@article {pmid42143215,
year = {2026},
author = {Martínez, S and Cerdeiras, MP and Douterelo, I and Ijaz, UZ},
title = {Biofilm and sediment phases as key components of microbial community dynamics within secondary drinking water distribution systems.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05149-7},
pmid = {42143215},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {EP/V030515/1//Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Secondary drinking water distribution systems (SDWDS), particularly rooftop storage tanks, are critical components of water supply infrastructure in many regions, yet the ecological processes governing microbial community development within these systems remain poorly characterized. Here we present a year-long, phase-resolved metagenomic study of an operational full-scale SDWDS in Uruguay to assess how environmental conditions and surface materials are associated with microbiome dynamics across bulk water, biofilm and sediment phases. We integrated amplicon sequencing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) metagenomics, culture-based microbiology and physicochemical analyses over a one-year period.

RESULTS: Microbial communities associated with biofilm and sediment phases consistently exhibited higher richness and diversity than bulk water, with marked seasonal variation. Biofilms formed on concrete and polyethylene surfaces followed distinct successional trajectories, indicating material-associated patterns in community development. Seasonal increases in temperature were associated with greater similarity in community composition across phases, while functional richness remained comparatively stable over time. Functional pathways related to energy production, stress response, and antibiotic resistance showed phase- and time-dependent enrichment, particularly in mature biofilms. Across the system, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were persistent taxa. Temperature and pH were the primary variables associated with temporal shifts in water-phase microbial communities, with chlorine residuals contributing to additional variation.

CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings provide in situ ecological insight into microbial succession and phase-specific community dynamics in drinking water storage systems, highlighting the importance of long-term observations in real-world engineered environments.},
}

@article {pmid42143331,
year = {2026},
author = {Ghoraba, H and Ashrafi, F and Nadushan, RM and Abbaspour, H},
title = {α-pinene and β-sitosterol co-loaded alginate/gelatin-functionalized niosomes for enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {BMC biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12896-026-01132-2},
pmid = {42143331},
issn = {1472-6750},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The rise of antibiotic resistance in infectious disease, particularly from carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a significant global health challenge. This study aimed to fabricate and evaluate a novel biocompatible hydrogel scaffold (Nio-PIN/STL@SC) incorporating niosomes loaded with α-pinene (PIN) and β-sitosterol (STL) to enhance antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against MRSA and CRKP isolates.

METHODS: Niosomes containing PIN and STL (Nio-PIN/STL) were prepared using the thin-layer hydration method and then incorporated into an alginate/gelatin hydrogel scaffold via a straightforward crosslinking reaction, forming Nio-PIN/STL@SC. The physicochemical properties of the scaffolds were characterized using DLS, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. In vitro assays assessed drug release, swelling, degradation, stability, cytotoxicity, antibacterial efficacy (MIC, disk diffusion, time-kill assay), anti-biofilm activity (CV assay, MBEC), and the expression of biofilm-related genes.

RESULTS: The optimized Nio-PIN/STL@SC exhibited an average particle size of 263.5 ± 5.2 nm, Polydispersity Index (PDI) of 0.231 ± 0.011, and entrapment efficiencies (EE%) of 78.2 ± 1.18% (PIN) and 79.7 ± 1.35% (STL). The scaffold demonstrated a sustained biphasic release profile, with only 40.85% of PIN and 43.25% of STL released over 72 h at pH 7.4. Nio-PIN/STL@SC showed markedly enhanced antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 0.97-1.95 µg/mL against MRSA and 0.97-3.9 µg/mL against CRKP, representing at least a 16-fold reduction compared to free drugs. MBEC values revealed a significant reduction in biofilm biomass, decreasing viable MRSA and CRKP cells to approximately 2.0 and 3.5 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated significant downregulation of icaA and icaD in MRSA and mrkA, mrkD, and fimA in CRKP (P < 0.001), alongside upregulation of the biofilm repressor gene icaR.

CONCLUSIONS: The developed Nio-PIN/STL@SC hydrogel scaffold demonstrates a promising drug delivery system for the synergistic enhancement of antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against multidrug-resistant pathogens like MRSA and CRKP with reduced cytotoxic effects, suggesting its potential for treating bacterial infections. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate these findings.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

@article {pmid42143994,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, J and Chen, R and Wang, X and Zhang, S and Zeng, Y and Chen, Y and Huang, X},
title = {Self‑oxygenating nanoparticle-mediated photodynamic therapy for biofilm control and macrophage immunomodulation in vitro.},
journal = {Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology},
volume = {280},
number = {},
pages = {113473},
doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2026.113473},
pmid = {42143994},
issn = {1873-2682},
abstract = {Periodontitis is a chronic biofilm-induced inflammatory disease that is increasingly linked to systemic conditions. Effective treatment requires removing pathogenic biofilms and modulating the host inflammatory response. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) shows promising potential in the field of antibacterial treatment. However, issues such as the hypoxic microenvironment within periodontal pockets and biofilm structures, as well as the poor stability of traditional photosensitizers, pose challenges to the efficacy of aPDT. Here, we developed a multifunctional nanoparticle MB-MnO2@PLGA NPs (MMP NPs) by co-encapsulating methylene blue (MB) and PVA-pre-dispersed manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheets into a PLGA nanocarrier using a double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. Characterization confirmed their core-shell morphology, good colloidal stability, and high MB loading. Upon 660 nm irradiation, the nanoparticles generated reactive oxygen species and catalyzed H2O2 to produce oxygen, relieving local hypoxia and enhancing the cell compatibility of free MB. The MMP NPs disrupted P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum biofilms and exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to free MB. Additionally, the nanoplatform significantly downregulated IL-6 and TNF-α levels. Importantly, the nanoplatform promoted macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, as indicated by increased Arg-1 and CD206 expression. This work supports a synergistic in vitro strategy that simultaneously targets infection, hypoxia, and inflammation. It holds positive significance for promoting the development of periodontal disease treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42144819,
year = {2026},
author = {González-Suárez, B and López-Casanova, P and González-de la Torre, H and Durán-Saenz, I and García-Rubio, A and Verdú-Soriano, J and Berenguer-Pérez, M},
title = {Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Biofilm-Associated Infection in Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.},
journal = {International wound journal},
volume = {23},
number = {5},
pages = {e70877},
doi = {10.1111/iwj.70877},
pmid = {42144819},
issn = {1742-481X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Wound Infection/diagnosis/microbiology ; Chronic Disease/therapy ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; *Wounds and Injuries ; Adult ; },
abstract = {The presence of biofilm in chronic wounds represents a major diagnostic challenge, as clinical manifestations are often subtle and laboratory confirmation remains limited. To identify clinical signs and symptoms (CSS) evaluated in validated tools or scales related to wound infection and biofilm, and to assess their diagnostic accuracy. A systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-DTA guidelines, searching six databases from inception to May 2025. Of 2064 records identified, four studies met inclusion criteria. All were focused on infection-related CSS; none were specifically designed to diagnose biofilm. Sensitivity and specificity varied substantially across CSS and study designs, and no validated, non-invasive diagnostic scale for biofilm was identified. The available evidence base is limited and heterogeneous. A preliminary list of candidate CSS is proposed to guide future validation studies and support earlier clinical recognition of biofilm-associated infection.},
}

Humans
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Wound Infection/diagnosis/microbiology
Chronic Disease/therapy
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Aged
*Wounds and Injuries
Adult

@article {pmid42146100,
year = {2026},
author = {Katsburg, M and Kopenhagen, A and Müsken, M and Eichhorn, I and Wolf, SA and Bergmann, S and Fulde, M},
title = {What makes them stick? A genetic analysis of biofilm formation of an infective endocarditis-causing Streptococcus canis strain using transposon directed insertion-site sequencing.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1777632},
pmid = {42146100},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *DNA Transposable Elements ; *Streptococcus/genetics/physiology ; Quorum Sensing/genetics ; Mutagenesis, Insertional ; Humans ; *Endocarditis, Bacterial/microbiology ; *Endocarditis/microbiology ; *Streptococcal Infections/microbiology ; Bacterial Adhesion ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Streptococcus canis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen capable of causing infective endocarditis (IE) in animals and humans. In IE, bacterial biofilms form vegetations on heart valves, protecting microbes from antibiotics and immune responses, which complicates treatment and promotes chronic infection.

METHODS: To identify genes required for biofilm development, we performed transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS) in combination with a biofilm formation assay on a fibrin matrix under physiologically relevant flow conditions. Mutant libraries were screened for deficiencies in biofilm formation, followed by pathway enrichment and targeted functional assays.

RESULTS: Mutants impaired in biofilm formation were enriched for disruptions in carbohydrate metabolism, cell wall biogenesis, and quorum sensing pathways. The rfb operon and galE, genes essential for extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, were identified as key contributors. Pathway analysis highlighted quorum-sensing and HIF-1 signaling as regulators of metabolic adaptation and matrix production under flow. Biofilm formation by the IE strain was inhibited by carvacrol, an inhibitor of LuxS-dependent quorum sensing. Deletion of the fibronectin-binding serum opacity factor (ScSOF) significantly reduced biofilm formation on fibronectin-coated surfaces and altered matrix composition, demonstrating its role in host matrix-dependent adhesion.

DISCUSSION: These findings provide the first genome-wide characterization of biofilm-associated gene networks in S. canis, revealing how metabolic pathways, quorum sensing, and host adhesion factors interact to promote endocardial biofilm formation.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*DNA Transposable Elements
*Streptococcus/genetics/physiology
Quorum Sensing/genetics
Mutagenesis, Insertional
Humans
*Endocarditis, Bacterial/microbiology
*Endocarditis/microbiology
*Streptococcal Infections/microbiology
Bacterial Adhesion
Animals
Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid42146302,
year = {2026},
author = {Bicer, M and Sener, F and Öztürk, E and Fidan, Ö},
title = {Cellulose-based hydrogel matrix enhances antimicrobial and biofilm-inhibitory responses of palatal mesenchymal stem cells.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {197},
pmid = {42146302},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising alternatives to fight drug-resistant bacterial infections. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of palatal adipose tissue-derived MSCs (PMSCs), particularly when cultured within a 3D nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel, against four clinically relevant pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa K6, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923, Bacillus cereus K9 and Escherichia coli O157:H7. This study showed that both PMSCs alone and PMSCs in 3D cellulose-based hydrogel effectively inhibited the growth of bacterial burden. Notably, PMSCs cultured in the 3D system demonstrated an excellent effect, reducing bacterial burden by up to 14 log in E. coli and 12 log in P. aeruginosa K6 at a 120 µL inoculum after 2 h of incubation. RT-PCR and immunocytochemical analyses found out a remarkable upregulation of the Cathelicidin (LL-37) in PMSCs 3D cultures compared to PMSCs. Furthermore, 3D cellulose-based hydrogel exhibited a significant biofilm-inhibitory effect, reaching a 57.65% reduction. The results demonstrated the importance of 3D cellulose-based hydrogel for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. PMSC therapy based on 3D hydrogel may therefore be offered as more effective antimicrobial agent to overcome drug-resistant bacterial infections.},
}

@article {pmid42147142,
year = {2026},
author = {Svendsen, IK and Rula, I and Nilsson, E and Sunde, J and Li, S and Hylander, S and Dopson, M and Forsman, A and Salis, RK},
title = {Long-term heating differently impacts diversity and seasonal dynamics of prokaryotes and micro-eukaryotes in Baltic Sea coastal biofilm communities.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag101},
pmid = {42147142},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Warming temperatures, heat waves, and altered conditions associated with climate change affect biodiversity and ecological processes across environments, with coastal zones being particularly vulnerable. Biofilm-forming organisms in shallow coastal areas are taxonomically diverse and include bacteria, fungi, and algae that contribute to energy and nutrient cycling along with providing habitats and food for species at the base of the food web. To understand how biofilm-forming organisms respond differently to spatiotemporally changing environmental conditions, seasonal sampling was performed in a Baltic Sea bay that has undergone 50 years of thermal heating, an unaffected nearby control bay, and a temperature gradient along an exposed coastline between the bays. The diversity, composition, and seasonal dynamics of the biofilm communities differed between the three environments largely due to temperature and water chemistry, with biofilms in the heated bay being more similar across seasons compared with the control bay and the gradient, and with prokaryotes exhibiting stronger spatial heterogeneity and seasonal dynamics compared to micro-eukaryotes. In the gradient, the dominating taxonomic groups were distinct, community composition was primarily influenced by seasonal turnover and wave exposure, and alpha diversity of prokaryotes decreased with increasing temperature. Seasonal shifts in the composition of micro-eukaryotic heterotrophs, phototrophs, and mixotrophs differed between environments, with heterotrophs being more dominant at higher temperatures. In conclusion, these contrasting responses indicated that climate warming may disproportionately impact different components of coastal biofilm communities, potentially decoupling key ecological processes and reducing community resilience in Baltic Sea coastal habitats.},
}

@article {pmid42140025,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, X and Cai, X and Zhou, Y and Ma, X and Liu, Y and Zhang, W},
title = {The utilization of Salmonella phage in milk and chicken: depolymerase identification and potential for anti-biofilm activity.},
journal = {International journal of food microbiology},
volume = {457},
number = {},
pages = {111846},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2026.111846},
pmid = {42140025},
issn = {1879-3460},
abstract = {Bacteriophage (phage)-based biocontrol presents a promising strategy against foodborne pathogens. In this study, a novel phage, PH215, exhibited lytic activity against seven prevalent Salmonella serotypes, was isolated and characterized. PH215 demonstrated remarkable environmental stability, sustaining infectivity across a wide pH range (2-11) and at temperatures from 4 to 50 °C. The multiplicative potential of PH215 was evidenced by a low multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10[-6], a short latent period of 10 min, and a substantial burst size of approximately 50 PFU per infected cell. Genomic analysis revealed a 43,505 kb double-stranded DNA genome encoding 67 putative proteins. Notably, the product of the Peg38 gene, identified as a tail spike protein (termed PH215Depo), possessed depolymerase activity. We have shown that the cloned expression of PH215Depo exhibited enzymatic activity against various Salmonella serotypes and significantly impeded biofilm formation. Furthermore, in practical application models, PH215 application reduced Salmonella counts in milk and chicken by 2.04 to 5.37 log10 CFU/mL. Our findings highlight the potential of depolymerase-encoding phages like PH215 as effective and broad-spectrum biocontrol agents against Salmonella in the food industry.},
}

@article {pmid42140131,
year = {2026},
author = {Zendehdel, M and Alizadeh, N and Komijani, M and Soltaninejad, H},
title = {Eco-friendly clinoptilolite/NH2-chitosan/PVA nanofibers for gentamicin delivery, biofilm disruption, and burn wound healing.},
journal = {Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces},
volume = {266},
number = {},
pages = {115801},
doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.115801},
pmid = {42140131},
issn = {1873-4367},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections and delayed wound healing remain major challenges in burn treatment due to limited antibiotic penetration and reduced therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we developed an eco-friendly gentamicin delivery system based on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized clinoptilolite incorporated into chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) electrospun nanofibers. The nanofibers were fabricated from a homogeneous precursor solution to ensure uniform distribution of all components. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization (FT-IR, XRD, FESEM, TGA, and zeta potential) confirmed successful surface functionalization, high drug-loading efficiency, and uniform fiber morphology. Drug release studies demonstrated sustained and pH-responsive behavior, with gentamicin release exceeding 80% after 8 h for the nanofiber system and approximately 5 h for the Clin/NH2/Gen powder formulation. Antibacterial and antibiofilm assays revealed rapid biofilm disruption within 30 min and a significant reduction in Staphylococcus aureus viability over 24 h. In vivo evaluation using a third-degree burn model showed that the nanofiber-treated group achieved near-complete re-epithelialization, enhanced angiogenesis, and well-organized collagen deposition, outperforming all control groups. These findings demonstrate that amino-functionalized clinoptilolite-based nanofibers provide an effective and sustainable platform for controlled antibiotic delivery, with strong potential for the treatment of biofilm-associated burn wound infections.},
}

@article {pmid42141906,
year = {2026},
author = {Goerlich, K and Mitchell, AP},
title = {Negative control of Candida albicans biofilm formation by combined action of white-opaque regulator Wor2 and biofilm regulator Bcr1.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkag133},
pmid = {42141906},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Biofilm formation is vital for survival and pathogenicity of the fungus Candida albicans. Expression of biofilm-promoting genes is coordinated by a transcription factor network that governs the yeast-filament transition and other processes. A second cell type transition, the white-opaque transition, is coordinated by its own transcription factor network. Initial studies suggested that the two transcriptional networks have a mutually exclusive relationship, driven in part by reciprocal repression of biofilm regulator Efg1 and white-opaque regulator Wor1. However, recent studies have shown that biofilm regulators and white-opaque regulators can promote one another's function in many situations. Here we test the function of white-opaque regulator Wor2 in biofilm formation. We find that Wor2 has a functional relationship with biofilm regulator Bcr1. We characterized the phenotype of bcr1Δ/Δ wor2Δ/Δ mutants in five strain backgrounds, and conducted RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis in the SC5314 reference strain background. The combined Bcr1-Wor2 impact is unexpected: although Bcr1 is known as a positive regulator of biofilm formation and biofilm-related genes, the bcr1Δ/Δ wor2Δ/Δ mutants have increased biofilm or filamentation capacity, depending on the strain, and increased expression of biofilm-related genes. Those properties suggest that Wor2 and Bcr1 function together as negative regulators of biofilm formation. Our findings argue that Bcr1 can act as both a positive and negative regulator of downstream effector genes in the biofilm network and establish a new connection between the biofilm and white-opaque regulatory networks.},
}

@article {pmid42143051,
year = {2026},
author = {de Lucena, FS and Logan, MG and Lewis, SH and Zhang, H and Barbisan, M and Icimoto, MY and Wu, H and Higashi, D and Merritt, JL and Baker, JL and Pfeifer, CS},
title = {Drug repurposing for glucosyltransferase inhibition for targeted oral biofilm disruption.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-026-01006-7},
pmid = {42143051},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {R35-DE029083/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; R90-DE031533/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; R35-DE028252/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; R00-DE029228/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Microbial dysbiosis is the root cause for many diseases. The acidogenic Streptococcus mutans (S.m.) forms a exopolysaccharide-rich biofilm (EPS), mediated by species-specific glucosyltransferases (Gtf), which synthesizes both soluble and insoluble glucans directly on the bacterial surface. GtfC was selected as the primary druggable target since its activity is essential for biofilm initiation and cohesion. Commercial drugs were screened in silico against GtfC, followed by experimental biofilm assays. Two lead compounds, Radotinib and Pranlukast, significantly inhibited GtfC activity and reduced biofilm mass by up to 80. GtfC knock-out models confirmed biofilm disruption specifically via enzyme inhibition. Importantly, Radotinib selectively inhibited S.m. growth while preserving commensal species. This study identified at least two compounds capable of specifically inactivating a primary virulence factor of S.m. without inhibiting its growth, with a much lower selective pressure for drug resistance development, while simultaneously providing a growth advantage to commensal species that promote oral health.},
}

@article {pmid42139776,
year = {2026},
author = {Majumdar, A and Kotta-Loizou, I and Buck, M and Roychowdhury, T},
title = {Temperature-dependent biofilm and sublancin production arrest soil arsenic and antibiotic resistance gene mobility.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {512},
number = {},
pages = {142339},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142339},
pmid = {42139776},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Climate change-induced warming and arsenic soil contamination synergistically threaten agricultural sustainability by restructuring microbial communities and accelerating antimicrobial resistance dissemination. Here, through integrated greenhouse and field trials, we demonstrate that Bacillus subtilis 168-derived biofilm and sublancin, a glycosylated antimicrobial peptide, simultaneously immobilise rhizospheric arsenic and suppress horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Temperature-dependent biofilm formation (25-35°C) enhanced arsenic sequestration within the extracellular polymeric substance matrix, with SEM-EDX revealing a 74% increase in arsenic weight percentage at 35°C and ToF-SIMS confirming ∼14-fold and ∼9-fold increases in root-associated arsenic on biofilm-colonised surfaces in greenhouse and field trials, respectively. Sublancin production peaked at 30°C (129.72 mg L[-1]), selectively suppressing all 12 tested pathogenic Gram-positive species by 74-86% while preserving Gram-negative communities. Bio-amendment reduced horizontal gene transfer frequency by 74.7% (p < 0.001) across all temperature regimes. Transcriptomic profiling revealed coordinated upregulation of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis (FDR ∼1.0 × 10[-27]) and sublancin machinery (sunA: +3.5 log2), alongside downregulation of conventional ARGs (vanA, blaTEM: -2.5 to -4.0 log2). These findings establish sublancin as a dual-function, climate-adaptive soil bio-amendment simultaneously addressing arsenic bioaccumulation and antibiotic resistance gene dissemination under warming scenarios.},
}

@article {pmid42134424,
year = {2026},
author = {Kaviraj, M and Jayappriyan, KR},
title = {Development of a simple FeSO4-based liquid medium for reliable biofilm induction in Candida albicans.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107550},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107550},
pmid = {42134424},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {Reproducibility in Candida albicans biofilm research is often hindered by variations in culture media and strain-dependent responses. This study evaluates the effect of oxygen-scavenging agents on biofilm induction to identify a simple and standardized liquid medium suitable for rapid and consistent biofilm formation. Modified Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) was supplemented with ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), sodium sulfite (Na2SO3), ascorbic acid, and tested across four clinical isolates of C. albicans. FeSO4-supplemented SDB promoted significant biofilm formation within 24 h and the highest biomass at 48 h (OD595 = 0.90-0.95), significantly greater than Na2SO3 (OD595 = 0.60-0.70) and ascorbic acid (OD595 = 0.30-0.45) (****p < 0.0001). The untreated control showed negligible biofilm formation. These findings establish FeSO4-enriched SDB as a rapid, reproducible, and easily adaptable liquid medium for biofilm induction in C. albicans, providing a valuable tool for antifungal screening and biofilm-associated pathogenesis studies.},
}

@article {pmid42134584,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, D and Yan, C and Zhang, H and Zhang, Z and Herman, RA and Peng, T and Gong, L and Vazquez, MA and Wang, J},
title = {A novel engineered biofilm catalyst with bacterial cell surface-anchored laccase for efficient biodegradation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134873},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134873},
pmid = {42134584},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are considered a highly heterogeneous and persistent class. However, the biodegradation of such compounds is limited by poor stability, low substrate mass transfer efficiency, and low reusability. This study explores a novel engineered biofilm catalyst that integrates bacterial cell-surface display to efficiently degrade EDCs. Under the optimized catalytic conditions, the degradation efficiency of estrone (E1), bisphenol A (BPA), and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) reached 93.2%, 91.8%, and 81.7%, respectively, within 30 min. Compared to the surface-displayed laccase whole cell catalyst, the catalytic efficiency of the surface-displayed laccase biofilm increased by 22.5%, 15.8%, and 23.7%. The biofilm catalyst showed excellent stability, maintaining over 40% activity across a pH range of 3-7, 97% activity at 60 °C, and retaining 50% efficiency after 7 cycles. These findings demonstrate that the biofilm catalyst is an effective approach to enhancing degradation efficiency, providing a scalable, environmentally benign strategy for advanced wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42134875,
year = {2026},
author = {Behera, AD and Das, S},
title = {Extracellular Matrix of Biofilm Regulates the Stress Tolerance Mechanism in Aspergillus terreus HLP5 Against Lead and Phenanthrene Co-Pollutants.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {5},
pages = {e70326},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70326},
pmid = {42134875},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {09/983(0048)/2020-EMR-I//Council of Scientific & Industrial Research/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Phenanthrenes/toxicity/metabolism ; *Aspergillus/drug effects/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Lead/toxicity/metabolism ; *Extracellular Matrix/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Lead [Pb(II)] and phenanthrene are major environmental co-pollutants that pose a serious threat to all life forms. The present study highlights the biofilm-associated stress responses in the marine filamentous fungus Aspergillus terreus HLP5 to various concentrations of Pb(II) and phenanthrene (25-500 ppm, 1:1 ratio). Highest biofilm formation shifted from 48 h in control to 72 h in presence of co-pollutants. A reduced surface-to-volume ratio in biofilm formed at 25-50 ppm Pb(II) + Phe indicated increased mycelial aggregation and compact architecture. The hyphal diameter increased with co-pollutant concentration. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of ags gene, whereas somA, medA, uge5, uge3, and gtb3 expression peaked at 72-96 h in 25-100 ppm of Pb(II) + Phe. Extracellular matrix (ECM) exhibited compositional and conformational modifications in polysaccharide and protein content. Major shifts were observed in functional groups corresponding to hydroxyl, Amide I-II, carboxyl, and phosphate moieties. Distinct peak at 8.36 ppm in [1]H NMR revealed phenanthrene-ECM interaction. A decrease in fluorescence intensity of tryptophan-like residues (290/355 nm) indicated ECM-co-pollutant binding. Upregulation of stress response genes (gst, acot2) and antioxidants like glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and proline contributed to reduced ROS accumulation and redox homeostasis. These findings illustrated enhanced stress resilience of ECM-covered biofilm under co-pollutant stress.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Phenanthrenes/toxicity/metabolism
*Aspergillus/drug effects/physiology/genetics/metabolism
*Lead/toxicity/metabolism
*Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
Stress, Physiological
Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/drug effects

@article {pmid42136485,
year = {2026},
author = {Rain, Z and Singh, AK and Kumari, S and Kumar, D and Maurya, GK and Kumar, R and Prakash, P},
title = {Standardization of In vitro Method of Biofilm Formation by Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Elucidating Its Biofilm-Specific Proteins Through LC-Orbitrap HRMS-Based Peptidomics.},
journal = {Infectious disorders drug targets},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0118715265435468260425130003},
pmid = {42136485},
issn = {2212-3989},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms drive chronic infections, yet heterogeneous matrix composition hinders standardized in vitro classification of clinical isolates. This study aimed to develop a reproducible biofilm formation protocol using a defined supplement mix and elucidate proteomic signatures across biofilm categories to enable risk stratification and targeted therapies.

METHODS: 139 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were tested in BHI broth supplemented with 0.5% each glucose, mannose, NaCl, and arginine. Biofilm formation was quantified via TCP assay (ODcut=0.344 at 570 nm), validated by confocal (ConA-TRITC), SEM, protein/eDNA quantification (Bradford, phenol-chloroform), SDS-PAGE, and LC-Orbitrap HRMS peptidomics (549 proteins; PRIDE PXD057726). Antimicrobial susceptibility followed CLSI guidelines.

RESULTS: Supplement mix increased biofilm OD 26.9% (1.28±0.12 vs. 0.95±0.13; P<0.001), reclassifying isolates: HBF 38.8% (n=54), MBF 46.0% (n=64), WBF 13.7% (n=19), NBF 1.4% (n=2), resistance: ceftazidime 43.9%, meropenem 43.2%, imipenem 33.1%; 12.9% MDR. HBF matrices showed the highest protein levels (1.38±0.37 mg/mL); peptidomics revealed 12 shared proteins, 26 in PAO1/HBF/MBF, and 16 HBF-unique (ribosomal RpsA-RpsQ/RplA-RplY; stress YidC/KatA/ClpB/DnaJ; metabolic Edd/Pgk/PckA/ArcA).

DISCUSSION: Distinct signatures indicate anoxic adaptations (HupB, AtpA-G) that drive HBF robustness, linking matrix heterogeneity(GeNei, India) to infection persistence beyond mere polysaccharide dominance. HBF matrices exhibited anoxic adaptation (HupB, AtpA-G), with YidC insertase facilitating membrane protein biogenesis under stress, supporting metabolic speciation for biofilm-specific diagnostics, therapies, and isolate risk stratification.

CONCLUSION: This protocol enables biofilm categorization and reveals metabolic speciation targets for diagnostics and therapies against MDR P. aeruginosa biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42136740,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Li, J and Sun, Y and Yue, X and Tian, XH and Liu, F and Wang, DY and Shen, J},
title = {Biofilm-targeted liposomal curcumin delivery system for anti-caries therapy.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1808450},
pmid = {42136740},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Liposomes/chemistry ; *Dental Caries/drug therapy/microbiology ; Animals ; *Curcumin/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Streptococcus mutans/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; *Drug Delivery Systems ; Rats ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Dental caries, driven by acidogenic biofilms, remains a major global health challenge. Current chemical treatments, such as chlorhexidine and fluoride, can disrupt oral microbial homeostasis and cause adverse effects, including tooth discoloration, dentin hypersensitivity, and taste disturbances. Curcumin, a natural photosensitizer, exhibits antibacterial activity and favorable biocompatibility, however, its clinical application is limited by poor stability, low aqueous solubility, and restricted biofilm penetration. There is an urgent need to develop innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance curcumin transport into acidic cariogenic biofilms.

METHODS: We developed a pH-responsive liposomal delivery system (Cur/DCPA-H2O) engineered to penetrate acidic cariogenic biofilms and enhance curcumin transport. The physicochemical characterization of Cur/DCPA-H2O was performed using a UV-1800 spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Biocompatibility was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, hemolysis tests, and Live/Dead cell staining. The antibacterial efficacy in vitro and ex vivo was evaluated using colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and crystal violet (CV) staining. An in vivo caries model was established to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Cur/DCPA-H2O, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), Keyes' scoring, and 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS: The liposomes exploit charge reversal to interact with representative caries-associated bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and the early colonizer Streptococcus sanguinis), enabling deep biofilm penetration. Upon light irradiation, Cur/DCPA-H2O was observed to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may contribute to partial disruption of the biofilm matrix and reduced bacterial viability in vitro. In a rat caries model, treatment with Cur/DCPA-H2O under light irradiation reduced caries severity and decreased lesion depth by approximately 50%. It also shifted the oral microbiome composition toward a less dysbiotic profile, as confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that a biofilm-targeted, pH responsive liposomal curcumin delivery system may provide a safe and effective strategy for caries prevention, highlighting the potential of natural therapeutics to modulate pathogenic biofilms with limited impact on the overall microbial community.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Liposomes/chemistry
*Dental Caries/drug therapy/microbiology
Animals
*Curcumin/administration & dosage/pharmacology
Streptococcus mutans/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/administration & dosage
*Drug Delivery Systems
Rats
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Humans
Disease Models, Animal

@article {pmid42136796,
year = {2026},
author = {Falcone, M and Pietrangelo, L and Guarnieri, A and Brancazio, N and Venditti, N and Di Naro, M and Petronio Petronio, G and Di Marco, R and Varricchio, A},
title = {Hypertonic thermal solutions as a putative strategy for respiratory biofilm disruption.},
journal = {Open medicine (Warsaw, Poland)},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {20261426},
pmid = {42136796},
issn = {2391-5463},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Upper respiratory tract infections pose a significant challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Forming biofilms-complex polymicrobial communities encased in an exopolymer matrix plays a pivotal role in the persistence of these infections, contributing to enhanced resistance against conventional treatments and host immune responses. Consequently, developing innovative strategies to disrupt biofilms has become a therapeutic imperative.This study investigated the in vitro efficacy of a hypertonic solution of salsobromoiodic thermal water, in mitigating biofilm formation by key upper respiratory tract pathogens.

METHODS: Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis was assessed using the MBEC Assay[®] system. The effects of the hypertonic salsobromoiodic thermal water solution were compared with standard saline (0.9 % NaCl).

RESULTS: A significant, concentration-dependent reduction in biofilm biomass was observed in all tested microorganisms when treated with the hypertonic solution. This effect was also evident in polymicrobial biofilms, indicating a broad and consistent antibiofilm potential.

CONCLUSIONS: The hypertonic solution of salsobromoiodic thermal water demonstrated notable in vitro activity against biofilm formation by major upper respiratory tract pathogens. These findings highlight its potential as novel therapeutic approach for managing biofilm-associated respiratory infections and enhancing conventional antimicrobial treatments effectiveness.},
}

@article {pmid42138051,
year = {2026},
author = {Okła, S and Spałek, J and Kaliniak, S and Durnaś, B and Piotrowska, K and Chmielewska-Deptuła, S and Paprocka, P and Madej, M and Goźdź, S},
title = {Assessment of biofilm growth on voice prostheses using a tracheoesophageal fistula simulator.},
journal = {Otolaryngologia polska = The Polish otolaryngology},
volume = {80},
number = {1},
pages = {10-16},
doi = {10.5604/01.3001.0055.5236},
pmid = {42138051},
issn = {2300-8423},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Larynx, Artificial/microbiology ; Humans ; Laryngectomy/rehabilitation ; *Tracheoesophageal Fistula/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Introduction: Voice prostheses (VPs) are devices that are widely used in voice rehabilitation of patients after laryngectomy. The main cause of VPs failure is their destruction by the growth of biofilm, mainly fungal.

Aim: The aim of this study was to design and build a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) simulator to observe and analyse the process of biofilm formation on voice prostheses and its effect on the structure of the material from which they are made, in conditions as close to real as possible.

Methods: Biofilm cultures were performed on voice prostheses under controlled in vitro conditions using a TEF simulator. Then, the crystal violet staining and confocal microscopic examination were performed.

Results: The analysis of voice prostheses cultured in the TEF simulator conditions confirmed the presence of biofilm on their surface.

Conclusions: The TEF simulator can be a valuable tool for future studies of silicone modifications that can limit the growth of biofilm on the VPs.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Larynx, Artificial/microbiology
Humans
Laryngectomy/rehabilitation
*Tracheoesophageal Fistula/microbiology

@article {pmid42138398,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, Y and Zhou, Y-J and Ning, Z-C and Zhang, Y and Qu, S and Li, N and Hao, Z and Ong, Z-Y and Wu, H},
title = {Dual-action antimicrobial peptide therapy: disrupting biofilm formation and targeting bacterial DNA for enhanced treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0118025},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01180-25},
pmid = {42138398},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Intraocular infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are difficult to treat due to bacterial biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance. We used cationic polypeptide (XXYY) n to evaluate its effect and mechanism against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa intraocular infection. Microbroth dilution showed that the MIC90 of (LLKK)3C against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 32 μg/mL. After continuous passage for 10 generations, the stability of antibacterial activity of (LLKK)3C against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was better than that of amikacin. TEM, SEM and live/dead staining demonstrated that (LLKK)3C was able to destroy the integrity of bacterial and biofilm and exert antibacterial activity by interacting with phosphatidyl glycerol on the membrane to destroy the bacterial membrane. Electrophoretic gel and Alphafold3 demonstrated that (LLKK)3C binds to bacterial DNA through charge interactions. In the rabbit endophthalmitis model, the intraocular bacterial load decreased after intravitreal injection (LLKK)3C treatment (vs untreated, P < 0.05). Studies have shown that (LLKK)3C has synergistic antibacterial effects through the dual mechanism of targeting membrane destruction and DNA binding, which provides a new treatment strategy for biomembrane-associated intraocular infections.

IMPORTANCE: Ocular infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa often lead to severe vision loss due to antibiotic-resistant bacterial biofilms, which shield bacteria from conventional treatments. This study introduces (LLKK)3C, that uniquely attacks biofilms through a dual-action mechanism: physically disrupting bacterial membranes and binding to bacterial DNA. Unlike traditional antibiotics like amikacin, (LLKK)3C maintains robust antibacterial activity even after prolonged exposure, reducing the risk of resistance development. In a rabbit endophthalmitis model, (LLKK)3C significantly reduced intraocular bacterial loads, demonstrating its potential as a targeted therapy for sight-threatening infections. By addressing the dual challenges of biofilm resistance and drug stability, (LLKK)3C offers a promising strategy to improve clinical outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat eye infections.},
}

@article {pmid42139334,
year = {2026},
author = {Du, H and Yang, S and Guo, J and Wang, X and Sun, B and Hao, B and Yang, H and Hou, X and Wang, Q and Su, L and Xia, X and Chan, KF and Chiu, PWY and Sung, JJY and Zhang, L},
title = {Microswarm bridging effect for dual-surface biofilm eradication in submillimeter infection pockets.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {12},
number = {20},
pages = {eaeb9792},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.aeb9792},
pmid = {42139334},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Hydrogels/chemistry/pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice ; Prosthesis-Related Infections ; },
abstract = {Biofilm infections in submillimeter interstices at soft tissue-implant/hard tissue interfaces (infection pockets) pose substantial health risks. Traditional surgical and microrobotic strategies struggle to address biofilms in these multicurvature spaces. Here, we report the bridging effect of microswarm self-assembled from magnetic hydrogel particles to eradicate biofilms in infection pockets. The microswarm dynamically bridges dual surfaces within infection pockets, enabling continuous, stable contact and force delivery across concave, plane, and convex surfaces through optimized thickness and shear force. The synergy of enzymatic degradation and mechanical disruption enhances biofilm eradication efficiency by eightfold compared to mechanical disruption alone. A multifunctional hydrogel filler is further used to remove biofilm debris and inhibit microbial recolonization, eventually achieving >99% biofilm elimination in ex vivo and in vivo models. This strategy uses the bridging effect, shape reconfigurability, and enzymatic-mechanical synergy of microswarm, offering a minimally invasive, site-specific solution for deep-tissue infections and persistent biofilms, with reduced reliance on antibiotics.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Hydrogels/chemistry/pharmacology
Animals
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Humans
Mice
Prosthesis-Related Infections

@article {pmid42126606,
year = {2026},
author = {Ganguly, A and Das, S and Pal, S and Kaibarta, R and Mahapatra, S and Ganguly, M and Sahu, MC and Mitra, D and Giri, BR and Chattaraj, S},
title = {Cytokine and chemokine dysregulation by microbial biofilm components: mechanisms and clinical implications.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42126606},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; *Cytokines/immunology/metabolism/genetics ; *Chemokines/immunology/metabolism/genetics ; Bacteria/immunology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/physiology ; Animals ; Fungi/immunology ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections represent a major clinical and biological challenge due to their ability to persist within host tissues while evading immune clearance and antimicrobial therapy. These structured microbial communities profoundly alter host immune signaling, particularly cytokine and chemokine networks, leading to sustained inflammation and tissue damage. Despite advances in antimicrobial development, biofilms continue to undermine treatment efficacy by promoting antibiotic resistance, dysregulated gene expression, and chronic inflammatory states, especially in wounds, implanted medical devices, and respiratory infections. Key challenge lies in complex bidirectional interactions between biofilm components and host immune pathways, which result in maladaptive immune responses rather than effective pathogen elimination. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated analysis of biofilm-mediated cytokine and chemokine dysregulation across bacterial and fungal biofilms, emphasizing molecular mechanisms, immune cell reprogramming, and host-specific determinants of disease progression. The purpose of this work is synthesizing current evidence on how biofilms modulate inflammatory signaling; identify critical regulatory pathways involved in chronic infection, highlighting emerging therapeutic strategies targeting both microbial persistence and immune imbalance. Major outcomes include bacterial biofilms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and polymicrobial wound biofilms, illustrating altered cytokine profiles, immune gene regulation, delayed wound healing, and tissue remodeling. The review also addresses biofilm-driven immune dysfunction in chronic wounds and respiratory diseases, linking molecular signaling events to clinical outcomes. Hence, understanding cytokine and chemokine dysregulation in biofilm-associated infections is essential for the development of immune-informed, personalized therapeutic strategies, and future interventions must integrate antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and immunomodulatory approaches to achieve durable clinical success.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
*Cytokines/immunology/metabolism/genetics
*Chemokines/immunology/metabolism/genetics
Bacteria/immunology
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/physiology
Animals
Fungi/immunology

@article {pmid42127485,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhai, J and Yang, X and Ren, S and Wang, Y and Chen, J and Luo, J and Zhu, Y and Chen, S and Chen, S and Lv, H and Lin, Q and Zhou, Y},
title = {Spatiotemporally programmable hydrogel enables NIR-triggered biofilm disruption and mitophagy-driven immunometabolic remodeling for periodontitis.},
journal = {Biomaterials},
volume = {334},
number = {},
pages = {124281},
doi = {10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124281},
pmid = {42127485},
issn = {1878-5905},
abstract = {The refractory nature of periodontitis stems from two interrelated factors: the difficulty in eradicating deeply entrenched pathogenic biofilms and the biofilm-induced impairment of mitochondrial autophagy in immune cells, leading to metabolic dysregulation and persistent inflammation. These processes mutually reinforce each other, creating a self-perpetuating vicious cycle. To address this, we developed a spatiotemporally programmable smart hydrogel (GM hydrogel), constructed on a dynamically crosslinked network of oxidized fucoidan and carboxymethyl chitosan, loaded with silver nanoparticles and EGCG-modified MXene nanosheets (MXene@EGCG-Ag). This near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive platform exhibits excellent injectability, enabling it to completely fill narrow, deep, and irregular periodontal pockets, ensuring intimate contact with pathological sites. The GM hydrogel provides programmed control along both temporal and spatial dimensions. In the temporal dimension, NIR irradiation triggers MXene-mediated mild photothermal effects (<45 °C) that disrupt biofilm structure and facilitate Ag[+] and EGCG penetration into deeper tissues. In subsequent stages, sustained EGCG release restores mitochondrial autophagy, reprogramming immune cell metabolism to improve the immune microenvironment. Spatially, the hydrogel penetrates mature biofilms and delivers comprehensive treatment from the surface through deep gingiva to the alveolar bone interface. Experimental results demonstrate that GM hydrogel disrupts ionic homeostasis and impairs biofilm functionality in Porphyromonas gingivalis, exhibiting potent antibacterial effects. Sustained EGCG release activates the PINK1/Parkin-mediated FOXO pathway, which restores mitochondrial autophagy and induces metabolic reprogramming, thereby suppressing inflammation and promoting alveolar bone regeneration.},
}

@article {pmid42128328,
year = {2026},
author = {Du, K and Luo, C and Yin, M and Zou, R and Guo, N and Xu, Y and Bai, S and Jiang, X and Cheng, X and Qiu, L and Wu, D and Mu, R},
title = {Removal of acetaminophen and total nitrogen from secondary effluent via a UV/PAA-biofilter process: Efficiency, biofilm characteristics, and reaction mechanism.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {124743},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.124743},
pmid = {42128328},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Simultaneous removal of pharmaceutical contaminants and excess nitrogen from secondary effluent remains a critical challenge for wastewater reuse. In this study, the UV/peracetic acid (UV/PAA) process achieved 99% degradation of acetaminophen (ACE) within 30 min under ultrapure water conditions, primarily due to the synergistic effects of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and other reactive species. Twelve intermediates and three degradation pathways were identified by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS) and density functional theory (DFT). During the degradation of ACE, the formation of several mildly toxic intermediates led to a slight increase in overall ecotoxicity. The UV/PAA-biofilter process achieved > 95% ACE removal from secondary effluent, with contributions of 87.44% from UV/PAA and 9.85% from the biofilter. TN decreased from 35.75 to 7.03 mg/L (80.34% removal). Biological treatment effectively reduced acute toxicity, while EPS exhibited spatial variations along the biofilter. Genus-level microbial communities also varied significantly with filter height. Overall, the UV/PAA-biofilter process demonstrates high feasibility for simultaneous ACE and Total nitrogen (TN) removal from secondary effluent, offering valuable insights for optimizing advanced wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid42130173,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, L and Zhang, N and Wang, T and Zhao, FJ and Zhang, T and Huo, L and Wei, Y and Zeng, X and Su, S},
title = {Engineered Bacillus subtilis p43-Taglo1 fortifies the iron plaque-biofilm composite to reduce arsenic uptake and promote rice growth.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71255},
pmid = {42130173},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {42277035//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42507023//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202304051001016//Special Fund for Science and Technology Innovation Teams of Shanxi Province/ ; GXYESS2025113//Guangxi Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program/ ; CAAS-ASTIP-2021-IEDA//Science Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science/ ; CAAS-CFSGLCA-IEDA-202302//Science Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science/ ; Y2025YC29//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund for Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Arsenic contamination threatens rice (Oryza sativa) production, yet the synergistic use of iron plaque (IP) and root-associated biofilms as a rhizosphere barrier to limit arsenic uptake remains unexplored. To address this, we engineered an arsenic-resistant (AR) plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (AR-PGPR), Bacillus subtilis p43-Taglo1, expressing the speciation-inert arsenic-binding protein TaGlo1. In a contaminated paddy, this strain increased grain yield by 10.7-11.6% and reduced grain arsenic by 28.2-37.4% compared to the wild-type. The engineered strain robustly colonized roots and enhanced the formation of a functional IP-biofilm composite, which sequestered more arsenic. This was driven by a 2.87-fold increase in Fe(II) oxidation and elevated production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (1.4-fold) and siderophores (1.5-fold). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that inoculation upregulated bacterial genes for Fe(II) oxidation, siderophore, and EPS biosynthesis, while in rice roots, it activated phytohormone pathways and downregulated arsenite transporters (OsLsi1 and OsLsi2). We conclude that AR-PGPR can restore beneficial root-microbe interactions under arsenic stress. The IP-biofilm composite acts as an inducible barrier essential for the dual benefits of arsenic exclusion and growth promotion. Our study shows that AR rhizobacteria fortify the IP-biofilm composite to reduce arsenic uptake and promote rice growth, providing a route toward safer rice production in arsenic-affected regions.},
}

@article {pmid42131200,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, H and Maloney Norcross, SE and Hickey, AJ and Gonzalez-Juarrero, M and Meibohm, B},
title = {Effect of biofilm formation on the antimicrobial activity of tigecycline against Mycobacterium abscessus in the hollow fiber infection model.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1799565},
pmid = {42131200},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Due to the inherent drug-resistance mechanisms and biofilm formation of Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) that attenuate drug sensitivity, characterizing the impact of these factors on the pharmacological profile of antibiotics is critical to improve therapeutic outcomes.

METHODS: This study aimed to define the exposure-response relationship of tigecycline in Mab therapy and to simultaneously evaluate the effects of biofilm and resistance development on bacterial killing activity of tigecycline using a Transwell system and a Hollow Fiber Infection Model combined with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling.

RESULTS: Dynamic time-kill assays conducted using the hollow fiber system, which mimicked tigecycline lung exposure under diverse intrapulmonary aerosol administration scenarios, demonstrated that high exposure to tigecycline effectively killed Mab. However, the pattern and timing of bacterial resistance development varied depending on the dosing regimen when exposure was insufficient for complete bacterial killing. Transwell-based in vitro tigecycline permeability study results revealed that the biofilm played a crucial role as a barrier to prevent molecular transfer of drug, eventually reducing the extent of exposure to Mab in biofilm by generating concentration gradients. The PK/PD model, integrating data from the in vitro dynamic time-kill assay and biofilm permeability study, adequately captured multiple factors, including dose-dependent bacterial killing, transition of Mab to less susceptible populations, biofilm formation, and biofilm-associated changes in permeability, all of which can influence the antibacterial activity of tigecycline.

DISCUSSION: A quantitative assessment of the impact of these factors modulating the bacterial pathophysiology provides insights into how Mab undermines the antibacterial efficacy of tigecycline, thereby ultimately contributing to the development of more efficacious tigecycline treatment strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42131256,
year = {2026},
author = {Alvarez, A and Alizadeh, S and Lapointe, M and Claveau-Mallet, D},
title = {A Biosorption Study of Triclosan and Benzalkonium Chloride: Exploring the Role of Biofilm and Soil Grain Surface Chemistry in Drainfields.},
journal = {ACS ES&T water},
volume = {6},
number = {5},
pages = {2773-2785},
pmid = {42131256},
issn = {2690-0637},
abstract = {Although sorption is crucial for removing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), and biofilms develop extensively within drainfields, little is known about the effects of sorption and biosorption (with biofilm) on contaminant fate. To gain insights, the transport of triclosan (TCS) and benzalkonium chloride (BAC) (hydrophobic and amphiphilic antimicrobials, respectively) was studied in saturated sand columns with and without 1-day-old and 3-day-old biofilms. Triclosan S-shaped breakthrough curves (BTCs) indicated cooperative sorption, and BAC two-step BTCs suggested irreversible sorption with a maximum capacity. One-day-old biofilms increased TCS retardation while showing no effect for BAC. The 3-day-old biofilms further increased TCS retardation and decreased BAC retardation. Therefore, early stage biofilms can affect contaminant sorption in as little as 1 day and add new TCS sorption sites, whereas hindering BAC sorption. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) using SiO2 and Fe2O3 sensors showed higher protein deposition than humic acids and polysaccharides at pH 7, suggesting that proteins drive extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) deposition. Higher BAC deposition on the clean SiO2 sensor than on the EPS-coated sensor revealed that EPS likely impaired BAC electrostatic interactions with the surface. These findings support that biofilms affect contaminant mobility and highlight the need for considering biosorption in optimizing OWTS design.},
}

@article {pmid42131301,
year = {2026},
author = {Subramani, T and George, EA and Saju, AE and E, M and De, R and K, SA and Ramaiah, S and Anbarasu, A},
title = {Biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance in the era of multidrug resistance: quorum-sensing mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1826282},
pmid = {42131301},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; *Bacteria/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Biofilms are highly organised complex structures formed by microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded with an extracellular polymeric matrix. This matrix provides structural stability, retains nutrients and offers defence against unfavourable environments and antibiotics. Multi-layered molecular mechanisms controlled by quorum-sensing networks are involved in the transition from the planktonic stage to a mature biofilm. Surface attachment, maturation and dispersion are coordinated by these mechanisms, which also provide communication between different species. Biofilm development poses a significant challenge to implants in nosocomial settings and is considered a major threat in the global health care sector and industries, leading to persistent infection. In addition to assessing current biofilm management techniques such as quorum quenching agents, enzymatic matrix disruptions, antimicrobial peptides, nanoparticles and metal complex-based interventions, this review highlights the major regulatory components and molecular mechanisms causing biofilm formation. It also emphasises the necessity to combat biofilm-associated tolerance by highlighting the increasing significance of computational approaches in drug discovery and development of next-generation anti-biofilm therapeutics.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Humans
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
*Bacteria/drug effects

@article {pmid42131656,
year = {2026},
author = {Trivedi, P and Talwadekar, S and Nataraj, G},
title = {Biofilm Detection in Bacterial Isolates From Musculoskeletal Infections: A Comparative Study of Tissue Culture Plate and Congo Red Agar Methods With Antimicrobial Susceptibility Correlation.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {e106879},
pmid = {42131656},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Background Musculoskeletal infections are a significant cause of morbidity and are frequently associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased healthcare costs, and poor functional outcomes. A major contributing factor to the persistence and recurrence of these infections is the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms. Biofilm-associated bacteria exhibit enhanced resistance to host immune responses and antimicrobial agents, making their detection clinically important. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of biofilm formation in bacterial isolates from musculoskeletal infections, compare phenotypic detection methods, and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Methods This prospective study was conducted over a period of 12 months in the Bacteriology division of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 105 non-duplicate bacterial isolates obtained from 90 cases of musculoskeletal infections were included. Biofilm detection was performed using two phenotypic methods: Congo red agar (CRA) and the tissue culture plate (TCP) method, a standardized microtiter plate assay. The TCP method was considered the reference standard. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results The most common clinical condition was infected/open fractures (18; 20.0%), followed by trauma (7; 7.8%), osteomyelitis, implant infections, and joint infections (6; 6.7% each), while miscellaneous cases accounted for 37 (41.1%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated organism (26; 24.8%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (22; 21.0%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15; 14.3%). Biofilm formation was detected in 16 (15.2%) isolates by TCP method, compared to seven (6.7%) by CRA method, with CRA missing nine biofilm-producing isolates. Among organisms, biofilm production was highest in Enterobacter spp. and Proteus spp. (33.3% each), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (28.6%), coagulase-negative staphylococci(25.0%), and S. aureus (19.2%). Biofilm-producing isolates were more commonly observed with joint infections (50.0%) and spine infections (40.0%). Among Gram-negative isolates, maximum sensitivity was observed to carbapenems (40; 64.0%) and gentamicin (34; 55.0%), whereas resistance was high for cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Among Gram-positive isolates, all were sensitive to linezolid and teicoplanin (100%), followed by gentamicin (78.0%). Biofilm-producing isolates demonstrated comparatively higher resistance to commonly used antibiotics than non-biofilm producers; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor in musculoskeletal infections and contributes to antimicrobial resistance and chronicity. The TCP method is a more sensitive and reliable technique compared to CRA for the detection of biofilm production. Routine screening for biofilm formation, along with appropriate antimicrobial stewardship, can aid in better clinical management and improved patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid42132439,
year = {2026},
author = {Puerner, CTS and Wilkins, OM and Cramer, RA},
title = {A ceramide synthase is important for filamentous fungal biofilm morphology and antifungal drug susceptibility.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0348725},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03487-25},
pmid = {42132439},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The complex structure of fungal biofilms generates microenvironments that impact the fitness of cells within the biofilm community. Contributions to fitness include the development of emergent properties resulting in the tolerance or resistance to external stressors, such as rapid environmental changes and, in the context of an infection, antifungal drug exposure. The biofilm developed by the filamentous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus develops zones of low oxygen, which contribute to a reduction in antifungal drug susceptibility. The genes and mechanisms involved in driving this biofilm-specific emergent property are ill-defined. In this study, we utilized a transcriptomic approach to probe the biofilm structure in comparison to drug-susceptible planktonic cultures to identify transcriptional patterns and genes unique to the A. fumigatus biofilm. Importantly, we utilized two phenotypically diverse strains that allowed us to identify biofilm-specific gene co-expression networks. One of these networks was highlighted by a gene encoding a ceramide synthase, designated barA, with a striking increase in barA transcript abundance specifically in the biofilm. Null mutants of barA in two strain backgrounds display a stunted biofilm morphology, with some strain-specific differences in the impact of biofilm biomass. Importantly, barA has a role in regulating susceptibility to the ergosterol-targeting antifungal drugs voriconazole and amphotericin B. These data identify biofilm-specific genes in A. fumigatus for further study and highlight the importance of fungal ceramide synthases in mediating antifungal drug susceptibility in infection-relevant biofilms.

IMPORTANCE: Biofilms are problematic structures in the context of microbial infections due to their ability to resist both host- and drug-mediated attempts at tissue sterilization. Consequently, it is imperative to identify mechanisms underlying the development of these structures and the emergent properties they develop. The filamentous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus forms robust-structured biofilms that are resistant to contemporary antifungal drug treatments, although the mechanisms are ill-defined. In this study, we compared the transcriptional landscape of two A. fumigatus reference strains grown as biofilms and in planktonic culture conditions to identify biofilm-specific genes and pathways. These analyses and subsequent genetic and phenotypic studies revealed that a ceramide synthase is important for biofilm development and is involved in antifungal drug susceptibility of the biofilm. Consequently, these data support the rationale for targeting fungal lipid homeostasis for antifungal therapeutic development, particularly in the context of biofilm-mediated infections.},
}

@article {pmid42134154,
year = {2026},
author = {Zaveršek, N and Caf, M and Pautu, V and Marger, L and Esmaeilnejad-Ahranjani, P and Janež, N and Zupan, T and Marger, F and Parga, A and Haberl-Meglič, S and Mekki, M and Berlec, A and Milošević, I and Kralj, S and Sabotič, J},
title = {Anisotropic magnetic particles with different dimensions, morphologies and surface grafting for magnetic field-assisted biofilm removal.},
journal = {Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces},
volume = {266},
number = {},
pages = {115784},
doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.115784},
pmid = {42134154},
issn = {1873-4367},
abstract = {Microorganisms in biofilms are protected from environmental stressors and therefore exhibit strong resistance to conventional removal strategies, including chemical disinfectants and antibiotics. In this study, we systematically evaluated nanomaterial-based removal methods on Listeria innocua biofilms. Anisotropic magnetic particles, composed of iron oxide, and silver nanoparticles, known for their intrinsic antibacterial properties, were used to assess the potential of nanostructure-triggered biofilm disruption. We investigated how particle surface roughness and size affect biofilm removal under magnetic actuation, using both classical colony-forming unit quantification (viability assessment) and fluorescence-based detection via a reporter protein. The surface roughness and size of anisotropic magnetic particles only modestly affected biofilm disruption. Conversely, a synergistic effect was observed when anisotropic magnetic particles were grafted with silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, we used Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans biofilms and observed pronounced species-dependent variability of the silver-based treatments. Our results indicate that hybrid magneto-chemical strategies represent a promising and likely necessary approach for reliable and robust biofilm removal.},
}

@article {pmid42120400,
year = {2026},
author = {More, KR and Buzzo, JR and Devaraj, A and Balu, S and Bakaletz, LO and Goodman, SD},
title = {Spermidine is a common component of the eDNA-dependent biofilm matrix.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-026-01004-9},
pmid = {42120400},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {R01DC003915/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Biofilms are structured multicellular bacterial communities encased within an extracellular matrix comprised of exopolysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA (eDNA), and other biopolymers that provide protection against environmental stressors. We and others have shown that eDNA serves as a fundamental structural element common to even multispecies biofilms. During biofilm maturation, ubiquitous DNABII proteins facilitate the conversion and stabilization of eDNA into the rare and rigid Z-DNA conformation, thereby enhancing matrix integrity and rendering the underlying eDNA resistant to nucleases. We have previously shown that the removal of positively charged molecules, such as DNABII proteins, results in rapid, significant disruption of diverse biofilms. Here, we identify the polyamine spermidine as another essential positively charged molecule that, together with DNABII proteins, contributes to the development and maintenance of the eDNA-dependent extracellular matrix. We also provide evidence that SPD is present within the biofilm matrix alongside DNABII proteins in multiple bacterial pathogens. Our findings indicate that SPD and DNABII proteins cooperate to promote Z-DNA formation. Depletion of SPD and DNABII using cation exchanger P11-phosphocellulose or inhibition of SPD synthesis via dicyclohexylamine impaired biofilm formation and destabilized preformed biofilms. These results suggest that polyamine synthesis or accumulation represents a potential target for biofilm disruption and control.},
}

@article {pmid42120625,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Liu, Z and Wang, H and Xia, Y and Hu, Y and Wang, H and Xia, F and Zou, M},
title = {Ceftazidime-avibactam drives mutations, insertion, or overexpression in blaKPC-2 and enhances biofilm-forming ability of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-52233-z},
pmid = {42120625},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2023JJ30900//Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; 2022JJ70084//Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; 100759//Merck Sharp & Dohme/ ; },
abstract = {Although ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) has known effectiveness against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), its resistance is increasingly being reported. In this study, we explored the mechanisms behind this emerging resistance in CZA-resistant strains generated from 40 clinical K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing CRKP through in vitro multipassage resistance selection with 1/2 MICs CZA. Of these, 12 strains developed CZA resistance, three of which displayed increased susceptibility to carbapenems, whereas the strain C23 demonstrated heightened susceptibility to tigecycline (TGC) after CZA exposure. blaKPC-2 in strains C108 and C115 was mutated to blaKPC-33 (D179Y), whereas, in C23, it was mutated to blaKPC-136 [P173L, with a 15-amino acid insertion (YTRAPNKDDKHSEAV) after position 276]. In the remaining strains, the blaKPC-2 sequence remained intact, as assessed by RT-PCR, albeit its expression increased by over threefold. In addition, C23 exhibited enhanced biofilm-forming ability after CZA exposure, which may be closely related to the lsrR-mediated quorum-sensing (QS) system through c-di-GMP. The increased sensitivity of C23 to TGC induced by CZA may be closely related to the decreased expression of efflux pumps acrB and acrR. These findings cumulatively suggest that CZA resistance in KPC-producing K. pneumoniae may result from mutations, insertions, or overexpression in blaKPC-2. The induction of CZA may reverse the sensitivity of certain antibiotics, providing a potential combination therapy for such drug-resistant bacterial infections. The biofilm-forming ability of a strain may be enhanced after CZA induction, which improves its adaptability to the environment.},
}

@article {pmid42121517,
year = {2026},
author = {Seres-Steinbach, A and Szabó, P and Balázs Lilla, V and Riethmüller, E and Szmolka, A and Bányai, K and Schneider, G},
title = {Factors Influencing Biofilm Formation of Salmonella spp. and the Biofilm-Degrading Potential of Essential Oils.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15091574},
pmid = {42121517},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {The formation of biofilms by Salmonella is of considerable interest to the food production and medical industries. This study investigated the effects of a carrier medium (Luria-Bertani, Mueller-Hinton II, Brain Heart Infusion or chicken meat juice), temperature (14 °C, 23 °C or 37 °C) and surface type (adhesive, non-adhesive or suspension plate) on biofilm formation in 16 different Salmonella isolates belonging to the serovars S. Enteritidis (five isolates), S. Infantis (five isolates) and S. Typhimurium (six isolates). Chicken meat juice was found to have a moderate yet balanced supportive effect, while Mueller-Hinton II (MH-II) medium drastically supported biofilm formation at low temperatures, albeit with significant variation among the isolates. Temperature and medium also affected the antibacterial, biofilm inhibitory and destructive effects of essential oils. At 14 °C and 23 °C, 35% of essential oils exhibited antibacterial activity against Salmonella serovars at a concentration of 0.1%, as determined by the drop plate method. Ajowan, thyme, orange, clove and oregano EOs completely inhibited biofilm formation at a concentration of 0.1%. More than half of the 60 essential oils tested reduced the optical density of mature biofilms (OD: 0.15-0.36) to below 0.05; ajowan, lime, palmarosa, thyme, oregano and clove were the most effective, exhibiting antibacterial, biofilm inhibitory and biofilm destructive effects on all of the investigated Salmonella isolates.},
}

@article {pmid42125264,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wang, Z and Xu, W},
title = {Biofilm synergy by Agrobacterium deltaense and Bacillus velezensis in co-cultures indicates bacterial interspecific cooperation.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100364},
pmid = {42125264},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Rhizosphere microorganisms typically coexist within complex multispecies biofilm communities. However, the interspecies interactions within these biofilm-associated microbial consortia remain largely unexplored. A synthetic bacterial SynCom Q was previously constructed in our laboratory for controlling watermelon Fusarium wilt. This study simplified SynCom Q into SynCom Y (Agrobacterium deltaense LSQ16 and Bacillus velezensis WB) using a stepwise strain omission strategy and combined genome-scale modeling with multi-omics analyses to reveal mechanisms of synergistic biofilm formation. Co-cultivation of A. deltaense LSQ16 and B. velezensis WB significantly enhanced biofilm formation. Compared with monocultures, co-cultivation also markedly increased extracellular polysaccharide production and metabolic activity. SynCom Y effectively enhances resistance to the pathogen through the promotion of biofilm formation. Compared with monocultures, co-cultivation led to the upregulation of genes associated with extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) synthesis, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing pathways. Meanwhile, microbes within the mixed-species biofilm cooperatively regulated the production of the extracellular matrix to enhance biofilm development. Predictive results indicated metabolite exchange between the two strains involved amino acids, purines, phosphates, and other compounds. Moreover, exogenous supplementation of l-ornithine and guanine further enhanced the biofilm-forming capacity of B. velezensis WB. Our results indicate that a synergistic biofilm was formed through metabolic cooperation by Agrobacterium deltaense LSQ16 and Bacillus velezensis WB in co-cultures.},
}

@article {pmid42126190,
year = {2026},
author = {Fahim, RA and Cole, BG and Holland, JE and Polster, VB and Balish, MF},
title = {Modeling chronic infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae at an air-liquid interface: global transcriptional response of HBEC3-KT respiratory epithelial cells to biofilm towers.},
journal = {Infection and immunity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0013726},
doi = {10.1128/iai.00137-26},
pmid = {42126190},
issn = {1098-5522},
abstract = {Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterial pathogen that causes chronic respiratory infections, grows as biofilm towers in both axenic culture and submerged tissue culture model systems. In these towers, virulence factor production is reduced. The clinical relevance of these towers is unclear because biofilms have not been examined in air-liquid interface (ALI) models of M. pneumoniae infection. We used differentiated HBEC3-KT human bronchial epithelial cells at an ALI to understand how M. pneumoniae grows on and interacts with airway cells in a more physiologically relevant setting than submerged systems, and to characterize the global transcriptional response of host cells in this context. We used scanning electron microscopy to examine the growth of M. pneumoniae on HBEC3-KT cells over time, employing a modified protocol to preserve mucus. This protocol revealed abundant biofilm towers associated with both ciliary tips and the mucus layer. RNA-seq analysis of HBEC3-KT cells at days 1 and 7 after infection indicated an early tempered cytokine response, followed later by induction of type III interferon, which is unexpected not only because that response is more typical of viruses, but also because M. pneumoniae is not known to enter host cells at an ALI. We assessed barrier function using transepithelial electrical resistance and culture of medium from the basal side of the host cells, revealing that disruption occurred, but only after prolonged infection. These results collectively suggest that M. pneumoniae limits damage to host cells when growing as biofilm towers by provoking only a selective inflammatory response, promoting chronic infection.},
}

@article {pmid42126208,
year = {2026},
author = {Gutiérrez, DM and Castillo, Y and Lafaurie, GI and Castillo, DM},
title = {Evaluation of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm Formation Inhibition and Removal by Use of HybenX.},
journal = {European endodontic journal},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {140-149},
doi = {10.65717/eej.2026.25093},
pmid = {42126208},
issn = {2548-0839},
support = {PCI-2017-9443//Vicerrectoria de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/physiology ; Humans ; Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Chlorhexidine/pharmacology ; Dentin/microbiology ; Microbial Viability/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial capacity and efficacy in disaggregation, elimination, and inhibition of biofilm formation of HybenX.

METHODS: To develop a biofilm elimination model, dentin of radicular human teeth was incubated with E. faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 29212 at 37°C with nutritional restriction for 14 days. After incubation, the samples were treated for 1 minute with HybenX, and as controls, chlorhexidine 2%, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 17%, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.25% were used. In the inhibition model, samples were pretreated with treatments and incubated. The presence or absence of microorganisms in the dentin was verified using scanning electron microscopy, and bacterial viability and biovolume were determined by confocal laser microscopy with live/dead staining. The 3D images were analysed using IMARIS 8.0 (Oxford Instruments Group, United Kingdom) software. All experiments were performed in triplicate as independent experiments and compared using ANOVA with post hoc Tukey's test at a significance level of P < .05.

RESULTS: Biofilm removal and inhibition of formation were observed after HybenX treatment. HybenX showed a significant disaggregation and elimination of biofilm (P < .001), drastically affecting the biovolume, surpassed by NaOCl, which presented a total elimination; it also demonstrated a low bactericidal effect, allowing bacterial viability of 79%. Likewise, it showed a high capacity to inhibit the formation of biofilm, allowing a minimum biovolume similar to NaOCl (P = .01). HybenX eliminates and inhibits biofilm formation; however, it allows the persistence of viable bacteria.

CONCLUSION: HybenX effectively eliminates and inhibits biofilm formation; however, it does not prevent the persistence of viable bacteria.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/physiology
Humans
Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Microscopy, Confocal
Chlorhexidine/pharmacology
Dentin/microbiology
Microbial Viability/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology

@article {pmid42126270,
year = {2026},
author = {Pratyush, MR and Prentice, JA and Eutsey, RA and Mikheyeva, IV and Hiller, NL and Bridges, AA},
title = {Label-free microscopy enables high-throughput identification of genes controlling biofilm development.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0044826},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00448-26},
pmid = {42126270},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Biofilms are structured microbial communities that thrive on diverse surfaces in natural, industrial, and host environments. The biofilm lifestyle underpins microbial survival, shapes ecosystem function, and drives persistent infections; yet, for many microbes, the molecular determinants of biofilm development remain poorly defined. Here, we introduce "label-free analysis of biofilms" (LFAB), an imaging method that integrates time-lapse, low-magnification brightfield microscopy with regional optical density measurements to quantify biofilm biomass. Unlike conventional assays, LFAB enables real-time, non-perturbative, and high-throughput monitoring of biofilm dynamics. We validated LFAB across diverse microbial species and observed a strong correlation with traditional biofilm quantification methods. Applying LFAB to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major human pathogen whose biofilm lifecycle underpins colonization and infection, we uncovered reproducible patterns of microcolony biofilm expansion and growth. LFAB-enabled screening of a transposon mutant library revealed that biofilm formation in S. pneumoniae is shaped by genes spanning carbohydrate metabolism, cell wall synthesis, adhesion, and surface interactions. Further analysis identified choline-binding protein A (CbpA) and its associated two-component regulator, as well as the peptidoglycan hydrolase LytB, as key drivers of microcolony biofilm dynamics. Together, these findings establish LFAB as a broadly applicable platform for dissecting biofilm biology and reveal new regulators of biofilm development in a clinically important pathogen.

IMPORTANCE: Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and persist within a self-produced matrix. The biofilm lifestyle underlies microbial survival in nature, contributes to industrial biofouling, and drives many chronic infections. Despite the importance of biofilms, high-throughput measurements of biofilm growth dynamics are challenging using existing tools, which are often disruptive or are not scalable. To overcome this limitation, we developed "label-free analysis of biofilms" (LFAB), a brightfield-based imaging platform that enables real-time, non-perturbative, and scalable quantification of biofilm biomass. LFAB is broadly applicable across species and correlates strongly with traditional assays. Applying LFAB to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major human pathogen, we performed a mutagenesis screen, uncovering new genetic regulators of biofilm formation in this organism. These findings advance understanding of S. pneumoniae pathogenesis and establish LFAB as a powerful approach for dissecting the molecular basis of microbial community growth.},
}

@article {pmid42113919,
year = {2026},
author = {Cavalu, S and Elbaramawi, SS and Eissa, AG and Radwan, MF and Ibrahim, TS and Khafagy, ES and Lopes, BS and Ali, MAM and Hegazy, WAH and Elfaky, MA},
title = {RETRACTED: Cavalu et al. Characterization of the Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of the β-Adrenoreceptor Antagonist Atenolol Against Gram-Negative Bacterial Pathogens. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 13088.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42113919},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {The journal retracts the article titled "Characterization of the Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of the β-Adrenoreceptor Antagonist Atenolol Against Gram-Negative Bacterial Pathogens" [...].},
}

@article {pmid42115218,
year = {2026},
author = {Saboohi, R and Khorasgani, MR and Moallemi, ZS and Shahmoradi, M},
title = {Natural compounds for preventing dental caries by evaluating antibacterial and biofilm disrupting effects on Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-43867-0},
pmid = {42115218},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans is a major contributor to dental caries, and its biofilm formation is associated with treatment challenges. Therefore, identifying medicinal plants and natural compounds with antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities is important for the development of new therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of honey, aqueous extracts of sumac and Miswak fruit, royal jelly, lactogum, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) against S. mutans. The antibacterial effects of the compounds and extracts were evaluated using a well diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by broth microdilution. Biofilm formation was quantified using the crystal violet assay, and metabolic activity was assessed by the MTT assay. Morphology of the biofilms was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the expression of key genes involved in biofilm formation (gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD) was measured by RT-PCR. The findings indicated that the antibacterial effects of honey, Miswak aqueous extract, sumac fruit extract, and SDF were comparable to chlorhexidine. MICs were 512 mg/mL for honey, 512 mg/mL for sumac fruit extract, 512 mg/mL for royal jelly, and lactogum, with Miswak aqueous extract and SDF showing MICs of 256 mg/mL and 32 mg/mL, respectively. SDF, Miswak aqueous extract, and sumac fruit extract exhibited the strongest anti-biofilm effects, down-regulating gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD expression in S. mutans biofilms. Collectively, these results suggest that honey, Miswak and sumac aqueous extracts, and SDF have notable antibacterial activity against S. mutans and can inhibit biofilm formation through downregulation of gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD.},
}

@article {pmid42115858,
year = {2026},
author = {Namazi, P and Alizadeh Behbahani, B and Noshad, M and Vasiee, A and Taki, M and Jooyandeh, H},
title = {Probiotic potential of Lactobacillus helveticus CMI1 isolated from Iranian Khiki cheese: antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties for food preservatives.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-04726-0},
pmid = {42115858},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely recognized for their probiotic and antimicrobial potential in food and health-related applications. This study aimed to isolate and characterize Lactobacillus helveticus strain CMI1 from traditional Iranian Khiki cheese and to evaluate its probiotic-related properties, including antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities.

METHODS: The isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial activity of acidic and neutralized cell-free supernatants (CFS) was evaluated against major Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens using disk diffusion, well diffusion, modified double-layer, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using crystal violet staining and quantitative real-time PCR analysis of biofilm-related genes. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated against HT-29, HeLa, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Antibiotic susceptibility was also examined.

RESULTS: L. helveticus CMI1 exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, with higher efficacy observed for acidic CFS compared to neutralized CFS, particularly against S. aureus. The strain significantly inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation and downregulated key biofilm- and virulence-related genes (mecA, agr, spa, icaA, and hla). Additionally, CMI1 demonstrated notable antioxidant activity and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines, while remaining sensitive to clinically relevant antibiotics.

CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that L. helveticus CMI1 possesses promising probiotic and functional properties, supporting its potential application in food preservation and functional food development.},
}

@article {pmid42116445,
year = {2026},
author = {Chu, M and Li, J and Sun, Y and Liu, X and Mo, Q and Ren, Y and Wang, Y and Yang, M and Xu, G and Ni, Q},
title = {Vpa1463, a DUF1566-domain protein, is indispensable for bile resistance and biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus and is required for its adaptation to food-related environments.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {236},
number = {},
pages = {119147},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119147},
pmid = {42116445},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/drug effects/physiology ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Bile Acids and Salts/pharmacology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Food Microbiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a notorious seafood-borne pathogen associated acute gastroenteritis, posing increasing challenge to global food security and public health. Bile represents one of the most important factors that affect its intestinal colonization. And bacteria usually employ shared strategies to resist bile salts alongside other environmental stresses. To identify the essential genes for stresses adaptation in V. parahaemolyticus, we screened a genome-wide transposon-insertion library for bile hypersensitive mutants and identified vpa1463, encoding a conserved but uncharacterized DUF1566-domain protein, as essential for bile tolerance. The deletion of vpa1463 drastically reduced the bile salts minimum inhibitory concentration MIC from 2.5% (wild-type) to 0.3% (Δvpa1463), and inhibited swarming and swimming motilities. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the deletion of vpa1463 increases outer-membrane (OM) permeability, compromises its integrity, and decreases efflux activity. Data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based proteomics identified 1156 differentially expressed proteins in the vpa1463 mutant compared to the wild type, including key proteins associated with efflux pumps and porins, as well as those involved in flagellar biosynthesis. Moreover, the mutation of vpa1463 led to attenuated biofilm formation and decrease its colonization on food processing contact materials or food surfaces by approximately one order of magnitude. These membrane defects led to a cascade of phenotypic failures in Δvpa1463, impaired motility, heightened susceptibility to antibiotics, food-grade disinfectants and organic acids. Collectively, Our data demonstrate that Vpa1463 is a vital contributor to membrane homeostasis and environmental fitness, making it a promising target for strategies to mitigate V. parahaemolyticus contamination in the food industry and prevent human infection.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/drug effects/physiology
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Bile Acids and Salts/pharmacology
*Adaptation, Physiological
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Food Microbiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

@article {pmid42116519,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, X and Yadav, B and Hrycauk, S and In Ng, W and Wang, H and Brown, T},
title = {Post-sanitation bacterial survival on meat facility environmental surfaces as delineated by biofilm formation.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {236},
number = {},
pages = {119297},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119297},
pmid = {42116519},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Animals ; *Food Microbiology ; Cattle ; *Bacteria/growth & development/classification/isolation & purification ; *Red Meat/microbiology ; *Microbial Viability ; Microbiota ; Colony Count, Microbial ; Food Handling ; Pseudomonas/isolation & purification ; Equipment Contamination ; },
abstract = {This work aimed was to determine post sanitation biofilm harborage at a large beef fabrication facility to better understand their potential impact on food safety by quantifying major extracellular polymeric substance components (carbohydrates, protein and eDNA), enumeration of total plate count (TPC) and Pseudomonas, and profiling of microbial communities. The sampled surfaces (n = 162) included drive and support rollers of conveyor belts, cutting saw blade covers, heads of various sprayers, dip tanks for tools (DTC), floor drains, wall corners, and floor mats. Floor mats had the highest median TPC at 6.88 log CFU/10 cm[2], higher than all but drains and wall corners by up to 4.0 log. Pseudomonas was highest for drains at 3.95 log CFU/10 cm[2]. Of all sampling sites, 46.9% harbored biofilms, mostly from floor mats, DTC and wall corners. Microbiota on different surfaces and at different sampling time overlapped. The microbial community structure in biofilms and non-biofilms differed. Most genera (13/15) in non-biofilms were aerobes except for Escherichia and Clostridium. The biofilms contained 35 genera, including all of those found in non-biofilms except for Flavobacterium and additional 10 aerobic bacteria and 11 facultative/anaerobes. Notably, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Escherichia, were sizable fractions of both biofilms and non-biofilms and were not associated with specific surfaces when in biofilms. A core group of 11 genera including Escherichia were found in most biofilms. Biofilms had significant fractions of facultative anaerobes, while non-biofilms had higher fractions of aerobes. The findings show persistent microbiota on post-sanitation surfaces including the food safety indicator Escherichia.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Animals
*Food Microbiology
Cattle
*Bacteria/growth & development/classification/isolation & purification
*Red Meat/microbiology
*Microbial Viability
Microbiota
Colony Count, Microbial
Food Handling
Pseudomonas/isolation & purification
Equipment Contamination

@article {pmid42116522,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, M and Ding, H and Fu, X and Xue, Q and Hu, Y},
title = {Targeted biofilm inhibition and gene expression to study the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of lauric acid and citral against Listeria monocytogenes.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {236},
number = {},
pages = {119304},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119304},
pmid = {42116522},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Listeria monocytogenes/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; *Lauric Acids/pharmacology ; *Acyclic Monoterpenes/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Food Microbiology ; Drug Synergism ; Milk/microbiology ; Animals ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Food Preservation/methods ; },
abstract = {Contamination by Listeria monocytogenes poses significant food safety concerns. Prior research has demonstrated that lauric acid (LA) and citral, compounds present in Litsea cubeba fruit, exhibited synergistic antibacterial effects against L. monocytogenes, although the precise mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Consequently, this study investigated the synergistic mechanism of LA and citral against L. monocytogenes, focusing on biofilm inhibition and gene expression effects. The results indicated that treatment with Synergism LA + citral significantly reduced the intracellular DNA content of L. monocytogenes. The antibacterial combination inhibited biofilm formation by altering bacterial surface hydrophobicity, self-aggregation, and motility, while also disrupting mature biofilms and eradicating internal bacteria. Significant changes were observed in genes associated with multiple pathways related to metabolism and quorum sensing in L. monocytogenes. Additionally, the Synergism LA + citral effectively inhibited L. monocytogenes in pasteurized refrigerated milk while maintaining stable milk brightness and pH. These findings enrich the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of LA and citral and provide promising evidence for their antibacterial application in food products.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Listeria monocytogenes/drug effects/genetics/physiology
*Lauric Acids/pharmacology
*Acyclic Monoterpenes/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Food Microbiology
Drug Synergism
Milk/microbiology
Animals
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Food Preservation/methods

@article {pmid42117297,
year = {2026},
author = {Figuero, E and Marruganti, C and Ambrosio, N and Izzetti, R and Serrano, J and Graziani, F},
title = {Efficacy of Adjunctive Agents in the Management of Biofilm-Induced Gingivitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of clinical periodontology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jcpe.70121},
pmid = {42117297},
issn = {1600-051X},
support = {//ETEP (Etiology and Therapy of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases) Research Groups/ ; //University Complutense, Madrid, Spain/ ; //Chair of Periodontology at the University of Pisa/ ; },
abstract = {AIM: In systemically healthy humans with gingivitis, what is the efficacy of active agents compared to negative control/placebo when used adjunctively to mechanical biofilm control in terms of changes in gingivitis/bleeding indices and/or disease resolution in randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with at least 3-months follow-up?

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic searches, study selection, data extraction, risk of bias analysis, meta-analyses and certainty of the evidence were performed (GRADE).

RESULTS: Seventy-two RCTs were included (antiseptics n = 71; systemic intake n = 1). High heterogeneity was found in the definition of gingivitis. Antiseptic agents showed greater reductions in bleeding (%) than control groups at 3 months (ncomparison [nc] = 19; weighted mean differences [WMD] = 10.66%; p < 0.001) and 6 months (nc = 20; WMD = 10.79%; p < 0.001). Gingivitis resolution was rarely determined. Prevalence of local adverse effect (tooth-related and soft-tissue-related) varied from 0% to 13.1%. Systemic effects were scarcely evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS: In adults with gingivitis, the adjunctive use of specific antiseptics determined higher reduction of gingival inflammation at 3 months (moderate evidence for stannous fluoride and low-to-very low for chlorhexidine, essential oils or cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) and 6 months (moderate for chlorhexidine, low for CPC and very low for essential oils) over placebo/negative controls. Adverse effects are neither frequently nor extensively reported. Gingivitis resolution is rarely reported and achieved.},
}

@article {pmid42118798,
year = {2026},
author = {Andreani, E and Peroutka, V and Kostakova, EK and Chudobova, E and Kejzlar, P and Hauzerova, S and Havlickova, K and Stindlova, M and Jiresova, J and Lukas, D and Lencova, S},
title = {Impact of Fiber Diameter and Surface Topography of PCL Nanofibers on Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Biofilm Formation and Resistance.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c16509},
pmid = {42118798},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Electrospun nanofibrous matrices are an emerging platform for probiotics. We evaluated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanomaterials, hypothesizing that fiber diameter and shish-kebab (sk) structures would increase biofilm formation and resistance. Four unique nanomaterials (PCL45, PCL45-sk, PCL80, PCL80-sk) were electrospun and tested with two Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains (ATCC 9595, ATCC 53103). Biofilms formed after 48 h and 8 days were analyzed for biomass (CFU/cm[2]), structure (SEM), and metabolic activity (MTT). PCLs enhanced biofilm formation compared with polystyrene (reaching up to 8.7 ± 0.2 log10(CFU/cm[2]) for L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 after 48 h); prolonged cultivation revealed strain-specific responses, with fiber diameter and sk significant impact. PCL-supported biofilms showed a good response to a short-term challenge of low pH (2, 4), with the minimal 97.9 ± 3.7% survival rate, and a preliminary, strain-dependent improvement in resilience to Staphylococcus aureus, mostly for L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595. This identifies PCLs as promising, adjustable carriers for probiotic biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42119617,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, C and Cao, Y and Yang, Q and Li, J and Dong, T and Liu, Y and Li, X and Liu, F},
title = {Hematite-enhanced denitrification in bioelectrochemical system at low current density: kinetics, biofilm chemistry and metagenomic mechanisms.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134852},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134852},
pmid = {42119617},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Nitrate contamination of groundwater threatens drinking-water safety and necessitates the development of sustainable, low-energy remediation technologies. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) can enhance denitrification; however, their performance is constrained by low cathodic electron efficiency and ammonium accumulation. We developed a hematite-enhanced BES (HBES) and evaluated denitrification at different current densities (0-400 mA/m[2]). Hematite shifted the optimal current density from 200 to 100 mA/m[2], achieving complete nitrate removal within 72 h while suppressing ammonium formation to 0.38 ± 0.02 mg-N/L. Mechanistically, hematite improved cathodic kinetics and minimized activation losses, increased nitrate reductase activity, and promoted extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) enrichment with higher redox-active fulvic- and humic-like fractions. Community profiling revealed hematite-associated enrichment of Thauera, Acinetobacter, Hydrogenophaga, and Alishewanella, consistent with enhanced denitrification and electroactivity. Metagenomic analyses further revealed enhanced modules for sequential nitrate reduction to N2, suppression of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) marker genes, and elevated potentials for cytochrome-associated extracellular electron transfer (EET) and oxidative phosphorylation. Overall, hematite restructures electron-transfer networks and microbial metabolism at the mineral-biofilm-electrode interface, facilitating efficient and cleaner denitrification at relatively low current density and offering operational insights for BES-based groundwater nitrate remediation.},
}

@article {pmid42119745,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Qiu, Q and Feng, Y and Yang, S and Yu, Y},
title = {Hierarchical in situ biomineralization-enhanced electroactive biofilm for high-efficiency antibiotic degradation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134857},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134857},
pmid = {42119745},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The low efficiency of extracellular electron transfer (EET) is a major bottleneck in bioelectrochemical water treatment. Here, we introduce an alternative strategy based on in situ biomineralization of conductive nanoparticles within a three-dimensional electroactive biofilm, creating an integrated "living conductive material". This self-engineered system achieves > 90 % chemical oxygen demand removal and up to 96.5 % tetracycline removal (79-97 % during long‑term operation) with sterilized controls confirming ∼64 % biologically mediated-several-fold higher than non-mineralized controls. Biogenic greigite (Fe3S4) nanoparticles form an in situ conductive network ("conductive armor") on the electrode surface. This armor establishes a multi-modal electron-transfer network that both mimics and mplifies native pathways, hypothetically functioning as (i) a cytochrome‑like transmembrane conduit, (ii) a nanowire-like percolation network for long‑range conduction, and (iii) a solid-state redox shuttles for rapid electron hopping. Direct validation of these individual roles remains an important goal for future research. Through integrated multi‑omics, electrochemical, and microscopic analyses, we further demonstrate that the emergent conductive niche selects for a streamlined, metabolically specialized consortium, resulting in a co‑adapted bio‑hybrid system with markedly enhanced electroactivity. Synthesizing these insights, we propose a hierarchical "conductive monomer‑to‑armor" model that links nanoscale biomineralization at the cellular interface to biofilm‑scale conductivity and reactor‑scale pollutant removal. This framework not only explains the dramatic improvements in antibiotic removal, but also provides a broadly applicable design principle for next‑generation, self‑engineering bioelectrochemical systems.},
}

@article {pmid42119891,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, X and Zhang, R and Liao, J and Liu, H and Hu, Z and Shang, W and Wang, J and Li, M and Rao, X and Lu, S},
title = {Characterization and antibacterial efficacy of the broad-host-range phage P108 against biofilm-forming and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {199745},
doi = {10.1016/j.virusres.2026.199745},
pmid = {42119891},
issn = {1872-7492},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a widely distributed opportunistic pathogen capable of causing a variety of serious infections, with its antibiotic resistance becoming increasingly prevalent. As natural bactericidal agents, bacteriophages (phages) have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, we isolated a lytic phage P108 capable of targeting methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Phage P108 features an icosahedral head with a diameter of approximately 84.7 nm and a contractile tail measuring about 221.5 nm in length. It has a latent period of 20 min and completes lysis within 60 min. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a linear dsDNA genome of 140,807 bp, encoding 226 putative proteins and 3 tRNAs. Four novel structural protein-coding genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that P108 represents a member of the Herelleviridae family, Kayvirus genus. P108 is capable of lysing 79.2% (95/120) of clinical isolates of S. aureus and demonstrates broad-spectrum lytic activity against MRSA (84.8%, 39/46). Furthermore, phage P108 exhibits high stability, potent in vitro bactericidal activity, and effective bacterial biofilm removal, outperforming vancomycin in overall efficacy. These findings highlight its potential for antibacterial applications and support its development as a novel therapeutic strategy against drug-resistant S. aureus infections.},
}

@article {pmid42120328,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction to "The Synergistic Effect of Photodynamic and Sonodynamic Inactivation Against Candida albicans Biofilm".},
journal = {Journal of biophotonics},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {e70276},
doi = {10.1002/jbio.70276},
pmid = {42120328},
issn = {1864-0648},
}

@article {pmid42106416,
year = {2026},
author = {Insero, G and Maldonado-Carmona, N and Panier, T and Romano, G and Henry, N},
title = {Experiences and theory reveal a decrease in antimicrobial blue light killing efficiency as biofilm grows in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa model.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-50696-8},
pmid = {42106416},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Grant Agreement n.863102//EU-H2020-FETOPEN/ ; },
abstract = {Recently, the use of antimicrobial blue light (aBL) has gained interest across various applications. However, a comprehensive framework that addresses the key factors driving bacterial photoinhibition remains lacking-particularly concerning biofilms, the predominant bacterial lifestyle. The goal of this work was to evaluate the potential of photokilling in this wide-spread microbial adherent community type, and to decipher the specific mechanisms at stake. To investigate aBL killing efficiency, we conducted experiments in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm model using a well-defined millifluidic device that allows real-time microscopy and quantitative analysis of a living biofilm under local irradiation at a defined light dose. In addition, we developed a theoretical model for light-biofilm interaction that accounts for the three-dimensional structure of the bacterial biofilm. To inform our model, we examined the light dose-response in isolated cells and found a profile indicative of a multi-target mechanism of lethality. By comparing the experimental and theoretical results, we identified a loss in killing efficiency as the biofilm grows, due in part to the increase in thickness of the living material inherent to this mode of development. Our findings also highlight a reduction in the intrinsic bacterial sensitivity to blue light as biofilm development progresses, which we attribute to the low oxygen levels typical of densely populated bacterial environments. These findings reveal new features of the photokilling mechanism and redefine the approach to designing effective antimicrobial photoinactivation strategies by integrating the key physical characteristics of bacterial biofilms. Awareness of the bacterial world's global importance is steadily growing in both science and society. Among the critical challenges, the continuing increase in multidrug resistance to antibiotics represents a major public health concern reinforcing the urgency of alternative antimicrobial therapies with photoinactivation as a promising approach. However, its full potential can only be achieved through a better understanding of the involved mechanisms in relevant environments. In this study, we combined experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the photoinactivation of bacteria within a developing biofilm, the dominant bacterial lifestyle. Our comprehensive analysis sheds light on the mechanisms and limitations of photoinactivation in the fight against microbes, which is essential for designing novel antibacterial phototherapies.},
}

@article {pmid42107818,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiao, Y and Pan, H and Zhang, M and Han, X and Guo, H and Qu, X and Shi, Y and Cao, S and Zhang, N and Zhao, X and Liu, B},
title = {The game changer of biofilm in microplastic pollution and potential environmental risks: Unveiling the pivotal roles on surface modification, metal adsorption, and biological uptake.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {124709},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.124709},
pmid = {42107818},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs), as pervasive environmental pollutants, can act as vectors for heavy metals (HMs); however, their surface properties and environmental risks are profoundly altered by biofilm colonization under realistic aquatic conditions. In this study, we systematically investigated the adsorption behaviors of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) on biofilm-developed MPs of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polylactic acid (PLA), and explored the potential environmental risks associated with the enhanced vector effect of biofilm-developed MPs on HMs in aquatic environments. After 35 days of biofilm cultivation, successful biofilm colonization was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and crystal violet staining, with an order of PP > PLA > PET. Biofilm formation significantly altered surface physiochemical properties of MPs as evidenced by increasing specific surface area and introducing oxygen/nitrogen-containing functional groups. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated that biofilm-developed MPs exhibited significantly enhanced adsorption capacities for Cd/Cu, with Cd adsorption on PP increasing by up to 101.34% compared with virgin MPs. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm analysis revealed that biofilm-developed MPs conformed to the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model, and were jointly dominated by physical adsorption, chemical adsorption and biological adsorption. Importantly, zebrafish exposure experiments demonstrated that the biofilm-developed MPs increased intestinal Cd accumulation by 95.43%, suggesting that biofilm colonization amplified the vector role of MPs and enhanced their associated environmental health risks. This study demonstrates that biofilm colonization is a game changer transforming MPs into more reactive and hazardous composite pollutants, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating this biotic layer into environmental risk assessments of MP-HMs.},
}

@article {pmid42109406,
year = {2026},
author = {Bansal, A and Gaikwad, A and Jadhav, A and Bhamare, R and Patil, R},
title = {Anti-biofilm efficacy of nano calcium hydroxide and chitosan nanoparticles againstE. faecalis.},
journal = {Bioinformation},
volume = {22},
number = {2},
pages = {1126-1130},
pmid = {42109406},
issn = {0973-2063},
abstract = {Enterococcus faecalis is among the microorganisms frequently isolated from root canal infections. The outcome of the endodontic treatment depends on the effective disinfection of the root canal system. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the potential of Nano Calcium Hydroxide and Chitosan Nanoparticles as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. Hence, a total of twenty-eight single-rooted dental elements were included, where the incisal end of individual elements was infected with Enterococcus faecalis. The two medicaments used as intracanal dressing materials were Nano Calcium Hydroxide and Chitosan Nanoparticles. Enterococcus faecalis bacteria exposed to Nano Calcium Hydroxide was significantly higher as compared to those exposed to Chitosan Nanoparticles.},
}

@article {pmid42110234,
year = {2026},
author = {Auer, DL and Pöppel, M and Pelz, K and Vach, K and Frese, C and von Ohle, C and Wolff, D and Wittmer, A and Cieplik, F and Al-Ahmad, A},
title = {Antibiotic resistance and biofilm forming capacity of supragingival bacteria in healthy and caries patients.},
journal = {Frontiers in oral health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1800312},
pmid = {42110234},
issn = {2673-4842},
abstract = {AIM: The oral cavity represents a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance, and supragingival biofilms contribute to reduced antibiotic susceptibility. This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm-forming capacity of bacterial isolates obtained from dentally healthy individuals and participants with active carious lesions.

METHODS: A total of 319 bacterial isolates from 40 participants were tested for susceptibility to clinically relevant antibiotics using disk diffusion and Etest methods, supplemented by β-lactamase testing. Biofilm formation was quantified by crystal violet staining and categorized into three levels based on optical density. Statistical analyses accounted for clustering of isolates within individuals.

RESULTS: Resistant isolates were detected across all examined taxa. Significant group differences were observed for Veillonella parvula and Lachnoanaerobaculum saburreum. V. parvula isolates from caries participants showed higher proportions of intermediate or resistant classifications to ampicillin and a different distribution of biofilm categories compared to isolates from healthy individuals. For L. saburreum, resistant isolates from the healthy group were more frequently associated with stronger biofilm formation. Across species, stronger biofilm formation was generally associated with higher resistance among obligate anaerobes.

CONCLUSION: Specific bacterial taxa showed distinct differences in antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm-forming capacity between caries and healthy participants. The findings indicate that supragingival biofilms from caries-active individuals may harbour altered resistance patterns, particularly among obligate anaerobic species. These isolate-level observations underscore the need to further investigate how caries-associated ecological shift in oral biofilms relate to antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42112230,
year = {2026},
author = {Yakobi, SH and Nwodo, UU},
title = {Modulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation by Quercetin Extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {568961},
pmid = {42112230},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa relies on quorum sensing (QS) to regulate virulence, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial tolerance, making QS inhibition (QSI) an attractive antivirulence strategy. Quercetin is a known QSI-active flavonoid, but its potential as a mushroom-derived therapeutic agent remains underexplored.

METHODS: Quercetin was extracted from P. ostreatus and evaluated alongside purified quercetin using GFP-based QS reporter assays (lasB-gfp and pqsA-gfp), biofilm assays, protease activity assays, and molecular docking against LasR, PqsR, and PqsE.

RESULTS: Both treatments significantly reduced lasB- and pqsA-driven GFP reporter activity at sub-inhibitory concentrations (10-100 µM) that did not affect bacterial growth or viability. Inhibition was dose-dependent and more pronounced for the PQS system, accompanied by substantial reductions in extracellular protease activity and strong suppression of biofilm formation and partial dispersal of established biofilms. Molecular docking revealed favourable binding of quercetin to the QS regulators LasR and PqsR, with high-affinity interaction in the PqsR co-inducer pocket, while binding to PqsE was weak and non-specific.

CONCLUSION: These mechanistic insights align with the observed preferential PQS inhibition. The P. ostreatus quercetin-extract closely matched the potency of pure quercetin across all assays, confirming effective extraction and stability. This positions mushroom-derived quercetin as a sustainable, natural QSI capable of attenuating key virulence pathways in P. aeruginosa. This work supports the development of quercetin-rich P. ostreatus extracts as promising adjunctive therapies for managing chronic, biofilm-associated infections..},
}

@article {pmid42112429,
year = {2026},
author = {Mbaraka, A and Meena, RR and Menghani, E and Verma, N},
title = {Targeting biofilm-driven antibiotic resistance: emerging mechanisms and next-generation therapeutic interventions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1823476},
pmid = {42112429},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Biofilm mediated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a critical global health and economic challenge, affecting both community and healthcare settings. Microbial Biofilms significantly enhance the antibiotic tolerance and cause the persistent and device-associated infections via limited drug penetration, degradation of antibiotics, and assist horizontal gene transfer. Biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance remains a major obstacle to treating infectious diseases today. Biofilms can boost antibiotic tolerance by up to 1,000 times and lead to chronic, persistent, and device-associated infections. The lack of FDA-approved anti-biofilm drugs highlights the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies and mechanistic insights. Redefining the treatment landscape and improving outcomes for resistant infections could be achieved through a multi-platform therapeutic approach. This review summarizes recent developments in our knowledge of how biofilms contribute to antibiotic resistance and highlights new therapeutic strategies, such as nanotechnology, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophage-derived enzymes, quorum-sensing inhibitors, CRISPR-based tools, microbiome engineering, and AI-driven drug discovery.},
}

@article {pmid42103054,
year = {2026},
author = {Ando, T and Nomura, N and Obana, N},
title = {Identification of genes involved in extracellular DNA release during biofilm formation in Clostridium perfringens.},
journal = {Anaerobe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103052},
doi = {10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103052},
pmid = {42103054},
issn = {1095-8274},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Clostridium perfringens forms temperature-responsive pellicle biofilms at 25°C, characterized by a fibrous matrix composed of BsaA proteins. In addition to BsaA, extracellular DNA (eDNA) contributes to biofilm structural integrity. However, the mechanism underlying its release remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the genetic determinants of eDNA release during pellicle biofilm maturation.

METHODS: We visualized the release of nucleic acids during C. perfringens proliferation using anaerobic live-cell imaging and quantified dead-cell frequency and eDNA levels. We analyzed biofilm matrix-associated RNA by RNA-seq. We deleted candidate genes to assess their roles in biofilm formation and eDNA release. Promoter activity was evaluated using fluorescence reporter assays.

RESULTS: Live-cell imaging demonstrated that, during growth, a subpopulation released nucleic acids via cell lysis. Dead-cell frequency and eDNA levels increased as a function of pellicle biofilm maturation, suggesting that eDNA released from dead cells contributed to biofilm integrity. We found that biofilm matrix-associated extracellular nucleic acids contained RNA, which likely reflects the transcriptome of lysed cells. RNA-seq revealed transcripts enriched in the matrix fraction, thereby identifying several genes required for pellicle biofilm maturation. Among them, deletion of cpe2430 markedly reduced eDNA levels and impaired biofilm structural stability. Promoter-reporter analysis showed bimodal expression of cpe2430, with high expression limited to ∼3 of the population.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified genetic factors governing eDNA release and biofilm maturation in C. perfringens. Our findings suggest a model in which regulated lysis of a subpopulation drives eDNA release, thereby reinforcing biofilm architecture.},
}

@article {pmid42103218,
year = {2026},
author = {Subramanian, AS and Le Mauff, F and Kitova, EN and Pfoh, R and Panjalingam, M and Wu, DY and Gilbert, S and Morrison, ZA and Jacobsen-Pérez, CA and Razvi, E and Nitz, M and Codée, J and Klassen, JS and Sheppard, DC and Howell, PL},
title = {Bacillus cereus PelADA is a polysaccharide de-N-acetylase required for Pel-dependent biofilm formation.},
journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {113122},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2026.113122},
pmid = {42103218},
issn = {1083-351X},
abstract = {Exopolysaccharides are key matrix determinants that provide structural integrity and regulate biomechanical properties of microbial biofilms. Biofilm exopolysaccharides often undergo modifications that determine their functional properties and localization. In B. cereus ATCC 10987, PelADA expressed from the pelDEADAFG operon is a putative deacetylase required for Pel-dependent biofilm formation. To understand the molecular basis of Pel deacetylation in B. cereus ATCC 10987, we determined the crystal structure of PelADA to 2.51 Å. PelADA adopts a distinct three-domain arrangement. We demonstrate in vitro that PelADA deacetylates α-1,4-linked GalNAc substrates in a length-dependent manner and that the N-terminal domain functions as a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) capable of binding both GalNAc and partially deacetylated oligosaccharides. We found that the CBM domain together with the carbohydrate esterase (CE) domain forms an elongated carbohydrate binding cleft and that each domain is the founding member of two new CAZy families, CBMxx and CExx, respectively. Further, in vivo mutagenesis demonstrated that the catalytic activity of PelADA is required for Pel biosynthesis in B. cereus ATCC 10987. Employing AlphaFold, we propose a model wherein the N-terminal transmembrane helix of PelADA interacts with PelG. This interaction positions the protein to accept the polymer for deacetylation as it emerges from the cytoplasmic membrane. The work presented herein offers insight into the role of PelADA in Pel biosynthesis and modification in B. cereus ATCC 10987.},
}

@article {pmid42104968,
year = {2026},
author = {Obeidat, RS and Darmani, H},
title = {Juglone suppresses morphogenesis and early biofilm formation in Candida albicans through disruption of oxidative homeostasis.},
journal = {Medical mycology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/mmy/myag045},
pmid = {42104968},
issn = {1460-2709},
abstract = {Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen causing superficial to life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Its pathogenicity is largely driven by biofilm formation and phenotypic switching, especially the yeast-to-hypha (germ tube) transition, which plays a crucial role in antifungal tolerance and clinical progression. Despite growing interest in natural antifungals, the role of juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, a natural naphthoquinone derived from Juglans species) in germ tube formation and redox-dependent virulence remains underexplored. This study evaluated juglone's antifungal and anti-virulence effects and whether these involve disruption of oxidative homeostasis. Antifungal activity and virulence-related effects were assessed using MIC/MFC determination, well diffusion, germ tube and biofilm assays, and oxidative stress measurements. Juglone exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of C. albicans growth (MIC 15.63 µg/mL, MFC = MIC) and an additive interaction with amphotericin B (MIC 0.39 µg/mL; FICI = 0.5625). Inhibition zones increased in combination, supporting an additive effect. Although effects on mature biofilms, phospholipase, and hemolysin activities were limited, juglone markedly inhibited key virulence factors, reducing germ tube formation to 9% (60% for amphotericin B; 93% control), and suppressing early biofilm formation and extracellular polymeric substance production. Juglone caused only a slight reduction in lactate dehydrogenase release, suggesting membranes remained largely intact, but significantly modulated stress responses by decreasing superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity, while malondialdehyde levels remained unchanged, consistent with a redox-based antifungal mechanism. Overall, juglone shows potent antifungal and anti-virulence effects against C. albicans, likely in part by modulating oxidative balance and weakening virulence mechanisms, while enhancing conventional antifungal treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42105059,
year = {2026},
author = {Nanda, U and Biswas, N and Chowdhury, B and Roy, K and Banik, GC and Deb, S and Chaudhuri, D and Karmakar, K},
title = {Seeds treated with biofilm-forming microbes retain moisture during cold-dry winter, reducing temperature fluctuations in rhizosphere.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42105059},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {RRSTZ/Rabi/25-26/01//Regional Research Station, Terai zone/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Seeds/microbiology/growth & development/physiology ; Seasons ; Cold Temperature ; Soil Microbiology ; Water/metabolism ; Soil/chemistry ; Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/growth & development ; Temperature ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Diurnal temperature fluctuations are common in soil during the dry winter season in the Eastern sub-Himalayan Terai region (Cwa climatic zone, according to Köppen's classification). The difference between the evening and morning temperatures of 5-6 °C results in 70-75% vigor loss due to electrolyte leakage from the seeds, thereby extending the nursery period. Therefore, it is essential to minimize soil thermal fluctuations to retain seed vigor. In this study, we utilised biofilm-forming bacterial species like Phytobacter, Priestia, and Bacillus as bioinoculants and aimed to elucidate how they buffer soil temperature fluctuations. Since the highest fluctuations in soil temperatures occur in the cold, dry winter season, it was hypothesised that using biofilm-forming microbes as seed coatings could prevent desiccation-induced water loss from seeds. We performed in vitro (changing the daily temperature) and in situ experiments (using a Randomized Block Design) to analyze the seed vigor. In vitro assessment of tomato seeds indicates the role of both duration and intensity of cold stress in seed vigor reduction. This loss was recovered with bacterial inoculation (30-100% depending upon the intensity and duration of stress). Vigor recovery was also demonstrated in fields where seeds treated with bacteria displayed better emergence (70-95%). Interestingly, the difference between morning and evening soil temperatures reduced upon bioinoculant treatment (0.8 ± 0.2 °C) as compared to control (2.7 ± 0.9 °C) in the rhizosphere developed from seeds treated with biofilm-forming bacteria, demonstrating thermal buffering of rhizospheric soil. Since biofilm have hygroscopic properties, a relatively higher residual moisture was recorded from soils in fields raised from the bio-inoculant-treated seeds. Water, owing to its high specific heat (4.186 J g[- 1] °C[- 1]), can buffer temperature fluctuations. This is the first report showing the mechanism of microbe-mediated thermal buffering of rhizosphere. Since these microbes can improve moisture retention during cold, dry winter months, they can be used in areas with comparable climates.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Seeds/microbiology/growth & development/physiology
Seasons
Cold Temperature
Soil Microbiology
Water/metabolism
Soil/chemistry
Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/growth & development
Temperature
*Bacteria/metabolism

@article {pmid42105523,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, ZH and Li, D and Sun, YQ and Zhu, KW and Kong, H and Ampomah-Wireko, M and Amengor, CDK and Zhang, E and Li, YY},
title = {A membrane-targeting BioAIE-active photosensitizer via berberine-tetraphenylethylene combination for photodynamic eradication of planktonic and biofilm Bacteria.},
journal = {Bioorganic chemistry},
volume = {178},
number = {},
pages = {109940},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2026.109940},
pmid = {42105523},
issn = {1090-2120},
abstract = {Although synthetic aggregation-induced emission photosensitizers (AIE-PSs) are widely used in biological applications, their structural complexity and non-renewability limit further development. Natural products offer structural diversity and renewability, yet their properties are difficult to tailor due to inherent structural constraints. Therefore, integrating the complementary advantages of synthetic and natural products represents a rational strategy. Based on a dual AIE combination strategy, we developed a novel membrane-targeting BioAIE-PS, TPE-BBR, by conjugating the AIE-active natural product berberine (BBR) with the classic AIE scaffold tetraphenylethylene (TPE). The unique molecular structure not only enables efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation but also drives selective binding and targeting to bacterial membranes via a cation effect. The synergy between this membrane-targeting mechanism and photodynamic action allows TPE-BBR to effectively eliminate both planktonic bacteria and biofilms, with a low risk of inducing drug resistance. Notably, the ROS generation efficiency and antibacterial performance of TPE-BBR are significantly superior to those of its two individual AIE components. Moreover, in a mouse model of infected wounds, TPE-BBR treatment markedly reduced bacterial load and accelerated wound healing. This study validates and extends the practical application of the dual AIE combination strategy for developing BioAIE-PSs, demonstrating the potential of membrane-targeting BioAIE-PSs in anti-infective therapy.},
}

@article {pmid42096541,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Lu, S and Ahmadipouya, S and Temple, L and McCutcheon, J and Li, B},
title = {An Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction-Backed Nourished Biofilm System for In-Situ Precision Control of Carbon Supply in Wastewater.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c18526},
pmid = {42096541},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Biofilm-based wastewater treatment is constrained by limited internal mass transfer, restricting O2 and substrate penetration, promoting CO2 accumulation, inducing nutrient-starving inner-layer metabolic inactivity, and compromising biofilm integrity. Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) partially enable CO2 conversion but remain incompatible with real wastewater and fail to reactivate inner-layer biofilms. Here, we present a CO2-Reduction-Backed Nourished Biofilm (CBNB) system with a polyamide membrane-electrode-biofilm sandwich architecture that couples selective membrane-guided gas transport with Sn-catalyzed in situ CO2 reduction. The system enriches CO2 at the electrode interface to ∼2.3× bulk wastewater, enhances CO2 selectivity over O2, and delivers controlled carbon supplementation that restores inner-layer metabolic activity without inducing outer-layer overgrowth. A mechanistic insight is derived from the carbon mass distribution and biofilm kinetics models. Simulations show that ∼40% of electrochemically generated HCOOH is retained within inner layers, achieving 99.5% theoretical carbon recovery and increasing the inner-layer metabolic activity by over 100%. Techno-economic analysis indicates a 2.4-fold increase in COD removal per kWh relative to conventional biofilms and MES. By integrating in situ CO2 utilization within biofilm interiors, this system overcomes mass-transfer limitations, sustains high metabolic activity, preserves structural stability, avoids unnecessary biomass accumulation, and provides a scalable framework for energy-efficient, carbon-recovering wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42097057,
year = {2026},
author = {Braga, ML and de Carvalho, L and Nogueira, MH and Dos Santos, ARP and Furlaneto, MC and Maia, LF},
title = {Ultrasound-assisted nanoemulsions from Foeniculum vulgare: antimicrobial activity, anti-biofilm, and anti-virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {International journal of food microbiology},
volume = {457},
number = {},
pages = {111829},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2026.111829},
pmid = {42097057},
issn = {1879-3460},
abstract = {This study investigated ultrasound-assisted nanoemulsions of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil (FEO-NEs) and their antimicrobial and anti-virulence activity against two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, with validation in a food model. Ultrasonication reduced droplet size from 1332.43 nm to 231.37 and 219.48 nm after 5 and 10 min, respectively, generating homogeneous nanoemulsions with low polydispersity (PDI 0.29) and zeta potential values from -25.51 to -33.58 mV. Nanoemulsification enhanced antibacterial efficacy, reducing the MIC of free oil (50 mg/mL) to strain-dependent values of 1.56 and 12.5 mg/mL. Time-kill assays showed concentration-dependent reductions of up to 4 log CFU/mL within 8 h at 2× MIC, consistent with membrane damage and leakage of intracellular constituents. FEO-NEs significantly reduced swimming motility, decreased preformed biofilm biomass by up to 99.83%, and lowered pyocyanin production from 9.59 to 10.41 to 5.72-6.85 μg/mL, indicating attenuation of virulence-associated phenotypes. Antimicrobial activity was maintained up to 100 °C during thermal treatment. In carrots stored at 4 °C, FEO-NEs reduced P. aeruginosa populations from approximately 5.5-6.8 to 1.0-1.7 log CFU over 15 days. These findings demonstrate that nanoemulsification improved both antimicrobial efficacy and virulence attenuation of fennel essential oil, supporting its potential for controlling Pseudomonas in minimally processed foods.},
}

@article {pmid42098987,
year = {2026},
author = {Quan, K and Lu, Y and Liu, P and Xu, J and Zhang, Z and Ghiladi, RA},
title = {NIR-Responsive Micropumps Enhance Antibiotic Treatment via Biofilm Destruction.},
journal = {Small methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e02339},
doi = {10.1002/smtd.202502339},
pmid = {42098987},
issn = {2366-9608},
support = {52201293//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20KJA150008//Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China/ ; },
abstract = {A novel strategy for eradicating biofilms by enhancing antibiotic penetration is presented through the development of a photo-responsive, micropump-engineered surface. This surface features black titanium oxide (B-TiO2) colloidal particles immobilized on a titanium substrate, a material commonly used in biomedical implants. When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light, the engineered surface induces localized thermal convection flows within the biofilm and simultaneously generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). These physical and chemical effects act synergistically to disrupt the biofilm architecture. Remarkably, only 20 min of NIR irradiation leads to a significant reduction in the biomass of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on the micropump surface. This effect is mediated by two complementary mechanisms: thermal convection-driven water flow and ROS-induced degradation of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which forms the structural scaffold of the biofilm. As a result, the antibacterial activity of gentamicin is enhanced by approximately five-fold in vitro and ten-fold in vivo in a rat subcutaneous infection model. Furthermore, the B-TiO2 micropump exhibits excellent biocompatibility, showing no adverse effects in either in vitro or in vivo assessments. This innovative photo-responsive approach provides a promising solution for addressing biofilm-related infections on medical device surfaces by effectively disrupting biofilms and markedly improving antibiotic efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid42100887,
year = {2026},
author = {Nag, P and Kim, H and Yoon, I and Adu, E and Ong, R and Park, R and Lee, A and Jalali, M and Almutairi, FT and Blatz, MB and Yun, K and Choi, SH and Kim, A and Hwang, G},
title = {Hydroxyapatite-Based 3D Tooth Models for Investigating Spatially Resolved Analysis of Biofilm Formation Dynamics.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.5c02424},
pmid = {42100887},
issn = {2576-6422},
abstract = {Experimental oral biofilms have traditionally been cultured on various substrates. Among them, hydroxyapatite (HA), in the form of discs or beads, has been widely used due to its chemical relevance to natural dental tissues. However, these conventional HA substrates fail to replicate the intricate topography of natural teeth, features that significantly influence microbial adhesion and biofilm development. To address this limitation, we developed morphologically accurate HA-based tooth models, including both intact and restored variants. Premolar and molar tooth models were fabricated from patient-derived computed tomography scans using HA powder via cold isostatic pressing and sintering. Restorations (inlays and onlays) were incorporated using permanent dental resin, which was mounted with clinical-grade dental cement. The resulting tooth models were free of visible cracks or macroscopic defects and demonstrated mechanical stability comparable to that of natural human teeth. Results from biofilm experiments using Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans revealed significantly higher biofilm accumulation on the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular tooth models. In contrast, maxillary tooth models exhibited greater colonization on lateral surfaces. Restored tooth models showed increased biofilm formation on and around inlay and onlay materials. These morphologically accurate tooth models enable spatially resolved analysis of oral biofilms. This approach may enhance our understanding of microbial colonization and biofilm formation mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid42101705,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, Q and Xie, X and Tang, H and Wang, Y and Wu, Y and Zhang, R and Gao, Q and Guo, Z and Ye, S and Zhou, H and Zhou, W},
title = {Inhibitory effects of esculetin as a quorum sensing inhibitor on biofilm formation and virulence factors in Vibrio anguillarum.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42101705},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {S202510158020//2025 China Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program/ ; 2506-360000-04-04-511042//Special Fund for DigitalEconomy on Budgetary Infrastructure Investment of Jiangxi Province/ ; 2025-MSLH-134//Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Joint Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Vibrio/drug effects/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology ; *Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Umbelliferones/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Virulence/drug effects ; Vibrio Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Vibrio anguillarum (V. anguillarum) causes vibriosis in aquaculture, with pathogenicity regulated by quorum sensing (QS). Inhibiting QS is a promising anti-virulence strategy. Plant-derived compounds are attractive due to their safety and low resistance potential. Here, we screened 33 natural compounds and found that esculetin, a coumarin, inhibited V. anguillarum with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40 mg/L. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, esculetin effectively reduced biofilm formation and its key component extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by 45.84% and 27.23%, respectively. Additionally, esculetin reduced bacterial swarming and swimming motility diameters by 6.67% and 25.76%, respectively, while partially suppressing extracellular protease and hemolytic activities. RT-qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) analyses revealed that esculetin downregulated genes associated with the QS system (vanR, rpoN, vanT, and vanO) and virulence phenotypes (ompU, flaB, and hlyU). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated that esculetin interacts with VanR and VanT proteins, with a stronger binding stability observed for VanT. In conclusion, esculetin acts as an effective QS inhibitor and shows potential as a novel candidate drug for controlling V. anguillarum infections, offering a new approach for the prevention and treatment of aquatic vibriosis.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Vibrio/drug effects/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology
*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Umbelliferones/pharmacology/chemistry
*Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
Molecular Docking Simulation
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Virulence/drug effects
Vibrio Infections/microbiology/veterinary

@article {pmid42101876,
year = {2026},
author = {Kulshrestha, A and Gupta, P and Sahu, S and Komre, P and Gupta, SK and Tiwari, A},
title = {Homovanillic acid inhibits Candida albicans-Staphylococcus aureus polymicrobial biofilm: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag111},
pmid = {42101876},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus polymicrobial biofilms cause chronic wound infections and tolerate standard antimicrobials poorly. Their endurance is driven by fungal hyphal morphogenesis, interkingdom co-aggregation, and virulence proteins, including SAP5, which create a strong polymicrobial biofilm. Homovanillic acid, a plant-derived phenolic molecule, was tested for its antibiofilm effects on hyphal growth, bacterial-fungal interactions, and SAP5-associated pathogenicity.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Integrated in vitro, real-time dynamic, and in vivo methods were used to assess antibiofilm activity. Microtiter plate experiments evaluated the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), whereas a real-time Biofilm Infection Simulator System examined biofilm formation under flow circumstances. SAP5 proteinase activity was measured spectrophotometrically, and microbiological and histological investigations confirmed in vivo efficacy in a catheter-associated rat wound model. HVA significantly inhibited polymicrobial biofilm initiation at sub-inhibitory concentrations, with an MBIC of 128 µg mL-1 corresponding to an 82.18% reduction in biofilm formation. Real-time analysis confirmed substantial suppression of biofilm development. Inhibition of C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis impaired S. aureus adhesion and destabilized biofilm architecture, while SAP5 activity was reduced by 53.37%. In vivo treatment promoted effective wound healing, marked by reduced inflammation, near-complete epithelial regeneration, and organized collagen deposition by day 14.

CONCLUSIONS: HVA demonstrates potent multitarget antibiofilm activity and represents a promising plant-derived therapeutic candidate for managing polymicrobial biofilm-associated wound infections.},
}

@article {pmid42102436,
year = {2026},
author = {Kozak, ER and Ramírez-Arreola, DE and González-Evaristo, AM and Ambriz-Arreola, I},
title = {Species-specific microplastic ingestion responses to biofilm in Eastern Tropical Pacific zooplankton.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {230},
number = {},
pages = {119843},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119843},
pmid = {42102436},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Microplastics are pervasive in pelagic environments and overlap in size with zooplankton prey, resulting in widespread ingestion. Responses may vary among species due to feeding traits. We tested ingestion responses to surface conditioning (clean vs biofilm-covered) of fluorescent polyethylene microspheres (38-45 μm; 10 Ms mL[-1]) under natural food conditions during short-term exposure (2 h) in three tropical zooplankton: Subeucalanus crassus, Centropages furcatus, and Euphausia distinguenda. We hypothesized species-specific responses, with copepods favoring biofilm-covered particles and the euphausiid showing no preference. In S. crassus, ingestion occurred in 50% of individuals with biofilm and 0% with clean particles (p = 0.063). In C. furcatus, ingestion occurred in 67% with clean and 0% with biofilm (p = 0.019). In E. distinguenda, ingestion was similar across treatments (p = 0.588). These results suggest species-specific differences in early-stage ingestion responses to particle surface condition, including responses that deviate from expected trait-based predictions.},
}

@article {pmid42102997,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Yu, T and Li, Z and Peng, J and Zhang, Y and Wang, Q and Xie, S},
title = {From high- to low-risk resistomes: Dynamic shifts in antibiotic resistance during biofilm development in a full-scale biological activated carbon fluidized bed.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {128291},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128291},
pmid = {42102997},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in drinking water bioreactor biofilms pose significant public health risks, yet existing studies focus on mature biological activated carbon (BAC) biofilms, overlooking the early colonization stage critical for ARG origin and dissemination. This gap hinders understanding of ARG dynamics and resistance mechanisms during drinking water BAC biofilm development. Using metagenomics, we first systematically investigated ARG risk dynamics in a full-scale biological activated carbon fluidized bed (BACFB)-a state-of-the-art drinking water technology-across operational days 7-187. Microbial communities and ARG profiles clustered distinctively into early (days 7-37) and late (days 82-187) stages. Upon biofilm stabilization, total ARG abundance significantly decreased (P< 0.05), with high-mobility/high-risk ARGs (sulfonamide-, florfenicol-, aminoglycoside-type) replaced by low-mobility types (rifamycin-, fosfomycin-type). These shifts were correlated with reduced abundance of Pseudomonadota (P < 0.05), increasing trends in the abundance of Bacillota and Actinomycetota (P < 0.1), and decreased abundance of mobile genetic elements, particularly plasmids (P < 0.01). Pathogenic ARGs shifted from aminoglycoside/tetracycline to rifamycin, with Bacillus thuringiensis/Streptococcus pneumoniae (rphB-carrying) as key late-stage risks. Rank I/II and emerging ARGs (mcr, tet(X)) also declined. Our findings uncover the dynamics of ARG risks during BAC biofilm development and highlight the underlying ecological drivers, providing a robust scientific basis for targeted risk mitigation in drinking water treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid42090848,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, X and Li, R and Bian, K and Zhou, Q and Pan, Y and Shi, P and Li, A},
title = {From suppression to selection: Chlorination drives biofilm adaptation and resistance in raw water distribution systems.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {126037},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126037},
pmid = {42090848},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Pre-chlorination is widely applied to mitigate microbial risks in raw water distribution systems (RWDS). However, the impacts of chlorination on biofilm development and associated microbial risks under long-term and low-dose chlorine exposure remain poorly understood. In this study, a biofilm annular reactor with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stainless steel (SS) coupons was used to simulate RWDS, and to evaluate biofilm behavior and microbial risks in response to chlorination. We found that long-term chlorination increased extracellular polymeric substances production and led to a three-phase biofilm development. This included an early buffering phase mainly caused by cell inactivation, a middle reaction phase marked by EPS increase, and a late shedding phase linked to biofilm instability and release. Chlorination also changed the biofilm microbial community, and dominant genera shifted from common freshwater-associated taxa like Sphingomonas to more chlorine-tolerant taxa like Pseudomonas on both materials. 71 and 64 antibiotic resistance genes were detected on PVC and SS coupons, respectively. Most of them were increased on both materials after chlorination, but higher potential resistance shown on SS. In addition, 18 ARGs showed significant positive correlations with one another, and 5 pathogens showed significant associations with specific ARGs. This suggests chlorination can favor the persistence of certain ARGs, which may pose potential risks by contributing to the persistence of resistant microorganisms and genes in downstream systems. These results demonstrate that pre-chlorination can increase microbial and genetic risks in RWDS, underscoring the need to evaluate chlorination strategies and pipe materials for securing drinking water safety.},
}

@article {pmid42091989,
year = {2026},
author = {Alasmri, A and Ali, NMM and Ahmad, A and Nadeem, MF},
title = {A general model for determination of molecular structures of anti-biofilm compounds through metric-based resolvability.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-51717-2},
pmid = {42091989},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {JU-20250276-DGSSR- ORA-2025//Jazan University/ ; },
abstract = {Based on distance measures descriptors can indeed provide useful information about structural aspects of a molecule by providing a unique identification of atoms for a particular molecular graph. A set of vertices that allows the atoms of a graph to be uniquely identified based on their distances to the set is called a resolving set, whereas the smallest such set is called the metric dimension of the graph. In this research work, we discuss the metric dimension of the molecular graph of some of the most influential anti-biofilm agents such as chlorhexidine, colistin, berberine, usnic acid, ellagic acid, curcumin, and epigallocatechin gallate. The obtained results show that metric dimension distinguishes these compounds according to their topological complexity, degree of branching, and structural repetition, and therefore provides a useful distance-based descriptor for molecular characterization and graph-based identification of anti-biofilm agents.},
}

@article {pmid42092766,
year = {2026},
author = {Yin, W and Lu, J and Pan, Z and Jiao, X and Gu, D},
title = {The TPR family protein VPA1365 regulates biofilm matrix to promote biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05045-0},
pmid = {42092766},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {KYCX24_3831//the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province/ ; 32070127//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a notorious foodborne opportunistic pathogen capable of sensing external environmental signals to regulate its survival and virulence. In recent years, this pathogen has been increasingly detected in freshwater foods, indicating a distribution shift from its original marine reservoirs. Biofilm formation plays a crucial role in its adaptation ability from high-salt to low-salt environments. Here, we showed that VPA1365, a TPR family regulator, significantly promotes biofilm formation in V. parahaemolyticus. The Δvpa1365 mutant exhibited impaired biofilm formation under either low-salt (0.1 M NaCl) or high-salt (0.5 M NaCl) condition compared to that of the wild-type (WT) strain. The deletion of vpa1365 did not alter the flagella-mediated motility, however, it significantly reduced the metabolic activity of biofilm cells and production of key biofilm matrix components (exopolysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and extracellular proteins). Besides, the Δvpa1365 mutant exhibited lower expression levels of biofilm-related genes than that of the WT strain. All observed phenotypes were largely restored to WT levels in the complemented strain Δvpa1365-vpa1365. Therefore, our findings identify VPA1365 as a key regulator that enhances bacterial fitness via the positive regulation of biofilm formation. These insights deeply advance our comprehension of its environmental survival mechanisms and lay the groundwork for interventions to inhibit biofilm formation in V. parahaemolyticus.},
}

@article {pmid42093137,
year = {2026},
author = {Pamukçu, A and Karakaplan, MB and Erdoğan, N and Altıntop, EH and Karaman, DS},
title = {Enhanced Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptide via Dual-Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles Achieves Efficient Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Eradication.},
journal = {Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials},
volume = {114},
number = {5},
pages = {e70086},
doi = {10.1002/jbm.b.70086},
pmid = {42093137},
issn = {1552-4981},
support = {319S024//Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu/ ; 2211-A BIDEB//Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu/ ; TÜBA-GEBİP 2023//Türkiye Bilimler Akademisi/ ; //Council of Higher Education for 100/2000 Doctoral Scholarship/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Silicon Dioxide/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Staphylococcus aureus/physiology ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry ; Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) present potential alternatives; nevertheless, their effectiveness is frequently impeded by inadequate biofilm penetration and breakdown inside the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. This study involved the design and assessment of surface-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to improve the penetration and biofilm eradication efficacy of the synthetic antimicrobial and anti-biofilm peptide-276 (SAAP-276) against established Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms. Fluorescently labeled MSN were altered with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene imine (PPI) to examine their penetration profiles. Confocal Raman spectroscopy investigations demonstrated that PPI-modified MSNs displayed enhanced biofilm penetration relative to PEG-modified variants, despite possessing reduced entrapment effectiveness as for PEG-PPI dual polymer conjugation. The conjugation of SAAP-276 significantly improved biofilm eradication, with TMSN-PPI-PEG-SAAP exhibiting the most efficiency due to its optimum antimicrobial peptide loading and uniform distribution throughout the biofilm matrix. Time-dependent research demonstrated that extended exposure markedly diminished biofilm viability. Our findings underscore the pivotal importance of nanoparticle surface chemistry in biofilm interactions and indicate that MSN-based AMP delivery systems can enhance biofilm eradication by enabling even and deeper penetration. These findings offer significant insights for the advancement of nanoparticle-assisted antimicrobial peptide treatments targeting persistent biofilm infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Silicon Dioxide/chemistry/pharmacology
*Staphylococcus aureus/physiology
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
*Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry
Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry

@article {pmid42093172,
year = {2026},
author = {Zengin, GE and Dadkhah, R and Soylu, D and Pala-Ozkok, I and Güven, D and Ozyildiz, G and Uçan, B and Insel, G and Cokgor, E},
title = {Response of microbial interactions in hybrid biofilm system with low organic loading to micropollutant removal.},
journal = {Environmental technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/09593330.2026.2664002},
pmid = {42093172},
issn = {1479-487X},
abstract = {Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are the most frequently observed micropollutants in the effluents of conventional wastewater treatment plants and hybrid technologies could be an alternative to conventional systems. However, the effect on micropollutants' removal has not been well studied. In this study, the impact of hybrid systems on micropollutant removal, as well as the determination of the dominant microbial communities, were investigated. For this purpose, laboratory-scale control hybrid and micropollutant-amended (1 μg/L of diclofenac, ketoprofen, indomethacin, and mefenamic acid, 10 μg/L of ibuprofen, and naproxen) hybrid reactors were operated at organic loading rate of 0.3 kg COD/m[3].day and ammonium concentration of 60 mg/L N with a sludge retention time of 10 days and hydraulic retention time of 24 hrs. Effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD) was below 30 mg/L in the control and micropollutant hybrid reactors. Significant removal efficiencies for ibuprofen (99.7%), indomethacin (99.0%), naproxen (97.6%), mefenamic acid (97%), and ketoprofen (91.4) were achieved. Results revealed that NSAIDs did not have a chronic inhibitory effect on the biodegradation of organic matter and nitrification process. Higher biodiversity observed in attached biomass of micropollutant hybrid reactor might contribute to enhance system stability and performance. Dominant genera detected in hybrid micropollutant reactor were Chitinophagaceae (10.1%), Ferruginibacter (7.8%), and Comamonas (6.8%) for suspended biomass, and Fimbriimonadaceae (8.7%), Parafilimonas (6.5%), and Rickettsia (5.6%) for attached biomass, which might contribute to the removal of NSAIDs. Moreover, the genera Chitinophagaceae and Comamonas which are reported as heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, might contribute to nitrification in hybrid biofilm reactors.},
}

@article {pmid42093312,
year = {2026},
author = {Nurmohamed, FRHA and Allen, KJH and Malo, ME and Frank, C and Nesbitt, C and van Duyvenbode, JFFH and Buijs, M and van der Wildt, B and Poot, AJ and Lam, MGEH and van Strijp, JAG and van der Merwe, JM and Charles Vogely, H and Weinans, H and van der Wal, BCH and Dadachova, E},
title = {The Effects of Radioimmunotherapy and Antibiotics on Biofilm-Associated Implant Infections in a Preclinical Rat Model.},
journal = {Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society},
volume = {44},
number = {5},
pages = {e70216},
doi = {10.1002/jor.70216},
pmid = {42093312},
issn = {1554-527X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Prosthesis-Related Infections/drug therapy/therapy/microbiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Vancomycin/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Radioimmunotherapy/methods ; Rats ; *Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Rats, Wistar ; Male ; Disease Models, Animal ; },
abstract = {Indwelling medical implants are susceptible to developing biofilm-associated infections that are notoriously difficult to eradicate. These persistent infections often cannot be resolved with antibiotics alone and typically require surgical intervention for effective management. An alternative approach is radioimmunotherapy (RIT) which uses specific antibodies linked to radioisotopes to selectively destroy bacteria. This antimicrobial approach bypasses traditional antibiotic mechanisms, and RIT is hypothesized to enhance outcomes beyond antibiotic therapy alone. RIT bactericidal effects were studied in Wistar Han rats fitted with femoral rod implants covered by matured 3-day biofilms. The rats (six per group) were treated with either: RIT with [177]Lu-labeled 4497 antibody to S. aureus teichoic wall acid (WTA) (116.6 MBq/kg), or vancomycin (88 mg/kg), or combination of RIT (116.8 MBq/kg) and vancomycin, or left untreated. To evaluate efficacy, bacterial counts were taken from the joint capsule, bone, and implant after 7 days. Uptake and biodistribution were assessed via non-invasive in vivo SPECT/CT imaging and ex vivo gamma counting. Single administration of RIT achieved a 2.7-log (99.78%) reduction of bacterial burden in the infected joint capsule, had no effect on the infected femur, and resulted in 72.5% reduction of bacterial burden on the infected implant when compared to untreated controls. RIT reduced bacterial burden and inflammation in experimental PJI with no side effects. These findings underscore the potential of RIT in the treatment of infected indwelling devices and warrant further study.},
}

Animals
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Prosthesis-Related Infections/drug therapy/therapy/microbiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Vancomycin/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Radioimmunotherapy/methods
Rats
*Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy
Staphylococcus aureus
Rats, Wistar
Male
Disease Models, Animal

@article {pmid42093747,
year = {2026},
author = {Dihmane, A and Aniba, R and Raqraq, H and Ressmi, A and Nayme, K and Timinouni, M and Barguigua, A},
title = {Surface Contamination by Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in a Healthcare Facility: Resistance Determinants and Biofilm-Associated Adhesion.},
journal = {International journal of microbiology},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {5734443},
pmid = {42093747},
issn = {1687-918X},
abstract = {Hospital surfaces represent a major reservoir of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB), which contributes to healthcare-associated infections. This study characterized the occurrence, resistance determinants, and biofilm-forming behavior of MDR-GNB isolated from hospital surfaces in a Moroccan regional hospital. Samples were collected from multiple departments and subjected to phenotypic and molecular analysis to characterize antimicrobial resistance, resistance genes, and adhesion properties. Among the 154 sampled surfaces, 62% were contaminated with Gram-negative bacilli, predominantly Acinetobacter baumannii (39%), Escherichia coli (21%), and Enterobacter cloacae (11%). Based on molecular analyses, the key resistance genes were bla NDM-1, bla OXA-48, bla VIM-1, and qacΔE1, and 73% of the isolates were multidrug resistant (a multiple antibiotic resistance index ≥ 0.6). The majority of the isolates (72.7%) were weak biofilm producers. The isolates adhered more strongly to hydrophobic materials (polyvinyl chloride and latex) than to hydrophilic glass (p < 0.001). Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering linked antimicrobial resistance, biocide tolerance, and surface colonization. The co-occurrence of antibiotic- and disinfectant-resistance genes in MDR-GNB underlies their ability to persist in clinical environments. These findings support risk-based surface hygiene strategies that incorporate molecular surveillance, the selection of proper materials, and targeted disinfection protocols.},
}

@article {pmid42094685,
year = {2026},
author = {Kårhus, ML and Nielsen, DS and Knop, FK and Ellegaard, AM},
title = {Letter to the Editor Regarding "Ruminococcus gnavus and Biofilm Markers in Feces From Primary Bile Acid Diarrhea Patients Indicate New Disease Mechanisms and Potential for Diagnostic Testing".},
journal = {Gastro hep advances},
volume = {5},
number = {6},
pages = {100944},
pmid = {42094685},
issn = {2772-5723},
}

@article {pmid42095471,
year = {2026},
author = {Balkrishna, A and Bhatti, S and Ngpoore, NK and Jangid, H and Varshney, Y and Singh, R and Nain, P and Dev, R and Lochab, S and Varshney, A},
title = {Disruption in Quorum-Sensing Circuits and Biofilm Matrix in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Super-Critical CO2 Extracted Oleoresins From Rauvolfia serpentina Seeds Rescue Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Infection.},
journal = {FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology},
volume = {40},
number = {9},
pages = {e71885},
doi = {10.1096/fj.202600762R},
pmid = {42095471},
issn = {1530-6860},
mesh = {Animals ; *Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology/drug effects ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Seeds/chemistry ; *Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Disease Models, Animal ; },
abstract = {Rauvolfia serpentina roots are a therapeutic mainstay in traditional medicines and across time have been seamlessly integrated into the modern medical framework. Its seeds, however, are largely untapped. This study uniquely promotes bioresource valorization and sustainability by unveiling the therapeutic potential of R. serpentina seeds. With quorum sensing-driven remarkable survival strategies, drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a WHO-listed critical priority pathogen. Quorum sensing inhibitors have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional bactericidal antibiotics. Fatty acids (FAs) are also known to interfere with quorum sensing-mediated bacterial pathogenicity rather than exerting selective pressure. In the similar context, here we show the anti-pseudomonal and anti-quorum sensing potential of supercritical-fluid-(CO2)-extract/oleoresins of R. serpentina seeds (RsSO). GC-MS/MS analysis identified long-chain FAs in RsSO. In Caenorhabditis elegans-P. aeruginosa infection model, RsSO demonstrated notable anti-infective property by rescuing host's survival, life span, progeny, behavior patterns and decreasing infection load. RsSO reduced growth and viability of P. aeruginosa and significantly attenuated key virulence factors, including alginate, pyocyanin, siderophores, rhamnolipids and proteases. RsSO interfered in quorum sensing and biofilm formation by downregulating the expression of lasA, rhlR, pelA and algD genes. Quorum sensing inhibition was further validated using the bioindicator microbial strain, Chromobacterium violaceum. Overall, the study highlights the therapeutic potentials of R. serpentina seeds, that are traditionally reserved for germplasm maintenance, for targeting pseudomonal virulence and pathogenesis.},
}

Animals
*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology/drug effects
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Seeds/chemistry
*Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Disease Models, Animal

@article {pmid42096155,
year = {2026},
author = {Altaf Figueiredo, C and Dupuy, B},
title = {In Vitro Measurement of Clostridioides difficile Biofilm Formation Induced by Gut and Microbiota-Derived Signals.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3046},
number = {},
pages = {147-157},
pmid = {42096155},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Clostridioides difficile/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Studying biofilm formation in liquid cultures is a rapid and straightforward method for identifying relevant experimental and bacterial factors before conducting tests in more complex gut models. Recent studies showed that several recurrent pathogenic bacteria form biofilms in response to host and microbiota-derived signals. Clostridioides difficile biofilms present as heterogeneous structures are highly dependent on strain, environmental signals, and surrounding microbes. Here, we describe protocols for studying induced C. difficile biofilm formation in the function of gut-derived factors.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Clostridioides difficile/physiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Humans

@article {pmid42083356,
year = {2026},
author = {Zolfaghari, A and Moghaddam, MJM and Norastehnia, A},
title = {Suppression of Quorum-sensing-regulated Virulence and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the Extract of Cichorium intybus Root.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0113892010442625260130062234},
pmid = {42083356},
issn = {1873-4316},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa underscores the urgent need for new antimicrobial approaches. This pathogen forms biofilms and produces quorum-sensing (QS)-regulated factors that aid its survival and resistance. This study investigates the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and QS gene expression effects of Cichorium intybus root extracts on clinical P. aeruginosa isolates.

METHODS: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. intybus were prepared and analyzed for phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and anthocyanin content. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using well diffusion, MIC, and MBIC assays. Biofilm formation was quantified using crystal violet staining, and QS gene expression (lasR, lasI, lasB) was analyzed by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS: The aqueous extract had higher phenolic content, whereas the ethanolic extract contained more flavonoids and flavonols (p<0.05). Only strain PA3 was sensitive to the extracts. The ethanolic extract produced larger inhibition zones (15 mm vs. 13 mm, p<0.05), had a MIC of 0.048 g/ml, and significantly inhibited biofilm formation at 0.024 g/ml (p<0.05). qRT-PCR results indicated decreases in lasI, lasR, and lasB gene expression by 23%, 39.9%, and 35.7%, respectively.

DISCUSSION: These results suggest that C. intybus root extracts, particularly ethanolic extracts, can suppress P. aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation while modulating QS-regulated virulence factors. This suggests a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.

CONCLUSION: The ethanolic extract of C. intybus root exhibits notable antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence activity, highlighting its promise as a treatment option.},
}

@article {pmid42084362,
year = {2026},
author = {De La Motte, LR and Muradore, I and Giarritiello, F and Stefàno, E and Deflorio, L and Drago, L},
title = {Reducing culture underestimation in urine: flow cytometry-guided validation of low-dose DTT pre-treatment for biofilm dispersal.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0391025},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03910-25},
pmid = {42084362},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {A substantial proportion of symptomatic patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) have negative or low-count urine cultures despite clinically compatible presentations. Biofilm-associated bacterial aggregation and the presence of viable bacteria not recovered by standard culture may contribute to this diagnostic gap. Flow cytometry (FACS) can detect these viable cells, but culturability remains essential for species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We evaluated whether low-concentration dithiothreitol (DTT) can safely disperse urinary biofilm-associated aggregates and improve bacterial recovery from urine samples. Seventy-two clinical urine samples were processed in parallel (untreated vs 0.1% DTT-treated). Viability was quantified using SYTO9/PI-based flow cytometry with bead-normalized bacterial counts. Culturability was assessed on chromogenic media. Comparative analyses included paired statistics, Bland-Altman agreement, and correlation between viable and culturable fractions. DTT (0.1%) did not alter bacterial viability (P = 0.47), confirming its non-toxicity at this concentration. In contrast, DTT significantly increased CFU recovery (median: 10 to 5.5 × 10[3] CFU/mL; P < 0.0001), converting several previously negative or low-count samples into positive cultures. Agreement between viable and culturable fractions improved after DTT treatment, primarily through reduced systematic bias in Bland-Altman analysis, while correlation coefficients remained similar (r: 0.44 vs 0.45). A persistent discrepancy between FACS-derived viable counts and culture-based counts suggests the presence of viable bacterial populations not fully recovered by standard culture conditions, findings that are consistent with but do not directly demonstrate the presence of VBNC subpopulations. Low-dose DTT is a safe and effective pre-analytical treatment that markedly improves culture sensitivity without compromising bacterial viability. These findings support further investigation of DTT-assisted processing as a potential strategy to reduce culture underestimation in urinary diagnostics and to better characterize viable bacterial populations not detected by standard culture methods.IMPORTANCEStandard urine culture may fail to detect the full spectrum of bacteria present in urinary tract infections, particularly when microorganisms are embedded within mucus, biofilm-like aggregates, or enter a viable but non-culturable state. These hidden bacterial populations may contribute to persistent symptoms or recurrent infections while remaining undetected by routine culture methods. Our findings suggest that pre-treating urine samples with a low concentration of dithiothreitol may help disperse biofilm-like aggregates while preserving bacterial viability. When combined with flow cytometry, this approach may allow a more comprehensive estimation of the viable bacterial fraction and, in some cases, may increase the likelihood of bacterial recovery by culture in samples that would otherwise appear negative. Because the procedure relies on inexpensive reagents and techniques compatible with routine laboratory workflows, it may represent a practical adjunct to conventional diagnostics. Further studies are needed to confirm its clinical impact.},
}

@article {pmid42088276,
year = {2026},
author = {Puca, V and Marinacci, B and Pagotto, S and Krzyżek, P and Di Cintio, F and Pellegrini, B and Pietrangelo, L and Ronci, M and Grande, R},
title = {Characterization of Helicobacter pylori Outer Membrane Vesicles over time, in biofilm and planktonic phenotypes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1765988},
pmid = {42088276},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori is known to be a major pathogen causing gastric diseases via its direct colonization of the gastric mucosa. H. pylori releases Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) throughout the growth process both in planktonic and biofilm phenotypes. The number, size and content of H. pylori OMVs over time, especially in H. pylori biofilm, remain unclear.

METHODS: In this study, we analyzed H. pylori biofilm at 2, 6, and 10 days as well as we extracted and characterized H. pylori pOMVs and bOMVs over time by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic light scattering and proteomic technology.

RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43629 formed a multi-structured biofilm with large clusters characterized by mostly live cells and some fractures corresponding to water channels. Analysis of H. pylori OMVs reveals that the bacterial growth time and phenotype affect their number, size, and composition. Proteomic analysis revealed that in the early growth phase pOMVs are enriched with multiple virulence factors associated with host cell destruction whereas during later growth phases vesicles contain factors involved in the metabolic processing. The proteome of bOMVs was much more homogeneous and stable over time: in late growth stages, bOMVs proteomic analysis identified proteins involved in iron accumulation, protection against oxidative stress, immunosuppression in the gastric environment, and virulence promoting inflammation and tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that H. pylori induces pathogenicity at least partially by secreting bOMVs that could promote tissue destruction related to tumorigenesis; therefore, the development of gastric cancer could be associated not only with the microorganism itself, but also with OMVs that it produces.},
}

@article {pmid42088526,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Deng, M and Wang, B and Liu, J and Zhang, W and Zhao, J},
title = {Analysis of Genetic Characteristics, Biofilm Formation Ability, and Mortality Risk Factors in Patients Infected with Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {583554},
pmid = {42088526},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of resistance genes, efflux pump genes, and biofilm-forming genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as the clinical characteristics of patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, in order to provide guidance for rational clinical prevention and control.

METHODS: This study included 244 patients with CRAB infections admitted to a tertiary hospital in Zhangjiakou, China, between June 2021 and December 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software to investigate potential risk factors for mortality associated with CRAB. Conventional PCR amplification was used to qualitatively detect resistance genes, efflux pump genes, and biofilm-related genes in isolated CRAB strains. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using the crystal violet staining method. The study analyzed the association between the aforementioned genetic and phenotypic characteristics, biofilm formation capacity, and antibiotic resistance.

RESULTS: A total of 244 CRAB isolates were collected in this study, primarily from sputum (55.33%), followed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (26.23%). The majority of isolates originated from the ICU (48.77%), followed by the Department of Respiratory Medicine (31.15%). PCR results showed that the predominant resistance genes in CRAB isolates from this hospital were blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23, at 89.3% and 87.3%, respectively. The detection rates for blaNDM, blaOXA-58, and blaOXA-24 were 1.6%, 1.2%, and 0.4%, respectively. The efflux pump genes adeB, adeR, adeS, and adeJ all showed high detection rates, while the adeG gene was not detected. The biofilm-related genes with generally high detection rates were bap (240/244, 98.4%), abaI (227/244, 93.0%), and ompA (223/244, 91.4%); the detection rates of the remaining genes ranged between 84.8% and 90.6%. Of the 244 CRAB strains tested in this study, the vast majority (97.95%) possessed biofilm-forming ability. The OD values of the strains were determined using the crystal violet method, with weak biofilm-forming strains (47.54%) and moderate biofilm-forming strains (44.26%) predominating; strong biofilm-forming strains accounted for 6.15%, while strains incapable of biofilm formation accounted for only 2.05%. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 99.58% of the 244 CRAB strains were resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam, and 99.15% were resistant to imipenem and meropenem. Resistance rates for amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefepime, ceftazidime, ceftiofur, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin, all exceeded 95%, while 3.08% were resistant to tigecycline. No resistance to polymyxin was observed. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 1.044, 95% CI: 1.009-1.079, P < 0.05) and white blood cell count (OR = 1.106, 95% CI: 1.029-1.188, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for mortality in CRAB infections.

CONCLUSION: In this study, CRAB strains were primarily isolated from the lungs (81.56%) and mainly originated from the ICU and respiratory department. CRAB strains exhibited extremely high resistance rates to most commonly used antimicrobial agents; specifically, resistance rates to 9 antimicrobial agents, including piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem, and meropenem, were all >90%. Only tigecycline showed a relatively low resistance rate (3.08%), and no resistance to polymyxin was detected. The CRAB strains in our hospital primarily harbor the blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 resistance genes and commonly carry efflux pump and biofilm formation genes, suggesting that their resistance may be closely associated with carbapenemases, efflux pump systems, and biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid42089365,
year = {2026},
author = {Paul, S and Wang, WY and Hsiao, YC and Jiang, ZK and Wu, CC and Wu, TH and Lin, SY and Verma, S and Chen, YC},
title = {Programmable Peptide Nanofibers Enable Effective MRSA Biofilm Eradication and Infection Control.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.6c00441},
pmid = {42089365},
issn = {2576-6422},
abstract = {With antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains rapidly increasing and the development of antibacterial drugs stagnating, alternative solutions are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising therapeutics due to their structural diversity and broad-spectrum activity against pathogens. This versatility is particularly attractive for combating drug-resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is notorious for causing persistent and biofilm-related infections. In this study, we engineered a series of tryptophan-arginine-rich antimicrobial peptides, i.e., DVFLGREEWWWWWWC (D6W), DVFLGREEWWWRWWWC (D6W1R), and DVFLGREEWWRWWRWWC (D6W2R), specifically targeting S. aureus. The DVFLG domain confers selective affinity toward S. aureus, while tryptophan- and arginine-rich segments promote bacterial membrane disruption. Structural analysis reveals that these peptides adopt a mixture of α-helix or β-sheet conformations and spontaneously self-assemble into fibrillar or oligomeric supramolecular structures. Among the three peptides tested, D6W2R exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, consistent with trends observed in the molecular dynamics simulations. Beyond eradicating planktonic bacteria, the resulting peptide nanofibers effectively inhibit biofilm formation and disrupt established biofilms. Notably, their antibacterial performance is preserved under ex vivo and in vivo conditions while exhibiting minimal toxicity toward mammalian cells. These results demonstrated that self-assembled peptides can encode potent, selective antibacterial activity against MRSA, especially against biofilm-related infections.},
}

@article {pmid42089837,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Han, RB and Ding, X and Xiao, L and Luo, YW and Huang, XH and Hu, YJ},
title = {NIR-Enhanced Catalytic High Entropy Alloy Nanozyme Hydrogel for Synergistic Biofilm Elimination and Wound Regeneration.},
journal = {Biomacromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.6c00417},
pmid = {42089837},
issn = {1526-4602},
abstract = {Drug-resistant bacterial biofilm infections severely impede wound healing. Here, we report a nanozyme-integrated hydrogel (HEA@OAH) that combines high-entropy alloy nanozymes with an injectable self-healing hydrogel cross-linked by dynamic Schiff base bonds for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm-infected wounds. Under NIR irradiation, HEA@OAH exerts photothermal therapy to disrupt biofilms and photothermally enhances dual enzyme-mimicking activities: peroxidase-like activity generates bactericidal ·OH from H2O2, while glutathione peroxidase-like activity scavenges excess H2O2, to protect tissue. Theoretical calculations reveal the synergistic effects of multimetallic sites. In vitro, the reduction rate of the MRSA biofilm reached 84.5%. In vivo, it effectively eliminates biofilms, alleviates inflammation, and promotes near-scarless wound healing. This study provides a synergistic therapeutic strategy for next-generation intelligent wound dressings.},
}

@article {pmid42081074,
year = {2026},
author = {Srivastava, D and Gupta, K and Kumar, P and Kaushal, S and Srivastava, S and Pant, Y and Chanotiya, CS and Rout, PK and Pal, A},
title = {Pharmacological and mechanistic assessment of Trachyspermum ammi hydrosol: antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42081074},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly among biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens, has necessitated the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Trachyspermum ammi hydrosol has exhibited a range of bioactive properties. However, its potential as a dual-action antimicrobial agent targeting both planktonic and biofilm-associated microorganisms remains underexplored. This study aimed to explore the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of T. ammi hydrosol (TaHy) against two major Gram-positive pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), and elucidate its mechanism of action based on cell. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate in vivo acute toxicity and biosafety. Antimicrobial activities were assessed using DDA, MIC, and time-kill assays. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated using a crystal violet method, and biofilm morphology was examined by microscopy. TaHy demonstrated efficient inhibition in hydrophobicity and EPS production, along with alterations in membrane integrity, including bacteriolysis and protein and nucleic acid release. Our results showed that the MIC of TaHy was 0.625 mg/mL against both pathogens and that it significantly inhibited and eradicated biofilm formation at sub-MIC values, as confirmed by SEM and fluorescence microscopy. TaHy effectively inhibited hydrophobicity and EPS production, reducing the virulence factors of pathogens to 1/8 MIC. Consequently, in vivo acute oral toxicity tests revealed no adverse effects at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight of hydrosol concentrate. These findings revealed that TaHy has robust antimicrobial and antibiofilm capability against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes.},
}

@article {pmid42082030,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, D and Zhao, Z and Li, H},
title = {Achieving nitrogen removal in the integrated upper fixed-biofilm activated sludge reactor without recirculation: Differential protein and metagenomic analysis.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {454},
number = {},
pages = {134774},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134774},
pmid = {42082030},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge (IFAS) system emerges as an advanced nitrogen removal technology, particularly effective for treating high-nitrogen wastewater due to its sophisticated configuration. This research introduces an enhanced Integrated Upper Fixed-film Activated Sludge (IUFAS) reactor featuring a two-stage series design. By strategically positioning carrier media in the upper compartment and implementing controlled influent distribution with aeration in the lower section, the system achieves functional compartmentalization within a single reactor without liquid and sludge recirculation. Experimental results under influent conditions of chemical oxygen demand/total nitrogen (C/N) ratio (4 ∼ 5) and hydraulic retention time (10 h) confirmed effective nitrogen removal, evidenced by effluent total nitrogen consistently below 7 mg N/L and removal efficiency exceeding 87%. Notably, the optimized IUFAS configuration achieved functional zoning by establishing a pronounced dissolved oxygen gradient between the upper (0.1 ∼ 0.7 mg/L) and bottom compartments (0.3 ∼ 3.6 mg/L). This oxygen stratification facilitated distinct nitrogen removal pathways, including stable anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) as evidenced by successful Candidatus Brocadia enrichment in the secondary reactor's upper zone. Microbial analysis further indicated potential modulation of electron flow by sulfate-reducing bacteria and sulfur-driven denitrifying bacteria, whose synergistic activity optimized electron transfer pathways and enhanced denitrification efficiency. Additionally, microalgae reduced aeration demand, lowering energy consumption. These findings propose novel strategies for optimizing carbon source allocation in nitrogen removal processes, supporting the development of energy-efficient wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid42083229,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Y and Zhang, N and Xu, W and Li, X and Zhang, M and Luo, X and Ni, B and Huang, F and Lu, R and Zhang, Y and Han, X},
title = {Sodium cyclamate enhances Vibrio parahaemolyticus biofilm formation on seafood-contact surfaces.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {235},
number = {},
pages = {119195},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119195},
pmid = {42083229},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Vibrio parahaemolyticus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/pathogenicity ; *Seafood/microbiology ; Animals ; Food Microbiology ; Virulence ; Food Handling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Sodium cyclamate, a widely used artificial sweetener, is commonly added in food processing, though its use in seafood products is generally prohibited. This study investigates its effects on biofilm formation and surface colonization by Vibrio parahaemolyticus on seafood-related materials. At concentrations of 1.4 mg/ml and 2.8 mg/ml, sodium cyclamate significantly promoted bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Specifically, viable cell counts in biofilms on shrimp and crab surfaces increased by up to 0.23-0.76 log10CFU/cm[2] compared to untreated controls. It enhanced the secretion of exopolysaccharide (EPS, with the synthesis-related gene cpsC upregulated 3.3213-fold), proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA), thereby promoting biofilm development on various surfaces including glass, stainless steel, plastic, and seafood. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 405 differentially expressed genes, with notable changes in pathways related to c-di-GMP signaling, flagellar synthesis, virulence factor expression, and amino acid metabolism. Key virulence genes were upregulated, including the thermostable direct hemolysin gene tdh2 (2.3487-fold), T3SS2 genes (2.0904-2.7097-fold), and T6SS2 genes (2.2079-3.4539-fold). Consistent with these changes, swimming motility was significantly inhibited (with 12 polar flagellum genes downregulated to 0.2938-0.4685-fold of the control level), while swarming motility remained unaffected. Although key virulence genes were upregulated in vitro, in vivo models showed attenuated virulence. Thus, sodium cyclamate enhances environmental adaptability (e.g., biofilm) of V. parahaemolyticus on seafood-contact surfaces but has complex effects on virulence-promoting gene expression yet reducing pathogenicity in vivo. Its unauthorized use in seafood remains a concern due to enhanced biofilm and colonization, though net pathogenicity requires further real-world investigation.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/pathogenicity
*Seafood/microbiology
Animals
Food Microbiology
Virulence
Food Handling
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects

@article {pmid42069115,
year = {2026},
author = {Aguilera, MA and Pastén, V and MartinThiel, },
title = {Light pollution by coastal streetlights affects intertidal grazers and biofilm differentially in natural rocky habitats and breakwaters.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {128237},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128237},
pmid = {42069115},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Most coastal urban environments are characterised by a large concentration of shipping ports, walkways, and other built infrastructures. These are commonly associated with high levels of artificial light at night (ALAN), a pervasive anthropogenic driver that erodes natural light cycles and impacts the ecology of benthic communities. However, it is not well known whether the spatial configuration of coastal built structures may influence the effects of light pollution on community structure. Here, we conducted field surveys in natural rocky habitats and on breakwaters directly lit by streetlights (ALAN), and in matched unlit zones (without-ALAN), along the coast of northern and central Chile (20°S-32°S), to examine the influence of light pollution on the diel activity and density of the intertidal grazer guild and on the biomass of their main food resource, biofilm, in both habitat types. The patchy distribution of artificial light on the breakwaters seems to allow the co-occurrence of diurnal and nocturnal grazers at night, resulting in no major alteration of grazer densities with light pollution. The density and night-time activity of diurnal grazer species increased in parallel with an increase in the biofilm biomass under lit conditions in the topographically more homogeneous natural rocky habitat. On the lit breakwaters, biofilm also increased but no change in grazer densities was found, most likely related to the presence of dark zones. Our results indicate that the influence of coastal streetlight pollution on benthic grazers can be dampened by the presence of among-boulder interstices in the built structure. Increases in biofilm, the main food of grazers, by artificial light, may reinforce grazing pressure in both rocky habitats. Promoting a balanced mix of built habitats and conserving urban natural rocky shores while reducing coastal light pollution from streetlights could help prevent impacts on different functional groups due to accelerated urban infrastructure expansion.},
}

@article {pmid42069314,
year = {2026},
author = {Yin, Q and Sun, J and Wu, QY and Wang, WL and Guan, Y},
title = {Hybrid membrane bioreactor-filler system enables efficient nitrogen removal from semiconductor wastewater through engineered microbial niche differentiation: Process optimization, biofilm-enhanced kinetics, and multi-omics insights.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {454},
number = {},
pages = {134765},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134765},
pmid = {42069314},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Nitrogen removal from semiconductor wastewater is challenged by low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios and the need for specialized microbial guilds to degrade organoamines including tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and monoethanolamine (MEA). We hypothesized that creating distinct ecological niches within a single treatment system would shift microbial community assembly from stochastic to deterministic processes, selectively enriching specialized functional guilds and improving nitrogen removal without external carbon addition. To test this, we developed a hybrid system integrating a multi-stage anoxic-oxic (AOAO) process with a long sludge retention time (SRT) membrane bioreactor (MBR) and polyurethane fillers, creating three distinct ecological niches (suspended sludge, filler biofilm, and MBR biomass). Following process optimization with back-loaded hydraulic retention time (HRT) allocation and 150% internal recycle, the system achieved stable total nitrogen (TN) removal of 73% (effluent TN 7-9 mg L[-1]) without external carbon addition. Normalized stochasticity ratio (NST) analysis confirmed that the anoxic microenvironment within fillers shifted community assembly toward deterministic processes (NST = 37% vs. 76% in suspended sludge). This shift enriched Methanomethylovorans (5.1-fold) for anaerobic TMAH demethylation and Hyphomicrobium for methylotrophic denitrification. Untargeted metabolomics identified tryptophan and succinate depletion in filler biofilm, with strong metabolite-gene correlations (tryptophan-norB, r = 0.90; succinate-dmmA, r = 0.83) linking organoamine catabolism to respiratory denitrification. Co-occurrence network analysis confirmed tightly coupled anaerobic demethylation and denitrification modules in filler biofilm (216 edges, density 0.53). This work demonstrates that engineered niche differentiation can overcome carbon limitation in organoamine-rich industrial wastewater, providing a transferable design paradigm for carbon-efficient biological nitrogen removal.},
}

@article {pmid42072218,
year = {2026},
author = {Del Hougne, M and Mitzscherling, A and Ewald, A and Schilling, T and Stahlhut, P and Gbureck, U and Schmitter, M},
title = {In Vitro Biofilm Formation on 3D-Printed, Milled, and Conventionally Manufactured Denture Base Resins.},
journal = {Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/bioengineering13040424},
pmid = {42072218},
issn = {2306-5354},
abstract = {Biofilm formation on denture base materials may contribute to oral diseases such as denture stomatitis and therefore represents an important factor in prosthodontic treatment. This in vitro study investigated biofilm formation on dental prosthetic materials manufactured by additive, subtractive, and conventional techniques. Disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from 3D-printed Denture Base Resin (Formlabs), milled Lucitone Digital Fit (Dentsply Sirona), and conventionally processed cold-polymerized PALAPress (Kulzer). Biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis was assessed separately over a 21-day incubation period using crystal violet staining and photometric determination of optical density at eight predefined time points. Surface characteristics before and after microbial colonization were qualitatively evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. For S. mutans, significant material-dependent differences were observed only at selected time points, while overall biofilm accumulation remained low. In contrast, S. sanguinis exhibited pronounced and repeated differences, with milled PMMA generally showing lower biofilm accumulation compared with additively manufactured and conventionally processed materials. Overall, S. sanguinis formed significantly more biofilm than S. mutans across all materials and time points. These findings indicate that both manufacturing technique and bacterial species influence biofilm formation on denture base materials.},
}

@article {pmid42072719,
year = {2026},
author = {Meng, X and Ning, C and Lu, X and Kang, M and Yang, Y and Yu, Z and Wang, Y and Sun, Y and Guo, H},
title = {The Effects of Baicalin in Combination with Cefotaxime on the Biofilm and Metabolic Reprogramming of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom16040598},
pmid = {42072719},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {NO.JJKH20261179KJ//Department of Education of Jilin Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Flavonoids/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/metabolism/physiology ; *Cefotaxime/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Drug Synergism ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Metabolic Reprogramming ; },
abstract = {Baicalin, a natural plant-derived compound, holds promise in addressing clinical bacterial resistance when combined with antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of the combination of baicalin and cefotaxime and explored its mechanism of action on the cell wall and biofilm of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA). The results showed that the combination of baicalin and cefotaxime exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on the growth of MRPA, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.28. Mechanistically, compared with cefotaxime alone, the combination of baicalin and cefotaxime enhanced the permeability of the cell membrane and cell wall of MRPA, thereby increasing cell damage. It also exhibited stronger antibiofilm activity by inhibiting numerous virulence factors (pyocyanin, elastase, lectin), reducing cellular metabolic activity, and downregulating the expression of biofilm genes (pslA, pelA, algD) and quorum-sensing genes (lasl, lasR, rhll, rhlR, pqsA, pqsR). The molecular docking results revealed that baicalin could stably bind to wbpE, LasR, and RhlR. Therefore, this interaction may indirectly influence the processes related to antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in bacterial cells. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the combination of baicalin and cefotaxime upregulated 863 metabolites and downregulated 587 metabolites. These metabolites mainly included amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites. The combination primarily enriched key pathways such as amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism (sphingolipid metabolism) and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Through these pathways, it triggers significant metabolic reprogramming, thereby interfering with the supply of cell wall synthesis precursors, membrane structural stability, and the generation of biomembrane matrix. Ultimately, it synergistically enhances the effects of cell wall damage and biomembrane inhibition. In conclusion, this study confirms that the combination of baicalin and cefotaxime exerts significant synergistic antibacterial activity against MRPA. It also reveals the mechanism of action of the combination on the cell wall and biofilm of MRPA at the metabolic level, providing theoretical support for the development of novel strategies to combat MRPA.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Flavonoids/pharmacology/chemistry
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/metabolism/physiology
*Cefotaxime/pharmacology/chemistry
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Molecular Docking Simulation
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Drug Synergism
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Metabolic Reprogramming

@article {pmid42075179,
year = {2026},
author = {Fan, B and Su, Q and Shao, Y and Sun, W and Zhou, J and Han, X and Jiang, W},
title = {Construction of a Mutant Library of Avibacterium paragallinarum Transposons and Screening and Preliminary Study of Genes Related to Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14040783},
pmid = {42075179},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2023YFD1800602-2//National Key Research and Development Programs of China/ ; 2025I0030-1//Fujian Foreign Cooperation Project/ ; },
abstract = {Avibacterium paragallinarum (Av. paragallinarum), the causative agent of infectious coryza, imposes substantial economic burdens on the poultry industry by inducing growth retardation in broilers and reducing egg production in laying hens by up to 40%. Disease control is hindered by the limited efficacy of available vaccines and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance-challenges that are exacerbated by the pathogen's capacity to form biofilms, which facilitate bacterial persistence and enhance drug tolerance. To systematically elucidate the genetic determinants underlying biofilm formation in Av. Paragallinarum, we constructed a high-density random mutant library using mini-Tn5 transposon mutagenesis, comprising 3106 individual mutants. Phenotypic screening via crystal violet staining identified 188 mutants displaying altered biofilm-forming capacity relative to the wild-type strain, including 172 with enhanced and 16 with reduced biofilm formation. Sequencing of transposon insertion sites in these mutants revealed 105 disrupted genes involved in diverse biological pathways, including amino acid metabolism, quorum sensing, and transmembrane transport. A representative subset of eight mutants was selected for detailed phenotypic characterization. Their biofilm phenotypes were consistent with the initial screening results; certain mutants exhibited markedly enhanced biofilm formation (e.g., Tn-2206), whereas others, including Tn-1504, Tn-2428, and Tn-2859, showed significant reductions in biofilm production. Notably, these three biofilm-deficient mutants-harboring disruptions in a TonB-dependent receptor (Tn-1504), a GntP family permease (Tn-2428), and a hypothetical protein (Tn-2859)-displayed drastically attenuated virulence in vitro. Compared with the wild-type strain, these mutants exhibited reductions in cytotoxicity (up to 66.38%), cell adhesion (up to 50.68%), and invasive capacity, while maintaining normal growth kinetics. These findings indicate that the identified genes may play crucial roles in biofilm-associated virulence and highlight Tn-1504, Tn-2428, and Tn-2859 as promising candidates for the development of live attenuated vaccines. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive genetic foundation for the rational design of novel anti-biofilm strategies against Av. paragallinarum.},
}

@article {pmid42075223,
year = {2026},
author = {Cao, Y and Li, Y and Zhou, Y},
title = {Membrane Vesicles Improve Streptococcus mutans Early Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14040826},
pmid = {42075223},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2025A04J5291//Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou/ ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), one of the main etiological pathogens of dental caries, forms dental plaque biofilms that drive tooth decay. Although bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are increasingly recognized as modulators of biofilm biology, little is known about MVs generated by S. mutans. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of S. mutans-derived MVs in the development of S. mutans biofilms formed under static conditions in plates or confocal dishes. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed that the MVs were cup-shaped with bilayered membranes and averaged 80.49 ± 32.24 nm in diameter. The addition of ≥5 µg/mL MVs enhanced biofilm formation during the initial adhesion stage (0 to 6 h), as demonstrated by crystal violet staining and XTT assays. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the incorporation of PKH26-labeled MVs into S. mutans biofilms and showed that supplemental MVs increased bacterial viability and extracellular polysaccharide biomass. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis revealed upregulated expression of genes related to adhesion and quorum-sensing systems in MV-treated biofilms. In conclusion, these findings indicate that S. muants MVs are integral biofilm components that promote biofilm establishment at the early stage of biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid42075237,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, J and Wang, H and Chen, Y and Huang, S and Bi, X and Cheng, L and Shi, X and Zhao, W and Zhou, X},
title = {Performance of Nitrogen Removal and Biofilm-Associated Microbial Community in a Compact Marine Shrimp Recirculating Aquaculture System with MBBR.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14040841},
pmid = {42075237},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {tsqn202312222//Department of Education Shandong Province/ ; (ZR2023QE234)//Department of Science and Technology of Shandong Province/ ; ZR2023QE234//Department of Science and Technology of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {To address ammonium nitrogen (NH4[+]-N) and nitrite accumulation in intensive marine shrimp aquaculture, a marine recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for Penaeus vannamei centered on a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) was constructed to investigate the microbial basis of nitrogen removal. The results showed that the MBBR contributed most to NH4[+]-N removal, demonstrating favorable nitrification potential under marine conditions (0.513 mg·L[-1]·h[-1]). The biofilm carrier formed a complete attached layer and developed a mature biofilm structure. Microbial community analysis revealed clear differentiation between the biofilm and sediment. The biofilm community was dominated by norank_f__Caldilineaceae (9.89%). Linear discriminant analysis effect size identified the nitrifying genus Nitrospira to be significantly enriched on the biofilm side (α = 0.05, linear discriminant analysis > 2.0). In addition, PICRUSt2-based functional prediction suggested a higher potential in biofilm than in sediment for ammonia oxidation and downstream nitrogen transformation, involving ammonia monooxygenase (EC:1.14.99.39), hydroxylamine dehydrogenase (EC:1.7.2.6), nitrate reductase (EC:1.7.99.4), and nitrite reductase (EC:1.7.2.1). Thus, this study provides a microbial basis and process strategy for P. vannamei RAS.},
}

@article {pmid42075702,
year = {2026},
author = {Kranz, S and Heyder, M and Guellmar, A and Gottschaldt, M and Schubert, US and Loeffler, B and Sigusch, B and Reise, M},
title = {An Innovative Oral Ex Vivo Biofilm Model for Antimicrobial Investigations.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15040375},
pmid = {42075702},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Humans ; *Saliva/microbiology ; *Dental Plaque/microbiology ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Chlorhexidine/pharmacology ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Adult ; },
abstract = {The methodical work describes all the necessary steps for establishing a stable oral ex vivo biofilm using saliva and crevicular plaque samples from periodontal healthy donors. First, cover slips were preconditioned with saliva supernatants and subsequently inoculated with crevicular plaque suspensions. Ex vivo biofilm formation was characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (cLSM) after 1, 4, 24, 48 and 72 h of anaerobic cultivation. Exemplarily, the inhibitory characteristics of blackcurrant fruit extracts [all-fruit juice (AFJ); alcoholic fraction from berry skins (AFBS)] were observed on 1, 4 and 24 h-aged ex vivo biofilms. Chlorhexidine (CHX, 0.2%) served as positive control. After direct contact (3 min), biofilms were dispersed, plated onto agar and anaerobically cultivated for 24 h. Early ex vivo biofilms (1 h-biofilm) showed scattered microbial colonies. After 4 h of cultivation, a multilayered biofilm was formed. Biofilm mass gradually increased, displaying a complex polymicrobial structure after 24 h. At 72 h, the biofilms had a dense three-dimensional appearance. Treatment with AFJ and CHX was more efficient in inhibiting biofilm growth compared to AFBS. Early biofilms (1 h, 4 h) were more susceptible to AFJ and CHX compared to 24 h-biofilms. The introduced model can be recommended for testing the efficiency of plaque-controlling agents.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Humans
*Saliva/microbiology
*Dental Plaque/microbiology
Plant Extracts/pharmacology
Chlorhexidine/pharmacology
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
Microscopy, Confocal
Adult

@article {pmid42076159,
year = {2026},
author = {Das, S and Baradarbarjastehbaf, F and Szokolics, AS and Campos, GKD and Gazdag, Z and Széchenyi, A and Miseta, A and Kovács, GL and Kőszegi, T},
title = {Species-Specific Susceptibility of Planktonic and Biofilm Forming Candida Strains to Cyclodextrin-Encapsulated Essential Oils.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics18040508},
pmid = {42076159},
issn = {1999-4923},
support = {NKFI ÚNKP-23-4-II-PTE-1742//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; 008_2025_PTE_RK/28//University of Pécs Rector's Scientific Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Essential oils (EOs) have multi-target antifungal activity, but their translation is limited by volatility and poor aqueous dispersibility. Randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) inclusion may enhance effective exposure and thereby alter susceptibility, stress responses, and biofilm outcomes in a species-dependent manner. This study quantified species-specific planktonic and biofilm susceptibility to four EOs and their RAMEB complexes across clinically relevant Candida species. Methods: Lavender (L), lemon balm (B), peppermint (P), and thyme (T) oils and their RAMEB complexes (RL, RB, RP, and RT) were tested against C. albicans and non-albicans Candida. Susceptibility thresholds were used to derive phase plasticity metrics. Functional inhibition was assessed via planktonic metabolism/viability and established biofilm metabolism/viability/biomass. Mechanistic signatures were captured by ROS/RNS measurements and a qPCR analysis of antioxidant genes (CAT1, GPX1, and SOD1) was performed. Mixed-effects models and multivariate/unsupervised and interpretable classification approaches (k-means, PCA, and CRT) were used to integrate endpoints and stratify response phenotypes. Results: Susceptibility thresholds were strongly species-structured (lowest MIC90/EC10 for C. albicans; higher thresholds and broader sublethal windows in non-albicans species). RAMEB complexation produced formulation-dependent shifts in efficacy, with RT emerging as the most consistent broad-spectrum inhibitory condition across compartments. Biofilm biomass was comparatively insensitive even when viability was suppressed, indicating a decoupling of structural biomass from biocidal activity. Mechanistic signatures were broadly conserved across species and linked to antioxidant-program engagement, with CAT1-related rules contributing to responder/tolerant classification. Conclusions: Integrating MIC/EC plasticity with functional and mechanistic markers supports the rational selection of EO formulations; RAMEB complexation, particularly RT, prioritizes candidates for further pharmaceutical optimization while highlighting species-specific vulnerabilities.},
}

@article {pmid42077202,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, YB and Wu, X and Li, YJ and Zhao, SY and Hu, XB and Du, ZY and Lian, DC and Xie, JL and He, DX and Yang, Y and Su, JH and He, QH and Zhu, YF and Chang, YQ and Lan, P and Sun, PH and Pan, XH and Zheng, JX and Liu, J},
title = {Discovery of Catechol-Benzothiazole Conjugates as Antibacterial Synergists against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Inhibiting Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Journal of medicinal chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6c00428},
pmid = {42077202},
issn = {1520-4804},
abstract = {The formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) biofilm hinders the efficacy of antibiotics, making clinical treatment challenging. Given that disrupting iron homeostasis represents a promising strategy for treating biofilm infections, a series of catechol-conjugated benzothiazole derivatives with iron-chelating properties was designed and synthesized. Among them, 4p was identified as the hit compound, demonstrating potent biofilm inhibition (IC50 = 0.27 μM). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that 4p attenuates biofilm formation by inhibiting heme oxygenase (HemO), impairing iron homeostasis, virulence factor production, and motility. Moreover, 4p synergized with ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tobramycin (Tob), enhancing their efficacy and delaying the development of resistance. Notably, 4p improved survival in Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) and reduced bacterial load by 2.10-2.11log10 CFU in mice wounds in vivo when combined with CIP and Tob. Collectively, these results highlight the potential of 4p as an antibacterial synergist and a promising candidate for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.},
}

@article {pmid42077371,
year = {2026},
author = {Abbasi, Z and Fasim, F and Abbas, S and Shafique, R and Khan, BA and Nisar, A and Alshahrani, SM and Uzair, B},
title = {Biosynthesis of fosfomycin-loaded CuO nanoparticles: evaluation of antibacterial, antibiofilm properties and molecular docking analysis against biofilm-associated proteins in MDR bacteria.},
journal = {Asian biomedicine : research, reviews and news},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {21-34},
pmid = {42077371},
issn = {1875-855X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant challenge in healthcare. The development of new antibiotics, while essential, is often hindered by the complexity, cost, and time involved in the process. An alternative approach gaining traction is the conjugation of existing antibiotics with potent antimicrobial agents to improve their efficacy against resistant pathogens.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop environmentally sustainable and cost-effective copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized using bioactive compounds extracted from Curcuma zedoaria.

METHODS: These nanoparticles were subsequently conjugated with fosfomycin. Physicochemical characterization was carried out using XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Release was studied using Franz diffusion cell. Antibacterial efficacy of the pure and fosfomycin-conjugated copper oxide nanoparticles (Fos-CuO NPs) was evaluated against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antibiofilm activity were determined using the microbroth dilution method. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was performed to examine the interaction of Fos-CuO NPs with biofilm-associated proteins (LecA, CdrA, PslA, PslD, GacA, CupA, DipA, PelA, PelB) in P. aeruginosa.

RESULTS: The physicochemical analysis confirmed successful CuO NPs synthesis and their conjugation with fosfomycin. XRD results confirmed the crystalline structure of the nanoparticles, while SEM revealed some agglomerated, irregular spherical shapes. Fos-CuO NPs exhibited greater antibacterial activity against MDR S. aureus (42 mm), E. coli (45 mm), and P. aeruginosa (39 mm) compared with pure CuO NPs (39 mm, 27 mm, and 41 mm, respectively). The docking results showed that the fosfomycin-conjugated nanoparticle exhibited the highest binding affinity for the biofilm-associated proteins Lec A and Pel A, with docking scores of -4.4 kcal/mol and -4.9 kcal/mol, respectively, compared with blank CuO NPs, supporting their potential application as a novel antimicrobial strategy.

CONCLUSION: This research offers significant insights into the green synthesis of fosfomycin-conjugated nanoparticles for addressing the growing challenge of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.},
}

@article {pmid42077899,
year = {2026},
author = {Calvi, GS and Braga, MT and Jácome Cartaxo, GN and Kubát, P and Liška, V and Mosinger, J and Costa, MS},
title = {Visible Light Activation for Fungal Biofilm Inhibition: Combining Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy with Singlet Oxygen and Iodine Generation against Candida albicans and Pichia kudriavzevii.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {16},
pages = {23743-23754},
pmid = {42077899},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Biofilms formed by Candida albicans and the highly resistant Pichia kudriavzevii are critical virulence factors because of their resistance to conventional antifungals. This study explored antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using sulfonated polystyrene nanoparticles with an encapsulated tetraphenylporphyrin photosensitizer (TPP-NPs), synergistically enhanced by potassium iodide (KI), to combat biofilms of these yeasts. TPP-NPs irradiated by visible light generate antimicrobial singlet oxygen (O2([1]Δg)), which oxidizes KI to form another reactive species (I2/I3 [-]), augmenting total antimicrobial effects. The usage of TPP-NPs led to reduced cell proliferation and biofilm viability in both species, with KI significantly enhancing efficacy and enabling lower TPP-NP doses. P. kudriavzevii biofilms were more susceptible (70-80% inhibition, up to 95% with KI) than C. albicans biofilms (30-40% inhibition), a crucial finding for drug-resistant P. kudriavzevii. This is the first demonstration that aPDT using TPP-NPs effectively reduces both biofilm formation and viability, especially against resistant P. kudriavzevii, highlighting its potential as a biocompatible alternative therapy for biofilm-associated infections.},
}