Advances in Treatment of Biofilm Infections

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines and Therapeutic Developments".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2024) | Viewed by 10548

Special Issue Editors

Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
Interests: antimicrobial peptides; microbial biofilm; bacterial drug resistance; cystic fibrosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
Interests: antimicrobial peptides; nanotechnology; membrane-active compounds; drug resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biofilm is a structured consortium generated by microbial cells adhering to each other and surrounded by a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix attached to a living or abiotic surface. Microbials growing in a biofilm become less susceptible to antibiotics and immunological responses, making the treatment of biofilm-associated infections more challenging. The available literature indicates that aggressive antibiotic treatment is usually effective in controlling exacerbations of chronic biofilm infections caused by dispersed bacteria, but it is not effective in eradicating biofilm-associated infections due to difficulty in achieving effective drug concentration in vivo. This Special Issue aims to expand our knowledge of novel possibilities to improve the treatment of biofilm infections.

I would like to invite colleagues investigating any of the research issues in the broader biofilm problem to submit their manuscripts to this Special Issue in the form of original research and reviews.

Dr. Urszula Wnorowska
Dr. Ewelina Piktel
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biofilm
  • biofilm infections
  • biofilm-based infections
  • biofilm diagnosis
  • biofilm treatment

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2003 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effect of Plectranthus amboinicus L. Leaf Extracts on the Bacterial Antioxidant System and Cell Membrane Integrity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 and Staphylococcus aureus NCTC8325
by Sheeba Sawant, Timothy C. Baldwin, Oliwia Metryka and Ayesha Rahman
Pathogens 2023, 12(6), 853; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12060853 - 20 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1606
Abstract
Plectranthus amboinicus (Indian borage) has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties, which can be exploited to develop new antimicrobial therapeutics. The current study investigated the effect of Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extracts on the catalase activity, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, cytoplasmic membrane [...] Read more.
Plectranthus amboinicus (Indian borage) has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties, which can be exploited to develop new antimicrobial therapeutics. The current study investigated the effect of Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extracts on the catalase activity, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, cytoplasmic membrane permeability, and efflux pump activity in S. aureus NCTC8325 and P. aeruginosa PA01. As the enzyme catalase protects bacteria against oxidative stress, disruption of its activity creates an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which subsequently oxidizes lipid chains, leading to lipid peroxidation. In addition, bacterial cell membranes are a potential target for new antibacterial agents, as efflux pump systems play a crucial role in antimicrobial resistance. Upon exposure of the microorganisms to Indian borage leaf extracts, the observed catalase activity decreased by 60% and 20% in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. The generation of ROS can cause oxidation reactions to occur within the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the lipid membranes and induce lipid peroxidation. To investigate these phenomena, the increase in ROS activity in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was studied using H2DCFDA, which is oxidized to 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) by ROS. Furthermore, the concentration of lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde) was assessed using the Thiobarbituric acid assay and was shown to increase by 42.4% and 42.5% in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. The effect of the extracts on the cell membrane permeability was monitored using diSC3-5 dye and it was observed that the cell membrane permeability of P. aeruginosa increased by 58% and of S. aureus by 83%. The effect on efflux pump activity was investigated using Rhodamine-6-uptake assay, which displayed a decrease in efflux activity of 25.5% in P. aeruginosa and 24.2% in S. aureus after treatment with the extracts. This combination of different methods to study various bacterial virulence factors provides a more robust, mechanistic understanding of the effect of P. amboinicus extracts on P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. This study thus represents the first report of the assessment of the effect of Indian borage leaf extracts on bacterial antioxidant systems and bacterial cell membranes, and can facilitate the future development of bacterial resistance modifying agents derived from P. amboinicus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Treatment of Biofilm Infections)
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11 pages, 2906 KiB  
Article
Staphylococcus aureus Behavior on Artificial Surfaces Mimicking Bone Environment
by Anaïs Lemaire, Jennifer Varin-Simon, Fabien Lamret, Marie Dubus, Halima Kerdjoudj, Frédéric Velard, Sophie C. Gangloff and Fany Reffuveille
Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12030384 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1060
Abstract
Infections, which interfere with bone regeneration, may be a critical issue to consider during the development of biomimetic material. Calcium phosphate (CaP) and type I collagen substrates, both suitable for bone-regeneration dedicated scaffolds, may favor bacterial adhesion. Staphylococcus aureus possesses adhesins that allow [...] Read more.
Infections, which interfere with bone regeneration, may be a critical issue to consider during the development of biomimetic material. Calcium phosphate (CaP) and type I collagen substrates, both suitable for bone-regeneration dedicated scaffolds, may favor bacterial adhesion. Staphylococcus aureus possesses adhesins that allow binding to CaP or collagen. After their adhesion, bacteria may develop structures highly tolerant to immune system attacks or antibiotic treatments: the biofilms. Thus, the choice of material used for scaffolds intended for bone sites is essential to provide devices with the ability to prevent bone and joint infections by limiting bacterial adhesion. In this study, we compared the adhesion of three different S. aureus strains (CIP 53.154, SH1000, and USA300) on collagen- and CaP-coating. Our objective was to evaluate the capacity of bacteria to adhere to these different bone-mimicking coated supports to better control the risk of infection. The three strains were able to adhere to CaP and collagen. The visible matrix components were more important on CaP- than on collagen-coating. However, this difference was not reflected in biofilm gene expression for which no change was observed between the two tested surfaces. Another objective was to evaluate these bone-mimicking coatings for the development of an in vitro model. Thus, CaP, collagen-coatings, and the titanium-mimicking prosthesis were simultaneously tested in the same bacterial culture. No significant differences were found compared to adhesion on surfaces independently tested. In conclusion, these coatings used as bone substitutes can easily be colonized by bacteria, especially CaP-coating, and must be used with an addition of antimicrobial molecules or strategies to avoid bacterial biofilm development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Treatment of Biofilm Infections)
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12 pages, 1598 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Properties of Diopside Powder Loaded with Lysostaphin
by Alina Kudinova, Alexander Grishin, Tatiana Grunina, Maria Poponova, Inna Bulygina, Maria Gromova, Rajan Choudhary, Fedor Senatov and Anna Karyagina
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 177; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12020177 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1745
Abstract
Background: Diopside-based ceramic is a perspective biocompatible material with numerous potential applications in the field of bone prosthetics. Implantable devices and materials are often prone to colonization and biofilm formation by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, which in the case of bone [...] Read more.
Background: Diopside-based ceramic is a perspective biocompatible material with numerous potential applications in the field of bone prosthetics. Implantable devices and materials are often prone to colonization and biofilm formation by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, which in the case of bone grafting leads to osteomyelitis, an infectious bone and bone marrow injury. To lower the risk of bacterial colonization, implanted materials can be impregnated with antimicrobials. In this work, we loaded the antibacterial enzyme lysostaphin on diopside powder and studied the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of such material to probe the utility of this approach for diopside-based prosthetic materials. Methods: Diopside powder was synthesized by the solid-state method, lysostaphin was loaded on diopside by adsorption, the release of lysostaphin from diopside was monitored by ELISA, and antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity was assessed by standard microbiological procedures. Results and conclusions: Lysostaphin released from diopside powder showed high antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria and effectively destroyed 24-h staphylococcal biofilms. Diopside-based materials possess a potential for the development of antibacterial bone grafting materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Treatment of Biofilm Infections)
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23 pages, 4758 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial and Biofilm-Preventing Activity of l-Borneol Possessing 2(5H)-Furanone Derivative F131 against S. aureusC. albicans Mixed Cultures
by Rand Sulaiman, Elena Trizna, Alena Kolesnikova, Alsu Khabibrakhmanova, Almira Kurbangalieva, Mikhail Bogachev and Airat Kayumov
Pathogens 2023, 12(1), 26; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12010026 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1642
Abstract
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are human pathogens that are able to form mixed biofilms on the surface of mucous membranes, implants and catheters. In biofilms, these pathogens have increased resistance to antimicrobials, leading to extreme difficulties in the treatment of mixed infections. [...] Read more.
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are human pathogens that are able to form mixed biofilms on the surface of mucous membranes, implants and catheters. In biofilms, these pathogens have increased resistance to antimicrobials, leading to extreme difficulties in the treatment of mixed infections. The growing frequency of mixed infections caused by S. aureus and C. albicans requires either the development of new antimicrobials or the proposal of alternative approaches to increase the efficiency of conventional ones. Here, we show the antimicrobial, biofilm-preventing and biofilm-eradicating activity of 2(5H)-furanone derivative F131, containing an l-borneol fragment against S. aureus–C. albicans mixed biofilms. Furanone F131 is also capable of inhibiting the formation of monospecies and mixed biofilms by S. aureus and C. albicans. The minimal biofilm-prevention concentration (MBPC) of this compound was 8–16 μg/mL for S. aureus and C. albicans mono- and two-species biofilms. While the compound demonstrates slightly lower activity compared to conventional antimicrobials (gentamicin, amikacin, fluconazole, terbinafine and benzalkonium chloride), F131 also increases the antimicrobial activity of fluconazole–gentamicin and benzalkonium chloride against mixed biofilms of S. aureus–C. albicans, thus reducing MBPC of fluconazole–gentamicin by 4–16 times and benzalkonium chloride twofold. F131 does not affect the transcription of the MDR1, CDR1 and CDR2 genes, thus suggesting a low risk of micromycete resistance to this compound. Altogether, combined use of antibiotics with a F131 could be a promising option to reduce the concentration of fluconazole used in antiseptic compositions and reduce the toxic effect of benzalkonium chloride and gentamicin. This makes them an attractive starting point for the development of alternative antimicrobials for the treatment of skin infections caused by S. aureus–C. albicans mixed biofilms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Treatment of Biofilm Infections)
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19 pages, 4007 KiB  
Article
Genome Analysis and Antibiofilm Activity of Phage 590B against Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates, India
by Naveen Chaudhary, Ravi Kumar Maurya, Dharminder Singh, Balvinder Mohan and Neelam Taneja
Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1448; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11121448 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2102
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which are the most frequent agents causing community as well as hospital-acquired UTIs, have become highly drug-resistant, thus making the treatment of these infections challenging. Recently, [...] Read more.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which are the most frequent agents causing community as well as hospital-acquired UTIs, have become highly drug-resistant, thus making the treatment of these infections challenging. Recently, the use of bacteriophages (or ‘phages’) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) microorganisms has garnered significant global attention. Bacterial biofilms play a vital role in the pathogenesis of UTIs caused by UPEC. Phages have the potential to disrupt bacterial biofilms using lytic enzymes such as EPS depolymerases and endolysins. We isolated a lytic phage (590B) from community sewage in Chandigarh, which was active against multiple MDR and XDR biofilm-forming UPEC strains. During whole-genome sequencing, the 44.3 kb long genome of phage 590B encoded 75 ORFs, of which 40 were functionally annotated based on homology with similar phage proteins in the database. Comparative analysis of associated phage genomes indicated that phage 590B evolved independently and had a distinct taxonomic position within the genus Kagunavirus in the subfamily Guernseyvirinae of Siphoviridae. The phage disrupted biofilm mass effectively when applied to 24 h old biofilms formed on the Foley silicon catheter and coverslip biofilm models. To study the effect of intact biofilm architecture on phage predation, the biofilms were disrupted. The phage reduced the viable cells by 0.6–1.0 order of magnitude after 24 h of incubation. Regrowth and intact bacterial cells were observed in the phage-treated planktonic culture and biofilms, respectively, which indicated the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial variants. The phage genome encoded an endolysin which might have a role in the disruption and inhibition of bacterial biofilms. Moreover, the genome lacked genes encoding toxins, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, or lysogeny. Therefore, lytic phage 590B may be a good alternative to antibiotics and can be included in phage cocktails for the treatment of UTIs caused by biofilm-forming MDR and XDR UPEC strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Treatment of Biofilm Infections)
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Review

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28 pages, 363 KiB  
Review
Biofilm Producing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infections in Humans: Clinical Implications and Management
by Ashlesha Kaushik, Helen Kest, Mangla Sood, Bryan W. Steussy, Corey Thieman and Sandeep Gupta
Pathogens 2024, 13(1), 76; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens13010076 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1594
Abstract
Since its initial description in the 1960s, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has developed multiple mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance and evading the immune system, including biofilm production. MRSA is now a widespread pathogen, causing a spectrum of infections ranging from superficial skin issues to [...] Read more.
Since its initial description in the 1960s, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has developed multiple mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance and evading the immune system, including biofilm production. MRSA is now a widespread pathogen, causing a spectrum of infections ranging from superficial skin issues to severe conditions like osteoarticular infections and endocarditis, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Biofilm production is a key aspect of MRSA’s ability to invade, spread, and resist antimicrobial treatments. Environmental factors, such as suboptimal antibiotics, pH, temperature, and tissue oxygen levels, enhance biofilm formation. Biofilms are intricate bacterial structures with dense organisms embedded in polysaccharides, promoting their resilience. The process involves stages of attachment, expansion, maturation, and eventually disassembly or dispersion. MRSA’s biofilm formation has a complex molecular foundation, involving genes like icaADBC, fnbA, fnbB, clfA, clfB, atl, agr, sarA, sarZ, sigB, sarX, psm, icaR, and srtA. Recognizing pivotal genes for biofilm formation has led to potential therapeutic strategies targeting elemental and enzymatic properties to combat MRSA biofilms. This review provides a practical approach for healthcare practitioners, addressing biofilm pathogenesis, disease spectrum, and management guidelines, including advances in treatment. Effective management involves appropriate antimicrobial therapy, surgical interventions, foreign body removal, and robust infection control practices to curtail spread within healthcare environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Treatment of Biofilm Infections)
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