-
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023
Topics: Dental Caries Susceptibility; Biofilms; Streptococcus mutans
PubMed: 38106468
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1332907 -
Environmental Microbiology Reports Dec 2023Biofilm formation in industrial potable water systems, encompassing applications such as drinking, emergency showers, firefighting and sanitary appliances, presents a... (Review)
Review
Biofilm formation in industrial potable water systems, encompassing applications such as drinking, emergency showers, firefighting and sanitary appliances, presents a multifaceted challenge that has significant implications for both equipment efficiency and human health. These microbial communities, comprised of bacteria, fungi and protozoa, adhere to surfaces and are embedded within an extracellular matrix, primarily of polysaccharide origin. The formation and persistence of these biofilms can lead to reduced system efficiency and potential health risks due to microbial-induced corrosion, contamination and waterborne pathogens. This review delves into the physicochemical and microbial factors promoting biofilm growth in these systems and elucidates contemporary strategies for their control and eradication. By harnessing advanced methodologies, including state-of-the-art filtration, disinfection techniques and predictive monitoring, stakeholders can proactively address biofilm-related challenges. The emphasis of this comprehensive overview is on the interdisciplinary nature of biofilm growth, combining insights from microbiology, engineering and water chemistry to pave the way for an integrative approach to ensuring consistent industrial water quality.
Topics: Humans; Drinking Water; Water Microbiology; Bacteria; Disinfection; Biofilms
PubMed: 37827808
DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13207 -
Nature Communications Nov 2023The formation of biofilms is closely associated with persistent and chronic infections, and physiological heterogeneity such as pH and oxygen gradients renders biofilms...
The formation of biofilms is closely associated with persistent and chronic infections, and physiological heterogeneity such as pH and oxygen gradients renders biofilms highly resistant to conventional antibiotics. To date, effectively treating biofilm infections remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the fabrication of micellar nanoparticles adapted to heterogeneous biofilm microenvironments, enabling nitric oxide (NO) release through two distinct photoredox catalysis mechanisms. The key design feature involves the use of tertiary amine (TA) moieties, which function as sacrificial agents to avoid the quenching of photocatalysts under normoxic and neutral pH conditions and proton acceptors at acidic pH to allow deep biofilm penetration. This biofilm-adaptive NO-releasing platform shows excellent antibiofilm activity against ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) biofilms both in vitro and in a mouse skin infection model, providing a strategy for combating biofilm heterogeneity and biofilm-related infections.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ciprofloxacin; Biofilms; Anti-Infective Agents; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 37980361
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43415-8 -
Biosensors Jul 2023Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that can form on various surfaces, including medical devices, industrial equipment, and natural environments. The... (Review)
Review
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that can form on various surfaces, including medical devices, industrial equipment, and natural environments. The presence of biofilms can lead to a range of problems, including infections, reduced efficiency and failure of equipment, biofouling or spoilage, and environmental damage. As a result, there is a growing need for tools to measure and monitor levels of biofilms in various biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food processing settings. In recent years, electrochemical impedance sensing has emerged as a promising approach for real-time, non-destructive, and rapid monitoring of biofilms. This article sheds light on electrochemical sensing for measuring biofilms, including its high sensitivity, non-destructive nature, versatility, low cost, and real-time monitoring capabilities. We also discussed some electrochemical sensing applications for studying biofilms in medical, environmental, and industrial settings. This article also presents future perspectives for research that would lead to the creation of reliable, quick, easy-to-use biosensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), utilizing artificial intelligence-based terminologies to detect biofilms.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Dielectric Spectroscopy; Biofilms; Biofouling; Electric Impedance
PubMed: 37622863
DOI: 10.3390/bios13080777 -
The Journal of Antibiotics Oct 2023Currently, antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a serious threat to public health worldwide. Biofilm formation potentiates both virulence and antibiotic resistance of...
Currently, antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a serious threat to public health worldwide. Biofilm formation potentiates both virulence and antibiotic resistance of bacteria. Therefore, the discovery of new antibacterial and antibiofilm compounds is an issue of paramount importance to combat and prevent hard-to-treat bacterial infections. Zeolitic-imidazolate-frameworks (ZIFs) are metallo-organic compounds known to have various interesting chemical and biological applications, including antibacterial properties. In this study, we synthesized ZIF-67 nanoparticles, formed by imidazolate anions and cobalt cations, and found that they inhibit the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of ZIF-67 were also able to significantly reduce the biomass of pre-established biofilms of these pathogenic bacteria. On the other hand, the ZIF-67 nanoparticles had null or low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells at those concentrations showing antibacterial or antibiofilm activities. Thus, our results reveal the potential of ZIF-67 nanoparticles to be used against pathogenic bacteria.
Topics: Animals; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Staphylococcus aureus; Bacteria; Biofilms; Mammals
PubMed: 37337088
DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00637-8 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023Biofilm formation is an important survival strategy commonly used by bacteria and fungi, which are embedded in a protective extracellular matrix of organic polymers.... (Review)
Review
Biofilm formation is an important survival strategy commonly used by bacteria and fungi, which are embedded in a protective extracellular matrix of organic polymers. They are ubiquitous in nature, including humans and other animals, and they can be surface- and non-surface-associated, making them capable of growing in and on many different parts of the body. Biofilms are also complex, forming polymicrobial communities that are difficult to eradicate due to their unique growth dynamics, and clinical infections associated with biofilms are a huge burden in the healthcare setting, as they are often difficult to diagnose and to treat. Our understanding of biofilm formation and development is a fast-paced and important research focus. This review aims to describe the advancements in clinical biofilm research, including both and biofilm models, imaging techniques and techniques to analyse the biological functions of the biofilm.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Biofilms; Bacteria; Fungi; Extracellular Matrix
PubMed: 38156318
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1335389 -
Science Advances Jul 2023The resistance and immune escape of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) biofilms cause recalcitrant infections. Here, we design a targeting and synergizing cascade PDT with...
The resistance and immune escape of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) biofilms cause recalcitrant infections. Here, we design a targeting and synergizing cascade PDT with nutritional immunotherapy nanosystems (Arg-PCN@Gel) containing PCN-224 as PDT platform for providing reactive oxygen species (ROS), incorporating arginine (Arg) as nitric oxide (NO) donor to cascade with ROS to produce more lethal ONOO and promote immune response, and coating with gelatin as targeting agent and persistent Arg provider. The nanosystems adhered to the autolysin of MRSA and inhibited Arg metabolism by down-regulating and . It suppressed polysaccharide intercellular adhesin and extracellular DNA synthesis to prevent biofilm formation. The NO broke mature biofilms and helped ROS and ONOO penetrate into biofilms to inactivate internal MRSA. Arg-PCN@Gel drove Arg to enhance immunity via inducible NO synthase/NO axis and arginase/polyamine axis and achieve efficient target treatment in MRSA biofilm infections. The targeting and cascading PDT synergized with nutritional immunotherapy provide an effective promising strategy for biofilm-associated infections.
Topics: Humans; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Reactive Oxygen Species; Staphylococcal Infections; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Biofilms; Immunotherapy; Photochemotherapy
PubMed: 37450586
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg9116 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Mar 2024Biofilms, which consist of microorganisms enclosed in an extracellular polymeric material (EPS), hold immense importance in the fields of environmental research,... (Review)
Review
Biofilms, which consist of microorganisms enclosed in an extracellular polymeric material (EPS), hold immense importance in the fields of environmental research, industry, and medicine. They play a significant role in ecosystem dynamics and stability, but they also pose issues such as biofouling, corrosion, and pollution. Biofilms in medical environments are linked to persistent infections and elevated healthcare expenses. The EPS matrix plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and antibiotic resistance of these structures. The research primarily investigates the role of the EPS matrix in facilitating horizontal gene transfer among biofilm communities, with a particular emphasis on EPS and its impact on this process. The process is recognized as a pivotal mechanism in the emergence of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the crucial function of EPS in the dynamics of biofilms. The analysis also highlights the significant financial constraints caused by biofilms in several industries. Biofilm-associated infections in the healthcare sector result in escalated treatment expenses and extended hospitalization periods. In an industrial context, biofilms have a role in increasing maintenance expenses and product contamination, emphasizing the need for efficient management solutions. This review presents the most recent progress in biofilm research, emphasizing the utilization of sophisticated imaging tools and molecular methodologies. In addition to conventional imaging techniques, the research explores the utilization of sophisticated molecular tools, such as DNA and RNA sequencing, in conjunction with proteomics. These approaches are essential for assessing the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that regulate biofilm development and antibiotic resistance. The review underscores the significance of employing an interdisciplinary methodology in the study of biofilms. By incorporating a range of approaches, such as sophisticated imaging and molecular analysis, a comprehensive understanding of biofilm dynamics may be achieved. This approach also opens up possibilities for developing novel solutions to address the negative impacts of biofilms on health, industry, and the environment.
Topics: Biofilms; Humans; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix; Bacteria
PubMed: 38682189
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2904133 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Methicillin-sensitive () (MSSA) bacteremia remains a global challenge, despite the availability of antibiotics. Primary treatments include β-lactam agents such as...
Methicillin-sensitive () (MSSA) bacteremia remains a global challenge, despite the availability of antibiotics. Primary treatments include β-lactam agents such as cefazolin and flucloxacillin. Ongoing discussions have focused on the potential synergistic effects of combining these agents with rifampicin or fosfomycin to combat infections associated with biofilm formation. Managing staphylococcal infections is challenging due to antibacterial resistance, biofilms, and 's ability to invade and replicate within host cells. Intracellular invasion shields the bacteria from antibacterial agents and the immune system, often leading to incomplete bacterial clearance and chronic infections. Additionally, can assume a dormant phenotype, known as the small colony variant (SCV), further complicating eradication and promoting persistence. This study investigated the impact of antibiotic combinations on the persistence of 6850 and its stable small colony variant (SCV strain JB1) focusing on intracellular survival and biofilm formation. The results from the wild-type strain 6850 demonstrate that β-lactams combined with RIF effectively eliminated biofilms and intracellular bacteria but tend to select for SCVs in planktonic culture and host cells. Higher antibiotic concentrations were associated with an increase in the zeta potential of , suggesting reduced membrane permeability to antimicrobials. When using the stable SCV mutant strain JB1, antibiotic combinations with rifampicin successfully cleared planktonic bacteria and biofilms but failed to eradicate intracellular bacteria. Given these findings, it is reasonable to report that β-lactams combined with rifampicin represent the optimal treatment for MSSA bacteremia. However, caution is warranted when employing this treatment over an extended period, as it may elevate the risk of selecting for small colony variants (SCVs) and, consequently, promoting bacterial persistence.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Staphylococcus aureus; Methicillin; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Rifampin; Staphylococcal Infections; Biofilms; beta-Lactams; Bacteremia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 38003500
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216308 -
PloS One 2024Microbial biofilms, as a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and other chronic infections, remain a desirable target for antimicrobial therapy. These...
BACKGROUND
Microbial biofilms, as a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and other chronic infections, remain a desirable target for antimicrobial therapy. These biopolymer-based viscoelastic structures protect pathogenic organisms from immune responses and antibiotics. Consequently, treatments directed at disrupting biofilms represent a promising strategy for combating biofilm-associated infections. In CF patients, the viscoelasticity of biofilms is determined mainly by their polymicrobial nature and species-specific traits, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa filamentous (Pf) bacteriophages. Therefore, we examined the impact of microbicidal ceragenins (CSAs) supported by mucolytic agents-DNase I and poly-aspartic acid (pASP), on the viability and viscoelasticity of mono- and bispecies biofilms formed by Pf-positive and Pf-negative P. aeruginosa strains co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans.
METHODS
The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ceragenins against P. aeruginosa in mono- and dual-species cultures was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC). Inhibition of P. aeruginosa mono- and dual-species biofilms formation by ceragenins alone and in combination with DNase I or poly-aspartic acid (pASP) was estimated by the crystal violet assay. Additionally, the viability of the biofilms was measured by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. Finally, the biofilms' viscoelastic properties characterized by shear storage (G') and loss moduli (G"), were analyzed with a rotational rheometer.
RESULTS
Our results demonstrated that ceragenin CSA-13 inhibits biofilm formation and increases its fluidity regardless of the Pf-profile and species composition; however, the Pf-positive biofilms are characterized by elevated viscosity and elasticity parameters.
CONCLUSION
Due to its microbicidal and viscoelasticity-modifying properties, CSA-13 displays therapeutic potential in biofilm-associated infections, especially when combined with mucolytic agents.
Topics: Humans; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Aspartic Acid; Expectorants; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Biofilms; Cystic Fibrosis; Deoxyribonuclease I; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pseudomonas Infections; Steroids
PubMed: 38346040
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298112