@article {pmid40382552,
year = {2025},
author = {Alibegli, M and Bay, A and Fazelnejad, A and Ghezelghaye, PN and Soghondikolaei, HJ and Goli, HR},
title = {Contribution of icaADBC genes in biofilm production ability of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates collected from hospitalized patients at a burn center in North of Iran.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {302},
pmid = {40382552},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {1466//Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; Iran ; *Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Burn Units ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Genes, Bacterial ; Male ; Burns/microbiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is significantly attributed to its capacity to produce biofilms, which bolster bacterial resistance against antibiotics and host immune responses. This study aimed to explore the involvement of icaABCD genes in biofilm formation ability of S. aureus clinical isolates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred clinical S. aureus isolates were collected from hospitalized patients at a burn center in North of Iran. The isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests and confirmed by the presence of the nuc gene. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined through the disk agar diffusion method. Biofilm formation capacity was determined using microtiter plate assay. PCR test was conducted to detect the presence of icaABCD genes.

RESULTS: Penicillin exhibited the highest resistance rate (94%), while vancomycin was most effective antibiotic with 6% resistance. Besides, 32% of the isolates demonstrated as multidrug resistant (MDR) and 29% were Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Notably, 89% of the isolates were identified as biofilm produces, while 54 (60.67%), 28 (31.46%), and 7 (7.86%) isolates exhibited strong, moderate, and weakly biofilm production ability, respectively. PCR results revealed a prevalence of 90%, 92%, 92%, and 94% for the icaA, icaB, icaC, and icaD genes, respectively. Intriguingly, the MDR isolates exhibited a 100% prevalence of these genes. Similarly, 96.55%, 89.65%, 89.65% and 96.55% of the MRSA isolates were carrying the icaA, icaB, icaC, and icaD genes, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed a noteworthy prevalence of biofilm-producing strains of S. aureus. High prevalence of icaADBC genes as well as highlighted capacity of the biofilm formation in MRSA and MDR strains exhibited a potential correlation between biofilm and antibiotic resistance patterns. Given the enhanced resilience of bacteria within biofilms against antibiotics, addressing biofilm production is imperative alongside antibiotic treatments for effective control and eradication of infections.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
Iran
*Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology
*Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Burn Units
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification
Genes, Bacterial
Male
Burns/microbiology

@article {pmid40382078,
year = {2025},
author = {Medaglia, S and Escudero, A and Morellá-Aucejo, Á and Hicke, FJ and Reyes-Torres, M and Marin-Ferrandis, L and Amorós, P and Marcos, MD and Bernardos, A and Díez, P and Martínez-Máñez, R},
title = {Natural antimicrobials synergistically coupled with nanomotors: An innovative strategy for biofilm eradication.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {116510},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116510},
pmid = {40382078},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Benzaldehydes/pharmacology/chemistry ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Escherichia coli/drug effects ; Silicon Dioxide/chemistry ; Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry ; Platinum/chemistry ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Food Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Biofilms are one of the most important problems occurring in industrial environments, especially in food industry. The possibility of foodborne disease outbreaks as a result of biofilm-food cross-contamination is a distinct concern, along with the substantial costs associated with food spoilage and biofilm control. Besides, despite daily cleaning and disinfection, many bacteria grow in machines and surfaces in food processing plants, some of them forming biofilms. A promising procedure for disinfection and biofilm elimination could be the use of hybrid antimicrobial nanomaterials endowed with motion (i.e., nanomotors). Herein, we report Janus nanoparticles based on the conjunction of platinum and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, functionalized with a derivative of a natural antimicrobial compound, vanillin. The engineered nanomotors combine H2O2-triggered self-propulsion with the antimicrobial activity of vanillin, allowing enhanced physical penetration into the 3D matrix formed by the exopolymeric substances generated in monospecies (Staphylococcus aureus) and multispecies (S. aureus and Escherichia coli) biofilms and the subsequent elimination of pathogenic cells.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Benzaldehydes/pharmacology/chemistry
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Escherichia coli/drug effects
Silicon Dioxide/chemistry
Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry
Platinum/chemistry
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
Food Microbiology

@article {pmid40382065,
year = {2025},
author = {Zaki, RS and Abdelhaseib, M and Mahmoud, MMA},
title = {Optical interferometric: A novel approach for sensitive cost-effective measurement of multispecies biofilm from stress-tolerant field samples.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {116378},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116378},
pmid = {40382065},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Animals ; Cattle ; *Interferometry/methods/economics ; *Food Microbiology/methods ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Bacteria/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Biofilms significantly impact public health and food safety within the meat industry. Detecting and quantifying biofilms are crucial tasks; however, their inherent complexity and heterogeneity, particularly in immature stages, present substantial challenges. Innovative techniques are necessary for accurate biofilm measurement, despite the presence of diverse interfering agents. An assessment of multispecies biofilms from cattle abattoir environmental samples (wall, basin, and door), equipment (tub, knives, and swivel), and offal (heart, lung, liver, spleen, rumen, and intestine). To elucidate the complexities of biofilm formation, a dual-pronged approach was employed, utilizing epifluorescence microscopy and optical interferometry to conduct a comprehensive analysis of biofilms that had developed on two distinct types of surfaces. Specifically, biotic surfaces that had undergone chilling and abiotic surfaces subjected to chlorination were examined to gain a deeper understanding of the structural and compositional characteristics of these microbial communities. Additionally, the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the submerged biofilm was evaluated. Despite chilling, the multispecies biofilm continued to grow from 0.2 μm to a maximum of 1.75 μm on the beef spleen surface, demonstrating the interplay of different bacterial species in biofilm formation on biotic surfaces. The highest antibacterial resistance was recorded for Staphylococcus simulans, followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, the optical interferometer is a straightforward, fast, and sensitive technique for measuring biofilm thickness within the range of 0.1 to 4 μm. Progress in this field can revolutionize food safety, hygiene, biosecurity, and biomedical applications.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Animals
Cattle
*Interferometry/methods/economics
*Food Microbiology/methods
Microscopy, Fluorescence
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Bacteria/growth & development

@article {pmid40381047,
year = {2025},
author = {Sanghamitra, P and Mazumder, D and Mukherjee, S},
title = {Kinetic behaviour of petroleum based oily wastewater treatment in a hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor.},
journal = {Biodegradation},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {44},
pmid = {40381047},
issn = {1572-9729},
mesh = {*Bioreactors/microbiology ; *Wastewater/chemistry/microbiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; Kinetics ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Petroleum/metabolism/analysis ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism ; *Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; Biomass ; *Water Purification/methods ; },
abstract = {Performance of a laboratory scale moving bed hybrid bioreactor (MBHBR) was assessed in the present study under batch operation with varying concentration of oil and grease in wastewater sample in the range of 62-370 mg/L. Oily wastewater was fed in the MBHBR with polypropylene carriers in the temperature range of 18.5-25.7 °C and the pH range of 7.28-8.24. The study showed a maximum oil removal of 85.4% for an initial oil concentration of 275 mg/L under a contact time of 20 h. Monod's kinetic theory has been applied to the results as obtained in the batch experimental study considering the contribution of both suspended and attached biomass. Various kinetic parameters were estimated as Maximum specific substrate utilisation rate, k = 0.32/d, Half saturation constant, Ks = 209 mg/L, Yield coefficient, Y = 0.728 mg/mg and Endogenous decay constant, kd = 0.016/d. No major inhibition was observed during treatment of synthetic oily wastewater for the concentration range of 62-275 mg/L. The removal efficiency of oil was observed to be better in presence of attached biomass than suspended growth environment. The present study will be useful for the design of hybrid bio-reactors and for development of mathematical models under similar experimental condition.},
}

*Bioreactors/microbiology
*Wastewater/chemistry/microbiology
*Biofilms/growth & development
Kinetics
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Petroleum/metabolism/analysis
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
*Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
Biomass
*Water Purification/methods

@article {pmid40379736,
year = {2025},
author = {Pirlar, RF and Halili, N and Travnik, T and Trampuz, A and Karbysheva, S},
title = {In vitro activity of cefiderocol against Gram-negative aerobic bacilli in planktonic and biofilm form-alone and in combination with bacteriophages.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {17105},
pmid = {40379736},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Cephalosporins/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Bacteriophages/physiology ; Cefiderocol/pharmacology ; *Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria/drug effects/virology/physiology ; Humans ; *Plankton/drug effects/virology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Multi-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens are increasingly difficult-to-treat perpetrators of infections. New, innovative, and more multifaceted therapies for the treatment of multi-drug resistant strains are thus urgent to hinder further drug resistance and mitigate deadly, untreatable infections. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cefiderocol against Gram-negative aerobic bacteria alone and in combination with phages. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cefiderocol was determined using the microdilution broth method, while the minimum biofilm bactericidal concentration was assessed using isothermal microcalorimetry. The combined effect of cefiderocol and phages was evaluated using colony-forming unit counts. Results demonstrated a notable antibacterial effect of cefiderocol, with 83.4% of tested strains exhibiting susceptibility. When combined with phages, the MIC of cefiderocol was reduced by 2-64-fold, indicating a synergistic interaction between the two agents. Furthermore, the combination therapy showed enhanced efficacy against biofilm compared to monotherapy with either cefiderocol or phages alone, leading to complete biofilm elimination in certain cases. This study highlights the potential of combining cefiderocol with phages as a strategy to combat multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The observed synergy suggests that this combination therapy could improve treatment outcomes and help address the challenges of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Cephalosporins/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Bacteriophages/physiology
Cefiderocol/pharmacology
*Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria/drug effects/virology/physiology
Humans
*Plankton/drug effects/virology
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects

@article {pmid40378130,
year = {2025},
author = {Johnson, GE and Fei, C and Wingreen, NS and Bassler, BL},
title = {Analysis of gene expression within individual cells reveals spatiotemporal patterns underlying Vibrio cholerae biofilm development.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {23},
number = {5},
pages = {e3003187},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3003187},
pmid = {40378130},
issn = {1545-7885},
abstract = {Bacteria commonly exist in multicellular, surface-attached communities called biofilms. Biofilms are central to ecology, medicine, and industry. The Vibrio cholerae pathogen forms biofilms from single founder cells that, via cell division, mature into three-dimensional structures with distinct, yet reproducible, regional architectures. To define mechanisms underlying biofilm developmental transitions, we establish a single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) approach that enables accurate quantitation of spatiotemporal gene-expression patterns in biofilms at cell-scale resolution. smFISH analyses of V. cholerae biofilm regulatory and structural genes demonstrate that, as biofilms mature, overall matrix gene expression decreases, and simultaneously, a pattern emerges in which matrix gene expression becomes largely confined to peripheral biofilm cells. Both quorum sensing and c-di-GMP-signaling are required to generate the proper temporal pattern of matrix gene expression. Quorum sensing signaling is uniform across the biofilm, and thus, c-di-GMP-signaling alone sets the regional matrix gene expression pattern. The smFISH strategy provides insight into mechanisms conferring particular fates to individual biofilm cells.},
}

@article {pmid40373944,
year = {2025},
author = {Pattano, J and Jintasakul, V and Jantapaso, H and Mittraparp-Arthorn, P},
title = {Inhibition of quorum sensing, biofilm formation, and virulence-related characteristics in shrimp pathogenic Vibrio campbellii by rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L. cv. Rong Rian) peel extract.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {205},
number = {},
pages = {107702},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107702},
pmid = {40373944},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Vibrio campbellii is a significant pathogen in shrimp aquaculture, causing luminous vibriosis and leading to considerable declines in productivity and quality. The rapid emergence of multi-drug and detergent-resistant strains presents a major challenge in controlling this pathogen. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of rambutan peel extract (RPE) on quorum sensing (QS) systems, biofilm formation, and virulence-related traits in V. campbellii. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of RPE was found to be 2048 μg/ml for the pathogenic strain V. campbellii HY01 and 1024 μg/ml for the non-pathogenic QS reporter strains. Sub-inhibitory concentrations significantly reduced bioluminescence in V. campbellii, indicating interference with QS systems, particularly harveyi autoinducer-1 (HAI-1) and autoinducer-2 (AI-2). RPE disrupted autoinducer detection, down-regulated the expression of QS sensor genes, inhibited phosphorylation, and affected the transcription of QS regulator AphA. Additionally, RPE reduced biofilm formation, swimming motility, caseinase production, and virulence gene expression in the shrimp pathogenic strain HY01. These findings demonstrate the strong anti-QS activity of RPE against V. campbellii by targeting QS systems, phosphorylation pathways, and the master QS regulator. The study highlights the potential of RPE as a sustainable approach to control luminous vibriosis, offering a promising strategy for managing disease outbreaks and improving shrimp health in aquaculture.},
}

@article {pmid40373940,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Z and Yuan, L},
title = {Effective minocycline treatment enhances clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae infections: Investigation of biofilm resistance mutations and antimicrobial efficacy in pediatric infections.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107703},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107703},
pmid = {40373940},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The extensive use of antibacterial agent has led to a steady decline in the clinical exposure of Klebsiella pneumoniae to carbapenems (CPM), creating considerable obstacles for infection control and clinical disinfection. K. pneumoniae utilizes the development of dense biofilms and overexpression of efflux pumps to circumvent the detrimental properties of CPM. Minocycline (MCL) is a promising antibacterial agent that reduces proton motive forces and increases membrane permeability. This study demonstrated the synergistic antibacterial effect of MCL and CPM, which significantly lowered the MIC of CPM-resistant K. pneumoniae. Importantly, using crystal violet and live/dead staining, we found that MCL markedly improved the anti-biofilm efficacy of CPM. Studies assessing reactive oxygen species, alkaline phosphatase leakage, membrane permeability, and RT-PCR indicated that the combination of MCL and CPM induced oxidative stress, enhanced the permeability of K. pneumoniae membrane, and suppressed the overexpression of the efflux pump genes oqxA and oqxB. Additionally, we performed surface disinfection trials on medicinal tools to replicate clinical settings, revealing that MCL and CPM significantly decreased the bacterial burden by 3 log10 CFU/mL. Furthermore, findings from the resistance mutation frequency assays demonstrated that the combinational therapy (MCL + CPM) diminished the emergence of the K. pneumoniae population. Overall, MCL can function as an ancillary agent, augmenting the biofilm efficacy of CPM and attenuating the emergence of resistance mutation, thus prolonging the efficacy of CPM.},
}

@article {pmid40373682,
year = {2025},
author = {Larsson, Y and Nikolausz, M and Møller, HB and Bester, K},
title = {Removal of antibiotic and disinfectant compounds from digested pig manure by an aerobic hybrid biofilm process.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {982},
number = {},
pages = {179600},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179600},
pmid = {40373682},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Using nutrient-rich manure as fertiliser on agricultural land improves crop yield, biodiversity, soil structure, water and nutrient availability. However, manure often contains high levels of antibiotics, as only 10-30 % are metabolised by the animal, thus, soil application contributes to the spread of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). As anaerobic digestion fails to remove the antibiotics and ARGs completely, this study investigates aerobic moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) as post-treatment. The dissipation of sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, roxithromycin, erythromycin, tylosin, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, benzalkonium chloride C12 and -C14 (BAC-12 and -14) was observed in small laboratory batch MBBRs with digested pig manure. Proficiency testing resulted in an overall removal of 92 %. Sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin were removed by >99 % within 12 and 23 days, respectively. The digestate exhibited high concentrations of benzalkonium biocides, i.e., BAC-12 and -14 (800 μg/L and 172 μg/L, respectively), highlighting the necessity for post-treatment before application to agricultural soil. Within 23 days, the aerobic MBBRs achieved 89 % and 93 % degradation of BAC-12 and -14, respectively. The biofilms improved the total removal by 19 % and BAC degradation by 61-68 % while increasing bacterial diversity. The MBBR-operation increased the abundance of the genera Paracoccus, Parvibaculum, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. The sulfonamide-resistance genes were the most abundant ARGs (96 % and 98 % in the sludge and carrier biofilm, respectively). The ARG-abundance increased after antibiotic spiking and declined during incubation, reducing direct ARG spread to the environment by degrading antimicrobial concentrations. We, therefore, propose to treat anaerobically digested manure by aerobic biofilm treatment for antibiotic removal.},
}

@article {pmid40372035,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Zhai, Y and Zhu, J and Zhu, Z and Wen, Y and Gao, Q and Wang, L and Lin, J and Qian, Y and Chen, L and Du, H},
title = {Regulation of type 3 fimbria expression by RstA affects biofilm formation and virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC43816.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0307624},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03076-24},
pmid = {40372035},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Klebsiella pneumoniae causes both community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections, presenting a major therapeutic challenge to global public health. RstBA is a common two-component regulatory system that controls downstream gene expression in certain Enterobacteriaceae species. However, the role of RstBA in K. pneumoniae infection remains unknown. To determine its function, a wild-type K. pneumoniae strain (ATCC43816) and rstA mutant and complementation strains were constructed. Phenotypic experiments and in vivo animal infection assays demonstrated that deletion of rstA decreased virulence and biofilm formation. RNA sequencing analysis of ATCC43816 and rstA mutant strains was performed to study the regulatory mechanisms, revealing differential expression of genes involved in arginine and proline metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and quorum sensing. In addition, the mrkI and the mrkABCDF gene cluster, which regulates and encodes type 3 fimbriae, exhibited lower expression in the absence of rstA, possibly related to decreased virulence and biofilm formation. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, promoter activity assays, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were conducted to identify the transcriptional regulation of mrkI and mrkABCDF by rstA. Our findings show that rstA regulates type 3 fimbriae expression by regulating mrkI indirectly and regulating mrkA directly by binding to its promoter. This study provides new insights into the functional importance of RstA in regulating biofilm formation and virulence in K. pneumoniae.IMPORTANCEKlebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that has become a significant cause of community-acquired and nosocomial infections. The rise of hypervirulent and multi-drug-resistant K. pneumoniae poses a significant threat to public health. The two-component regulatory system is a typical signal-sensing and stress-response system widely distributed in bacteria, playing a critical regulatory role in bacterial infection. Through in vivo and in vitro experiments, we demonstrate that rstA regulates the expression of type 3 fimbriae by regulating mrkI indirectly and mrkA directly, thereby playing an essential role in the virulence and biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of RstA in K. pneumoniae provides a proof-of-concept for identifying new genetic targets for controlling K. pneumoniae infection, which may aid in the development of therapeutic drugs.},
}

@article {pmid40370517,
year = {2025},
author = {Silva, V and Freitas, C and Ribeiro, J and Igrejas, G and Poeta, P},
title = {Comparative analysis of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in Enterococcus spp. across One Health domains.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {xtaf005},
pmid = {40370517},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a critical issue across various ecological interfaces, highlighting the need for a One Health approach. Enterococcus spp., known for their ability to acquire and disseminate resistance, serve as an excellent model due to their presence in diverse hosts and environments. This study investigates antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation capacity, and the efficacy of antibiotics on biofilm biomass reduction in isolates from multiple sources. A total of 197 Enterococcus isolates were used. Antimicrobial resistance was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentrations were tested against vancomycin, tetracycline, and ampicillin. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed, and 10 biofilm-formers were subjected to minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) tests to evaluate biofilm biomass reduction. The results showed high resistance rates to erythromycin (84.5%), ciprofloxacin (59.4%), and tetracycline (44.4%), with moderate resistance to ampicillin (36.2%), chloramphenicol (28%), and vancomycin (24.7%). Biofilm formation was observed in 65% of the isolates, with Enterococcus hirae producing the most biofilm biomass. Vancomycin and ampicillin were more effective in reducing biofilm biomass than tetracycline. Ampicillin-resistant isolates produced more biofilm, suggesting a link between resistance and biofilm formation. This study highlights the complexity of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus spp. and their biofilms, emphasizing the need for research on One Health.},
}

@article {pmid40370418,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, W and Jing, H and Qiu, B and Zhang, S and Zhang, J and Xu, L and Ba, F and Xie, S and Liu, XM and Li, L and Yao, M},
title = {Effects of Biofilm Formation on Gastrointestinal Tolerance, Mucoadhesion and Transcriptomic Responses of Probiotics.},
journal = {Food science & nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {e70206},
pmid = {40370418},
issn = {2048-7177},
abstract = {Probiotic health benefits may be affected by decreased viability during food storage and gastrointestinal transit. Although microencapsulation is an effective protective strategy, its application to probiotics is limited. Currently, research on probiotic biofilms is expanding, with these biofilms being recognized as the fourth generation of probiotics. This study aimed to investigate the effects of biofilm formation on gastrointestinal tolerance and mucoadhesion of three different probiotics: Ligilactobacillus salivarius Li01 (L. salivarius Li01), Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum), and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (B. pseudocatenulatum). Biofilm growth was markedly inhibited by low pH and high bile salt concentrations. The formation of biofilms greatly improved the survival of all three strains under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The biofilms increased intestinal adhesion and surface hydrophobicity in B. longum and L. salivarius Li01, while reducing adhesion in B. pseudocatenulatum due to decreased hydrophobicity. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis of L. salivarius Li01 identified 157 differentially expressed genes, enriched in pathways including ABC transporters, quorum sensing, purine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, the phosphotransferase system (PTS), RNA polymerase, and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. In conclusion, the formation of biofilms enhances gastrointestinal tolerance and intestinal adhesion of probiotics, presenting great applied potential in increasing the efficacy of probiotics.},
}

@article {pmid40369603,
year = {2025},
author = {Golberg, K and Elouarzaki, K and Kagan, BE and Shagan, M and Shemesh, N and Kramarsky-Winter, E and Ben-Zvi, A and Nebenzahl, YM and Marks, RS and Kushmaro, A},
title = {Bio-informed synthesis of marine-sourced indole derivatives: suppressing gram-negative bacteria biofilm and virulence.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {134},
pmid = {40369603},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {8528620//NIBN/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Indoles/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry ; Virulence/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry ; Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology/drug effects ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/pathogenicity ; Animals ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/physiology ; Humans ; *Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects/physiology/pathogenicity ; },
abstract = {Biofilms cling to surfaces to form complex architectures allowing their bacterial creators to acquire multidrug resistance and claiming countless lives worldwide. Therefore, finding novel compounds that affect virulence and biofilm-forming capacity of resistant pathogenic bacteria is imperative. Recently, we identified indole-based compounds that possess anti-biofilm properties in coral-associated bacteria. We succeeded in efficiently synthesizing two of these compounds, 1,1'-bisindole (NN) and 2,3-dihydro-2,2'-bisindole (DIV). They were found to attenuate biofilms of gram-negative bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Combining these compounds with the antibiotic tobramycin resulted in significant biofilm inhibition, particularly in the eradication of mature P. aeruginosa biofilms. Both of the bisindole derivatives, suppressed a number of bacterial virulence factors, reduced bacterial adhesion, and improved survival rates in infected Caenorhabditis elegans and human lung epithelial cell models. Transcriptome analyses of the bacteria treated with these compounds revealed that NN repressed or upregulated 307 genes when compared to untreated P. aeruginosa. These bacteria-derived molecules act in resistance-quenching and are potentially important candidates for inclusion in treatment protocols. The use of compounds that prevent the biofilm from accumulating the high cell densities critical to its structural and functional maintenance represents significant progress in the management of bacterial persistence. Therefore, a possible clinical implementation of these innovative compounds holds a promising future.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Indoles/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry
Virulence/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry
Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology/drug effects
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/pathogenicity
Animals
*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/physiology
Humans
*Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects/physiology/pathogenicity

@article {pmid40369106,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, T and Yang, J and Zhou, N and Sun, X and Huan, C and Lin, T and Bao, G and Hu, J and Li, G},
title = {Cas3 of type I-Fa CRISPR-Cas system upregulates bacterial biofilm formation and virulence in Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {750},
pmid = {40369106},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {82073611//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology ; Animals ; Virulence/genetics ; Mice ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; *CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; },
abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an important pathogen causing various nosocomial infections. CRISPR-Cas system is the adaptive immune system of bacteria, which is also closely related to the drug resistance and virulence of bacteria. However, the effect and mechanism of cas3 (type I-Fa) in A. baumannii is still unclear. In this study, we successfully constructed a cas3 deletion mutant (19606Δcas3) and complemented strain (19606Δcas3/pcas3) to study the regulatory mechanism of type I-Fa cas3 on bacterial virulence. Our results showed that deletion of cas3(type I-Fa) significantly reduced the biofilm formation, virulence and pathogenicity to mice. The organ bacterial load of mice infected with cas3 deletion strain was significantly reduced, the lung inflammation was slightly changed, and the serum cytokine level was also decreased. All results demonstrated that cas3 enhanced the virulence and pathogenicity of A. baumannii. Mechanism analysis showed that deletion of cas3 can lead to the down-regulation of virulence factors such as biofilm formation related factors and outer membrane protein A(ompA). In addition, cas3 was also involved in the regulation of carbon metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation pathway of A. baumannii. Altogether, our study may provide cas3 as a therapeutic target in the future because of the close link to the virulence of A. baumannii.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Acinetobacter baumannii/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology
Animals
Virulence/genetics
Mice
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
*CRISPR-Associated Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Female
Mice, Inbred BALB C

@article {pmid40368083,
year = {2025},
author = {Lebeaux, D and Souhail, B and Van, TB and Fouler, LL and Lafaurie, M and Lepeule, R and Canoui, E and de Lastours, V and Froissart, A and Blez, D and Beloin, C and Ghigo, JM and Pirot, F and Dhelens, C and Fernandes-Pellerin, S},
title = {A Prospective Pilot Clinical Study reveals a promising non-toxic anti-biofilm activity of Gentamicin-EDTA-Na2 Central Venous Catheter Lock Solution.},
journal = {International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107933},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107933},
pmid = {40368083},
issn = {1878-3511},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The treatment of long-term intravenous catheter-related bloodstream infections (LTIVC-related BSI) often requires catheter removal or a conservative treatment using intra-catheter locks, with a 50-60% success rate. We previously demonstrated the synergistic effect of a combination of gentamicin and EDTA-Na2 against bacterial biofilms. We performed a phase 1/2 clinical trial to assess the tolerance and efficacy of the genta-EDTA-Na2 locks for the conservative treatment of LTIVC-related BSI.

METHODS: Prospective study including adult patients with a monomicrobial uncomplicated LTIVC-related BSI caused by a gentamicin-susceptible coagulase-negative staphylococci, Enterobacterales or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: assess the safety and efficacy at Day 40 (D40) of genta-EDTA-Na2 locks by evaluating the frequency of clinical and microbiological cure 30 days after the end of treatment (D40).

RESULTS: Eight patients were included. A complete follow-up was obtained for 7 patients, 6 of which met cure criteria. The single patient whose follow-up was incomplete met all criteria for cure at D23. A single microbiological failure occurred (relapse of P. aeruginosa LTIVC-related BSI). Two patients experienced at least one serious adverse event; none were attributed to the genta-EDTA-Na2 locks.

CONCLUSION: Genta-EDTA-Na2 used as intra-catheter locks may be a promising anti-biofilm candidate to be studied in a randomized controlled trial.},
}

@article {pmid40368070,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, X and Ma, Q and Xu, S and Xie, C and Gu, C and Wu, J and Feng, Q and Tan, X},
title = {Effect of vmeB gene deletion on biofilm formation and enrofloxacin resistance in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107681},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107681},
pmid = {40368070},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus was a foodborne pathogen that commonly found in seafood products and seriously threatened human food safety. Biofilm played a vital role in the resistance of V. parahaemolyticus, and the relationship between efflux pump encode gene vmeB and biofilm formation of V. parahaemolyticus remained poorly understood. In this study, the ATCC33846ΔvmeB deletion strain and ΔvmeB/pBAD33T-vmeB complement strain were constructed to reveal the mechanism that RND efflux pump vmeB gene regulated the biofilm of V. parahaemolyticus-mediated enrofloxacin resistance. The biofilm formation, motility and transcription levels related to outer membrane genes (ompA, ompH, ompN, ompU, ompV, ompW, ompX), flagella genes (fliA, fliC, fliS) and pilus genes (pilO, pilP) were explored. The results indicated that biofilm formation potential and motility were significantly decreased, the transcription levels of genes associated with the outer membrane, flagella, and pilus genes were significantly reduced in ATCC33846ΔvmeB. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results demonstrated DNA integrity was compromised, protein structure was disrupted, and membrane lipid content was elevated in ATCC33846ΔvmeB. Meanwhile, ATCC33846ΔvmeB cells were observed to be damaged by scanning electron microscopy, and the flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate. Finally, the drug resistance results exhibited that the sensitivity of ATCC33846ΔvmeB to enrofloxacin is fivefold lower compared to ATCC33846. These results elucidate the drug resistance mechanism of vmeB regulates V. parahaemolyticus ATCC33846 biofilm, potentially providing new opportunities to develop inhibitors that specifically alter the characteristics of the biofilm matrix and thereby affect the enrofloxacin resistance of V. parahaemolyticus.},
}

@article {pmid40368068,
year = {2025},
author = {Wani, PA and Wani, TA and Olajumoke Oluwagbemisola, OS and Alotaibi, RN and Fawzhia, SJ and Zargar, S and Ahmed, B},
title = {Green Synthesized Antimicrobial Peptides and Nanoparticles from Phoenix dactylifera: Evaluation of Anti-biofilm, Anti-Pathogenic and Anti-diabetic Activities.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107700},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107700},
pmid = {40368068},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {In recent years, an increasing demand for medicinal plants to control diseases for human well being has resulted in the usage of such plants in our society. Current study aims to determine the role of antimicrobial peptides and nanoparticles synthesized by aqueous extract of date fruit palm as antimicrobial, anti-pathogenic, anti-diabetic agents and their effect on hematological parameters. A total of 32 chemical compounds, 21 unique antimicrobial peptides (proteins) and 10 low molecular weight antioxidant peptides were identified in the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera. FT-NMR analysis of the plant extract also revealed presence of various antimicrobial compounds in aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera. The aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera showed significantly higher antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities due to the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (proteins) and nanoparticles such as selenium and titanium. Synthesis of antimicrobial peptides and nanoparticles damaged intracellular and extracellular structure of microbes by breaking functional groups of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the absence of extract, Pseudomonas aeruginosa expressed multiple pathogenic proteins; however almost all of these proteins were inhibited when Pseudomonas aeruginosa was treated with aqueous extract of date fruit palm. During metabolism, reactive oxygen species are produced and subsequently detoxified by low molecular weight antioxidant peptides and nanoparticles such as selenium and titanium found in Phoenix dactylifera. Blood glucose level significantly (80.4 mg/dl on day 5, 69.6 mg/dl on day 15) reduced in albino rats when fed with aqueous extract (300 mg/kg body weight) and alloxan (100 mg/kg body weight) compared to control rats (which did not receive alloxin) and rats fed with alloxan (100 mg/kg body weight) at day 5 and day 15. Antioxidant levels significantly increased in presence of aqueous extracts. The aqueous extract of date palm fruit significantly decreased hematological parameters in albino rats compared to control groups, in a dose-dependent manner. Duncan's multiple range test confirmed effect of extracts of Phoenix dactylifera were significantly (p<0.05) different for each measured parameter. These results confirmed that Phoenix dactylifera synthesized antimicrobial peptides and nanoparticles, which showed Phoenix dactylifera as an alternative medicine for treating various diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40367508,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, X and Li, C and Meng, Q and Chen, C and Lai, Y and Wang, H and Yu, Z and Li, D and Chen, Z and Hou, T},
title = {Derazantinib Inhibits the Planktonic Growth and Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus aureus by Binding Membrane Phospholipids and Disrupting the Cell Membrane.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c01020},
pmid = {40367508},
issn = {2373-8227},
abstract = {Derazantinib (DZB), a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, exhibits potent activity against FGFR1-3 kinases and has been clinically approved for antitumor therapy. However, its antibacterial properties remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that DZB displays broad-spectrum activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 6.25 to 25 μM. DZB exhibited more rapid and stronger bactericidal activity against planktonic cells of both MSSA and MRSA compared to vancomycin. DZB at 6.25 μM robustly inhibited biofilm formation and even eradicated mature biofilms. Global proteomic profiling revealed that DZB's antibacterial mechanism might involve disruption of microbial glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Furthermore, in vitro selection of DZB-induced resistant S. aureus resulted in a 2-fold increase in MIC, and whole-genome sequencing of this derivative isolate identified amino acid mutations in membrane-associated proteins. DZB was found to compromise bacterial membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased membrane permeability, and the membrane damage was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial activity of DZB was neutralized by the addition of exogenous phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin. Biolayer interferometry assays demonstrated a strong interaction between DZB and cardiolipin, suggesting membrane phospholipid targeting as a key mechanism. Lastly, DZB displayed a robust inhibitory effect against intracellular S. aureus SA113 and showed excellent in vivo anti-MRSA infection in both Galleria mellonella larvae and murine infection models. In summary, our findings established DZB as a promising anti-S. aureus agent with dual antibacterial and antibiofilm activities by disrupting the cell membrane through targeting membrane phospholipids.},
}

@article {pmid40366538,
year = {2025},
author = {Thakare, AM and Nerurkar, AS},
title = {Comparison of Anti-Biofilm Potential of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant, Chemical Agents, and Coliphage Against E. coli Biofilm.},
journal = {Applied biochemistry and biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40366538},
issn = {1559-0291},
abstract = {Biosurfactants are amphipathic microbial products that are released extracellularly or remain attached to the cell surface. The strong biofilm anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm properties of biosurfactants make them suitable candidates for application aimed at destroying troublesome bacterial biofilm. To investigate the anti-adhesion and biofilm disruptive properties of natural rhamnolipid biosurfactant, targeted isolation of a hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil of Dakor, Gujarat, India, led to the isolation of bacteria producing biosurfactant, identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. DKR. The orcinol test preliminarily indicated that the biosurfactant was indeed rhamnolipid. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance further confirmed the biosurfactant as rhamnolipid. Pseudomonas aeruginosa DKR produced 25 mg/ml rhamnolipid that reduced the surface tension to 22.4 mN/m and possessed CMC (critical micellar concentration) of 130 mg/L. Sub-inhibitory dilution (0.25 mg/ml) of purified rhamnolipid DKR demonstrated superior antiadhesive and antibiofilm properties against biofilm-forming E. coli strains isolated from drinking water coolers in comparison to subinhibitory concentrations of common chemical surfactants, chelating agents, and weak acids used. Coliphage AM isolated on selected E. coli strains as hosts also demonstrated an appreciable biofilm anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm effect at 10[6] Pfu/ml. This study emphasizes the utility of rhamnolipid biosurfactant DKR and Coliphage AM in lieu of chemicals as natural and eco-friendly agents in applications to eradicate biofilm from drinking water cooling containers, etc.},
}

@article {pmid40366226,
year = {2025},
author = {Bal, H and Altanlar, N and Yıldız, S},
title = {The Effect of Sub-Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations of Daptomycin and Linezolid on Biofilm Formation of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Clinical Samples.},
journal = {Turkish journal of pharmaceutical sciences},
volume = {22},
number = {2},
pages = {131-139},
doi = {10.4274/tjps.galenos.2025.26723},
pmid = {40366226},
issn = {2148-6247},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the development of in vitro resistance and changes in biofilm forming abilities in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates exposed to sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of daptomycin and linezolid; and to investigate the presence of the methicillin resistance gene (mecA) and the biofilm-associated genes (icaA, icaD) by polymerase chain reaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out with thirty-two MRSA isolates. The susceptibility of the isolates to daptomycin and linezolid was investigated by the broth microdilution method, and MIC values were determined (1[st] MIC). After serial passages, the 2[nd] MIC and the 3[rd] MIC values were similarly detected. Before and after serial passages, the biofilm-forming abilities of MRSA isolates were examined using the microtiter plate (MTP) method.

RESULTS: When the daptomycin and linezolid 1[st] MIC and 3[rd] MIC values of the isolates were compared, there was a 2-8 fold increase in linezolid (p<0.05) and a 4-32 fold increase in daptomycin (p<0.05). According to the MTP method, 20 (62.5%) of the 32 isolates formed biofilm at various levels, while 12 (37.5%) did not form biofilm. After the second series of passages, biofilm formation was observed in 19 (59.4%) isolates with daptomycin (p>0.05) and in 16 (50%) isolates with linezolid (p>0.05). The mecA gene was found in all isolates. Also, icaA and icaD genes were detected in 31 (96.9%) of 32 MRSA isolates.

CONCLUSION: MRSA isolates exposed to sub-MICs of the antibiotics daptomycin and linezolid were observed to form biofilms at varying levels or to lose their ability to form biofilms. The induction, reduction or eradication of biofilm depended on the type of antibiotic and the MRSA isolate.},
}

@article {pmid40366159,
year = {2025},
author = {Esin, JJ and Visick, KL and Kroken, AR},
title = {Calcium signaling controls early stage biofilm formation and dispersal in Vibrio fischeri.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0007725},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00077-25},
pmid = {40366159},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Bacterial dispersal from a biofilm is presently the least-studied step of the biofilm life cycle. The symbiotic bacterial species Vibrio fischeri is a model organism for studying biofilms relevant to a eukaryotic host; however, methodology is lacking to readily study the dispersal of this microbe from biofilms formed in the lab. Here, we adapted a time-lapse assay to visualize biofilm dispersal by V. fischeri. We observed biofilm formation and dispersal for multiple V. fischeri isolates, which displayed a variety of biofilm architecture phenotypes and dispersal dynamics. We then investigated V. fischeri strain ES114 using genetic tools and mutants available for this strain. ES114 exhibited calcium-dependent biofilm formation followed by a rapid (less than 10 min) coordinated dispersal event that occurred approximately 5 h from the experimental start. Biofilm dispersal was largely independent of the dispersal-promoting protease encoded by lapG. Although we found no role under our conditions for either biofilm formation or dispersal for several other factors including polysaccharides and autoinducers, we determined that biofilm formation was enhanced, and dispersal was delayed, with increased concentrations of calcium. Furthermore, biofilm formation depended on the calcium-responsive diguanylate cyclase (DGC) CasA, and dispersal could be modulated by overexpressing CasA. Our work has thus developed a new tool for the V. fischeri field and uncovered a key role for calcium signaling and c-di-GMP in early biofilm formation and dispersal in V. fischeri.

IMPORTANCE: Biofilm formation and dispersal are critical steps in both symbiotic and pathogenic colonization. Relative to biofilm formation, the process of dispersal in the model symbiont Vibrio fischeri, and other bacteria, is understudied. Here, we adapted an imaging assay to study early biofilm formation and the dispersal process in V. fischeri. We demonstrated that our assay can quantify biofilm formation and dispersal over time, can reveal phenotypic differences in diverse natural wild-type isolates, and is sensitive enough to investigate the impact of environmental factors. Our data confirm that calcium is a potent biofilm formation signal and identify the diguanylate cyclase CasA as a key regulator. This work leads the way for more in-depth research about unknown mechanisms of biofilm dispersal.},
}

@article {pmid40362929,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Z and Xu, Z and Li, K and Xie, L and Han, B and Wang, Q and Song, H and Zhang, J},
title = {Enhancement of Partial Nitrification-Anaerobic Ammonia Oxidation in SBR Reactors via Surface-Modified Polyurethane Sponge Biofilm Carrier.},
journal = {Polymers},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/polym17091145},
pmid = {40362929},
issn = {2073-4360},
support = {222080666//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Guike AB23026119//Guangxi Key R&D Project/ ; 2023GXNSFGA026001//Guangxi Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFC2105505//National Key Research and Development Program/ ; },
abstract = {The partial nitrification-anammox process offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable approach for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. However, its application under low ammonia nitrogen conditions faces operational challenges including prolonged start-up periods and excessive nitrite oxidation. This study employed a strategy combining polyurethane surface positive charge enhancement and zeolite loading to develop a carrier capable of microbial enrichment and inhibition of nitrate generation, aiming to initiate the partial nitrification-anammox process in a sequencing batch reactor. Operational results demonstrate that the modified carrier enabled the reactor to achieve a total nitrogen removal efficiency of 78%, with the effluent nitrate nitrogen reduced to 6.03 mg-N/L, successfully initiating the partial nitrification-anammox process. The modified carrier also exhibited accelerated biofilm proliferation (both suspended and attached biomass increased). Additionally, 16S rRNA revealed a higher relative abundance of typical anammox bacteria Candidatus Brocadia in the biofilm of the modified carrier compared to the original carrier, alongside a decline in nitrifying genera, such as Nitrolancea. These microbial shifts effectively suppressed excessive nitrite oxidation, limited nitrate accumulation, and sustained efficient nitrogen removal throughout the reactor's operation.},
}

@article {pmid40362627,
year = {2025},
author = {Wan, L and Sankaranarayanan, J and Lee, CY and Zhou, H and Yoon, TR and Seon, JK and Park, KS},
title = {Povidone-Iodine and Hydrogen Peroxide Combination Improves the Anti-Biofilm Activity of the Individual Agents on Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26094390},
pmid = {40362627},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {HCRI 21012//This study was supported by a grant (HCRI 21012) of the Chonnam National University Hwasun hospital Research Institute of Clinical Medicine./ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Povidone-Iodine/pharmacology ; *Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; Drug Synergism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Anti-Infective Agents, Local/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), poses significant challenges in healthcare settings due to its ability to form biofilms on various surfaces. These biofilms enhance bacterial survival and increase resistance to conventional treatments, complicating infection control efforts. This study evaluated the efficacy of combined povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to disrupt pre-formed S. aureus biofilms. A series of assays-including crystal violet staining, colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration, gene expression analysis, and confocal laser scanning microscopy-were performed to assess the effects of each treatment individually and in combination. The combined treatment resulted in significantly greater reductions in biofilm biomass and viable bacteria compared with either agent alone. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of key biofilm-associated genes (icaA, icaB, icaD, icaR, and clfA), suggesting interference with biofilm stability and maintenance. While formal synergy quantification was not conducted, the observed effects suggest a potentially synergistic or additive interaction between the two agents. These findings support the use of dual antiseptic strategies as a promising approach to biofilm eradication and highlight the potential clinical utility of dual antiseptic strategies. However, we underscore the need for further optimization and safety evaluation.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Povidone-Iodine/pharmacology
*Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
Drug Synergism
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Anti-Infective Agents, Local/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects

@article {pmid40362370,
year = {2025},
author = {Martínez-Cisterna, D and Chen, L and Bardehle, L and Hermosilla, E and Tortella, G and Chacón-Fuentes, M and Rubilar, O},
title = {Chitosan-Coated Silver Nanocomposites: Biosynthesis, Mechanical Properties, and Ag[+] Release in Liquid and Biofilm Forms.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26094130},
pmid = {40362370},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {21232172//ANID/ ; },
mesh = {*Chitosan/chemistry ; *Silver/chemistry ; *Nanocomposites/chemistry/ultrastructure ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry/ultrastructure ; Plant Extracts/chemistry ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; X-Ray Diffraction ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; },
abstract = {This study explores the biosynthesis, characterization, and evaluation of silver nanoparticles coated with chitosan (AgChNPs) for liquid nanocomposite and biofilm formation in integrated pest management (IPM). AgChNPs were synthesized using Galega officinalis leaf extract as a reducing agent, with varying chitosan concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) and pH levels (3, 4, and 5). Synthesis was optimized based on nanoparticle size, stability, and polydispersity index (PDI) over 21 days. Biofilms incorporating AgChNPs were analyzed for chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties via Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (TEM-EDX), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to quantify silver ionization. TEM confirmed spherical nanoparticles (5.54-61.46 nm), and FTIR validated G. officinalis functionalization on chitosan. AgChNPs with 1% chitosan at pH 4 exhibited optimal properties: a size of 207.88 nm, a zeta potential of +42.30 mV, and a PDI of 0.62. Biofilms displayed tunable mechanical strength, with a tensile strength of 3.48 MPa using 5% glycerol and 2% chitosan and an elongation at break of 24.99 mm. TGA showed a two-step degradation process (98.19% mass loss). Ag ionization was 62.57 mg/L in the liquid nanocomposite and 184.07 mg/kg in the biofilms. These findings highlight AgChNPs' potential for controlled-release properties and enhanced mechanical performance, supporting sustainable agricultural applications.},
}

*Chitosan/chemistry
*Silver/chemistry
*Nanocomposites/chemistry/ultrastructure
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry/ultrastructure
Plant Extracts/chemistry
Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
X-Ray Diffraction
Plant Leaves/chemistry

@article {pmid40362173,
year = {2025},
author = {Solomon, M and Holban, AM and Bălăceanu-Gurău, B and Dițu, LM and Alberts, A and Grumezescu, AM and Manolescu, LSC and Mihai, MM},
title = {Silver Nanoparticles Functionalized with Polymeric Substances to Reduce the Growth of Planktonic and Biofilm Opportunistic Pathogens.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26093930},
pmid = {40362173},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Silver/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Polymers/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Plankton/drug effects/growth & development ; Povidone/chemistry ; Humans ; Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry ; *Bacteria/drug effects ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects ; },
abstract = {The global rise in antimicrobial resistance, particularly among ESKAPE pathogens, has intensified the demand for alternative therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and represent a promising approach to combat multidrug-resistant infections. This study aimed to synthesize and functionalize AgNPs using various polymeric agents-ethylene glycol (EG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and their combinations-and to evaluate their antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy against clinically relevant bacterial strains. AgNPs were synthesized via chemical reduction and functionalized as Ag@EG, Ag@PEG, Ag@EG/PVP, and Ag@PEG/PVP. A total of 68 clinical isolates-including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-were tested. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays, while antibiofilm activity was evaluated via the crystal violet method. Among all tested formulations, Ag@EG/PVP exhibited the highest antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, with notably low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC50) for Ps. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae. In contrast, AgNPs functionalized with PEG or EG alone showed limited efficacy. Biofilm-forming isolates, particularly Staphylococcus spp., required higher concentrations for inhibition. These results highlight the critical role of functionalization in modulating the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs, with Ag@EG/PVP demonstrating potent activity against both planktonic and biofilm-associated multidrug-resistant bacteria. Overall, this study supports further developing AgNPs-based formulations as adjuncts or alternatives to conventional antibiotics, particularly for managing biofilm-related infections. Future research should focus on formulation optimization, safety assessment, and translational potential.},
}

*Silver/chemistry/pharmacology
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
*Polymers/chemistry/pharmacology
*Plankton/drug effects/growth & development
Povidone/chemistry
Humans
Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry
*Bacteria/drug effects
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects
Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects

@article {pmid40361662,
year = {2025},
author = {Romeo, M and Lasagabaster, A and Lavilla, M and Amárita, F},
title = {Genetic Diversity, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic Resistance in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Meat-Processing Plants.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14091580},
pmid = {40361662},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {Ref. 6/12/TT/2023/00004//Provincial Council of Bizkaia/ ; },
abstract = {Listeria species are ubiquitous microorganisms that can be present all over the food chain. They can survive under adverse conditions and are frequently found in food-processing plants. In this study, 19 Listeria innocua and 19 Listeria welshimeri strains were isolated from meat product manufacturing companies in Spain, and biofilm formation capabilities were analyzed. In addition, 37 Listeria monocytogenes strains were also isolated, and their genetic diversity, biofilm formation capabilities, and antibiotic resistance were analyzed too. The species distribution was similar between two food-processing plants in the Basque Country, while it demonstrated significant variation when compared to three other plants from the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and Andalusia. Biofilm formation was significant at both 25 °C and 37 °C, with L. monocytogenes showing strong biofilm formation capabilities. Biofilms enhance the ability of bacteria to persist on surfaces and equipment. Listeria monocytogenes serogroup analysis indicated significant differences between Basque Country strains and those from the other regions, with most strains belonging to serogroups commonly associated with human listeriosis cases. Antibiotic multi-resistance was a common feature among L. monocytogenes strains. The presence of different antibiotic multi-resistance profiles and strong biofilm-forming capabilities highlights the importance of stringent hygiene and monitoring practices to prevent the spread of L. monocytogenes in the food chain and avoid food-safety threats and public-health issues.},
}

@article {pmid40360526,
year = {2025},
author = {Ben-David, Y and Sporny, M and Brochin, Y and Piscon, B and Roth, S and Zander, I and Nisani, M and Shoshani, S and Yaron, O and Karako-Lampert, S and Lebenthal-Loinger, I and Danielli, A and Opatowsky, Y and Banin, E},
title = {SadB, a mediator of AmrZ proteolysis and biofilm development in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {77},
pmid = {40360526},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {1694/22 and 1125/17//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 1694/22 and 1125/17//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 1694/22 and 1125/17//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 1694/22 and 1125/17//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 1694/22 and 1125/17//Israel Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/physiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Proteolysis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Protein Binding ; },
abstract = {The ability of bacteria to commit to surface colonization and biofilm formation is a highly regulated process. In this study, we characterized the activity and structure of SadB, initially identified as a key regulator in the transition from reversible to irreversible surface attachment. Our results show that SadB acts as an adaptor protein that tightly regulates the master regulator AmrZ at the post-translational level. SadB directly binds to the C-terminal domain of AmrZ, leading to its rapid degradation, primarily by the Lon protease. Structural analysis suggests that SadB does not directly interact with small molecules upon signal transduction, differing from previous findings in Pseudomonas fluorescens. Instead, the SadB structure supports its role in mediating protein-protein interactions, establishing it as a major checkpoint for biofilm commitment.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/physiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Proteolysis
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Protein Binding

@article {pmid40359213,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhai, K and Yin, K and Lin, Y and Chen, S and Bi, Y and Xing, R and Ren, C and Chen, Z and Yu, Z and Chen, Z and Zhou, S},
title = {Free Radicals on Aging Microplastics Regulated the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Aquatic Environment: New Insight into the Effect of Microplastics on the Spreading of Biofilm Resistomes.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.4c12699},
pmid = {40359213},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by microplastics has received a great concern in coexisting "hotspots". Despite most microplastics suffering from natural aging, little is known about the effect of aging microplastics (A-MPs) on ARGs dissemination. Here, we demonstrated significant suppression of A-MPs on ARGs dissemination in natural rivers. Although ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were effectively enriched on A-MPs, the relative abundance of ARGs and MGEs on A-MPs as well as in receiving water decreased by approximately 21.4% to 42.3% during a period of 30 days of dissemination. Further investigation revealed that [•]OH was consistently generated on A-MPs with a maximum value of 0.2 μmol/g. Importantly, scavenging of [•]OH significantly increased the relative abundance of ARGs and MGEs both on A-MPs and in receiving water 1.4-29.1 times, indicating the vital role of [•]OH in suppressing ARGs dissemination. Microbial analysis revealed that [•]OH inhibited the potential antibiotic-resistant bacteria in surface biofilms, such as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter (with a decrease of 68.8% and 89.3%). These results demonstrated that [•]OH was extensively produced on A-MPs, which greatly reduced both the vertical and horizontal gene transfer of ARGs. This study provided new insights into the dissemination of ARGs through microplastics in natural systems.},
}

@article {pmid40358894,
year = {2025},
author = {Külahcı, MB and Aydın, B and Aytar, EC and Çalışkan, M and Durmaz, A},
title = {Molecular docking targeting biofilm and quorum sensing modulation: antimicrobial potential of Salsola tragus.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40358894},
issn = {1678-4405},
abstract = {This study explores the antimicrobial properties and molecular docking analysis of compounds derived from Salsola tragus, highlighting their potential as bioactive agents. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of S. tragus was assessed against a range of bacterial and yeast strains using the microdilution method. The results revealed significant inhibitory effects, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from < 6.25 to > 50 mg/mL, indicating that the extract possesses considerable antimicrobial efficacy. Additionally, the extract demonstrated substantial biofilm inhibition against biofilm-forming strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing biofilm formation concentration-dependently. Molecular docking studies were performed to predict the interaction between the bioactive compounds of S. tragus and the LasR-OC12 HSL complex of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PDB ID: 3IX3). Key compounds such as 1,8-Diazacyclotetradecane-2,7-dione, phytane, ethyl oleate, and linoleic acid ethyl ester displayed notable binding affinities, with 1,8-Diazacyclotetradecane-2,7-dione exhibiting the highest binding affinity (-5.7 kcal/mol) and lowest inhibition constant (0.066 mM), suggesting strong interaction with the target protein. The study also assessed the toxicity profiles of these compounds, indicating varying levels of acute toxicity and bioavailability, with most compounds showing low toxicity and favorable pharmacological profiles. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of S. tragus extract as a source of antimicrobial agents capable of interfering with microbial growth and biofilm formation, along with promising molecular interactions, as indicated by docking studies. Further investigation is warranted to optimize these properties for potential therapeutic applications.},
}

@article {pmid40358506,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, S and Muniz De Oliveira, F and Wang, C and Kumar, M and Xuan, Y and DeMazumder, D and Sen, CK and Roy, S},
title = {SEMTWIST Quantification of Biofilm Infection in Human Chronic Wound Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Machine Learning.},
journal = {Advances in wound care},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/wound.2024.0291},
pmid = {40358506},
issn = {2162-1918},
abstract = {Objective: To develop scanning electron microscopy-based Trainable Weka (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis) Intelligent Segmentation Technology (SEMTWIST), an open-source software tool, for structural detection and rigorous quantification of wound biofilm aggregates in complex human wound tissue matrix. Approach: SEMTWIST model was standardized to quantify biofilm infection (BFI) abundance in 240 distinct SEM images from 60 human chronic wound-edge biospecimens (four technical replicates of each specimen). Results from SEMTWIST were compared against human expert assessments and the gold standard for molecular BFI detection, that is, peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH). Results: Correlation and Bland-Altman plot demonstrated a robust correlation (r = 0.82, p < 0.01), with a mean bias of 1.25, and 95% limit of agreement ranging from -43.40 to 47.11, between SEMTWIST result and the average scores assigned by trained human experts. While interexpert variability highlighted potential bias in manual assessments, SEMTWIST provided consistent results. Bacterial culture detected infection but not biofilm aggregates. Whereas the wheat germ agglutinin staining exhibited nonspecific staining of host tissue components and failed to provide a specific identification of BFI. The molecular identification of biofilm aggregates using PNA-FISH was comparable with SEMTWIST, highlighting the robustness of the developed approach. Innovation: This study introduces a novel approach "SEMTWIST" for in-depth analysis and precise differentiation of biofilm aggregates from host tissue elements, enabling accurate quantification of BFI in chronic wound SEM images. Conclusion: Open-source SEMTWIST offers a reliable and robust framework for standardized quantification of BFI burden in human chronic wound-edge tissues, supporting clinical diagnosis and guiding treatment.},
}

@article {pmid40358234,
year = {2025},
author = {Parrett, GA and Haft, DH and Ruiz, M and Garcia-Pichel, F and Ebmeier, CC and Risser, DD},
title = {Cyanoexosortase B is essential for motility, biofilm formation, and scytonemin production in a filamentous cyanobacterium.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0100624},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.01006-24},
pmid = {40358234},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {Exosortases are involved in trafficking proteins containing PEP-CTERM domains to the exterior of gram-negative bacterial cells. The role of these proteins in cyanobacteria, where such homologs are common, has not been defined. The filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme contains a single putative exosortase, designated cyanoexosortase B (CrtB), implicated by previous work both in motility and in the production of the UV-absorbing pigment, scytonemin. To determine the role of crtB in N. punctiforme, a crtB-deletion strain (ΔcrtB) was generated. ΔcrtB presented the loss of motility, biofilm formation, and scytonemin production. In the case of motility, the ΔcrtB mutant exhibited a specific defect in the ability of hormogonia (specialized motile filaments) to adhere to hormogonium polysaccharide (HPS), and several PEP-CTERM proteins expressed in motile hormogonia were differentially abundant in the exoproteome of the wild-type compared with the ΔcrtB strain. These results are consistent with the hypothetical role of CrtB in the processing and export of PEP-CTERM proteins that play a critical role in stabilizing the interaction between the filament surface and HPS to facilitate motility and biofilm formation. In the case of scytonemin-the late biosynthetic steps of which occur in the periplasm and whose operon contains several putative PEP-CTERM proteins-ΔcrtB failed to produce it. Given the abundance of putative PEP-CTERM proteins encoded in the N. punctiforme genome and the fact that this study only associates a fraction of them with biological functions, it seems likely that CrtB may play an important role in other biological processes in cyanobacteria.IMPORTANCEIn gram-negative bacteria, exosortases facilitate the trafficking of proteins to the exterior of the cell where they have been implicated in stabilizing the association of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with the cell surface to facilitate biofilm formation and flocculation, but the role of exosortases in cyanobacteria has not been explored. Here, we characterize the role of cyanoexosortase B (CrtB) in the filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme, demonstrating that crtB is essential for motility, biofilm formation, and the production of the sunscreen pigment scytonemin. These findings have important implications for understanding motility and biofilm formation in filamentous cyanobacteria as well as efforts toward the heterologous production of scytonemin in non-native hosts.},
}

@article {pmid40356168,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Sun, Y and Han, W and Ge, W and Xu, Z and Wang, S and Yang, Z and Yuan, L},
title = {Interspecies interactions promote dual-species biofilm formation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus fermentum: Phenotypic and metabolomic insights.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {116388},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116388},
pmid = {40356168},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Limosilactobacillus fermentum/metabolism/physiology/growth & development ; *Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism/physiology/growth & development ; Probiotics ; Metabolomics ; Phenotype ; *Microbial Interactions ; },
abstract = {Probiotics are live microorganisms offering various health benefits to hosts, but exposure to adverse conditions can compromise their viability during gastrointestinal transit. Probiotics in the biofilm state have been proven as an alternative way to the probiotic survival challenge; however, knowledge of mixed-species biofilms by probiotics is limited. This study aimed to examine the ecological interactions between Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP-52 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum LF-56 from a phenotypic and metabolomics perspective during their mixed-species biofilm development. In specific, we investigated how their interaction changes bacterial growth, biofilm-forming capacity, biofilm structure, biofilm metabolic activity, EPS production, and biofilm tolerance under gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, a comprehensive metabolomics analysis was conducted to identify different metabolic profiles and elucidate the underlying mechanisms during the development of mixed-species biofilm. Results showed that their cooperative interaction significantly promoted the planktonic cell growth of L. fermentum LF-56 and L. plantarum LP-52 during their co-cultivation. The synergistic effect also markedly improved the biofilm formation, with increased cell counts in biofilms and higher metabolic activity when compared to each single-species biofilm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging showed denser and more diverse structures of mixed-species biofilm with higher coverage and thickness. In addition, dual-species biofilms were best tolerated under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. Untargeted metabolomics assay identified 852 differential metabolites, primarily associated with seven pathways: two pathways of nucleotide metabolism (purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism), two pathways of carbohydrate metabolism (TCA cycle, glycolysis), alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, and ABC transporters, which an enhanced energy metabolism, stress adaptation, and potential biofunctional benefits. With this respect, this investigation underscores the benefits of mixed probiotics biofilms and contributes to further application of probiotics in the food and biotechnology industry.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Limosilactobacillus fermentum/metabolism/physiology/growth & development
*Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism/physiology/growth & development
Probiotics
Metabolomics
Phenotype
*Microbial Interactions

@article {pmid40356167,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, Z and Li, Y and Xue, L and Xu, A and Yu, G and Soteyome, T and Yuan, L and Li, X and Liu, J},
title = {Genomic-transcriptomic analysis of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation under sub-MIC antibiotic exposure.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {116386},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116386},
pmid = {40356167},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Genomics ; Streptomycin/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Antibiotics are widely used in animal husbandry to ensure the health of livestock, leading to the exposure of microorganisms to accumulated sub-lethal concentrations (sub-MICs) of antibiotics in meats. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of sub-MICs of commonly used antibiotics on the biofilm formation of a S. aureus strain Guangzhou-SAU071 which displays weak biofilm formation despite harboring biofilm-associated genes. CV and MTS assays were used to determine biofilm biomass and cell viability, respectively. Dual-omics sequencing combining genomics and transcriptomics was used to study the global expression changes. Expression of biofilm and two-component system associated genes was further verified by RT-qPCR. Biofilm formation of Guangzhou-SAU071 was enhanced under sub-MIC of ciprofloxacin (2 μg/mL) and streptomycin (128 μg/mL). Nearly half of the genes associated with biofilm formation, cell wall anchoring, and two-component systems exhibited significant differential expression under sub-MIC of ciprofloxacin and streptomycin. As concluded, sub-MIC of ciprofloxacin and streptomycin enhanced biofilm formation of S. aureus, possibly due to its regulation on biofilm and two-component system associated genes.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Gene Expression Profiling
Genomics
Streptomycin/pharmacology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
*Transcriptome

@article {pmid40355056,
year = {2025},
author = {Tan, L and Yang, J and He, Z and Wan, Y and Li, Z and Song, J and Zhang, W and Yang, X},
title = {Inhibitory effects of extracts from Prunella vulgaris on biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {205},
number = {},
pages = {107694},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107694},
pmid = {40355056},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a highly prevalent pathogen capable of strongly adhering to food processing equipment and the contact surfaces, where it forms resilient biofilms that are difficult to eliminate. Prunella vulgaris (P. vulgaris), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has demonstrated strong potential in inhibiting S. aureus biofilm formation. This study investigated the inhibitory mechanisms of P. vulgaris extracts against S. aureus growth and biofilm formation, evaluating the biofilm inhibitory concentration, bactericidal concentration and their effects on ica operon gene expression. The P. vulgaris extracts exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.25 mg/mL. At the MIC level, the extracts not only suppressed S. aureus growth and metabolic viability but also inhibited polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA), prevented biofilm formation and disrupted mature biofilms. Furthermore, P. vulgaris extracts demonstrated concentration-dependent effects on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production: while 1/2 MIC concentrations stimulated EPS synthesis, double-MIC concentrations markedly suppressed it. Notably, the extracts consistently downregulated icaA and icaD expression at both MIC and 2 × MIC concentrations. Therefore, P. vulgaris exhibits significant potential against S. aureus-induced foodborne diseases, demonstrating promise as a novel antibacterial agent for future applications in both pharmaceutical development and food safety enhancement.},
}

@article {pmid40355007,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Q and Zhang, L and Liu, M and Zhu, W and Sang, W and Zhang, S and Nie, Y and Xie, Y and Wang, Z},
title = {Balancing nitrate removal and energy utilization in pyrite-filled three-dimensional biofilm electrode reactor: Optimal intermittent electric field modulation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {432},
number = {},
pages = {132647},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132647},
pmid = {40355007},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study aimed to optimize the intermittent electric field strategy to achieve high nitrate removal efficiency (NRE) with minimal energy consumption in a novel system coupling pyrite-based autotrophic denitrification with three-dimensional biofilm electrode reactor (P3DBER). The long-term operation demonstrated that medium (3:3 at 20 mA) power on versus off (on/off-ratio) significantly enhanced NRE (95.96 ± 1.46 %) while minimizing energy consumption (0.035 ± 0.002 kW·h/g NO3[-]-N). The system displayed a more stable microbial community (77.30 % positive correlations) under low on/off-ratio (1:5-3:3) conditions, with Thiobacillus (5.68 %-28.47 %), Desulfovibrio (0.17 %-14.40 %), and Desulfomicrobium (0.21 %-13.28 %) as the predominant genera. Functional gene prediction indicated that traditional denitrification (47.95 ± 4.58 %) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (38.44 ± 3.18 %) were the primary nitrate reduction pathways. This study demonstrates that optimizing the on/off-ratio in P3DBER can balance NRE and energy efficiency, offering a promising strategy for designing high-performance and energy-saving wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid40355004,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, J and Zhang, Q and Li, X and Gao, X and Peng, Y},
title = {Enhancing nitrogen removal from low-strength municipal wastewater by partial denitrification coupled with anammox in plug flow pure biofilm system.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132646},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132646},
pmid = {40355004},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Biofilm has been widely utilized to retain anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). However, most research on partial denitrification/anammox (PD/A) focuses on hybrid systems, with limited insights into systems dominated by complete biofilms. This study established pure biofilm system within a plug-flow reactor to treat low strength municipal wastewater. Strategies such as two-point feeding significantly increased the activity of AnAOB within anoxic biofilm, reaching 2.0 mg N/g MLSS/h. The ΔNO3[-]-N/ΔNH4[+]-N indicated a more balanced relationship between denitrification and anammox. The reactor operated stably for 240 days, achieving a substantial nitrogen removal efficiency of 75.5 ± 3.6 % with influent carbon/nitrogen ratio of 3.2. Candidatus_Brocadia, whose abundance surged to 2.6 %, contributed 42.5 % to nitrogen removal, predominantly colonized the interior. Bacteria capable of partial denitrification (Dechloromonas, Thauera) preferred the outer layer, exhibiting sustaining nitrite supply for AnAOB growth. This study highlights the potential of pure biofilm system for mainstream anammox application.},
}

@article {pmid40353461,
year = {2025},
author = {Shakib, P and Yari Talib, Z and Asadi, A and Najafi, Z},
title = {Biosynthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activity of CuO Nanoparticles using Ephedra major Plant Extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Recent patents on biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0118722083375049250507052242},
pmid = {40353461},
issn = {2212-4012},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Nanoparticles are nanometer-sized particles that have unique properties and are used in various fields such as medicine, environment, and technology. The Ephedra major plant, with its medicinal properties, is a rich source for extracting molecules that can be used as agents for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles and improve their properties. The aim of the current study was the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using Ephedra major extracts, as well as the evaluation of their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The synthesis of CuO nanoparticles was performed using the aqueous extract of the leaves of Ephedra major plant .The synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The well diffusion method investigated the antimicrobial activity of CuO-NPs synthesized against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Then, the MIC and MBC of the synthesized nanoparticles were determined in 96-well microplates with different concentrations of CuO-NPs, aqueous extract, and chloramphenicol. The inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm was investigated by staining with 1% crystal violet.

RESULTS: The results of the UV-Vis analysis showed that the absorption at the wavelength of 385 nm was the highest, which confirmed the formation of CuO-NPs. SEM and EDX results indicated that the nanoparticles formed in a spherical shape with an average size of 30 to 80 nm. Also, EDX analysis showed the presence of copper, carbon, and oxygen elements in nanoparticles. The CuO-PNs at the concentration of 2000 μg/ml exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa. Also, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of nanoparticles were 312 μg/ml. In addition, the results showed that CuO-NPs have an effect in inhibiting biofilm formation.The inhibitory effect against biofilm was greater with increasing concentration.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study prove that CuO-NPs synthesized from the aqueous extract of Ephedra major plant can be used as an effective option in treating infections caused by P. aeruginosa.},
}

@article {pmid40354143,
year = {2024},
author = {Laranjeira, P and Leiva-Perez, WH and Zuniga, JM},
title = {Evaluation of Novel Antimicrobial Material to Prevent Biofilm Formation in Medical Devices.},
journal = {Biomedical instrumentation & technology},
volume = {58},
number = {3},
pages = {43-48},
pmid = {40354143},
issn = {0899-8205},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Polyesters/pharmacology ; *Equipment and Supplies/microbiology ; Copper/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Escherichia coli/drug effects ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects ; },
abstract = {The advancement of novel materials and manufacturing technologies offer opportunities to explore new applications in the space of medical devices. Among these advances, biobased polymers with antimicrobial activity can be used to develop prototypes by additive manufacturing, thereby enabling further exploration with benefits to time and cost. The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer embedded with a copper-based composite (active PLA) to reduce and prevent bacterial growth of microorganisms of concern that may lead to the formation of biofilms. The research was carried out by manufacturing coupons of active PLA using additive manufacturing to test the growth or lack thereof of microorganisms known to form biofilms in medical devices, particularly those with narrow lumens. Testing showed 99.99% antimicrobial effectiveness in reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9027), Escherichia coli (8739), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (4352) growth after 24 hours of exposure. The results confirm the effectiveness of active PLA in preventing microbial growth, which opens the possibility of its use for other medical device applications. Further testing is required, particularly regarding toxicological aspects and potential concerns about the size of copper particles.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Polyesters/pharmacology
*Equipment and Supplies/microbiology
Copper/chemistry/pharmacology
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
Escherichia coli/drug effects
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects
Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects

@article {pmid40352558,
year = {2025},
author = {Badzinski, TD and Campanaro, AL and Brown, MH and List, C and Penn, RL and Maurer-Jones, MA},
title = {Effects of Enzyme Hydrolysis in Biofilm Formation and Biotic Degradation on Weathered Bioplastics.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {17},
pages = {17394-17403},
pmid = {40352558},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {As efforts to address plastic pollution increase, new avenues are opened for the use of biologically renewable and biodegradable plastics. With the influx of these new polymer systems, it is crucial to understand the degradation processes of these polymers, particularly through disposal systems designed to manage their waste (i.e., compost). This work seeks to characterize a multistep biodegradation system by studying how enzymatic hydrolysis impacts the formation of biofilms upon weathered biodegradable aliphatic polyesters to better understand processes that should occur in composting. Poly l-lactic acid (PLLA), after varying amounts of photochemical weathering, was exposed to the esterase proteinase K followed by exposure to suspended facultative anaerobe, Shewanella oneidensis, whose biofilms were quantified with crystal violet staining. Enzymatic hydrolysis was observed to promote the formation of a biofilm regardless of enzymatic concentration, enzyme exposure time, and state of weathering on the polymer. This trend also held true for a less commercially viable polymer like poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), which was demonstrated to be resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis. Further, we observed that the state of photochemical weathering caused variable impacts to the biodegradation of PLLA. Polymer characterization suggests that while there are changes in crystallinity and surface accessible ester linkages, increased surface area caused by photodegradation and/or enzyme hydrolysis drives the observed trends. Overall, this work demonstrates a multistep biodegradation process is more effective at breaking down biodegradable polymers than a single biotic agent, though polymer weathering influences breakdown to some extent, offering insight into the importance of managing these waste streams to ensure optimal designed biodegradability.},
}

@article {pmid40352356,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, X and Zhou, X and Wang, W and Chen, J and Cao, Y and Wen, J and Hu, J},
title = {Nanotechnology-driven nanoemulsion gel for enhanced transdermal delivery of Sophora alopecuroides L. empyreumatic oil: formulation optimization, and anti-biofilm efficacy.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1586924},
pmid = {40352356},
issn = {2296-4185},
abstract = {Sophora alopecuroides L. empyreumatic oil (SoA oil) exhibits therapeutic potential for psoriasis and eczema but suffers from poor skin permeability and formulation challenges. To overcome these limitations, a nanoemulsion (NE) gel was developed. The NE was optimized using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and rheological properties. Skin permeability and retention were assessed in vitro using Franz diffusion cells, with oxymatrine quantified by HPLC. In vivo skin irritation was tested on rabbit dorsal skin, and anti-biofilm activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). A final concentration of 5% SoA oil in the NE formulation was used for subsequent studies. The optimized SoA oil NE (the NE) had a mean droplet size of 53.27 nm, PDI of 0.236, and zeta potential of -38.13 mV. Adding 2% carbomer 940 (CP940) to the gel enhanced viscoelasticity. The NE showed superior skin permeability and higher cutaneous retention of oxymatrine. SoA oil caused moderate irritation to the skin of rabbits, while the other two formulations did not. The NE demonstrated enhanced biofilm inhibition against S. aureus at 0.09766 mg/mL, with an 8.9% rate surpassing SoA oil (2.0%) and SoA oil NE gel (the gel, 4.0%). At 12.50 mg/mL, the NE and the gel achieved slightly higher inhibition rates (81.7% and 82.1%, respectively) than SoA oil (78.3%). Notably, the NE showed significantly greater anti-biofilm effects against MRSA within the concentration range from 0.09766 to 3.12 mg/mL (P < 0.001). In mature biofilm clearance against S. aureus, the NE demonstrated a clearance rate of 4.9% at 0.09766 mg/mL, while SoA oil and the NE gel achieved clearance rates of 2.3% and 0.8%, respectively. At a higher concentration of 12.50 mg/mL, the clearance rate for the NE increased to 38.1%, significantly outperforming SoA oil (29.1%) and the NE gel (36.4%). Against MRSA, the NE and the gel displayed significantly improved clearance at 12.50 mg/mL (42.7% and 43.9%, respectively) compared to SoA oil (31.9%) (P < 0.0001). These findings highlight the potential of nanotechnology-driven delivery systems to improve the clinical application of herbal extracts for treating biofilm-associated dermatological infections.},
}

@article {pmid40348909,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramesh, R and Rekha, ND and Gopal, S},
title = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm: treatment strategies to combat infection.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {207},
number = {6},
pages = {141},
pmid = {40348909},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/pathogenicity/genetics ; Humans ; *Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/therapy ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Virulence/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogenic bacterium that is a common cause of both acute and chronic infections. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa poses a significant challenge to antibiotics and therapeutic approaches due to its pathogenicity, virulence, and biofilm-forming ability mediated by quorum sensing. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms is essential for developing potential drug targets. In this regard, strategies aimed at combating the targeted inhibition of virulence, quorum sensing pathways, secretion systems, biofilm-associated two-component systems, and signalling system regulators (such as c-di-GMP) associated with biofilm formation are critical. Several new antimicrobial agents have been developed using these strategies, including antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, nanoantibiotics, photodynamics, and natural products, which are considered promising therapeutic tools. In this review, we address the concept of biofilms, their regulation, and recent treatment strategies to target P. aeruginosa, a clinically significant pathogen known for biofilm formation.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/pathogenicity/genetics
Humans
*Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/therapy
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Virulence/drug effects

@article {pmid40348211,
year = {2025},
author = {Chakraborty, S and Dinakaran, I and Karunasagar, A and Ahmed, W and Mohan Raj, J and Karunasagar, I and Vashisth, M and Chauhan, A},
title = {WGS of a lytic phage targeting biofilm-forming carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae prevalent in a tertiary healthcare setup.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107680},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107680},
pmid = {40348211},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are listed as a priority-one critical pathogen category by the WHO because of their abysmal treatment outcomes owing to antibiotic inefficiency. Among CRE, Klebsiella pneumoniae is prevalent in acquiring resistance genes and withstanding the last-resort drugs. Additionally, its ability to form robust biofilms further exacerbates the treatment challenges. The escalating resistance and recalcitrance of biofilm-residing bacteria against standard antibiotic treatments demand an alternative to antibiotics. Phages, being nature-tailored, are a never-ending arsenal against the bacteria because of their capacity to lyse bacteria rapidly and co-evolve with bacteria. In our study, we isolated K. pneumoniae from patients at Madras Medical Mission Hospital (MMMH), India, and assessed their antibiogram profiles, presence of carbapenemase genes, and biofilm-forming abilities. 100% of the strains were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing, multidrug-resistant (ESBL-MDR), with 95% harbouring carbapenemase genes. Among the isolates, 65% were strong biofilm formers, and the rest were moderate. Further, we isolated a bacteriophage, SAKp11, from the hospital sewage, which was able to lyse 62 out of 167 clinical isolates and successfully reduced 99.99% viable bacterial cells of the 24-hour-old biofilm of strong biofilm forming MDR K. pneumoniae strains. Whole genome analysis revealed that SAKp11, with a genome size of 59,338bp, belonged to the Casjensviridae family, one of the less explored bacteriophage families. Comprehensive characterization of SAKp11 indicated its suitability for therapeutic use. Our study highlights the severity of drug-resistant K. pneumoniae in Indian healthcare and the inadequacy of current antibiotics, underscoring the potential of phages as an alternative therapeutic option.},
}

@article {pmid40347873,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, S and Li, D and Fu, S and Zheng, J and Zhu, Y and Li, H and Zeng, H and Zhang, J},
title = {Decoding the effect of antibiotics on biofilm formation in biofilters.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {385},
number = {},
pages = {125698},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125698},
pmid = {40347873},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Biofilms have extensive applications and important roles in biological processes. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of low-concentration sulfamethoxazole (SMX) on biofilm development in biofilters. The effects of various SMX concentrations (0, 100 ng/L, 1000 ng/L) on microbial development were compared. Compared with the control group without SMX, the start-up period of R2 and R3 filters with SMX added was decreased by 9 % and 21 %, respectively. Under antibiotic stimulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) concentrations increased, aligning with changes in extracellular polymer content and biofilm formation. Microbial community results showed that the presence of SMX promoted the growth of some manganese-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB), such as Massilia, Pedomicrobium, Sphingopyxis, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. Functional gene analysis further revealed higher expression levels of genes related to c-di-GMP transformation in the presence of SMX. These findings suggest that microbial communities can adapt to their environment by accelerating biofilm formation at lower antibiotic concentrations. The results of this study provide new insights into the impact of low-concentration antibiotics on biofilm development and offer a crucial reference for biofilter design and optimization.},
}

@article {pmid40347631,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, W and Huang, Z and Zhang, Y and Liu, K and Li, D and Liu, Q},
title = {Interaction between inflammation and biofilm infection and advances in targeted biofilm therapy strategies.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {298},
number = {},
pages = {128199},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128199},
pmid = {40347631},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Biofilms are aggregates of bacteria, primarily regulated by quorum sensing (QS) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) mechanisms. Inflammation is the immune system's response to tissue damage and infection, which is regulated by a variety of cytokines and mediators. Bacterial biofilm intensified the development of inflammation, and inflammation of the microenvironment in turn promoted bacterial biofilm formation and diffusion, forming a positive feedback loop of "inflammation-biofilm", leading to the treatment-resistant of related infections. A deep understanding of the treatment of inflammatory and recalcitrant biofilm disease might offer important diagnostic and therapeutic perceptions. Therefore, this review summarizes the role of biofilm in different inflammatory diseases, and the complex interactions between bacterial biofilm infections and host inflammatory responses are emphasized. Finally, the current treatment methods for bacterial biofilm infection are also discussed, and specifically highlights biofilm infection treatments based on nanocomposite materials, aiming to provide insights and guidance for research and clinical management of biofilm-associated diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40347615,
year = {2025},
author = {Qi, Z and Huang, X and Wang, M and Lv, C and Shi, B},
title = {PFAS inhibited sulfamethoxazole removal by regulating biofilm metabolisms on biological activated carbon.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {494},
number = {},
pages = {138498},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138498},
pmid = {40347615},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Activated carbon (AC) filtration is an effective technique to remove emerging contaminants in drinking water treatment plants. Adsorption onto AC and biodegradation by biofilm are two main mechanisms for the removal of emerging contaminants such as antibiotics. However, the effects of highly bioaccumulative and toxic poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on antibiotic removal by AC filtration have not been well-understood. In this work, two AC columns were built and operated for 434 days to study the effects of ng-level PFAS on the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The results showed that 100 ng/L PFAS significantly decreased the removal rate of 1 μg/L SMX from 78.8 % to 71.7 %. Trace PFAS decreased the abundances of ammonia monooxygenase and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, thus repressing nitrification co-metabolism process. Meanwhile, trace PFAS inhibited tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by preventing pyruvate from generating acetyl-CoA, reducing energy supply for co-metabolism process. On the other hand, inhibiting TCA cycle led to a redirection of carbon from growth into polysaccharide intercellular adhesin biosynthesis. Trace PFAS also increased glutamate synthase and glutamine synthetase abundances, which promoted biofilm formation and then hindered SMX adsorption by AC. This study provides new insights into the adverse role of PFAS in antibiotic removal by AC filtration.},
}

@article {pmid40347363,
year = {2025},
author = {Teves Cordova, AVI and Silva Meneses Júnior, N and Hinojosa Pedraza, F and Oliveira de Amorim, JV and Priori Alcalde, M and Ricci Vivan, R and Bombarda de Andrade, F and Hungaro Duarte, MA},
title = {Impact of a high-power 810 nm diode laser on intra-dentinal decontamination, dual-species biofilm reduction, and smear layer removal: an ex vivo study.},
journal = {Lasers in medical science},
volume = {40},
number = {1},
pages = {219},
pmid = {40347363},
issn = {1435-604X},
support = {They thank the FAPESP-Brazil, Project number 2023/01051-0//FAPESP-Brazil, Project number They thank the FAPESP-Brazil, Project number 2023/01051-0/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/radiation effects ; *Lasers, Semiconductor/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *Dentin/microbiology/radiation effects ; Cattle ; Animals ; Enterococcus faecalis/radiation effects ; *Smear Layer/microbiology/radiotherapy ; *Decontamination/methods ; Streptococcus mutans/radiation effects ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology ; Disinfection/methods ; In Vitro Techniques ; Bicuspid/microbiology/radiation effects ; },
abstract = {The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of an 810 nm high-power diode laser on decontaminating both surface and intradentinal biofilm, as well as removing the smear layer. Forty human mandibular premolars were contaminated with a biofilm composed of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans. The teeth were divided into groups and treated with NaOCl 2.5% + PUI, saline solution + 810 nm laser, NaOCl 2.5% + PUI + 810 nm laser, and a control group. The samples were then evaluated using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Another 40 teeth, prepared as dentin discs, were contaminated with the same biofilm to assess surface decontamination. Additionally, 80 bovine dentin discs with an induced smear layer, placed in the apical third of mesial root canals of 3D-printed teeth, underwent similar treatments. Pre- and post-treatment images were obtained using an environmental scanning electron microscope. Data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA test and Tukey's test, respectively. Intradentinal disinfection rates were 67,33% for PUI, 51,50% for the 810 nm laser, and 55,32% for the PUI + 810 nm laser, with no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Surface decontamination rates were 39,52%, 51,27%, and 45,20% for the respective groups, also without significant differences (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found regarding smear layer removal (p > 0.05). The 810 nm diode laser with saline achieved disinfection similar to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite with ultrasound. Combining laser and PUI didn't improve disinfection. None of the studied protocol removed the smear layer.},
}

*Biofilms/radiation effects
*Lasers, Semiconductor/therapeutic use
Humans
*Dentin/microbiology/radiation effects
Cattle
Animals
Enterococcus faecalis/radiation effects
*Smear Layer/microbiology/radiotherapy
*Decontamination/methods
Streptococcus mutans/radiation effects
Microscopy, Confocal
Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology
Disinfection/methods
In Vitro Techniques
Bicuspid/microbiology/radiation effects

@article {pmid40345333,
year = {2025},
author = {Thuyet, BT and Tam, TTT and Son, NT and Hang, LTT and Linh, NC and Nam, PH and Bañuls, AL and Song, LH and Anh, LHP and Tho, BT and Sy, BT and Hoan, PQ and Trang, TTH and Huy, NQ},
title = {Genomic insights into virulence, biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance of multidrug-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains of novel sequence types isolated from Vietnamese patients with gastric diseases.},
journal = {Journal of global antimicrobial resistance},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jgar.2025.05.001},
pmid = {40345333},
issn = {2213-7173},
abstract = {Helicobacter pylori is a clinically important pathogen associated with gastric diseases. Here, we characterized the genome of multidrug-resistant H. pylori strains of novel sequence types, which were recovered from Vietnamese patients with gastritis or stomach ulcer. Phenotypic-antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed against amoxicillin, clarythromycin, metronidazol, tetracycline and levofloxacin using an E-test. The whole genome sequence of three H. pylori strains was de novo assembled, followed by in silico analysis of multilocus sequence typing (MLST), core-genome based phylogeny, genetic determinants associated with virulence, biofilm formation and antibiotic-resistance. The genome sequence of H. pylori strains exhibited a high similarity with the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 98.5% - 99.2%, carried 5 - 7 pathogenicity islands, and 3 - 6 mobilomes. The MLST profile of strains revealed novel sequence types of ST4511, ST4512 and ST4513. Core-genome based phylogeny exhibited the three H. pylori strains belonging to the Asian genotype. These strains possessed 128 - 131 virulence genes, including toxin-encoding genes cagA and vacA. Double amoxicillin-resistant mutations on pbp1 and pbp2, or a mutation on pbp3, triple clarithromycin-resistant mutations on 23S rRNA gene and a levofloxacin-resistant mutation on gyrA were detected in antibiotic-resistant strains. Mutations on rdxA were detected in both metronidazole-resistant and -sensitive strains, while frxA mutations were detected in only metronidazole-sensitive strain. Finally, a rifamycin-resistant mutation in rpoB was also detected. This study provides insights into the genome of multidrug-resistant H. pylori strains of novel sequence type circulating in Vietnam for future investigations of its pathobiology and spread through human populations.},
}

@article {pmid40345167,
year = {2025},
author = {Eytcheson, SA and Brown, SA and Wu, H and Nietch, CT and Weaver, PC and Darling, JA and Pilgrim, EM and Purucker, ST and Molina, M},
title = {Assessment of Emerging Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Biofilm of Microplastics Incubated Under a Wastewater Discharge Simulation.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {e70103},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70103},
pmid = {40345167},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; //the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/ ; },
mesh = {*Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry ; *Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Microplastics/analysis ; *Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/classification ; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Rivers/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) are known vectors for the transport of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but few studies have examined the long-term (> 30 days) development of MP biofilms. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) effluents are a significant source of MPs, pathogens, and antibiotics released into the environment. We explored the development of biofilms on high- and low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene incubated in an experimental flow-through stream facility over the course of 10 weeks. Treatments included natural river water (RW) and RW amended with treated wastewater (TWW). Analysis of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing results revealed that MPs in TWW and RW treatments developed distinct bacterial communities, displaying significant shifts in composition over time. Plastic type had only a minor effect influencing community composition after 10 weeks of incubation. The abundance of the sulfonamide resistance gene sulI, the mobile genetic element intI1, and the emerging pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia increased significantly during the same time period. Our results indicate that as MPs persist and disperse in the environment, they may actively contribute to an increase in the risk of human exposure to ARGs and pathogens, especially if the system is impacted by wastewater treatment effluents.},
}

*Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry
*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Microplastics/analysis
*Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/classification
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia/genetics/isolation & purification
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification
*Water Pollutants, Chemical
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Rivers/microbiology

@article {pmid40344742,
year = {2025},
author = {Hafidi, Z and García, MT and Vazquez, S and Martinavarro-Mateos, M and Ramos, A and Pérez, L},
title = {Antimicrobial and biofilm-eradicating properties of simple double-chain arginine-based surfactants.},
journal = {Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces},
volume = {253},
number = {},
pages = {114762},
doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2025.114762},
pmid = {40344742},
issn = {1873-4367},
abstract = {The increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi represents a significant challenge for contemporary medicine. In an effort to design and develop new antimicrobial drugs, we have prepared double chain arginine-based surfactants using a simple and cost-effective procedure. These compounds consist of the cationic arginine linked by amide bonds to two hydrophobic chains, one containing 12 carbon atoms, while the length of the other has been systematically varied. We investigated their self-assembly in an aqueous medium, their antimicrobial efficiency against a panel of clinically relevant bacteria and fungi, their antibiofilm activity, and their cytotoxicity. The results demonstrated that these arginine-based surfactants were effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, including methicillin-resistant strains. Their antimicrobial activity depends on their hydrophobic content, with the LANHC5 and LANHC6 homologs being the most effective. Notably, these compounds can eradicate mature biofilms of MRSA C. albicans and C. tropicalis at low concentrations. Furthermore, they induced cell lysis only at concentrations exceeding their MIC values against both bacteria and fungi. The findings presented here provide valuable insights into the structure-activity relationships underlying the toxicity of cationic surfactants, which must be better understood to facilitate their transition from bench research to pharmaceutical applications.},
}

@article {pmid40344529,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Y and Qiu, M and Yang, J and Wang, S and Zhao, T and Lu, D and Yan, B and Shao, Z and Jiang, Y and Zhang, Y and Fu, T},
title = {Chlorella pyrenoidosa-Based Antibiotic Liposomal Gel Promotes Wound Healing by Scavenging Biofilm and Accelerating Regeneration.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.5c00926},
pmid = {40344529},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {The biofilm functions as a physical barrier for bacteria, enhancing their resistance to antibiotics and contributing to recurrent infections. Therefore, the scavenging of biofilms has become an important strategy for treating chronic infections. In this study, we demonstrated that Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CP) downregulates the biofilm adhesion genes of Staphylococcus aureus and inhibits biofilm formation. Through the combination of CP with the antibiotic drug berberine hydrochloride (BH) and stabilizers (Poloxamer 188 and Poloxamer 407), we developed a biologically active hydrogel system, which we termed the BHLip@CP gel. Under laser irradiation, the BHLip@CP gel generated reactive oxygen species, which assisted BH to effectively inhibit biofilm formation in S. aureus and reduce the production of virulence factors. In addition, the BHLip@CP gel accelerated wound healing in S. aureus infections by promoting angiogenesis and skin regeneration. This study proposes an innovative strategy to simultaneously eliminate bacterial biofilms and promote wound healing via a synergistic approach that combines chemical and photodynamic processes.},
}

@article {pmid40344458,
year = {2025},
author = {Cai, W and Sisi, AF and Abdallah, MN and Al-Hashedi, AA and Sánchez, JDG and Bravo, E and Kunhipurayil, HH and Albuquerque, R and Badran, Z and Sanz, M and Tamimi, F},
title = {In Vitro Assessment of Salivary Pellicle Disruption and Biofilm Removal on Titanium: Exploring the Role of Surface Hydrophobicity in Chemical Disinfection.},
journal = {Clinical and experimental dental research},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {e70082},
pmid = {40344458},
issn = {2057-4347},
support = {//This work was supported by ITI, NSERC, McGill University, Qatar University, the Fondation de I'Ordre des dentists du Quebec (FODQ), Le Reseau de recherché en santé buccodentaire et ossseuse (RSBO), the Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé (FRQS), the Fonds de recherche du Québec-Nature et technologies (FRQNT), the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship, the Alpha Omega Foundation of Canada (A.A.), the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, NSERC-Discovery, and Canada Research Chair (Tire 2)./ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Titanium/chemistry ; *Dental Pellicle/drug effects/microbiology ; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions ; Humans ; Surface Properties ; *Disinfection/methods ; Decontamination/methods ; Mouthwashes/pharmacology ; Photoelectron Spectroscopy ; Dental Implants/microbiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; *Disinfectants/pharmacology ; Peri-Implantitis/prevention & control/microbiology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Peri-implantitis is mostly caused by a pathological biofilm that forms through complex processes, initiated by the formation of the salivary pellicle on implant surfaces. Understanding the nature of these pellicles and biofilm and how to remove them is important for preventing peri-implant infections and improving the success of dental implants. This study explores the characteristics of the salivary pellicle on titanium surfaces and assesses the effectiveness of different decontamination agents in eliminating the salivary pellicle and related microbial contaminations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium surfaces were contaminated with salivary pellicles and pathological biofilms. The nature of the salivary pellicle was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface proteomics, contact angle measurements, and fluorescence microscopy. We tested six commonly used decontamination chemicals (chlorhexidine, essential oil-based mouthwash, citric acid, phosphoric acid, saline, and phosphate buffer saline) as well as newly proposed treatments such as surfactants and solvents (acetone, acetic acid, and Tween 20) for their capability to eliminate salivary pellicles and pathogenic biofilms from titanium surfaces.

RESULTS: The hydrophobic nature of the salivary pellicle on titanium surfaces limits the efficacy of commonly used hydrophilic solutions in removing pellicles and bacteria. Organic solvents and surfactants, particularly acetic acid and Tween 20, demonstrated superior effectiveness in removing the pellicle and biofilm. Acetic acid was notably effective in restoring surface composition, reducing microbial levels, and removing multispecies biofilms.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of surfactants and solvents could be a promising alternative for the treatment of biofilms on titanium surfaces. However, further studies are needed to explore their clinical applicability.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Titanium/chemistry
*Dental Pellicle/drug effects/microbiology
Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
Humans
Surface Properties
*Disinfection/methods
Decontamination/methods
Mouthwashes/pharmacology
Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Dental Implants/microbiology
In Vitro Techniques
*Disinfectants/pharmacology
Peri-Implantitis/prevention & control/microbiology

@article {pmid40343642,
year = {2025},
author = {Hussain, MA and Zafar, M and Khan, YS and Said, KB and Anwar, S and Saeed, M and Abdulhakeem, MA and Snoussi, M and Kausar, MA},
title = {Molecular identification, antibiotic susceptibility, and biofilm formation of airborne bacteria.},
journal = {AMB Express},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {74},
pmid = {40343642},
issn = {2191-0855},
support = {RCP-24 073//University of Hail/ ; },
abstract = {Pathogenic bacterial communities present in urban green spaces significantly affect human health, particularly for immunocompromised populations. The diverse range of pathogenic bacteria found in these areas poses substantial management challenges because of their high prevalence of antibiotic resistance, which can be life-threatening, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, including older adults and children. This study identified airborne bacterial species from 14 natural parks in the Hail region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bacterial colonies isolated on blood agar plates were purified and characterised based on their morphological traits and their ability to secrete various virulence factors. A total of 28 distinct airborne bacterial species were isolated and purified. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed high resistance to fosfomycin (41.17%), ampicillin (17.64%), tetracycline (17.64%), and gentamicin (11.76%). Biofilm formation was evaluated qualitatively by slime production and quantitatively by crystal violet technique. The results revealed that 41.17% of the tested strains were non biofilm producers on polystyrene surfaces, 17.64% were weak biofilm formers, and 23.52% exhibited moderate biofilm formation. Notably, six strains exhibited strong biofilm-forming capabilities. Additionally, two bacteria from the Arthrobacter genus (A. crystallopoietes and A. saudimassiliensis) were identified. These findings provide valuable insights into the microbial composition of natural parks in the Hail region and highlight effective management strategies to mitigate health risks.},
}

@article {pmid40341473,
year = {2025},
author = {de Souza, PA and Dos Santos, MCS and da Silva Lage de Miranda, RV and da Costa, LV and da Silva, RPP and Silva, C and Midlej, V and de Miranda, CAC and da Conceição, GMS and Forsythe, SJ and Bôas, MHSV and Brandão, MLL},
title = {Evaluation of biofilm formation, antimicrobial pattern, and typing of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated from clinical sources in Brazil.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40341473},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {407747/2021-4//CNPq/ ; 001//CAPES/ ; E-26/210.616/2024//FAPERJ/ ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm formation and disinfectant tolerance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains originated from hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine strains were isolated from different clinical departments at a hospital in Brazil, were identified by VITEK®2, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry, 16S rRNA sequencing, and 23S rRNA PCR. Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biofilm formation and disinfectant tolerance tests were applied. ERIC-PCR, FTIR, and VITEK®2 results exhibited no correlation between the strains, indicating different origins in the Hospital. Most strains expressed resistance to several antibiotics but minocycline and cefiderocol, which were therefore regarded as optimistic therapy options. All strains produced biofilms on polystyrene and most of them (n = 7) on stainless-steel surfaces. The sodium hypochlorite 0.5% was shown to be the most efficient disinfectant for biofilm eradication. Biofilm formation and tolerance to disinfectants analysis indicated the requirement for efficient cleaning protocols to eliminate S. maltophilia contamination.},
}

@article {pmid40341406,
year = {2025},
author = {Millan-Solsona, R and Brown, SR and Zhang, L and Madugula, SS and Zhao, H and Dumerer, B and Bible, AN and Lavrik, NV and Vasudevan, RK and Biswas, A and Morrell-Falvey, JL and Retterer, S and Checa, M and Collins, L},
title = {Analysis of biofilm assembly by large area automated AFM.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {75},
pmid = {40341406},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FWP ERKCZ64//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Microscopy, Atomic Force/methods ; Flagella/physiology ; Machine Learning ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; },
abstract = {Biofilms are complex microbial communities critical in medical, industrial, and environmental contexts. Understanding their assembly, structure, genetic regulation, interspecies interactions, and environmental responses is key to developing effective control and mitigation strategies. While atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers critically important high-resolution insights on structural and functional properties at the cellular and even sub-cellular level, its limited scan range and labor-intensive nature restricts the ability to link these smaller scale features to the functional macroscale organization of the films. We begin to address this limitation by introducing an automated large area AFM approach capable of capturing high-resolution images over millimeter-scale areas, aided by machine learning for seamless image stitching, cell detection, and classification. Large area AFM is shown to provide a very detailed view of spatial heterogeneity and cellular morphology during the early stages of biofilm formation which were previously obscured. Using this approach, we examined the organization of Pantoea sp. YR343 on PFOTS-treated glass surfaces. Our findings reveal a preferred cellular orientation among surface-attached cells, forming a distinctive honeycomb pattern. Detailed mapping of flagella interactions suggests that flagellar coordination plays a role in biofilm assembly beyond initial attachment. Additionally, we use large-area AFM to characterize surface modifications on silicon substrates, observing a significant reduction in bacterial density. This highlights the potential of this method for studying surface modifications to better understand and control bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Microscopy, Atomic Force/methods
Flagella/physiology
Machine Learning
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods

@article {pmid40341159,
year = {2025},
author = {Wieland, B and Gunaratnam, G and Pätzold, L and Wadood, NA and Schmartz, GP and Kundu, S and Kirilov, NK and Krüger, I and Elhawy, MI and Rehner, J and Heintz, H and Schmitz, F and Yildiz, D and Krasteva-Christ, G and Becker, SL and Jacobs, K and Bischoff, M},
title = {Assessment of the biofilm formation capacities of Staphylococcus aureus strains Newman and Newman D2C in vitro and in vivo.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {16132},
pmid = {40341159},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {SFB10127/B2//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; SFB10127/B2//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; SFB10127/B2//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; SFB10127/B2//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; DFG INST 256/508-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 519828155//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; SFB10127/B2//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; SFB10127/B2//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; UdS-HIPS-Tandem//Saarland University and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland/ ; UdS-HIPS-Tandem//Saarland University and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland/ ; UdS-HIPS-Tandem//Saarland University and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland/ ; UdS-HIPS-Tandem//Saarland University and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland/ ; UdS-HIPS-Tandem//Saarland University and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland/ ; UdS-HIPS-Tandem//Saarland University and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland/ ; UdS-HIPS-Tandem//Saarland University and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland/ ; 101081463//Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND-Action of the European Union/ ; 101081463//Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND-Action of the European Union/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology ; Mice ; Bacterial Adhesion ; Female ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of implant-associated infections (IAIs). The ability of this Gram-positive bacterium to cause IAIs is closely related to its capacity to attach to and to form biofilms on the implant material. Biofilm formation of S. aureus on artificial surfaces is usually mimicked in the laboratory by simple microplate-based in vitro assays and often involves type culture collection preserved laboratory strains such as SA113 (ATCC 35556), Newman (NCTC 8178), and Newman D2C (NCTC 10833, ATCC 25904). The latter two strains are phylogenetically closely related and often inadvertently indicated as strain "Newman" in publications, albeit of the fact that strain Newman D2C harbors among others mutations in the global regulatory loci agr and sae, which strongly impact the phenotypic behavior of this strain. Wondering how the genetic differences between strains Newman and Newman D2C alter the biofilm formation capacities of these two strains in vitro and in vivo, we tested here the adhesion behavior and biofilm formation capacities of both strains on different kinds of artificial surfaces (tissue culture-treated bottoms of 96-well polystyrene microplates and polyurethane-based peripheral venous catheter [PVC] tubing). Additionally, we determined their ability to cause infection in a foreign body-related murine infection model. Our studies revealed that the Newman and Newman D2C derivatives kept at Saarland University, Germany, differ significantly in their abilities to attach to microplate well bottoms and PVC tubing, and to form biofilms in various static and dynamic in vitro assays. However, when the biofilm formation capacities of both strains were determined in an in vivo infection model, rather comparable bacterial loads were observed. These findings suggest that biofilm formation capacities of S. aureus strains may differ substantially in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, researchers working with strains Newman and Newman D2C should be aware that both strains differ substantially in their phenotypic behavior, and that both strains should be indicated correctly to allow for a better comparison of data obtained with these strains in different laboratories.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology
Mice
Bacterial Adhesion
Female

@article {pmid40340803,
year = {2025},
author = {Bosch, C and García, C and Saralegui, L and van Beek, L and de Jonge, MI and Marín, C and Arenas, J},
title = {Identification of the methionine transporter MetQ in Streptococcus suis and its contribution to virulence and biofilm formation.},
journal = {Veterinary research},
volume = {56},
number = {1},
pages = {99},
pmid = {40340803},
issn = {1297-9716},
support = {PID2020-114617RB-100//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; },
mesh = {*Streptococcus suis/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology/metabolism ; *Methionine/metabolism ; Virulence/genetics ; Animals ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Mice ; *Streptococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; *ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for various infections in both pigs and humans. This study investigates the role of methionine acquisition in the growth and virulence of S. suis. The putative methionine transport system is organised as an operon comprising the metQ gene and genes encoding a transposase and an ATPase, forming a typical tripartite ABC transporter. This operon is conserved across multiple streptococcal species, including both animal and human pathogens. We examined whether MetQ functions as a methionine-binding protein and its role in bacterial infection. Using Western blotting and flow cytometry with a specific antiserum, we demonstrated that MetQ is produced in vitro by the S. suis reference strain P1/7 under methionine-limited conditions and is located on the bacterial cell surface. Growth assays in chemically defined media revealed that a metQ deletion mutant (P1/7∆metQ) exhibited impaired growth under methionine-restricted conditions but grew normally in a nutrient-rich medium, suggesting that MetQ primarily transports methionine. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry demonstrated that MetQ binds L-methionine with a dissociation constant (KD) of 7.1 µM. In a murine infection model, the metQ mutant showed reduced dissemination to internal organs compared to the wild type. Furthermore, the mutant showed decreased intracellular survival in murine macrophages and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress, while exhibited enhanced biofilm formation compared to the wild type. Our findings indicate that MetQ is essential for methionine uptake under methionine-restricted conditions, which is critical for bacterial nutrition, immune evasion, and pathogenicity during infection.},
}

*Streptococcus suis/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology/metabolism
*Methionine/metabolism
Virulence/genetics
Animals
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Mice
*Streptococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary
Mice, Inbred BALB C
*ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics/metabolism
Female

@article {pmid40340040,
year = {2025},
author = {Youn, HY and Kim, JH and Cho, MJ and Hong, SH and Kim, EK},
title = {Hydrogen-rich electrolyzed water is a useful mouthwash due to its biofilm-control properties: an in vitro and in vivo study.},
journal = {Journal of Yeungnam medical science},
volume = {42},
number = {},
pages = {34},
doi = {10.12701/jyms.2025.42.34},
pmid = {40340040},
issn = {2799-8010},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the inhibitory effect of hydrogen-rich water on biofilm formation. However, hydrogen-rich electrolyzed water (HEW) has not been evaluated as mouthwash, despite being economical, convenient, and biologically safe. We assessed the antibiofilm effects of HEW on Streptococcus mutans and its potential as a mouthwash.

METHODS: The effect of HEW on S. mutans growth was assessed by measuring bacterial colony-forming units, and biofilm formation capacity was examined by crystal violet staining after culturing on a polystyrene plate. The effect of HEW on biofilm formation-related gene expression in S. mutans was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, the effect of HEW on salivary S. mutans and plaque maturation was evaluated in 24 participants; after gargling with HEW twice daily, the salivary S. mutans count was quantified using a Caries Risk Test bacteria kit (Ivoclar Vivadent AG), and plaque maturation was compared using quantitative light-induced fluorescence imaging.

RESULTS: Exposure to HEW resulted in no significant changes in S. mutans growth but a significant reduction in biofilm formation in vitro (p<0.001). Furthermore, the gene expression of glucosyltransferases (gtfB, gtfC) was significantly lower than that in the control group treated with tap water (p<0.05, p<0.01). S. mutans counts and plaque maturation were significantly lower in participants who gargled with HEW than in those who gargled with tap water (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that oral rinsing with HEW exerts antibiofilm effects on S. mutans, indicating that it can be used as a mouthwash to treat dental biofilm-dependent diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40339652,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wang, X and Su, D and Zhao, L and Leng, K and Miao, J and Yu, Y},
title = {Effective Astaxanthin Production from Flocculated Haematococcus pluvialis via Biofilm Cultivation in a Tri-layer Tray Bioreactor.},
journal = {Journal of biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2025.05.002},
pmid = {40339652},
issn = {1873-4863},
abstract = {Haematococcus pluvialis, renowned for its high astaxanthin content, is a prime candidate for commercial-scale production of natural astaxanthin. While biofilm cultivation shows potential for enhancing astaxanthin accumulation in H. pluvialis, it faces challenges in effectively harvesting green-vegetative H. pluvialis and mitigating the "dark zone" issue within the biofilm. Our study demonstrated that flocculation using a combination of chitosan and NaOH was an effective method for harvesting green-vegetative H. pluvialis, which surpasses centrifugation in both biomass and astaxanthin production. A tri-layer tray bioreactor was developed to enhance astaxanthin production via biofilm redistribution by using a rinsing method, and its effectiveness was further supported by a tray photobioreactor with an integrated automatic rinsing system. The biofilm method achieved an optimal specific light energy consumption for astaxanthin production of 9.42 kWh g[-1] at the light intensity of 150 μmol m[-2] s[-1], presenting its potential for commercial-scale cultivation of H. pluvialis for astaxanthin production.},
}

@article {pmid40339620,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, W and Lin, H and Cao, Y},
title = {Effects of opuB on the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans under acid stress.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107674},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107674},
pmid = {40339620},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a primary oral cariogenic bacterium. The OpuB transporter regulates osmotic pressure in Bacillus subtilis; however, its role in S. mutans remains unexplored. Our earlier research indicated that, under acid stress, the OpuB ABC-transport pathway in S. mutans membrane vesicles undergoes significant changes, implying its critical role in the bacterium's response to environmental stress. In this study, we constructed an opuB-deficient strain (Smu_opuB) and compared it with the wild-type strain. The results revealed that knocking out opuB enhanced the survival of planktonic S. mutans in an acidic environment, increased extracellular polysaccharide and biofilm production under acid stress, altered biofilm structure, and upregulated the expression of related virulence factors. These findings imply that opuB is instrumental in regulating acid resistance and biofilm formation in S. mutans, thereby conferring a survival advantage. This study provides compelling evidence of opuB being pivotal in S. mutans' acid resistance and biofilm formation, deepening our understanding of its functional mechanisms and establishing a foundation for future research on its role in S. mutans.},
}

@article {pmid40339583,
year = {2025},
author = {Howard, SA and de Dios, R and Maslova, E and Myridakis, A and Miller, TH and McCarthy, RR},
title = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates can encode plastic-degrading enzymes that allow survival on plastic and augment biofilm formation.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115650},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115650},
pmid = {40339583},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Multiple bacteria encoding plastic-degrading enzymes have been isolated from the environment. Given the widespread use of plastic in healthcare, we hypothesized that bacterial clinical isolates may also degrade plastic. This could render plastic-containing medical devices susceptible to degradation and failure and potentially offer these pathogens a growth-sustaining substrate, enabling them to persist in the hospital-built environment. Here, we mined the genomes of prevalent pathogens and identified several species encoding enzymes with homology to known plastic-degrading enzymes. We identify a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that encodes an enzyme that enables it to degrade a medically relevant plastic, polycaprolactone (PCL), by 78% in 7 days. Furthermore, this degradation enables the bacterium to utilize PCL as its sole carbon source. We also demonstrate that encoding plastic-degrading enzymes can enhance biofilm formation and pathogenicity. Given the central role of plastic in healthcare, screening nosocomial bacteria for plastic-degrading capacity should be an important future consideration.},
}

@article {pmid40337704,
year = {2025},
author = {Ebineshan, K and Srikantam, A and Pallapati, MS},
title = {Insights into global transcriptomic profile of biofilm producing Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from chronic foot ulcers.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {211-219},
pmid = {40337704},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the predominant biofilm producing pathogen in leprosy foot ulcer (LFU). The objective of this study was to identify the transcriptome profile through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach in mature biofilm of leprosy foot ulcer isolate of S. aureus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to May 2022 and a total of twenty-seven S. aureus isolates were collected from the foot ulcers of leprosy patients. All S. aureus isolates were screened for biofilm formation in vitro. Initially, two potential biofilm producing isolates and two planktonic cells were selected for transcriptome comparison.

RESULTS: With reference to transcriptome profile, out of 2,842 genes, 2,688 genes in mature biofilm and 2,685 genes in planktonic cells were expressed. Among them, forty-five differentially expressed genes with 32 and 13 genes showing up and down regulation respectively were obtained.

CONCLUSION: The research emphasizes the need for continued exploration into the mechanisms of biofilm formation by S. aureus, particularly in the context of leprosy foot ulcers. Understanding these pathways not only aids in grasping the complexity of chronic infections but also paves the way for innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating biofilm-related complications in clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid40337687,
year = {2025},
author = {Ebineshan, K and Srikantam, A and Pallapati, MS},
title = {Insights into global transcriptomic profile of biofilm producing Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from chronic foot ulcers.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {211-219},
pmid = {40337687},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the predominant biofilm producing pathogen in leprosy foot ulcer (LFU). The objective of this study was to identify the transcriptome profile through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach in mature biofilm of leprosy foot ulcer isolate of S. aureus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to May 2022 and a total of twenty-seven S. aureus isolates were collected from the foot ulcers of leprosy patients. All S. aureus isolates were screened for biofilm formation in vitro. Initially, two potential biofilm producing isolates and two planktonic cells were selected for transcriptome comparison.

RESULTS: With reference to transcriptome profile, out of 2,842 genes, 2,688 genes in mature biofilm and 2,685 genes in planktonic cells were expressed. Among them, forty-five differentially expressed genes with 32 and 13 genes showing up and down regulation respectively were obtained.

CONCLUSION: The research emphasizes the need for continued exploration into the mechanisms of biofilm formation by S. aureus, particularly in the context of leprosy foot ulcers. Understanding these pathways not only aids in grasping the complexity of chronic infections but also paves the way for innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating biofilm-related complications in clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid40334723,
year = {2025},
author = {Escobar Arcos, JJ and de Oliveira Souza, BD and Nakamura, CV and Balbinot, RB and Couto de Almeida, RS and Custódio, CC and Nunes, TM and Itano, EN},
title = {In vitro Biofilm Formation and Virulence of Paracoccidioides lutzii (LDR2) in a Galleria mellonella larval model.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107672},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107672},
pmid = {40334723},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the thermodimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and the newly identified species P. lutzii. This study investigated in vitro biofilm formation by P. lutzii (LDR2) and assessed its impact on Galleria mellonella larvae. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that P. lutzii (LDR2) forms dense biofilms composed of a complex cellular network embedded in an extracellular matrix. Biofilm-associated infection significantly increased fungal virulence, resulting in higher larval mortality, reduced hemocyte density, and enhanced melanization. Moreover, infections with both biofilm and planktonic P. lutzii cells resulted in distinct nodule formations, as demonstrated by histological analysis. This study is also the first to present scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of nodules induced by both planktonic and biofilm cells, as well as alterations in the fat body tissue of G. mellonella.},
}

@article {pmid40333731,
year = {2025},
author = {Dusza, I and Jama, D and Skaradziński, G and Śliwka, P and Janek, T and Skaradzińska, A},
title = {Bacteriophages Improve the Effectiveness of Rhamnolipids in Combating the Biofilm of Candida albicans.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40333731},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {N020/0016/24//Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Candida albicans/drug effects/virology/physiology ; *Glycolipids/pharmacology ; *Bacteriophages/physiology ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Biofilms formed by Candida albicans pose therapeutic challenges due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobials, highlighting the need for more effective treatments. Rhamnolipids (RLs) are biosurfactants with diverse antimicrobial properties. Bacteriophages are viruses that target specific bacterial strains. Recent studies have shown that they may affect biofilm formation by fungi and yeasts. This study investigated the combined antimicrobial effects of RLs and bacteriophages against C. albicans biofilms, focusing on their anti-adhesive and inhibitory effects on biofilm development. RT-PCR assays were used to analyze gene modulation in C. albicans biofilm formation in response to RLs and bacteriophage treatments, while hyphae formation was examined using microscopy. The results showed that RLs-bacteriophage combinations significantly reduced biofilm formation compared to individual treatments. A combination of 200 mg/L RLs with bacteriophage BF9 led to a 94.8% reduction in biofilm formation. In a subsequent model, the same RL concentration with bacteriophage LO5/1f nearly eliminated biofilm formation (~96%). Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of key biofilm-associated genes when Candida cells were treated with 200 mg/L RLs and four bacteriophages (BF17, LO5/1f, JG004, FD). These results show the potential of RL and bacteriophage combinations in combating C. albicans biofilms, presenting a promising therapeutic approach against resilient infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Candida albicans/drug effects/virology/physiology
*Glycolipids/pharmacology
*Bacteriophages/physiology
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal/drug effects

@article {pmid40333638,
year = {2025},
author = {Trendafilova, A and Raykova, D and Ivanova, V and Novakovic, M and Nedialkov, P and Paunova-Krasteva, T and Veleva, R and Topouzova-Hristova, T},
title = {Phytochemical Characterization and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Primula veris L. Roots.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40333638},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Plant Roots/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Humans ; Saponins/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; },
abstract = {In this study, three new undescribed triterpene saponins named primulasaponin III-V (19-21) were isolated from the roots of Primula veris L. of Bulgarian origin together with the known primulasaponin I. Their structures were elucidated via 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. In addition, 17 known phenolic compounds (six flavones, three acetophenones, four bisbibenzyls, and four phenolic glycosides) were identified in the chloroform and methanol extracts. Among them, flavone, 2'-methoxyflavone, 3'-methoxyflavone, 3'-hydroxy-4',5'-dimethoxyflavone, 2',5'-dimethoxyflavone, 3'-methoxy-4',5'-methylendioxyflavone, paeonol, 2-primeverosyl-5-methoxy-acetophenone, and paeonolide were detected for the first time in the roots of P. veris. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the chloroform and methanol extracts of P. veris roots and the saponin-enriched fraction were determined, with MIC values ranging between 0.5 and 1 mg/mL. Additionally, the tested samples were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation in the presence of sub-MICs. All tested samples showed better biofilm inhibition of Gram-negative strains compared to Gram-positive strains. The strongest effect was observed for the chloroform extract against the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the saponin-enriched fraction showed the highest percentage of biofilm inhibition of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus mutans. At the same time, chloroform extract showed lower cytotoxicity against human keranocyte cell line HaCaT, as compared with methanol extract and the saponin-enriched fraction.},
}

*Plant Roots/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Humans
Saponins/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
Molecular Structure

@article {pmid40332837,
year = {2025},
author = {Skaggs, H and Yoder-Himes, DR},
title = {In vitro untargeted polar metabolomics data from B. cenocepacia and S. aureus biofilm supernatants.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0026125},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00261-25},
pmid = {40332837},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Here, we offer a metabolomics dataset generated via high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of in vitro biofilm supernatant harvested from the human pathogens Burkholderia cenocepacia and Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 618 polar metabolites were identified across all experimental groups.},
}

@article {pmid40332422,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Q and Wu, Q and Liu, J and Xu, T and Liu, J and Wu, Q and Malakar, PK and Zhu, Y and Zhao, Y and Zhang, Z},
title = {New Insights into the Mediation of Biofilm Formation by Three Core Extracellular Polysaccharide Biosynthesis Pathways in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40332422},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {32001800//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/physiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Polysaccharides, Bacterial/biosynthesis/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Quorum Sensing ; Alginates/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, driven by extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), exacerbate pathogenicity and drug resistance, posing critical threats to public health. While EPS biosynthesis pathways are central to biofilm formation, their distinct contributions and regulatory dynamics remain incompletely understood. Here, we systematically dissect the roles of three core EPS pathways-Psl, Pel, and alginate-in biofilm architecture and function using multi-omics approaches. Key findings reveal Psl as the dominant regulator of biofilm elasticity and thickness, with its deletion disrupting chemotaxis, quorum sensing, and 3',5'-Cyclic GMP (c-di-GMP)/amino acid metabolism. Pel redundantly enhances biofilm biomass, but elevates flagellar synthesis efficiency when Psl is absent. Alginate exhibited negligible transcriptional or metabolic influence on biofilms. These insights clarify hierarchical EPS contributions and highlight Psl as a priority target for therapeutic strategies to dismantle biofilm-mediated resistance.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/physiology/metabolism/genetics
*Polysaccharides, Bacterial/biosynthesis/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
Quorum Sensing
Alginates/metabolism

@article {pmid40331940,
year = {2025},
author = {Saha, P and Mukherjee, SK and Hossain, ST},
title = {Unveiling the role of srbA sRNA in biofilm formation by regulating algU, mucA, rhlA, and rsmA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {The Biochemical journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1042/BCJ20240650},
pmid = {40331940},
issn = {1470-8728},
support = {2020-1401/CMB/ADHOC-BMS//Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)/ ; },
abstract = {The survival and increasing antimicrobial resistance of various bacteria, including clinically relevant opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, largely depends on their biofilm architectural strength, that makes a challenge to eradicate it. Small RNAs (sRNAs) have been identified as the key modulators in regulating the expression and function of different transcriptional regulators, and the components of regulatory networks involved in bacterial biofilm formation. This study was focused to identify the regulatory role of the srbA sRNA in controlling biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. srbA was found to be upregulated in both substratum-attached and colony biofilms compared to planktonic growth conditions. Further analysis revealed that srbA overexpressing strain produced more biofilm, whereas a significant reduction in biofilm formation was noted due to srbA deletion. Interestingly, it was also predicted from the study that srbA might regulate the expression of AlgU/MucA, the sigma and anti-sigma factor, involved in biofilm developmental network. Additionally, srbA showed possible interference on the expression of two other important biofilm regulatory genes, rhlA and rsmA. Overall, this research highlights the critical role of srbA sRNA as a central regulator of biofilm formation, and possibly the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa. These findings might offer potential avenues for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate biofilm-related infections caused by P. aeruginosa.},
}

@article {pmid40331915,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharma, N and Baruah, DJ and Duarah, R and Yadav, A and Bora, D and Saikia, R and Jarugala, J and Das, MR},
title = {Smart-Sandwich: A Thin Flexible Sensing Device Based on an Agarose-Chitosan-Agarose (ACA) Triple-Layer Biofilm for Onsite Monitoring of Escherichia coli.},
journal = {ACS sensors},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acssensors.5c00038},
pmid = {40331915},
issn = {2379-3694},
abstract = {Portable, cost-effective, and durable thin-film sensors are essential for real-time E. coli detection, ensuring safe drinking water and public health protection. In this work, we developed a solid-state, flexible sensing device using an agarose-chitosan-agarose (ACA) sandwich biofilm for the selective colorimetric detection of E. coli in water. The chitosan in ACA biofilm functions as an artificial enzyme, exhibiting peroxidase-like activity, which catalyzes the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Upon incubating the ACA biofilm with E. coli, the agarose layers undergo enzymatic degradation by the β-galactosidase enzyme produced by E. coli. The degradation takes place due to the cleavage of β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. This exposes the underlying chitosan layer which enhances the catalytic activity, triggering a visible color change due to TMB oxidation within 30 min. The device achieves a highly sensitive detection limit of 6.8 CFU/mL, with excellent accuracy in real samples, further supported by android-based, smartphone-assisted detection. The developed solid-state, flexible ACA biofilm offers a novel, rapid, and reliable solution for onsite E. coli detection, combining sensitivity, stability, and ease of use.},
}

@article {pmid40331693,
year = {2025},
author = {Dadkhah, F and Aliakbarlu, J and Tajik, H},
title = {Determining optimum conditions for biofilm formation by Salmonella isolates and anti-biofilm activity of cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2025.2499714},
pmid = {40331693},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {This study aimed to determine the optimum conditions for biofilm formation by Salmonella isolates and evaluate the effect of cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion (CEON) against Salmonella biofilms formed under these conditions. The optimum conditions for biofilm formation by Salmonella serotype Enteritidis and Salmonella serotype Typhimurium were temperatures of 27.3 and 29.7 °C, pH levels of 6.3 and 6.8, and NaCl concentrations of 0.66 and 0.65%, respectively. CEON exhibited a significant inhibitory effect even at low concentrations, with a greater impact on the biofilm of S. Enteritidis compared to S. Typhimurium. The effectiveness of CEON in removing biofilms was increased with higher concentrations and longer contact times, with better results observed at 8 °C compared to 25 °C. In conclusion, CEON demonstrated excellent anti-biofilm activity against S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium biofilms, suggesting its potential use as a natural and effective disinfectant in the food industry.},
}

@article {pmid40331238,
year = {2025},
author = {Heining, L and Welp, L and Hugo, A and Seidel, M},
title = {A trickling biofilm chamber to investigate the survival of Legionella pneumophila in evaporative cooling systems.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2025.2494858},
pmid = {40331238},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {As biofilms are a crucial factor in the proliferation of Legionella pneumophila in evaporative cooling systems (ECS), the impact of biocides on L. pneumophila containing biofilms in ECS needs to be evaluated by cultivation-independent methods. Therefore, a trickling biofilm chamber that simulates the spraying of process water was developed. Through this setup, the cultivation of Legionella-containing biofilms was possible. To demonstrate a potential application of the biofilm chamber, experiments using oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides were conducted. Differences in cell survival were observed, alongside variations in the efficacy of culture and flow cytometry as analytical methodologies for assessing both intact and total cell populations. These findings also highlight the benefits of flow cytometry as a culture-independent analytical approach. This proof-of-principle study illustrates the need of the biofilm chamber for conducting experiments related to biofilm growth and biocide impact.},
}

@article {pmid40330624,
year = {2025},
author = {Schwendener, S and Flury, M and Jenzer, J and Thurnheer, T and Karygianni, L},
title = {PMA-qPCR to quantify viable cells in multispecies oral biofilm after disinfectant treatments.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {100281},
pmid = {40330624},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Conventional quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) amplifies DNA from viable and dead cells, which can lead to an overestimation of live bacteria. Viability qPCR aims to eliminate DNA from membrane-compromised cells through treatment with propidium monoazide (PMA). Here, we evaluated PMA-qPCR to enumerate viable cells of Actinomyces oris, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mutans, and Veillonella dispar. Five-species oral biofilms were grown on hydroxyapatite discs for 64 h. The biofilms were exposed to 0.2 % chlorhexidine (CHX) or 3 % sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 2 min, either once before cell harvest at 64 h or six times during biofilm growth. The total and single species cells were quantified by culture (CFU) and qPCR from samples with and without PMA treatment before DNA extraction. For species-specific qPCR, TaqMan assays were applied. To determine total bacteria counts, a SYBR green qPCR was established using universal degenerative primers for the conserved dnaK gene. For biofilms treated once with CHX, the addition of PMA led to a 1 to 1.6 log10 reduction in PCR counts. This closely matched CFU and PMA-qPCR counts for total bacteria and all single species, except for F. nucleatum, where PMA-qPCR detected significantly more bacteria than culture. NaOCl treatment directly affected DNA and inhibited subsequent PCR amplification, even in samples without PMA. Single treatment of biofilms with 3 % NaOCl and six-fold exposure of biofilms to disinfectants resulted in no viable cell detection by culture. However, PMA did not completely prevent PCR amplification, indicating that disinfectant efficacy measured by viability PCR could be underestimated.},
}

@article {pmid40330072,
year = {2025},
author = {Manna, T and Dey, S and Karmakar, M and Panda, AK and Ghosh, C},
title = {Investigations on genomic, topological and structural properties of diguanylate cyclases involved in Vibrio cholerae biofilm signalling using in silico techniques: Promising drug targets in combating cholera.},
journal = {Current research in structural biology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {100166},
pmid = {40330072},
issn = {2665-928X},
abstract = {During various stages of its life cycle, Vibrio cholerae initiate biofilm signalling cascade. Intercellular high level of the signalling nucleotide 3'-5' cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), synthesized by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) from its precursor molecule GTP, is crucial for biofilm formation. Present study endeavours to in silico approaches in evaluating genomic, physicochemical, topological and functional properties of six c-di-GMP regulatory DGCs (CdgA, CdgH, CdgK, CdgL, CdgM, VpvC) of V. cholerae. Genomic investigations unveiled that codon preferences were inclined towards AU ending over GC ending codons and overall GC content ranged from 44.6 to 49.5 with codon adaptation index ranging from 0.707 to 0.783. Topological analyses deciphered the presence of transmembrane domains in all proteins. All the DGCs were acidic, hydrophilic and thermostable. Only CdgA, CdgH and VpvC were predicted to be stable during in vitro conditions. Non-polar amino acids with leucine being the most abundant amino acid among these DGCs with α-helix as the predominant secondary structure, responsible for forming the transmembrane regions by secondary structure analysis. Tertiary structures of the proteins were obtained by computation using AlphaFold and trRosetta. Predicted structures by both the servers were compared in various aspects using PROCHECK, ERRAT and Modfold8 servers. Selected 3D structures were refined using GalaxyRefine. InterPro Scan revealed presence of a conserved GGDEF domain in all DGCs and predicted the active site residues in the GGDEF domain. Molecular docking studies using CB-DOCK 2 tool revealed that among the DGCs, VpvC exhibited highest affinity for GTP (-5.6 kcal/mol), which was closely followed by CdgL (-5.5 kcal/mol). MD simulations depicted all DGC-GTP complexes to be stable due to its considerably low eigenvalues. Such studies are considered to provide maiden insights into the genomic and structural properties of V. cholerae DGCs, actively involved in biofilm signalling systems, and it is projected to be beneficial in the discovery of novel DGC inhibitors that can target and downregulate the c-di-GMP regulatory system to develop anti-biofilm strategies against the cholera pathogen.},
}

@article {pmid40330064,
year = {2025},
author = {Shakib, NH and Hashemizadeh, Z and Zomorodi, AR and Khashei, R and Sadeghi, Y and Bazargani, A},
title = {Evaluation of the relatedness between the biofilm-associated genes and antimicrobial resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in the southwest Iran.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {80-91},
pmid = {40330064},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Increasing antimicrobial resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) strains poses a significant challenge, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs) where these bacteria are common causes of hospital infections. Biofilm production is recognized as a key mechanism contributing to this resistance. This study aims to explore the relationship between biofilm production, the presence of biofilm-associated genes, and antibiotic resistance patterns in A. baumannii isolates obtained from ICU patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected 100 A. baumannii isolates from ICU patients at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and biofilm production potential was assessed through the tissue culture plate (TCP) method. Additionally, we investigated eleven biofilm-related genes (ompA, bap, csuE, epsA, bla per-1 , bfmS, pgaB, csgA, fimH, ptk, and kpsMII) in all isolates using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The REP-PCR technique was utilized to analyze the genetic relatedness of the isolates (Fig. 4).

RESULTS: All isolates displayed multi-drug resistance, with the highest resistance rates observed against ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (100%). Gentamicin and amikacin showed the lowest resistance rates at 70% and 84%, respectively. A total of 98% of the isolates were capable of biofilm production, with 32% categorized as strong biofilm producers. The most frequently detected biofilm-associated genes included csuE (99%), bfmS (98%), ompA (97%), and pgaB (89%).

CONCLUSION: Biofilm production significantly contributes to the prevalence of multi-drug resistant A. baumannii strains. It is essential to implement effective antimicrobial stewardship and develop innovative anti-biofilm strategies to address this global health issue.},
}

@article {pmid40330055,
year = {2025},
author = {Halimi, S and Rezaei, A and Mohebi, S and Hashemi, FB},
title = {Antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm formation, and virulence genes among atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli stool isolates in Tehran, Iran.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {32-40},
pmid = {40330055},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) strains are emerging pathogens around the world, particularly among pediatric patients in developing countries, such as Iran. This study aims to examine and compare the characteristics of EPEC isolates from patients, who suffer from diarrhea versus isolates from patients without diarrhea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 734 stool specimens [440 diarrheal (D), and 294 non-diarrheal (ND)] were examined. Thirty-six EPEC isolates (26 D, and 10 ND) were recovered by culture on MacConkey agar, followed by biochemical tests. Using PCR assay, eae [+]; stx1 [-] and stx2 [-]gene profiles of EPEC isolates were confirmed. The antimicrobial resistance was assessed by disk diffusion assay. Biofilm formation was assessed using a standard semi-quantitative microtiter plate assay. Virulence-associated genes, ehac, espA, fimA, flu, and sslE were detected.

RESULTS: E. coli comprised 14% of all isolates were EPEC isolates that showed the highest sensitivity to imipenem (IPM) (100%) and gentamicin (GEN) (89%). However, susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole or trimethoprim\sulfamethoxazole (SXT) was only 28% and 39%, respectively. About 61% of isolates produced Moderate Biofilm (MB), and the frequency of Weak Biofilm (WB) formers (27%) was higher among D and ND isolates, which carried virulence genes more frequently than D isolates.

CONCLUSION: Preventive measures by public health authorities can thwart the imminent crisis of widespread zoonotic contamination of the food chain in Iran. Our results may help clinicians make optimal therapeutic choices during the treatment of patients with severe EPEC infections, and assist epidemiologists devise policies for effective control of outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid40330050,
year = {2025},
author = {Thu Le, H and Luc Phuong, TT and Huy, GH and Nguyen, PV and Nguyen, BVG},
title = {Investigation of the optimal condition for the growth and biofilm development of Candida albicans on three dental materials.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {153-162},
pmid = {40330050},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Candida albicans as pathogenic fungi cause conditions like oral candidiasis and dental caries. The critical role of biofilms in the pathogenicity of C. albicans necessitates the exploration of conditions that promote their growth and development. Our study aimed to delineate the optimal conditions conducive to the proliferation and biofilm production of C. albicans on prevalent dental materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To approximate oral cavity conditions, culture media were enhanced with various glucose concentrations to assess the growth and biofilm-forming capability of the fungus through growth curve analysis and crystal violet assays.

RESULTS: The findings suggest that YPG medium augmented with 4% glucose presents as an optimal environment for C. albicans growth. Biofilm formation was most effectively promoted in RPMI medium supplemented with the same concentration of glucose. Composite resin was identified as the substrate most susceptible to biofilm development by C. albicans under these conditions.

CONCLUSION: This investigation highlights the necessity of accounting for microbial activity and material characteristics in the prevention and management of dental biofilm formation. Our research advances the understanding of in vitro cultivation of C. albicans, simulating the oral milieu more accurately and contributing to enhanced oral health management for individuals utilizing temporary dental fixtures.},
}

@article {pmid40328762,
year = {2025},
author = {Joos, M and Van Ginneken, S and Villanueva, X and Dijkmans, M and Coppola, GA and Pérez-Romero, CA and Vackier, T and Van der Eycken, E and Marchal, K and Lories, B and Steenackers, HP},
title = {EPS inhibitor treatment of Salmonella impacts evolution without selecting for resistance to biofilm inhibition.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {73},
pmid = {40328762},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {C3/20/081//Onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven/ ; PDMT2/22/039//Onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven/ ; C14/22/077//Onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven/ ; 1S85623N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek,Belgium/ ; G046318N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek,Belgium/ ; 722871//H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016-BIOCLEAN project/ ; 3G045620//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; 3G045620//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; W000921N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; BOF 01J06219//Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent/ ; BOF 01J06219//Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent/ ; HBC.2020.2902//Agentschap Innoveren en Ondernemen/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism ; Mutation ; *Salmonella/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Virulence ; },
abstract = {Virulence factors of pathogens, such as toxin production and biofilm formation, often exhibit a public character, providing benefits to nearby non-producers. Consequently, anti-virulence drugs targeting these public traits may not select for resistance, as resistant mutants that resume production of the virulence factor share the benefits of their resistance with surrounding sensitive cells. In agreement with this, we show that even after long-term treatment with a 2-amino-imidazole (2-AI) biofilm inhibitor, Salmonella populations remained as susceptible to biofilm inhibition as the ancestral populations. Nonetheless, further genotypic and phenotypic analysis revealed that the Salmonella populations did adapt to the treatment and accumulated mutations in efflux pump regulators and alternative sigma factors. These mutations resulted in a reduced biofilm-forming capacity and increased efflux activity. Their selection was due to a growth delaying side effect of the biofilm inhibitor. Enhanced efflux activity helped overcome this growth delay, providing a fitness advantage over the ancestor. Finally, we demonstrate that chemical modification of the inhibitor enhances its specificity by partially alleviating the unintended growth delay while retaining the anti-biofilm activity, which in turn eliminated the selection pressure for increased efflux. Overall, our findings highlight that while unintended side effects can complicate anti-virulence strategies, adaptation to these effects does not necessarily restore the inhibited virulence trait. Moreover, chemical modification can mitigate these unintended side effects and enhance drug specificity.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism
Mutation
*Salmonella/drug effects/genetics/physiology
Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
*Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects/genetics
Biological Evolution
Virulence

@article {pmid40327936,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, L and Gao, R and Zeng, Q and Ge, Z and Sheng, X and He, L},
title = {Biofilm-overproducing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain B9ΔywcC reduces cadmium uptake in lettuce by upregulating the expression of proteins associated with root surface biofilm formation and cell membrane homeostasis.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {494},
number = {},
pages = {138481},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138481},
pmid = {40327936},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain B9 and its biofilm-overproducing B9ΔywcC mutant (ΔywcCM) were characterized for their effects on Cd accumulation in Italian lettuce and the underlying molecular mechanisms under hydroponic conditions. Both B9 and ΔywcCM significantly reduced Cd contents in lettuce tissues compared with the controls. Furthermore, ΔywcCM exhibited significantly decreased Cd accumulation and increased root surface biofilm biomass and biofilm-mediated Cd immobilization compared with B9. Proteomic analysis of lettuce root surface biofilms revealed that ΔywcCM significantly upregulated the expression of several proteins compared to B9. These included IolC and IolD (associated with inositol metabolism), GlpK (associated with glycerol metabolism), TyrS (associated with tRNA synthesis and transport), and LepA and PepT (associated with protein translation and modification), which are associated with biofilm formation; ArgS and AspS (associated with tRNA synthesis and transport), LepA (associated with protein translation and modification), and GcvT (associated with aminomethyltransferase), which are involved in cell membrane homeostasis. Furthermore, ΔywcCM significantly upregulated the expression of iolD, iolI, and pepT in the root surface biofilms relative to B9. These findings demonstrated that the biofilm-overproducing ΔywcCM enhances root surface biofilm formation and stability, thereby promoting Cd immobilization and reducing Cd accumulation in lettuce leaves grown in Cd-contaminated solutions.},
}

@article {pmid40327388,
year = {2025},
author = {Bottura, B and McConnell, G and Florek, LC and Smiley, MK and Martin, R and Foylan, S and Eana, A and Dayton, HT and Eckartt, KN and Price-Whelan, AM and Hoskisson, PA and Gould, GW and Dietrich, LEP and Rooney, LM},
title = {Oxygen microenvironments in Escherichia coli biofilm nutrient transport channels: insights from complementary sensing approaches.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {171},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mic.0.001543},
pmid = {40327388},
issn = {1465-2080},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Oxygen/metabolism/analysis ; *Escherichia coli/metabolism/physiology/growth & development ; Biosensing Techniques/methods ; Biological Transport ; *Nutrients/metabolism ; Microscopy, Confocal ; },
abstract = {Chemical gradients and the emergence of distinct microenvironments in biofilms are vital to the stratification, maturation and overall function of microbial communities. These gradients have been well characterized throughout the biofilm mass, but the microenvironment of recently discovered nutrient transporting channels in Escherichia coli biofilms remains unexplored. This study employs three different oxygen sensing approaches to provide a robust quantitative overview of the oxygen gradients and microenvironments throughout the biofilm transport channel networks formed by E. coli macrocolony biofilms. Oxygen nanosensing combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy established that the oxygen concentration changes along the length of biofilm transport channels. Electrochemical sensing provided precise quantification of the oxygen profile in the transport channels, showing similar anoxic profiles compared with the adjacent cells. Anoxic biosensing corroborated these approaches, providing an overview of the oxygen utilization throughout the biomass. The discovery that transport channels maintain oxygen gradients contradicts the previous literature that channels are completely open to the environment along the apical surface of the biofilm. We provide a potential mechanism for the sustenance of channel microenvironments via orthogonal visualizations of biofilm thin sections showing thin layers of actively growing cells. This complete overview of the oxygen environment in biofilm transport channels primes future studies aiming to exploit these emergent structures for new bioremediation approaches.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Oxygen/metabolism/analysis
*Escherichia coli/metabolism/physiology/growth & development
Biosensing Techniques/methods
Biological Transport
*Nutrients/metabolism
Microscopy, Confocal

@article {pmid40326595,
year = {2025},
author = {Ismael, M and Juliah, K and Edwin, M},
title = {Antimicrobial and Potent Anti-Biofilm Properties of Rationally Designed α-Helix Antimicrobial Peptides.},
journal = {Journal of peptide science : an official publication of the European Peptide Society},
volume = {31},
number = {6},
pages = {e70027},
doi = {10.1002/psc.70027},
pmid = {40326595},
issn = {1099-1387},
support = {//African Union/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Hemolysis/drug effects ; *Drug Design ; Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; },
abstract = {The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis represents a significant global threat. Unlike traditional antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides offer a promising pathway because of their primary mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate and rationally design novel AMPs based on tobacco nectar's AMP (Pep 6) to combat antibiotic resistance issues. Substitution and truncation of some amino acids were applied. Four peptides, KF19, KF16, LK16, and LR16, were designed with enhanced net charge hydrophobicity. They were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity. However, only promising AMPs were further evaluated for their hemolytic activity, time-killing kinetics, mode of action, and anti-biofilm properties. The results showed that only KF19 and LR16 have potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and resistant isolates with MIC values from 7.81 to 15.62 μg/mL. Hemolysis ratios were 2.38% and 2.24% at 125 μg/mL for KF19 and LR16, respectively. Both peptides were able to kill S. aureus ATCC25923 within 2 h. SEM results showed their ability to target the cell membrane. Both peptides destroyed the S. aureus biofilms significantly at 62.5 and 125 μg/mL (**p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001). This study supported rational design in developing new antibacterial agents and demonstrated the therapeutic potency of novel peptides that could solve the resistance issues.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
*Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Hemolysis/drug effects
*Drug Design
Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical
Structure-Activity Relationship

@article {pmid40326206,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, ZS and Zhang, Z and Qiu, Y and Fang, X and Zhang, J and Gong, H and Wang, S and Yu, L and Ye, X and Jiang, Y and Wang, L and Quan, YY},
title = {Elaborately Engineered Aggregation-Induced Emission Antibacterial Agents: Negligible Living Cell Invasiveness, Efficient Bacterial Biofilm Inhibition and Promoting Infected Wound Healing.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2502762},
doi = {10.1002/smll.202502762},
pmid = {40326206},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {LY24H180004//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; S20220020//Public Science and Technology Project of Wenzhou Science and Technology Bureau/ ; },
abstract = {Developing versatile photosensitizers capable of selectively eliminating pathogens over normal cells is an appealing yet highly challenging task. Herein, a novel strategy by exploiting the cationic and amphiphilic synergistic mechanism is introduced to synthesize four aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active cationic antibacterial photosensitizers (PSs) TSPy-CH3, MeO-TSPy-Bu, MeO-TSPy-Va and MeO-TSPy-CH3. The four PSs generated both type I and type II reactive oxygen species (ROS) under white light irradiation. They can quickly stain Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in 15 min, but exhibited different Escherichia coli (E.coil) affinity and living cell invasiveness. The four PSs caused devastating killing to S. aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at extremely low drug doses and significantly inhibited biofilm formation of drug-resistant strains by synergistic photocytotoxicity and inherent dark toxicity. Their low antibacterial concentrations and minimal invasiveness toward normal cells collectively ensured biosafety. MeO-TSPy-CH3 with moderate Clog P value stands out from others by virtues of most reliable biosafety, broad-spectrum bactericidal performance, and excellent biofilm inhibition ability. In vivo studies on bacteria-infected wounds confirmed that MeO-TSPy-CH3 reduced inflammation, promoted angiogenesis, and accelerated wound recovery, achieving comparable therapeutic outcomes to vancomycin. This work provides enlightenment for designing novel antibacterial phototherapy agents to overcome key limitations such as unpredictable biosafety risk, inadequate antibacterial potency, and poor anti-biofilm performance.},
}

@article {pmid40325815,
year = {2025},
author = {Gupta, J and Gupta, A and Bhattacharya, D and Nag, M and Lahiri, D and Mitra, D},
title = {Bioactive Compounds as a Potential Inhibitor of Biofilm Production: An In silico Study to Identify Natural Hindrance Resources.},
journal = {Current drug discovery technologies},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0115701638367145250418033053},
pmid = {40325815},
issn = {1875-6220},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biofilm formation by microorganisms, specifically bacteria, threatens vari-ous fields, including biomedicine and the environment. The development of biofilms has associations with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and immune responses; it poses a significant threat to human health. ESKAPE pathogens, a group of bacteria known for their multidrug resistance, are particularly adept at biofilm formation. This research explores strategies to combat biofilm-associated infections, with a focus on natural compounds as potential anti-biofilm agents.

METHODS: The study investigates 23 natural compounds for their druglike properties in fighting against antibiotic-resistant biofilms. These compounds include flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids, and exhibit promising bioavailability and usage potential as ligands. Molecular docking analysis em-ploying AutoDock Vina was used to evaluate the binding affinities of these ligands to key biofilm-forming genes and membrane proteins in ESKAPE pathogens.

RESULTS: Despite a few violations of a variety of established criteria, the overall safety and efficiency of oral drug reception are maintained, emphasizing their potential for further drug development. The results show specific ligands, such as Baicalin, Apigenin, Azadirachtin, Curcumin, Hyperforin, etc., demonstrating high binding energies against biofilm-associated proteins. This approach aligns with the pursuit of sustainable alternatives to combat biofilm-related infections.

CONCLUSION: Natural compounds like Baicalin, Apigenin, Azadirachtin, Curcumin, Hyperforin not only exhibit broad-spectrum coverage but also show reduced risks of resistance development com-pared to synthetic antibiotics. The integration of natural compounds into multifaceted strategies con-siders the complexities of the biofilm matrix, bacterial diversity, and pathogen characteristics, offer-ing a sustainable approach to address biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid40324728,
year = {2025},
author = {Pan, R and Yuan, Y and Xu, A and Jiang, W and Zhang, W and Barriuso, J and Jiang, Y and Xin, F and Jiang, M},
title = {Biofilm engineering to improve succinic acid production in Escherichia coli by enhancing extracellular polysaccharide synthesis.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {431},
number = {},
pages = {132627},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132627},
pmid = {40324728},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Biofilms play crucial roles in enhancing microbial tolerance to environmental stress. Biofilm engineering in industrial microorganisms has been a promising and efficient approach to improve the production of metabolites. In this study, the psl gene cluster from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, was first introduced in a succinic acid (SA) producing Escherichia coli strain to enhance the biofilm formation ability. The engineered strain Suc260 (pslA-J) showed the improved tolerance to harsh environments and improved SA synthesis capability. Compared to the control, strain Suc260 (pslA-J) produced 70.54 g/L of SA from glucose in a 5 L bioreactor, representing an increase of 13.41 %. To further enhance the synthesis efficiency of SA, a cell immobilization fermentation system based on biofilms on alginate beads was designed. Finally, 62.66 g/L of SA with a yield of 0.76 g/g was produced from wheat straw hydrolysate in a 5 L bioreactor at the optimal pH of 6.8. When the pH was adjusted to a lower value (pH 6.0), the SA production and yield still reached 57.67 g/L and 0.75 g/g, respectively, representing 28.96 % and 42.15 % higher than those of the control strain. This study provides an efficient platform technology for the production of bio-based SA in large scale.},
}

@article {pmid40323888,
year = {2025},
author = {Leighton, HJ and Hibbert, TM and Ritchie, GI and Neill, DR and Fothergill, JL},
title = {Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {218},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/67477},
pmid = {40323888},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/physiology/drug effects ; *Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology ; Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/physiology/drug effects ; Candida albicans/genetics/physiology/drug effects ; Humans ; Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Standard pre-clinical testing methods for novel antimicrobial therapeutics used to treat chronic lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis do not reflect the environmental conditions of the hostile lung niche. Current reductionist testing conditions can lead to the progression of compounds along a preclinical pipeline without evidence of their activity under cystic fibrosis lung niche-appropriate conditions. Several approaches used to study traditional antimicrobials may not be suitable for antibiotic alternatives, including anti-virulence therapeutics like anti-quorum sensing agents and siderophore inhibitors. This protocol documents an aggregate biofilm model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to compare resistance and infection-relevant gene expression in single-species and multi-species cultures (Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans), examining colony-forming unit (CFU) reductions and changes in gene expression, using algD as an exemplar. The model was optimized for small, static volumes of bacterial cultures to allow the study of novel compounds in the discovery phase of the drug development pipeline, where compound quantities may be limited. Single-species P. aeruginosa biofilms were formed in Synthetic Cystic Fibrosis Medium 2 (SCFM2) for 24 h before treatment with meropenem at different concentrations (1, 16, and 256 µg/mL) for a further 24 h. Polymicrobial biofilms were established by growing Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans together in SCFM2, then inoculating with P. aeruginosa for an additional 24 h and treating with meropenem. The lack of a direct connection between compound efficacy measures in pre-clinical testing and clinical trial results has cast doubt on the applicability of current laboratory screening tools. This model allows us to understand the impact of relevant factors on P. aeruginosa gene expression, including genes contributing to resistance and virulence, thereby bridging this gap.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/physiology/drug effects
*Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology
Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/physiology/drug effects
Candida albicans/genetics/physiology/drug effects
Humans
Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology

@article {pmid40323373,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, L and Gu, C and Wang, S},
title = {Assessing the performance of a disposable electrochemical biofilm test kit on monitoring drainage sludge biofilm corrosion and its biocide treatment.},
journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40323373},
issn = {1615-7605},
abstract = {Drainage sludge is abundant with corrosive microbes which can contribute to soil corrosion of buried pipelines. In this work, the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of a drainage sludge biofilm against X65 carbon steel was confirmed by significant uniform corrosion (0.03 mm/a uniform corrosion rate) and more severe pitting corrosion (18% greater) on X65 coupons with nutrient enrichment without venting at 37 ℃ compared to the aerobic sludge at room temperature. A new biofilm/MIC test kit was employed to assess the aerobic sludge biofilm, and it was determined to be mildly corrosive against carbon steel after incubating 5 mL of aerobic sludge at room temperature for 7 d in the 10 mL biofilm test kit vial. Tetrakis-hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS), a green biocide was also tested in the biofilm/MIC test kit for its mitigation of the aerobic sludge biofilm and its corrosion against the X65 carbon steel working electrode. The biofilm test kit successfully monitored the sludge biofilm's sanitization efficacy. It was found that 100 ppm THPS was effective in inhibiting biofilm growth, and 400 ppm THPS in treating pre-established sludge biofilm by achieving 10% corrosion rate reduction. Thus, the biofilm/MIC test kit was found to be sensitive in detecting MIC and can be used as a convenient tool in assessing biofilm corrosivity and its mitigation efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid40322923,
year = {2025},
author = {Rath, S and Fatma, S and Das, S},
title = {Unraveling the multifaceted role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) of biofilm in bacterial physiology, biofilm formation, and matrixome architecture.},
journal = {Critical reviews in biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-32},
doi = {10.1080/10409238.2025.2497270},
pmid = {40322923},
issn = {1549-7798},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms consist of bacterial communities embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix (EM) known as the matrixome. The matrixome primarily comprises extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and other elements. EPS encompassing exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids plays a key role in maintaining structural integrity and is involved in various functions. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) released into the EM through various mechanisms, including cell lysis or autolysis, membrane vesicle-mediated release, phage-mediated release, active secretion, and Type VI secretion system (T6SS)-mediated eDNA release. Quorum sensing (QS), a vital signaling system during biofilm formation, also regulates the release of eDNA in a controlled manner by coordinating gene expression in response to cell density. Once released into the EM, eDNA interacts with EPS components, enhancing matrix stability, structural cohesion, and integrity. The present review comprehends the multifaceted roles of eDNA within the biofilm matrixome, highlighting its contribution to biofilm formation, stability, and functionality through various interactions and regulatory mechanisms. It also delves into the mechanisms of eDNA release and its interactions within the biofilm matrix. Understanding these complex roles of eDNA in regulating biofilm will provide insights into developing strategies to enhance the remediation of environmental pollutants and manage biofilm-associated problems in medical settings.},
}

@article {pmid40321095,
year = {2025},
author = {Sroor, FM and El-Sayed, AF and Abdelraof, M},
title = {Investigation of New Biologically Active Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine Derivatives as Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Agents: Synthesis, Anti-Biofilm, ROS and in Silico Studies.},
journal = {Drug development research},
volume = {86},
number = {3},
pages = {e70096},
doi = {10.1002/ddr.70096},
pmid = {40321095},
issn = {1098-2299},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Pyrimidines/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry ; Candida albicans/drug effects ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Aspergillus niger/drug effects ; },
abstract = {A new series of biologically active benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives containing different substitutions such as thiophene, pyridine, pyrrole, and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl at carbon 2 and, phenyl-pyrrolidinyl, -morpholinyl, -piperidinyl at carbon 4 were synthesized. The treatment of chalcone derivatives 5-16 with 2-aminobenzimidazole in DMF and drops of TEA afforded the targeted benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives (18-29) in good to excellent yields. These compounds were tested to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against different microbial pathogens such as Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium. Potently compounds 19 and 23 were contributed in a broad-spectrum inhibition process against all tested pathogens with lower MIC values ranging between 10 and 60 µg/mL. Furthermore, the efficiency of the potent compounds to inhibit the biofilm formation was moderately detected by compounds 18, 19 and 23. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of synthesized compounds through experimental and computational approaches. Compounds 18, 19, 23, 25, and 28 demonstrated strong binding affinities to antimicrobial target proteins (1AD4, 2SIL, 4ZA5, and 5TZ1), suggesting their ability to inhibit key enzymes via diverse molecular interactions. Computational ADMET profiling confirmed their compliance with Lipinski's rules, indicating favorable drug-like properties. Molecular dynamics simulations further validated the stability of complexes formed by compounds 19 and 28, with stable RMSD values (0.17-0.45 nm), low RMSF fluctuations (0.10-0.7 nm), and consistent structural compactness (Rg: 1.45-1.75 nm). Solvent exposure (SASA: 120-220 nm[2]) varied across complexes. These results highlight the compounds' potential as promising candidates for antimicrobial drug development, warranting further preclinical exploration.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Pyrimidines/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry
Candida albicans/drug effects
Structure-Activity Relationship
Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Molecular Docking Simulation
Aspergillus niger/drug effects

@article {pmid40320055,
year = {2025},
author = {Park, S and Shin, J and Jun, W and Lee, D and Kim, S and Ha, DU and Im, J and Han, SH},
title = {Lipoteichoic acid from a canine probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus possesses anti-biofilm capacity against clinically isolated canine periodontopathic Porphyromonas species.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107660},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107660},
pmid = {40320055},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent oral infectious diseases in canines which is mainly caused by periodontopathic bacteria such as Porphyromonas spp. Biofilm formation of periodontopathogens is closely related to the development of the disease, as it provides increased resistance against dental medicaments or host immunity. Although we recently demonstrated the anti-biofilm activity of Lactobacillus lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a major cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria, against various human dental pathogens, the anti-biofilm effects of LTA from canine probiotics on canine periodontopathic Porphyromonas spp. have not been evaluated. Here, we investigated whether LTA purified from healthy canine-derived Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr.LTA) affects biofilm formation and pre-formed biofilm of clinically isolated canine periodontopathic Porphyromonas spp., including Porphyromonas gulae, Porphyromonas macacae, and Porphyromonas canoris. We initially purified Lr.LTA through a serial application of butanol extraction, hydrophobic-interaction chromatography, and ion-exchange chromatography, and confirmed that the prepared Lr.LTA is highly-pure. Lr.LTA effectively suppressed the biofilm formation of P. gulae and P. canoris, but minimally P. macacae, without any effects on the bacterial growth. In addition, the inhibitory effects of Lr.LTA on biofilm formation of P. gulae and P. canoris were more potent than that of P. macacae. Lr.LTA also reduced the pre-formed biofilm of P. gulae and P. canoris, while it rarely affected that of P. macacae. These results suggest that Lr.LTA possesses the anti-biofilm capacity against canine periodontopathic Porphyromonas spp. and can be used as an effective anti-biofilm agent for the prevention and treatment of canine periodontitis caused by infection of Porphyromonas spp.},
}

@article {pmid40319781,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Z and Zeng, T and Wang, J and Wang, Z and Zhao, D and Wei, J and Peng, Y and Miao, L},
title = {AHL-mediated quorum sensing drives microbial community succession and metabolic pathway in algal-bacterial biofilm system.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {282},
number = {},
pages = {123702},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123702},
pmid = {40319781},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Microalgae, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) have been proven to form an integrated algal-bacterial biofilm system with over 93 % of total nitrogen removal. Compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification process, this system operated without additional organic carbon or aeration. In order to understand the interaction mechanisms between bacteria and algae, this study investigated microbial community succession, the changes in metabolic pathways and the potential role of acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing (QS) during the formation of the algae/partial nitrification/anammox biofilm system. Within this algal-bacterial symbiotic biofilm, the dominant genera identified were Candidatus_Brocadia (AnAOB), Nitrosomonas (AOB), and Geitlerinema (microalgae), with relative abundances of 13.86 %, 6.37 %, and 2.88 %, respectively. Compared with the first two stages, the abundance of genes related to nitrogen metabolism pathways (anaerobic ammonium oxidation, denitrification, and ammonia assimilation) increased, indicating enhanced nitrogen transformation capacity in the algal-bacterial symbiotic stage. Co-occurrence network analysis also revealed enhanced microbial interactions, with increased negative correlations (from 36.07 % to 39.38 %), high average standard betweenness centrality (from 0.193 to 0.304), and reduced community vulnerability (from 0.037 to 0.028), contributing to biofilm stability and resilience. The variations in AHLs provided direct evidence for more frequent interspecies communication, facilitating the ecological reconfiguration in the biofilm. Overall, the close synergistic relationship between microalgae and bacteria supports stable biofilm development and high nitrogen removal efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid40318447,
year = {2025},
author = {Leitão, MM and Gonçalves, ASC and Sousa, SF and Borges, F and Simões, M and Borges, A},
title = {Two cinnamic acid derivatives as inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa las and pqs quorum-sensing systems: Impact on biofilm formation and virulence factors.},
journal = {Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie},
volume = {187},
number = {},
pages = {118090},
doi = {10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118090},
pmid = {40318447},
issn = {1950-6007},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Quorum sensing (QS) is a bacterial communication mechanism that regulates gene expression, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes. Interfering with this signalling pathway is a promising strategy to control bacterial pathogenicity and virulence.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the potential of two cinnamic acid derivatives, ferulic and sinapic acids, to inhibit the las and pqs systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Their effects on biofilm architecture, virulence factor production and bacterial motility were also investigated.

METHODS: Bioreporter strains and bioluminescence-based assays were used to evaluate the modulation of QS-activity by cinnamic acid-type phenolic acids. In addition, in silico docking analysis was performed to validate the binding interactions of the cinnamic acid derivatives with QS-receptors. The biofilm architecture was analysed by optical coherence tomography, and virulence factors production (pyoverdine, pyocyanin, total proteases, lipases, gelatinases and siderophores) and motility were measured by absorbance measurement and plate agar method.

RESULTS: Ferulic and sinapic acids at 1000 µg mL[-1] inhibited the las and pqs systems by 90 % and 80 %, respectively. The N-3-oxododecanoyl-homoserine lactone production was reduced by 70 % (6.25 µg mL[-]¹). In silico analysis demonstrated that cinnamic acid derivatives exhibited comparable interactions and higher docking scores than reference ligands and inhibitors. Biofilm thickness decreased from 96 µm to 11 µm, and virulence factors and swarming motility were significantly impaired. The comparable anti-QS activity of cinnamic acid derivatives suggests that the additional methoxy group in sinapic acid does not directly contribute to its anti-QS effect.

CONCLUSION: Ferulic and sinapic acids compromised the biofilm architecture and virulence of P. aeruginosa through QS inhibition.},
}

@article {pmid40318283,
year = {2025},
author = {Badawy, MH and Cooke, MG and Aghasadeghi, K and Peldszus, S and Slawson, RM and Huck, PM},
title = {Impacts of orthophosphate addition on chloramine decay and biofilm development in a model drinking water distribution system.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {282},
number = {},
pages = {123712},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123712},
pmid = {40318283},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Orthophosphate is commonly added as a corrosion inhibitor in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs). However, there is limited understanding of the interrelationships between its addition, monochloramine decay, and biofilm growth. Further research is needed to evaluate its potential to accelerate monochloramine decay and promote biofilm development. This study examines the impact of orthophosphate doses (0 to 4 mg PO4[3-]/L) on monochloramine decay and biofilm growth using model distribution systems (MDSs) at a 10-day residence time, fed with phosphorus-limited water. Findings showed that, in addition to expected enhanced microbial growth, biofilm formation potential, and metabolic activity (i.e., carbon utilization), orthophosphate addition also increased monochloramine decay. For instance, biofilm growth increased from 2.9 to 3.2 to 5.3-6.3 log CFU/cm[2] between 1 and 4 mg PO4[3-]/L, with the most substantial increase observed between 1 and 2 mg PO4[3-]/L (an increase of >2 log units). Around day 52, changes in metabolic activity, biofilm formation potential, and biofilm growth in MDSs with added orthophosphate suggested a shift in the microbial community from early colonizers to bacteria thriving in biofilms. A correlation between biofilm profiles and monochloramine decay was apparent, with significant positive correlations between total chlorine decay and (i) biofilm HPC (R[2] = 0.86, p < 0.001), (ii) biofilm formation potential (R[2] = 0.73, p < 0.01), and (iii) metabolic activity (R[2] = 0.81, p < 0.001). Higher orthophosphate concentrations (2-4 mg PO4[3-]/L) were linked to greater biofilm growth and monochloramine demand, while 1 mg PO4[3-]/L had minimal impact. Total chlorine decay coefficients ranged from 0.0034-0.004 h[-1] (control) to 0.0050-0.0072 h[-1] (4 PO4[3-]/L) in the phase of further biofilm development. These findings emphasize that orthophosphate usage in DWDSs needs to balance corrosion control aspects with effects on water quality (e.g., biofilm growth and monochloramine stability).},
}

@article {pmid40318280,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Z and Liu, B and Chen, W and Liu, D and Li, L and Ren, Y and Wang, W and Yuan, H and Pang, H and Zhang, Z and Liao, B and Lu, J},
title = {Enhancing sewer low-loss transportation by food waste microencapsulation treatment: Dual suppression of organic leaching and biofilm architecture-function for mitigating hazardous gases and blockage risks.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {282},
number = {},
pages = {123749},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123749},
pmid = {40318280},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Food waste management posed a critical global sustainability challenge, with significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. The installation of food waste disposers emerged as a primary strategy for source-separated food waste transfer to wastewater treatment systems through municipal pipelines. However, this approach accelerated the transformation of sewer systems into bioreactors and induced sewer pipe deterioration. Therefore, a novel microencapsulation method was developed and optimized to rapidly immobilize comminuted food waste particles. The stability of FW-encapsulated microcapsules was evaluated for their capacity to suppress organic leaching, destabilize functional biofilm architectures, and mitigate hazardous gas emissions and pipeline blockages in sewer systems during sewage conveyance. Results showed that FW-loaded microcapsules exhibited physicochemical stability against hydrodynamic shear and microbial degradation during sewer transport. It suppressed 33.62 mg/L organic matter release based on COD, reduced fluorescent substance accumulation/degradation, and limited macromolecular organics leakage. Microencapsulation destabilized sewer biofilm integrity via EPS reduction, disrupted humic acid stabilization, altered microbial dominance, and induced protein conformational loosening, impairing biofilm resilience. The technology mitigated sewer risks by curbing 3078.3 ppm VOC. It eliminating 100 % and 98.80 % increments of CH4 and CO compared to crushed FW discharge increments(2.55 mg/L and 0.09 mg/L), suppressing 0.80 mg/L sulfide conversion increments, and minimizing sedimentation through particle size and suspended solids control. Integration with food waste disposers enhanced source-segregated organic collection, optimized hydro-transport to alleviate pipe deterioration, reduced 0.915 MtCO2-eq transport-related carbon emissions, and improved treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. This microencapsulation strategy provided a sustainable solution for FW management, combining infrastructure preservation, emission control, and resource recovery.},
}

@article {pmid40318113,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Y and Xu, R and Lv, Y and Shen, J and Wei, X},
title = {In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy of Irrigants With Ni-Ti Instruments on Mixed Biofilm in Premolar Root Canals With Conservative Access Cavity.},
journal = {Australian endodontic journal : the journal of the Australian Society of Endodontology Inc},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/aej.12947},
pmid = {40318113},
issn = {1747-4477},
support = {PAPD 2018-87//Xin Wei/ ; },
abstract = {Conservative access cavity (ConsAC) has been increasingly advocated to preserve tooth structure, but its effect on disinfection efficacy against complex biofilms remains unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different irrigants combined with Ni-Ti instruments on mixed biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in maxillary premolars with ConsAC or traditional access cavity (TradAC). A total of 208 extracted intact premolars were divided into ConsAC and TradAC groups. Root canals were infected with mixed biofilms and treated with 2.5% NaOCl, 2% CHX or 1% farnesol, followed by preparation using ProTaper Gold (PTG) or XP-endo Shaper (XPS). Efficacy was assessed using CFU counting, SEM, and CLSM. PTG was more effective than XPS under the same conditions. NaOCl showed superior antimicrobial activity compared with CHX and farnesol. TradAC achieved better microbial reduction than ConsAC. This study provides evidence-based insights into the disinfection performance of different irrigation-instrument combinations under varying access designs.},
}

@article {pmid40317484,
year = {2025},
author = {Netsch, A and Latussek, I and Horn, H and Wagner, M},
title = {Detecting Excess Biofilm Thickness in Microbial Electrolysis Cells by Real-Time In-Situ Biofilm Monitoring.},
journal = {Biotechnology and bioengineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/bit.29017},
pmid = {40317484},
issn = {1097-0290},
support = {//This study was supported by Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung./ ; },
abstract = {Long-term stable operation of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) presupposes the avoidance of mass transfer limitations of the electroactive biofilm. Excessive pH-gradients from bulk to electrode interface or substrate limitations of the electroactive biofilm are known to diminish the electrical performance of BES. In this study the impact of the morphology of a mixed-species electroactive biofilm cultivated on the electrical performance of a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) was investigated to identify the optimal biofilm for real-life applications in wastewater treatment. Noninvasive monitoring by means of optical coherence tomography and an industrial biofilm sensor allowed for a real-time evaluation of the morphology of the biofilm. The maximum current density of approximately 3.5 A/m[2] was found for a mean biofilm thickness in the range of 100-150 µm, beyond which thicker biofilms caused mass transfer limitations. Along with local biofilm detachment a continuous decline in efficiency demonstrates the need for active biofilm control to adjust the biofilm thickness.},
}

@article {pmid40315929,
year = {2025},
author = {Lv, YT and Zhang, J and Sun, T and Dong, J and Pan, Y and Wang, Y and Wang, X and Wang, L},
title = {Rapid formation of partial denitrification biofilm using gas-liquid separation membrane as carrier: Performance and mechanism.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132611},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132611},
pmid = {40315929},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Partial denitrification (PD) can ensure stable supply of electron acceptors for anaerobic ammonia oxidation, and biofilm is an effective method to prevent biomass loss, which are crucial for stable operation of PD. In this study, hydrophobic hollow-fiber gas-liquid separation membranes were placed in a denitrification sequencing batch reactor, and dense biofilms were formed within just 3 days. Confocal laser microscopy showed the preferential attachment of the protein (PN) content in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to the membrane surface, followed by exopolysaccharides. Further analyses showed the decrease in the types of signal molecules from six to two (i.e., C4-HSL, C6-HSL) due to negative pressure operation. Importantly, the concentration of C4-HSL increased dramatically with the increase in PN concentration, suggesting that negative pressure promoted the synthesis of C4-HSL signal molecules, which further mediated the secretion of PN for biofilm formation. In addition, biofilm formation was accompanied by nitrite accumulation, leading to successful achievement of PD. Furthermore, 60 % of nitrate-to-nitrite transformation ratio was obtained even when COD/N was increased from 4.5 to 5.0 and influent nitrate concentration was reduced to 25 mg/L. This confirmed the stability of PD, which was mainly attributed to a change in the microbial community and a decrease in nitrite reductase (Nir) activity, with microorganisms enriched through the gas-liquid separation operation exhibiting low Nir activity. This study provides a new method for rapid formation of biofilm for wastewater treatment and stable operation of PD.},
}

@article {pmid40315761,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, J and Jiang, M and Chen, Y and Zhang, Y and Wei, Q and Chen, M and Zhang, X and Zhang, X and Li, H},
title = {Hollow fiber layout matters the denitrification performance and mechanism of H2-based membrane biofilm reactor: A comprehensive study of hydrodynamics, bioecology and biokinetics.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {281},
number = {},
pages = {123708},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123708},
pmid = {40315761},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {As a promising technology for water treatment, the decontamination performance of membrane-biofilm reactor (MBfR) is largely affected by its flow distribution, which regulates the biofilm structure and activity. Herein, we firstly optimized the hydraulic conditions to ameliorate the denitrification performance of H2-based MBfR through a rational design of hollow fiber membrane (HFM) layout. Two MBfRs, assembled by bundled and dispersed modules (termed as B-MBfR and D-MBfR, respectively), were constructed to investigate their process performance and mechanism, from a multi-perspective analysis of flow characteristics, biofilm ecology and microbial kinetics. The results indicated that as the HFM spacing was enlarged from 0 to 4 mm, the shift of flow distribution from bias flow to homogeneous flow occured, leading to the development of annular biofilm and individual biofilms in B-MBfR and D-MBfR, respectively. The superior denitrification flux was attained by D-MBfR instead of B-MBfR (1.1 vs. 0.58 g N/m[2]·d) in long-term experiments, and so were the denitrification kinetics rates of the former in short-term tests. The biofilms in D-MBfR exhibited the stronger anti-shear capacity over annular biofilm, due to their more uniform distribution of proteins and polysaccharides. Benefiting from the thinner thicknesses of biofilms and narrowed hydrodynamic boundary layer, D-MBfR enabled the greater abundance and metabolic activity of hydrogenotrophic denitrifying bacteria than B-MBfR, which then resulted in the almost full exploitation of H2 and NO3[-]. The findings of this research can provide important scientific foundation for future design and management of MBfRs.},
}

@article {pmid40315623,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, S and Duan, H and Xie, Y and Liu, K and Tu, L and Yang, B and Wang, Y and Song, C and Sun, Y and Luo, M},
title = {Discovery of anti-MRSA carpatamides' congeners by heterologous expression along with their mechanism investigation targeting FabI and biofilm formation.},
journal = {Bioorganic chemistry},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {108518},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108518},
pmid = {40315623},
issn = {1090-2120},
abstract = {Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a significant clinical challenge, necessitating the discovery of novel anti-MRSA agents. Previous bioinformatic analysis identified a candidate biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of ctd for carpatamides in Streptomyces parvus 1268. Through heterologous expression of ctd and subsequent fermentation and isolation, we have identified five novel carpatamide derivatives of carpatamides N - R (1-5), and a known compound of daryamide A (6). The structures and absolute configurations of compounds 1-6 were determined by ESI-HRMS, NMR, and ECD calculations. Compound 1 exhibited significant antitumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 with an IC50 value of 7.43 μM. Meanwhile, the antibacterial bioactivity results showed that carpatamides N - O (1-2) displayed excellent antibacterial bioassay against Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA with MIC values of 0.5-2.0 μg/mL, outperforming vancomycin. Further mechanism investigation through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and biofilm-related experiments suggests that compounds 1 and 2 may exert their anti-MRSA activity by inhibiting the function of NADPH-dependent enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) and the formation of biofilms of MRSA.},
}

@article {pmid40315344,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Zhang, Y and Zhang, X and Qu, J and Ruan, C and Liao, J and Alvarez, PJJ and Yu, P},
title = {Enhanced Phytopathogen Biofilm Control in the Soybean Phyllosphere by the Phoresy of Bacteriophages Hitchhiking on Biocontrol Bacteria.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.4c09851},
pmid = {40315344},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Phage-based biocontrol has shown notable advantages in protecting plants against pathogenic bacteria in agricultural settings compared to chemical-based bactericides. However, the efficiency and scope of phage biocontrol of pathogenic bacteria are limited by the intrinsic properties of phages. Here, we investigated pathogen biofilm eradication in the phyllosphere using the phoresy system of hitchhiking phages onto carrier biocontrol bacteria. The phoresy system efficiently removed the pathogen biofilm in the soybean phyllosphere, reducing the total biomass by 58% and phytopathogens by 82% compared to the untreated control. Biofilm eradication tests demonstrated a significant combined beneficial effect (Bliss independence model, CI < 1) as phages improved carrier bacteria colonization by 1.2-fold and carrier bacteria facilitated phage infection by 1.4-fold. Transcriptomic analysis showed that phoresy significantly enhanced motility (e.g., fliC and pilD genes) and energy metabolism (e.g., pgm and pgk genes) of carrier bacteria and suppressed the defense system (e.g., MSH3 and FLS2 genes) and energy metabolism (e.g., petB and petC genes) of pathogens. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the phoresy system stimulated the secretion of beneficial metabolites (e.g., flavonoid and tropane alkaloid) that could enhance stress response and phyllosphere protection in soybeans. Overall, the phoresy of phages hitchhiking on biocontrol bacteria offers a novel and effective strategy for phyllosphere microbiome manipulation and bacterial disease control.},
}

@article {pmid40314672,
year = {2025},
author = {da Silva, GR and Gomes, LR and Rocha, HAO and Azevedo, VAC and Peluco, AC and Sommerfeld, S and Dos Reis, TFM and Ribeiro, LNM and de Melo, RT and Fonseca, BB},
title = {Development of a safe formulation that induces biofilm formation in probiotic bacteria for controlling Salmonella enteriditis Heidelberg and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in wood shavings.},
journal = {British poultry science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.1080/00071668.2025.2486699},
pmid = {40314672},
issn = {1466-1799},
abstract = {1. The aim of this study was to develop a formulation that stimulated the spontaneous formation of biofilms by probiotic bacteria, specifically Bacillus velezensis (BV), Bacillus subtilis (BS), or Lactococcus lactis subspecies lactis (LL) for control of Salmonella enteriditis Heidelberg (SH) and avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC).2. A formulation was developed to induce spontaneous biofilm formation of probiotic bacteria (BV, BS and LL) by testing various media containing minerals and polymers on polystyrene plates. The most potent probiotic strains were identified based on their efficacy in inhibiting SH and APEC. The formulation was tested on wood shavings to hinder APEC and SH. The safety and colonisation of the formulation was assessed in chicken embryos (CE) from 19 d of incubation to the broiler chicken stage.3. After evaluating various media, one containing calcium, magnesium, iron and polymers (dextran, chitosan and xylan) was selected. Notably, xylan, a highly sustainable biopolymer, showed outstanding results at a low concentration (27 µg/ml), which led to its selection for conducting inhibition tests on wood shavings against SH and APEC. The B. velezensis demonstrated superior biofilm formation and efficacy in controlling SH and APEC. Consequently, a BV strain was selected and associated with a strain of LL.4. While drying the formulation, maltodextrin was added and the biofilm formed by BV01 and LLL01 on wood shavings could control both SH and APEC species, reducing them by approximately 92.64 to 99.42%. Inoculating the formulation in CE did not result in a delay in hatching, injury, or death for either the CE or chicks. The probiotic bacteria multiplied and colonised the intestine of CE.5. This work successfully developed a formulation that induced spontaneous biofilm formation in BV and LL, significantly controlling SH and APEC while ensuring safety for birds.},
}

@article {pmid40311943,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiao, J and Su, L and Huang, S and Zhou, M and Chen, Z},
title = {Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics study on the biofilm formation of Haemophilus influenzae by the stimulation of amoxicillin-clavulanate at subinhibitory concentration.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107650},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107650},
pmid = {40311943},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of β-lactam antibiotics has been shown to induce the biofilm formation of microorganisms, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to explore the effect of different concentrations of amoxicillin-clavulanate, the most commonly used antibiotic in pediatrics, on the biofilm formation of Haemophilus influenza (H. influenzae) in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The effect of amoxicillin-clavulanate on the in vitro biofilm formation was assessed by crystal violet assay, colony counts, MTT colorimetric method, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses were performed to identify key genes and metabolites. Our findings revealed that 1/2 MIC of amoxicillin-clavulanate significantly enhanced H. influenzae ATCC 49247 biofilm formation in vitro, while simultaneously reducing culturable bacterial counts and metabolic activity of biofilm-embedded bacteria. When exposed to 1/2 MIC of amoxicillin-clavulanate, the biofilm ultrastructure was altered, with an increase in biofilm structure, a decrease in bacteria embedded within the biofilms with abnormal bacterial morphology. Transcriptomics identified 118 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), comprising 62 upregulated and 56 downregulated genes. Metabolomics identified 21 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), with 13 upregulated and 8 downregulated. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics implicated amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism as a key regulatory pathway. This study has provided novel insights into the relationship between a commonly prescribed pediatric antibiotic and H. influenzae biofilm formation, elucidating the underlying mechanisms, emphasizing the critical importance of judicious antibiotic use and clinical consideration of subinhibitory antibiotic effects, particularly in pediatric populations.},
}