli. No relationship was seen between auto-aggregation and biofilm formation. Therefore, our results suggest that GSE might be used as an anti-biofilm agent that is effective against S. aureus and E. coli.},
}

@article {pmid31368074,
year = {2019},
author = {Zhou, JH and Yu, HC and Ye, KQ and Wang, HY and Ruan, YJ and Yu, JM},
title = {Optimized aeration strategies for nitrogen removal efficiency: application of end gas recirculation aeration in the fixed bed biofilm reactor.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s11356-019-06050-9},
pmid = {31368074},
issn = {1614-7499},
support = {51708499//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21576241//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21776262//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20180533B03//Hangzhou Agricultural and Social Development Research Program/ ; },
abstract = {Aeration strategy played an important role in reactor performance. In this study, when superficial upflow air velocity (SAV) decreased from 0.16 to 0.08 cm s-1, low dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) of 2.0 mg L-1 occurred in reactor. The required depth for anoxic microenvironment in biofilm decreased from 902.3 to 525.9 μm, which enhanced the growth of denitrifying bacteria and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency. However, decreasing aeration intensity resulted in insufficient hydraulic shear stress, which led to weak biofilm matrix structure. Mass biofilm detachment and reactor deterioration then occurred after 87 days of operation. An end gas recirculation aeration strategy was proposed to separately manipulate DO and aeration intensity. Low DO and high aeration intensity were simultaneously achieved, which enhanced the metabolism of denitrifying bacteria (such as Flavobacterium sp., Pseudorhodobacter sp., and Dok59 sp.) and EPS-producing bacteria (such as Zoogloea sp. and Rhodobacter sp.). Consequently, high TN removal performance (82.1 ± 2.7%) and stable biofilm structure were achieved.},
}

@article {pmid31366707,
year = {2019},
author = {Brown, JR and Jurcisek, J and Lakhani, V and Snedden, A and Ray, WC and Mokrzan, EM and Bakaletz, LO and Das, J},
title = {In Silico Modeling of Biofilm Formation by Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae In Vivo.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {4},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1128/mSphere.00254-19},
pmid = {31366707},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {Biofilms formed by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) bacteria play an important role in multiple respiratory tract diseases. Visual inspection of the morphology of biofilms formed during chronic infections shows distinct differences from biofilms formed in vitro To better understand these differences, we analyzed images of NTHI biofilms formed in the middle ears of Chinchilla lanigera and developed an in silico agent-based model of the formation of NTHI biofilms in vivo We found that, as in vitro, NTHI bacteria are organized in self-similar patterns; however, the sizes of NTHI clusters in vivo are more than 10-fold smaller than their in vitro counterparts. The agent-based model reproduced these patterns and suggested that smaller clusters occur due to elimination of planktonic NTHI cells by the host responses. Estimation of model parameters by fitting simulation results to imaging data showed that the effects of several processes in the model change during the course of the infection.IMPORTANCE Multiple respiratory illnesses are associated with formation of biofilms within the human airway by NTHI. However, a substantial amount of our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie NTHI biofilm formation is obtained from in vitro studies. Our in silico model that describes biofilm formation by NTHI within the middle ears of Chinchilla lanigera will help isolate processes potentially responsible for the differences between the morphologies of biofilms formed in vivo versus those formed in vitro Thus, the in silico model can be used to glean mechanisms that underlie biofilm formation in vivo and connect those mechanisms to those obtained from in vitro experiments. The in silico model developed here can be extended to investigate potential roles of specific host responses (e.g., mucociliary clearance) on NTHI biofilm formation in vivo The developed computational tools can also be used to analyze and describe biofilm formation by other bacterial species in vivo.},
}

@article {pmid31366705,
year = {2019},
author = {Kean, R and Ramage, G},
title = {Combined Antifungal Resistance and Biofilm Tolerance: the Global Threat of Candida auris.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {4},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1128/mSphere.00458-19},
pmid = {31366705},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {The enigmatic yeast Candida auris has emerged over the last decade and rapidly penetrated our consciousness. The global threat from this multidrug-resistant yeast has generated a call to arms from within the medical mycology community. Over the past decade, our understanding of how this yeast has spread globally, its clinical importance, and how it tolerates and resists antifungal agents has expanded. This review highlights the clinical importance of antifungal resistance in C. auris and explores our current understanding of the mechanisms associated with azole, polyene, and echinocandin resistance. We also discuss the impact of phenotypic tolerance, with particular emphasis on biofilm-mediated resistance, and present new pipelines of antifungal drugs that promise new hope in the management of C. auris infection.},
}

@article {pmid31366076,
year = {2019},
author = {Ghensi, P and Bettio, E and Maniglio, D and Bonomi, E and Piccoli, F and Gross, S and Caciagli, P and Segata, N and Nollo, G and Tessarolo, F},
title = {Dental Implants with Anti-Biofilm Properties: A Pilot Study for Developing a New Sericin-Based Coating.},
journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ma12152429},
pmid = {31366076},
issn = {1996-1944},
support = {Prot. 24/2015//SIdP (Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology)/ ; },
abstract = {AIM: several strategies have been tested in recent years to prevent bacterial colonization of dental implants. Sericin, one of the two main silk proteins, possesses relevant biological activities and also literature reports about its potential antibacterial properties, but results are discordant and not yet definitive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different experimental protocols in order to obtain a sericin-based coating on medical grade titanium (Ti) able to reduce microbial adhesion to the dental implant surface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: different strategies for covalent bonding of sericin to Ti were pursued throughout a multi-step procedure on Ti-6Al-4V disks. The surface of grade 5 Ti was initially immersed in NaOH solution to obtain the exposure of functional -OH groups. Two different silanization strategies were then tested using aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Eventually, the bonding between silanized Ti-6Al-4V and sericin was obtained with two different crosslinking processes: glutaraldehyde (GLU) or carbodiimide/N-Hydroxy-succinimide (EDC/NHS). Micro-morphological and compositional analyses were performed on the samples at each intermediate step to assess the most effective coating strategy able to optimize the silanization and bioconjugation processes. Microbiological tests on the coated Ti-6Al-4V disks were conducted in vitro using a standard biofilm producer strain of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) to quantify the inhibition of microbial biofilm formation (anti-biofilm efficacy) at 24 hours.

RESULTS: both silanization techniques resulted in a significant increase of silicon (Si) on the Ti-6Al-4V surfaces etched with NaOH. Differences were found between GLU and EDC/NHS bioconjugation strategies in terms of composition, surface micro-morphology and anti-biofilm efficacy. Ti-6Al-4V samples coated with GLU-bound sericin after silanization obtained via vapor phase deposition proved that this technique is the most convenient and effective coating strategy, resulting in a bacterial inhibition of about 53% in respect to the uncoated Ti-6Al-4V disks.

CONCLUSIONS: The coating with glutaraldehyde-bound sericin after silanization in the vapor phase showed promising bacterial inhibition values with a significant reduction of S. aureus biofilm. Further studies including higher number of replicates and more peri-implant-relevant microorganisms are needed to evaluate the applicability of this experimental protocol to dental implants.},
}

@article {pmid31364079,
year = {2019},
author = {Lora-Tamayo, J and Murillo, O and Ariza, J},
title = {Clinical Use of Colistin in Biofilm-Associated Infections.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1145},
number = {},
pages = {181-195},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-16373-0_13},
pmid = {31364079},
issn = {0065-2598},
abstract = {Biofilm is an adaptive bacterial strategy whereby microorganisms become encased in a complex glycoproteic matrix. The low concentration of oxygen and nutrients in this environment leads to heterogeneous phenotypic changes in the bacteria, with antimicrobial tolerance being of paramount importance. As with other antibiotics, the activity of colistin is impaired by biofilm-embedded bacteria. Therefore, the recommendation for administering high doses in combination with a second drug, indicated for planktonic infections, remains valid in this setting. Notably, colistin has activity against metabolically inactive biofilm-embedded cells located in the inner layers of the biofilm structure. This is opposite and complementary to the activity of other antimicrobials that are able to kill metabolically active cells in the outer layers of the biofilm. Several experimental models have shown a higher activity of colistin when used in combination with other agents, and have reported that this can avoid the emergence of colistin-resistant subpopulations. Most experience of colistin in biofilm-associated infections comes from patients with cystic fibrosis, where the use of nebulized colistin allows high concentrations to reach the site of the infection. However, limited clinical experience is available in other scenarios, such as osteoarticular infections or device-related central nervous system infections caused by multi-drug resistant microorganisms. In the latter scenario, the use of intraventricular or intrathecal colistin also permits high local concentrations and good clinical results. Overall, the efficacy of intravenous colistin seems to be poor, but its association with a second antimicrobial significantly increases the response rate. Given its activity against inner bioflm-embedded cells, its possible role in combination with other antibiotics, beyond last-line therapy situations, should be further explored.},
}

@article {pmid31363870,
year = {2019},
author = {Piotrowski, M and Wultańska, D and Obuch-Woszczatyński, P and Pituch, H},
title = {Fructooligosaccharides and mannose affect Clostridium difficile adhesion and biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner.},
journal = {European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s10096-019-03635-7},
pmid = {31363870},
issn = {1435-4373},
support = {UMO:2017/25/N/NZ6/01763//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the effects that prebiotic and candidates for prebiotics on Clostridium difficile strains to adhere to various human epithelial cell lines and to compare the adhesive properties of specific C. difficile strains. We also sought to examine the effect of different concentrations of fructooligosaccharides and mannose on the formation of biofilms by C. difficile strains. The influence of cellobiose, fructooligosaccharides, inulin, mannose, and raffinose on the adherence properties of various C. difficile strains, including motile 630, non-motile M120, and 10 clinical motile ribotype 027 strains, to non-mucous secreting HT-29, mucous secreting HT-29 MXT, and CCD 841 CoN cells lines. The most effective prebiotics were used in biofilm formation assays. We demonstrated that all C. difficile strains adhered to all cell lines. However, the C. difficile M120 non-motile strain was statistically more likely to adhere to all three cell lines (CFU median, 40) compared to the motile strains (CFU median, 3; p < 0.001). Furthermore, among the carbohydrates examined, only fructooligosaccharides and mannose were found to significantly decrease adhesion (p < 0.001) of C. difficile strains. Alternatively, using a biofilm assay, we observed, via confocal laser scanning microscopy, that sub-inhibitory concentrations (1%) of fructooligosaccharides and mannose functioned to increase biofilm formation by C. difficile. We demonstrated that specific prebiotics and candidate prebiotics exhibit varying anti-adhesive properties towards C. difficile in vitro and that treatment with sub-inhibitory concentrations of prebiotics can cause an increase in biofilm formation by C. difficile.},
}

@article {pmid31363032,
year = {2019},
author = {Orazi, G and Ruoff, KL and O'Toole, GA},
title = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa Increases the Sensitivity of Biofilm-Grown Staphylococcus aureus to Membrane-Targeting Antiseptics and Antibiotics.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1128/mBio.01501-19},
pmid = {31363032},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus often cause chronic, recalcitrant infections in large part due to their ability to form biofilms. The biofilm mode of growth enables these organisms to withstand antibacterial insults that would effectively eliminate their planktonic counterparts. We found that P. aeruginosa supernatant increased the sensitivity of S. aureus biofilms to multiple antimicrobial compounds, including fluoroquinolones and membrane-targeting antibacterial agents, including the antiseptic chloroxylenol. Treatment of S. aureus with the antiseptic chloroxylenol alone did not decrease biofilm cell viability; however, the combination of chloroxylenol and P. aeruginosa supernatant led to a 4-log reduction in S. aureus biofilm viability compared to exposure to chloroxylenol alone. We found that the P. aeruginosa-produced small molecule 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO) is responsible for the observed heightened sensitivity of S. aureus to chloroxylenol. Similarly, HQNO increased the susceptibility of S. aureus biofilms to other compounds, including both traditional and nontraditional antibiotics, which permeabilize bacterial membranes. Genetic and phenotypic studies support a model whereby HQNO causes an increase in S. aureus membrane fluidity, thereby improving the efficacy of membrane-targeting antiseptics and antibiotics. Importantly, our data show that P. aeruginosa exoproducts can enhance the ability of various antimicrobial agents to kill biofilm populations of S. aureus that are typically difficult to eradicate. Finally, our discovery that altering membrane fluidity shifts antimicrobial sensitivity profiles of bacterial biofilms may guide new approaches to target persistent infections, such as those commonly found in respiratory tract infections and in chronic wounds.IMPORTANCE The thick mucus in the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients predisposes them to frequent, polymicrobial respiratory infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are frequently coisolated from the airways of individuals with CF, as well as from diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds. Both organisms form biofilms, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate and promote chronic infection. In this study, we have shown that P. aeruginosa-secreted factors can increase the efficacy of compounds that alone have little or no bactericidal activity against S. aureus biofilms. In particular, we discovered that P. aeruginosa exoproducts can potentiate the antistaphylococcal activity of phenol-based antiseptics and other membrane-active drugs. Our findings illustrate that polymicrobial interactions can dramatically increase antibacterial efficacy in vitro and suggest that altering membrane physiology promotes the ability of certain drugs to kill bacterial biofilms-knowledge that may provide a path for the discovery of new biofilm-targeting antimicrobial strategies.},
}

@article {pmid31362660,
year = {2019},
author = {Jain, N and Mansuri, A},
title = {Stopping the Unstoppable: Unconventional methods to prevent biofilm growth.},
journal = {Current drug discovery technologies},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/1570163816666190726153441},
pmid = {31362660},
issn = {1875-6220},
abstract = {Biofilms are consortia of microorganisms encased in extracellular matrix that protect cells from adverse conditions. A biofilm matrix is typically composed of extracellular DNA, cellulose and proteinaceous amyloid fibers. The matrix aids in adhesion to abiotic and biotic surface including medical devices and host tissues. Presence of biofilm makes bacteria more resilient and non-responsive to most current treatment regimes at disposal. Therefore, biofilm-associated infections are serious threat in hospital settings and pose a huge burden on economy. Inhibition of matrix components (cellulose and/or amyloid formation) has emerged as a lucrative alternative strategy to cure biofilm-related infections and combat antibiotic resistance. Here we review the current and emerging therapeutic interventions to mitigate persistent infections due to biofilms. The successful implementation of these interventions will have a huge impact on alleviating the current financial burden on healthcare services.},
}

@article {pmid31362602,
year = {2019},
author = {Hirayama, S and Nojima, N and Furukawa, S and Ogihara, H and Morinaga, Y},
title = {Steric microstructure of mixed-species biofilm formed by interaction between Lactobacillus plantarum ML11-11 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.},
journal = {Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-4},
doi = {10.1080/09168451.2019.1649978},
pmid = {31362602},
issn = {1347-6947},
abstract = {The mixed-species biofilm of Lactobacillus plantarum ML11-11 (LAB) and yeast had a double-layered structure with the ground layer composed of LAB cells, and the upper layer composed of coaggregates of LAB and yeast cells. The ability of LAB to adhere to both, the solid surface and the yeast cells, enabled the formation and maintenance of the biofilm as an ecosystem for LAB and yeast.},
}

@article {pmid31362224,
year = {2019},
author = {Ashkanani, A and Almomani, F and Khraisheh, M and Bhosale, R and Tawalbeh, M and AlJaml, K},
title = {Bio-carrier and operating temperature effect on ammonia removal from secondary wastewater effluents using moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR).},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {693},
number = {},
pages = {133425},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.231},
pmid = {31362224},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {This study investigates the impact of bio-carriers' surface area and shape, wastewater chemistry and operating temperature on ammonia removal from real wastewater effluents using Moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) operated with three different AnoxKaldness bio-carriers (K3, K5, and M). The study concludes the surface area loading rate, specific surface area, and shape of bio-carrier affect ammonia removal under real conditions. MBBR kinetics and sensitivity for temperature changes were affected by bio-carrier type. High surface area bio-carriers resulted in low ammonia removal and bio-carrier clogging. Significant ammonia removals of 1.420 ± 0.06 and 1.103 ± 0.06 g - N/m2. d were achieved by K3(As = 500 m2/m3) at 35 and 20 °C, respectively. Lower removals were obtained by high surface area bio-carrier K5 (1.123 ± 0.06 and 0.920 ± 0.06 g - N/m2. d) and M (0.456 ± 0.05 and 0.295 ± 0.05 g - N/m2. d) at 35 and 20 °C, respectively. Theta model successfully represents ammonia removal kinetics with θ values of 1.12, 1.06 and 1.13 for bio-carrier K3, K5 and M respectively. MBBR technology is a feasible choice for treatment of real wastewater effluents containing high ammonia concentrations.},
}

@article {pmid31362109,
year = {2019},
author = {Sayar, F and Chiniforush, N and Bahador, A and Etemadi, A and Akhondi, N and Azimi, C},
title = {Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for elimination of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans biofilm on Laser-Lok titanium discs.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2019.07.012},
pmid = {31362109},
issn = {1873-1597},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial Photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a novel modality suggested for treatment of peri-implantitis. This study aimed to assess the effect of aPDT with toluidine blue (TBO) and indocyanine green (ICG) and 635 nm and 808 nm diode laser on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) biofilm formed on Laser-Lok titanium discs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty sterile Laser-Lok titanium discs were inoculated with A. actinomycetemcomitans to form biofilm and were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 10) of control, chlorhexidine (CHX), TBO, ICG, 635 nm diode laser with 220 mW power, 808 nm diode laser with 250 mW power, 100 µg/mL TBO+635 nm diode laser and ICG+808 nm diode laser. Number of colony forming units (CFUs) on the surface of each disc was counted after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS: Significant differences were noted in colony count among the eight groups after the intervention (P = 0.001). Pairwise comparisons with adjusted P value test showed that aPDT with TBO+635 nm laser and ICG+808 nm laser caused significant reduction of bacterial biofilm compared to the control group (P = 0.0001). TBO alone caused significant reduction of biofilm compared to the control group (P = 0.004). No other significant differences were noted (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that PDT is a potential modality for decontamination of implant surface and reduction of A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilm in vitro. In this study, aPDT with TBO+635 nm diode laser and ICG+808 nm diode laser decreased the bacterial load on titanium discs.},
}

@article {pmid31360725,
year = {2019},
author = {Leonhard, M and Zatorska, B and Moser, D and Schneider-Stickler, B},
title = {Growth Media for Mixed Multispecies Oropharyngeal Biofilm Compositions on Silicone.},
journal = {BioMed research international},
volume = {2019},
number = {},
pages = {8051270},
doi = {10.1155/2019/8051270},
pmid = {31360725},
issn = {2314-6141},
abstract = {Aims: Microbial colonization of silicone voice prostheses by bacteria and Candida species limits the device lifetime of modern voice prostheses in laryngectomized patients. Thus, research focuses on biofilm inhibitive properties of novel materials, coatings, and surface enhancements. Goal of this in vitro study was the evaluation of seven commonly used growth media to simulate growth of mixed oropharyngeal species as mesoscale biofilms on prosthetic silicone for future research purposes.

Methods and Results: Yeast Peptone Dextrose medium (YPD), Yeast Nitrogen Base medium (YNB), M199 medium, Spider medium, RPMI 1640 medium, Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB), and Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) were used to culture combined mixed Candida strains and mixed bacterial-fungal compositions on silicone over the period of 22 days. The biofilm surface spread and the microscopic growth showed variations from in vivo biofilms depending on the microbial composition and growth medium.

Conclusion: YPD and FBS prove to support continuous in vitro growth of mixed bacterial-fungal oropharyngeal biofilms deposits over weeks as needed for longterm in vitro testing with oropharyngeal biofilm compositions.

The study provides data on culture conditions for mixed multispecies biofilm compositions that can be used for future prosthesis designs.},
}

@article {pmid31357945,
year = {2019},
author = {Ramos, JN and Souza, C and Faria, YV and da Silva, EC and Veras, JFC and Baio, PVP and Seabra, SH and de Oliveira Moreira, L and Hirata Júnior, R and Mattos-Guaraldi, AL and Vieira, VV},
title = {Bloodstream and catheter-related infections due to different clones of multidrug-resistant and biofilm producer Corynebacterium striatum.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {672},
doi = {10.1186/s12879-019-4294-7},
pmid = {31357945},
issn = {1471-2334},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen associated with immunocompromised and chronically ill patients, as well as nosocomial outbreaks. In this study, we characterized 23 MDR C. striatum isolated of bloodstream and catheter-related infections from a hospital of Rio de Janeiro.

METHODS: C. striatum isolates were identified by 16S rRNA and rpoB genes sequencing. The dissemination of these isolates was accomplished by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). All isolates were submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion and by minimum inhibitory concentration using E-test strips methods. Antimicrobial resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Quantitative tests were performed on four different abiotic surfaces and the ability to produce biofilm on the surface of polyurethane and silicone catheter was also demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS: Eleven PFGE profiles were found. The PFGE profile I was the most frequently observed among isolates. Five different MDR profiles were found and all PFGE profile I isolates presented susceptibility only to tetracycline, vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin. Only the multidrug-susceptible isolate did not show mutations in the quinolone-resistance determinant region (QRDR) of the gyrA gene and was negative in the search of genes encoding antibiotic resistance. The other 22 isolates were positive to resistance genes to aminoglycoside, macrolides/lincosamides and chloramphenicol and showed mutations in the QRDR of the gyrA gene. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated the ability of MDR blood isolate partaker of the epidemic clone (PFGE profile I) to produce mature biofilm on the surface of polyurethane and silicone catheter.

CONCLUSIONS: Genotyping analysis by PFGE revealed the permanence of the MDR PFGE profile I in the nosocomial environment. Other new PFGE profiles emerged as etiologic agents of invasive infections. However, the MDR PFGE profile I was also found predominant among patients with hematogenic infections. The high level of multidrug resistance associated with biofilm formation capacity observed in MDR C. striatum is a case of concern.},
}

@article {pmid31357240,
year = {2019},
author = {Feng, G and Cheng, Y and Worobo, RW and Borca-Tasciuc, DA and Moraru, CI},
title = {Nanoporous anodic alumina reduces Staphylococcus biofilm formation.},
journal = {Letters in applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/lam.13201},
pmid = {31357240},
issn = {1472-765X},
abstract = {Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, two bacterial strains commonly associated with biofilm-related medical infections and food poisoning, can rapidly colonize biotic and abiotic surfaces. The present study investigates the ability of anodic alumina surfaces with nanoporous surface topography to minimize the attachment and biofilm formation mediated by these pathogenic bacterial strains. Early attachment and subsequent biofilm development were retarded on surfaces with nanopores of 15-25 nm in diameter compared to surfaces with 50-100 nm pore diameter and nanosmooth surfaces. After 30 min of incubation in nutritive media, the biomass accumulation per unit surface area was 2·93 ± 1·72 μm3 μm-2 for the 15 nm, 3·49 ± 1·97 μm3 μm-2 for the 25 nm, as compared to 14·04 ± 6·39 μm3 μm-2 for the nanosmooth, 11·88 ± 9·72 μm3 μm-2 for the 50 nm, and 12·09 ± 11·84 μm3 μm-2 for the 100 nm surfaces, respectively. These findings suggest that anodic alumina with small size nanoscale pores could reduce the incidence of staphylococcal biofilms and infections, and shows promise as a material for a variety of medical applications and food contact surfaces. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.},
}

@article {pmid31356873,
year = {2019},
author = {Lee, HH and Del Pozzo, J and Salamanca, SA and Hernandez, H and Martinez, LR},
title = {Reduced phagocytosis and killing of Cryptococcus neoformans biofilm-derived cells by J774.16 macrophages is associated with fungal capsular production and surface modification.},
journal = {Fungal genetics and biology : FG & B},
volume = {132},
number = {},
pages = {103258},
doi = {10.1016/j.fgb.2019.103258},
pmid = {31356873},
issn = {1096-0937},
abstract = {Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic encapsulated pathogen that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in individuals with immunosuppression. We compared the interactions of C. neoformans planktonic and biofilm-derived cells with J774.16 macrophage-like cells. Planktonic cells are more phagocytized and killed by J774.16 cells than biofilm-derived fungal cells. Biofilm-derived cryptococci possess larger capsule size and release significantly more capsular polysaccharide than planktonic cells in culture. Biofilm-derived fungi exhibited upregulation of genes involved in capsular production. Capsular-specific monoclonal antibody 18B7 demonstrated differential binding to the surface of planktonic and biofilm-derived cryptococci providing a plausible strategy for fungal evasion of macrophages and persistence. Future studies are necessary to elucidate how C. neoformans biofilm-derived cells regulate their virulence factors when interacting with cells of the immune system.},
}

@article {pmid31355999,
year = {2019},
author = {Chuang, PJ and Swaminathan, V and Pavlovsky, L and Marquez-Catral, L and Jones, D and Song, L},
title = {Negative Influence of Biofilm on CoCrMo Corrosion.},
journal = {Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jbm.a.36761},
pmid = {31355999},
issn = {1552-4965},
abstract = {Minimal studies exist investigating biofilm-induced corrosion of orthopaedic implants. This study investigates potential contributions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on corrosion resistance of CoCrMo under static and fretting conditions. Biofilms were cultured on CoCrMo coupons for either 4 weeks (static culture) or 6 days (fretting culture; pin-on-disc with a Ti6Al4V hemispherical tip pin). Morphology of biofilms and corrosion of coupon surfaces were analyzed via SEM. Open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were collected for corrosion performance evaluation. Results showed no visible corrosion on coupon surfaces in static culture which suggests these biofilms alone do not induce severe corrosion under the conditions of this study. However, electrochemical data showed biofilm presence lowered coupon electrochemical impedance in static and fretting cultures, suggesting resistive and capacitive characteristics of the metal oxide-biofilm-media interface were altered. Under fretting, the P. aeruginosa group exhibited a distinct damage morphology and Co:Cr:Mo ratio within the wear scar when compared with S. aureus and the bacteria-free control. These differences suggest the presence of P. aeruginosa biofilms may negatively impact corrosion resistance at the fretting interface. Taken together these results demonstrate biofilms can contribute to implant corrosion by influencing the electrochemical impedance of implant metal surfaces. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.},
}

@article {pmid31354823,
year = {2019},
author = {Cunha, EJ and Auersvald, CM and Deliberador, TM and Gonzaga, CC and Esteban Florez, FL and Correr, GM and Storrer, CLM},
title = {Effects of Active Oxygen Toothpaste in Supragingival Biofilm Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.},
journal = {International journal of dentistry},
volume = {2019},
number = {},
pages = {3938214},
doi = {10.1155/2019/3938214},
pmid = {31354823},
issn = {1687-8728},
abstract = {Gingivitis is still considered a major risk factor for the occurrence and progression of periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term (1, 12, and 18 weeks) antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacies of two commercially available toothpastes, Colgate Total® (CT) and BlueM® (BM), against attached supragingival dental plaque and gingival inflammation in an experimental gingivitis model. A parallel double-blinded randomized clinical trial including 39 dental students who refrained from all plaque control methods (manual or chemical) for 7 days was conducted. After the establishment of clinical gingivitis, participants were randomized into two experimental groups (CT and BM). Plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were then calculated according to Turesky's modified Quigley and Hein index. Participants were assessed in four time periods (preclinical trial phase (W -1), gingivitis phase (W0), one week (W1), twelve weeks (W12), and eighteen weeks (W18)). Participants' stimulated saliva was collected and cultured (either aerobically or anaerobically, 37°C, 48 hours) in each time period (W -1, W0, W1, W12, and W18) for the count of viable colonies. Obtained data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) between experimental groups at W -1. Significant differences between groups were observed at W0 (p < 0.05) for the parameter time period, but not for the interaction between parameters (time period ∗ toothpastes). Lower bacterial counts were observed in both groups after one week of toothbrushing; however, no significant differences were found between investigated dentifrices. Intra- and intergroup comparisons revealed that significant differences were not found (p > 0.05) between dentifrices at W1, W12, and W18 for both GI and PI. The present study demonstrated that toothpastes containing active oxygen and lactoferrin (BM) have comparable antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacies with triclosan-containing toothpastes (CT).},
}

@article {pmid31354319,
year = {2019},
author = {Abd El-Baky, RM and Sandle, T and John, J and Abuo-Rahma, GEA and Hetta, HF},
title = {A novel mechanism of action of ketoconazole: inhibition of the NorA efflux pump system and biofilm formation in multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1703-1718},
doi = {10.2147/IDR.S201124},
pmid = {31354319},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {Background: The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-positive organisms, especially staphylococci, has become a serious clinical challenge. Efflux machinery and biofilm formation are considered two of the main causes of antimicrobial resistance and therapy failure. Aim: Our study aims to evaluate the antibiofilm and efflux pump inhibitory activity of the antifungal ketoconazole against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: Ketoconazole was tested for its effect on the following: minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, and ethidium bromide (EtBr) by the broth microdilution method, the efflux of EtBr by NorA-positive MDR S. aureus, and the relative expression of NorA, NorB, and NorC efflux pump genes. Docking studies of ketoconazole were performed using 1PW4 (glycerol-3-phosphate transporter from Escherichia coli which was the representative structure from the major facilitator superfamily). Results: Ketoconazole significantly decreased the MICs of levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and EtBr (a substrate for efflux pump) by 8 to 1024-fold (P<0.01) and decreased the efflux of EtBr. Furthermore, a time-kill assay revealed that combinations of levofloxacin with ketoconazole or carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone showed no growth for the tested strains after 24 h in comparison to the effect of levofloxacin alone. Docking studies and the ability of ketoconazole to diminish the relative expression of NorA gene in comparison to control (untreated strains) confirmed its action as an efflux pump inhibitor. Conclusion: The findings showed that the antifungal ketoconazole has no antibacterial activity but can potentiate the activity of the fluroquinolones against MDR S. aureus via inhibiting efflux pump and biofilm formation in vitro.},
}

@article {pmid31352165,
year = {2019},
author = {Riegler, P and Bieringer, E and Chrusciel, T and Stärz, M and Löwe, H and Weuster-Botz, D},
title = {Continuous conversion of CO2/H2 with Clostridium aceticum in biofilm reactors.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {291},
number = {},
pages = {121760},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121760},
pmid = {31352165},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {A lab-scale stirred-tank bioreactor was reversibly retrofitted to a packed-bed and a trickle-bed biofilm reactor to study and compare the conversion of CO2/H2 with immobilised Clostridiumaceticum. The biofilm reactors were characterised and their functionality confirmed. Up to 8.6 g of C. aceticum were immobilised onto 300 g sintered ceramic carrier material, proving biofilm formation to be a robust means for cell retention of C. aceticum. Continuous CO2/H2-fermentation studies were performed with both biofilm reactor configurations as function of dilution rates, partial gas pressures and gas flow rates. The experiments showed that in the packed-bed biofilm reactor, the acetate space-time yield was independent of the dilution rate, because of low H2 gas-liquid mass transfer rates (≤17 mmol H2 L-1 h-1). The continuous operation of the trickle-bed biofilm reactor increased the gas-liquid mass transfer rates to up to 56 mmol H2 L-1 h-1. Consequently, the acetate space-time yield of up to 14 mmol acetate L-1 h-1 was improved 3-fold at hydrogen conversions of up to 96%.},
}

@article {pmid31351106,
year = {2019},
author = {Bautista-Hernández, LA and Gómez-Olivares, JL and Buentello-Volante, B and Dominguez-Lopez, A and Garfias, Y and Acosta-García, MC and Calvillo-Medina, RP and Bautista-de Lucio, VM},
title = {Negative interaction of Staphylococcus aureus on Fusarium falciforme growth ocular isolates in an in vitro mixed biofilm.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {135},
number = {},
pages = {103644},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103644},
pmid = {31351106},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The interactions between prokaryotes and eukaryotes are abundant in nature. These microorganisms also interact in the human body. Fungal-bacteria interactions are present in many diseases. In this study, we evaluated the microbial interaction of Fusarium falciforme and Staphylococcus aureus developing mixed biofilm in vitro. When both microorganisms grew up together the mixed biofilm biomass decreased than F. falciforme monobiofilm biomass. S. aureus was able to interact and form aggregates over the mycelium and conidia surface of F. falciforme. Our results suggest that S. aureus could bind to colloidal chitin. On another hand, the supernatants from S. aureus biofilm and S. aureus-F. falciforme presented an antifungal effect over F. falciforme biofilm formation. Finally we found that the pH had an inhibitory effect over fungal biofilm formation. We concluded that S. aureus can affect the F. falciforme growth negatively in mixed biofilm involving factors like pH, supernatants compounds, anchor to chitin, and bacterial viability.},
}

@article {pmid31350606,
year = {2019},
author = {Schopf, A and Delatolla, R and Kirkwood, KM},
title = {Partial nitritation at elevated loading rates: design curves and biofilm characteristics.},
journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00449-019-02177-8},
pmid = {31350606},
issn = {1615-7605},
support = {497995-2017//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {There is a need to develop low operational intensity, cost-effective, and small-footprint systems to treat wastewater. Partial nitritation has been studied using a variety of control strategies, however, a gap in passive operation is evident. This research investigates the use of elevated loading rates as a strategy for achieving low operational intensity partial nitritation in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system. The effects of loading rates on nitrification kinetics and biofilm characteristics were determined at elevated, steady dissolved oxygen concentrations between 5.5 and 7.0 mg O2/L and ambient temperatures between 19 and 21 °C. Four elevated loading rates (3, 4, 5 and 6.5 g NH4+-N/m2 days) were tested with a distinct shift in kinetics being observed towards nitritation at elevated loadings. Complete partial nitritation (100% nitrite production) was achieved at 6.5 g NH4+-N/m2 days, likely due to thick biofilm (572 µm) and elevated NH4+-N load, which resulted in suppression of nitrite oxidation.},
}

@article {pmid31349525,
year = {2019},
author = {Ismail, NA and Amin, KAM and Majid, FAA and Razali, MH},
title = {Gellan gum incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles biofilm as wound dressing: Physicochemical, mechanical, antibacterial properties and wound healing studies.},
journal = {Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications},
volume = {103},
number = {},
pages = {109770},
doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2019.109770},
pmid = {31349525},
issn = {1873-0191},
abstract = {In this work, the potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles incorporated gellan gum (GG + TiO2-NPs) biofilm as wound dressing material was investigated. The GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm was prepared via evaporative casting technique and was characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to study their physiochemical properties. The mechanical properties, swelling and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of biofilm was determined to comply with an ideal wound dressing material. In vitro and in vivo wound healing studies was carried out to evaluate the performance of GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm. In vitro wound healing was studied on 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cells for cell viability, cell proliferation, and scratch assay. The acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were used to evaluate the viability of cell and cell proliferation. Cell migration assay was analyzed using Essen BioScience IncuCyteTM Zoom system. In vivo wound healing via open excision wounds model on Sprague Dawley rat was studied within 14 days. The FT-IR spectra of GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm show main bands assigned to OH stretching, OH deformation, and TiO stretching modes. XRD pattern of GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm suggesting that TiO2-NPs was successfully incorporated in biofilm and well distributed on the surface as proved by SEM analysis. The GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm shows higher mechanical strength and swelling (3.76 ± 0.11 MPa and 1061 ± 6%) as compared to pure GG film (3.32 ± 0.08 Mpa and 902 ± 6%), respectively. GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm shows good antibacterial properties as 9 ± 0.25 mm and 11 ± 0.06 mm exhibition zone was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, respectively. While no exhibition zone was obtained for pure GG biofilm. GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm also demonstrated better cell-to-cell interaction properties, as it's promoted cell proliferation and cell migration to accelerate open excision wound healing on Sprague Dawley rat. The wound treated with GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm was healed within 14 days, on the other hand, the wound is still can be seen when it was treated with GG. However, GG and GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm show no cytotoxicity effects on mouse fibroblast cells.},
}

@article {pmid31349520,
year = {2019},
author = {Vögeling, H and Plenagl, N and Seitz, BS and Duse, L and Pinnapireddy, SR and Dayyoub, E and Jedelska, J and Brüßler, J and Bakowsky, U},
title = {Synergistic effects of ultrasound and photodynamic therapy leading to biofilm eradication on polyurethane catheter surfaces modified with hypericin nanoformulations.},
journal = {Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications},
volume = {103},
number = {},
pages = {109749},
doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2019.109749},
pmid = {31349520},
issn = {1873-0191},
abstract = {Catheter related infections are causing one third of all blood stream infections. The mortality of those infections is very high and the gold standard for catheter related blood stream infections (CR-BSI) is still the removal of the catheter and systemic antibiotic therapy. There already exist some approaches to prevent the biofilm formation on catheter material, which are far from ideal. A new strategy to prevent bacterial colonization on catheter surfaces is the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Therefor the surface has to be modified with substances that can be activated by light, leading to the production of cell toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Only small concentrations of the so called photosensitizer (PS) are necessary, avoiding side effects in human therapy. Furthermore, there is no resistance development in PDT. In this study polyurethane (PUR) surfaces were coated with hypericin nanoformulations, leading to 4.3 log10 reduction in bacterial growth in vitro. The effect could be enhanced by the application of ultrasound. The combination of PDT with ultrasound therapy led to a synergistic effect resulting in a 6.8 log10 reduction of viable counts. This minimal invasive method requires only an optical fibre inserted in the catheter lumen and an ultrasound device. Thus the implementation in daily clinical practice is very simple.},
}

@article {pmid31349502,
year = {2019},
author = {Torres-Rêgo, M and Gláucia-Silva, F and Rocha Soares, KS and de Souza, LBFC and Damasceno, IZ and Santos-Silva, ED and Lacerda, AF and Chaves, GM and Silva-Júnior, AAD and Fernandes-Pedrosa, MF},
title = {Biodegradable cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles improve anti-Candida and anti-biofilm activity of TistH, a peptide identified in the venom gland of the Tityus stigmurus scorpion.},
journal = {Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications},
volume = {103},
number = {},
pages = {109830},
doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2019.109830},
pmid = {31349502},
issn = {1873-0191},
abstract = {Among several bioactive peptides identified from the venom glands of the Tityus stigmurus scorpion, one peptide with hypotensive action (TistH, Tityus stigmurus Hypotensin) showed multifunctional and biotechnological applications. The maximum efficacy of this class of compounds can be achieved by immobilizing it in specific and suitable biomaterials or suitable carriers. In this study, distinct entrapment methods of TistH in chitosan nanoparticles was tested using its incorporation (CN-TistH-Inc) or adsorption (CN-TistH-Ads) methods by ionotropic gelification. Physico-chemical properties as well as biocompatibility and antifungal efficacy were assessed for different samples. Atomic force microscopy and field emission gun scanning electronic microscopy images associated with particle size measurements demonstrated that the two methods induced cationic spherical, small (< 160 nm), and narrow-sized (PdI about 0.3) nanoparticles, even after peptide loading greater than 96.5%, which was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The colloidal suspensions showed to be stable for 8 weeks and were able to induce the desired slow in vitro peptide release. Cytotoxicity assays performed in normal cells originated from murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and kidneys of African green monkeys (Vero E6) suggested biocompatibility of samples. The CN-TistH-Inc and CN-TistH-Ads showed a minimal inhibitory concentration of 89.2 μg.mL-1 against Candida albicans, 11.1 μg.mL-1 for C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, confirmed by minimum fungicidal concentrations assay. Moreover, the TistH-loaded cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles significantly reduced the biofilm formation of clinical yeast sepsis of C. tropicalis and C. krusei, as well as clinical yeasts of vulvovaginal candidiasis of C. albicans. In this approach, biodegradable nanocarriers prepared using simple and reproducible methods demonstrated the ability to deliver the TistH peptide from T. stigmurus and improve its antifungal efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid31349480,
year = {2019},
author = {Hasan, N and Cao, J and Lee, J and Naeem, M and Hlaing, SP and Kim, J and Jung, Y and Lee, BL and Yoo, JW},
title = {PEI/NONOates-doped PLGA nanoparticles for eradicating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in diabetic wounds via binding to the biofilm matrix.},
journal = {Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications},
volume = {103},
number = {},
pages = {109741},
doi = {10.1016/j.msec.2019.109741},
pmid = {31349480},
issn = {1873-0191},
abstract = {Wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm represent a high risk in patients with diabetes. Nitric oxide (NO) has shown promise in dispersing biofilm and wound healing. For an effective treatment of MRSA biofilm-infected wounds, however, NO needs to be supplied to the biofilm matrix in a sustainable manner due to a short half-life and limited diffusion distance of NO. In this study, polyethylenimine/diazeniumdiolate (PEI/NONOate)-doped PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA-PEI/NO NPs) with an ability to bind to the biofilm matrix are developed to facilitate the NO delivery to MRSA biofilm-infected wound. In simulated wound fluid, PLGA-PEI/NO NPs show an extended NO release over 4 days. PLGA-PEI/NO NPs firmly bind to the MRSA biofilm matrix, resulting in a greatly enhanced anti-biofilm activity. Moreover, PLGA-PEI/NO NPs accelerate healing of MRSA biofilm-infected wounds in diabetic mice along with complete biofilm dispersal and reduced bacterial burden. These results suggest that the biofilm-binding NO-releasing NPs represent a promising NO delivery system for the treatments of biofilm-infected chronic wounds.},
}

@article {pmid31349180,
year = {2019},
author = {di Biase, A and Kowalski, MS and Devlin, TR and Oleszkiewicz, JA},
title = {Moving bed biofilm reactor technology in municipal wastewater treatment: A review.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {247},
number = {},
pages = {849-866},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.06.053},
pmid = {31349180},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The review encompasses the development of municipal wastewater treatment process using MBBR from early stages, established application, and recent advancements. An overview of main drivers leading to the MBBR technology development over its early stage is discussed. Biocarriers types and features together with biofilm development and role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are presented, ultimately, addressing the challenge in decreasing startup time required for full operation. Furthermore, the review investigates the state of the art of MBBR technology for nutrient removal (i.e., COD and BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus) through process functionality and configuration of established (e.g., IFAS) and under development (e.g. PN/A) applications. Reactor operational characteristics such as filling fractions, mixing properties, dissolved oxygen requirements, and loading rates are presented and related to full scale examples. Current literature discussing the most recent studies on MBBR capability in reduction and removal of chemicals of emerging concern (CEC) released is presented. Ultimately, high rate carbon and nitrogen removal through A/B stage process are examined in its main operational parameters and its application towards energy neutrality suggesting novel MBBR application to further reduce energy requirements and plant footprint.},
}

@article {pmid31347191,
year = {2019},
author = {Kannan, S and Krishnamoorthy, G and Kulanthaiyesu, A and Marudhamuthu, M},
title = {Effect of biosurfactant derived from Vibrio natriegens MK3 against Vibrio harveyi biofilm and virulence.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.201800706},
pmid = {31347191},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {//Department of Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Programme in Life Sciences/ ; //University Grants Commission (UGC-NFOBC)/ ; },
abstract = {Vibrio harveyi is a marine luminous pathogen, which causes biofilm-mediated infections, pressures the search for an innovative alternate approach to strive against vibriosis in aquaculture. This study anticipated to explore the effect of glycolipid biosurfactant as an antipathogenic against V. harveyi to control vibriosis. In this study, 27 bacterial strains were isolated from marine soil sediments. Out of these, 11 strains exhibited surfactant activity and the strain MK3 showed high emulsification index. The potent strain was identified as Vibrio natriegens and named as V. natriegens MK3. The extracted biosurfactant was purified using high-performance liquid chromatography and it was efficient to decrease the surface tension of the growth medium up to 21 mN/m. The functional group and composition of the biosurfactant were determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectral studies and the nature of the biosurfactant was identified as glycolipid. The surfactant was capable of reducing the biofilm formation, bioluminescence, extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, and quorum sensing in marine shrimp pathogen V. harveyi. The antagonistic effect of biosurfactant was evaluated against V. harveyi-infected brine shrimp Artemia salina. This study reveals that biosurfactant can be considered for the management of biofilm-related aquatic infections.},
}

@article {pmid31346374,
year = {2019},
author = {Listiana-Kriswandini, I and Budi-Rahardjo, M and Soesilawati, P and Prisca-Suciadi, A},
title = {Detection of Candida albicans biofilm proteins induced by glucose, lactose, soy protein, and iron.},
journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental dentistry},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {e542-e546},
doi = {10.4317/jced.55787},
pmid = {31346374},
issn = {1989-5488},
abstract = {Background: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections, which attack the mucosa of the oral cavity. These lesions are mostly caused by the fungal species Candida albicans. Candida albicans is included in the normal oral microorganisms that are opportunistic pathogens, and its presence is quite large, which can reach 75% of the total oral fungal population. Research on specific proteins of Candida biofilm can be an alternative to early prevention of oral infections such as Oral Candidiasis. This biofilm protein can be used as a reference in making kits to detect the presence of microbes that cause infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine molecular weight of Candida albicans biofilm protein induced by 5% glucose, 5% lactose, soy protein, and 5% iron.

Material and Methods: This experimental laboratory study used SDS-PAGE electrophoresis to determine the molecular weight of Candida albicans biofilm proteins induced by glucose 5%, lactose 5%, soy protein, and iron 5%.

Results: Biofilm induced by 5% glucose shows four protein bands: 71,6 kDa; 56,1 kDa; 49,7 kDa; and 41 kDa. Biofilm induced by 5% lactose shows seven protein bands: 71 kDa; 61,2 kDa; 57,7 kDa; 55,3 kDa; 48,9 kDa; 39,5 kDa; and 29,8 kDa. Biofilm induced by soy protein shows one protein band: 49,4 kDa. Biofilm induced by 5% iron shows one protein band: 51,1 kDa.

Conclusions: Candida albicans biofilm induced by 5% glucose has four protein band candidates, 5% lactose has seven candidates of protein band, and soy protein and 5% iron each has a candidate of protein band, which can be used as a target for the detection of oral Candidiasis. Key words:Biofilm protein, Candida albicans, molecular weight, oral candidiasis.},
}

@article {pmid31345229,
year = {2019},
author = {Besser, M and Terberger, J and Weber, L and Ghebremedhin, B and Naumova, EA and Arnold, WH and Stuermer, EK},
title = {Impact of probiotics on pathogen survival in an innovative human plasma biofilm model (hpBIOM).},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {243},
doi = {10.1186/s12967-019-1990-4},
pmid = {31345229},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {IFF2018-61//University of Witten/Herdecke/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite of medical advances, the number of patients suffering on non-healing chronic wounds is still increasing. This fact is attended by physical and emotional distress and an economic load. The majority of chronic wounds are infected of harmful microbials in a protecting extracellular matrix. These biofilms inhibit wound healing. Biofilm-growing bacteria developed unique survival properties, which still challenge the appropriate wound therapy. The present in-vitro biofilm models are not suitable for translational research. By means of a novel in-vivo like human plasma biofilm model (hpBIOM), this study systematically analysed the influence of 3 probiotics on the survival of five clinically relevant pathogenic microorganisms.

METHODS: Human plasma was used to produce the innovate biofilm. Pathogenic microorganisms were administered to the plasma. By stimulating the production of a fibrin scaffold, stable coagula-like discs with integrated pathogens were produced. The five clinically relevant pathogens P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. faecium and C. albicans were challenged to the probiotics L. plantarum, B. lactis and S. cerevisiae. The probiotics were administered on top of the biofilm and the survival was quantified after 4 h and 24 h of incubation. For statistics, two-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's HSD test was applied. P-value > 0.05 was considered to be significant.

RESULTS: SEM micrographs depicted the pathogens on the surface of the fibrin scaffold, arranged in close proximity and produced the glycocalyx. The application of probiotics induced different growth-reducing capacities towards the pathogens. B. lactis and S. cerevisiae showed slight bacteria-reducing properties. The survival of C. albicans was not affected at all. The most antimicrobial activity was detected after the treatment with L. plantarum.

CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully reproduced a novel human biofilm model, which provides a human wound milieu and individual immune competence. The success of bacteriotherapy is dependent on the strain combination, the number of probiotics and the activity of the immune cells. The eradicating effect of L. plantarum on P. aeruginosa should be emphasized.},
}

@article {pmid31344909,
year = {2019},
author = {Zhang, T and Ying, D and Qi, M and Li, X and Fu, L and Sun, X and Wang, L and Zhou, Y},
title = {Anti-Biofilm Property of Bioactive Upconversion Nanocomposites Containing Chlorin e6 against Periodontal Pathogens.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {24},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules24152692},
pmid = {31344909},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {81570983//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20180414030GH//International Cooperation Project of Science and Technology Development Jilin Province/ ; },
abstract = {Photodynamic therapy (PDT) based periodontal disease treatment has received extensive attention. However, the deep tissue location of periodontal plaque makes the conventional PDT encounter a bottleneck. Herein, upconversion fluorescent nanomaterial with near-infrared light excitation was introduced into the treatment of periodontal disease, overcoming the limited tissue penetration depth of visible light in PDT. Photosensitizer Ce6 molecules were combined with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) NaYF4:Yb,Er with a novel strategy. The hydrophobic UCNPs were modified with amphiphilic silane, utilizing the hydrophobic chain of the silane to bind to the hydrophobic groups of the UCNPs through a hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction, and the Ce6 molecules were loaded in this hydrophobic layer. This achieves both the conversion of the hydrophobic to the hydrophilic surface and the loading of the oily photosensitizer molecules. Because the excitation position of the Ce6 molecule is in the red region, Mn ions were doped to enhance red light, and thus the improved PDT function. This Ce6 loaded UCNPs composites with efficient red upconversion luminescence show remarkable bacteriological therapeutic effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum and the corresponding biofilms under 980 nm irradiation, indicating a high application prospect in the treatment of periodontal diseases.},
}

@article {pmid31344638,
year = {2019},
author = {Jensen, MB and Strübing, D and de Jonge, N and Nielsen, JL and Ottosen, LDM and Koch, K and Kofoed, MVW},
title = {Stick or leave - Pushing methanogens to biofilm formation for ex situ biomethanation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {291},
number = {},
pages = {121784},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121784},
pmid = {31344638},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Biomethanation exploits the ability of methanogenic archaea to convert CO2 and renewable H2 from electrolysis to biomethane. Biofilm reactors are promising for biomethanation scale-up due to high CH4 productivity and low energy input for H2 gas-liquid mass transfer. Effects of operational conditions on biofilm dynamics remain largely uncharacterized but may increase reactor potentials further. This study investigated the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on methanogenic biofilm activity and composition. Commercial carriers floating in liquid were exposed to H2/CO2 for 87 days with the liquid phase being subject to either 18 hours, 10 days, or 20 days HRT. Methanogenic biofilms were dominated by hydrogenotrophic methanogens, but biofilm CH4 productivity was enhanced at 18 hours HRT due to wash-out of competing planktonic species, which otherwise hampered proliferation of biofilm biomass at long HRT. It is suggested that high-rate biofilm reactors can increase methanogenic biofilm activity by minimizing the liquid's H2 exposure.},
}

@article {pmid31344634,
year = {2019},
author = {Song, T and Li, S and Jin, J and Yin, Z and Lu, Y and Bao, M and Li, Y},
title = {Enhanced hydrolyzed polyacrylamide removal from water by an aerobic biofilm reactor-ozone reactor-aerobic biofilm reactor hybrid treatment system: Performance, key enzymes and functional microorganisms.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {291},
number = {},
pages = {121811},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121811},
pmid = {31344634},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Degradation of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide-containing (HPAM-containing) wastewater was investigated in a lab-scale aerobic-ozonic-aerobic hybrid treatment system. When the HPAM concentration was 500 mg L-1 and the ozone dose was 25 g O3/g TOC, the HPAM removal rate reached 90.79%. Experimental results obtained from gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and rheometer indicated that the refractory HPAM was decomposed into small-molecule compounds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that there was no acrylamide (AM) in the effluent of the system. Microbial communities in two aerobic biofilm reactors (ABRs) were analyzed by Illumina MiSeq Sequencing, which indicated that norank_f_Cytophagaceae, Meiothermus, Bacillus, etc. were keystone functional bacterial genera and Methanobacterium, norank_p_Bathyarchaeota, norank_c_Marine_Group_Ⅰ, etc. were dominant functional archaeal groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study to treat HPAM-containing wastewater using an aerobic-ozonic-aerobic hybrid process. Good removal efficiencies and presence of functional microorganisms demonstrated that the hybrid treatment system was practical for treating HPAM-containing wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid31342619,
year = {2019},
author = {Sivadon, P and Barnier, C and Urios, L and Grimaud, R},
title = {Biofilm formation as a microbial strategy to assimilate particulate substrates.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.12785},
pmid = {31342619},
issn = {1758-2229},
abstract = {In most ecosystems, a large part of the organic carbon is not solubilized in the water phase. Rather, it occurs as particles made of aggregated hydrophobic and/or polymeric natural or man-made organic compounds. These particulate substrates are degraded by extracellular digestion/solubilization implemented by heterotrophic bacteria that form biofilms on them. Organic particle-degrading biofilms are widespread and have been observed in aquatic and terrestrial natural ecosystems, in polluted and man-driven environments and in the digestive tracts of animals. They have central ecological functions as they are major players in carbon recycling and pollution removal. The aim of this review is to highlight bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation as central mechanisms to exploit the nutritive potential of organic particles. It focuses on the mechanisms that allow access and assimilation of nondissolved organic carbon, and considers the advantage provided by biofilms for gaining a net benefit from feeding on particulate substrates. Cooperative and competitive interactions taking place in biofilms feeding on particulate substrates are also discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.},
}

@article {pmid31341834,
year = {2019},
author = {Gawish, S and Abbass, A and Abaza, A},
title = {Occurrence and biofilm forming ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the water output of dental unit waterlines in a dental center in Alexandria, Egypt.},
journal = {Germs},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {71-80},
doi = {10.18683/germs.2019.1160},
pmid = {31341834},
issn = {2248-2997},
abstract = {Introduction: Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) are notorious for being contaminated with different bacterial species including the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa which poses a risk to patients and professionals. This work aimed at studying the occurrence and biofilm-forming ability (BFA) of P. aeruginosa in the output of DUWLs in a dental center in Egypt.

Methods: Water samples were collected from the outlets of the high-speed hand piece, the air/water syringe and the cup filler waterlines. Bacteriological analysis included heterotrophic plate count (HPC), isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa and determination of the antimicrobial susceptibility and the BFA of the isolates by tissue culture plate (TCP) method and tube method (TM).

Results: The average concentration of HPC bacteria in the output of the 3 DUWLs was 2.9×104 CFU/μL where 88.3% of the samples exceeded the Egyptian standards for drinking water (<50 CFU L). P. aeruginosa was isolated from nine cup filler samples (which had a water source different from the other waterlines). The isolates were sensitive to all tested antimicrobials. Of these nine isolates, 6, 5 and 4 were positive for BFA by TCP, modified TCP and TM, respectively.

Conclusions: More stringent measures are required to ensure safer dental water; as the majority of studied samples exceeded the required HPC bacterial limit and P. aeruginosa isolates were detected. P. aeruginosa isolates from DUWLs may not be as resistant to antibiotics as what is reported in the literature about clinical isolates. Some P. aeruginosa isolates can colonize DUWLs despite their inability to form biofilms in experimental testing.},
}

@article {pmid31341833,
year = {2019},
author = {Ahmed, DM and Messih, MAWA and Ibrahim, NH and Meabed, MH and Abdel-Salam, SM},
title = {Frequency of icaA and icaD determinants and biofilm formation among coagulase-negative staphylococci associated with nasal carriage in neonatal intensive care units.},
journal = {Germs},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {61-70},
doi = {10.18683/germs.2019.1159},
pmid = {31341833},
issn = {2248-2997},
abstract = {Introduction: Nasal colonization with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) may be a preliminary risk factor for systemic infection. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of ica A and D genes and biofilm formation among hospital-acquired nasal colonizing CoNS strains isolated from neonates in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Antibiotic sensitivity patterns and some relevant risk factors were estimated.

Methods: This study assessed nasal colonization with CoNS among neonates at days one and three of admission to NICUs of Beni-Suef University Hospital and Beni-Suef General Hospital from November 2015 to May 2016. The isolates were screened and identified; susceptibility testing was performed. Biofilm formation was examined using the Congo red agar method. Isolates identified as CoNS were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of mecA and icaA and icaD genes.

Results: A total of 340 nasal swabs were collected from 170 neonates. The incidence of nasal colonization with CoNS was 50%. The species most frequently isolated were S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 86% of isolates. It was found that there was a strong association between the presence of mecA gene and phenotypic resistance to methicillin and also the presence of the icaA gene and biofilm formation.

Conclusions: Neonates admitted to NICUs can become reservoirs for CoNS strains, leading to potential dissemination of MDR strains into the community.},
}

@article {pmid31340580,
year = {2019},
author = {Bessa, LJ and Manickchand, JR and Eaton, P and Leite, JRSA and Brand, GD and Gameiro, P},
title = {Intragenic Antimicrobial Peptide Hs02 Hampers the Proliferation of Single- and Dual-Species Biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus: A Promising Agent for Mitigation of Biofilm-Associated Infections.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {20},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms20143604},
pmid = {31340580},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {UID/QUI/50006/2019//FCT/MCTES through national funds/ ; 0193.000866/2015//FAP-DF/ ; },
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two major pathogens involved in a large variety of infections. Their co-occurrence in the same site of infection has been frequently reported and is linked to enhanced virulence and difficulty of treatment. Herein, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of an intragenic antimicrobial peptide (IAP), named Hs02, which was uncovered from the human unconventional myosin 1H protein, were investigated against several P. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated on single- and dual-species biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Moreover, the effect of peptide Hs02 on the membrane fluidity of the strains was assessed through Laurdan generalized polarization (GP). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of peptide Hs02 ranged from 2 to 16 μg/mL against all strains and MDR isolates. Though Hs02 was not able to hamper biofilm formation by some strains at sub-MIC values, it clearly affected 24 h preformed biofilms, especially by reducing the viability of the bacterial cells within the single- and dual-species biofilms, as shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. Laurdan GP values showed that Hs02 induces membrane rigidification in both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Peptide Hs02 can potentially be a lead for further improvement as an antibiofilm agent.},
}

@article {pmid31340472,
year = {2019},
author = {Al-Bakri, AG and Mahmoud, NN},
title = {Photothermal-Induced Antibacterial Activity of Gold Nanorods Loaded into Polymeric Hydrogel against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {24},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules24142661},
pmid = {31340472},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {1820-1104//the Deanship of Scientific Research at The University of Jordan/ ; 2017-2016/64/04//Deanship of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan/ ; 3/2017//Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, Amman, Jordan/ ; },
abstract = {In this study, the photothermal-induced bactericidal activity of phospholipid-decorated gold nanorods (DSPE-AuNR) suspension against Pseudomonas aeruginosa planktonic and biofilm cultures was investigated. We found that the treatment of planktonic culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with DSPE-AuNR suspension (0.25-0.03 nM) followed by a continuous laser beam exposure resulted in ~6 log cycle reduction of the bacterial viable count in comparison to the control. The percentage reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm viable count was ~2.5-6.0 log cycle upon laser excitation with different concentrations of DSPE-AuNR as compared to the control. The photothermal ablation activity of DSPE-AuNR (0.125 nM) loaded into poloxamer 407 hydrogel against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm resulted in ~4.5-5 log cycle reduction in the biofilm viable count compared to the control. Moreover, transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the photothermally-treated bacteria revealed a significant change in the bacterial shape and lysis of the bacterial cell membrane in comparison to the untreated bacteria. Furthermore, the results revealed that continuous and pulse laser beam modes effected a comparable photothermal-induced bactericidal activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that phospholipid-coated gold nanorods present a promising nanoplatform to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm responsible for common skin diseases.},
}

@article {pmid31338728,
year = {2019},
author = {Zaatout, N and Ayachi, A and Kecha, M},
title = {Epidemiological investigation of subclinical bovine mastitis in Algeria and molecular characterization of biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Tropical animal health and production},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s11250-019-02015-9},
pmid = {31338728},
issn = {1573-7438},
abstract = {Thirty dairy farms were selected for this study; the first objective of our study was to investigate the prevalence of subclinical bovine mastitis (SCM) in Eastern Algeria, from 600 lactating cows, and to identify potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of bovine mastitis and bacteria isolation using logistic regression. The second objective was to evaluate biofilm formation capacity and detect biofilm-associated genes of S. aureus, isolated from SCM cases. Molecular typing was investigated by spa typing. The prevalence of mastitis at cow and quarter level was 37.66% (226/600) and 27.17% (555/2042), respectively. Stage of lactation, cow breed, milk production, and the study area were factors associated with SCM. In addition, the most frequent pathogens isolated from mastitic milk were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), E. coli, and S. aureus. The study area was highly associated with SCM caused by S. aureus; cows from Setif province were 18 times more affected with SCM caused by S. aureus compared to cows from Batna province (OR = 18.6, 95%CI 2.038-171.2), but were less affected with SCM caused by CNS isolates (OR = 0.17, 95%CI 0.033-0.868). Moreover, cows with milk production less than 10 L per day increased (p < 0.05) the prevalence of mastitis caused by E. coli. All the S. aureus isolates had biofilm-forming ability, and 41.66% of isolates were positive for adhesion genes (icaA, icaD, fbnA, and clfA). This study, therefore, warrants the need for improving sanitary measures and strict hygienic measures, and presents the first insight into biofilm-forming ability of S. aureus strains causing mastitis in dairy herds in Algeria, which will help in tracking the evolution of epidemic strains responsible for causing bovine mastitis.},
}