@article {pmid40182283,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Y and Wu, Y and Chang, Y and Sun, G and Wang, X and Lu, Z and Li, K and Liang, X and Liu, Q and Wang, W and Wei, L},
title = {Exploring the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of Diacerein against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1545902},
pmid = {40182283},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its multidrug resistance. Diacerein (DIA), primarily used to treat degenerative joint diseases, has recently been found to exhibit antibacterial activity, though its specific antibacterial mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of DIA, as well as in - vitro combination susceptibility testing, were determined using the broth microdilution method. Additionally, resistance induction assays, time-growth curve measurements, membrane fluidity, intracellular protein levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. The inhibition and clearance of MRSA biofilms by DIA were evaluated using the crystal violet staining method, with bacterial morphology and biofilms observed via scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Finally, transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify gene expression changes in MRSA treated with DIA, and RT-qPCR verification was performed.

RESULTS: The MIC and MBC of DIA against MRSA were 32 μg/mL and 128 μg/mL, respectively, and synergistic antibacterial effects when combined with ampicillin. DIA increased intracellular ROS levels and membrane fluidity in MRSA, decreased soluble protein synthesis, and altered bacterial morphology. Additionally, DIA significantly inhibited MRSA biofilm formation and disrupted pre - existing biofilms. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1,045 differentially expressed genes between the DIA-treated group and the control group, primarily involving pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, phosphorylation, ribosome metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism.

CONCLUSION: In summary, DIA has antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against MRSA and does not easily induce resistance. Its antibacterial mechanisms may involve multiple aspects, including bacterial protein synthesis, energy metabolism.},
}

@article {pmid40182131,
year = {2025},
author = {Pitton, M and Valente, LG and Oberhaensli, S and Gözel, B and Jakob, SM and Sendi, P and Fürholz, M and Cameron, DR and Que, YA},
title = {Targeting Chronic Biofilm Infections With Patient-derived Phages: An In Vitro and Ex Vivo Proof-of-concept Study in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices.},
journal = {Open forum infectious diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {ofaf158},
pmid = {40182131},
issn = {2328-8957},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Phage therapy is being reconsidered as a valuable approach to combat antimicrobial resistance. We recently established a personalized phage therapy pipeline in healthy volunteers, where therapeutic phages were isolated from individuals' skin microbiota. In this study, we aim to validate this pipeline in end-stage heart failure patients supported by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), focusing on phages targeting Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common pathogen responsible for LVAD infections.

METHODS: Over a 2.5-year period, 45 LVAD patients were consistently sampled at their driveline exit sites and foreheads. S epidermidis strains from patients' foreheads were used to amplify patient-specific phages. Newly isolated phages were characterized and tested against S epidermidis isolates (n = 42) from the patient cohort. The virulent phage vB_SepS_BE22, isolated from a patient with a driveline infection, was further tested for its bactericidal activity against S epidermidis biofilms ex vivo with rifampicin on driveline biofilms.

RESULTS: S epidermidis was detected in 32 patients, 3 of whom had driveline infections. Phages were isolated from 8 patients, 6 of which were unique and exhibited narrow host ranges, infecting 19%-52% of S epidermidis strains. vB_SepS_BE22, isolated from patient ID25's microbiota, was the only phage that specifically killed S epidermidis clones linked to a patient's infection. vB_SepS_BE22 also reduced bacterial loads in exponential and stationary phase cultures, as well as in biofilms on drivelines when combined with rifampicin.

CONCLUSIONS: This study validated a personalized phage therapy approach, where phages from a patient's own microbiota can be used in chronic infection settings as therapeutic agents.},
}

@article {pmid40180769,
year = {2025},
author = {Schubert, A and Friebel, JM and Bunz, O and Sasse, C and Bürgers, R and Wassmann, T},
title = {Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans induces biofilm formation of Streptococcus sanguinis on titanium implants.},
journal = {International journal of implant dentistry},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {29},
pmid = {40180769},
issn = {2198-4034},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Titanium ; *Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/physiology ; *Dental Implants/microbiology ; Surface Properties ; *Streptococcus sanguis/physiology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the distinct behaviors of single-species and dual-species biofilms formed by Streptococcus sanguinis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans on different titanium and implant surfaces. Four types of surfaces were examined: two clinically used implant surfaces, a super-polished surface and a sand-blasted surface of grade 4 titanium.

METHODS: Specimens were incubated with single- and dual-species biofilms for 24 h. Biofilm formation was determined based on the amount of total DNA extracted from the bacteria. In order to specifically determine the biofilm formation of Streptococcus sanguinis, qPCR experiments were carried out. Staining followed by fluorescence microscopy was employed to verify the efficiency of the washing steps.

RESULTS: Biofilm formation by single- and dual-species cultures was observed on all tested implant surfaces. However, a clear influence of surface characteristics on biofilm formation could not be conclusively demonstrated. Mixed cultures of S. sanguinis and A. actinomycetemcomitans (AAC) exhibited increased biofilm formation through the enhanced DNA amount of S. sanguinis. In contrast, this effect was not observed in dual-species cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. sanguinis.

CONCLUSION: AAC promotes biofilm formation of S. sanguinis, highlighting the significant role of AAC in enhancing biofilm development. Conversely, a definitive conclusion regarding the correlation between titanium implant surface roughness and biofilm formation was not possible. However, our results suggest a tendency that dual-species biofilm formation may be influenced by surface structure.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Titanium
*Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/physiology
*Dental Implants/microbiology
Surface Properties
*Streptococcus sanguis/physiology
Humans

@article {pmid40180588,
year = {2025},
author = {Iszatt, JJ and Larcombe, AN and Garratt, LW and Stick, SM and Kicic, A},
title = {Lytic activity, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities and genomic characterisation of two bacteriophages active against respiratory MRSA.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxaf081},
pmid = {40180588},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: This study aimed to characterise bacteriophages for potential therapeutic use against Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. Specifically, it sought to evaluate phage lytic activity, host range, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities, and overall safety for therapeutic use.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Novel phages, Koomba kaat 1 and Biyabeda mokiny 1, were identified and characterised using microbiological assays and bioinformatics. They exhibited lytic activity against clinical MSSA and MRSA isolates, disrupted biofilms from airway isolates, remained stable for at least one year in storage, and could be aerosolized without significant reductions in activity. Bioinformatic tools were used to assess safety, lifecycle, virulence, and prophage contamination when grown using their original isolation host. Receptor binding proteins within their genomes were also predicted, providing insight into their mechanisms of action. Both phages demonstrated strong efficacy against the clinical isolates tested and demonstrated robust stability under storage and delivery conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Koomba kaat 1 and Biyabeda mokiny 1 are promising candidates for phage therapy. Their efficacy against clinical S. aureus isolates, ability to break down biofilm, and stability for airway implementation, positions them as valuable tools for addressing persistent airway infections caused by S. aureus.},
}

@article {pmid40178584,
year = {2025},
author = {Karasu, O and Ayhan, MS and Duran, M and Sahin, EA and Ayaz, ND and Yalinay, AM},
title = {A Novel Approach for Preventing Biofilm Formation on Various Breast Implant Surfaces: Bacteriophage Therapy.},
journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/PRS.0000000000012132},
pmid = {40178584},
issn = {1529-4242},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is a common complication in breast implant surgery, with subclinical bacterial inflammation being a significant factor. Traditional methods to prevent capsular contracture include antibiotic irrigation and systemic antibiotics. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has driven the need for alternative treatments. Bacteriophages, capable of lysing bacteria and preventing biofilm formation, are emerging as a potential alternative. This study aims to compare the efficacy of local bacteriophage therapy and local antibiotic treatment in preventing biofilm formation on breast implants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups: control, antibiotic, and bacteriophage, each with three subgroups for different time points (6 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days). Three types of implant surfaces (smooth, textured, and polyurethane) were incubated with a biofilm-producing strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis before implantation. The implant surfaces in the experimental groups were treated with either antibiotic or bacteriophage solutions before implantation. Samples were collected at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days post-implantation for colony counting and mRNA analysis of the sesI gene.

RESULTS: Both bacteriophage and antibiotic treatments significantly reduced colony counts, and mRNA expression compared to the control group at all time points (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between the antibiotic and bacteriophage groups. Textured and polyurethane implants showed lower bacterial loads in the experimental groups compared to smooth implants.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights bacteriophages as a promising alternative to antibiotics for preventing biofilm formation on breast implants, representing a pioneering effort in demonstrating their potential.},
}

@article {pmid40178261,
year = {2025},
author = {Ravishankar, S and Conte, AL and Carrasco Aliaga, SJ and Baldelli, V and Nielsen, KL and Paroni, M and Conte, MP and Landini, P and Rossi, E},
title = {The antimycotic 5-fluorocytosine is a virulence inhibitor of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and eradicates biofilm-embedded bacteria synergizing with β-lactams.},
journal = {Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0028025},
doi = {10.1128/aac.00280-25},
pmid = {40178261},
issn = {1098-6596},
abstract = {Biofilm can enhance antibiotic tolerance in bacteria, making treatment of biofilm-associated infections in clinical settings a significant challenge. 5-Fluorocytosine (5-FC), an FDA-approved drug mostly used as an antifungal, can hinder biofilm formation and production of virulence factors in Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we tested 5-FC on nine uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains plus a fecal isolate. Our data indicated that 5-FC reduced curli fiber gene expression and inhibited virulence factors in UPEC strains. Unlike what was observed in other microorganisms, 5-FC antivirulence and antibiofilm properties were unaffected by either growth temperature or the medium pH, which might prove critical in urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment. Additionally, 5-FC impaired the expression of various UPEC virulence factors, including secreted toxins and type I and P fimbriae, thus leading to decreased UPEC adherence to bladder epithelial cells and improved survival of host cells. Finally, we found that a combination of 5-FC with β-lactams, but not other classes of antibiotics, significantly lowered the viability of bacteria in preformed biofilms. Despite a small set of pathogenic E. coli strains and an in vitro infection model, our findings strongly suggest that 5-FC might be a possible candidate as an antivirulence agent, particularly in a synergistic approach with β-lactam antibiotics.},
}

@article {pmid40174456,
year = {2025},
author = {Long, M and Zheng, CW and Zhou, C and Rittmann, BE},
title = {Mitigating chromate toxicity through concurrent denitrification in the H2-based membrane biofilm reactor.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {492},
number = {},
pages = {138073},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138073},
pmid = {40174456},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {High concentrations of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in industrial wastewaters pose significant environmental and health hazards. Biotranformation is a viable means to lower Cr(VI) toxicity, but research to date has focused on wastewaters with low concentrations (e.g., 2-5 mg/L Cr(VI)). This study evaluated the dynamics of biosorption and biotransformation of higher-concentration Cr(VI) by biofilms in the H2-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR). While the biofilm in an MBfR receiving Cr(VI) alone had limited capacity to remove Cr(VI) and Cr(VI) removal ceased in 30 days, an autotrophic denitrifying biofilms achieved 99 % reduction of over 20 mg/L Cr(VI) to less-toxic trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) in continuous long-term operation system over 4 months. Increasing the H2 pressure from 3 psig to 10 psig improved Cr(VI) removal from 87 % to 99 %, which occurred in parallel with over 95 % NO3[-] reduction to N2. Metagenomic analyses revealed the mechanisms of Cr(VI) bioreduction and highlighted the beneficial role of nitrate (NO3[-]) as the primary electron acceptor. For example, nitrite reductase NrfA could reduce Cr(VI), which lowered Cr(VI) caused oxidative stress. This research demonstrates the MBfR's effectiveness in reducing elevated levels of Cr(VI) and provides mechanistic understanding of the roles of denitrification in accelerating Cr(VI) reduction and detoxification.},
}

@article {pmid40174422,
year = {2025},
author = {Sandeep, R and Madsen, JS and Marzocchi, U and Vergeynst, L},
title = {Synergizing carbon and phosphorus recovery from wastewater: Integrating biofilm-based phosphorus removal in high-rate activated sludge.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {280},
number = {},
pages = {123546},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123546},
pmid = {40174422},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {High-rate activated sludge operated at <2 days biomass age enhances carbon recovery from wastewater, but simultaneous biological recovery of phosphorus remains unachieved. Addressing the reported loss of phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAO) at such short biomass ages, this study investigated the integration of moving bed biofilms into high-rate activated sludge to enhance PAO retention. The results demonstrated sustained biofilm-based PAO activity and complete orthoP removal under short anaerobic-aerobic cycles with a hydraulic retention time of 2.7 h matching high-rate conditions. When combined with high-rate activated sludge in a sequencing batch reactor fed with acetate, complete orthoP removal was sustained. However, using synthetic wastewater promoted the growth of competing heterotrophic bacteria, reducing orthoP removal to 50-65 %. Biofilms served as a continuous source of PAO for the suspended biomass, which contributed to 46-55 % of the overall orthoP removal, even below 2 days biomass age. While acetate-fed microbial communities included known PAOs, using complex feed shifted the community toward less understood putative PAOs. Competition for acetate was likely compensated by a high fermentability of high-rate activated sludge, as PAO activity was maintained while reducing the acetate load in the feed from 20:1 to 5:1 g acetate⋅g P[-1]. P release and uptake rates were accurately described by the biomass-specific acetate loading rate and the depletion of intracellular polyphosphate, respectively, providing predictive relationships for process optimization. Imposing an anaerobic-aerobic regime enhanced the carbon recovery of high-rate activated sludge from about 37 to 60 %. Integrating biofilms enabled efficient phosphorus removal while maintaining carbon recovery rates of 41-53 %, highlighting the synergistic benefits of this approach.},
}

@article {pmid40172491,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, S and Tsavou, A and Zarnowski, R and Pforte, R and Allert, S and Krüger, T and Kniemeyer, O and Brakhage, AA and Bui, TTT and Andes, DR and Richardson, JP and Hube, B and Naglik, JR},
title = {Candida albicans biofilm extracellular vesicles deliver candidalysin to epithelial cell membranes and induce host cell responses.},
journal = {Infection and immunity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0040424},
doi = {10.1128/iai.00404-24},
pmid = {40172491},
issn = {1098-5522},
abstract = {Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous particles encapsulated with a phospholipid bilayer membrane. EVs have evolved diverse biological functions, serving mainly as prominent mediators and regulators of cell-cell communication. This study investigated whether candidalysin, a key virulence factor in Candida albicans infections, is present within EVs derived from C. albicans biofilms and retains activity by inducing host immune responses. We found that biofilm EVs contain candidalysin and can permeabilize planar lipid bilayer membranes in a dose-dependent manner. However, biofilm EVs were unable to damage oral epithelial cells (OECs) but were able to induce cytokine responses. Notably, EVs obtained from biofilms cultured for 24 h and 48 h exhibited differences in cargo composition and their ability to activate OECs. This study highlights the potential of biofilm EVs as a toxin delivery system during C. albicans infection and identifies temporal differences in the ability of EVs to activate epithelial cells.},
}

@article {pmid40172368,
year = {2025},
author = {Flumignan, VK and Sircili, MP and Franzolin, MR and Tavassi, AMC and Germano, LG and Souza, AVDS and Silva, NF and Fukumasu, NK and Anjos, RMD and Otoch, JP and Artifon, ELA},
title = {Comparison between biliary plastic stents with and without application of silver nanoparticles: an in-vitro study of the biofilm formation.},
journal = {Acta cirurgica brasileira},
volume = {40},
number = {},
pages = {e402825},
pmid = {40172368},
issn = {1678-2674},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Silver/pharmacology ; *Metal Nanoparticles ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects ; *Stents/microbiology ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Plastics/chemistry/pharmacology ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible/pharmacology/chemistry ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Humans ; Reproducibility of Results ; Materials Testing ; Colony Count, Microbial ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Plastic biliary stents are a cost-effective treatment for biliary obstruction. Unfortunately, they have low patency, related to intraluminal biofilm formation. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been increasingly used in biomedicine because of its antibacterial properties. This study aimed to compare biofilm formation on stents with and without silver nanoparticle coatings when in contact with different bacterial culture medium.

METHODS: Different types of silver coatings were tested on plastic biliary stents. Two groups of stents were analyzed: one group with various types of silver nanoparticle coatings, and a negative control group with no coating. The stents were placed in different bacterial culture media and assessed for biofilm formation. Analysis was performed using confocal microscopy and direct colony-forming unit (CFU/cm2).

RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed promising results with C16 coating, as Escherichia coli ATCC and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC exhibited reduced growth in the AgNP-coated group (p < 0.05). However, when mixed samples, including clinical strains and Staphylococcus aureus, were tested, the AgNP coating did not inhibit bacterial growth.

CONCLUSION: AgNP-coated stents are effective against certain strains, such as E. coli ATCC and P. aeruginosa. Further research is needed to explore potential improvements in the coating mechanism.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Silver/pharmacology
*Metal Nanoparticles
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects
*Stents/microbiology
*Escherichia coli/drug effects/growth & development
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Plastics/chemistry/pharmacology
Coated Materials, Biocompatible/pharmacology/chemistry
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microscopy, Confocal
Humans
Reproducibility of Results
Materials Testing
Colony Count, Microbial

@article {pmid40169959,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Wang, J and Zhang, K and Zhang, J and Cui, D and Wang, J and Ji, P and Wei, Y and Li, J},
title = {Linalool as a potential agent for inhibiting Escherichia coli biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide production.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {235},
pmid = {40169959},
issn = {1746-6148},
support = {No. 31902316//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFD1801101-4//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; CAAS-ZDRW202111//Major scientific research tasks of the Science and Technology Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; CARS-36-04//China Agriculture Research System/ ; CAAS -ASTIP-2015-LIHPS//the Innovation Project of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Clinical Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Acyclic Monoterpenes/pharmacology ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects ; *Polysaccharides, Bacterial ; *Monoterpenes/pharmacology ; *Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Animals ; Female ; },
abstract = {Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most common pathogens causing endometritis in dairy cows. The presence of genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and biofilm formation are important factors contributing to bacterial resistance, which poses a significant challenge to the treatment of endometritis in dairy cows. Essential oils containing linalool have been shown to improve the cure rate of bovine endometritis, but whether linalool can inhibit E. coli biofilm has not yet been reported. We proposed to ascertain the linalool implications on the development of E. coli biofilm and its extracellular polysaccharides, as well as to assess the impacts of linalool on E. coli in both planktonic and biofilm states. We discovered that the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs) of linalool against E. coli were twice as high as the minimum inhibitory concentrations. Linalool exhibited a strong bactericidal effect on clinical E. coli strain producing ESBL and forming strong biofilm, regardless of whether they were in a planktonic or biofilm condition. Linalool suppressed the biofilm development in a way that was dependent on the dosage, with an MBIC 4 µL/mL. This was verified by the use of crystal violet test and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the CCK-8 assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) manifested significant reductions in live bacteria within the biofilm. The concentrations of extracellular polymeric compounds in the E. coli biofilm were also reduced. Furthermore, CLSM and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that linalool (2 µL/mL) significantly suppressed exopolysaccharide (EPS) and the pgaABCD gene expression, regulating an essential exopolysaccharide expression in biofilm formation. These findings revealed that linalool effectively suppressed viable bacteria, EPS production, and E. coli biofilm formation, providing a theoretical foundation for alternative antibiotic therapy in endometritis in dairy cows and as a potential agent for preventing E. coli biofilm-related infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Acyclic Monoterpenes/pharmacology
*Escherichia coli/drug effects
*Polysaccharides, Bacterial
*Monoterpenes/pharmacology
*Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Animals
Female

@article {pmid40169915,
year = {2025},
author = {Choi, V and Carugo, D and Stride, E},
title = {Repurposing antimicrobials with ultrasound-triggered nanoscale systems for targeted biofilm drug delivery.},
journal = {npj antimicrobials and resistance},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {22},
pmid = {40169915},
issn = {2731-8745},
support = {EP/V026623/1//Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council/ ; EP/V026623/1//Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council/ ; EP/V026623/1//Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {Chronic infections represent a major clinical challenge due to the enhanced antimicrobial tolerance of biofilm-dwelling bacteria. To address this challenge, an ultrasound-responsive nanoscale drug delivery platform (nanodroplets) is presented in this work, loaded with four different antimicrobial agents, capable of simultaneous biofilm disruption and targeted antimicrobial delivery. When loaded, a robust protective effect against clinically-derived MRSA and ESBL Gram-positive and Gram-negative planktonic isolates was shown in vitro. Upon application of therapeutic ultrasound, an average 7.6-fold, 44.4-fold, and 25.5-fold reduction was observed in the antibiotic concentrations compared to free drug required to reach the MBC, MBEC and complete persister eradication levels, respectively. Nanodroplets substantially altered subcellular distribution of encapsulated antimicrobials, enhancing accumulation of antimicrobials by 11.1-fold within the biofilm-residing bacteria's cytoplasm compared to treatment with unencapsulated drugs. These findings illustrate the potential of this multifunctional platform to overcome the critical penetration and localization limitations of antimicrobials within biofilms, opening potential new avenues in the treatment of chronic clinical infections.},
}

@article {pmid40169056,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, J and Shen, HL and Pan, JN and Yu, T and Zhou, WW},
title = {Ferrous sulfate/carboxymethyl chitosan agar-based film triggers ferroptosis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa planktonic and biofilm cells for antibacterial preservation of fruits and vegetables.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt 3},
pages = {142697},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.142697},
pmid = {40169056},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {The ferrous sulfate (FeSO4)-based mechanism causing ferroptosis-like death in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated. FeSO4 triggered ferroptosis in P. aeruginosa planktonic cells, decreased the ratio of glutathione to oxidized glutathione, and resulted in the increase of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, damaging the integrity of the cell membrane. In addition, FeSO4 prevented P. aeruginosa from forming biofilms on the surface of stainless steel, glass, and high-density polyethylene. Transcriptome analyses indicated that there were 412 up-regulated genes and 782 down-regulated genes following FeSO4 treatment. FeSO4 increased the cross-linking density of a carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) agar-based film, reducing its water solubility, swelling degree, water vapor permeability, and oxygen permeability. Finally, FeSO4@CMCS agar-based film showed potential antibacterial ability against the growth of P. aeruginosa in grapes, purple kale, and cherry tomatoes during storage.},
}

@article {pmid40168779,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, L and Shi, H and Medema, G and van der Meer, W and Liu, G},
title = {Long-term impacts of free chlorine and monochloramine on the development of drinking water biofilm.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {281},
number = {},
pages = {123566},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123566},
pmid = {40168779},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Biofilm formation in drinking water distribution systems is primarily managed by disinfectants such as free chlorine (FC) and monochloramine (MC). However, there is limited understanding of their long-term and dynamic effects on biofilm development. To address this, a 56-week study was conducted to comprehensively assess biofilm development in terms of microbial quantity and community under different disinfection regimes: no chlorine (NC), FC (0.1 mg/L), and MC (0.4 mg/L). The results showed that both FC and MC significantly inhibited biofilm growth compared to the NC condition while shaping distinct biofilm communities. Notably, FC drastically reduced biofilm biomass and community diversity, resulting in a more uniform biofilm community predominantly composed of Proteobacteria (e.g., Rhizobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Hyphomicrobium spp.), indicating stronger selection pressures on the microbial population. In contrast, though MC effectively reduced the biofilm biomass to a level comparable to that of FC, it maintained a high diversity comparable to that of NC (dominated by Sphingobium spp. and Nocardioides spp.), reflecting weaker selection pressure on bacterial community. Temporally, biofilm communities under all conditions started from nearly identical states. From week-19 and week-36 onwards, deterministic processes predominantly governed biofilm formation under FC and NC conditions, signifying that these biofilms reached a stable state. Differently, under MC condition, the community assembly was continually influenced by stochastic processes, with the biofilm not achieving stability until week-56. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the long-term dynamics of biofilm development and evidenced that FC is better than MC in controlling biofilm formation, particularly from the community diversity perspective. This challenges classical views that MC is more effective than FC in penetrating and controlling biofilm, which may change the popularity of MC as a disinfectant in water utilities.},
}

@article {pmid40168703,
year = {2025},
author = {Shah, T and Zhu, C and Shah, C and Upadhyaya, I and Upadhyay, A},
title = {Trans-cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion reduces Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm on steel and plastic surfaces and downregulates expression of biofilm associated genes.},
journal = {Poultry science},
volume = {104},
number = {5},
pages = {105086},
doi = {10.1016/j.psj.2025.105086},
pmid = {40168703},
issn = {1525-3171},
abstract = {Salmonella Enteritidis is a major poultry-associated foodborne pathogen that can form sanitizer-tolerant biofilms on various surfaces. The biofilm-forming capability of S. Enteritidis facilitates its survival on farm and food processing equipment. Conventional sanitization methods are not completely effective in killing S. Enteritidis biofilms. This study investigated the efficacy of a Generally Recognized as Safe phytochemical Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), and in its nanoemulsion form (TCNE), for inhibiting S. Enteritidis biofilm formation and inactivating mature biofilms developed on polystyrene and stainless-steel surfaces. Moreover, the effect of TC on Salmonella genes critical for biofilm formation was studied. TCNE was prepared using a high energy sonication method with Tween 80. For biofilm inhibition assay, S. Enteritidis was allowed to form biofilms either in the presence or absence of sub-inhibitory concentration (SIC; 0.01 %) of TCNE at 25°C and the biofilm formed was quantified at 24-h intervals for 48 h. For the inactivation assay, S. Enteritidis biofilms developed at 25°C for 48 h were exposed to TCNE (0.5, 1 %) for 1, 5, and 15 min, and surviving S. Enteritidis in the biofilm were enumerated. SIC of TCNE inhibited S. Enteritidis biofilm by 45 % on polystyrene and 75 % on steel surface after 48 h at 25°C compared to control (P < 0.05). All TCNE treatments rapidly inactivated S. Enteritidis mature biofilm on polystyrene and steel surfaces (P < 0.05). The lower concentration of TCNE (0.5 %) reduced S. Enteritidis counts by 1.5 log CFU/ml as early as 1 min of exposure on both polystyrene and stainless-steel surfaces. After 15 min of exposure, TCNE at concentration of 0.5 or 1 % reduced S. Enteritidis count significantly by 4.5 log CFU or 6 log CFU/ml on polystyrene or stainless-steel surfaces. TC downregulated the expression of S. Enteritidis genes (hilA, hilC, flhD, csgA, csgD, sdiA) responsible for biofilm formation (P < 0.05). Results suggest that TCNE has potential as a natural disinfectant for controlling S. Enteritidis biofilms on common farm and food processing surfaces, such as plastic and steel.},
}

@article {pmid40166967,
year = {2025},
author = {He, H and Carlson, AL and Wagner, B and Yang, C and Cao, Y and Uzair, MD and Daigger, GT},
title = {An update on hybrid membrane aerated biofilm reactor technology.},
journal = {Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation},
volume = {97},
number = {4},
pages = {e70065},
pmid = {40166967},
issn = {1554-7531},
mesh = {*Biofilms ; *Bioreactors ; Membranes, Artificial ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; },
abstract = {The hybrid membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) process combines the advantages of the counter-diffusional biofilm and bubbleless aeration of the MABR with the good bioflocculation and carbon processing capabilities of suspended growth processes. These features result in a process with reduced physical footprint, excellent biological nutrient removal capabilities, potentially reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and significantly reduced energy requirements that can be easily retrofitted into existing suspended growth processes. Commercially introduced in the mid-2010s, the demonstrated advantages of the hybrid MABR process are resulting in rapid full-scale adoption. Meanwhile, researchers are advancing knowledge on the hybrid MABR process and revealing potential opportunities for improved performance. This paper summarizes recent findings and identifies areas that can be further developed to advance hybrid MABR process evaluation and development. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Rapid application of the hybrid MABR process is leading to significant new developments that can enhance performance. Sizing MABR for nearly complete nitrification allows significant downsizing of the bioreactor, coupled with excellent nitrogen removal and energy savings. Online exhaust gas % O2 and bulk ammonia concentration can be used to create a soft sensor characterizing changes in biofilm thickness enabling biofilm control to optimize performance. Further advancements through improved aeration control, configurations to achieve partial nitritation and annammox, and achieving granulation offer further significant advances.},
}

*Biofilms
*Bioreactors
Membranes, Artificial
Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods

@article {pmid40166962,
year = {2025},
author = {Horsnell, A and Farella, M and Tompkins, G and van Vuuren, WJ},
title = {Comparison of Biofilm Accumulation on Conventional and CAD/CAM Orthodontic Band Alloys (In Vivo) and Subsequent Enamel Demineralization (Ex Vivo).},
journal = {Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials},
volume = {113},
number = {4},
pages = {e35573},
doi = {10.1002/jbm.b.35573},
pmid = {40166962},
issn = {1552-4981},
support = {//Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms ; Animals ; Humans ; Cattle ; Adult ; Male ; *Tooth Demineralization ; *Dental Enamel/metabolism/chemistry/microbiology ; Female ; Computer-Aided Design ; },
abstract = {Biofilm accumulation can lead to enamel decalcification, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to compare the accumulation of biofilm under in vivo conditions and consequent ex vivo acid production and enamel demineralization around the material used for "off-the-shelf" conventional and CAD/CAM orthodontics bands. The study design required both in vivo and in vitro approaches. An experimental model was utilized to combine the exposure of an in vivo formed biofilm to in vitro cariogenic conditions to achieve the objective. Twenty-one consenting participants took part in this study. Participants wore custom intraoral appliances containing six bovine enamel discs (three on each maxillary arch) for 48 h. Tiles made from conventional stainless steel bands (SS tiles group), CAD/CAM tiles made of Sintron cobalt-chromium (CoCr) sinter metal (Sintron tiles group), and no tile (control group) were randomly assigned to disc positions such that each appliance contained two tiles from each group (126 tiles in total). Participants immersed the appliances in sucrose solution (10% w/v) for 5 min, five times per day. After 48 h, appliances were removed, the discs were recovered, and incubated in glucose (1%)/PBS for 24 h. The pH of the glucose/PBS measured the relative acid produced by the accumulated biofilm, and calcium released from the discs quantified demineralization. Disclosing dye was used to stain and delineate the biofilm before each disc was digitally photographed and analyzed to determine the biofilm coverage. The mean biofilm coverage ranged between 0% and 86% (mean 9.63%) of disc surface area, but there was no difference in biofilm coverage between tile groups or between tile positions. Significantly less acid was generated by the control discs biofilms (mean pH 5.06) than either SS or CAD/CAM tiles biofilms (pH 4.72 and 4.84, respectively), which were not different from one another. Position on the appliance did not affect acid production. Control discs experienced greater demineralization (mean 136 μg Ca/disc) than either the SS (122 μg Ca/disc) or Sintron (114 μg Ca/disc) tile groups, which suffered equivalent demineralization. Position on the appliances did not influence demineralization. The study provides no evidence that CAD/CAM-designed components of orthodontic bands are more beneficial than conventional bands in terms of biofilm accumulation and consequent caries risk.},
}

*Biofilms
Animals
Humans
Cattle
Adult
Male
*Tooth Demineralization
*Dental Enamel/metabolism/chemistry/microbiology
Female
Computer-Aided Design

@article {pmid40166241,
year = {2025},
author = {Lormand, JD and Savelle, CH and Teschler, JK and López, E and Little, RH and Malone, JG and Yildiz, FH and García-García, MJ and Sondermann, H},
title = {A class of secreted retropepsin-like enzymes is required for osmotic stress tolerance, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.03.18.643919},
pmid = {40166241},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Proteases regulate important biological functions. Here we present the structural and functional characterization of three previously uncharacterized aspartic proteases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa . We show that these proteases have structural hallmarks of retropepsin peptidases and play redundant roles for cell survival under hypoosmotic stress conditions. Consequently, we named them retropepsin-like osmotic stress tolerance peptidases (Rlo). Our research shows that while Rlo proteases are homologous to RimB, an aspartic peptidase involved in rhizosphere colonization and plant infection, they contain N-terminal signal peptides and perform distinct biological functions. Mutants lacking all three secreted Rlo peptidases show defects in antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and cell morphology. These defects are rescued by mutations in the inactive transglutaminase transmembrane protein RloB and the cytoplasmic ATP-grasp protein RloC, two previously uncharacterized genes in the same operon as one of the Rlo proteases. These studies identify Rlo proteases and rlo operon products as critical factors in clinically relevant processes, making them appealing targets for therapeutic strategies against Pseudomonas infections.

IMPORTANCE: Bacterial infections have become harder to treat due to the ability of pathogens to adapt to different environments and the rise of antimicrobial resistance. This has led to longer illnesses, increased medical costs, and higher mortality rates. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly problematic because of its inherent resistance to many antibiotics and its capacity to form biofilms, structures that allow bacteria to withstand hostile conditions. Our study uncovers a new class of retropepsin-like proteases in P. aeruginosa that are required for biofilm formation and bacterial survival upon stress conditions, including antibiotic exposure. By identifying critical factors that determine bacterial fitness and adaptability, our research lays the foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies against bacterial infections.},
}

@article {pmid40165788,
year = {2025},
author = {Catania, AM and Dalmasso, A and Morra, P and Costa, E and Bottero, MT and Di Ciccio, PA},
title = {Effect of gaseous ozone treatment on cells and biofilm of dairy Bacillus spp. isolates.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1538456},
pmid = {40165788},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Bacillus spp. can produce biofilms and cause recurrent contamination in the food industry. The common clean-in-place (CIP) method is usually employed in sanitizing processing equipment. However, CIP is not always effective in removing biofilms. Ozone represents a promising "green" alternative to control biofilms. In this study, the effect of gaseous ozone (50 ppm) was evaluated in vitro against planktonic and sessile B. cereus and B. subtilis isolates collected from the dairy sector. Planktonic cells were enumerated by plate counts after 10 min, 1 h, and 6 h of ozone treatment. After a short-term (10 min) exposure, a slight reduction in microbial loads (0.66-2.27 ± 0.15 Log10 CFU/mL) was observed for B. cereus strains, whereas a more pronounced reduction (2.90-3.81 ± 0.12 Log10 CFU/mL) was noted in B. subtilis isolates. The microbial load further decreased after 1 h-treatments, around 1.5-3.46 ± 0.11 Log10 CFU/mL for B. cereus strains, and 4.0-5.6 ± 0.11 Log10 CFU/mL for B. subtilis isolates, until complete inactivation of bacterial cells after 6 h of exposure. Moreover, the effect of gaseous ozone treatment (50 ppm, 6 h) was evaluated for its ability to inhibit and eradicate biofilms formed on two common food-contact materials (polystyrene and stainless steel). Sessile B. subtilis cells were the more sensitive to the action of ozone, while a weak effect was highlighted on B. cereus isolates on both surface types. These results were further confirmed by scanning microscopy analysis. The number of cells in the biofilm state was also assessed, showing a not-complete correlation with a decrease in Biofilm Production Indices (BPIs). These findings highlighted the effectiveness of the sanitizing protocol using gaseous ozone in contrasting Bacillus free-living cells, but a not completely counteraction in biofilm formation (inhibition) or eradication of pre-formed biofilm. Thus, the application of ozone could be thought of not alone, but in combination with common sanitization practices to improve their effectiveness.},
}

@article {pmid40165235,
year = {2025},
author = {Wannigama, DL and Hurst, C and Monk, PN and Hartel, G and Ditcham, WGF and Hongsing, P and Phattharapornjaroen, P and Ounjai, P and Torvorapanit, P and Jutivorakool, K and Luk-In, S and Nilgate, S and Rirerm, U and Tanasatitchai, C and Miyanaga, K and Cui, L and Ragupathi, NKD and Rad, SMAH and Khatib, A and Storer, RJ and Ishikawa, H and Amarasiri, M and Charuluxananan, S and Leelahavanichkul, A and Kanjanabuch, T and Higgins, PG and Davies, JC and Stick, SM and Kicic, A and Chatsuwan, T and Shibuya, K and Abe, S},
title = {tesG expression as a potential clinical biomarker for chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary biofilm infections.},
journal = {BMC medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {191},
pmid = {40165235},
issn = {1741-7015},
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics ; Female ; Male ; *Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; *Biomarkers ; *Sputum/microbiology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Chronic Disease ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in the lungs affect millions of children and adults worldwide. To our knowledge, no clinically validated prognostic biomarkers for chronic pulmonary P. aeruginosa infections exist. Therefore, this study aims to identify potential prognostic markers for chronic P. aeruginosa biofilm lung infections.

METHODS: Here, we screened the expression of 11 P. aeruginosa regulatory genes (tesG, algD, lasR, lasA, lasB, pelB, phzF, rhlA, rsmY, rsmZ, and sagS) to identify associations between clinical status and chronic biofilm infection.

RESULTS: RNA was extracted from 210 sputum samples from patients (n = 70) with chronic P. aeruginosa lung infections (mean age; 29.3-56.2 years; 33 female). Strong biofilm formation was correlated with prolonged hospital stays (212.2 days vs. 44.4 days) and increased mortality (46.2% (18)). Strong biofilm formation is associated with increased tesG expression (P = 0.001), influencing extended intensive care unit (P = 0.002) or hospitalisation stays (P = 0.001), pneumonia risk (P = 0.006), and mortality (P = 0.001). Notably, tesG expression is linked to the modulation of systemic and sputum inflammatory responses and predicts biofilm biomass.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first clinical dataset of tesG expression levels as a predictive biomarker for chronic P. aeruginosa pulmonary infections.},
}

Humans
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics
Female
Male
*Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology
Middle Aged
Adult
*Biomarkers
*Sputum/microbiology
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Chronic Disease

@article {pmid40164359,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, C and Zhu, Y and Ren, P and Leng, J and Xia, X and Chen, T and Sun, W and Yang, P and Niu, H and Chen, Y and Ying, H},
title = {Construction of an efficient enzyme-cell@material biocatalyst through the biofilm immobilization of Komagataella phaffii for continuous biocatalysis.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132460},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132460},
pmid = {40164359},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The ever-growing demand for cost-effective and green biocatalytic transformations has prompted the rational design and development of robust biocatalytic tools. However, transformations are hindered by limited continuous process and enzymatic instability. Here, 10 Flo family related genes in Komagataella phaffii were systematically evaluated to assess their adhesive properties. For the first time, we identified the KpFlo11C domain of BSC1p as facilitating cell aggregation on carriers, thereby enhancing the biofilm immobilization process. Furthermore, an engineered K. phaffii strain, fixing β-galactosidase on the cell surface, was constructed by optimizing the signal peptide and gene dosage, for enhancing the efficiency of enzyme targeting and anchoring, as well as the proportion of cells displaying the enzyme. Finally, the KpFlo11C domain was overexpressed in this K. phaffii cell display system to construct the enzyme-cell@material biocatalyst, which exhibited robust continuous production of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) at a rate of 8.16 g/L/h in a 6-L fermenter. The development of this enzyme-cell@material biocatalyst, which offers a highly efficient, stable, low-cost, and simplified biocatalytic process, provides a direction for the application of other yeasts in large-scale industrial continuous production.},
}

@article {pmid40163280,
year = {2025},
author = {Fayed, B and El-Sayed, HS and Luo, S and Reda, AE},
title = {Comparative evaluation of biologically and chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for preventing Candida auris biofilm.},
journal = {Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40163280},
issn = {1572-8773},
abstract = {Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is a multidrug-resistant yeast that poses a significant global health threat due to its ability to form biofilms and resist various antifungal treatments. This study evaluates and compares the antifungal efficacy of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP-B) and chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NP-C1 and ZnO-NP-C2), developed using the dry-wet chemical method and sol-gel method, respectively. ZnO-NP-B was synthesized using Lactobacillus gasseri. The nanoparticles were characterized for size, charge, and morphology using Particle Size Analyzer, photon correlation spectroscopy with a 90 Plus Zetasizer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The antifungal activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) determination, biofilm inhibition assays by XTT assay, and gene expression analysis. ZnO-NP-C1 exhibited the highest antifungal activity against C. auris planktonic cells, with a MIC50 value of 61.9 ± 3.3 µg/ml, followed by ZnO-NP-C2 (151 ± 7.83 µg/ml), whereas ZnO-NP-B showed limited efficacy (MIC50 = 1 mg/ml). Chemically synthesized ZnO-NPs, particularly ZnO-NP-C2, did not induce overexpression of resistance genes (CDR1, MDR1, ERG2, ERG11, FKS1, CHS1), whereas ZnO-NP-B triggered their upregulation, potentially promoting resistance. ZnO-NP-C1 was the most effective in preventing biofilm formation, reducing C. auris adhesion by 67.9 ± 2.35% at 150 µg/ml, while ZnO-NP-B exhibited negligible inhibition. Gene expression analysis further confirmed that ZnO-NP-C1 significantly downregulated adhesive genes (ALS5, IFF4, CSA1) by up to 0.37 ± 0.006, 0.043 ± 0.002, and 0.06 ± 0.0004, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-NP-C1 as a promising antifungal agent for preventing C. auris biofilms, emphasizing the critical role of synthesis methods in optimizing nanoparticle properties for antifungal applications.},
}

@article {pmid40161322,
year = {2025},
author = {Vyas, HKN and Hoque, MM and Xia, B and Alam, D and Cullen, PJ and Rice, SA and Mai-Prochnow, A},
title = {Transcriptional signatures associated with the survival of Escherichia coli biofilm during treatment with plasma-activated water.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {100266},
pmid = {40161322},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Biofilm formation on surfaces, tools and equipment can damage their quality and lead to high repair or replacement costs. Plasma-activated water (PAW), a new technology, has shown promise in killing biofilm and non-biofilm bacteria due to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), particularly superoxide. However, the exact genetic mechanisms behind PAW's effectiveness against biofilms remain unclear. Here, we examined the stress responses of Escherichia coli biofilms exposed to sub-lethal PAW treatment using bulk RNA sequencing and transcriptomics. We compared gene expression in PAW-treated E. coli biofilms with and without superoxide removal, achieved by adding the scavenger Tiron. Biofilms treated with PAW exhibited a 40 % variation in gene expression compared to those treated with PAW-Tiron and controls. Specifically, PAW treatment resulted in 478 upregulated genes (>1.5 log2FC) and 186 downregulated genes (<-1.5 log2FC) compared to the control. Pathway and biological process enrichment analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in sulfur metabolism, ATP-binding transporter, amino acid metabolism, hypochlorite response systems and oxidative phosphorylation in PAW-treated biofilms compared to control. Biofilm viability and intracellular RONS accumulation were tested for E. coli mutants lacking key genes from these pathways. Knockout mutants of thioredoxin (trxC), thiosulfate-binding proteins (cysP), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit (nuoM) showed significantly reduced biofilm viability after PAW treatment. Notably, ΔtrxC biofilms had the highest intracellular ROS accumulation, as revealed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining after PAW treatment. This confirms the importance of these genes in managing oxidative stress caused by PAW and highlights the significance of superoxide in PAW's bactericidal effects. Overall, our findings shed light on the specific genes and pathways that help E. coli biofilms survive and respond to PAW treatment, offering a new understanding of plasma technology and its anti-biofilm mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40161246,
year = {2025},
author = {Lima, JC and Ramos, LS and Barbosa, PF and Barcellos, IC and Branquinha, MH and Dos Santos, ALS},
title = {Biofilm production by the multidrug-resistant fungus Candida haemulonii is affected by aspartic peptidase inhibitor.},
journal = {AIMS microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {228-241},
pmid = {40161246},
issn = {2471-1888},
abstract = {Candida haemulonii is an emerging, opportunistic, and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. Recently, our group reported the ability of C. haemulonii to form biofilm and secrete aspartic-type peptidases (Saps). Herein, we investigated the correlation between Saps production and biofilm formation along C. haemulonii growth in yeast carbon base medium supplemented with albumin (a Sap-inducing condition) and in the presence of the classical Sap inhibitor pepstatin A. Under these conditions, the biofilm biomass increased on a polystyrene surface, reaching its maximum at 96 h, while maximum biofilm viability was detected at 48 h. The release of Saps during biofilm formation showed an inverse trend, with the highest enzymatic activity measured after 24 h. In the presence of pepstatin A, a significant reduction in biofilm parameters (biomass and viability), as well as in albumin consumption by biofilm-forming cells was detected. These findings underscore the importance of Saps during the biofilm development in C. haemulonii.},
}

@article {pmid40161240,
year = {2025},
author = {Maestri, C and Hébert, RL and Di Martino, P},
title = {Biofilm associated with pigmented areas on a waterproofing coating surface.},
journal = {AIMS microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {74-86},
pmid = {40161240},
issn = {2471-1888},
abstract = {Waterproofing coatings are composite materials made of different layers with complementary functionalities. They may suffer damage that can modify their aesthetic appearance and/or their functionality. In this study, dark stains appearing on a waterproofing coating of a public swimming pool were mapped and characterized at a macroscopic scale through visual observation and by colorimetric analysis, as well as at a microscopic scale with a digital microscope, a confocal laser scanning microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. Five stains were differentiated macroscopically and characterized using colorimetry and principal component analysis. Microscopic observations showed the presence of microorganisms of varied morphology, some filamentous but mostly unicellular. Biofilms consisting of ovoid fluorescent cells with the morphology of Chlorophyta and unicellular cyanobacteria were particularly abundant. The pigmented stains were located at top coat disorders where microbial colonization and biofilm development were observed. The microscopic observations suggested that physical degradation of the surface of the material would have constituted a prerequisite for colonization by pigmented microorganisms which would have led to the development of macroscopically visible pigmented areas. In this case study, the damage remained superficial and did not alter the watertightness of the material so far.},
}

@article {pmid40160729,
year = {2025},
author = {Branca, MT and Silva, TP and Lemos, ASO and Campos, LM and Souza, TF and Palazzi, C and Oliveira, VS and Coimbra, ES and Silva, FON and F B Pontes, AC and M Apolônio, AC and Melo, RCN and de L Pontes, D and Fabri, RL},
title = {The Fe-Cyclam-Derived Compound [Fe(cyclam)sal]PF6 Restrains Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Proliferation and Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {11386-11396},
pmid = {40160729},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals. This micro-organism is classified as an opportunistic pathogen and causes infections in both hospital and community settings. The increase in antibiotic resistance, especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is a major challenge for clinical and epidemiological practice. The present study aims to investigate the potential antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the compound [Fe(cyclam)sal]PF6 against drug-resistant strains of S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. aureus strains ATCC 25904, S. aureus ATCC 33591, and S. aureus 05-0052 were determined for [Fe(cyclam)sal]PF6. First, bacterial abundance, viability, and cell envelope damage in planktonic cultures were investigated in response to this compound. Second, its potential effect on biofilm proliferation and adhesion was evaluated using different approaches: optical density (OD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and biochemical analysis of the extracellular polymeric matrix. The complex [Fe(cyclam)sal]PF6 inhibited bacterial growth and induced an increase in cell death. The compound disrupted the integrity of the cell membrane, resulting in the release of cytoplasmic contents into the extracellular medium. Remarkably, the metal complex reduced the pre-established S. aureus biofilm and impaired its adhesion. Furthermore, it is not toxic to mammalian cells. The compound [Fe(cyclam)sal]PF6 affects both the proliferation and biofilm formation of drug-resistant strains of S. aureus, demonstrating strong potential for the design of novel antimicrobial agents.},
}

@article {pmid40160516,
year = {2025},
author = {Vakili, N and Ashengroph, M and Sharifi, A and Zorab, MM},
title = {Eco-friendly synthesis of copper nanoparticles by using Ralstonia sp. and their antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antivirulence activities.},
journal = {Biochemistry and biophysics reports},
volume = {42},
number = {},
pages = {101978},
pmid = {40160516},
issn = {2405-5808},
abstract = {Biosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) created through environmentally friendly and low-toxicity methods show great potential for various nanotechnology applications. In particular, copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) are promising for medical uses. This study aims to explore the eco-friendly synthesis of Cu-NPs and their potential as a novel strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. Cu-NPs were synthesized using Ralstonia sp. KF264453 and characterized with techniques including ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The antibacterial properties of the NPs and their synergistic effects with common antibiotics were assessed. The study also investigated their impact on bacterial cell membrane disruption, biofilm formation, efflux pump activity, and motility. UV-Vis analysis indicated a significant absorption peak at 552 nm, confirming surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for Cu-NPs. FESEM images revealed predominantly spherical NPs with an average size of 69.7 nm. DLS measurements indicated a hydrodynamic diameter of 78.2 nm due to stabilizing biomolecules. A zeta potential of -5.1 mV suggested moderate colloidal stability, suitable for short-term biomedical applications. XRD analysis confirmed a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 45 nm. FT-IR spectra detected functional groups, indicating that proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids may have contributed to the synthesis and stabilization of the NPs. Cu-NPs showed notable antibacterial efficacy, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 0.625 and 5 μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) ranging from 5 to 20 μg/mL. They improved the effectiveness of penicillin and cefixime, enhanced membrane permeability, inhibited biofilm formation, disrupted efflux pump activity in Staphylococcus aureus SA-1199B, and decreased swarming motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cu-NPs demonstrate strong antimicrobial activity, inhibit biofilm formation and efflux pump function, and enhance the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. While they show promise in combating antimicrobial resistance, further research is needed to assess their clinical potential and safety for medical use.},
}

@article {pmid40160267,
year = {2025},
author = {Kragh, ML and Scheel, NH and Leekitcharoenphon, P and Truelstrup Hansen, L},
title = {Repeated biocide treatments cause changes to the microbiome of a food industry floor drain biofilm model.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1542193},
pmid = {40160267},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {There is a concern about the development of microbial tolerance and resistance to biocides due to their repeated use within the food industry. This study aimed to develop a floor drain biofilm model and test whether repeated biocide treatment would result in increased tolerance to biocides. Culturomics and shotgun metagenomic analysis of 14 drains and 214 bacterial isolates from three industrial food production environments revealed microbiomes with great diversity and complexity, but with the dominance of a few highly abundant taxa, including Pseudomonas. A representative drain biofilm was created (3 days, 15°C) using 31 whole genome sequenced bacterial isolates from 24 genera. The biofilm model represented 47-58% and 76-81% of the microbial abundance observed in the metagenome and viable microbiota, respectively. The biofilm model was exposed on days 3 and 6 to water or different industrial concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BC), peracetic acid (PAA), or sodium hypochlorite (SH). Analysis of the viable survivors using MALDI-TOF MS and the regrowing biofilms using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed how the diversity of the biofilm decreased but without any change in biocide tolerance as seen in log reductions (CFU/cm[2]). The use of different biocides did, however, exert significantly different selective pressures on the microbiomes as Citrobacter, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, and Pseudomonas dominated the biofilm after treatments with SH or PAA, while Serratia and Moraxella dominated after treatments with BC. The dominance of Serratia marcescens could be explained by the carriage of a BC efflux pump (oqxB) and the highest (20 mg/L BC) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) result of the drain isolates. In contrast, despite carrying a BC efflux pump (qacH), Listeria monocytogenes ST121 did not show increased survival or presence in the biofilm after BC treatments. Only the highest tested concentration of PAA was able to completely eradicate L. monocytogenes. The developed biofilm model and the repeated biocide treatments enabled a better understanding of how biocides affect the biofilm microbiome. Future research should involve testing biocide rotation strategies to control biofilm regrowth and inactivation of persistent foodborne pathogens in floor drains.},
}

@article {pmid40158706,
year = {2025},
author = {He, X and Zhang, W and Liu, J and Liu, J and Chen, Y and Luan, C and Zhang, J and Bao, G and Lin, X and Muh, F and Lin, T and Lu, F},
title = {The global regulatory role of RsbUVW in virulence and biofilm formation in MRSA.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {203},
number = {},
pages = {107508},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107508},
pmid = {40158706},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The widespread prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has caused serious challenges to clinical treatment. This study was designed to explore effective targets for MRSA prevention and control. The key virulence regulator was screened through the correlation analysis between virulence and various regulatory factors in the main clinical epidemic MRSA. The potential key factors were inactivated to further evaluate the inhibitory effect on the virulence of MRSA standard strain S. aureus ATCC43300 and its influence on drug resistance and biofilm formation. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR was used to analyze the clinical epidemic genotypes of MRSA. The virulence of MRSA was evaluated mainly by measuring its adhesion and invasion ability to A549 cells, the lethality to Galleria mellonella larvae, and the transcription level of related genes. The biofilm formation was assessed by crystal violet staining on polystyrene microplates. The results showed that most virulence factors of clinical representative MRSA strain were significantly positively correlated with RsbUVW system. After knocking out the rsbV gene, a key component of the rsbUVW system, the virulence of S. aureus ATCC43300 was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), as indicated by a significant decrease in lethality against G. mellonella larvae and invasion against A549 cells, and a significant decrease in the expression of immune escape related virulence factors polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) and staphyloxanthin. The biomass and stability of protein-dependent biofilm by S. aureus ATCC43300 were significantly increased. This study will provide useful information for the effective prevention and control of MRSA.},
}

@article {pmid40156210,
year = {2025},
author = {King, JC and Lancaster, E and Myers, A and Lee, J and Dannemiller, KC},
title = {Case report: contamination of a drinking water distribution system by Exophiala-dominated biofilm in the Midwestern United States.},
journal = {Journal of water and health},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {314-321},
pmid = {40156210},
issn = {1477-8920},
support = {1942501//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms ; *Drinking Water/microbiology ; *Water Supply ; Midwestern United States ; Water Microbiology ; Ohio ; Bacteria/isolation & purification/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {Fungal contamination of drinking water distribution systems can impact water quality with implications for public health. We document an instance of Exophiala spp. biofilm contamination of customer taps in the Midwest United States following consumer complaints. Three samples of black biofilm were collected from customer taps in Ohio and then processed using next-generation DNA sequencing of the bacterial 16S and fungal ITS regions. Two samples with successful ITS sequencing were dominated by Exophiala spp., putatively identified as E. cancerae and E. lecanii-corni. Dominant bacterial phyla in samples included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria. Bacterial composition varied substantially at the family and genus levels, and potentially pathogenic bacteria (i.e., Acinetobacter spp., Legionella spp., Mycobacterium spp., and Pseudomonas spp.) were detected. The potential for fungal contamination of drinking water distribution systems should be evaluated when biofilms are observed.},
}

*Biofilms
*Drinking Water/microbiology
*Water Supply
Midwestern United States
Water Microbiology
Ohio
Bacteria/isolation & purification/classification/genetics

@article {pmid40155729,
year = {2025},
author = {Szafraniec, GM and Chrobak-Chmiel, D and Dolka, I and Adamczyk, K and Sułecki, K and Dolka, B},
title = {Virulence factors and biofilm forming ability of Staphyloccoccus species isolated from skeletal lesions of broiler chickens.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {10807},
pmid = {40155729},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Chickens/microbiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Poultry Diseases/microbiology ; *Staphylococcus/isolation & purification/pathogenicity/physiology ; *Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; *Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary/pathology ; Lameness, Animal/microbiology ; Poland ; },
abstract = {Lameness in poultry is a significant issue in modern meat production that adversely affects both animal welfare and economic outcomes due to poor leg health, reduced locomotor function, increased feed conversion ratios, and poor performance. Fast-growing broilers are particularly susceptible to lameness, with Staphylococcus being a major bacterial cause of skeletal infections. The aim of this study was to identify Staphylococcus species isolated from skeletal lesions in broiler chickens and to characterize the factors that facilitate such infections. Bacterial strains were isolated from 25 commercial broiler flocks in eastern Poland. The median prevalence of Staphylococcus in birds per flock was 60%. In total, 47% of the examined chickens and 88% of the examined flocks tested positive for Staphylococcus. The main bone sites affected by staphylococci were the femur (56.7%), femoral head (necrosis) (34.3%), hock joints (9.0%), femoral head (transient necrosis) (9.0%), tibiotarsus (7.5%), foot pads (dermatitis) (3.0%), and stifle (knee) joints (1.5%). Of all 93 Staphylococcus strains, 59% (55/93) were isolated from the femora. Twelve staphylococcal species were identified, all coagulase-negative, where Staphylococcus cohnii (24.7%) was the most prevalent species, followed by S. epidermidis (16.1%), S. hominis (15.1%), S. lentus (10.8%), S. saprophyticus (9.7%), S. chromogenes (8.6%), S. arlettae (4.3%), S. sciuri (4.3%), S. haemolyticus (2.2%), S. xylosus (2.2%), S. carnosus (1.1%), and S. gallinarum (1.1%). Eleven and six different staphylococcal species were implicated in the pathogenesis of femoral and tibiotarsal lesions, respectively. More than one Staphylococcus species was isolated from 47.8% of all Staphylococcus-positive chickens. Nearly all (97.8%) of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates had biofilm-forming ability, but most of them were categorized as weak biofilm producers. The highest biofilm production was observed in the strains that caused femoral head osteonecrosis and footpad dermatitis. Staphylococcus chromogenes, S. lentus, and S. epidermidis exhibited the highest DNase and/or gelatinase activity. Despite the low prevalence of certain adhesin genes, the eno gene encoding laminin-binding protein was highly represented in staphylococci (75.3%). The study highlights the complex nature of coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections in poultry and underscores the need for further research into their virulence mechanisms and control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Chickens/microbiology
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Poultry Diseases/microbiology
*Staphylococcus/isolation & purification/pathogenicity/physiology
*Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
*Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary/pathology
Lameness, Animal/microbiology
Poland

@article {pmid40153130,
year = {2025},
author = {de Farias Cabral, VP and Rodrigues, DS and Barbosa, AD and Moreira, LEA and do Amaral Valente Sá, LG and do Nascimento, FBSA and da Silva, CR and de Andrade Neto, JB and de Souza, BO and Lobo, MDP and de Moraes, MO and Júnior, HVN},
title = {Potential activity of paroxetine alone and associated with oxacillin as an alternative to prevent Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation in catheters.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40153130},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {Biofilm formation, especially in medical devices, is a pertinent factor in the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus, and is known to increase morbidity, mortality, and costs. We evaluated the activity of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, alone and associated with oxacillin, a β-lactam antibacterial, against S. aureus biofilms, as well as verified its potential application as a preventive agent against biofilm formation in catheters. The tests were performed against mature and developing biofilms of methicillin-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide reduction assay. The prevention of biofilm formation in catheters was investigated by counting colony-forming units, and scanning electron microscopy was also performed. Paroxetine caused a significant reduction in cell viability in biofilms, and when associated with oxacillin, significance was verified. Paroxetine alone and associated with oxacillin showed potential for preventing the formation of S. aureus biofilms in peripheral venous catheters, demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, reaching inhibition of 94.94% in colony-forming units per mL. Paroxetine demonstrated promising potential against S. aureus biofilms in vitro, indicating the possibility of application as a protective agent against the formation of S. aureus biofilms in catheters.},
}

@article {pmid40152092,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, Z and Premarathna, M and Liu, J and Seneviratne, G},
title = {Current knowledge on the dual species interaction and biofilm between Aspergillus and Bacillus: exploiting molecular understanding toward applications.},
journal = {Critical reviews in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/1040841X.2025.2482658},
pmid = {40152092},
issn = {1549-7828},
abstract = {The complex interaction between Aspergillus and Bacillus has been gaining attention with the evolution of their co-culture applications. Information reported on this interaction from different points of view including both synergistic and antagonistic mechanisms necessitates a review for better understanding. This review focuses on the interaction, biofilm formation, and the diverse biotechnological applications of Aspergillus and Bacillus, giving special attention to Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis. The review demonstrates that co-cultivation of Aspergillus and Bacillus exhibits significant transcriptional changes, impacting metabolism and secondary metabolite production in both organisms. Signaling from living fungal hyphae, EPS production, TasA fibrils, and regulators like Spo0A are essential in forming biofilm communities. Nutrient availability and pH levels, species type, and mutations in EPS-producing genes may also influence whether Bacillus will act antagonistically or synergistically with Aspergillus. This dual-nature complex interaction activates silent genes synthesizing novel compounds mainly with antifungal and medicinal properties, showcasing its potential for diverse applications in various fields such as agriculture and crop protection, bioremediation, environmental biotechnology, food science and fermentation, industrial biotechnology, and medical biotechnology and health. The use of Aspergillus and Bacillus species has evolved from simple monoculture applications to more sophisticated co-cultures and has been trending toward their synergy and metabolic optimization.},
}

@article {pmid40149139,
year = {2025},
author = {Osta-Ustarroz, P and Theobald, AJ and Whitehead, KA},
title = {Correction: Osta-Ustarroz et al. Microbial Colonization, Biofilm Formation, and Malodour of Washing Machine Surfaces and Fabrics and the Evolution of Detergents in Response to Consumer Demands and Environmental Concerns. Antibiotics 2024, 13, 1227.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40149139},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {In the original publication [...].},
}

@article {pmid40149135,
year = {2025},
author = {Cholo, MC and Feldman, C and Anderson, R and Sekalo, L and Moloko, N and Richards, GA},
title = {Effects of Anti-Pseudomonal Agents, Individually and in Combination, With or Without Clarithromycin, on Growth and Biofilm Formation by Antibiotic-Susceptible and -Resistant Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the Impact of Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Condensate.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40149135},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {The NHLS RT, Grant 004-94793; Medical Research Council SIR, 2022; Prof Richards fund at Wits University//The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Research Trust; the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) under a Self-Initiated Research (SIR) Grant 2022; the Research fund of Prof GA Richards at the University of the Witwatersrand./ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives:Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Psa) can circumvent antimicrobial chemotherapy, an ability enhanced by cigarette smoking (CS). This study probed potential benefits of combinations of anti-pseudomonal agents, and potential augmentation by a macrolide, in the absence or presence of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC). Methods: Two susceptible (WT: wild-type and DS: drug-sensitive) and one multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Psa were treated with amikacin, cefepime, and ciprofloxacin, individually and in combination, and with and without clarithromycin, followed by the measurement of planktonic growth and biofilm formation by spectrophotometry. Antibiotic interactions were determined using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) method. Effects on preformed biofilm density were measured following the addition of antibiotics: all procedures were performed in the absence and presence of CSC. Results: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the three agents ranged from 0.125 mg/L to 1 mg/L (WT and DS strains) and 16 mg/L to 64 mg/L (MDR strain), with all resistant to clarithromycin (125 mg/L). MIC values closely correlated with the antibiotic concentrations required to inhibit biofilm formation. FICI revealed synergism between most combinations, with augmentation by clarithromycin. Amikacin had the greatest effect on biofilm density, which was potentiated by combination with the other antibiotics, particularly clarithromycin. Exposure to CSC had variable, albeit modest, effects on bacterial growth and biofilm formation, but low concentrations increased biofilm mass and attenuated synergistic antimicrobial interactions and effects on biofilm density. Conclusions: Amikacin, cefepime, and ciprofloxacin, especially with clarithromycin, exhibit synergistic anti-pseudomonal activity and decrease preformed biofilm density. CSC attenuated these effects, illustrating the pro-infective potential of CS.},
}

@article {pmid40149064,
year = {2025},
author = {Dawan, J and Zhang, S and Ahn, J},
title = {Recent Advances in Biofilm Control Technologies for the Food Industry.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40149064},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {0000000//Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta/ ; 0000000//National Torch Talent Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilms remain a major challenge in the food industry due to the increased resistance of foodborne pathogens to antimicrobial agents and food processing stresses, leading to food contamination and significant health risks. Their resistance to preservation techniques, antimicrobial treatments, and processing conditions increases concerns regarding food safety. This review discusses recent developments in physical, chemical, and surface modification strategies to control and remove biofilms in food processing environments. Physical methods, such as thermal treatments, electric fields, and ultrasonic systems, have demonstrated their efficacy in disrupting biofilm structure and improving disinfection processes. Chemical treatments, including the use of sanitizers, disinfectants, acidulants, and enzymes, provide targeted approaches to degrade biofilm matrices and inhibit bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, surface modifications of food contact materials provide innovative solutions for preventing biofilm formation and enhancing food safety. These cutting-edge strategies not only improve food safety but also reduce contamination risk in food processing facilities. The review highlights the mechanisms, efficacy, and applicability of these techniques, emphasizing their potential to mitigate biofilm-associated risks and ensure food quality and safety.},
}

@article {pmid40149046,
year = {2025},
author = {Mitsuwan, W and Boripun, R and Saengsawang, P and Intongead, S and Boonplu, S and Chanpakdee, R and Morita, Y and Boonmar, S and Rojanakun, N and Suksriroj, N and Ruekaewma, C and Tenitsara, T},
title = {Multidrug Resistance, Biofilm-Forming Ability, and Molecular Characterization of Vibrio Species Isolated from Foods in Thailand.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40149046},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {SEAOHUN/2023-SC248//United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the SEAOHUN 2023 One Health Research and Training (OHRT) Awards/ ; WU-CIA-03404/2024//Walailak University under the international research collaboration scheme/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vibrio species are common foodborne pathogens that cause gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Multidrug resistance (MDR) in Vibrio spp. is a global health concern, especially in aquaculture systems and food chain systems. This study aimed to detect Vibrio contamination in food collected from 14 markets in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, and determine their antibiotic susceptibility.

METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six food samples were investigated for Vibrio contamination. All isolates were tested for antibiogram and biofilm-forming ability. Moreover, the ceftazidime or cefotaxime resistance isolates were additionally investigated for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers. The isolates were additionally examined for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. The ESBL-suspected isolates with moderate-to-high biofilm-forming ability were further analyzed for their whole genome.

RESULTS: The prevalence of Vibrio contamination in food samples was 42.65%, with V. parahaemolyticus demonstrating the highest prevalence. Most isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, followed by aminoglycosides. The overall MDR of isolated Vibrio was 18.29%, with an average multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 16.41%. Most isolates were found to have β-lactam resistance-related genes (blaTEM) for 41.46%, followed by aminoglycoside resistance genes (aac(6')-Ib) for 18.29%. Most Vibrio showed moderate to strong biofilm-forming ability, particularly in MDR isolates (92.86%). Two ESBL-suspected isolates, one V. parahaemolyticus isolate and one V. navarrensis, were sequenced. Interestingly, V. parahaemolyticus was an ESBL producer that harbored the blaCTX-M-55 gene located in the mobile genetic element region. While V. navarrensis was not ESBL producer, this isolate carried the blaAmpC gene in the region of horizontal gene transfer event. Remarkably, the Inoviridae sp. DNA integration event was present in two Vibrio genomes.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings impact the understanding of antibiotic-resistant Vibrio spp. in food samples, which could be applied for implementing control measures in aquaculture farming and food safety plans.},
}

@article {pmid40148661,
year = {2025},
author = {Karthikeyan, A and Tabassum, N and Jeong, GJ and Javaid, A and Mani, AK and Kim, TH and Kim, YM and Jung, WK and Khan, F},
title = {Alleviation of mycobacterial infection by impairing motility and biofilm formation via natural and synthetic molecules.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {4},
pages = {113},
pmid = {40148661},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {(RS-2023-00241461 and RS-2021-NR060118)//This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; (RS-2023-00241461 and RS-2021-NR060118)//This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; (RS-2023-00241461 and RS-2021-NR060118)//This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Humans ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Mycobacterium/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; Mycobacterium Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Nanostructures ; },
abstract = {Mycobacterium species show distinctive characteristics with significant medical implications. Mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria, can form biofilms that facilitate their survival in hostile environments and contribute to development of antibiotic resistance and responses by the host immune system. Mycobacterial biofilm development is a complex process involving multiple genetic determinants, notably mmpL genes, which regulate lipid transport and support cell wall integrity, and the groEL gene, which is essential for biofilm maturation. Sliding motility, a passive form of surface movement observed across various mycobacterial species, is closely associated with biofilm formation and colony morphology. The unique sliding motility and biofilm-forming capabilities of Mycobacterium spp. are pivotal for their pathogenicity and persistence in diverse environments. A comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing these processes is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against mycobacterial infections. This review provides a detailed examination of our current knowledge regarding mycobacterial biofilm formation and motility, with a focus on regulation of these processes, their impact on pathogenicity, and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. To this end, the potential of natural and synthetic compounds, including nanomaterials, in combating mycobacterial biofilms and inhibiting sliding motility are discussed as well. These compounds offer new avenues for the treatment of drug-resistant mycobacterial infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Humans
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Mycobacterium/drug effects/physiology/genetics
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/drug effects/physiology/genetics
Mycobacterium Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Nanostructures

@article {pmid40147925,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Y and Miao, H and Lv, Y and Wang, Y and Yu, S and Wei, X},
title = {Aspirin Combined with Antifungal Drugs Suppresses Candida albicans Biofilm by Activating Autophagy.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {e2411060},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.2411.11060},
pmid = {40147925},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Candida albicans/drug effects/physiology ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; *Autophagy/drug effects ; *Aspirin/pharmacology ; *Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; *Drug Synergism ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism ; Amphotericin B/pharmacology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Aspirin (ASA) induces autophagic death of human tumor cells and autophagy changes the susceptibility of Candida albicans biofilm to antifungal agents. This study investigates whether ASA suppresses C. albicans biofilm by autophagy regulation and its combination effect with antifungals. Biofilm sensitivity to ASA alone and in combination with antifungals was evaluated using the checkerboard method, and drug interactions were assessed by the fractional inhibition concentration index (FICI) and ΔE models. The effects of ASA on mTOR signaling were examined by western blotting. Alkaline phosphatase activity, acridine orange stain assay, and autophagy-related gene expressions were examined to evaluate autophagic activity. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by DCFH-DA. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ATP levels were determined using commercial kits. ASA inhibited C. albicans biofilm in a concentration dependent manner and showed synergistic effects against biofilms when combined with amphotericin B or 5-fluorocytosine. ASA treatment induced oxidative stress, evidenced by increased ROS and MDA levels, alongside a reduction in ATP and MMP. ASA inhibited mTOR signaling and induced autophagy in C. albicans biofilms by increasing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to biofilm inhibition. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of ASA as an adjunct therapy in combination with antifungal agents for managing C. albicans biofilm-related infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Candida albicans/drug effects/physiology
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
*Autophagy/drug effects
*Aspirin/pharmacology
*Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
*Drug Synergism
Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Signal Transduction/drug effects
Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
Amphotericin B/pharmacology
Humans

@article {pmid40147534,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Wang, Z and Li, Q and Feng, Y and Li, J and Lu, Y and Zhang, J and Ke, X},
title = {A "three-in-one" thermosensitive gel system that enhances mucus and biofilm penetration for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {113666},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.113666},
pmid = {40147534},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {The special physiological barriers of women, such as vaginal mucus and self-cleaning behavior, pose great challenges for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and the drug resistance caused by fungal biofilms limits the application of existing antifungal drugs. Based on this, we designed a "three-in-one" thermosensitive gel system (AF/BP Gel) loaded with antibiofilm nanoparticles (AF NPs) and mucus penetration-assisting nanoparticles (BP NPs) to achieve vaginal adhesion while enhancing mucus and biofilm penetration. AF NPs were loaded with farnesol (FAR) and amphotericin B (AMB), and FAR is one of quorum sensing molecules which can interfere with biofilm-related genes such as ALS3, HWP1, RAS1, CPH1, EFG1, NRG1, TUP1, UME6, and disperse mature biofilm, thus playing a synergic antibiofilm role with AMB. BP NPs was loaded with bromelain (BRO), which cleared the mucus barrier for AF NPs and help it penetrate deep into the infection. These two kinds of nanoparticles use the thermosensitive gel matrix to reach the surface of the vaginal mucosa uniformly and persistently to overcome the obstacle of vaginal self-cleaning. AF/BP Gel showed great anti-candida albicans activity in vitro and in vivo, and greatly improved the inflammatory conditions in VVC mice. Overall, this "three-in-one" thermosensitive gel system can overcome multiple physiological barriers and resist different periods of biofilm, providing a new platform for treating vagina-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid40147344,
year = {2025},
author = {Mi, L and Xu, T and Peng, YY and Strakhovskaya, MG and Zhang, YJ and Meerovich, GA and Nyokong, T and Yan, YJ and Chen, ZL},
title = {Tetracationic tetraaryltetranaphtho[2,3]porphyrins for photodynamic inactivation against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm.},
journal = {European journal of medicinal chemistry},
volume = {290},
number = {},
pages = {117558},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2025.117558},
pmid = {40147344},
issn = {1768-3254},
abstract = {Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing bacterial infections, particularly those involving biofilm formation. The electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged bacterial cell walls and the cationic charges of photosensitizers facilitates the accumulation of PSs on bacterial surfaces, thereby enhancing aPDT efficacy. In this study, three series of tetracationic tetraaryltetranaphtho[2,3]porphyrins (TNPs), each incorporating different cationic groups with alkyl chains of varying lengths, were designed and synthesized. Their photodynamic inactivation efficacy against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans was evaluated, respectively. These TNPs exhibited strong absorption at ∼730 nm with high molar extinction coefficients (>51,500 L·mol[-1]·cm[-1]), fluorescence emission at ∼758 nm and efficient singlet oxygen generation capabilities. Among them, TNPs with shorter alkyl chains (I1, II1 and Ⅲ1) exhibited enhanced phototoxicity against planktonic microbes, with I1 (containing pyridinium substituents) showing the highest activity. These three compounds effectively disrupted mature S. aureus biofilms, with Ⅲ1 (bearing diethylmethylammonium groups) demonstrating superior biofilm eradication capabilities. These findings highlight the dual antibacterial and biofilm-disrupting potential of these Ar4TNP derivatives. Furthermore, their selective toxicity toward bacterial cells over mammalian cells at therapeutic doses provides a foundation for developing safer antimicrobial agents, offering promising alternatives to antibiotics for tackling drug-resistant pathogens and persistent biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid40147306,
year = {2025},
author = {Dicataldo, G and Desmond, P and Al-Maas, M and Adham, S},
title = {Feasibility and application of membrane aerated biofilm reactors for industrial wastewater treatment.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {280},
number = {},
pages = {123523},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123523},
pmid = {40147306},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) have emerged as a promising technology for wastewater treatment, offering significant advantages over conventional activated sludge (CAS) systems. Over the past decades, membrane processes have revolutionized municipal water treatment with membrane bioreactors (MBRs) becoming a widely accepted process for municipal and then industrial wastewater (IW) treatment. By the same token, MABR technologies were initially applied to municipal wastewater; however, their application in industrial settings is still emerging. Despite the promise of MABRs due to the biofilm's tolerance to IW toxins, there is a lack of information on their industrial applications. Therefore, this paper critically reviews the feasibility and application of MABRs for IW treatment, including pharmaceutical, chemical, refinery, petrochemical, oilfield, landfill leachate and other complex industrial waters. Three existing technology vendors with full-scale experience were compared; however, additional providers with innovative designs may provide step-changes in performance. Key outcomes highlight the effectiveness of MABRs in reducing carbon, nitrogen, and xenobiotics from high-strength IWs at bench and pilot scales. Critical factors influencing MABR performance, such as biofilm thickness (BT) were correlated to organics and nitrogen removal efficiency in industrial applications. Review of advances in MABR modeling techniques showed that current models lack the needed resolution for large and dynamic industrial systems. Additionally, the review compares municipal and industrial applications of MABRs, emphasizing the unique challenges and innovations required for their adoption in IW treatment. Overall, the MABR process was found to be feasible for industrial applications with pilot and/or demonstration-scale testing being necessary to further optimize process performance.},
}

@article {pmid40147282,
year = {2025},
author = {Campus, G and Cagetti, MG and Lehrkinder, A and Alshabeeb, A and Caimoni, N and Lingström, P},
title = {The Probiotic Effects of Lactobacillus brevis CD2 on Caries Related Variables of Dental Plaque Biofilm.},
journal = {International dental journal},
volume = {75},
number = {3},
pages = {1662-1671},
doi = {10.1016/j.identj.2025.02.018},
pmid = {40147282},
issn = {1875-595X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study was based on the research question: "Does L. brevis CD2 have an effect on the acidogenicity of sugar-exposed bacteria? To solve this question, a multistep study was planned: first, an in vitro investigation aimed to assess the acid production of monoculture bacterial solutions; and second, an ex vivo experiment to evaluate the production or inhibition of acids from plaque samples.

METHODS: L. brevis CD2 and several control strains (Lactobacillus brevis CD2, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB21, Lactobacillus plantarum 931, Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt) were tested with various sugars; pH changes were recorded at specific time points using a micro-pH electrode. Additionally, for the ex vivo phase, the same sugars were added to equal amounts of pooled plaque from 9 healthy subjects with bacterial suspensions, as well as a control solution, and pH was monitored for up to 90 minutes. For the ex vivo phase, 9 adults were randomised in a crossover design for 28 days. For the in vivo phase, 26 healthy subjects used 1/2 lozenges 3 times daily containing either L. brevis CD2 (active) or no probiotic bacteria (placebo). Plaque acidogenicity was assessed using the microtouch method after a 10 ml mouth rinse containing 10% sucrose for 1 minute (on day 0 and day 28).

RESULTS: L. brevis CD2 exhibited the highest ability to inhibit the fermentation of fructose, lactose, and sucrose compared to the control strains (P < .05). A significant reduction in plaque acidogenicity was observed in vivo from day 0 to day 28 in the test group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that L. brevis CD2 mitgates the acidogenic attributes of plaque biofilm organisma in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo, suggesting its potential benefit as a caries preventive probiotic agent.},
}

@article {pmid40146334,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, YJ and Wang, F and Jiang, MH and Xu, KZ and Dar, OI and Tang, S and Liu, L and Chen, SH and Jia, AQ},
title = {Oxirapentyn A, Derived from Marine Amphichorda felina, Effectively Inhibits Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation Against Chromobacterium violaceum.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {5},
pages = {215},
pmid = {40146334},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {82160664//the National Natural Sceince Foundation of China/ ; ZDYF2024SHFZ103//Hainan Province Science and Technology Special Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Chromobacterium/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Larva/microbiology/drug effects ; Indoles/pharmacology/metabolism/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {The emergence of multidrug-resistant Chromobacterium violaceum, an opportunistic pathogen, poses a significant threat to human, animal, and environmental health, underscoring the urgent need for innovative strategies. Marine-derived natural compounds have gained attention as a promising source of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) that can attenuate C. violaceum virulence without inducing resistance. This study reports, for the first time, the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) and anti-biofilm activities of oxirapentyn A, one marine natural compound, against C. violaceum. Results demonstrate oxirapentyn A (200 μg/mL) significantly inhibits biofilm formation, violacein production, and hemolysin synthesis by 48.8, 21.7, and 22.3%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further corroborated the disruption of biofilm architecture. LC-MS analysis revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in the production of N-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL), a key QS signaling molecule. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis indicated oxirapentyn A downregulated critical QS-related genes (cviI, cviR, vioA, chiA, and pykF) by 20.7, 36.6, 31.1, 66.6, and 30.7%, respectively. Notably, in vivo experiments demonstrated that oxirapentyn A significantly improved the survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with C. violaceum. Collectively, these findings highlight oxirapentyn A as a novel QSI with dual anti-QS and biofilm-disrupting activities, offering a promising strategy to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections.},
}

*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Chromobacterium/drug effects/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Larva/microbiology/drug effects
Indoles/pharmacology/metabolism/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid40146189,
year = {2025},
author = {Pietz, A and John, K and Thiele, U},
title = {The role of substrate mechanics in osmotic biofilm spreading.},
journal = {Soft matter},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4sm01463d},
pmid = {40146189},
issn = {1744-6848},
abstract = {Bacteria invade surfaces by forming dense colonies encased in a polymer matrix. Successful settlement of founder bacteria, early microcolony development and later macroscopic spreading of these biofilms on surfaces rely on complex physical mechanisms. Recent data show that on soft hydrogels, substrate rigidity is an important determinant for biofilm initiation and spreading, through mostly unknown mechanisms. Using a thermodynamically consistent thin-film approach for suspensions on soft elastic surfaces supplemented with biomass production we investigate in silico the role of substrate softness in the osmotic spreading of biofilms. We show that on soft substrates with an imposed osmotic pressure spreading is considerably slowed down and may be completely halted depending on the biomass production rate. We find that the critical slowing down of biofilm spreading on soft surfaces is caused by a reduced osmotic influx of solvent into the biofilm at the edges, which results from the thermodynamic coupling between substrate deformation and interfacial forces. By linking substrate osmotic pressure and mechanical softness through scaling laws, our simple model semi-quantitatively captures a range of experimentally observed biofilm spreading dynamics on hydrogels with different architectures, underscoring the importance of inherent substrate properties in the spreading process.},
}

@article {pmid40146163,
year = {2025},
author = {Jungbauer, G and Lechner, R and Stähli, A and Sculean, A and Eick, S},
title = {In-Vitro Effect of Manuka Honey / Propolis Toothpastes on Bacteria and Biofilm Associated with Caries and Gingivitis.},
journal = {Oral health & preventive dentistry},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {203-210},
doi = {10.3290/j.ohpd.c_1910},
pmid = {40146163},
issn = {1757-9996},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Propolis/pharmacology ; *Toothpastes/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Honey ; *Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Dental Caries/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Gingivitis/microbiology/prevention & control/drug therapy ; *Fibroblasts/drug effects ; Gingiva/drug effects/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Streptococcus mutans/drug effects ; Fluorides/pharmacology ; Tetrazolium Salts ; Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Cariostatic Agents/pharmacology ; Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects ; Streptococcus sanguis/drug effects ; Thiazoles ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: To investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of two Manuka honey toothpaste formulations containing propolis (Manuka prop) or fluoride (Manuka F), in comparison with the toothpaste base (TP con) and a commercial toothpaste (TP com), on oral bacteria and biofilm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the formulations and controls were tested against five oral bacterial species. Both the effect on a multispecies dental biofilm precultured for 3.5 days as well as the inhibition of de-novo biofilm formation up to 24 h were investigated. Test substances at concentrations of 20%, 10% and 5% were applied to preformed biofilm for 1 min. The reduction in colony-forming units (cfu), metabolic activity, and biofilm mass were determined. Similarly, the test substances were applied to surfaces for 30 min before bacteria and media were added. The reduction of a tetrazolium dye (MTT assay) was used to assess cytotoxicity on gingival fibroblasts.

RESULTS: The MIC values of all toothpaste formulations including TP con were very low with the highest MIC of 0.04%. In precultured biofilms, both the number of colony forming units (cfu) and metabolic activity decreased following addition of any toothpaste. The greatest reductions of cfu were found after addition of 20% TP com (by about 6 log10) and after 20% Manuka prop (by about 2.3 log10). However, the biofilm mass was not reduced. Coating the surface with toothpaste formulation, the cfu in the newly formed biofilm decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, with TP com being most active. Both 20% of Manuka prop and Manuka F reduced the cfu counts more than the TP con at 24 h. The toothpaste formulations affected the viability of gingival fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent manner, with no differences observed among the formulations.

CONCLUSION: The Manuka-honey containing toothpastes might be an alternative to toothpaste containing conventional chemical agents. Further research is needed to clinically examine the effect on caries and gingivitis prevention.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Propolis/pharmacology
*Toothpastes/pharmacology
Humans
*Honey
*Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Dental Caries/microbiology/prevention & control
*Gingivitis/microbiology/prevention & control/drug therapy
*Fibroblasts/drug effects
Gingiva/drug effects/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Streptococcus mutans/drug effects
Fluorides/pharmacology
Tetrazolium Salts
Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects
Cell Survival/drug effects
Cariostatic Agents/pharmacology
Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects
Streptococcus sanguis/drug effects
Thiazoles

@article {pmid40145893,
year = {2025},
author = {Ge, T and Wu, R and Yu, T and Hasan, MSU and Liu, J},
title = {Halogen anion modulated metal-organic frameworks with enhanced nanozyme activities for bacterial biofilm disruption.},
journal = {Nanoscale},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5nr00131e},
pmid = {40145893},
issn = {2040-3372},
abstract = {There is an urgent need to develop new nanozymes with enhanced catalytic activities to combat bacterial infections, which have become increasingly challenging due to the misuse of antibiotics and the difficulties of new antibiotic discovery. Here, we employed a new strategy against bacterial biofilms by introducing halide anions to modulate the crystal facets of ZIF-L metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and then loading chloroquine to form Ch@ZIF-L. The modulation of crystal facets significantly enhanced the oxidase activities of ZIF-L, which can be significantly changed by modulation of its crystal facets, with the hexagonal ZIF-L (ZIF-L-H-Cl) structure showing the highest oxidase activity. At pH 6.0, over 80% of chloroquine was released from Ch@ZIF-L-H-Cl within 8 hours, altering the DNA conformation of bacterial biofilms and disrupting the extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). The generation of singlet oxygen catalyzed by ZIF-L-H-Cl can effectively kill bacteria at the infected wound site. The composite nanozyme of Ch@ZIF-L-H-Cl, when treated at 100 μg mL[-1], exhibited no adverse effects on normal cell growth or hemolysis. Our in vivo experiments demonstrated an 85% reduction of the wound area by day 8 and a rapid recovery of body weight in mice with wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms. Furthermore, substantial reductions in bacterial counts were observed in both wounds and blood samples in the mice, highlighting the great potential of Ch@ZIF-L-H-Cl in combating bacterial biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid40145816,
year = {2025},
author = {Mu, X and Liu, K and Yang, J and Liu, J and Du, F and Hao, G and Wang, P},
title = {From De Novo Conceived Small Molecules to Multifunctional Supramolecular Nanoparticles: Dual Biofilm and T3SS Intervention, Enhanced Foliar Affinity, and Effective Rice Disease Control.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2410878},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202410878},
pmid = {40145816},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2022YFD1700300//National Key Research and Development Program/ ; GCC[2023]008//Innovation Program for High-level Talents of Guizhou Province/ ; ZK[2022]017//Guizhou Provincial S&T Project/ ; 31860516//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Conventional antimicrobials typically exhibit suboptimal deposition on rice leaves, resulting in poor efficacy, further impaired by biofilms and Type III Secretion Systems (T3SS). Herein, this study presents a supramolecular strategy to fabricate BtP27@β-CD, a sunflower-like material engineered through host-guest recognition between de novo designed molecule BtP27 and β-cyclodextrin. BtP27@β-CD manifests enhanced foliar affinity and in vivo efficiency, demonstrating superior protective (62.67%) and curative (51.16%) activities against bacterial leaf blight at a low-dose of 200 µg mL[-1] compared to commercial thiodiazole-copper (37.78%/38.13%) without compromising safety. This multifunctional material, structurally derived from dufulin, inherit progenitor's systemic and conductive properties, alongside the capacity to activate salicylic acid-mediated plant defense pathways. Moreover, it is endowed with the anticipated abilities to disorganize biofilm barriers, annihilate encased pathogens, and inhibit T3SS. This constitutes the inaugural report of a supramolecular-based biofilm/T3SS dual inhibitor. An expanded investigation into substrate and indication screening identified additional molecules that self-assemble with β-cyclodextrin to form supramolecular materials, exhibiting superior potency against other rice diseases, with protective potency ranging from 63.53% to 73.30% and curative efficacy spanning 42.18% to 60.41% at 200 µg mL[-1]. In brief, this work establishes a paradigm for designing guest molecules from scratch to construct supramolecular materials with tailored characteristics.},
}

@article {pmid40145670,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, Z and Ruan, C and Xia, R and Liao, J and Zhu, L and Wang, D and Alvarez, PJJ and Yu, P},
title = {Bacterium-Phage Interactions Enhance Biofilm Resilience during Membrane Filtration Biofouling under Oxidative and Hydraulic Stresses.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c00490},
pmid = {40145670},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Microbial interactions on membrane surfaces can facilitate biofilm formation and biofouling, which poses a significant challenge for pressure-driven membrane filtration systems. This multiomics study investigates the adaptive responses of bacterium-phage interactions under varying oxidative and hydraulic stress during membrane backwashing and their biological contributions to biofouling. Oxidative and hydraulic stress distinctly shaped bacteria and phage diversity and community composition. Under moderate oxidative backwashing (300 ppm of NaClO), diversity was maintained, with increased antioxidant enzyme activities, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, and quorum sensing (QS) signaling, promoting bacterial resilience and biofilm formation. In contrast, excessive oxidative stress (600 ppm of NaClO) reduced bacteria and phage diversity, disrupted antioxidant responses, and increased microbial sensitivity. Hydraulic stress predominantly influenced viral diversity and co-occurrence network topology, favoring the expansion of broad host-range phages and lysogenic lifestyles under combined stresses. Phage-bacterium interaction analyses highlighted phages' adaptive preferences for hosts with high network centrality and broad ecological niches, which enhanced microbial interactions and resilience. Transcriptomic profiling demonstrated the early enrichment of genes associated with energy metabolism, ROS detoxification, and biofilm formation, followed by stabilization as biofilms matured. Phage-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes were involved in DNA repair, QS, and EPS biosynthesis, contributing to microbial adaptation through oxidative stress resistance and biofilm stabilization. Overall, these findings provide mechanistic insights into biofouling dynamics and highlight the need to optimize chlorine dosing to prevent suboptimal levels of microbial adaptation and biofouling.},
}

@article {pmid40145485,
year = {2025},
author = {Gugliani, A and Taneja, S and Shetty, DC and Bhalla, VK},
title = {Effect of Various Disinfection Protocols on Endodontic Biofilm and Growth Factors Release from Radicular Dentin: An In Vitro Study.},
journal = {European endodontic journal},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.14744/eej.2024.84856},
pmid = {40145485},
issn = {2548-0839},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; Humans ; *Dentin/drug effects ; In Vitro Techniques ; Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology ; Disinfection/methods ; Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Chitosan/pharmacology ; Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology ; Edetic Acid/pharmacology ; Calcium Hydroxide/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of various disinfection protocols on bacterial biofilm and subsequent release of growth factors from radicular dentin.

METHODS: One hundred and ninety two extracted single rooted premolars were obtained and contaminated with E. faecalis biofilm for 21 days. The samples were then divided into three main groups - Group I: Irrigation (I) only, Group II: Calcium hydroxide (CH) placement followed by final irrigation and Group III: Triple Antibiotic paste (TAP) placement followed by final irrigation. Each group was further then divided into four sub-groups according to the final irrigating solution used - Sub group A: Saline, Sub group B: 17% EDTA, Sub group C: 1% phytic acid and Sub group D: 0.2%. chitosan nanoparticles. After treatment, the samples were subjected to colony-forming unit (CFU) analysis to determine bacterial reduction and the release of TGF-β1 and VEGF from the root canals, which was quantified using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed using statistical tests.

RESULTS: The maximum reduction in E. faecalis biofilm was observed in Group III (TAP), followed by Group II (CH), and finally Group I (irrigation only). Among the subgroups, the maximum reduction in bacterial biofilm was seen with chitosan nanoparticles, followed by phytic acid, EDTA, and saline. After 24 hours, the highest release of both TGF-β1 and VEGF was observed in the chitosan nanoparticles subgroup, followed by phytic acid, EDTA, and saline. Similar results were seen in the CH and TAP groups.

CONCLUSION: The study concluded that newer irrigating solutions, particularly 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles, showed superior antibacterial activity and better smear layer removal, leading to greater growth factor release from the radicular dentin. The study also highlighted that TAP placement resulted in maximum bacterial reduction, regardless of the final irrigant used. Furthermore, the release of TGF-β1 was significantly higher than VEGF in all groups. (EEJ-2024-03-045).},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
Humans
*Dentin/drug effects
In Vitro Techniques
Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology
Disinfection/methods
Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Chitosan/pharmacology
Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology
Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology
Edetic Acid/pharmacology
Calcium Hydroxide/pharmacology

@article {pmid40143406,
year = {2025},
author = {Jashrapuria, K and Singh, SP},
title = {Biofilm Inhibition by Laser-Induced Graphene: Impact of Surface Texture on Rod-Shaped E. coli and Coccus-Shaped Staphylococcus.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.5c01748},
pmid = {40143406},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {Biofilm formation poses persistent challenges across various industrial sectors, such as food, marine, and membrane industries, often leading to reduced system performance. An antibiofilm strategy using nanotextured surfaces, such as laser-induced graphene (LIG), has emerged as a potent antibiofilm surface, particularly against rod-shaped bacteria. However, biofilms in nature consist of diverse bacterial species, necessitating a thorough evaluation of LIG efficacy against various bacterial species. Therefore, this study comprehensively analyzed the antibiofilm potential of LIG nanofibers fabricated on polyether sulfone (PES) film. The study focused on two bacterial species with distinct morphologies: rod-shaped Escherichia coli and coccus-shaped Staphylococcus epidermidis. The antibiofilm potential of LIG was studied under extended biofilm-promoting conditions for 10 days. The surface with crushed LIG nanofibers (C-LIG) showed substantial biofilm accumulation, with live biomass of ∼7 μm[3] μm[-2] for E. coli and ∼6 μm[3] μm[-2] for S. epidermidis. In contrast, LIG nanofibers prevented biofilm formation for both species. We also observed LIG-induced cell size alteration for rod- and coccus-shaped bacterial cells. Notably, there was an ∼39% reduction in E. coli cell size compared to the control PES, resulting in a morphological shift to an ovoid shape, likely due to activation of the General Stress Response (GSR). However, S. epidermidis did not exhibit any morphological changes. We also provided the first evidence that E. coli cells exposed to LIG-induced stress regained their original size when cultured in a stress-free environment, indicating these morphological changes were reversible. Further, whole-genome sequencing supported this observation by showing no single nucleotide polymorphism, indicating no permanent genetic alterations in stressed E. coli cells. Overall results showed that LIG nanofibers disrupted biofilm formation in both bacterial species. Thus, our findings highlight the potential of LIG as a robust antibiofilm surface that offers broader applicability in biofilm-prone environments.},
}

@article {pmid40143193,
year = {2025},
author = {Altuwaijri, N and Fitaihi, R and Alkathiri, FA and Bukhari, SI and Altalal, AM and Alsalhi, A and Alsulaiman, L and Alomran, AO and Aldosari, NS and Alqhafi, SA and Alhamdan, M and Alfaraj, R},
title = {Assessing the Antibacterial Potential and Biofilm Inhibition Capability of Atorvastatin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers via Crystal Violet Assay.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ph18030417},
pmid = {40143193},
issn = {1424-8247},
support = {RSP2025R1018//Researchers Supporting Project number 370, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia./ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Atorvastatin (ATR), an antihyperlipidemic drug with a potential antibacterial effect, was investigated in this study. Like other statins, ATR has been repurposed for several uses, ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial applications, and has demonstrated successful results. However, the efficacy of ATR is limited by its low solubility, indicating an opportunity for its encapsulation in a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system. Methods: Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulations were prepared using high-pressure homogenization and ultrasonication. The formulations were characterized, including their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release. Antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated using the growth curve (bacterial growth over time) and well diffusion methods (zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination). The crystal violet assay was employed to assess biofilm inhibition. Results: The NLC formulations were optimized, and the size and zeta potential of the blank nanoparticles were 130 ± 8.39 nm and -35 ± 0.5 mV, respectively. In comparison, the encapsulated NLCs had a size of 142 ± 52.20 nm and a zeta potential of -31 ± 1.41 mV. The average encapsulation efficiency was 94%, and 70% of the drug was released after 24 h. The ATR-loaded NLCs showed significantly enhanced antibacterial activity by reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration by 2.5-fold for E. coli, 1.8-fold for S. aureus, and 1.4-fold for MRSA, and promoting more effective bacterial growth inhibition. Notably, biofilm inhibition was significantly improved with ATR-NLCs, achieving 80% inhibition for S. aureus, 40% for E. coli, and 30% for MRSA, compared to free ATR (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that NLC encapsulation enhances ATR's antimicrobial efficacy and biofilm suppression. Conclusions: This study identified NLCs as successful carriers of ATR, significantly enhancing its antibacterial efficacy and biofilm inhibition capabilities. This formulation, which shows antimicrobial potential against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, should be further studied and developed against different resistant microbial strains.},
}

@article {pmid40142531,
year = {2025},
author = {Rühl-Teichner, J and Müller, D and Stamm, I and Göttig, S and Leidner, U and Semmler, T and Ewers, C},
title = {Inhibitory Effect of Antimicrobial Peptides Bac7(17), PAsmr5-17 and PAβN on Bacterial Growth and Biofilm Formation of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13030639},
pmid = {40142531},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii is a major nosocomial pathogen in human and veterinary medicine. The emergence of certain international clones (ICs), often with multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes and biofilm formation (BF), facilitates its spread in clinical environments. The global rise in antimicrobial resistance demands alternative treatment strategies, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this study, 45 human and companion animal MDR-A. baumannii isolates, belonging to the globally spread IC1, IC2 and IC7, were tested for antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated genes (BAGs) and their capacity for BF. Of these, 13 were used to test the inhibitory effect of AMPs on bacterial growth (BG) and BF through the application of a crystal violet assay. The two novel AMP variants Bac7(17) (target cell inactivation) and Pasmr5-17 (efflux pump inhibition) and the well-known AMP phenylalanine-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN) were tested at concentrations of 1.95 to 1000 µg/mL. Based on whole-genome sequence data, identical patterns of BAGs were detected within the same IC. AMPs inhibited BG and BF in a dose-dependent manner. Bac7(17) and PAsmr5-17 were highly effective against BG, with growth inhibition (GI) of >99% (62.5 and 125 µg/mL, respectively). PAβN achieved only 95.7% GI at 1000 µg/mL. Similar results were obtained for BF. Differences between the ICs were found for both GI and BF when influenced by AMPs. PAsmr5-17 had hardly any inhibitory effect on the BF of IC1 isolates, but for IC2 and IC7 isolates, 31.25 µg/mL was sufficient. Our data show that the susceptibility of animal MDR-A. baumannii to AMPs most likely resembles that of human isolates, depending on their assignment to a particular IC. Even low concentrations of AMPs had a significant effect on BG. Therefore, AMPs represent a promising alternative in the treatment of MDR-A. baumannii, either as the sole therapy or in combination with antibiotics.},
}

@article {pmid40142392,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, F and Mao, Y and Yang, J and Yang, S and Guan, X and Wang, Z and Huang, T},
title = {Enhancing Bacillus thuringiensis Performance: Fertilizer-Driven Improvements in Biofilm Formation, UV Protection, and Pest Control Efficacy.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13030499},
pmid = {40142392},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No. 2020N5014,No. 2023XQ019//Fujian Science and Technology Projects/ ; No. N2023Z007//Nanping Academy of Resource Industrialization Chemistry project/ ; No. KFb22056XA and No. K1520005A03//Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University projects/ ; No. 31672084//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2022YFD1400700//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigated the effects of fertilizers on the biofilm formation, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, and insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bacillus thuringiensis, a widely used microbial pesticide, has a minimal environmental impact and is highly effective against specific pests but is susceptible to environmental factors in field applications. Bacterial biofilms provide protection for Bt, enhancing its survival and functionality in the environment. However, the mechanisms by which fertilizers regulate the characteristics of microbial pesticides and enhance biofilm formation are not well understood. This study evaluated the effects of six fertilizers on the bacterial biofilm formation, the UV resistance, and the insecticidal activities of Bt wettable powders. The results demonstrated that fertilizers significantly enhanced the performance of three Bt preparations (Lv'an, Kang'xin, and Lu'kang). A compound fertilizer with 8.346 g/L of KCl, 2.751 g/L of ZnSO4·7H2O, and 25.681 μL/mL of humic acid was identified by response surface optimization, achieving the maximum BBF formation with OD595 value of 2.738. Furthermore, KH2PO4, HA, and ZnSO4·7H2O notably improved the survivability of Bt preparations under prolonged UV exposure, with the compound fertilizer providing the greatest protection. What's more, fertilizers reduced the LC50 values of all Bt preparations, with the compound fertilizer decreasing the LC50 of the Lv'an Bt wettable powder to 0.139 g/L, a 3.12-fold increase in efficacy. This study demonstrated that fertilizers significantly enhance the UV resistance and insecticidal activity of Bt wettable powders by promoting bacterial biofilm formation. Herein, this study provides new strategies and theoretical support for Bt applications in modern sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid40142387,
year = {2025},
author = {Chao, C and Gong, S and Xie, Y},
title = {The Performance of a Multi-Stage Surface Flow Constructed Wetland for the Treatment of Aquaculture Wastewater and Changes in Epiphytic Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13030494},
pmid = {40142387},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2023WK2003//Science and technology cooperation project of Hunan Innovative ecological construction program/ ; 32201343//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U21A2009//the Key project of Regional Innovation Joint Fund of Hunan Province-Foundation Committee/ ; 2022PT1010//the Science and Technology Innovation Platform Project of Hunan Province/ ; },
abstract = {Constructed wetlands play a critical role in mitigating aquaculture wastewater pollution. However, the comprehensive treatment performance of aquatic plants and microorganisms under various water treatment processes remains insufficiently understood. Here, a multi-stage surface flow constructed wetland (SFCW) comprising four different aquatic plant species, along with aeration and biofiltration membrane technologies, was investigated to explore the combined effects of aquatic plants and epiphytic biofilms on wastewater removal efficiency across different vegetation periods and treatment processes. The results demonstrated that the total removal efficiency consistently exceeded 60% in both vegetation periods, effectively intercepting a range of pollutants present in aquaculture wastewater. Changes in the vegetation period influenced the performance of the SFCW, with the system's ability to treat total nitrogen becoming more stable over time. The removal efficiency of the treatment pond planted with submerged plants was highest in July, while the pond planted with emergent plants showed an increased removal rate in November. The aeration pond played a significant role in enhancing dissolved oxygen levels, thereby improving phosphorus removal in July and nitrogen removal in November. Additionally, the α-diversity of epiphytic bacteria in the aeration and biofiltration ponds was significantly higher compared to other ponds. In terms of bacterial composition, the abundance of Firmicutes was notably higher in July, whereas Nitrospirota and Acidobacteriota exhibited a significant increase in November. Furthermore, the functional genes associated with sulfur metabolism, nitrogen fixation, and oxidative phosphorylation displayed significant temporal variations in the aeration pond, highlighting that both growth period changes and treatment processes influence the expression of functional genes within biofilms. Our findings suggest that the integration of water treatment processes in SFCWs enhances the synergistic effects between aquatic plants and microorganisms, helping to mitigate the adverse impacts of vegetation period changes and ensuring stable and efficient wastewater treatment performance.},
}

@article {pmid40142162,
year = {2025},
author = {Macieja, S and Piegat, A and Mizielińska, M and Stefaniak, N and El Fray, M and Bartkowiak, A and Zdanowicz, M},
title = {The Effect of the Ratio of Butylene Succinate and Dilinoleic Diol in Their Copolyester (PBS-DLS) on the Physicochemical Properties and Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30061387},
pmid = {40142162},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {872152//EU Horizon 2020, program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Butylene Glycols/chemistry ; Polyesters/chemistry ; Polymers/chemistry ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-forming microorganisms pose a severe threat in the food and medical industries, among others. In this paper, the research materials were poly(butylene succinate-dilinoleic succinate) (PBS-DLS) copolymers with variable hard and soft segment weight ratios (90:10, 70:30, and 50:50). Polymeric films were prepared by the solvent casting method. Selected physicochemical properties and the tendency to form biofilm on the polymer surface were investigated. As the amount of DLS soft segments in the polymer matrix increased, changes in the FTIR-ATR spectra (signal intensity), surface (SEM), and phase transition (DSC) were observed. The higher the content of the DLS segment, the lower the transition temperatures and the smoother the film's surface. These factors resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of biofilm formed on the material's surface and a decrease in the metabolic activity of microorganisms present in the biofilm and SEM micrographs. The obtained PBS-DLS films have great potential in the food and medical packaging industries.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Butylene Glycols/chemistry
Polyesters/chemistry
Polymers/chemistry
Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

@article {pmid40141983,
year = {2025},
author = {Hanif, N and Miftah, JA and Yanti, HD and Oluwabusola, ET and Zahra, VA and Salleh, NF and Kundukad, B and Tan, LT and Voogd, NJ and Rachmania, N and Jaspars, M and Kjelleberg, S and Noviendri, D and Murni, A and Tanaka, J},
title = {Integrated Biological and Chemical Investigation of Indonesian Marine Organisms Targeting Anti-Quorum-Sensing, Anti-Biofilm, Anti-Biofouling, and Anti-Biocorrosion Activities.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30061202},
pmid = {40141983},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {106/IV/KS/11/2023, 41644/IT3/PT.01.03/P/B/2023, 1/PEE-2/PPK-DFRI/2022, and 7197/IT3.L1PT.01.//Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency (LPDP) and National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of the Republic of Indonesia/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Biofouling/prevention & control ; Indonesia ; Animals ; *Aquatic Organisms/chemistry ; *Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; Biological Products/pharmacology/chemistry ; Urochordata/chemistry ; Porifera/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {Microorganisms play a significant role in biofouling and biocorrosion within the maritime industry. Addressing these challenges requires an innovative and integrated approach utilizing marine natural products with beneficial properties. A comprehensive screening of 173 non-toxic EtOAc and H2O extracts derived from diverse marine organisms collected in Indonesian waters was conducted using a robust panel of assays. These included antimicrobial tests and classical biosurfactant assays (drop collapse and oil displacement), as well as anti-quorum-sensing (QS) and anti-biofilm assays. These screening efforts identified five active extracts with promising activities. Among these, EtOAc extracts of the marine tunicate Sigilina cf. signifera (0159-22e) and the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea (0194-24c) demonstrated significant anti-biofouling activity against Perna indica and anti-biocorrosion performance (mpy 10.70 ± 0.70 for S. cf. signifera; 7.87 ± 0.86 for L. herbacea; 13.60 ± 1.70 for positive control Tetracorr CI-2915). Further chemical analyses of the active extracts, including LC-HR-MS/MS, MS-based molecular networking, and chemoinformatics, revealed the presence of both known and new bioactive compounds. These included tambjamines and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are likely contributors to the observed bioactivities. Subsequent investigations uncovered new anti-QS and anti-biofilm properties in synthetic and natural PBDEs 1-12 previously derived from L. herbacea. Among these, 8 exhibited the most potent anti-QS activity, with an IC50 value of 15 µM, while 4 significantly reduced biofilm formation at a concentration of 1 µM. This study highlights the potential of marine-derived compounds in addressing biofouling and biocorrosion challenges in a sustainable and effective manner.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Biofouling/prevention & control
Indonesia
Animals
*Aquatic Organisms/chemistry
*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
Biological Products/pharmacology/chemistry
Urochordata/chemistry
Porifera/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid40141340,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, AA and Khan, F and Song, M},
title = {Biofilm-Associated Amyloid Proteins Linked with the Progression of Neurodegenerative Diseases.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26062695},
pmid = {40141340},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {RS-2023-00241461//This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea, funded by the Ministry of Education (RS-2023-00241461)./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism/microbiology ; *Amyloidogenic Proteins/metabolism ; Disease Progression ; Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism ; Amyloid/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-associated amyloid proteins have emerged as significant contributors to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, representing a complex intersection of microorganisms and human health. The cross-beta sheet structure characteristic of amyloids produced by gut-colonizing bacteria remains intact, crucial for the resilience of biofilms. These amyloids exacerbate neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by cross-seeding human amyloidogenic proteins like amyloid-beta and α-synuclein, accelerating their misfolding and aggregation. Despite molecular chaperones and heat shock proteins maintaining protein homeostasis, bacterial amyloids can overwhelm them, worsening neuronal damage. Genetic variations in chaperone genes further influence amyloidogenesis and neurodegeneration. Persistent bacterial infections and inflammation compromise the blood-brain barrier, allowing inflammatory molecules and amyloids to enter the brain, perpetuating the cycle of neurodegeneration. The gut-brain axis underscores the impact of dysbiosis and gut microbiota on brain function, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration. The enhancement of biofilm resilience and antibiotic resistance by functional amyloid fibrils complicates the treatment landscape. The interplay among chaperone systems, microbial amyloids, and neurodegenerative diseases underscores the urgent need for advanced treatment strategies targeting these pathways to attenuate disease progression. Understanding the processes that relate biofilm-associated amyloids to the onset of neurological disorders is critical for diagnosing and developing novel treatment strategies.},
}

Humans
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism/microbiology
*Amyloidogenic Proteins/metabolism
Disease Progression
Animals
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism
Amyloid/metabolism

@article {pmid40138192,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, K and Liu, Y and Wang, Q and Nazaré, M and Zhang, L and Pan, X and Hu, HY},
title = {PaAP-Activatable NIR Probe for Diagnosing, Imaging, and Discovering Small-Molecule Therapeutics against Implant-Associated Biofilm Infections.},
journal = {Journal of medicinal chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c00588},
pmid = {40138192},
issn = {1520-4804},
abstract = {Biofilm formation on medical implants causes implant-associated infections (IAIs), leading to high morbidity and mortality. Developing molecular tools for precise biofilm detection, along with novel strategies and agents to target biofilm-related IAIs, is crucial for improving treatment options and patient outcomes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa aminopeptidase (PaAP), a key biofilm-associated virulence factor, is a promising target for combating infections. Here, we developed a PaAP-activatable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, Hcy-NEO-Leu, for real-time, specific, and sensitive detection of PaAP activity. This probe enables noninvasive imaging of the P. aeruginosa biofilm in vitro and in vivo. The probe also identified LY-58, a lycorine derivative that disrupts biofilm formation without affecting bacterial growth or mammalian cell viability, enhancing tobramycin penetration and overcoming antibiotic resistance. This study introduces LY-58 as a promising adjunctive therapy. In conclusion, the PaAP-activatable NIR imaging probe, combined with LY-58, offers innovative tools for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of IAIs.},
}

@article {pmid40137992,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, L and Zhang, M and Luo, X and Li, X and Zhang, Y and Lu, R},
title = {Sublethal Curcumin Exposure Induces Global Gene Expression and Biofilm-Related Phenotypic Changes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {5},
pages = {212},
pmid = {40137992},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {MS2023069//Research Project of Nantong Health Commission/ ; JC2023045//Natural Science Foundation of Nantong/ ; },
mesh = {*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/drug effects/genetics ; *Curcumin/pharmacology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Phenotype ; Cyclic GMP/metabolism/analogs & derivatives ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a foodborne pathogen found in marine environments, is susceptible to the antimicrobial effects of curcumin-a lipophilic polyphenolic pigment with diverse biological activities. While sublethal doses of curcumin inhibit behaviors of V. parahaemolyticus, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of sublethal doses of curcumin on gene expression and key bacterial processes in V. parahaemolyticus. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that sublethal curcumin concentrations significantly suppressed bacterial growth and altered the expression of 788 genes. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with critical pathways, including upregulated systems such as polar flagellum, type IV pili, and type VI secretion systems (T6SS1 and T6SS2), as well as downregulated systems such as lateral flagella, exopolysaccharides (EPS), and type III secretion systems (T3SS1 and T3SS2). Notably, most DEGs involved in cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) metabolism were downregulated, while putative porin-related genes were upregulated. Additionally, sublethal curcumin significantly inhibited biofilm formation and swimming motility but enhanced c-di-GMP production in V. parahaemolyticus. This study provides valuable insights into how V. parahaemolyticus adjusts its gene expression in response to sublethal levels of curcumin.},
}

*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/drug effects/genetics
*Curcumin/pharmacology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Phenotype
Cyclic GMP/metabolism/analogs & derivatives
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid40137510,
year = {2025},
author = {Shang, Q and Li, L and Zhang, Y and Shi, X and Ratnaweera, H and Kim, DH and Zhang, H},
title = {Bio-Refinery of Organics into Value-Added Biopolymers: Exploring the Effects of Hydraulic Retention Time and Organic Loading Rate on Biopolymer Harvesting from a Biofilm-Based Process.},
journal = {Toxics},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/toxics13030183},
pmid = {40137510},
issn = {2305-6304},
support = {No. ZR2023ME203//The Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Shandong, China/ ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to examine the impacts of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic loading rate (OLR) on the alginate-like exopolymers' (ALEs) recovery potential from a biofilm-based process. A lab-scale moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) was operated under different HRT (12.0, 6.0, and 2.0 h) and OLR (1.0, 2.0, and 6.0 kg COD/m[3]/d) conditions. The results demonstrated that the reduction in HRT and increase in OLR had remarkable effects on enhancing ALE production and improving its properties, which resulted in the ALE yield increasing from 177.8 to 221.5 mg/g VSS, with the protein content rising from 399.3 to 494.3 mg/g ALE and the enhanced alginate purity by 39.8%, corresponding to the TOC concentration increasing from 108.3 to 157.0 mg/g ALE. Meanwhile, to illustrate different ALE recovery potentials, microbial community compositions of the MBBR at various operational conditions were also assessed. The results showed that a higher relative abundance of EPS producers (29.86%) was observed in the MBBR with an HRT of 2.0 h than that of 12.0 h and 6.0 h, revealing its higher ALE recovery potential. This study yields crucial results in terms of resource recovery for wastewater reclamation by providing an effective approach to directionally cultivating ALEs.},
}

@article {pmid40137216,
year = {2025},
author = {Gerges, BZ and Rosenblatt, J and Truong, YL and Jiang, Y and Raad, II},
title = {The Antifungal Activity of a Polygalacturonic and Caprylic Acid Ointment in an In Vitro, Three-Dimensional Wound Biofilm Model.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40137216},
issn = {2309-608X},
abstract = {Candida colonization and biofilms are significant contributors to impaired wound healing. Consequently, improved treatments are needed to eradicate Candida biofilms in wounds. Wounds present complex biofilm extracellular matrix environments, with microbial cells frequently enmeshed in matrices comprising wound exudate macromolecular gels. We evaluated the ability of a polygalacturonic and caprylic acid (PG + CAP) ointment to eradicate Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. auris biofilms in a fibrin gel wound biofilm model of the complex wound biofilm environment. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a disinfecting antimicrobial agent that is widely used as wound irrigant, and this was used as a comparator. A single treatment with PG + CAP reduced the number of viable organisms in the C. albicans and C. glabrata biofilms by over 5 log10, in the C. parapsilosis and C. auris biofilms by over 4 log10, and in the C. tropicalis biofilm by 3.85 log10. PG + CAP was superior (p < 0.01) to HOCl in eradicating all Candida species biofilms, except for C. auris, for which both treatments fully eradicated all viable organisms. The use of HOCl in Candida-colonized wounds should include consideration of the extracellular matrix load in the wound bed. PG + CAP warrants further study in wounds compromised by Candida biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid40135913,
year = {2025},
author = {Mugni, SL and Ambrosis, N and O Toole, GA and Sisti, F and Fernández, J},
title = {Interplay of virulence factors and signaling molecules: albumin and calcium-mediated biofilm regulation in Bordetella bronchiseptica.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0044524},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00445-24},
pmid = {40135913},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {Bordetella bronchiseptica, a respiratory pathogen capable of infecting various mammals, including humans, is associated with chronic infections. B. bronchiseptica can form biofilm-like structures in vivo, providing tolerance against environmental stresses. Recent studies have highlighted the role of cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) in this process in vitro: elevated c-di-GMP levels stimulate biofilm formation, whereas phosphodiesterase (PDE) activation reduces biofilms. Respiratory secretions, which contain albumin and calcium at higher concentrations than standard growth media, promote an increase in the amount and extracellular localization of the adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT), an important virulence factor of Bordetella spp. Secreted ACT, present in the extracellular medium or attached to the outer membrane, inhibits biofilm formation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that serum albumin and calcium together inhibit biofilm formation and explored the potential role of c-di-GMP in this process. Our findings suggest that serum albumin and calcium inhibit B. bronchiseptica biofilm formation through two potentially independent mechanisms: one involving ACT secretion and another promoting c-di-GMP degradation. In the presence of albumin and calcium, intracellular levels of c-di-GMP were reduced, and specific PDEs appear to be involved in this process. In addition, albumin and calcium stimulated the secretion of the adhesin BrtA. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms governing B. bronchiseptica biofilm formation and its modulation by host factors.IMPORTANCEBordetella bronchiseptica, a respiratory pathogen capable of infecting various mammals, forms biofilms that enhance its ability to withstand environmental stresses. This study reveals that host-derived factors, specifically serum albumin and calcium, inhibit biofilm formation through two independent mechanisms: increasing adenylate cyclase toxin secretion and promoting the degradation of cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP), a key biofilm regulator. These findings provide insights into how host conditions influence B. bronchiseptica biofilm dynamics, shedding light on the complex interactions between pathogen and host that contribute to infection persistence. Understanding these mechanisms may inform strategies to mitigate chronic infections caused by B. bronchiseptica.},
}

@article {pmid40135881,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, M-J and Zarnowski, R and Jones, R and Nett, JE and Andes, D},
title = {Vesicle inhibition reduces Candida biofilm resistance.},
journal = {Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0004525},
doi = {10.1128/aac.00045-25},
pmid = {40135881},
issn = {1098-6596},
abstract = {Candida biofilm matrix components are delivered to the extracellular space by vesicles where they deposit and confer biofilm-associated drug resistance. Here, we present evidence that drugs designed to inhibit mammalian exosome production exhibit similar effects on C. albicans extracellular vesicles, ultimately eliminating biofilm matrix assembly. We find that vesicle reduction renders biofilm communities susceptible to the antifungal fluconazole. Our findings argue that vesicle trafficking pathways represent a promising target to optimize for recalcitrant fungal biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid40135862,
year = {2025},
author = {Lavoie, T and Daffinee, KE and Vicent, ML and LaPlante, KL},
title = {Staphylococcus biofilm dynamics and antibiotic resistance: insights into biofilm stages, zeta potential dynamics, and antibiotic susceptibility.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0291524},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02915-24},
pmid = {40135862},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Staphylococcus spp. infections often involve biofilms, but standard antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing used to determine treatment evaluates planktonic bacterial growth only and does not account for biofilm presence, strength, or growth stage. To aid in determining a cost-effective method to solve this issue, we built upon in vitro methods initially published by Stepanovic et al. used to determine weak and strong biofilm formations. First, we determined 115 unique S. aureus isolate biofilms at 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, and 24 h to classify the hourly stages of biofilm development based on statistically significant final growth results (P < 0.001): stages one (0-6 h), two (6-16 h), three (16-24 h), and four (>24 h). Next, to further evaluate in vitro biofilm strength, electrostatic differences were measured through zeta (ζ)-potential for strong and weak biofilm producers at early and late stage-formed biofilms. The early stages of weak biofilm formers had a greater negative electrostatic charge when compared to strong biofilm formers. Meanwhile, strong biofilm formers began early stages with less negative charges before increasing the negative electrostatic charge by stage-four biofilm. At all time points, weak biofilm-forming isolate mean ζ-potentials were significantly more negative than strong biofilm formers (P = ≤0.04). Finally, to elucidate minimum eradication concentrations for biofilms, we treated stage-four biofilms with progressively higher concentrations of either daptomycin, vancomycin, or levofloxacin. Daptomycin was the only antibiotic to achieve ≥75% reduction in biofilm viability, seen at 32-256 μg/mL (64-512× MIC), and significantly reduced residual biofilm across all strong and weak biofilms. Biofilm findings showed an unexpected initial biofilm decrease in response to lower concentrations of antibiotics, followed by an increase in biofilm biomass at higher antibiotic concentrations. While higher antibiotic concentrations can be used to overcome bacterial resistance and eliminate infections, our results suggest that antimicrobial resistance is observed, regardless of bacterial biofilm strength, and that there may be an optimal treatment concentration window for achieving maximum kill. Our data add to the increasing evidence of biofilms' role in recurrent infections and the importance of antibiotic concentration.IMPORTANCEThis work is significant, as it addresses a critical gap in standard antibiotic testing by focusing on the unique characteristics of biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus infections, which are major contributors to recurrent and chronic infections. Unlike traditional MIC testing that evaluates planktonic bacteria, this study emphasizes the importance of biofilm presence, growth stages, and electrostatic properties in determining treatment strategies. By classifying biofilm development into distinct stages in an easily reproducible assay and measuring the biofilm zeta-potential for key differences and overall biofilm response to multiple standard antibiotic concentrations, this research provides valuable insights for the future of biofilm in vitro work. Furthermore, it highlights the efficacy of daptomycin in eradicating biofilm while identifying possibilities of optimal antibiotic concentration windows, a critical consideration for mitigating resistance and achieving effective infection control. These findings underscore the necessity of tailoring treatment to biofilm-specific dynamics, offering a path toward more effective therapeutic approaches for biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid40135855,
year = {2025},
author = {Brandt, TJ and Skaggs, H and Hundley, T and Yoder-Himes, DR},
title = {Burkholderia cenocepacia-mediated inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth and biofilm formation.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0011623},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00116-23},
pmid = {40135855},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus asymptomatically colonizes the nasal cavity and pharynx of up to 60% of the human population and, as an opportunistic pathogen, can breach its normal habitat, resulting in life-threatening infections. S. aureus infections are of additional concern for populations with impaired immune function such as those with cystic fibrosis (CF) or chronic granulomatous disease. Multi-drug resistance is increasingly common in S. aureus infections, creating an urgent need for new antimicrobials or compounds that improve efficacy of currently available antibiotics. S. aureus biofilms, such as those found in the lungs of people with CF and in soft tissue infections, are notoriously recalcitrant to antimicrobial treatment due to the characteristic metabolic differences associated with a sessile mode of growth. In this work, we show that another CF pathogen, Burkholderia cenocepacia, produces one or more secreted compounds that can prevent S. aureus biofilm formation and inhibit existing S. aureus biofilms. The B. cenocepacia-mediated antagonistic activity is restricted to S. aureus species and perhaps some other staphylococci; however, this inhibition does not necessarily extend to other Gram-positive species. This inhibitory activity is due to death of S. aureus through a contact-independent mechanism, potentially mediated through the siderophore pyochelin and perhaps additional compounds. This works paves the way to better understanding of interactions between these two bacterial pathogens.IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus aureus is a major nosocomial pathogen responsible for infecting thousands of people each year. Some strains are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobials, and consequently new treatments must be sought. This paper describes the characterization of one or more compounds capable of inhibiting S. aureus biofilm formation and may potentially lead to development of a new therapeutic.},
}

@article {pmid40135057,
year = {2025},
author = {Hernández-Eligio, A and Vega-Alvarado, L and Liu, X and Cholula-Calixto, J and Huerta-Miranda, G and Juárez, K},
title = {The role of CsrA in controls the extracellular electron transfer and biofilm production in Geobacter sulfurreducens.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1534446},
pmid = {40135057},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {CsrA is a post-transcriptional regulator that controls biofilm formation, virulence, carbon metabolism, and motility, among other phenotypes in bacteria. CsrA has been extensively studied in γ-proteobacteria and firmicutes, However the cellular processes controlled for regulation in δ-proteobacteria remain unknown. In this work, we constructed and characterized the ΔcsrA mutant strain in Geobacter sulfurreducens to determine the involvement of the CsrA protein in the regulation of biofilm and extracellular electron transfer. The ΔcsrA mutant strain shows higher rates of insoluble Fe(III) reduction than the wild type using acetate as electron donor and the growth with fumarate and soluble (Fe(III)) was similar to wild type. Biofilm quantification and characterization by confocal laser scanning microscopy, showed that the ΔcsrA mutant produces up to twice as much biofilm as the wild type strain and more than 95% viable cells. Transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq showed that in ΔcsrA biofilms developed on an inert support, differentially expressed 244 genes (103 upregulated and 141 downregulated), including those related to extracellular electron transfer, exopolysaccharide synthesis, c-di-GMP synthesis and degradation. To validate the transcriptome data, RT-qPCR confirmed the differential expression of several selected genes in the ΔcsrA strain. Also, current production in microbial fuel cells was performed and the ΔcsrA strain produced 45-50% more current than the wild type. To identify the genes that changed expression in the ΔcsrA strain in the graphite electrodes in an MFC, a transcriptome analysis was performed 181 genes changed their expression in the ΔcsrA biofilms, of which 113 genes were differentially expressed only in MFC and 68 genes changed their expression as well as the transcriptome of biofilms grown on glass. In silico analysis of the 5'-UTR regions revealed that 76 genes that changed expression in the RNA-seq analysis have a consensus sequence for CsrA binding. To our knowledge this is the first report describing the involvement of CsrA in the regulation of extracellular electron transfer and biofilm in a member of the δ-proteobacteria.},
}

@article {pmid40134782,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, N and Yang, W and Chen, B and Bao, M and Li, Y and Wang, M and Yang, X and Liu, J and Wang, C and Qiu, L},
title = {Exploration of the primary antibiofilm substance and mechanism employed by Lactobacillus salivarius ATCC 11741 to inhibit biofilm of Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1535539},
pmid = {40134782},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; *Ligilactobacillus salivarius/physiology ; *Probiotics/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Dental Caries/microbiology/prevention & control ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/metabolism/genetics ; Metabolome ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Lactobacillus salivarius serves as a probiotic potentially capable of preventing dental caries both in vitro and in vivo. This study focused on understanding the key antibiofilm agents and the mechanisms of action of the Lactobacilli supernatant against Streptococcus mutans.

METHODS: Streptococcus mutans biofilm was constructed and the cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus salivarius was added. After the biofilm was collected, RNA-seq and qRT-PCR were then performed to get gene information. The influence of temperature, pH and other factors on the supernatant were measured and non-targeted metabolome analysis was performed to analyze the effective components.

RESULTS: The findings indicated that the supernatant derived from Lactobacillus salivarius could inhibit the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans at different times. Through transcriptome analysis, we discovered that the cell-free supernatant reduced biofilm formation, by suppressing phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase systems along with two ATP-binding cassette transporters, rather than directly affecting the genes that code for glucosyltransferases; additionally, the supernatant was observed to diminish the expression of genes linked to two-component systems, polyketides/non-ribosomal peptides, acid stress response, quorum sensing, and exopolysaccharide formation. Non-targeted LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to discover a variety of potential active compounds present in the cellular filtrate of Lactobacillus salivarius that hinder the growth of S. mutans, including phenyllactic acid, sorbitol, and honokiol.

DISCUSSION: In summary, our findings support the evaluation of Lactobacillus salivarius as a promising oral probiotic aimed at hindering the formation of biofilms by cariogenic pathogens and the development of dental caries.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/genetics/physiology
*Ligilactobacillus salivarius/physiology
*Probiotics/pharmacology
Gene Expression Profiling
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Dental Caries/microbiology/prevention & control
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/metabolism/genetics
Metabolome
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Temperature

@article {pmid40134671,
year = {2025},
author = {Yousaf, A and Ullah, MH and Nawaz, H and Majeed, MI and Rashid, N and Alshammari, A and Albekairi, NA and Ali, A and Hussain, M and Salfi, AB and Aslam, MA and Idrees, K and Ditta, A},
title = {Correction: SERS-assisted characterization of cell biomass from biofilm-forming Acinetobacter baumannii strains using chemometric tools.},
journal = {RSC advances},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {9108},
doi = {10.1039/d5ra90030a},
pmid = {40134671},
issn = {2046-2069},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D4RA06267A.].},
}

@article {pmid40132782,
year = {2025},
author = {Barrera-Hernández, JI and Pérez-Velázquez, JR and Ramírez-Trinidad, Á and Oria-Hernández, J and Hernández-Vázquez, E},
title = {Imide-based enones: A new scaffold that inhibits biofilm formation in Gram-negative pathogens.},
journal = {Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters},
volume = {122},
number = {},
pages = {130206},
doi = {10.1016/j.bmcl.2025.130206},
pmid = {40132782},
issn = {1464-3405},
abstract = {We prepared a series of enones containing different substituents as potential antibiofilm molecules. The design considered the structural features previously found in N-acylhomoserine lactones, but it replaced the labile furanone with different imides portions. After evaluation, some of the analogs inhibited 50 % or more the formation of the biofilm from P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii; moreover, substituents attached at the phenyl ring, the size of the enone as well as the type of imide seemed relevant for the selectivity against the tested pathogens. In the end, we performed a molecular docking study using the crystallized LasR to describe the main interactions of the ligand-receptor complex and propose a plausible mechanism of action.},
}

@article {pmid40132467,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Y and Farrokh Shad, M and Mansell, B and Liu, M and Hsia, P and Coracero, A and Tsai, R and Danker, B and Sun, Y and Liao, Z and Wang, ZW and Khunjar, WO and Pitt, P and Latimer, R},
title = {Leveraging primary effluent- and glycerol-driven partial denitrification-anammox within a pilot-scale tertiary step-feed moving bed biofilm reactor treating high-rate activated sludge systems effluent.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {280},
number = {},
pages = {123505},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123505},
pmid = {40132467},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {This study investigated the possibility of utilizing primary effluent (PE) carbon as an internal carbon source to drive tertiary partial denitrification-anammox (PdNA) for treating high-rate activated sludge (HRAS) system effluent, so as to offset the consumption of external carbon such as glycerol. This pilot study was conducted in a tertiary step-feed moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) over 478 days, using full-scale HRAS secondary effluent as the influent. Unlike most PdNA applications that rely on the expensive supplemental carbon like methanol or glycerol, this study is the first to demonstrate that PE carbon can be utilized as a naturally available carbon source within wastewater to drive PdNA. By taking advantage of this free internal carbon source to driven PdNA, 63% to 74% savings in PE carbon consumption and ∼36% offset in glycerol consumption were achieved. Additionally, glycerol-driven PdNA further reduced both supplemental carbon and aeration energy demands by 70% and 18%. Mechanistic insights from in-situ and ex-situ batch tests revealed that the PE-driven PdNA was facilitated by an anammox-driven nitrite sink, a novel observation that allowed stable PdNA performance without nitrite accumulation. Furthermore, batch tests indicated that endogenous respiration could support PdNA. These findings highlight the potential of applying PE-driven PdNA in full-scale facilities, ushering in a new era of mainstream anammox applications in wastewater treatment, as PdNA is no longer reliant on costly external carbon addition.},
}

@article {pmid40131314,
year = {2025},
author = {Biyashev, B and Zhusanbayeva, A and Kirkimbayeva, Z and Zholdasbekova, A and Sarybayeva, D},
title = {Surveillance of Salmonella and antimicrobial resistance in industrial poultry enterprises: biofilm-forming strains and critical control points.},
journal = {Journal of medical microbiology},
volume = {74},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40131314},
issn = {1473-5644},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Salmonella/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Poultry/microbiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Salmonella Infections, Animal/microbiology/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Poultry Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Farms ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Prevalence ; Chickens/microbiology ; Animal Husbandry/methods ; },
abstract = {Introduction. Salmonella contamination in the poultry industry poses substantial health risks, especially due to biofilm-forming strains that resist disinfection and antibiotic treatment. Biofilm-forming Salmonella strains are particularly challenging to control, as they adhere to surfaces in production environments, leading to persistent contamination. This study assesses the prevalence of Salmonella, examines antibiotic resistance patterns and evaluates biosecurity effectiveness at poultry farms in Kazakhstan.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There is limited data on the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of biofilm-forming Salmonella strains in Kazakhstan's poultry industry, highlighting a need to characterize these strains to inform effective control measures.Aim. The purpose of this study was to systematically identify and characterize Salmonella strains, including biofilm-forming types, within industrial poultry enterprises in Kazakhstan.Methodology. A total of 660 samples were collected from various poultry production sites, including feed, water sources, cloacal flushes and shoe covers. Salmonella detection followed standardized protocols, and antibiotic sensitivity of identified strains was analysed to evaluate resistance patterns.Results. Salmonella was detected in 11.5% (95% CI) of the 660 samples, with the highest contamination observed in shoe covers, cloacal flushes, feed and water. This prevalence rate indicates a significant presence of the pathogen in the country's poultry production chain, falling between the higher rates seen in countries like China (22.2%) and Egypt (29.1%) and the lower rates observed in countries like Brazil (3.4%). The most prevalent strain was Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum (61.8%), followed by Salmonella typhimurium (18.4%) and Salmonella enteritidis (14.5%). Antibiotic sensitivity analysis revealed that S. gallinarum-pullorum was largely susceptible to common antibiotics, while S. typhimurium displayed considerable resistance, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments.Conclusion. The findings underscore the importance of strict sanitary and hygiene standards throughout poultry production, with a particular focus on managing biofilm-forming Salmonella strains. Implementing comprehensive Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points protocols is essential to address contamination hotspots effectively. Future studies should investigate genetic mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and resistance in Salmonella strains to inform targeted interventions, ultimately improving food safety and public health outcomes.},
}

Animals
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Salmonella/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology
*Poultry/microbiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Salmonella Infections, Animal/microbiology/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Poultry Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Farms
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Prevalence
Chickens/microbiology
Animal Husbandry/methods

@article {pmid40130849,
year = {2025},
author = {Varin-Simon, J and Haney, EF and Colin, M and Velard, F and Gangloff, SC and Hancock, REW and Reffuveille, F},
title = {D-enantiomeric antibiofilm peptides effective against anaerobic Cutibacterium acnes biofilm.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0252324},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02523-24},
pmid = {40130849},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The emergence of antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and internalization by host cells contribute to a high risk of chronic infections, highlighting the necessity to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Identification of natural host defense peptides (HDPs) with promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities led to the development of synthetic peptides with broad-spectrum efficacy. However, few studies have examined their effect on anaerobic bacterial species. This study aimed to test the effect of synthetic HDPs on Cutibacterium acnes, an anaerobe species involved in 10% of prosthesis joint infections (PJI). A preliminary screen identified three peptides (DJK5, AB009-D, and AB101-D) with promising activity against four C. acnes strains (two of which were isolated from PJI). A bactericidal effect was observed for the three peptides with 50% of planktonic bacteria killing for AB009-D and AB101-D after only 3 hours of contact. DJK5 and AB009-D inhibited the C. acnes adhesion on plastic and titanium supports with a 2-log decrease in bacterial cells. In the presence of peptides, the morphology of C. acnes cells was altered with an increase in cell length observed, especially for one of the non-PJI-related strains. Against mature biofilms, AB101-D was the most effective with an approximate 2-log decrease in adhered CFUs, indicating the induction of bacterial dispersion or death. DJK5 also inhibited C. acnes internalization by osteoblasts, with a reduction of the internalized bacteria quantity for three strains. Overall, this study demonstrates that synthetic HDPs are effective against anaerobic bacteria and hold promise as novel therapeutic candidates to prevent or treat C. acnes PJIs.IMPORTANCEThe emergence of antibiotic tolerance highlights the necessity to develop novel therapeutic strategies with promising antimicrobial but also antibiofilm activities. In this study, we tested the effect of synthetic host defense peptides (HDPs) on Cutibacterium acnes, an anaerobic species, rarely studied, whereas involved in 10% of prosthesis joint infections (PJI). In our study, we demonstrate that the selected synthetic HDPs are effective against this anaerobic bacteria, both as a preventive treatment (effect on planktonic growth, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation) and against internalization of C. acnes by osteoblasts, revealing that these peptides are promising as novel therapeutic candidates to prevent or treat C. acnes PJIs.},
}

@article {pmid40130064,
year = {2025},
author = {Horng, YT and Chien, CC and Dewi Panjaitan, NS and Tseng, SW and Chen, HW and Yang, HC and Chen, YY and Soo, PC},
title = {Sucrose reduces biofilm formation by Klebsiella pneumoniae through the PTS components ScrA and Crr.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {100269},
pmid = {40130064},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {The presence of sucrose at concentrations of 0.5-5% can either increase bacterial biofilms (Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli) or have no significant effect on biofilms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus). However, our study revealed that 1 % sucrose reduced the biofilm formation by Klebsiella pneumoniae STU1. To explore the role of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent-carbohydrate: phosphotransferase system (PTS) in regulating this process, the scrA gene, which encodes the sucrose-specific EIIBC of the PTS, was deleted in K. pneumoniae to create a scrA mutant (ΔscrA). Thereafter, we observed that the biofilm formation and type 3 fimbriae production were not affected by sucrose in the ΔscrA while sucrose reduced these processes in the wild type. Furthermore, we discovered that Crr, the glucose-specific EIIA of PTS, was the primary but not the sole EIIA of ScrA in K. pneumoniae by sucrose fermentation test. In addition, deficiency of Crr reduced the biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae. Our proposed model suggests that, through the action of Crr in the absence of sucrose, the transcription of the mrk operon, which produces type 3 fimbriae, was increased, thereby influencing biofilm formation by K. pneumoniae and bacterial number in the gut of nematode. This observation differs from the regulation of polysaccharide and biofilm by sucrose in other bacteria. Our findings extend the understanding of the effects of sucrose on biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid40129480,
year = {2025},
author = {Shrestha, A and Shringi, S and Shah, DH},
title = {Rapid serotype-independent differential detection of biofilm-positive and biofilm-negative Salmonella using Fourier transform infrared biotyping.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {101004},
pmid = {40129480},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {Foodborne illnesses caused by Salmonella represent a global one health challenge, with biofilm-forming strains exhibiting enhanced public health risks due to their ability to persist due to resistance to antimicrobial agents, disinfectants, and environmental stresses. While food-safety and public health investigation primarily focus on Salmonella identification and source tracing, they often overlook the biofilm-forming capacity of isolates, limiting their predictive value for risks posed by biofilm producing Salmonella. This study assessed fourier transform infrared (FTIR) biotyping for rapid serotype-independent differentiatial detection of biofilm-positive (BFP) from biofilm-negative (BFN) Salmonella. A total of 270 Salmonella strains representing 12 common serotypes were classified using three conventional biofilm assays (congo red and coomassie brilliant blue agar test, calcofluor test, and tube test) into true BFP (n = 80), true BFN (n = 64), and uncertain (n = 59) biofilm producers. Biofilm production for each group was also assessed with a microtiter plate assay. FTIR biotyping was applied to a subset of 115 strains (61 BFP, 54 BFN). Using spectral windows of 1180-1050 cm[-1] and 1400-1200 cm[-1], FTIR biotyping accurately differentiated BFP from BFN strains with 93.4 % sensitivity, 83.3 % specificity, and 88.6 % overall accuracy. FTIR biotyping differentiated 59 strains with uncertain biofilm status into BFN (n = 45) and BFP (n = 14). FTIR biotyping provides a rapid, sensitive and specific method for detection of biofilm-forming Salmonella strains. Incorporating FTIR biotyping for biofilm detection in current Salmonella surveillance and source-tracing protocols can enhance food safety risk assessments and improve Salmonella outbreak prevention.},
}

@article {pmid40128897,
year = {2025},
author = {Fu, C and Wu, Y and Sørensen, SJ and Zhang, M and Dai, K and Gao, C and Qu, C and Huang, Q and Cai, P},
title = {The mitigation of spatial constraint in porous environments enhances biofilm phylogenetic and functional diversity.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {84},
pmid = {40128897},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {42177283//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42225706//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020YFC1806802//National Key Research Program of China/ ; 2662022ZHYJ001, 2662021JC012//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Porosity ; *Phylogeny ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; Microbiota ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Porous environments constitute ubiquitous microbial habitats across natural, engineered, and medical settings, offering extensive internal surfaces for biofilm development. While the physical structure of the porous environment is known to shape the spatial organization of biofilm inhabitants and their interspecific interactions, its influence on biofilm community structure and functional diversity remains largely unknown. This study employed microfluidic chips with varying micropillar diameters to create distinct pore spaces that impose different levels of spatial constraints on biofilm development. The impact of pore spaces on biofilm architecture, community assembly, and metabolic functions was investigated through in situ visualization and multi-omics technologies.

RESULTS: Larger pore sizes were found to increase biofilm thickness and roughness while decreasing biofilm coverage over pore spaces. An increase in pore size resulted in reduced biofilm community evenness and increased phylogenetic diversity. Remarkably, biofilms in 300-μm pore spaces displayed the highest richness and the most complex and interconnected co-occurrence network pattern. The neutral model analysis demonstrated that biofilm assembly within different pore spaces was predominantly governed by stochastic processes, while deterministic processes became more influential as pore space increased. Exometabolomic analyses of effluents from the microfluidic chips further elucidated a significant correlation between the exometabolite profiles and biofilm community structure. The increased community richness in the 300-μm pore space was associated with the significantly higher exometabolome diversity.

CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results indicate that increased pore space, which alleviated spatial constraints on biofilm development, resulted in the formation of thicker biofilms with enhanced phylogenetic and functional diversity. Video Abstract.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Porosity
*Phylogeny
Bacteria/classification/genetics
Microbiota
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40128011,
year = {2025},
author = {Sathiaseelan, A and Song, KP and Tan, HS and Choo, WS},
title = {Antibiofilm activity of Clitoria ternatea flowers anthocyanin fraction against biofilm-forming oral bacteria.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf035},
pmid = {40128011},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {This study investigated the antibiofilm effects of Clitoria ternatea flowers anthocyanin fraction (AF) on Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. AF was obtained using column chromatography, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed for its characterization and identification. The crystal violet assay and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed significant inhibition of early biofilm formation and destruction of preformed biofilms after AF treatment (0.94-15 mg mL-1). Anti-adhesion assay on acrylic teeth demonstrated that AF effectively hampered sucrose dependent and independent attachment. Importantly, growth curve and pH drop assays showed that AF inhibited pH reduction for all bacteria tested without hindering bacterial growth. Furthermore, the tetrazolium-based cytotoxicity assay indicated no toxicity towards normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) at 0.78-12.5 mg mL-1. These findings suggest C. ternatea anthocyanins are promising antibiofilm agents for oral biofilm control, acting during both initial formation and on mature biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid40127465,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, Y and Zhu, J and Lv, Y and Liu, H and Kang, L and Shen, F and Zhang, C and Jiang, W and Yu, J and Wu, D},
title = {Temperature-Triggered Reversible Adhesion Hydrogel with Responsive Drug Release, Mild Photothermal Therapy, and Biofilm Clearance for Skin Infection Healing.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.4c22647},
pmid = {40127465},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {Bacterial infection gives rise to a hypoxic, H2O2-abundant, and acidic local microenvironment at the site of inflammation, which prevents the healing of skin tissues. In this work, gelatin and oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose were developed as the framework of hydrogels. Tannic acid and 3-formylphenylboronic acid served as small-molecule anchors. Through the introduction of multiple dynamic cross-linkings, the hydrogel was endowed with various functions. These functions encompassed mechanical compatibility with the skin, reversible adhesion characteristics, and rapid self-healing capabilities. In addition, nanoflower-like MnO2 microparticles loaded with berberine hydrochloride were embedded. MnO2 has the ability not only to kill bacteria through the photothermal effect (PTT) but also to catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 and release oxygen, effectively improving the inflammatory microenvironment. Remarkably, based on the drug/PTT synergistic strategy, the hydrogel exhibited significant antibacterial activity and biofilm removal ability under mild conditions (<50 °C), avoiding thermal damage to healthy tissues. Consequently, the hydrogels demonstrate favorable biocompatibility, significant cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and tissue regeneration. Therefore, the multifunctional antimicrobial hydrogel is expected to be a skin-friendly medical dressing with enormous potential in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections.},
}

@article {pmid40126588,
year = {2025},
author = {Duymaz, FZ and Budak, F and Okumuş, E},
title = {Genotypic analysis and biofilm formation of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates.},
journal = {Acta microbiologica et immunologica Hungarica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1556/030.2025.02531},
pmid = {40126588},
issn = {1588-2640},
abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant nosocomial pathogen recognized for its multidrug-resistance (MDR) and capacity to endure in hospital settings. This study aims to investigate the clonal relationships of A. baumannii isolates from diverse clinical samples, identify the sequence types of MDR isolates, and examine biofilm formation activity and biofilm-associated genes that contribute to persistence in hospital settings. A total of 90 A. baumannii isolates were analyzed. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were conducted with MALDI-TOF MS and Vitek-2. REP-PCR was utilized to evaluate clonal connections, MLST was employed for specific isolates. Biofilm formation activity was assessed using the XTT reduction assay, and biofilm-associated genes were identified by PCR. REP-PCR revealed 29 genotypes, with Genotype A being identified as the endemic clone in 59% of isolates. Two isolates representing this genotype were found to belong to the ST2 clone. The majority of A. baumannii isolates possess biofilm-related genes and exhibit strong biofilm activity. In MDR isolates, ompA and csuE positivity were significantly higher than those non-MDR isolates (P = 0.003, P = 0.001). The csuE positive isolates were found to have significantly stronger biofilm activity than negative ones (P = 0.009). This study emphasizes the prevalence of a hospital-endemic, MDR A. baumannii genotype A, ST2 clone, and the genetic variability across isolates. No direct correlation was noted between MDR status and biofilm formation; however, some biofilm-related genes, notably csuE, were linked to stronger biofilm activity. These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing molecular surveillance and infection control measures to avert the dissemination of MDR A. baumannii in healthcare environments.},
}

@article {pmid40125431,
year = {2025},
author = {Cai, R and Cheng, Q and Zhao, J and Zhou, P and Wu, Z and Ma, X and Hu, Y and Wang, H and Lan, X and Zhou, J and Tao, G},
title = {Sericin-Assisted Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles as Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial and Biofilm-Disrupting Agents for Therapy of Bacterial Infection.},
journal = {International journal of nanomedicine},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {3559-3574},
pmid = {40125431},
issn = {1178-2013},
mesh = {*Gold/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Sericins/chemistry/pharmacology ; Animals ; *Green Chemistry Technology ; Rats ; *Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Bacterial Infections/drug therapy ; Mice ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Wound Infection/drug therapy/microbiology ; Escherichia coli/drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tens of millions of people die from wound infections globally each year, and nearly 80% of tissue infections are associated with bacterial biofilms. However, overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is critical to develop simple and effective strategies to kill bacteria and remove biofilms.

METHODS: The present study used sericin as a reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize sericin-gold nanoparticles (Ser-Au NPs) and tested its colloidal stability under different pH and salt concentration conditions. Subsequently, functional gold nanocomposites (Ser-Au@MMI) were synthesized by combining Ser-Au NPs with 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI). The antimicrobial effect of Ser-Au@MMI was checked by MIC, antimicrobial activity test, and in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using CCK-8 assay. In vitro anti-biofilm effect was observed by fluorescence microscopy and SEM. Finally, the anti-infective therapeutic efficacy of Ser-Au@MMI was determined in an in vivo rat-infected wound model.

RESULTS: Sericin as a reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize Ser-Au NPs exhibited excellent colloidal stability under different pH and salt concentration conditions. The TEM, EDS, and XPS analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of Ser-Au@MMI. It exhibited higher antibacterial activity due to the synergistic effect of MMI and AuNP, which can achieve a bactericidal effect by destroying the integrity of bacterial cell walls and structure. In addition, Ser-Au@MMI10 (HAuCl4:MMI =1:10) concentration (64 μg/mL) could effectively disrupt biofilms formed by four species of bacteria and kill them, including P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. aureus, but was not cytotoxic to mouse fibroblasts (L929) cells. Infected wound modeling showed that Ser-Au@MMI10 accelerated infected wound healing in vivo.

CONCLUSION: Ser-Au@MMI nanocomposites are prepared through a facile and environmentally friendly strategy and have the advantages of excellent bactericidal effect and low toxicity, which has the potential for application as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and biofilm disrupting agent in healthcare.},
}

*Gold/chemistry/pharmacology
*Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Sericins/chemistry/pharmacology
Animals
*Green Chemistry Technology
Rats
*Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Bacterial Infections/drug therapy
Mice
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Wound Infection/drug therapy/microbiology
Escherichia coli/drug effects
Humans
Male

@article {pmid40124935,
year = {2025},
author = {Gerschler, S and Maaß, S and Gerth, P and Schulig, L and Wildgrube, T and Rockstroh, J and Wurster, M and Methling, K and Becher, D and Lalk, M and Schulze, C and Guenther, S and Schultze, N},
title = {Drosera rotundifolia L. as E. coli biofilm inhibitor: Insights into the mechanism of action using proteomics/metabolomics and toxicity studies.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {100268},
pmid = {40124935},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {The successful sustainable cultivation of the well-known medicinal plant sundew on rewetted peatlands not only leads to the preservation of natural populations, but also provides a basis for the sustainable pharmaceutical use of the plant. The bioactive compounds of sundew, flavonoids and naphthoquinones, show biofilm-inhibiting properties against multidrug-resistant, ESBL-producing E. coli strains and open up new therapeutic possibilities. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of these compounds in biofilm inhibition through proteomic analyses. Specific fractions of flavonoids and naphthoquinones, as well as individual substances like 7-methyljuglone and 2″-O-galloylhyperoside, are analyzed. Results show that naphthoquinones appear to act via central regulatory proteins such as OmpR and alter the stress response while flavonoids likely affect biofilm formation by creating an iron-poor environment through iron complexation and additionally influence polyamine balance, reducing intracellular spermidine levels. Further investigations including assays for iron complexation and analysis of polyamines confirmed the proteomic data. Safety evaluations through cytotoxicity tests in 3D cell cultures and the Galleria mellonella in vivo model confirm the safety of the extracts used. These findings highlight sundew as a promising candidate for new phytopharmaceuticals.},
}

@article {pmid40124492,
year = {2025},
author = {Kakahi, FB and Martinez, JA and Avitia, FM and Volke, DC and Wirth, NT and Nikel, PI and Delvigne, F},
title = {Release of extracellular DNA by Pseudomonas sp. as a major determinant for biofilm switching and an early indicator for cell population control.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {112063},
pmid = {40124492},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {In Pseudomonas sp., the switch from planktonic to sessile state is driven by extracellular DNA release. We observed a subpopulation of cells associated with eDNA in the planktonic phase, as indicated by propidium iodide staining. Surprisingly, the size of this subpopulation was directly correlated with the overall biofilm-forming capacity of the population. This challenges the prevailing understanding of phenotypic switching and confirms that biofilm formation in Pseudomonas is a collective process governed by eDNA release. Automated flow cytometry tracked the process, and PI-positive cells were identified as an early indicator of biofilm formation. Automated glucose pulsing successfully reduced biofilm formation by interfering with PI-positive cell proliferation. This study provides insights into the collective determinants of biofilm switching in Pseudomonas putida and introduces a potential strategy for controlling biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid40123586,
year = {2025},
author = {Javadi, K and Ahmadi, MH and Rajabnia, M and Halaji, M},
title = {Effects of Curcumin on Biofilm Production and Associated Gene in Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Hospitalized Patients.},
journal = {International journal of molecular and cellular medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {567-575},
pmid = {40123586},
issn = {2251-9637},
abstract = {Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii has become a major global healthcare concern due to its opportunistic infections and high antibiotic resistance. This investigation is intended to investigate curcumin's potential anti-bacterial and antibiofilm impacts on MDR A. baumannii and to present a promising strategy for fighting against infections caused by this pathogen. This cross-sectional investigation comprised 34 MDR A. baumannii clinical isolates. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method evaluated the sensitivity of isolates to multifaceted anti-bacterial agents. The microdilution broth method quantified curcumin's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The efficacy of curcumin in inhibiting MDR A. baumannii biofilm was assessed via 96-well microtiter plates. The expression of the biofilm-associated protein (bap) gene was evaluated by employing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Within the 34 MDR A. baumannii isolates, the highest resistance was noted for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin, with all 34 isolates (100%) indicating resistance. The lowest resistance was noted for ampicillin/sulbactam, with 22 isolates (64.7%) exhibiting resistance. The MICs of curcumin ranged from 0.625 to 2.5 mg/ml, while the MBCs varied between 1.25 to 5 mg/ml. Curcumin reduced biofilm formation by 25% to 91%, depending on the concentration. In contrast to the untreated control, the average relative activity of the bap gene in MDR A. baumannii isolates declined by 62.07%. The findings indicate that curcumin demonstrates antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against MDR A. baumannii. The downregulation noted in the bap gene further supports the curcumin's anti-biofilm impact.},
}

@article {pmid40123553,
year = {2025},
author = {Grzech-Leśniak, Z and Pyrkosz, J and Szwach, J and Lelonkiewicz, M and Pajączkowska, M and Nowicka, J and Matys, J and Grzech-Leśniak, K},
title = {In vitro evaluation of the effect of Er:YAG laser with a fractional PS04 handpiece on microbial biofilm survival.},
journal = {Dental and medical problems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.17219/dmp/201941},
pmid = {40123553},
issn = {2300-9020},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The oral microbiota consists of a diverse range of microorganisms, with Streptococcus spp. and Candida spp. frequently coexisting in oral infections.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser therapy, utilizing the PS04 fractional beam, on the in vitro growth and biofilm formation of clinical strains of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Streptococcus mutans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Singleand dual-species planktonic cultures and biofilms were exposed to an Er:YAG laser using a fractional PS04 handpiece. The effects of the laser were evaluated immediately after irradiation and 24 h post-irradiation by measuring colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). Biofilm biomass (singleand dual-species) was quantified using the crystal violet staining method. The study tested 2 sets of laser parameters: group 1 (T1): 1.5 W, 10 Hz, 30 s, 0.4 J/cm2, irradiance: 3.9 W/cm2; and group 2 (T2): 6.15 W, 10 Hz, 30 s, 1.6 J/cm2, irradiance: 16 W/cm2. Non-irradiated samples served as controls. The parameters were selected based on their frequent clinical use for snoring treatment and facial rejuvenation.

RESULTS: Candida albicans exhibited a significantly greater reduction under T2 settings in comparison to T1 (85.3 ±1.2% vs. 43.9 ±4.5%, respectively; p = 0.006) within single-species biofilms. For C. glabrata, a significant reduction was observed under T1 parameters (69.8 ±14.9%). Furthermore, S. mutans demonstrated a significantly higher reduction at T2 settings (97.1 ±0.6%) compared to T1 settings (81.1 ±19.6%), with statistically significant differences noted between S. mutans and both C. albicans and C. glabrata under T1, as well as between S. mutans and C. glabrata under T2. In dual-species biofilms, T2 fluence led to greater reductions in C. glabrata, S. mutans and C. albicans in mixed cultures (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The Er:YAG laser, when used in conjunction with the PS04 handpiece, demonstrated a substantial reduction in the biofilms of C. albicans and C. glabrata. Higher fluence maintained reductions over a 24-h period, particularly in the case of C. glabrata and S. mutans. This study highlights the antifungal potential of low-fluence laser settings that are commonly used in facial aesthetic procedures and snoring treatment.},
}

@article {pmid40122434,
year = {2025},
author = {Kanthenga, HT and Banicod, RJS and Ntege, W and Njiru, MN and Javaid, A and Tabassum, N and Kim, YM and Khan, F},
title = {Functional diversity of AI-2/LuxS system in Lactic Acid Bacteria: Impacts on Biofilm Formation and Environmental Resilience.},
journal = {Research in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104296},
doi = {10.1016/j.resmic.2025.104296},
pmid = {40122434},
issn = {1769-7123},
abstract = {A key component of microbial communication, autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling, affects several physiological processes, including environmental adaptation and biofilm formation in lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The multifarious contribution of AI-2, synthesized by LuxS, in improving biofilms and tolerance to hostile conditions in LAB has been investigated in this review. The evolutionary conservation and diversity of AI-2 are shown by a phylogenetic analysis of luxS gene among several LAB species. Furthermore, AI-2 signaling in LAB improves resistance to unfavorable environmental factors, including pH fluctuations, temperature extremes, and antimicrobial agents. Lactic acid bacteria could set off defenses against harmful impacts from environmental stresses.},
}

@article {pmid40122078,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, H and Liu, D and Song, C and Fan, H and Zhou, W and Zhao, H},
title = {Cefoxitin inhibits the formation of biofilm involved in antimicrobial resistance MDR Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Animal biotechnology},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {2480176},
doi = {10.1080/10495398.2025.2480176},
pmid = {40122078},
issn = {1532-2378},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Cefoxitin/pharmacology ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects ; Animals ; Cattle ; Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology/drug therapy ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Cattle Diseases/microbiology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {The study investigates the relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from calves. Using biochemical and molecular methods, we identified the isolates and assessed their biofilm-forming ability through an improved crystal violet staining method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 18 antibiotics against the isolates were determined using the broth microdilution method. The impact of cefoxitin on biofilm formation was analyzed using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Additionally, qRT-PCR was employed to evaluate the expression levels of biofilm-related genes (luxS, motA, fliA, pfs, and csgD) in response to varying cefoxitin concentrations. Results indicated a significant correlation between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm formation ability. Cefoxitin effectively reduced biofilm formation of multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates at 1/2 and 1 MIC, with enhanced inhibition at higher concentrations. The QS-related genes luxS, pfs, motA, and fliA were downregulated, leading to decreased csgD expression. At 1/2 MIC, csgD expression was significantly reduced. In conclusion, cefoxitin inhibits biofilm formation in multidrug-resistant E. coli by down-regulating key genes, offering a potential strategy to mitigate resistance and control infections in calves caused by biofilm-positive E. coli isolates.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Cefoxitin/pharmacology
*Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects
Animals
Cattle
Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology/drug therapy
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Cattle Diseases/microbiology/drug therapy

@article {pmid40121987,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, L and Li, P and Wang, G and Sijan, AH and Zhang, B},
title = {High-efficiency nitrogen and phosphorus removal for low C/N rural wastewater using a full-scale multi-stage A[2]O biofilm reactor combined with horizontal-vertical flow constructed wetlands system.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {380},
number = {},
pages = {125023},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125023},
pmid = {40121987},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Rural wastewater treatment faces significant challenges in achieving stable effluent quality due to factors such as temperature fluctuations, variations in water quality and quantity, and low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios. This study developed a full-scale, non-membrane, multi-stage anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (MSA[2]O) biofilm reactor integrated with horizontal-vertical flow constructed wetlands (HVCWs), which was operated continuously for approximately 320 days with an average flow of 11.9 m[3]/d in a rural area of northern China. Key parameters were optimized: hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 21-32 h, aeration rate of 4.0 m[3]/h, carbon source dosing at 1.25 L/h, PAC dosing at 0.55 L/h, and mixed liquor reflux ratio at 200 %. The system demonstrated high removal efficiencies for COD (74.2 %), NH4[+]-N (93.4 %), TN (90.6 %), and TP (86.3 %), consistently meeting the class 1A of GB18918-2002, China (COD ≤50 mg/L, NH4[+]-N ≤ 5 mg/L, TN ≤ 15 mg/L, TP ≤ 0.5 mg/L), even under challenging conditions such as low C/N (3.3) and rainy seasons. More than 70 % of nitrogen and phosphorus were removed in the MSA[2]O system. Microbial analysis revealed the enrichment of many functional bacteria. Proteobacteria play a key role in denitrification and phosphorus removal. Actinomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Firmicutes to nitrogen fixation and organic matter degradation. Nitrosomonas dominated ammonia oxidation, while Dechloromonas and Accumulibacter significantly contributed to phosphorus uptake. Seasonal variations in microbial diversity enabled consistent and highly efficient nutrient removal. The HVCWs system contributed 16.3 % of total phosphorus removal through selected plant species and phosphorus-absorbing modified ceramsite, ensuring effluent polishing and stability. With low operational costs ($0.12/m[3]), the integrated system provides an effective and scalable solution for rural wastewater treatment, delivering high-quality effluent with minimal energy consumption.},
}

@article {pmid40121868,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, YG and Jeon, H and Boya, BR and Lee, JH and Lee, J},
title = {Targeting biofilm formation in Candida albicans with halogenated pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives.},
journal = {European journal of medicinal chemistry},
volume = {290},
number = {},
pages = {117528},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2025.117528},
pmid = {40121868},
issn = {1768-3254},
abstract = {Growing concern over environmental contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and antifungal agents, highlights their role in promoting resistance and biofilm formation by microorganisms. Antifungal resistance, especially in drug-resistant Candida spp., poses a global threat, worsened by the widespread use of antifungal agents in both clinical applications and environmental contamination. This study investigates the antibiofilm properties of various halogenated pyrrolo pyrimidine derivatives, specifically 4-chloro-5-iodo-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (10) and 2,4-dichloro-5-iodo-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (16), against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans. Both compounds demonstrated strong biofilm inhibition, with 16 showing greater efficacy even at lower concentrations. qRT-PCR analysis revealed downregulation of key biofilm- and hyphae/germ tube-relating genes, including ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, alongside upregulation of stress response and biofilm regulator genes such as CDR11, GST3, IFD6, UCF1, YWP1, and ZAP1, indicating complex regulatory responses to the treatments. Molecular docking analysis revealed that these compounds bind effectively to the binding cavity of the ALS3 protein, with halogen atoms playing a key role in stabilizing interaction. Compound 16 exhibited minimal cytotoxicity in Brassica rapa and Caenorhabditis elegans models, suggesting a favorable ADMET safety profile. Confocal microscopy analysis confirmed the compounds effectiveness in preventing biofilm formation when applied as biodegradable PLGA coatings on biomaterial surfaces. These findings suggest that 16 holds promise as a potent antifungal agent with reduced environmental impact, offering both efficacy and sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid40120989,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, S and Chen, W and Lin, Y and Tan, S and Liang, S and Liu, H and Zhang, Q},
title = {Effect of hydraulic retention time on the nitrogen removal performance of pure biofilm rotating biological contactor system inoculated with heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria and its corresponding mechanism.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {427},
number = {},
pages = {132428},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132428},
pmid = {40120989},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The traditional activated sludge biofilm system struggles with poor removal performance and long hydraulic retention time (HRT) in treating high ammonia nitrogen (NH4[+]-N) wastewater. To solve these problems, this study introduced a pure heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) biofilm system which HN-AD bacteria were inoculated in the rotating biological contactor (PH-RBC), with free microorganisms discharged after biofilm formation. Under short HRT (12 h), PH-RBC exhibited 29.23 % and 31.03 % higher NH4[+]-N and total nitrogen (TN) removal than pure activated sludge biofilm RBC (PS-RBC) (the influent NH4[+]-N was 505 ± 45 mg/L). Flavobacterium and Azoarcus were crucial for nitrogen removal in the PH-RBC. Metabolic analysis revealed that genes CS and IDH3 are crucial for carbon metabolism, with dissimilatory nitrate reduction dominates nitrogen metabolism. Bugbase prediction indicated that decreasing HRT increased the presence of Potentially Pathogenic. This study provides a theoretical basis for using pure biofilm system in high NH4[+]-N wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid40119885,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Zhu, Y and Li, X and Luo, X and Sun, H and Xiong, S and Lu, R and Zhang, Y},
title = {GepA, a GGDEF-EAL protein, regulates biofilm formation and swimming motility in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {207},
number = {5},
pages = {99},
pmid = {40119885},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {QN2022044//Research Project of Nantong Health Commission/ ; JC2023045//Natural Science Foundation of Nantong University/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Cyclic GMP/metabolism/analogs & derivatives ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Flagella/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; Protein Domains ; Phosphorus-Oxygen Lyases/metabolism/genetics ; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases/metabolism/genetics ; Escherichia coli Proteins ; },
abstract = {Cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a second messenger that regulates multiple bacterial behaviors. It is synthesized by diguanylate cyclase (DGC) with the GGDEF domain, and degraded by phosphodiesterase (PDE) with the EAL or HD-GYP domain. The GepA (VP0117) protein in Vibrio parahaemolyticus contains both GGDEF and EAL domains, but its role remains unknown. This study found that deletion of the EAL domain or both the GGDEF and EAL domains in GepA increased intracellular c-di-GMP levels, enhanced biofilm formation, and inhibited polar flagellum-mediated swimming motility. Deletion of only the GGDEF domain had no such effects. Additionally, removing the EAL domain or both the GGDEF and EAL domains increased cpsA expression and decreased polar flagellar gene expression, while deleting the GGDEF domain alone had no impact on these genes. Overexpression of GepA or a GepA variant with a mutated GGDEF domain reduced biofilm formation but increased swimming motility. However, overexpression of GepA with a mutated EAL domain did not produce the expected phenotypic changes. In summary, GepA functions as a PDE to degrade c-di-GMP, thereby suppressing biofilm formation and enhancing swimming motility in V. parahaemolyticus.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/physiology/metabolism
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Cyclic GMP/metabolism/analogs & derivatives
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Flagella/genetics/metabolism/physiology
Protein Domains
Phosphorus-Oxygen Lyases/metabolism/genetics
Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases/metabolism/genetics
Escherichia coli Proteins

@article {pmid40119619,
year = {2025},
author = {Scott, E and Bullerjahn, GS and Burkhart, CG},
title = {Targeting the Cutibacterium acnes Biofilm in Acne.},
journal = {International journal of dermatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/ijd.17752},
pmid = {40119619},
issn = {1365-4632},
}

@article {pmid40118903,
year = {2025},
author = {Francisco, M and Grau, R},
title = {Biofilm proficient Bacillus subtilis prevents neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson's disease models via PMK-1/p38 MAPK and SKN-1/Nrf2 signaling.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9864},
pmid = {40118903},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Caenorhabditis elegans ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacillus subtilis/physiology ; *Parkinson Disease/metabolism ; *p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism ; *Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism ; *Disease Models, Animal ; *NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism ; *Signal Transduction ; *Oxidopamine ; *Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; alpha-Synuclein/metabolism/genetics ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; },
abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is a no-curable neurodegenerative disease of pandemic distribution for which only palliative treatments are available. A hallmark of PD is injury to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Here, we report that Caenorhabditis elegans colonized by biofilm-forming Bacillus subtilis is resistant to injury of dopaminergic neurons caused by treatment with the PD-related neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Biofilm-forming B. subtilis-colonized C. elegans display dopamine-dependent behaviors indistinguishable from those of 6-OHDA-untreated worms colonized by gut commensal E. coli OP50. In C. elegans PD model strains with early dopaminergic neuron decay or overexpressing human alpha-synuclein, biofilm-forming B. subtilis colonization had neuroprotective effects and prevents alpha-synulcein aggregation, respectively. The B. subtilis-controlled insulin/IGF-1 signaling (ILS), whose downregulation prevents aging-related PD, is not involved in protecting against 6-OHDA-related injury. We demonstrate that biofilm-forming B. subtilis activates PMK-1 (p38 MAPK)/SKN-1 (Nrf2) signaling, which protects C. elegans from 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuron injury.},
}

Animals
*Caenorhabditis elegans
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Bacillus subtilis/physiology
*Parkinson Disease/metabolism
*p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
*Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism
*Disease Models, Animal
*NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism
*Signal Transduction
*Oxidopamine
*Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics
DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Humans
alpha-Synuclein/metabolism/genetics
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

@article {pmid40118365,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Z and Li, B and Liu, J},
title = {Synchronous vanadium bio-reduction/detoxification/recovery and nitrogen attenuation in a membrane aerated biofilm reactor.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {126095},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126095},
pmid = {40118365},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {The presence of both pentavalent vanadium [V(Ⅴ)] and nitrogen in wastewaters from vanadium smelting poses significant environmental challenges. However, it remains little in the way of continuous flow biological reactor to concurrently eliminated V(Ⅴ) and nitrogen in wastewaters. Herein, membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) system was designed to achieve simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) alongside biological reduction, detoxification, and recovery of vanadium. Vanadium and nitrogen removal performances, solid-state characterization, microbial compositions and functional genes, and the mechanism related to the metabolism of vanadium and nitrogen were illuminated. Notably, we identified a potential role for biofilm-derived "secretion" in the transformation of V(Ⅴ) and nitrogen. Our findings revealed that the system achieved SND efficiency of 98.00 ± 0.57 % and removed 91.10 ± 3.60 % of total vanadium (TV) even at high influent V(Ⅴ) concentrations in continuous flow stage. Batch experiments implied that the conversion of NH4[+]-N was the limiting process of nitrogen removal in MABR system, and the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) might play an important role in the conversion of V(Ⅴ) and nitrogen. V(Ⅴ) was reduced to V(Ⅳ), which was immobilized to biofilm and "secretion" by microbial surface functional groups, including C-O, O-C=O and -OH. Acinetobacter, Dechlorobacter, Denitratisoma and Nitrospira were verified as microbes associated with V(Ⅴ) and nitrogen metabolism. The abundance of functional genes pertaining to electron donor, electron transport, and electron acceptor systems increased under high V(V) stimulation. Collectively, the cooperation of biofilm and "secretion" ensured the intensive removal of vanadium and nitrogen. This study provides new insights into the concurrent removal of heavy metal and environmental nutrient.},
}

@article {pmid40118297,
year = {2025},
author = {Habib, MB and Batool, G and Shah, NA and Muhammad, T and Akbar, NS and Shahid, A},
title = {Biofilm-Mediated Infections; Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Early Detection and Treatment of Biofilm-Associated Infections.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107497},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107497},
pmid = {40118297},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {A biofilm is a group of bacteria that have self-produced a matrix and are grouped together in a dense population. By resisting the host's immune system's phagocytosis process and attacking with anti-microbial chemicals such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, a biofilm enables pathogenic bacteria to evade elimination. One of the major problems in managing chronic injuries is treating wounds colonized by biofilms. These days, a major issue is the biofilms, which exacerbate infection pathogenesis and severity. Numerous investigators have already discovered cutting-edge methods for biofilm manipulation. Using phytochemicals is a practical tactic to control and prevent the production of biofilms. Numerous studies conducted in the last few years have demonstrated the antibacterial and antibiofilm qualities of nanoparticles (NPs) against bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Because hydrogel has antibiofilm properties, it has been employed extensively in wound care recently. It may be removed with ease and without causing trauma. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve these tactics by providing customized treatment alternatives and predictive analytics. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have the capability to examine extensive datasets and detect trends in biofilm formation and resistance mechanisms. This can aid in the creation of more potent antimicrobial drugs. AI models analyze complex datasets, predict biofilm formation, and guide the design of personalized treatment strategies by identifying resistance mechanisms and therapeutic targets with exceptional precision. This review provides an integrative perspective on biofilm formation mechanisms and their role in infections, highlighting the innovative applications of AI in this domain. By integrating data from diverse biological systems, AI accelerates drug discovery, optimizes treatment regimens, and enables real-time monitoring of biofilm dynamics. From predictive analytics to personalized care, we explore how AI enhances biofilm diagnostics and introduces precision medicine in biofilm-associated infections. This approach not only addresses the limitations of traditional methods but also paves the way for revolutionary advancements in infection control, antimicrobial resistance management, and improved patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40117924,
year = {2025},
author = {Sahu, S and Ghosal, P and Patel, H and Ghosal, PS},
title = {A comprehensive review on the treatment of pharmaceutically active compounds using moving bed biofilm reactor: A systematic meta-analysis coupled with meta-neural approach.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {380},
number = {},
pages = {124865},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124865},
pmid = {40117924},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in wastewater pose challenges to cleaner environment due to their recalcitrance and toxicity, restricting the use of conventional treatment methods. On the other hand, advanced oxidation processes face technical complexity and financial constraints, which also discourage their applicability especially in large scale treatment system. Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) as an advanced biological treatment system has shown remarkable efficacy and cost-effectiveness in treating various PhACs. However, studies report significant variations in the efficacy of MBBR across removing different pollutants, leading to a complication in their performance assessment. The present review has targeted a systematic meta-analysis coupled with a meta-neural approach over the conventional bibliometric study. The statistical approach resolves the publication bias and associated formation of a pertinent databases, providing significant insights into MBBR's performance and process variables. The novel approach of meta-neural exhibited a multivariate prediction model with a significant F value of 257.66 and a p-value of <0.001 relating the role of various process parameters on the treatment efficacy. Among various pharmaceuticals, beta-blockers were eliminated most effectively by MBBR technology, with removal rates exceeding those of antibiotics, analgesics, antidepressants, fibrates, and anticonvulsants. Sensitivity analysis revealed the significant influence of the operating parameters on the outcome in the order of initial COD > HRT > filling ratio > pH > initial concentration of the contaminant. The present meta-analysis approach vis-à-vis meta-neural is instrumental for delineating the technology selection and design for removing PhACs or other emerging contaminants.},
}

@article {pmid40116703,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghiraldelli, GHS and Iost, RM and Sedenho, GC and Colombo, RNP and Crespilho, FN},
title = {Yeast biofilm synapse: an intra-kingdom pathway to high-density current output in bioelectronic devices.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4tb02472a},
pmid = {40116703},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {The quest to understand and harness microbial biofilms for energy generation has become increasingly important in the development of bioelectronic devices. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model organism, provides unique insights into how biofilms coordinate metabolic activities via extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Beyond serving as a structural scaffold, EPS facilitates electrochemical signalling, enabling cellular communication and optimized electron transfer. This study demonstrates that encapsulating Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a hydrogel matrix enhances biofilm organization and significantly boosts bioelectricity generation, leveraging EPS as an electrochemical communication network. The concept of a "yeast synapse" is introduced, drawing parallels between microbial biofilms and synaptic signalling observed in higher organisms, with coordinated electron transfer and metabolic synchronization. It can drive advancements in bioelectrochemical system design and enhance the current output of sustainable bioelectronic devices.},
}

@article {pmid40116480,
year = {2025},
author = {Bhattacharya, M and Scherr, TD and Lister, J and Kielian, T and Horswill, AR},
title = {Extracellular adherence proteins reduce matrix porosity and enhance Staphylococcus aureus biofilm survival during prosthetic joint infection.},
journal = {Infection and immunity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0008625},
doi = {10.1128/iai.00086-25},
pmid = {40116480},
issn = {1098-5522},
abstract = {Biofilms are a cause of chronic, non-healing infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a proficient biofilm-forming pathogen commonly isolated from prosthetic joint infections that develop following primary arthroplasty. Extracellular adherence protein (Eap), previously characterized in planktonic or non-biofilm populations as being an adhesin and immune evasion factor, was recently identified in the exoproteome of S. aureus biofilms. This work demonstrates that Eap and its two functionally orphaned homologs EapH1 and EapH2 contribute to biofilm structure and prevent macrophage invasion and phagocytosis in these communities. Biofilms unable to express Eap proteins demonstrated increased porosity and reduced biomass. We describe the role of Eap proteins in vivo using a mouse model of S. aureus prosthetic joint infection. The Results suggest that the protection conferred to biofilms by Eap proteins is a function of biofilm structural stability that interferes with the leukocyte response to biofilm-associated bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid40116479,
year = {2025},
author = {Tao, H and Zhang, W and Liu, J and Zhou, Y and Wang, G},
title = {The impact of the flagellar protein gene fliK on Helicobacter pylori biofilm formation.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0001825},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00018-25},
pmid = {40116479},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {The biofilm structure of Helicobacter pylori is known to enhance its capabilities for antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to investigate the role of the flagellar hook length control protein gene fliK in the biofilm formation of H. pylori. Homologous recombination was employed to knock out the fliK gene in the H. pylori NCTC 11637 strain. The flagella of H. pylori were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas H. pylori motility and growth were examined through semi-solid agar assays and growth curve analyses, respectively. The bacterial biofilm and its constituents were visualized utilizing fluorescence confocal microscopy. Assessments of H. pylori adhesion to gastric mucosal cells, its vacuolar toxicity, and antibiotic resistance were evaluated using co-culture experiments and E-test methods. The fliK gene was successfully knocked out in H. pylori NCTC 11637. The ΔfliK mutant exhibited polyhook structures or lacked typical flagellar morphology, reduced mobility, and a slower bacterial growth rate compared with the wild-type strain. Fluorescence confocal microscopy revealed a decrease in the thickness of the biofilm formed by the ΔfliK strain, along with reductions in polysaccharide and DNA components. The deletion of fliK did not affect vacuolar toxicity or antibiotic resistance but did reduce the adhesive capacity of the bacterium to gastric mucosal cells. The deletion of the fliK gene significantly impairs H. pylori biofilm formation, leading to substantial decreases in biofilm components, bacterial growth, and adhesion capabilities. These findings underscore the importance of fliK in the pathogenicity of H. pylori.IMPORTANCEThe increasing antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori has emerged as a global health concern, with biofilm formation serving as a crucial mechanism underlying this resistance. This study investigates the role of the fliK gene, which encodes the flagellar hook length control protein, in H. pylori biofilm formation. Furthermore, we examined the influence of fliK on H. pylori growth, motility, and cellular adhesion capabilities. Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing H. pylori biofilm formation and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for addressing H. pylori antibiotic resistance.},
}

@article {pmid40116065,
year = {2025},
author = {Robinson, RL and Fisk, AT and Crevecoeur, S},
title = {Temporal and Depth-Driven Variability of Pelagic Bacterial Communities in Lake Erie: Biofilm and Plankton Dynamics.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {e70079},
pmid = {40116065},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {ALLRP 555656-20//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Lakes/microbiology ; *Plankton/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Seasons ; Microbiota/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Despite constituting an important component of freshwater ecosystems, biofilm assemblages have remained relatively understudied compared to plankton, especially in freshwater systems such as the western basin of Lake Erie (WBLE). This study therefore aimed to elucidate temporal and vertical shifts of microbial communities of planktonic and biofilm growth on artificial substrates in the WBLE water column at discrete depths, investigating the overlap of shared taxa between community types. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed concurrent biofilm-plankton samples shared a low percentage (~10%) of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) indicating distinct communities between free-living and substrate-attached bacteria. Plankton communities did not significantly differ between surface and bottom depths (1 and 8 m), whereas biofilm communities differed between upper (1-4 m) and lower (5-8 m) water columns. Temporal variation in community composition was observed in biofilm, with early periods (June-July) showing significant dissimilarity followed by compositional convergence in late summer onwards (August-October). With the expansion of artificial infrastructure in aquatic systems, there is novel substrate material to observe spatiotemporal patterns of microbial colonisation throughout the pelagic zone. These results demonstrate the complexity of bacterial biofilm communities from plankton in freshwater, providing insight into microbial assembly through temporal succession and across depth.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Lakes/microbiology
*Plankton/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
Seasons
Microbiota/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Ecosystem
Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40115191,
year = {2025},
author = {Shirmohammadpour, M and Mehrasbi, MR and Noshiranzadeh, N and Afshar, D and Mansori, K and Mirzaei, B},
title = {Investigation of the effect of anti-PIA/PNAG antibodies on biofilm formation in Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1552670},
pmid = {40115191},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Polysaccharide Intercellular Adhesin (PIA), a surface polysaccharide produced by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, is a compelling target for opsonic and protective antibodies against these bacteria. Escherichia coli has recently made an exopolysaccharide called poly-β(1,6)-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), biochemically indistinguishable from PIA. This study investigated the effect of antibodies generated against PNAG on biofilm formation and the opsonization activity of secreted antibodies in Escherichia coli. Following purification and structural confirmation of PIA polysaccharide from producing Staphylococcus epidermidis, the ability to inhibit biofilm and the function of secreted antibodies for the mentioned polysaccharide were evaluated using semi-quantitative methods in a mouse model. Subsequently, the opsonic activity of antibodies targeting Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25922 was evaluated. The extracted polysaccharide was confirmed using FTIR, NMR, and colorimetric methods, and the results showed that the purified PIA induced protective antibodies with 40.48% opsonization properties in E. coli. The sera of the PIA-immunized groups showed a significant increase in antibody production and protective IgG titer levels compared to the control group. Also, the antibodies produced showed a substantial difference in inhibiting biofilm production in vitro compared to non-immunized serum. Antibodies directed against PIA with a lethality of 40.48% showed a significant effect on the absence of biofilm formation in E. coli. Despite the opsonic properties of the antibodies for E. coli, the simultaneous impact of these antibodies on infections caused by S. epidermidis and E. coli may have a role that requires further investigation and studies in animal models.},
}