@article {pmid42847680,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, D and Chen, C and Bao, Q and Su, N and Zhang, Y and Yang, X and Fang, W and Tan, C and Wang, C and Liu, M},
title = {Antibacterial activity of the natural product elaiophylin against Streptococcus suis and its biofilm eradication effect.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0394925},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03949-25},
pmid = {42847680},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The multidrug resistance (MDR) problem in Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is becoming increasingly severe, necessitating the development of novel antibacterial agents and strategies. In this study, seven elaiophylin derivatives were isolated from Streptomyces sp. WS-30248, and the antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of the principal compound, elaiophylin, against S. suis were systematically evaluated for the first time. Through comprehensive approaches including in vitro efficacy assays, biofilm inhibition and eradication tests, bacterial membrane integrity analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level detection, and a mouse infection model, elaiophylin was found to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against multiple clinically MDR S. suis strains. Its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was as low as 0.5 μg/mL, and complete bactericidal activity was achieved within 24 h at 4× MIC. The compound effectively inhibited and eradicated bacterial biofilms, directly killing embedded cells within the biofilm matrix. Mechanistic studies revealed that elaiophylin functions through multiple synergistic pathways, including disruption of bacterial membrane integrity and induction of massive ROS accumulation, thereby interfering with the proton motive force (PMF), depleting intracellular ATP, and blocking energy metabolism. In the mouse infection model, the elaiophylin-treated group showed a significantly increased survival rate of 60% and effectively reduced bacterial loads in tissues. This study demonstrates that elaiophylin is a highly promising natural candidate drug with multi-target synergistic effects, offering a new strategy to combat MDR S. suis and biofilm-associated infections.

IMPORTANCE: This study is the first to systematically elucidate the potent antibacterial activity and multi-mechanism synergistic action of elaiophylin against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Streptococcus suis. It exerts its effects through multiple targeted pathways, including disrupting membrane integrity and inducing ROS accumulation and can effectively eradicate biofilms. It provides a highly promising novel candidate drug and a new strategy to combat the increasingly severe problem of MDR S. suis infections, holding significant theoretical and clinical value.},
}

@article {pmid42847688,
year = {2026},
author = {Stroek, R and Gabriëls, M and Winkelhorst, M and van den Broek, M and Pabst, M and Jourdin, L and Daran, J-M and Bajic, D},
title = {Integrated multi-omics and metabolic modeling links structure to function in high-performing electrosynthetic biofilm communities.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0080326},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00803-26},
pmid = {42847688},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a promising technology for the valorization of CO2 into industrially relevant building blocks. The high-performing MES systems in terms of production rates of acetate (12.5-19.7 mmol L[-1]catholyte day[-1]), butyrate (1.9-12.2 mmol L[-1]catholyte day[-1]), and caproate (0.6-0.9 mmol L[-1]catholyte day[-1]) discussed in this study consist of mixed microbial communities. However, the microbial community members, metabolic pathways, and interactions driving product formation in MES communities remain poorly understood. To overcome these challenges, we conducted a comprehensive characterization of three high-performing MES communities, combining multi-omics with metagenome-scale metabolic modeling. Using a high-resolution metagenomic pipeline, we reconstructed high-quality genomes of 25 metagenome-assembled genomes present in our reactors, including six fully circular genomes. We report the presence of Clostridium aromativorans for the first time in a gas-fermenting system. In particular, our findings identified three acetogenic species, Eubacterium limosum, Sporomusa sphaeroides, and C. aromativorans, as key contributors to the production of acetate, butyrate, and caproate via the Wood-Ljungdahl and the reverse β-oxidation pathways. In addition, we found genes related to lactate and ethanol production from acetyl-CoA, along with proteomic evidence of lactate production. This paves the way for investigating the role of cross-fed metabolites such as lactate and ethanol as electron donors in chain elongation. Finally, meta-genome-scale metabolic modeling suggests that the communities might be sustained by the cross-feeding of specific cofactors such as pyridoxine, pantothenate, biotin, and thiamin. This study provides key insights into the structure and function of electrosynthetic communities, bringing us closer to the rational engineering of MES systems.IMPORTANCEMicrobial electrosynthesis (MES) offers a promising route to transform CO2 and renewable electricity into valuable platform chemicals. However, the microbial ecology governing the assembly and function of these systems remains poorly understood, limiting our ability to engineer them. By integrating high-resolution multi-omics with metabolic modeling, this study provides a systems-level framework to dissect the structure and function of electrosynthetic microbial communities. Understanding which organisms drive carbon fixation and chain elongation, how electrons and intermediates are transferred within the biofilm, and how metabolic dependencies structure these communities is essential for improving productivity and product specificity in MES. More broadly, this work highlights how integrated multi-omics approaches can resolve the functional organization of complex microbial ecosystems and provides methodological advances that are broadly applicable to the study and engineering of microbial communities in autotrophic, electricity-driven biotechnologies.},
}

@article {pmid42849396,
year = {2026},
author = {Sanyal, A and Samui, G and Thamban, M and Antony, R},
title = {Microbial potential for construction and degradation of the cryoconite biofilm matrix: Implications for carbon and nutrient cycling in Antarctic cryoconite holes.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {314},
number = {},
pages = {128757},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128757},
pmid = {42849396},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Cryoconite granule formation underpins the physical structure and biogeochemical functioning of glacier cryoconite holes. Central to this process is the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, produced by microorganisms, which binds microbial cells and mineral particles into stable aggregates while retaining organic matter and nutrients. However, the physiological traits governing the EPS matrix construction and degradation remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated microbial capacities for biofilm formation, EPS-related substrate utilization, and extracellular hydrolysis in Antarctic cryoconite communities over a 40-day melt season. After five weeks of incubation, 49 of 56 (88%) cryoconite debris samples formed detectable biofilms, with biofilm-forming capacity peaking in samples collected after 30 days and significantly exceeding that at the beginning and after 10 days of the melt season (p < 0.05). Across the melt season, the proportion of C-, N-, P- and S-containing substrates utilized increased from 33% to 90% of the 260 compounds tested, with significantly greater utilization of organic nitrogenous compounds than other substrate groups (p < 0.05). Biofilm-forming capacity correlated positively with utilization of EPS-backbone precursors, EPS-associated glycosides, and compounds associated with EPS modification (Spearman's ρ = 0.6, p < 0.05). Forty bacterial genera were recovered, dominated by Cryobacterium, Polaromonas, Arthrobacter, and Chryseobacterium, with representative isolates exhibiting biofilm-forming phenotypes and diverse extracellular enzyme activities. Together, these findings demonstrate complementary microbial capacities for biofilm formation and EPS matrix-associated organic matter transformation that may influence carbon and nutrient cycling in Antarctic cryoconite ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42849756,
year = {2026},
author = {Waller, S and Hausner, M and Packman, A and Freels, S},
title = {Indicator parameters of biofilm quantity in full-scale drinking water distribution system samplers identified by multivariable statistical methods.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107725},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107725},
pmid = {42849756},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {This study aims to identify indicator parameters for biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Biofilms grown on coupons of three pipe materials (cast iron, cement, and polyvinyl chloride) in two sampler types (pipe loops and annular reactors) installed at full scale DWDS were quantified by three analytical methods: heterotrophic plate count (HPC), total cell count by flow cytometry (FC), and in situ by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Quantification by both biofilm HPC and CLSM biomass is recommended to avoid under-reporting of viable but non-culturable microbial populations. Multiple multivariable statistical methods were used to explore complex full-scale data sets. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed similar variability of select water parameters and biofilm quantity regardless of sampler type. Indicators of biofilm quantity were identified by taking the preponderance of results of correlation analysis, PCA, and multiple step linear regression. Indicators of biofilm quantity found here include total calcium (average range 55-108 ppm CaCO3), total alkalinity (49-173 ppm CaCO3), and pH (7.3-8.7). Total chlorine decay and HPC of planktonic cells were indicators of biofilms both within a single DWDS and in the aggregated data of all seven utilities sampled. Assimilable organic carbon and phosphorus appear to have secondary impacts on biofilm quantity. Oxygen reduction potential (439-644 mV measured at two utilities) may also be useful as a biofilm indicator worth further investigation.},
}

@article {pmid42850746,
year = {2026},
author = {Magda, M and Eleonora, S and Silvia, M and Gianluca, G and Annamaria, S and Matteo, D and Elisa, M and Stefano, C and Bardellini, E},
title = {Air-Flowing and Plaque Disclosing for Professional Biofilm Removal in Paediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Four Techniques.},
journal = {International journal of dental hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/idh.70175},
pmid = {42850746},
issn = {1601-5037},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal (PMPR) in paediatric patients can be challenging due to limited cooperation and access. The use of plaque disclosing agents (PD) in combination with air-flowing devices employing low-abrasiveness powders has demonstrated improved plaque removal in adults, with additional advantages in terms of comfort and treatment efficiency. This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the residual plaque area (RPA) on anterior vestibular sextants after PMPR with and without PD and erythritol-based air-flowing (AF) in children. Secondary outcomes included post-treatment Full Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS), treatment duration and feedback from both patients and the clinicians.

METHODS: A total of 120 children aged 6-12 years were randomized to one of four groups: air-flowing with plaque disclosing (AF + PD), air-flowing alone (AF), rubber cup and polishing paste with plaque disclosing (CUP + PD) or rubber cup and polishing paste alone (CUP). After treatment, PD was reapplied, FMPS was recorded and RPA was assessed via computer-assisted photographic analysis. Treatment time was measured and feedback from patients and clinicians was collected via structured questionnaires.

RESULTS: AF + PD achieved significantly lower RPA-on anterior vestibular sextants-and FMPS values compared with all other methods. CUP took significantly less time but was the least effective for plaque removal. Although all approaches were rated positively, both children and clinicians expressed a preference for AF-based methods.

CONCLUSION: The combination of plaque disclosing and air-flowing significantly enhances plaque removal in paediatric patients, while improving the treatment experience for both patients and clinicians. AF + PD may represent a valuable adjunct to paediatric preventive protocols.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: (NCT06765343).},
}

@article {pmid42852067,
year = {2026},
author = {El-Didamony, SE and Kalaba, MH and Sharaf, MH and El-Fakharany, EM and Osman, A and Sitohy, M and Sitohy, B},
title = {Correction: Melittin alcalase-hydrolysate: a novel chemically characterized multifunctional bioagent; antibacterial, anti-biofilm and anticancer.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1988804},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1988804},
pmid = {42852067},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1419917.].},
}

@article {pmid42852220,
year = {2026},
author = {Naik, H and Satardekar, R and Mukherjee, R and Jain, V},
title = {From Planktonic to Sedentary Lifestyle: Molecular Dissection of the Establishment and Maintenance of Mycobacterial Biofilm.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {39},
pages = {60223-60233},
pmid = {42852220},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Biofilm represents a complex aggregation of bacteria embedded within a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). We investigated the characteristics of mycobacterial biofilm using Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm) as a model organism. By combining transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and proteomic (LC-MS) analyses, the research captures dynamic changes during the establishment and maturation of the biofilm. Transcriptomics analysis showed a distinct gene expression profile as compared to its planktonic form. Interestingly, clear differences were seen between initial (∼2-day old) and mature (∼5-day old) biofilm stages, highlighting phasic gene expression throughout biofilm development. Marked alteration in oxidative stress-related genes and energy metabolism from ATP to NADH was observed. Furthermore, quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteome examination of EPS showed an abundance of cytoplasmic proteins present differentially between initial and mature biofilm stages. Pathway enrichment revealed enhanced oxidative stress responses and metabolic shifts in mature biofilms, including upregulation of NADH dehydrogenase and downregulation of ATP synthase, indicating altered energy metabolism. Our findings thus provide insights into the molecular adaptations, including production of mycofactocin, occurring during mycobacterial biofilm establishment and maturation, and advance our understanding of mycobacterial biofilm physiology.},
}

@article {pmid42840093,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, B and Li, C and Zhu, Y and Zhu, M and Yin, J and Liu, L},
title = {YtnP lactonase from Bacillus licheniformis T2 mitigates virulence and biofilm formation in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii via quorum sensing quenching.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1892272},
pmid = {42840093},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUD: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has become a predominant nosocomial pathogen worldwide, with biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS) primarily responsible for its high antimicrobial tolerance and clinical refractory infections. Targeting bacterial virulence rather than conventional bactericidal strategies represents a promising alternative to combat multidrug-resistant CRAB.

METHODS: In this study, we isolated a N-acyl homoserine lactonase YtnP from mangrove rhizosphere-derived Bacillus licheniformis T2. We comprehensively biochemically characterized the YtnP and systematically validated its potent quorum-quenching, antibiofilm and anti-virulence activities against clinical CRAB strains both in vitro and in vivo model.

RESULTS: YtnP is a 280-amino-acid metalloenzyme of approximately 30 kDa containing a conserved HXHXDH motif, exhibiting optimal activity at 37°C -45°C and pH 7.0-7.5. Distinct from classical lactonases, YtnP maintained high catalytic activity without exogenous Zn[2+] supplementation but was markedly inhibited by EDTA and excess Zn[2+]. Functional assays revealed that YtnP efficiently degraded the key QS signal 3-OH-C12-HSL with a degradation rate of 59.5% without affecting the planktonic growth of CRAB. YtnP significantly dismantled mature CRAB biofilms, reducing biofilm biomass by 55.56% and maximum thickness by 61.76%, and prominently downregulated the transcription of virulence-related outer membrane protein genes ompA and csuA/B by nearly 50% and 52.6%, respectively. In the Galleria mellonella model, YtnP remarkably alleviated CRAB metabolite-induced lethality and increased the 36-h larval survival rate nearly sixfold.

CONCLUSION: Collectively, mangrove-derived YtnP acts as a potent quorum-quenching enzyme that suppresses CRAB biofilm formation and virulence in a non-bactericidal manner. This work highlights the potential of YtnP as a promising anti-virulence adjuvant candidate for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies against intractable CRAB infections.},
}

@article {pmid42840157,
year = {2026},
author = {Adrija, R and Garg, M and Parachalil, K and Sahu, M and Vij, S and Pradhan, D and Mallappa, RH and Vishweswaraiah, RH},
title = {Comparative antibacterial, synergistic, and anti-biofilm efficacy of metal ions against multidrug-resistant pathogens on dairy equipment surfaces.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {16},
number = {11},
pages = {454},
pmid = {42840157},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: This study evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of selected metal ions (Al[3+], Cu[2+], Au[3+], Ag[+], and Zn[2+]) against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the threat posed by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly biofilm-forming bacteria associated with dairy equipment surfaces. Among the tested metals, silver ions showed the strongest antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones up to 19.00 ± 1.15 mm at 0.3125 mM and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.078 mM, followed by gold ions (MIC 2.5 mM). Zinc and copper exhibited moderate activity at higher concentrations, whereas aluminium showed the least effect. Checkerboard assays demonstrated synergistic or additive interactions, particularly for Cu-Au, Zn-Cu, and Zn-Ag combinations [Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) 0.5-0.75], while a ternary Cu-Zn-Ag combination showed notable additive interaction (FICI 0.512). Propidium iodide uptake assays suggested membrane damage and disruption of cell integrity. Silver also exhibited the highest biofilm eradication activity (50% biofilm eradication concentration (BEC50 0.156 mM), followed by gold and copper. On stainless steel dairy equipment surfaces, silver and gold reduced biofilm biomass by > 60% and > 40%, respectively, as confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Silver additionally induced the highest intracellular reactive oxygen species generation (florescence intensity 93854.92 ± 2616.2 to 165407.18 ± 148.3), indicating oxidative stress-mediated antibacterial action than other metals. This study provides a comparative evaluation of metal ions and their synergistic combinations against MDR pathogens and biofilms associated with dairy equipment surfaces and dairy-processing environments.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-026-05084-4.},
}

@article {pmid42841298,
year = {2026},
author = {He, Y and Dang, X and Chung, SC and Gaitan-Espitia, JD},
title = {Biofilm presence and substrate type influence oyster larval settlement and survival.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0067426},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00674-26},
pmid = {42841298},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Marine invertebrates with a bipartite life cycle typically undergo a developmental transition from pelagic larvae to benthic juveniles. The success of this transition largely depends on appropriate habitat and substrate selection, which is crucial for completing metamorphosis, subsequent development, and survival. While larvae are known to select microhabitats based on substrate-associated biofilms, whether the influence of these biofilms persists beyond post-metamorphosis remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how microhabitat and biofilm types influence larval settlement choice and how these choices, in turn, affect settlement success and post-metamorphosis survival in the ecologically and economically important Hong Kong oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis). The results indicate that biofilm presence positively influenced larval settlement, irrespective of substrate type. Following larval addition, biofilm profiles on substrates converged between control and treatment groups. In contrast, pre-existing biofilms had no significant effect on post-metamorphic survival, which instead depended primarily on substrate type. High-throughput sequencing of pre-existing biofilms on oyster shell substrates revealed six bacterial families enriched in association with higher larval settlement, including Cryomorphaceae, Rs-E47_termite_group, Bacteriovoracaceae, Rhodothermaceae, Vampirovibrionaceae, and Rubritaleaceae. Together, these findings suggest that substrate-associated biofilms primarily influence early settlement dynamics, whereas substrate type governs post-metamorphic survival. This decoupling highlights the distinct roles of microbial biofilm and substrate characteristics across different life-history stages, offering insights with potential implications for restoration and conservation strategies for marine invertebrates.IMPORTANCEThe transition from free-swimming larvae to bottom-dwelling juveniles represents a critical bottleneck for marine invertebrates, with direct implications for the recovery and resilience of coastal ecosystems. Using the Hong Kong oyster, an ecologically and economically important reef-building species, this study demonstrates that larvae preferentially settle on biofilm-covered shells and that this preference enhances settlement success. However, we show that the benefits of biofilm selection do not extend to post-metamorphic survival, which is instead governed by substrate type, revealing a previously unrecognized decoupling between the cues driving settlement and those determining subsequent survival. By characterizing the bacterial communities associated with higher larval settlement, this work identifies candidate microbial taxa that could inform the development of improved settlement substrates. Together, these findings provide a mechanistic foundation for optimizing restoration strategies for oyster reefs and offer a framework applicable to the conservation of other marine invertebrate species.},
}

@article {pmid42842473,
year = {2026},
author = {Taggart, MG and Möller-Levet, CS and Snelling, WJ and Naughton, PJ and La Ragione, RM and O'Hagan, BMG and Dooley, JSG and Ternan, NG},
title = {Disruption of dnaK results in transcriptional reprogramming of biofilm-associated pathways in Clostridioides difficile.},
journal = {Journal of medical microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42842473},
issn = {1473-5644},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Clostridioides difficile/genetics/physiology/metabolism/growth & development ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcription, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Introduction. Clostridioides difficile is an opportunistic enteric pathogen posing significant challenges in human and animal healthcare due to the recurrent nature of infections and associated financial burden. The molecular chaperone protein, DnaK (Hsp70), encoded by dnaK, plays a central role in the heat stress response and protein homeostasis. Disruption of dnaK in C. difficile 630Δerm has previously been associated with increased biofilm formation and multiple phenotypic alterations.Gap Statement. Although disruption of dnaK has been shown to alter biofilm formation and multiple phenotypes in C. difficile, the global transcriptional mechanisms linking DnaK to biofilm development and stress adaptation remain poorly understood.Aim. This study aimed to characterize the global transcriptional response associated with dnaK disruption during planktonic and biofilm growth to identify pathways linking the DnaK-mediated stress response with biofilm formation.Methods. This study investigated the global transcriptional changes associated with dnaK disruption during planktonic and colony biofilm culture. Colony biofilms of C. difficile strains 630, 630Δerm and 630Δerm:dnaK were cultured on mixed nitrocellulose ester semi-permeable membranes and examined structurally using low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy. Total RNA was extracted from both planktonic cultures and 24 h colony biofilms, followed by Illumina RNA sequencing. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using DESeq (P adj<0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes [KEGG] and Gene Ontology) was conducted to identify significantly enriched metabolic pathways and biological processes.Results. Disruption of dnaK resulted in global transcriptomic remodelling, particularly during biofilm culture, where 72.4% of genes were significantly differentially expressed relative to planktonic culture. A core number of pathways were involved in biofilm formation in all strains, including increased sporulation with reduced translation, amino acid biosynthesis and flagellar assembly. The dnaK mutant exhibited a unique pattern of enrichment of pathways associated with cell division, peptidoglycan synthesis, carbon metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis, alongside a coordinated reduction of motility and chemotaxis pathways.Conclusion. Disruption of the dnaK gene appears to link the stress response to biofilm formation through a number of pathways associated with biofilm development. Understanding this link may identify systems relevant to persistent and recurrent infections.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Clostridioides difficile/genetics/physiology/metabolism/growth & development
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling
Transcription, Genetic

@article {pmid42845694,
year = {2026},
author = {Göldi, L and Shyp, V and Neuhaus, KW and Reise, M and Bornstein, MM and Reichardt, E},
title = {Impact of Streptococcus salivarius K12 probiotic on pH and tooth enamel integrity in an in vitro oral biofilm system.},
journal = {Frontiers in oral health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1893799},
pmid = {42845694},
issn = {2673-4842},
abstract = {AIM: To evaluate the impact of an early exposure and a single re-administration of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 on pH dynamics, bacterial viability, and enamel surface hardness in a multispecies cariogenic biofilm over 12 days under the sucrose challenging conditions.

METHODS: Anaerobic co-cultures of five oral streptococcal species (S. mutans, S. sobrinus, S. sanguinis, S. mitis, and S. gordonii) were grown with or without S. salivarius K12 on bovine enamel specimens in artificial saliva (AS) in well plates at 37 °C. The static biofilm model was exposed daily to AS with 0.5% sucrose for 8 hours, followed by AS without sucrose for 16 hours. S. salivarius K12 was applied at initial inoculation and re-administered on day 3. Planktonic pH and colony-forming units (CFU/mL) were measured before each medium change. On day 12, enamel Martens hardness (HM), biofilm cell viability (CFU/mL), and extracellular matrix pH (C-SNARF-4 ratiometry) were assessed. Probiotic-only and AS-only conditions served as controls.

RESULTS: A single reapplication of S. salivarius K12 to the mixed cariogenic culture significantly reduced acidification by day 3-4 with pH values 5.9 ± 0.26 compared to 4.4 ± 0.06 in culture without probiotic. However, this effect diminished over time. By day 12, no significant differences in HM, extracellular biofilm pH, or CFU/mL were observed between probiotic-treated and untreated cultures.

CONCLUSIONS: Early exposure and a single re-administration of S. salivarius K12 can temporarily reduce acidification in artificial cariogenic biofilms, however repeated applications is necessary for lasting effects on enamel integrity and biofilm properties.},
}

@article {pmid42845976,
year = {2026},
author = {Zmejkoski, DZ and Mitic, D and Carkic, J and Zdravkovic, N},
title = {Editorial: Multidisciplinary approaches to enhance healing in biofilm-infected chronic wounds.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1986348},
doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2026.1986348},
pmid = {42845976},
issn = {2235-2988},
}

@article {pmid42846442,
year = {2026},
author = {Alfa, MJ},
title = {Comprehensive Review of How Endoscope Channel Biofilm Differs from Hydrated and Dry Surface Biofilm and Its Implications.},
journal = {Endoscopy international open},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {a29656797},
doi = {10.1055/a-2965-6797},
pmid = {42846442},
issn = {2364-3722},
abstract = {Background and Study Aims Flexible endoscope-related infection outbreaks with respect to the biofilm in endoscope channels continue to be reported. This article reviews how endoscope fixed-biofilm accumulation (EFBA) develops in flexible endoscope channels over repeated clinical use. The aim of this review is to highlight how EFBA differs from dry surface biofilm (DSB) and hydrated biofilm (HB). Patients/Materials and Methods The process of (EFBA) formation in patient-used endoscope channels is compared to that of DSB and HB. The inadequate (or lack) of cleaning in narrow endoscope channels and the impact of high level disinfection (HLD) fixing of the EBFA within the endoscope channels result in a very different matrix compared to DSB or HB. The impact of fixed EFBA on microorganism survival within the matrix provides a more stringent and realistic challenge compared to DSB or HB. The choice of an appropriate multispecies biofilm model is also crucial to ensuring that it closely mirrors the clinical aspects related to EFBA. Results This comprehensive review confirms that EFBA is a driver of persistent endoscope channel contamination and exogenous transfer of pathogens to patients that can lead to infection. The literature review demonstrates that mono-microbic HB is the most common biofilm model used over the past 20 years, whereas models that integrate rounds of fixation such as the endoscope cyclic buildup biofilm (ECBB) and endoscope buildup biofilm (EBBF) better reflect the clinical aspects of EFBA in patient-used endoscope channels. Conclusions The published data support the need for the use of an appropriate fixed-biofilm model when validating cleaning and disinfection processes for flexible endoscope channels, thereby ensuring an optimal margin of safety during clinical use.},
}

@article {pmid42836300,
year = {2026},
author = {Kumar, A and Saifi, A and Kiran, K and Senapati, S and Mahapatra, NR and Ghosh, P},
title = {Dual-Responsive Bidirectional Actuator for Biofilm Disruption on Medical Surfaces.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e71804},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.71804},
pmid = {42836300},
issn = {2192-2659},
support = {CRG/2022/007942//Science and Engineering Research Board/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilms, dense microbial communities embedded in extracellular polymeric substances, present persistent challenges in medical devices by conferring antibiotic resistance and fostering chronic infections. Conventional antimicrobial or enzymatic approaches often fail due to poor penetration into biofilm matrices. This work introduces a dynamic surface capable of mechanically disrupting biofilms, enabling on-demand cleaning of biomedical interfaces. Here, we present a dual-responsive bilayer actuator composed of a solvent-responsive hydrogel and a photoresponsive elastomer. The system harnesses solvent- and light-induced bidirectional bending for effective detachment of bacterial biofilms. The bilayer undergoes upward curvature upon exposure to solvent and reverses to downward curvature upon irradiation with green light (530 nm), demonstrating repeatable and directional actuation. We evaluate the removal of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms across 12, 24, and 48 h growth periods, comparing single and cyclic actuation modes. Quantitative analyses show that upward bending (θ∼ 156°) and downward bending (θ∼ -73.7°) each achieve significant detachment, while cyclic actuation further enhances removal efficiency (>70%), particularly for mature 48 h biofilms. Colony-forming unit assays validate the reduction in viable bacteria following the actuation. This study demonstrates the potential of dual-responsive actuators as biocompatible, nonchemical strategies for biofilm removal for next-generation antifouling medical device surfaces.},
}

@article {pmid42836343,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Q and Zou, Q and Yang, S and Xie, J and Cheng, G},
title = {The preprotein translocase YajC mediates biofilm formation and symbiotic nitrogen-fixation in Mesorhizobium huakuii.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0201626},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02016-26},
pmid = {42836343},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: In bacteria, the auxiliary complex SecDF-YajC participates in the Sec system, facilitating post-translational translocation of preproteins across the membrane through the SecYEG channel. Although YajC homologs are strongly conserved in rhizobial strains and may play important roles in many processes, the functions and mechanisms by which they are involved in the interaction between rhizobia and host legumes are unknown. By constructing Mesorhizobium huakuii yajC mutant, we observed an increase in the strain growth rate, but a reduction in both the biomass and average thickness of the biofilm in the yajC gene mutant compared to the wild type. Deletion of yajC gene results in severe suppression of competitive ability in the plant rhizosphere, alongside a substantial reduction in root hair curling and infection thread initiation during the early infection stages. The yajC-deficient mutant formed more numerous but smaller root nodules, with a 77% decrease in nitrogen-fixing capacity. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that yajC mutant bacteroids displayed, alongside clear hallmarks of cellular deformation, dissociation, and premature senescence. From nodule bacteroid proteomic analysis, we further identified 210 differentially expressed proteins, including 32 transport-related proteins, and 10 associated with nitrogen fixation. Altogether, our findings reveal the importance of YajC-mediated transport and biofilm formation in rhizobial infection and nodule development during M. huakuii-Astragalus sinicus symbiosis.

IMPORTANCE: In Mesorhizobium huakuii-Astragalus sinicus symbiosis, deletion of the conserved Sec subunit YajC delays early biofilm formation by impairing flagellar-driven attachment. However, the yajC mutant restores wild-type biofilm biomass later, via upregulation of EPS synthesis genes (exoA/exoY), the PTS(Ntr) regulator ptsN, and polysaccharide deacetylase. This recovery contrasts with permanent biofilm defects in other bacteria, underscoring the need for longer-term assessment. YajC loss also disrupts nitrogenase activity by impairing iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, Nif complex assembly, and electron transfer. As a compensatory response, plants form more nodules, offsetting reduced nitrogenase activity per nodule. Thus, multipath processes like biofilm formation show adaptability to secretion defects, whereas essential, linear pathways (e.g., nitrogenase maturation) remain highly sensitive. Our work redefines YajC: beyond its canonical role in Sec-mediated secretion, it is a rhizobium-specific factor critical for symbiosis, advancing understanding of secretion system roles in host-microbe interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42837083,
year = {2026},
author = {Verma, B and Mondal, P and Bhar, P and Kumar, S and Kachhap, A and Sharon, A and Chattopadhyay, S},
title = {Multiscale elucidation of reactive black 5 biodegradation by a synergistic bacterial consortium biofilm: experimental validation and molecular dynamics insights.},
journal = {Biodegradation},
volume = {37},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42837083},
issn = {1572-9729},
support = {वी. प्रा. /कौ-02/2016 (Part II)-48//Jharkhand Council on Science, Technology & Innovation (JCSTI), Government of Jharkhand/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Naphthalenesulfonates/metabolism/chemistry ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Bacillus/metabolism ; *Enterobacter/metabolism ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism ; *Coloring Agents/metabolism ; *Microbial Consortia ; },
abstract = {Reactive Black 5 (RB5) is a widely used azo dye in the textile industry that is highly toxic and harms both human health and the environment. The biofilm is a complex matrix comprising microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilm-based bioremediation is one of the most effective approaches for removing toxic RB5 from water. In this study, a biofilm-forming bacterial consortium comprising Bacillus tequilensis BS007 and Enterobacter mori BS008 was evaluated for treated RB5 dye. The consortium exhibited a specific growth rate (μmax) of 0.265 h[-][1] and efficient biofilm formation. The biofilm consortium achieved 98% decolorization of 100 ppm RB5 within 8 h (pH 8, 37 °C). FESEM analysis showed morphological changes in the biofilm, whereas FTIR confirmed the breakdown of azo bonds and changes in other functional groups in the dye after degradation. A biodegradation pathway was proposed based on degradation intermediates analyzed by GC-MS. Molecular modelling and dynamics simulations were performed with two enzymes primarily responsible for its degradation. RMSD and RMSF data up to 100 ns indicated stable docked structures, little structural variation, and a robust protein framework between the azoreductase enzyme and the RB5, which can correlate with the GC-MS data. Phytotoxicity assessment using Cicer arietinum demonstrated that compared to the control, seed germination increased from 40% in the untreated dye to 85% after treatment. These findings highlight the potential of the biofilm consortium as an efficient, environmentally sustainable approach for treating RB5-contaminated textile wastewater.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Naphthalenesulfonates/metabolism/chemistry
Biodegradation, Environmental
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
*Bacillus/metabolism
*Enterobacter/metabolism
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
*Coloring Agents/metabolism
*Microbial Consortia

@article {pmid42837892,
year = {2026},
author = {Magini, EB and Bauer, YG and Marques, J and Francisco, H and Passoni, B and Silva, N and Caramês, J and Cruz, ACC},
title = {Cranberry-coated mesoporous bioactive glass for bone tissue regeneration: Biofilm and osteogenic analysis in vitro.},
journal = {Archives of oral biology},
volume = {192},
number = {},
pages = {106773},
doi = {10.1016/j.archoralbio.2026.106773},
pmid = {42837892},
issn = {1879-1506},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to synthesize Cranberry-coated Mesoporous Bioactive Glass 58S (MBG-58S/CB) and evaluate its effects on biofilm formation and early osteogenic activity in vitro.

DESIGN: MBG-58S scaffolds were synthesized using the sol-gel method and coated with Cranberry extract (MBG-58S/CB). Because nanoscale mesoporosity was not independently verified by BET/BJH analysis, the mesoporous classification reflects the surfactant-templated synthesis method rather than confirmed pore architecture. Scaffolds underwent physicochemical characterization using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cranberry release was evaluated over 35 days. Biofilm formation (mono- and multi-species) was tested for MBG-58S, MBG-58S/CB, Nanosynt®, and Bio-Oss®. Cytocompatibility and osteogenic activity-assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization-were evaluated using stem cells from human-exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) across MBG-58S, MBG-58S/CB, and Bio-Oss® groups.

RESULTS: MBG-58S/CB showed a porous structure with Cranberry release over 35 days (cumulative release 3.43%); because this value was calculated from nominal loading rather than destructive quantification of the retained fraction, the true Cranberry content within the scaffold remains unconfirmed. MBG-58S/CB exhibited the lowest bacterial burden in 8-day multi-species biofilms, whereas 24-h Streptococcus oralis biofilm formation showed no significant differences among MBG-58S, MBG-58S/CB, and Nanosynt®. MBG-58S/CB demonstrated favorable 7-day cytocompatibility and higher ALP activity than Bio-Oss®. Conversely, Bio-Oss® promoted the highest 15-day mineralization, while MBG-58S and MBG-58S/CB showed limited mineralization.

CONCLUSIONS: MBG-58S/CB reduced multi-species biofilms and increased ALP activity, indicating early osteogenesis without enhanced late mineralization. Cranberry-coated MBG-58S shows potential as a multifunctional biomaterial, though further studies are needed to optimize loading and assess late-stage bone regeneration.},
}

@article {pmid42831379,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, S and Tang, Y and Wang, Z and Li, D},
title = {Biofilm-associated microbial risks in a mega water diversion project: distribution of putative pathogen-associated taxa and concrete biocorrosion potential in the Middle Route canal of the South-to-North water diversion project.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-16},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2742367},
pmid = {42831379},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {The ecological assembly of putative pathogen-associated taxa and the biogeochemical potential related to concrete biocorrosion have rarely been examined within an integrated framework in large freshwater diversion systems. We conducted quarterly biofilm sampling at eight stations along the Middle Route canal of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, and combined 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing with shotgun metagenomics to characterize longitudinal and seasonal microbial patterns. Taxonomy-based screening identified 279 putative pathogen-associated ASVs with a mean relative abundance of 3.40%, primarily affiliated with Bacillus and Brevundimonas. Their relative abundance was lowest in the middle reaches, where higher flow velocity and dissolved oxygen may reduce biofilm-associated retention. Total nitrogen accounted for the largest individual contribution among the measured environmental variables (6.13%), whereas normalized stochasticity ratios indicated that stochastic processes predominated in overall community assembly. Metagenomic analysis further revealed spatially structured nitrogen- and sulfur-cycling potential, including biocorrosion-associated taxa such as Thiobacillus and Desulfovibrio, with several related functional pathways showing comparatively higher abundances in upstream biofilms. These findings establish an integrated ecological framework in which stochastic assembly, nutrient-associated selection, and hydrodynamic modulation jointly shape biofilm-associated microbial risks. The study provides critical insights for safeguarding both water-quality monitoring and century-scale infrastructure performance in mega water diversion systems.},
}

@article {pmid42831884,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, W and Zhang, L and Sun, Y and Zhao, M and Xu, S and Yu, H and Wang, W and Liu, J and Ma, W and Wang, X and Zhang, Z and Sun, Y},
title = {The two-component system CrdRS mediates sub-inhibitory antibiotic-induced biofilm formation in Helicobacter pylori via bidirectional regulation of transporters PlpA and GlnP.},
journal = {Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0088226},
doi = {10.1128/aac.00882-26},
pmid = {42831884},
issn = {1098-6596},
abstract = {Biofilm formation by Helicobacter pylori is a major driver of antibiotic tolerance and treatment failure, yet the signaling pathways that trigger biofilm development under sub-inhibitory antibiotic pressure remain poorly understood. Here, we show that sub-MIC levels of metronidazole, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin potently induce dense H. pylori biofilms. Through transcriptomic and genetic analyses, we identify the two-component system CrdRS as a central signaling hub that orchestrates this response via the bidirectional regulation of two ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Phosphorylated CrdR binds to AC-rich promoter motifs to directly activate plpA, which encodes a substrate-binding protein that drives exopolysaccharide secretion and matrix assembly. Concomitantly, CrdR represses glnP, which encodes an inner-membrane permease, thereby relieving transcriptional inhibition of the L-asparaginase gene ansB. This derepression triggers aberrant reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which promotes oxidative stress-dependent biofilm maturation. Through phenotypic analysis of crdRS deletion mutants, phosphorylation-defective point mutants (CrdR[D53A] and CrdS[H173A]), and exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induction, we demonstrate that CrdRS is required for mediating antibiotic-induced stress responses in a manner genetically separable from ROS sensing. Collectively, our findings establish a dual-mechanism model in which CrdRS orchestrates antibiotic-induced biofilm formation by simultaneously controlling matrix production and intracellular ROS generation. Notably, glnP expression was significantly lower in clinical multidrug-resistant isolates than in drug-sensitive ones, whereas plpA showed the opposite trend. These findings provide a mechanistic foundation for developing CrdRS-targeted strategies to combat biofilm-associated H. pylori infections.},
}

@article {pmid42832111,
year = {2026},
author = {Tai, A and Hu, S and Dai, Z and Hu, Y and Guan, H and Xia, L and Cai, K and Xiao, Y and Ma, X and Xie, T and Chen, W and Ma, Y and Wang, J},
title = {A Novel Enterococcus Phage Exhibits Potent Anti-biofilm Activity Against Multidrug Resistant Strains and Protects Mice from Peritonitis Sepsis.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42832111},
issn = {1867-1314},
support = {32360910//Molecular epidemiological investigation of optrA/poxtA-positive Enterococcus from Xinjiang pigs and the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation on its intestinal transmission/ ; 32360868//Safety evaluation of probiotics in equine intestine and its reverse pathogenic mechanism of bacteriophages/ ; 2025D01D16//the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; },
abstract = {Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens that circulate among humans, animals, and the environment, and multidrug-resistant (MDR) enterococci have emerged as a growing One Health concern. In this study, a lytic Enterococcus phage, PEX, was isolated from horse-stable sewage using an equine Enterococcus faecium strain as the host. The antibacterial activity of PEX against MDR Enterococcus isolates of both human and animal origin was systematically investigated, and its therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo models. Phage PEX was isolated and purified using the double-layer agar technique. The stability, lytic activity, and host range of PEX were determined, and whole-genome sequencing was performed to characterize its biological features. Furthermore, its antibiofilm and therapeutic effects were evaluated using confocal microscopy, biofilm removal assays, and a mouse peritonitis sepsis model. The results showed that PEX exhibited a siphovirus-like morphology. Genomic analysis revealed that PEX is closely related to previously reported Enterococcus phages but possesses distinct genomic characteristics and lacks virulence, antibiotic resistance, and lysogeny-related genes. EOP assays confirmed that PEX exhibited a broad lytic host range, infecting multiple Enterococcus species, including clinical isolates and strains from diverse animal sources. Phage PEX remained stable at temperatures ranging from 4 °C to 50 °C and across pH values of 5-11. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 0.1, and strong inhibition of planktonic bacterial growth was observed across different MOIs. Importantly, phage PEX significantly disrupted biofilms formed by MDR Enterococcus strains in a concentration-dependent manner. In the murine peritoneal septicemia model, PEX significantly reduced bacterial dissemination and alleviated organ damage. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that phage PEX exhibits potent antibacterial activity against MDR Enterococcus strains both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for controlling MDR Enterococcus infections.},
}

@article {pmid42833569,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, G and Huang, J and Wang, X and Xu, H},
title = {Preparation of Hollow Co-doped ZIF-L-PDA for Synergistic Chemo-Photothermal Biofilm Eradication.},
journal = {Analytical biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {116264},
doi = {10.1016/j.ab.2026.116264},
pmid = {42833569},
issn = {1096-0309},
abstract = {Bacterial infections, especially those triggered by bacterial biofilms, remain a thorny challenge in antibacterial treatment. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as carriers of metal ions that can sustainably release antibacterial ingredients, provide a promising alternative strategy for combating bacterial infections. Although the introduction of metal ions into MOFs is a relatively uncomplicated process, it remains an arduous task to eradicate all pathogenic bacteria with a limited dosage. Herein, an economical and efficient hollow Co-doped ZIF-L-PDA (HZIF-L-PDA (Co)) nanomaterial was synthesized via a simple dopamine-mediated self-assembly reaction. The uniform incorporation of Co and Zn in the ZIF-L skeleton and the polymerization of dopamine were completed through a one-pot method, avoiding complexity and harsh synthesis conditions. Due to the abundant metal nodes of ZIF-L and the photothermal and adhesion ability of polydopamine (PDA), HZIF-L-PDA (Co) can adhere to the bacterial surface and rely on its chemical antibacterial action and photothermal effect to exhibit a synergistic antibacterial effect, causing cell membrane rupture and invagination in Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), respectively. Antibacterial experiments displayed that the sterilization rates of HZIF-L-PDA (Co) driven by near-infrared (NIR) light at low concentration (75 μg/mL) against E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus were 96.9% and 97.3%, respectively. The HZIF-L-PDA (Co) realized favorable eradication against E. coli O157:H7 mature biofilms, while the therapeutic effect against S. aureus biofilms was limited at the tested low concentration. Overall, we proposed an easily fabricated MOF-based nanocomposite that fought pathogenic bacteria through chemical and photothermal effects, promising as an alternative to antibiotics.},
}

@article {pmid42835296,
year = {2026},
author = {Sabapathi, M and Soundhararajan, R},
title = {Breaking the biofilm barrier: herbomineral nanocomposites to control Staphylococcus epidermidis through oxidative response and biofilm disruption.},
journal = {Frontiers in chemistry},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1917308},
pmid = {42835296},
issn = {2296-2646},
abstract = {The growing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-forming dental pathogens necessitates the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic pathogen associated with dental biofilms, oral microbial colonization, and implant-related infections, contributing to persistent infections and treatment challenges. In this study, a herbomineral nanocomposite (HMNCs) was fabricated using the traditional Siddha formulation Kalnar Parpam and silver nitrate, and its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated against S. epidermidis isolates obtained from dental caries-associated samples. Physicochemical characterization supported the formation of HMNCs. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak around 400 nm, while FTIR analysis revealed functional groups associated with the mineral matrix and synthesized HMNCs. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the material, and FESEM showed clustered nanostructures with particle sizes ranging from 52.8 to 117.9 nm, with an average particle size of 70.15 nm. DLS showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 400.4 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.197, while the zeta potential was -3.7 mV. XPS confirmed the presence of silver on the HMNCs surface, and ICP-OES quantified the total silver content as 0.040 mg/g (40 μg/g). TGA showed an approximately 18% mass loss up to 800 °C, with substantial inorganic residue. HMNCs exhibited antibacterial activity, with MIC values ranging from 0.325 to 1.5 μg/mL and MBC values ranging from 0.325 to 3.125 μg/mL. The MBC/MIC ratios ranged from 1.00 to 2.15 based on the operational MBC endpoint used in this study. Resazurin assays demonstrated concentration-dependent suppression of bacterial metabolic activity. HMNCs exposure was associated with increased DCFDA fluorescence and MDA levels, together with changes in GSH, SOD, and CAT parameters and leakage of intracellular sugars, proteins and nucleic acids. Furthermore, HMNCs inhibited biofilm formation and reduced preformed biofilm biomass, as demonstrated by crystal violet staining, with complementary FESEM and CLSM analyses using the SE4 isolate. Overall, the findings provide preliminary in vitro evidence of the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of HMNCs and support further investigation of this Siddha-inspired nanomaterial for potential oral healthcare applications.},
}

@article {pmid42835417,
year = {2026},
author = {Ji, Y and Huang, T and Xu, Q and Zhu, F and Zhao, ZZ},
title = {Nanozymes for periodontal biofilm-associated challenges: mechanisms, platforms, and translational perspectives.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1965283},
pmid = {42835417},
issn = {2296-4185},
abstract = {Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by dysbiotic subgingival biofilms whose extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix confers marked resistance to conventional therapies and host immunity, with antibiotic resistance further compounding the challenge. Nanozymes, as nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme-like catalytic activities, offer a promising alternative due to their catalytic efficiency, stability, and multifunctionality. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on nanozyme applications for overcoming biofilm-associated challenges in periodontitis, focusing on antibiofilm mechanisms, representative platforms, delivery strategies, and translational hurdles. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords including "nanozyme," "periodontitis," and "biofilm." Nanozymes combat periodontal biofilms through complementary mechanisms: reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via peroxidase- and oxidase-like activities to kill biofilm-embedded bacteria; degradation of EPS components including polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA; disruption of bacterial adhesion and quorum sensing; and modulation of inflammation via ROS scavenging through catalase- and superoxide dismutase-like activities. Representative platforms have been evaluated in diverse preclinical models including marginal periodontitis, apical periodontitis, and other biofilm-associated infections each with distinct levels of direct periodontal relevance. While some platforms have been validated directly in periodontitis models, others provide indirect evidence or mechanistic insights that inform translational potential. These include Ru-C3N4 single-atom nanozymes (tested in otitis media models), AgAu-CeO2 heterojunction nanozymes with probiotics, ferumoxytol (tested in apical periodontitis), mitochondria-targeted ferritin nanozymes, and Ru@COF nanozymes. Despite encouraging preclinical evidence, challenges in long-term biosafety, metal-ion accumulation, and clinical translation persist. Future research should prioritize standardized safety evaluation, biodegradable designs, and clinical validation to translate nanozyme-based therapies from bench to bedside.},
}

@article {pmid42835428,
year = {2026},
author = {Nebli, S and Saadaoui, O and Gargouri, H and Abid, C and Jardak, M and Djebali, F and Loukil, S and Marzoug, RB and Jlaiel, L and Croze, S and Lachuer, J and Kharrat, N and Mnif, S},
title = {The endophyte Fusarium oxysporum 3RR genome analysis identifies bioactive compounds targeting biofilm formation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1841716},
pmid = {42835428},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The rising global challenge of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated infections necessitates the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Endophytic fungi, recognized for their metabolic versatility and ecological adaptability, represent a promising, yet underexplored, source of such molecules. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the biosynthetic potential of Fusarium oxysporum strain 3RR and establish mechanistic links between its genomic architecture, enzymatic capacity, and observed antibiofilm and antibacterial activities.

METHODS: An integrated genomics-metabolomics approach was employed. Whole-genome sequencing combined Illumina paired-end and Oxford Nanopore long-read technologies, with hybrid assembly via SPAdes. Gene prediction was performed using BRAKER3 followed by functional annotation via InterProScan, eggNOG-mapper, while biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were predicted using antiSMASH v8.0.4. Antibacterial activity was assessed by agar disk diffusion and microdilution, and antibiofilm activity by crystal violet quantification and microscopy. The extract composition was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS: The assembled genome (41.14 Mb, N50 = 3.52 Mb) was annotated, and predicted to contain 11,738 genes. 36 BGCs were identified, predominantly terpenes, NRPS, and PKS clusters. CAZy analysis revealed a notable CE10 esterase expansion. GC-MS identified 14 major compounds in the extracellular ethyl acetate extract, dominated by 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP, 16.72%), oleic acid (10.14%), and 8-hydroxyisotrichodermin (7.79%). The extract exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (up to 34 mm inhibition zone) and Escherichia coli, and remarkable antibiofilm effects, inhibiting S. epidermidis biofilm formation by 96.11% and eradicating Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by up to 54.85%, confirmed microscopically.

DISCUSSION: The study reveals a sophisticated metabolic architecture in F. oxysporum 3RR, driven by CAZy enzymes and secondary metabolite BGCs. CE10 may act as a metabolic interface by facilitating the liberation or transformation of phenolic and lipid-derived compounds, thereby increasing their potential bioavailability. Rather than attributing the observed bioactivity to 2,4-DTBP or oleic acid alone, the present work places these known metabolites within their genomic and ecological context, linking them to the strain's biosynthetic capacity and its plant-endophytic lifestyle.

CONCLUSION: F. oxysporum 3RR possesses a powerful chemical defense and offense system, positioning this endophytic fungus as a promising source for novel therapeutic agents against microbial biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42826101,
year = {2026},
author = {Fields, JL and Sebastian, CC and Zhang, H and Bhaumik, R and Zia, A and Robertson, AN and Anderson, GG and Mattoo, S and Wu, H and Kiedrowski, MR and Wang, F},
title = {The CUP pilus SMF-1 utilizes a specific antiparallel bundling mechanism to initiate biofilm formation.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {10},
pages = {118075},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.118075},
pmid = {42826101},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms enable microbial communities to withstand environmental stress and antibiotic challenge. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently colonizes cystic fibrosis airways. Its chaperone-usher pathway (CUP) pilus, SMF-1, is essential for biofilm development, but its molecular architecture has remained unknown. Here, we present a 4.0 Å cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure demonstrating that the classic γ4 CUP pilus SMF-1 assembles into zigzag filaments that pair into antiparallel "pili couples" and higher order bundles. These bundles serve as intercellular tethers that drive rapid cell aggregation during biofilm initiation. Despite belonging to the classic CUP family, SMF-1 lacks the subunit interfaces required for canonical rod-like architectures, providing structural evidence of convergent evolution toward archaic-like biofilm bundling mechanisms. Furthermore, appendage-driven motility acts synergistically with SMF-1 pili to accelerate intercellular encounters and aggregate assembly. Together, these findings reveal a structural mechanism of pilus-mediated crosslinking promoting bacterial colonization.},
}

@article {pmid42826531,
year = {2026},
author = {Tüzemen, G and Tüzemen, NÜ and Avcı Küpeli, Z and Özakın, C},
title = {Comparative effects of saline, streptomycin, and ozone nasal irrigation on Staphylococcus aureus-induced experimental rhinosinusitis: microbiological, histopathological, and biofilm analyses.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology},
volume = {92},
number = {6},
pages = {101916},
doi = {10.1016/j.bjorl.2026.101916},
pmid = {42826531},
issn = {1808-8686},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Rhinosinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. Nasal irrigation is widely used as an adjunctive treatment for sinonasal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether nasal irrigation with streptomycin or ozone provides additional benefit compared with saline irrigation alone.

METHODS: We used 22 female Sprague-Dawley rats to induce bacterial rhinosinusitis. Group 1 was not irrigated, group 2 was irrigated with saline, group 3 with streptomycin, and group 4 with ozone solution. After the treatment, sinus mucosa samples were evaluated using microbiological methods to measure bacterial load. The histopathological inflammation rate was determined, and biofilm formation was assessed semi-quantitatively using scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS: After irrigation, a significant reduction in bacterial counts was observed in all groups. In the streptomycin group, viable bacteria in the lumen were largely reduced; however, bacteria that adhered to the mucosa remained. Although the streptomycin group showed the lowest average scores for both biofilm and inflammation, these differences were not statistically significant. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This experimental study explored biofilm formation in an acute bacterial rhinosinusitis model. Irrigation procedures were associated with a reduction in bacterial load, but no statistically significant differences were observed between groups in terms of histopathological findings or biofilm formation. These findings should be interpreted cautiously, and further studies with larger sample sizes are required to clarify their potential clinical relevance.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable (preclinical animal model).},
}

@article {pmid42827066,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, MY and Mangal, U and Jung, HI and Po, E and Kim, D and Im, H and Shin, SJ and Kwon, JS and Choi, SH},
title = {Transparent 3D-printable biointeractive surfaces enable real-time oral biofilm investigation under controlled flow.},
journal = {Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.dental.2026.09.017},
pmid = {42827066},
issn = {1879-0097},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To identify a transparent, directly 3D-printable material (CYTO) capable of recapitulating hydroxyapatite (HA)-associated bacterial attachment while enabling real-time microfluidic investigation of oral biofilms under controlled flow conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Smooth and rough polydimethylsiloxane (sPDMS and rPDMS, respectively), CYTO, and sintered HA were characterized in terms of surface morphology, roughness, wettability, surface energy, and protein adsorption. Enterococcus faecalis attachment was assessed under conventional flow chamber conditions and within a transparent microfluidic chip enabling real-time observation. A 3D-printed root canal platform incorporating accessory canal structures was further developed to evaluate irrigant-mediated bacterial removal under hydrodynamic conditions.

RESULTS: CYTO exhibited substantially greater protein adsorption (44.13 ± 2.57 µg/mL) than sPDMS (6.55 ± 2.80 µg/mL) and rPDMS (11.21 ± 1.56 µg/mL). Bacterial attachment on CYTO was significantly greater than on both PDMS surfaces and approached that observed on HA. The transparent microfluidic platform enabled continuous visualization and temporal mapping of bacterial attachment under flow, with spatially heterogeneous colonization patterns. In the root canal model, sodium hypochlorite irrigation achieved approximately 90% bacterial removal in accessory canals ≥ 300 μm in width, whereas lower removal was observed in 100-200 μm canals.

SIGNIFICANCE: CYTO more closely replicated the biointeractive behavior of HA than conventional PDMS-based materials while maintaining optical transparency and direct printability. The developed platform enables real-time oral biofilm analysis and hydrodynamically controlled irrigation studies in complex geometries, providing an experimental approach beyond conventional static biofilm models and PDMS-based microfluidic systems.},
}

@article {pmid42830134,
year = {2026},
author = {Moulick, S and Panigrahi, S and Konatam, S and Tandi, A and Roy, DN},
title = {Discovery of bacterial biofilm inhibitors against catheter-associated urinary tract infections using computational approaches.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107737},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107737},
pmid = {42830134},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {One of the most frequent device-associated infections obtained in a hospital setting is catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The rise of CAUTIs caused by biofilm-forming bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, has become a significant challenge due to their drug resistance phenomenon in healthcare settings. Biofilms confer resistance to both host immune responses and antimicrobial drugs, making infections difficult to treat. This review aims to explore biofilm inhibitors targeting proteins that have not yet been fully explored computationally against CAUTI-causing bacteria, and to examine the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in the six major bacteria. A list of potential inhibitors from both natural and synthetic sources, identified through computational approaches by various groups, has been mentioned for further research in in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, there is a considerable scope of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which has been highlighted to overcome the challenges and limitations of current states of promising inhibitor development, as well as a description of future directions for computational methods against CAUTI-associated bacterial biofilm-mediated drug resistance has been included to sort out the current limitations.},
}

@article {pmid42830706,
year = {2026},
author = {Suvan, J and Van der Weijden, GA and Slot, DE and Valkenburg, C and Marletta, D and Culshaw, S and D'Aiuto, F},
title = {Management of Dental Biofilm-Induced Gingivitis: Oral Hygiene Instruction, Behavioural Strategies and Self-Performed Mechanical Oral Hygiene-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of clinical periodontology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jcpe.70192},
pmid = {42830706},
issn = {1600-051X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Effective self-performed oral hygiene is fundamental to the prevention and control of dental biofilm-induced gingivitis. While reinforcement strategies and behavioural interventions (including technologies/digital adjuncts) may improve adherence, advances in oral hygiene devices may enhance the mechanical efficacy of plaque removal. This systematic review evaluated the effects of (1) enhanced oral hygiene instruction, (2) behavioural/motivational/technology interventions and (3) oral hygiene devices on gingival inflammation in adults with gingivitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic searches identified randomised controlled trials comparing enhanced versus standard oral hygiene instruction (PICOS 1), behavioural/motivational/technological adjuncts versus standard instruction (PICOS 2) and power versus manual toothbrush devices (PICOS 3). Primary outcome was bleeding on probing (BoP) at a minimum of 3 months. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses and, where appropriate, network meta-analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included (PICOS 1: n = 7, PICOS 2: n = 9, PICOS 3: n = 21). Enhanced oral hygiene instruction produced a statistically significant but modest reduction in gingival bleeding compared with standard instruction. Behavioural/motivational/technological interventions yielded small but statistically significant and consistent benefits, with low-to-moderate heterogeneity. In contrast, powered toothbrushes demonstrated substantially greater reductions in gingival bleeding and plaque compared with manual brushing. Network meta-analysis ranked oscillating-rotating and high-frequency sonic powered toothbrushes as the most effective interventions, with large effect sizes and consistent findings across studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Reinforced instruction and behavioural interventions produce meaningful improvements in gingival inflammation. Powered toothbrushes consistently provide improvements in gingival health over manual toothbrushes. While effective powered devices have a strong influence on gingival therapeutic outcomes, the foundation of long-term oral health lies in well-instructed, consistent self-care.},
}

@article {pmid42826073,
year = {2026},
author = {Luthuli, S and Scarpulla, N and Bertolino, L and Luthuli, L and Durante-Mangoni, E},
title = {Iron, Biofilm, and Colorectal Cancer: Mechanistic Insights Into Enterococcus faecalis Pathogenesis.},
journal = {APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica},
volume = {134},
number = {10},
pages = {e70268},
pmid = {42826073},
issn = {1600-0463},
mesh = {Humans ; *Enterococcus faecalis/pathogenicity/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Iron/metabolism ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/pathology ; *Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology ; Extrachromosomal DNA ; Virulence ; },
abstract = {Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal of the human gastrointestinal microbiota that has emerged as a successful opportunistic pathogen associated with persistent infections, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation. Increasing evidence indicates that iron availability functions as a master environmental signal coordinating E. faecalis pathogenic traits. This review summarizes clinical, molecular, and sequencing-based studies linking iron homeostasis to extracellular DNA (eDNA) dynamics, biofilm architecture, virulence regulation, and immune evasion, and critically evaluates the emerging but still associative evidence connecting E. faecalis to colorectal carcinogenesis. We highlight how iron sensing and uptake systems modulate biofilm stability through eDNA release, metabolic cooperation, and transcriptional control via the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) and other regulatory networks. We further integrate experimental findings that suggest how these mechanisms may promote inflammation-driven tumorigenesis in the colon, although a complete causal pathway has not yet been established. Finally, we discuss translational implications, including iron-targeting and eDNA-disruptive strategies as promising anti-virulence approaches, and identify key knowledge gaps requiring future investigation. This review positions iron metabolism at the center of E. faecalis pathogenicity and underscores its potential as a therapeutic target, while recognizing the need for further mechanistic and clinical validation.},
}

Humans
*Enterococcus faecalis/pathogenicity/physiology/genetics/metabolism
*Iron/metabolism
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/pathology
*Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology
Extrachromosomal DNA
Virulence

@article {pmid42821538,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohammed, S and Abdul-Karim, Z and Ndezure, E and Addo, MG and Boampong, K},
title = {Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of Vernonia amygdalina and Senna siamea leaf extracts against pathogenic bacteria.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {10},
pages = {e0358840},
pmid = {42821538},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Vernonia/chemistry ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Senna Plant/chemistry ; Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology ; },
abstract = {The study assessed the antibacterial and antibiofilm capability of Vernonia amygdalina and Senna siamea against both ESBL- and non-ESBL-producing bacteria. The result from the phytochemical screening revealed that secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, triterpenoids, and phytosteroids were present in both plants, except glycosides, which were exclusively detected in Vernonia amygdalina. The antibacterial activity showed that Senna siamea had its highest zone of inhibition against K. pneumoniae, whereas Vernonia amygdalina recorded its highest effect on E. coli. The MIC values for Senna siamea ranged from 6.25 to 25.00 mg/mL, while the MICs of Vernonia amygdalina ranged from 12.50 ± 0.00 to 50.00 ± 0.00 mg/mL. Combination testing indicated synergy between the two extracts only for E. coli. Antibiofilm assays showed clear dose-dependent inhibition. At 100 mg/mL, Vernonia amygdalina showed 99.01% inhibition against ESBL K. pneumoniae, while Senna siamea at the same concentration reached 99.72% against S. aureus. These data demonstrate the relevant antibacterial and antibiofilm activities for each extract and support continuing efforts that could include them in new strategies against resistant pathogens, including ESBL-producers.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Vernonia/chemistry
*Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
*Senna Plant/chemistry
Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology
Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology

@article {pmid42821794,
year = {2026},
author = {Shuai, T and Xue, S and Li, D and Zuo, X and Liu, W and Lu, Y and Li, X},
title = {Development and evaluation of a dynamic in vitro biofilm model of dental unit waterlines incorporating simulated back-suction.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2736045},
pmid = {42821794},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {This study developed a dynamic in vitro dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) biofilm model incorporating simulated back-suction. The model consisted of 165-cm polyurethane tubing connected to a dynamic flow system and operated intermittently to simulate routine clinical use. Simulated back-suction was produced by injecting 0.1 mL of clinical oral fluid into the tubing after each operating cycle. Over 6 weeks, three model waterlines with simulated back-suction and three without simulated back-suction were compared with three clinical DUWLs from dental chair units. Planktonic bacterial counts in outlet water were measured longitudinally, and biofilm formation on the inner tubing surface was evaluated by heterotrophic plate counts and scanning electron microscopy at predefined time points. Outlet bacterial counts in clinical and back-suction model groups both exceeded 100 CFU/mL from day 3, with parallel trajectories (p > 0.05). In contrast, the model without back-suction exceeded the threshold only after day 9, with significantly lower counts. Biofilms in the back-suction model developed into dense, multilayered structures, whereas only sparse microcolonies formed otherwise. These findings support the clinical relevance of incorporating simulated back-suction into an in vitro DUWL biofilm model and its potential use as a platform for future studies of DUWL biofilm formation and control.},
}

@article {pmid42822736,
year = {2026},
author = {Lalbiaktluangi, C and Singh, A and Jop Vidal, AG and Singh, J and Kant, K and Vellingiri, B and Iyer, M and Singh, PK and Ram, H and Kharat, AS and Vidal, JE and Yadav, MK},
title = {A 25-year Patent Landscape of Anti-Biofilm Strategies for Respiratory Tract Infections: Trends, Innovations, and Emerging Clinical Opportunities.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108840},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108840},
pmid = {42822736},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) remain a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, and their clinical management is increasingly undermined by the biofilm mode of growth of major respiratory pathogens. Biofilm formation confers profound tolerance to conventional antibiotics through the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, metabolic adaptations, and rapid acquisition of resistance, underscoring the need for new therapeutic strategies. Patents offer a valuable and timely insight into emerging technologies with translational potential. In this review, we analyse patents published between 2000 and 2025 that could be explored for the management of microbial biofilms related to respiratory infectious diseases. Using the WIPO Patentscope database, we identified 135 relevant patents and examined trends in patent activity, innovation classes, and proposed therapeutic modalities. These patents encompass a broad landscape of biological, chemical, and device-based strategies-including enzymes, peptides, nanoparticles, phages, probiotics, repurposed drugs, and engineered delivery systems-many of which demonstrate efficacy against biofilms formed by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other key respiratory pathogens. This 25-year patent analysis highlights a maturing innovation pipeline and reveals promising therapeutic directions for overcoming biofilm-associated recalcitrance in RTIs, offering a foundation for future drug development and clinical translation.},
}

@article {pmid42822905,
year = {2026},
author = {Murugavel, A and Gunasekaran, S and Ramakrishnan, J},
title = {Elucidating the effect of cations in environmental-clinical interface of Klebsiella biofilm and related genes.},
journal = {Journal of environmental sciences (China)},
volume = {169},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1016/j.jes.2026.02.013},
pmid = {42822905},
issn = {1001-0742},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Klebsiella/physiology/genetics ; *Cations ; Lipopolysaccharides ; },
abstract = {The determined role of Klebsiella biofilm formation in urinary tract causing recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) infections remains unclear, particularly regarding how environmental survival strategies translate to clinical virulence. On elimination of nitrogen source, the medium with carbon source (glucose) and cations mediates the Klebsiella biofilm formation. Among the tested cations, K[+] and Ca[2+] cations yielded strong biofilm in clinical and environment isolates in pH between 6.5 to 9.5. Concurrently, the ions enhanced the size of the capsule and cell density of Klebsiella but were not correlated with biofilm mass. Expression of the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) gene (wabG) either in planktonic or biofilm stage promoted biofilm formation in the presence of K[+], Ca[2+] and Na[+]. Whereas, expression of fimbriae genes (fimH and mrkD) was co-regulated, and capsule genes (rmpA and wcab) were absent. Stating, the primary component needed for the Klebsiella biofilm is not the capsule or fimbriae, rather LPS. This suggests that LPS, rather than capsule or fimbriae, is the primary component driving biofilm development at the environmental-clinical interface. Consequently, wabG emerges as a potent target for treating Klebsiella biofilms in UTIs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first kind of study on the effect of cations on biofilm and planktonic cells of Klebsiella sp. and demonstrating the role of LPS biosynthesis gene (wabG) in biofilm development.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Klebsiella/physiology/genetics
*Cations
Lipopolysaccharides

@article {pmid42825322,
year = {2026},
author = {Takahashi, C},
title = {Collagen-mediated biofilm formation and fibrillar organization in Staphylococcus epidermidis.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2740722},
pmid = {42825322},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {The symbiotic skin bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis moisturizes human skin, contributes to protection against external pathogens, and supports innate immune stimulation. However, the interaction between collagen, a major skin protein, and S. epidermidis remains insufficiently explored. In this study, biofilm development was investigated using scanning electron microscopy with ionic liquid pretreatment, confocal laser scanning microscopy, biofilm quantification assays, and growth curve analysis. In the presence of collagen, cells adhered to the substrate, secreted microvesicles, formed web-like intercellular fibrillar connections, and became embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance-like matrix. Confocal microscopy and quantitative analyses showed that collagen supplementation significantly increased biofilm thickness and biomass over time, with biomass approximately 1.6-fold higher at 36 h, while growth curves indicated minimal effects on bacterial proliferation. As biofilms matured, surface cells exhibited organized alignment, and thread-like fibrils connected cells in less dense regions. These findings suggest that collagen promotes distinct biofilm architectures and influences the structural development of biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42825578,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, Q and Li, Y and Wang, P and Zhang, C and Ni, H and Zhang, Y and Cui, Y and Zhou, M and Ni, J and Zhang, L and Hua, X and Yu, Y and Shi, Q and Du, X},
title = {A wspA mutation in a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa results in rugose small colonies and enhances biofilm formation.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0053026},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00530-26},
pmid = {42825578},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major multidrug-resistant pathogen whose biofilm formation complicates treatment. Rugose small colony variants (RSCVs) exhibit enhanced biofilm production and resistance, posing significant clinical challenges; however, their formation mechanisms in clinical strains remain incompletely understood. Paired clinical isolates AR8023-1 (wild type) and AR8023-2 (RSCV) were chronologically collected from urine samples of a neurosurgery inpatient. Genome comparison via Breseq and plasmid complementation constructed the complemented strain AR8023-2[RifR]::wspA[AR8023-1]. All strains were examined for RSCV phenotype, biofilm formation, motility, transcriptomic changes, c-di-GMP quantification, and antimicrobial susceptibility under planktonic and biofilm conditions. Both isolates were identified as ST3420. AR8023-1 exhibited typical smooth morphology, while AR8023-2 displayed an RSCV phenotype with a single SNP-a glutamine deletion at position 289 (ΔQ289) in WspA. Complementation restored wild-type morphology, motility, and biofilm formation. Transcriptomics revealed significant upregulation of c-di-GMP metabolic genes in RSCVs (P < 0.001), suggesting that WspAΔQ289 increases diguanylate cyclase activity and elevates c-di-GMP synthesis. Intracellular c-di-GMP levels were ~3-fold higher in RSCVs than in wild-type and complemented strains (P < 0.001). Biofilm susceptibility testing demonstrated that β-lactam MBICs for RSCVs were 8- to 512-fold higher than those of wild-type and complement isolates. Introduction of the same WspAΔQ289 allele into P. aeruginosa PAO1 did not recapitulate the RSCV phenotype, indicating that strain background contributes to the phenotypic outcome. This study confirms and extends the role of a clinical WspAΔ289Q mutation that elevates c-di-GMP, driving RSCV formation and biofilm-mediated resistance.IMPORTANCEThis study further characterizes a specific WspAΔ289Q mutation in clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is associated with activation of the c-di-GMP pathway, driving rugose small colony variant (RSCV) formation and hyper-biofilm phenotypes. The mutation markedly enhances biofilm-mediated β-lactam resistance, which is consistent with treatment failure. Complementation restores wild-type traits, supporting the importance of WspA structural integrity as a key regulator of colony morphology and antibiotic tolerance. These findings provide a molecular biomarker for RSCV surveillance and highlight c-di-GMP signaling as a therapeutic target against biofilm-associated chronic infections, although the phenotype is strain-dependent and the mutation occurs in a previously identified WspA hotspot.},
}

@article {pmid42825697,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, W and Rui, B and Wang, G and Ruan, Z and Luo, Z and Zhang, Y and Shi, T and Huang, Y and Chen, Y},
title = {Lactate-Depleting Nanotherapy Reprograms the Immunometabolic Microenvironment to Overcome Biofilm Tolerance in Implant-Associated Infections.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e75214},
doi = {10.1002/adma.75214},
pmid = {42825697},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {82472464//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82172455//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82302789//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024M760565//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation in implant-associated infections (IAIs) establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment while conferring profound antibiotic tolerance. Through multi-omics profiling of clinical IAI samples, we identify lactate as a key metabolite associated with immunosuppression within the biofilm-associated microenvironment of IAIs. Guided by this insight, we engineer a nanotherapeutic platform (LMVM) comprising vacancy-engineered hollow magnetite nanoparticles (VE-HMN) coloaded with lactate oxidase (LOX) and metronidazole (MNZ). By depleting lactate, LMVM remodels the immunosuppressive microenvironment and restores antimicrobial immunity, thereby highlighting lactate as an immunometabolic regulator in biofilm-associated infections. Simultaneously, lactate oxidation intensifies local hypoxia, which redirects bacterial metabolism to activate MNZ against tolerant subpopulations while suppressing staphyloxanthin (STX)-dependent antioxidant defenses. As a result, this immunometabolism-guided nanotherapy achieves robust biofilm eradication in murine IAI models and promotes tissue repair. Collectively, these findings identify lactate-mediated immunosuppression as a therapeutically actionable feature of biofilm-associated infections and support a clinically guided materials strategy that couples immunometabolic microenvironment remodeling with the eradication of antibiotic-tolerant biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42813027,
year = {2026},
author = {Al Mouslem, A and Alotaibi, G and Alkhammash, A and Pottathil, S},
title = {Translating microbial knowledge into clinical biofilm therapies.},
journal = {Open medicine (Warsaw, Poland)},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {20261544},
pmid = {42813027},
issn = {2391-5463},
abstract = {Biofilms are highly organized microbial communities that adhere to living or nonliving surfaces and are enclosed in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Their tolerance against antimicrobial agents and host defenses makes them a major challenge across clinical, industrial, and environmental fields. This review offers an in-depth analysis of biofilm formation, structure, and dispersal mechanisms, highlighting the genetic and molecular regulators that underlie their development. This review also provides extensive details of advanced and investigative strategies for biofilm eradication, including antibody-based approaches, photodynamic therapy, nanotechnology-driven solutions, surface modification of biomaterials, biological and phage-based approaches, the integration of smart and responsive systems, and host immune modulation methods. By integrating recent advances in imaging, experimental modeling, therapeutic innovations, artificial intelligence, and machine learning models, this work highlights not only the complexity of biofilm biology but also the research and development prospects for effective intervention tools. Finally, this review discusses major translational challenges associated with moving antibiofilm strategies from laboratory research to clinical and device-related applications. This review also proposes practical guidelines to overcome these challenges. Overall, the review highlights the requirements for interdisciplinary collaboration across microbiology, materials science, clinical medicine, and regulatory frameworks. Unlike traditional descriptive reviews, this review adopts a decision-oriented framework, providing clear research guidance for researchers.},
}

@article {pmid42815024,
year = {2026},
author = {Ashokkumar, S and Bhatnagar, A and Acharya, TR and Shin, YO and Choi, EH and Lee, YC},
title = {Bioabsorbable Cold Plasma-Generated Nitric Oxide Gas and Plasma-Activated Nitric Oxide Water: Inactivation of Oral Planktonic and Biofilm-Forming Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {ChemPlusChem},
volume = {91},
number = {10},
pages = {e70257},
doi = {10.1002/cplu.70257},
pmid = {42815024},
issn = {2192-6506},
support = {RS-2021-NR060112//National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea and the Korean Government/ ; IRIS RS-2026-25536099//Korea Basic Science Institute (National Research Facilities and Equipment Center) grant funded by the Korean Government (MOE)/ ; },
mesh = {*Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/physiology ; *Nitric Oxide/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Plasma Gases/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Water/chemistry ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Gas plasma exposure and plasma-activated water (PAW) containing long-lived reactive oxygen species (H2O2) and nitrogen species (NO2 [‒], NO3 [‒]) generated by a multielectrode cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge plasma effectively inactivated oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans, opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, and foodborne or intestinal Escherichia coli strains, which were used as comparator organisms. Gas plasma exposure to the water alters the water pH, H2O2, and NOx (Combined NO2 [‒] & NO3 [‒]) concentrations. Gas Plasma (NOx and O3) achieved a 4-6 log reduction of bacteria within 16 min, while PAW induced a 5-6 log reduction within 3 days and reduced biofilm formation by 50 ± 0.21% ~ 40 ± 8.65%. These results show that bacteria, surface morphology, live/dead and RONS imaging, and flow cytometry consistently demonstrate that biocompatible plasma treatment significantly controls oral pathogens. Plasma gas and both distilled and tap-water PAW effectively inhibited S. mutans, with higher selectivity than that of other bacteria. This study highlights the potential of PAW as a novel, biocompatible strategy to mitigate the virulence of oral bacteria.},
}

*Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/physiology
*Nitric Oxide/chemistry/pharmacology
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Plasma Gases/chemistry/pharmacology
*Water/chemistry
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry

@article {pmid42815608,
year = {2026},
author = {Noman, M and Ullah, N and Ali, KS and Bilal, and Khan, F and Guanyu, J and Can, W},
title = {Enhancement of Activated Sludge Biofilm Formation and Microbial Community Modulation by Exogenous Amino Acid Supplementation Under Different Environmental Conditions.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125787},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125787},
pmid = {42815608},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Stable biofilm formation is essential for improving the efficiency of biofilm-based biological processes, including wastewater treatment systems and membrane bioreactors. In recent decades, biofilms have attracted considerable research interest because of their efficiency, ease of use, and minimal environmental impacts. However, uncontrolled biofilm development and insufficient microbial attachment under variable environmental conditions remain major limitations in practical applications. Although external nutrient addition has been widely investigated for improving microbial growth, the effects of specific amino acids on biofilm formation and microbial community organization are still poorly understood. In this study, exogenous amino acids (arginine, ornithine, and lysine) were applied to activated sludge systems to evaluate their potential for enhancing biofilm formation and influencing microbial community structure under different environmental conditions. The effects of amino acid type, concentration (0.5-10 mM), incubation time, temperature, light/dark, carrier surface properties, light/dark, and hydrodynamic stress conditions on biofilm development were investigated. The results demonstrated that amino acid supplementation significantly promoted biofilm formation compared with control. The highest biofilm biomass was observed at 1 mM arginine and 3 mM ornithine and lysine concentrations under the tested conditions. Among the tested amino acids, arginine exhibited the strongest biofilm-promoting capability, followed by ornithine and lysine. Evaluation of environmental conditions revealed that moderate temperatures (24-32[◦]C), suitable rotational speeds (100-150 rpm), porous and rigid carriers, and appropriate maturation time (21-28 days) favored biofilm development. Furthermore, high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that selected amino acid supplementation was associated with changes in microbial diversity and biofilm-associated community structure. Overall, this study demonstrates that exogenous amino acid supplementation can influence biofilm formation and microbial community structure in activated sludge under different environmental conditions. The outcomes of this study enhance our understanding of the influence of different environmental conditions on biofilm development and provide possible strategies for promoting biofilm formation under different environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42815609,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Q and Li, J and Li, S and Zhang, L and Zeng, Z and Sand, W},
title = {Pseudoalteromonas lipolytica and its EPS-overproducing variant for acid mine drainage control: biofilm formation and biomineralization.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125820},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125820},
pmid = {42815609},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Acid mine drainage from metal sulfide tailings poses severe environmental risks. Although microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been explored for heavy metal immobilization, the common ureolytic pathway generates harmful ammonia. This study demonstrated that Pseudoalteromonas lipolytica SCSIO 04301 and its extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-overproducing variant effectively passivated pyrite and lead-zinc tailings via biomineralization without urea supplementation or ammonia release. Both strains formed biofilms and induced aragonite precipitation. For pyrite, passivation suppressed Fe release from ∼7500 μg/L to <60 μg/L over 180 days; leachates from passivated pyrite promoted Brassica chinensis growth to ∼100 mg fresh weight (vs. ∼53 mg for unpassivated controls). For tailings, both strains reduced total soluble metals (Fe+Al+Pb+Zn) to ≤45 μg/L, and leachates promoted plant growth to 93-121 mg. On pyrite, the EPS-overproducing variant formed a smoother, more uniform coating faster than the wild-type strain, which correlated with greater suppression of surface oxidation. On tailings, the wild-type strain formed large aggregates while the variant encapsulated individual particles; both achieved comparable passivation, but the variant showed higher susceptibility to heavy metal stress. Marine calcifying bacteria thus offer an environmentally benign alternative to ureolytic MICP for metal sulfide passivation, avoiding secondary ammonia pollution.},
}

@article {pmid42816495,
year = {2026},
author = {Baillez, A and Dewitte, A and Pierre, F and Kortebi, M and Lioy, VS and Hillion, M and Hardouin, J and Janel, S and Thuru, X and Clarisse, C and Bouafia, H and Masselot, CR and Bontemps-Gallo, S and Sebbane, F},
title = {A dual-host regulatory hub integrating biofilm formation and innate immunity resistance.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42816495},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {101118880//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; ANR-11-IDEX-0003//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-20-CE35-005//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-11-IDEX-0003//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-20-CE35-005//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-21-CE15-0047//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Immunity, Innate ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Yersinia pestis/physiology/genetics/immunology/pathogenicity ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology/immunology ; Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne pathogens must adapt to sharply distinct host environments, yet the regulatory logic that coordinates transitions between opposing host-specific programs remains poorly defined. Here, we identify a minimal regulatory module in the flea-borne pathogen Yersinia pestis that integrates vector transmission with resistance to mammalian innate immunity. Screening of flea-induced genes uncovered the regulator HdfR, which acts primarily through activation of maoP, encoding a nucleoid-associated protein. This HdfR-MaoP module promotes biofilm-dependent foregut blockage in the flea while coordinating baseline envelope adaptations that limit complement recognition and inducible responses that confer resistance to antimicrobial peptides under mammalian host-like conditions. Functional interchangeability of HdfR and MaoP homologs reveals evolutionary conservation of this regulatory logic, and pharmacological perturbation of the module sensitizes Y. pestis to antimicrobial peptides. Together, these findings define a parsimonious and evolutionarily conserved regulatory hub that orchestrates bacterial success across abrupt environmental transitions and exposes a tractable point of intervention.},
}

Animals
*Immunity, Innate
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Yersinia pestis/physiology/genetics/immunology/pathogenicity
*Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
*Siphonaptera/microbiology/immunology
Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology

@article {pmid42818078,
year = {2026},
author = {Do, E and McManus, J and Mitchell, AP},
title = {Two Ume6 target gene classes in the biofilm regulatory network of Candida albicans.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.24.753443},
pmid = {42818078},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Biofilm formation by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans is a major source of infection. The biofilm regulator Ume6 forms complexes with partner transcription factors Efg1, Ndt80, and Upc2 to drive expression of biofilm-related genes. Here we present chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing (ChIP-seq) data for Ume6-chromatin association in both wild-type and efg1 Δ/Δ ndt80 Δ/Δ upc2 Δ/Δ backgrounds. Ume6 associates with two promoter region classes. For one class, Ume6 association is significantly decreased in the efg1 Δ/Δ ndt80 Δ/Δ upc2 Δ/Δ background. This class includes 577 genes, many with well-established roles in biofilm formation or the related process of filamentation. For the second class, Ume6 association is unperturbed in the triple mutant background. This class includes 534 genes, some with roles in iron homeostasis (e.g., SFU1) and ergosterol synthesis (e.g., ERG11), which may contribute to the impact of Ume6 on ndt80 Δ/Δ mutant azole drug sensitivity. It also includes FLO9 , a putative adhesin gene that is required for the emergent biofilm state produced by efg1 Δ/Δ ndt80 Δ/Δ double mutants. The data show that Ume6 binding to ~half of its targets requires known partners, and Ume6 binding to ~half of its targets does not. Ume6 may bind to the latter set of promoter regions independently of any partner, or perhaps with additional partners that have yet to be discovered.},
}

@article {pmid42818395,
year = {2026},
author = {Belpaire, TER and Meesters, JJJ and Debord, T and Pešek, J and Lories, B and Yunker, PJ and Steenackers, HP and Smeets, B},
title = {Matrix-controlled emergence of biofilm architecture shapes antimicrobial survival.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.25.752283},
pmid = {42818395},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Biofilms are structured microbial communities whose extracellular matrix is widely regarded as a basis of their protection against antimicrobial compounds. Yet how matrix production by individual bacteria gives rise to collective architecture and antimicrobial protection remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically varied expression of the master biofilm regulator csgD in Salmonella enterica and found that increasing matrix production reorganizes biofilms from dense, isotropic packings into sparse, nematically aligned communities by altering cell-cell interactions. By combining experimentally measured biofilm architectures with reaction-diffusion modeling, we show that these structural changes produce distinct patterns of antimicrobial killing, ranging from preferential killing near the liquid-biofilm interface to more uniform killing throughout the community. Consequently, increasing matrix production unexpectedly reduces antimicrobial survival by shifting the biofilm into different transport regimes, while strain-specific physiological differences further modulate antimicrobial depletion. Rather than acting as a passive barrier, EPS therefore shapes antimicrobial susceptibility by reorganizing biofilm architecture and its transport properties. EPS thus provides a physical link between molecular regulation, collective architecture and antimicrobial survival, providing a quantitative framework for understanding how cellular matrix production generates emergent biofilm function.},
}

@article {pmid42818613,
year = {2026},
author = {Chourashi, R and Oglesby, AG},
title = {RsmW is an iron-responsive 3' UTR derived small regulatory RNA that contributes to biofilm formation and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.03.749296},
pmid = {42818613},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that causes acute and chronic opportunistic infections. Progression to chronic infection requires upregulation of the Rsm small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), which in turn induce the expression of virulence factors to promote chronic virulence phenotypes, including biofilm formation. Iron is a critical nutrient for survival and virulence of Pa , and host-mediated iron limitation leads to the induction of key virulence factors driving infection. Prior work showed that the RsmY and RsmZ sRNAs are modestly upregulated due to iron limitation in static growth conditions via PqsR. Here, we show that another Rsm sRNA, RsmW, is strongly induced by iron limitation, likely in a Fur-dependent manner. We identified an RNA processing event, which appears to be mediated by the RNAse E, resulting in cleavage of RsmW from the 3' UTR of pa4570 mRNA. We also report that RsmW is more stable than the full length pa4570-rsmW transcript as well as the processed pa4570 mRNA. Surprisingly, we found that RetS, which down-regulates RsmY and RsmZ expression, enhances expression of RsmW under iron limiting conditions. We further demonstrate that RsmW plays a key role in biofilm formation under iron limiting conditions and is required for full pathogenesis in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Lastly, we observed similar iron-dependent regulation of RsmW in chronic infection isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) sputum, underlining the potential importance of this regulation in the CF lung. Taken together, the results outline a new paradigm for sRNA-dependent iron regulation of P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.

AUTHOR SUMMARY: P. aeruginosa requires iron for its survival and virulence. Upon infection the mammalian host limits iron, which P. aeruginosa overcomes via numerous regulatory responses that play a central role in pathogenesis. He we report that iron starvation induces expression of the RsmW small regulatory sRNA, which regulates key virulence phenotypes that promote the progression of chronic infections in the CF lung. We show that RsmW is processed from the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the pa4570 transcript, which is also induced upon iron starvation. Our studies also revealed regulatory events that are distinct from the previously characterized Rsm sRNAs, suggesting RsmW functions under distinct environmental conditions. Furthermore, we found that RsmW contributes to biofilm formation in flow cells, promotes killing in Galleria mellonella larvae, and is induced by CF isolates upon iron starvation. Taken together, our work demonstrates that RsmW is a novel iron-dependent regulator of chronic virulence traits in P. aeruginosa .},
}

@article {pmid42818703,
year = {2026},
author = {Desroches, M and Coldren, M and Nisbett, LM},
title = {Loss of function of LprG-Rv1410c and MmpL11 homologues in Mycobacterium smegmatis leads to altered glycopeptidolipid profile and decreased cellular c-di-GMP levels during biofilm formation.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.10.750705},
pmid = {42818703},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The cell envelope of many bacteria possesses components that play central roles in bacterial pathogenesis. Unique to mycobacteria is the presence of a lipid-rich cell wall which is critical for the virulence of pathogenic mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The biosynthesis of mycobacterial cell wall lipids has been well characterized, but the mechanisms of lipid transport still remain largely unknown. MmpL (mycobacterial membrane protein large) proteins have been implicated in the biosynthesis and/or transport of mycobacterial cell wall lipids, but due to their cellular location, it is still unclear how cell wall lipids are transported beyond the inner membrane. Here, we further investigate the role of two conserved lipid transport pathways LprG-Rv1410c and MmpL11 in cell envelope biogenesis during biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis . We found that deletion of the lprG - rv1410c operon homologues MSMEG_3070-3069 and mmpL11 (MSMEG_0241) simultaneously led to similar biofilm defects as observed in the MSMEG_3070-3069 and mmpL11 mutants. Analysis of pellicle biofilms, total lipid extracts, gene expression and cellular c-di-GMP levels revealed that the shared biofilm defect is directly correlated with significant decreases in cellular c-di-GMP levels, but may also be due to changes in the synthesis and/or localization of glycopeptidolipids (GPLs), and changes in the expression of GPL biosynthesis and transport genes. Our findings therefore suggest that while both LprG-Rv1410c and MmpL11 pathways are involved in modulating cellular c-di-GMP levels during biofilm formation, only LprG-Rv1410c are important for regulating GPL synthesis and/or surface localization, and MmpL11 may play a broad role in fine-tuning GPL levels.

IMPORTANCE: The lipid-rich cell wall has been demonstrated to be essential for the virulence of pathogenic mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The biosynthesis of mycobacterial cell wall lipids has been well characterized, but the mechanisms of lipid transport still remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that LprG-Rv1410c and MmpL11 impact biofilm formation in M. smegmatis via modulation of GPL biosynthesis and/or cell wall localization and cellular c-di-GMP levels. This work further underscores the importance of lipid transport pathways in cell wall biogenesis and provides additional insights into how GPL synthesis and/or cell wall transport may be regulated during mycobacterial biofilm formation, with implications for better understanding the connection between mycobacterial cell wall biogenesis, biofilm formation and mycobacterial physiology overall.},
}

@article {pmid42818765,
year = {2026},
author = {Price, C and Sadlon, A and Bradley, A and Perez, C and Shank, EA},
title = {Gluconate acts as a signal to induce biofilm in Bacillus subtilis.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.08.750294},
pmid = {42818765},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Bacillus subtilis is the best-studied Gram-positive microorganism, but little is known about how the presence and utilization of diverse carbon sources impacts its production of biofilm. Here, we have identified gluconate as a carbon source that induces biofilm wrinkling in B. subtilis colony biofilms. Targeted phenotypic analysis revealed that the genes encoding the canonical structural biofilm components (tasA , epsA-O , and bslA) are required for this response. Import and metabolism of gluconate, however, are not required to induce these phenotypic changes. We show that the effect of gluconate on B. subtilis is linked to iron availability: production of the siderophore bacillibactin is decreased by gluconate and B. subtilis mutants unable to import bacillibactin grow better and wrinkle more in the presence of gluconate. In addition, supplementation of single-carbon media with iron dramatically increased growth and wrinkling of a B. subtilis bacillibactin mutant grown on gluconate but did not impact B. subtilis grown on glucose. We conclude that gluconate acts as a signal to increase biofilm in B. subtilis and increases iron availability in a bacillibactin-independent manner.},
}

@article {pmid42819313,
year = {2026},
author = {Rodriguez Bardaji, DK and Fedus, G and Tran, S and de Silva, D and Fagan, L and Savka, MA and Carter, D and Sousa Silva, NB and Hudson, AO},
title = {Characterization of the antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory activities of Arctium lappa L. (greater burdock) against representative members of the ESKAPE group.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1941242},
pmid = {42819313},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance creates an urgent need for new antibacterial strategies, and medicinal plants remain an important source of chemically diverse bioactive metabolites. This study investigated the antibacterial potential of Arctium lappa L. (greater burdock) naturalized in the United States using a genome-guided approach integrated with microbiological and mechanistic assays. Genome mining identified 35 putative biosynthetic gene clusters associated with diverse specialized metabolite classes. An 80% aqueous ethanol leaf extract was evaluated against six ESKAPE-like bacterial strains: Enterococcus faecium RIT857 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (Gram-positive), and Klebsiella aerogenes RIT3131, Acinetobacter sp. RIT587, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Enterobacter sp. RIT637 (Gram-negative). MIC and MBC values ranged from 64 to 512 and 128-512 μg/mL, respectively, while MBIC50 values ranged from 64 to 256 μg/mL. Time-kill assays demonstrated bactericidal activity, with Gram-negative strains reaching a ≥3-log10 reduction within 6 h and Gram-positive strains showing slower killing kinetics. LIVE/DEAD staining, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy showed changes consistent with compromised membrane integrity, while H2DCFDA assays showed increased intracellular ROS in S. aureus (181% ± 11%) and P. aeruginosa (214% ± 13%) relative to untreated controls. A modified disk diffusion assay also showed increased inhibition zones for selected extract-antibiotic combinations. The individual metabolites responsible for these effects were not chemically identified, which limits direct linkage between predicted biosynthetic pathways and observed activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate antibacterial and biofilm-inhibitory activity of A. lappa extract and support further bioassay-guided fractionation and metabolomic characterization.},
}

@article {pmid42819846,
year = {2026},
author = {Ribeiro Ribas, B and Tabil, XL and Chen, X and Siqueira, WL and Buozi Moffa, E and Jorge, JH},
title = {GelMA-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides against Candida albicans Biofilm.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {34},
pages = {51951-51963},
pmid = {42819846},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to engineer and characterize GelMA hydrogels and dual-cross-linked GelMA-alginate hydrogels as tunable delivery platforms for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs; Histatin-5, GK-17, and INLK), and to evaluate their physicochemical properties, release kinetics, cytocompatibility, and antibiofilm efficacy against Candida albicans.

METHODS: Hydrogels with varying GelMA concentrations (5%, 7.5%, and 10%), with or without alginate, were fabricated and characterized in terms of microstructure, rheological and mechanical properties, swelling, degradation, and AMP release kinetics. Cytocompatibility was assessed using human gingival fibroblasts, and antimicrobial activity was evaluated through colony-forming unit counts, metabolic activity assays, biomass quantification, and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS: All hydrogels exhibited suitable moldability, pseudoplastic behavior, and structural stability. Increasing GelMA concentration and alginate incorporation enhanced mechanical properties: G10 displayed a higher compressive modulus (12,437.39 ± 565.33 Pa; p < 0.0001) compared with the other GelMA-only groups, while G7.5A showed the highest value overall (18,090.45 ± 2324.12 Pa; p < 0.0001). Sustained peptide release was observed over 48 h, with faster release from lower GelMA concentrations; G5 released 20.46% of Histatin-5-FAM after 48 h (p < 0.006). All formulations showed high cytocompatibility, with viability exceeding 100% at 24 h, indicating a stimulatory effect on fibroblast metabolic activity rather than mere absence of cytotoxicity. Hydrogels loaded with INLK or GK-17 significantly reduced C. albicans biofilm viability, biomass, and metabolic activity, whereas unloaded hydrogels showed no antifungal effect. G5-INLK reduced biofilm viability by approximately 1.6 log (p < 0.006) among the GelMA 5% groups, G7.5-INLK and G7.5-GK-17 reduced it by approximately 2 log (p < 0.0001), and G10-INLK produced a 0.9-1.2 log reduction.

CONCLUSION: GelMA-based hydrogels provide a tunable and biocompatible platform for controlled AMP delivery, enabling effective disruption of C. albicans biofilms. This approach represents a promising strategy for the localized treatment of C. albicans-associated oral biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid42820312,
year = {2026},
author = {Ballav, S and Jana, D and Manna, T and Baildya, N and Ghosh, NN and Manna, AS and Nandi, R and Dey, S and Majumder, S and Manna, M and Mandal, S and Maiti, DK and Panda, AK and Ghosh, C},
title = {An attempt to identify the anti-biofilm aptitude of Barleria lupulina Lindl. Leaf extract on clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Future microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1080/17460913.2026.2732389},
pmid = {42820312},
issn = {1746-0921},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium, which causes skin and soft tissue infections in hospital and community settings, is one of the leading threats in public health because of their proficiency to develop biofilms as an adaptive feature.

AIM: Barleria lupulina leaf extract (BLLE) has been investigated as potent anti-biofilm agent against multi-drug-resistant S. aureus.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: BLLE exerted anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus with MBIC and MBEC values ranging between 200-300 µg.mL[-1] and 400-500 µg.mL[-1], respectively. Gene expression studies revealed that BLLE could substantially downregulate accessory gene regulator (agr) expressions, an important regulator of quorum sensing as well as biofilm signaling pathway. SEM studies revealed anti-biofilm activity caused by BLLE. In silico analyses indicated that 2, 6-diisopropyl naphthalene and butyl cyclohexyl phthalate, present in BLLE, could interact with the hydrophobic cleft in the DNA binding LytTR domain of AgrA pocket. Studies appear promising with the apprehension of creating opportunities to formulate effective therapeutics to scrap the harmful MDR S. aureus infections.},
}

@article {pmid42820555,
year = {2026},
author = {Moura, VOL and Oliveira, TFC and Rodrigues, EJP and Bridi, V and Ferreira, SRR and Cardoso, LPV and Bouwman, BE and Rezende, HHA},
title = {Resistance profile and biofilm production of microorganisms isolated in operating rooms.},
journal = {Revista brasileira de enfermagem},
volume = {79},
number = {},
pages = {e20250189},
doi = {10.1590/0034-7167-2025-0189},
pmid = {42820555},
issn = {1984-0446},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Operating Rooms/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data/standards ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests/methods ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Brazil ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the resistance profile and biofilm formation in isolates from operating rooms in two hospitals in the southwestern region of Goiás.

METHODS: an experimental laboratory study was conducted, with samples collected between March and August 2023.

RESULTS: of the 50 samples collected, 104 bacteria were isolated, 81.7% (85/104) gram-positive and 18.3% (19/104) gram-negative. Of these, 55.3% (47/85) of the Staphylococcus genus were classified as multidrug-resistant and methicillin-resistant, and 15.7% (3/19) of the Gram-negative bacteria were classified as multidrug-resistant. 66.34% (69/104) were biofilm producers, with 79.7% (55/69) being Gram-positive and 20.3% (14/69) Gram-negative.

CONCLUSIONS: this finding is of great concern, as these microorganisms in hospital environments pose a high risk for surgical site infections that are difficult to treat due to multidrug-resistant strains.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Operating Rooms/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data/standards
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests/methods
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Brazil
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial

@article {pmid42820734,
year = {2026},
author = {Barbosa, PHJ and Pereira, MVS and Braathen, GVS and Souza do Nascimento, FW and Costa, DA and Vieira, HDS and Diaz-Muñoz, G and de Jesus, JR and Rossi, CC and Diaz, MAN},
title = {Bioactive chitosan dressings functionalized with indole alkaloids suppress biofilm development and virulence traits in bacterial species relevant to wound infections.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag246},
pmid = {42820734},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Chronic wound infections are frequently associated with biofilm-forming pathogens that impair healing and reduce the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies. This study evaluated the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, synergistic, and antivirulence activities of two indole alkaloids, 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid (C1) and 1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid (C2), and investigated their incorporation into chitosan-based biodressings for infected wound management.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), biofilm inhibition, and checkerboard assays. Cytotoxicity was assessed using RAW 264.7 macrophages and HaCaT keratinocytes. Biodressings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, porosity, and release kinetics, while antimicrobial activity and gene expression were evaluated by agar diffusion and RT-qPCR. Both compounds exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, inhibited biofilm formation at sub-MIC concentrations, and showed synergistic or additive interactions with conventional antibiotics. The alkaloids displayed low cytotoxicity and were successfully incorporated into chitosan matrices, showing a biphasic release profile over the evaluated period while preserving antimicrobial activity. Functionalized biodressings significantly downregulated genes involved in adhesion (fimH), biofilm formation (icaA, icaD, aap, and pslA), quorum sensing (lasR), and virulence regulation (sarA).

CONCLUSIONS: Indole alkaloid-loaded chitosan biodressings constitute a promising multifunctional platform that combines antibacterial, antibiofilm, antibiotic-potentiating, and antivirulence activities while maintaining favorable cytocompatibility. These findings support further investigation of indole alkaloid-loaded chitosan biodressings as a potential biomaterial-based strategy for managing wound-associated bacterial infections.},
}

@article {pmid42820984,
year = {2026},
author = {Manhal, FS},
title = {Genetic profiling of biofilm-associated genes (bap, ompA, csuE, and blaPER-1) in Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {42820984},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology ; Humans ; *Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; beta-Lactamases/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Iraq ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen frequently implicated in hospital-acquired infections and multidrug resistance (MDR). Its ability to form biofilms on medical devices contributes to antimicrobial resistance and prolonged persistence in clinical settings. Characterizing the molecular basis of biofilm formation is essential for designing efficacious infection prevention and control programs A total of 120 A. baumannii isolates were recovered from multiple clinical sources in an Iraqi hospital setting from June 2025 to April 2026. The isolates were identified based on phenotypic characteristics and confirmed by a PCR assay targeting the intrinsic blaOXA-51-like gene. Microtiter plate assay was performed to assess biofilm formation, whereas antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Conventional and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) tests were conducted to determine the presence and expression of biofilm-related genes (bap, ompA, csuE, and blaPER-1) under biofilm-promoting conditions. The prevalence of MDR isolates reached 82.5% with high resistance rates to imipenem (88%) and meropenem (85%) and meropenem (85%), while colistin retained the greatest in vitro activity, with 91% susceptibility. Strong and moderate biofilm formation was observed in 35.0% and 31.7% of isolates, respectively. The most frequently detected genes were ompA (91.7%) and csuE (83.3%), followed by bap (68.3%) and blaPER-1 (56.7%). Gene expression profiling exhibited a marked elevation of bap (5.6 ± 0.4-fold) and ompA (4.9 ± 0.6-fold) in strong biofilm producers. A positive association was recorded between carbapenem resistance and biofilm strength (p < 0.05). The findings indicate that multidrug resistance and biofilm formation are closely associated characteristics in A. baumannii. Higher expression of the investigated genes was associated with stronger biofilm-forming phenotypes, underscoring the potential relevance of molecular surveillance and biofilm-control strategies in Iraqi healthcare settings.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Acinetobacter baumannii/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology
Humans
*Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
beta-Lactamases/genetics
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Iraq
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid42821064,
year = {2026},
author = {Hariri, Y and Akbari, M and Alimardan, Z and Chegini, Z and Shariati, A},
title = {Geraniol attenuates Streptococcus mutans biofilm and virulence as an anti-caries agent.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {42821064},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology ; *Acyclic Monoterpenes/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Virulence/drug effects ; *Dental Caries/microbiology/drug therapy ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans-induced dental caries is largely mediated by robust biofilm formation, making it notoriously difficult to treat with conventional antimicrobials. To overcome the limited efficacy and penetration challenges associated with current conventional treatments, this study investigated the in vitro and in silico effects of geraniol on S. mutans biofilm and the expression of genes associated with biofilm formation. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Membrane integrity, anti-biofilm activity, and structural alterations were assessed through intracellular protein and nucleic acid leakage analyses, biofilm eradication assays, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of biofilm-associated genes. Molecular docking was performed to investigate interactions between geraniol and major S. mutans biofilm -related proteins. Geraniol exhibited marked antibacterial activity against S. mutans isolates, with inhibition zone diameters of 12.0 ± 0.0 mm and a MIC value of 107 µg/mL. Treatment induced significant leakage of intracellular proteins and nucleic acids, indicating disruption of membrane integrity. Exposure to 4×MIC markedly impaired mature biofilm architecture. SEM analysis confirmed severe morphological damage, including membrane disruption and cellular deformation. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated significant downregulation of the biofilm-associated genes gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD following treatment with geraniol. Molecular docking further revealed stable interactions between geraniol and key biofilm regulatory proteins, including GtfB, GtfC, and GtfD. These findings highlight the ability of pure geraniol to dismantle both the structural integrity and genetic machinery of the bacteria, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic candidate against biofilm-mediated oral infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology
*Acyclic Monoterpenes/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Molecular Docking Simulation
Virulence/drug effects
*Dental Caries/microbiology/drug therapy
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning

@article {pmid42821461,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Statement of Retraction: Mechanism of erythropoietin-induced M2 microglia polarization via Akt / Mtor / P70S6k signaling pathway in the treatment of brain injury in premature mice and its effect on biofilm.},
journal = {Bioengineered},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2730769},
doi = {10.1080/21655979.2026.2730769},
pmid = {42821461},
issn = {2165-5987},
}

@article {pmid42809043,
year = {2026},
author = {Er, F and Kaygusuz İzgördü, Ö and Çetin Kılıçaslan, G and Darcan, C},
title = {The Role of Porin Proteins and ygiU-nhaR in the Formation of Biofilm in Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42809043},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Porins/genetics/metabolism ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/physiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Mutation ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to investigate the roles of porin proteins (OmpA, OmpC, OmpF, OmpG, OmpT, LamB, and PhoE) in biofilm formation in Escherichia coli. The effect of environmental factors such as pH (5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0) and biologically essential metal ions (copper, nickel, and zinc) on biofilm formation was also revealed. The ompA, ompC, and lamB porin mutants formed biofilms at different pH values, whereas no biofilm formation was detected in the wild type and ompF, ompG, ompT, and phoE mutants. While the ompC mutant formed a biofilm across a wide pH range (5.5-8.0), the ompA mutant formed a medium-level biofilm at pH values between 6.5 and 8.0. It was observed that the lamB mutant strain produced biofilm only at pH 7.0 and 7.5. Biofilm formation in the ompA and lamB mutants showed little change following metal supplementation, whereas increased biofilm formation was observed in the ompC mutant in the presence of copper and nickel. The biofilm formed in mutants was inhibited in the presence of zinc. Altered expression of nhaR, particularly ygiU, was found to be associated with biofilm formation. In the ompA, ompC, and lamB porin-deficient strains, increased ygiU expression and, to a lesser extent, altered nhaR expression were observed. Considering all these results, it can be concluded that E. coli W3110, which does not produce biofilms under normal physiological conditions, may acquire a biofilm-forming phenotype following mutations in porin genes.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Porins/genetics/metabolism
*Escherichia coli/genetics/physiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Mutation

@article {pmid42809571,
year = {2026},
author = {Righi, SE},
title = {A trade-off between fungal biofilm formation and persistence in the host.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {24},
number = {9},
pages = {e3004027},
pmid = {42809571},
issn = {1545-7885},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Candida parapsilosis/pathogenicity/physiology ; Humans ; Virulence ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Candidiasis/microbiology/immunology ; Immune Evasion ; },
abstract = {Fungal biofilm formation has long been considered an important virulence trait. A new study on Candida parapsilosis outbreak isolates in PLOS Biology challenges this, finding that low biofilm-producing strains are better adapted for immune evasion and survival.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Candida parapsilosis/pathogenicity/physiology
Humans
Virulence
Host-Pathogen Interactions
*Candidiasis/microbiology/immunology
Immune Evasion

@article {pmid42810125,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Shi, R and Liang, J and Cheng, L and Huang, C and Hu, L and Tu, Z and Wang, L},
title = {Early-stage biofilm inhibition on food surfaces and food-contact surfaces: Mechanisms, surface-specific factors and inhibition strategies.},
journal = {International journal of food microbiology},
volume = {462},
number = {},
pages = {112064},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2026.112064},
pmid = {42810125},
issn = {1879-3460},
abstract = {Bacterial adhesion to food surfaces and food-contact surfaces can lead to mature biofilm formation, posing substantial risks to food processing and contributing to food spoilage, cross-contamination, and foodborne disease. Mature biofilms are difficult to remove because of their complex architecture, interconnected regulatory networks, and multiple tolerance mechanisms. Therefore, intervention is more effective before bacteria or preformed aggregates reach surfaces, establish surface interactions, begin EPS accumulation, and develop a stable, spatially heterogeneous biofilm scaffold, than after a structured biofilm has formed and can be dispersed and removed from the same surface. This review summarizes the major mechanisms for inhibiting early-stage biofilm formation, including interference with bacterial adhesins, regulation of bacterial surface hydrophobicity, suppression of extracellular polymeric substances synthesis, and disruption of quorum sensing. It further examines the different impacts of food surfaces and food-contact surfaces on early biofilm development through factors such as food matrix composition, surface structure, hydrophobicity, roughness, surface charge, and residual food deposits. In addition, recent research on agents for early-stage biofilm inhibition applied to both surface types is critically evaluated. Finally, current limitations and future research priorities are discussed to support translation into food processing practice. Targeting early-stages biofilm formation may facilitate the design of safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable control strategies for food systems.},
}

@article {pmid42810655,
year = {2026},
author = {Daw, MA and Azrad, M and Peretz, A},
title = {Helicobacter pylori biofilm formation and CagA-associated alteration in gastric mucin expression: Implications for bacterial persistence.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106033},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2026.106033},
pmid = {42810655},
issn = {1567-7257},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: H. pylori is a major gastric pathogen associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric malignancies. Two important mechanisms contributing to its persistence are biofilm formation and modulation of host epithelial responses. This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity of clinical H. pylori isolates, assess the effect of proteinase K on biofilm formation and investigate differences in mucin expression following infection with CagA-positive and CagA-negative clinical isolate on mucin expression in gastric epithelial cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The biofilm-forming capacity of 21 clinical H. pylori isolates and the disruptive potential of proteinase K (50 and 200 μg/ml) was assessed with the crystal violet assay, and the potential cytotoxic effect of proteinase K on AGS cells was assessed by XTT assay. The effect of CagA- positive and CagA negative clinical isolates on mucin expression (MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC6) was tested in AGS gastric epithelial cells via immunofluorescence staining and quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS: Most isolates (90.5%) were capable of forming biofilm, with nearly half classified as strong biofilm producers. Treatment with proteinase K significantly reduced biofilm biomass in a concentration-dependent manner, with the higher concentration (200 μg/ml) causing an approximately 80% reduction in biofilm formation. Importantly, proteinase K did not significantly affect AGS cell viability. Infection of AGS cells with CagA-positive H. pylori isolates resulted in increased expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B, while MUC6 expression remained largely unchanged. In contrast, infection with CagA-negative isolates led to decreased MUC5AC and MUC5B expression and a slight increase in MUC6 levels.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate substantial biofilm-forming capacity among clinical isolates and an association between CagA- positive isolates and distinct patterns of gastric mucin expression. The potential biological relationship between these phenotype and H. pylori persistence remains to be established in mechanistic studies.},
}

@article {pmid42801741,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, S and Wang, S and Shao, Z and Zhang, Y and Wang, S and Liu, L and Niu, M and Xue, B and Zhang, L and Yang, Y and Wang, H},
title = {Hierarchically Porous Silver-Carbon Composite with Dialyzable Silver Release for Biofilm Control and Healing of Infected Wounds.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.6c01351},
pmid = {42801741},
issn = {2576-6422},
support = {22508280//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-associated wound infections require antibacterial materials that can control attached bacteria while limiting excessive silver exposure. In this study, we prepared a sponge-like hierarchical porous silver-carbon material through in situ glucose foaming and carbonization. The material had a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 1067.8 m2 g-1 and a total silver content of 9.22% by weight after complete digestion. During dialysis against phosphate-buffered saline containing 1% bovine serum albumin, the material released approximately 0.27% of its total silver over 72 h. Comparative results showed differences in pore structure and silver transport but did not link release to a specific pore class. The porous silver-carbon material inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were 4 and 8 μg mL-1, respectively, for Escherichia coli and 8 and 16 μg mL-1, respectively, for Staphylococcus aureus. Propidium iodide staining and scanning electron microscopy were consistent with increased membrane permeability and cell-surface damage. Assays using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and electron spin resonance measurements supported reactive oxygen species-related stress. Plate-counting assays showed concentration-dependent inhibition of biofilm formation and reduced viable bacterial recovery from established biofilms. Murine fibroblast viability remained above 95%, and hemolysis remained below 5% under the tested conditions. In a full-thickness mouse wound model infected with Escherichia coli, the material and silver nitrate were applied at equal elemental silver doses of approximately 35 μg per wound. The material treatment yielded lower wound-derived colony counts per plate than the silver nitrate treatment on day 4 and reached approximately 95% wound closure by day 14. Endpoint histology showed no obvious structural abnormalities in the examined major organs. These findings suggest that pore structure, dialyzable-silver transport, and bacteria-material interactions should be considered together when designing porous silver-carbon antibacterial materials.},
}

@article {pmid42801923,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, W and Yuan, X and Zhai, S and Chao, C and Niu, J and Liu, Y and Zhao, Y},
title = {Integrating mechanistic modeling and microbial kinetics to diagnose electron allocation in a biofilm electrode reactor treating real low-COD/N municipal wastewater.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135916},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135916},
pmid = {42801923},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Biofilm electrode reactors (BERs) hold promise for nitrate removal of low-COD/N wastewater, yet their application to real municipal wastewater is hindered byunpredictable accumulation of denitrification intermediates (NO2[-], N2O). In this study, a BER treating real municipal wastewater was operated and integrated with a hydrogenotrophic-heterotrophic denitrification model to diagnose the electron-allocation bottlenecks underlying intermediate accumulation. The BER achieved an average nitrate removal efficiency of 76.62 %, compared with 44.69 % for the conventional biofilm reactor, corresponding to a relative improvement of 71.44 %. This improvement was attributed to sustained cathodic H2 generation that maintained electron flux after organic carbon depletion. However, NO2[-] and N2O accumulated despite enhanced nitrate reduction, indicating that the denitrification bottleneck shifted from nitrate activation to downstream intermediate reduction. ETSA and enzyme analyses indicated that NO2[-] accumulation was associated with insufficient downstream nitrite-reduction capacity relative to nitrate reduction and unbalanced electron competition, which may have been further exacerbated by the limited bioavailability of complex organic carbon in real wastewater. In contrast, N2O accumulation was more closely associated with limited upstream electron supply and reduced NADH availability than with insufficient nitrous oxide reductase (NOS) capacity. The model captured nitrogen transformation and intermediate accumulation under both synthetic and real wastewater conditions, while deviations between model predictions and real-wastewater observations provided a quantitative indicator of the kinetic heterogeneity of real dissolved organic matter (DOM). Pathway-level flux analysis showed the mean total electron flux decreased from 6.56 mmol e[-]/cycle (Stage I) to 5.28 mmol e[-]/cycle (Stage II), and then partially recovered to 5.64 mmol e[-]/cycle in Stage III. These findings reveal electron-allocation bottlenecks in BERs treating real low-COD/N wastewater and provide a mechanistic diagnostic tool for optimizing bioelectrochemical denitrification toward coordinated reduction of denitrification intermediates under realistic wastewater conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42804128,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, MU and Ahmed, N and Komal, A and Ullah, H and Hamdani, SDA and Rehman, AU},
title = {Dual mucoadhesive nanoparticle-hydrogel platform for sustained intravaginal miconazole delivery with anti-biofilm activity against vulvovaginal candidiasis.},
journal = {Drug delivery and translational research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42804128},
issn = {2190-3948},
abstract = {Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), primarily caused by Candida albicans, remains a global health concern, and conventional therapies struggle to maintain effective drug concentrations at the infection site. Miconazole (MIC)-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (MIC-PNPs) were prepared by nanoprecipitation, and Eudragit E 100 concentration, polyvinyl alcohol concentration, and organic-to-aqueous phase ratio were optimized using Design Expert® software. The optimized nanoparticles showed nanometric size, high zeta potential, and excellent entrapment efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed component compatibility, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry indicated conversion of MIC to an amorphous state, and scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical morphology. MIC-PNPs were incorporated into a Carbopol-934 hydrogel (MIC-PNPG), which was characterized for physical properties, drug content, spreadability, mucoadhesive strength, and viscosity. MIC-PNPs and MIC-PNPG released 68% and 58% of MIC, respectively, over 24 h at pH 4.2, following Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics. MIC-PNPG showed substantial ex vivo mucoadhesive strength. Antifungal assays confirmed superior activity of MIC-PNPs over free MIC, and antibiofilm studies showed concentration-dependent inhibition and degradation of C. albicans biofilms, with MIC-PNPG outperforming MIC-PNPs and free MIC. The hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane assay showed significantly lower irritation for nanoparticle-based formulations than the marketed product. Ex vivo studies demonstrated enhanced drug permeation and vaginal tissue retention of MIC-PNPs. In vivo, treatment significantly reduced infection pathogenicity, supported by histopathological findings. These results suggest MIC-PNPs as a promising candidate warranting further clinical investigation for VVC treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42805478,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, B and Wang, H and Jia, J and Li, X and Hu, H and Xiong, X and Wu, C},
title = {Cross-domain divergence in biofilm diversity responses to environmental variability in a glacier-fed stream.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125796},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125796},
pmid = {42805478},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {A central question in community ecology is how environmental variability shapes the diversity and temporal organization of co-occurring organisms. In glacier-fed stream biofilms, bacteria and eukaryotic algae occupy the same physical matrix but may not respond synchronously to environmental change, yet cross-domain responses under highly variable cryospheric conditions remain poorly understood. We combined melt-season biofilm sampling at three sites from May-September 2023 in a glacier-fed stream with 504 hourly stream-water measurements collected during 12-h daytime windows. Bacterial and eukaryotic algal assemblages were characterized using 16S and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and linear mixed-effects models and multiple regression on distance matrices were used to relate alpha and beta diversity to sub-daily cumulative environmental conditions, sub-daily variability, lagged community states, and the relative abundance of the dominant alga Hydrurus. Bacterial composition showed stronger temporal than spatial variation, whereas the complete algal assemblage exhibited stronger spatial structuring; after excluding Hydrurus, algal communities also showed a stronger temporal signal. Turbidity was consistently associated with alpha diversity across both domains, whereas temperature and nutrient associations differed between bacteria and algae and between environmental time dimensions. Lagged community dissimilarity showed the strongest association with beta diversity across models, indicating pronounced temporal dependence in community composition. Hydrurus abundance improved selected alpha-diversity models and explained algal-subcommunity turnover only under sub-daily variability. Together, these findings demonstrate that co-occurring bacterial and algal assemblages within the same biofilm can exhibit contrasting spatial, temporal, and environmental associations, and that microbial responses to environmental variability cannot be inferred from a single biological group. The distinct behavior of Hydrurus-dominated algal assemblages further suggests that this mat-forming alga may modify the physical structure and microenvironment of biofilms, thereby influencing bacterial and algal coexistence and community turnover, which needs further investigation.},
}

@article {pmid42807888,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Y and Cui, G and Huang, F and Lin, H},
title = {Effects of Berberine chloride hydrate on cariogenic multispecies streptococcal biofilm.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2732737},
pmid = {42807888},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dental caries, a bacterial infectious disease related to biofilm, occurs due to an increase in the proportion of cariogenic bacteria over that of commensal bacteria. This study aimed to create an in vitro biofilm model consisting of S. sanguinis, S. gordonii, and S. mutans to study the effects of Berberine chloride hydrate (BH) on the structure and cariogenic features of multispecies biofilms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The biofilm formation and cariogenic characteristics of multispecies streptococci biofilms were observed. The microbial composition of multispecies biofilms was quantified using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Besides, transcriptome analysis was performed to determine the differential expression levels of genes in each strain in multispecies biofilms with or without BH. The demineralization activity of biofilms treated with BH was analyzed using micro-CT.

RESULTS: BH had the highest efficacy against S. mutans, exhibiting lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values relative to S. sanguinis and S. gordonii. BH inhibited the biofilm formation as well as EPS synthesis in multispecies biofilms, resulting in decreased demineralization on bovine enamel surfaces. In addition, after BH treatment, the abundance of S. sanguinis and S. mutans was reduced, whereas the abundance of S. gordonii increased.

CONCLUSION: BH revealed great potential for the management of cariogenic biofilm, indicating its possible application in dental caries therapy.},
}

@article {pmid42808715,
year = {2026},
author = {Mao, R and Yu, L and Gao, X and Zhao, J and Zheng, Y},
title = {Effect of Bletilla striata-Litsea cubeba Toothpaste on Clinical Indicators and Inflammatory Factor Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Patients with Biofilm-Induced Gingivitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial.},
journal = {Oral health & preventive dentistry},
volume = {24},
number = {},
pages = {937-946},
doi = {10.3290/j.ohpd.c_2776},
pmid = {42808715},
issn = {1757-9996},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gingival Crevicular Fluid/chemistry ; *Gingivitis/drug therapy/microbiology ; *Toothpastes/therapeutic use ; Female ; Periodontal Index ; Male ; *Biofilms ; Adult ; Dental Plaque Index ; Interleukin-6/analysis ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/analysis ; *Dental Plaque/complications ; Interleukin-1beta/analysis ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily evaluate the clinical efficacy of Bletilla striata-Litsea cube-batoothpaste in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis and its impact on inflammatory factors in gingival crevicular fluid.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: In a randomised clinical trial, 80 patients with plaque-induced gingivitis were randomly allocated to receive either Bletilla striata-Litsea cubeba toothpaste (experimental group) or negative control toothpaste (control group). Following a 2-week washout period, periodontal indices including the Turesky-modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TmQHI) and Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), along with inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) quantified from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of the right mandibular first molars, were assessed at baseline (0 week), 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Statistical analyses employed repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for longitudinal comparisons and independent samples t-tests for inter-group comparisons at identical time points, with statistical significance defined as α = 0.05.

RESULTS: The experimental group exhibited significant TmQHI and SBI reductions at 8 and 12 weeks (p 0.05) versus delayed changes in controls. IL-1β decreased significantly at 8 and 12 weeks with lower levels than controls (p 0.05); IL-6 declined earlier in the experimental group, while TNF-α reductions were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION: Compared with control, the novel toothpaste achieved earlier and greater improvements in periodontal indices and specific inflammatory mediator levels in plaque-induced gingivitis.},
}

Humans
*Gingival Crevicular Fluid/chemistry
*Gingivitis/drug therapy/microbiology
*Toothpastes/therapeutic use
Female
Periodontal Index
Male
*Biofilms
Adult
Dental Plaque Index
Interleukin-6/analysis
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/analysis
*Dental Plaque/complications
Interleukin-1beta/analysis

@article {pmid42800861,
year = {2026},
author = {Elawady, R and Aboulela, AG and Amer, AN and Ghazal, AA and Gaballah, A},
title = {Beyond lethal doses: sub-MIC levels of multi-class antibiotics induce species- and isolate-dependent biofilm inhibition in gram-negative pathogens.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42800861},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology ; Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology ; *Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects/physiology/isolation & purification ; Humans ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biofilm-associated infections remain a major clinical challenge due to their intrinsic tolerance to antimicrobial therapy. Sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antibiotics are frequently encountered in vivo, particularly at sites of infection and on indwelling medical devices. However, their influence on biofilm formation is controversial, with evidence of both stimulatory and inhibitory effects. Clarifying these responses may reveal novel therapeutic opportunities for managing nosocomial biofilm-related infections. This study aims to investigate the effects of three sub-MIC concentrations (25%, 50%, and 75% of MIC) of five antibiotic classes on biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae using two distinct biofilm quantification methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the effects of 5 different antimicrobial agents, namely, azithromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and imipenem, at different sub-MIC concentrations (12.5%, 25%, and 50% of MIC) were tested on 5 different clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Clinical isolates were exposed to sub-MIC levels of antibiotics in a standardized biofilm assay, with statistical comparisons conducted to determine significant biofilm modulation using crystal violet (CV) staining to measure total biomass accumulation and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to assess qPCR-derived genome-equivalent DNA abundance within biofilms. qPCR detects DNA originating from viable, dead, damaged, or lysed cells, as well as extracellular DNA (eDNA).

RESULTS: Across the 75 tested conditions (5 antibiotics × 3 sub-MIC concentrations × 5 clinical isolates per species), sub-inhibitory antibiotic exposure produced pronounced, species- and target-dependent biofilm responsiveness varied by species: P. aeruginosa demonstrated the highest biomass modulation (62% CV significance), E. coli exhibited the greatest molecular responsiveness (55% qPCR significance), and K. pneumoniae showed lower overall modulation (47% CV, 32% qPCR significance). Imipenem exerted the highest biomass suppression in P. aeruginosa (80% CV vs. 13% qPCR inhibition), whereas doxycycline predominantly reduced genome equivalents in P. aeruginosa (73% qPCR vs. 7% CV inhibition). In E. coli, azithromycin produced peak biomass inhibition (73% CV vs. 7% qPCR inhibition), while gentamicin led to molecular suppression (60% qPCR vs. 27% CV inhibition). In K. pneumoniae, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin directed to biomass inhibition (both 40% CV), while azithromycin produced the highest qPCR reduction (33% qPCR). Bidirectional modulation was widespread across drug classes. Azithromycin acted as a primary inducer in P. aeruginosa (80% CV, 67% qPCR induction), while imipenem shifted from a biomass inhibitor in P. aeruginosa (80% CV inhibition) to a primary inducer in K. pneumoniae (47% CV, 60% qPCR induction). Unidirectional responses were drug- and method-specific, such as imipenem in P. aeruginosa CV (80% inhibition) and doxycycline in P. aeruginosa qPCR (73% inhibition).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that sub-MIC exposure produces heterogeneous, antibiotic-, species-, isolate-, concentration-, and method-dependent biofilm responses that diverge between structural matrix accumulation and genomic abundance. Therefore, our findings highlight that sub-MIC exposures demand a multi-assay diagnostic framework to accurately evaluate biofilm-associated drug responses.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology
Escherichia coli/drug effects/physiology
Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology
*Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects/physiology/isolation & purification
Humans

@article {pmid42801124,
year = {2026},
author = {Prasad, M and Prabhakaran, PN and Bhui, K and Murali, D},
title = {Impact of Incremental Antiseptic Selection on Antibiotic Cross-Resistance and Enhanced Biofilm Formation in Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii: In Vitro.},
journal = {International journal of microbiology},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {5044102},
pmid = {42801124},
issn = {1687-918X},
abstract = {Chlorhexidine, cetrimide, chloroxylenol, and povidone iodine, in various combinations and concentrations are widely used antiseptics in clinical settings for skin antisepsis and hand hygiene in India. Evidences suggest that exposure of bacterial pathogens to antiseptics over a period of time can result in adaptation of bacteria resulting in tolerance and cross-resistance towards antiseptics and antibiotics. Given the crucial role that antiseptics play in reducing infection and preventing the spread of AMR, understanding the adaptation to antiseptics becomes a critical element in using them effectively. This study is aimed at determining the behavior of two clinically relevant species Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii adapted to chlorhexidine (CHG), cetrimide, chloroxylenol (PCMX), and povidone iodine (PVP-I). In particular, we have evaluated changes in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), cross-tolerance/resistance to both antibiotics and antiseptics and biofilm formation capability post the evolution study towards respective biocides. Both the studied bacterial species adapted to concentrations of antiseptics higher than their initial MICs. Among the adapted strains, E. coli cetrimide showed tolerance to cetrimide with a 16-fold increase in MIC. Similarly, a 4-fold increase in MIC against PVP-I was observed in A. baumannii PVP-I strain, indicating tolerance to PVP-I. Cross-adaptation studies indicated cross-tolerance of E. coli CHG and E. coli cetrimide to cetrimide and CHG, respectively. Among seven antibiotics tested, A. baumannii PCMX showed antibiotic resistance towards tetracycline and imipenem. A concomitant change in biofilm formation, indicated by an increased specific biofilm formation value was also observed. Moreover, CHG, cetrimide and PVP-I adapted A. baumannii strains showed sensitivity towards antibiotics, gentamicin, piperacillin, and tetracycline, a functional trade-off for survival at high antiseptic concentrations. Collectively, these in vitro findings suggest that the decision to use appropriate antiseptics should be based not solely on antiseptic and antibiotic susceptibility data, but also on pathogens to be neutralized, and specific phenotypic factors like bacterial fitness and biofilm-formation capabilities. Thus, frequent clinical microbiological monitoring with respect to antiseptic usage is crucial in controlling infection and spread of AMR.},
}

@article {pmid42797919,
year = {2026},
author = {Amin, I and Abdelkhalek, A and Pet, I and Ahmadi, M and Abd El-Aziz, NK},
title = {Innovative Approaches Against Planktonic and Biofilm-Producing Clostridium perfringens Associated with Necrotic Enteritis.},
journal = {Veterinary sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vetsci13090882},
pmid = {42797919},
issn = {2306-7381},
abstract = {Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by the Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens; CP), is one of the most economically important diseases affecting the poultry industry worldwide. The pathogenicity of C. perfringens is attributed to the production of more than twenty extracellular toxins and enzymes, with strains classified into seven toxinotypes (A-G) based on their major toxin genes. While the alpha-toxin gene (cpa) is present across all C. perfringens toxinotypes, netB is recognized as the primary virulence determinant of avian NE. However, toxin-gene carriage alone does not establish toxin expression or disease causation. Cpb2 and tpeL have also been associated with virulence in some C. perfringens isolates, although their independent contributions to NE pathogenesis remain less firmly established. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant C. perfringens strains, including multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pandrug-resistant (PDR) isolates, together with the organism's ability to form biofilms, has complicated disease prevention and treatment by enhancing environmental persistence and tolerance to antimicrobial agents. Distinct from reviews that primarily address NE pathogenesis or antibiotic alternatives as broad terms, this review integrates antimicrobial resistance with planktonic and biofilm-associated C. perfringens. Furthermore, it critically evaluates alternative interventions based on their activity against these bacterial states and the strength of supporting in vitro, in vivo, and field evidence. In conclusion, this review highlights the urgent need for sustainable, antibiotic-free strategies to combat NE. Advancing the development and field validation of these alternative approaches may contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance, limiting biofilm-associated persistence, and improving poultry health and productivity.},
}

@article {pmid42799892,
year = {2026},
author = {Kalangadan, N and Sundaresan, S and Mani, A and Muruganandham, N and Siju, S and Govindarajan, S and Rajaram, K},
title = {Harnessing phage-ciprofloxacin synergy to overcome multidrug-resistant infections and biofilm persistence.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {42799892},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/virology/physiology ; *Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Bacteriophages/physiology/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Genome, Viral ; Host Specificity ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with hospital-acquired and chronic wound infections. Its capacity for biofilm formation and increasing resistance to standard antibiotics, particularly ciprofloxacin (CIP), complicates treatment. The emergence of CIP-resistant E. faecalis (EFR) strains limits existing antibiotic options and requires alternative treatment approaches. Our study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of a lytic bacteriophage (φR12EFP) and its combination with CIP against E. faecalis. Phage φR12EFP was isolated from environmental samples and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an icosahedral tailed morphology. Whole-genome sequencing identified a 58.6 kb linear double-stranded DNA genome with high coding density and no lysogeny-associated genes, confirming its classification within the Saphexavirus genus. φR12EFP exhibited host specificity toward E. faecalis. Growth curve analysis showed the emergence of bacterial resistance after 10 h of phage exposure. Adsorption and one-step growth assays demonstrated rapid host attachment, with a burst size of approximately 356 PFU/cell, and optimal antibacterial activity at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1. φR12EFP remained stable between 4 and 60 °C and pH 5-9. A CIP-resistant EFR strain was developed under selective pressure to establish a clinically relevant model. Combined treatment with φR12EFP (MOI 0.1) and low-dose CIP (5 µg/mL) exhibited EFR bacterial suppression and restored antibiotic efficacy. The combination reduced established EFR biofilm by 75% and improved embryo survival to 90-100% in an in ovo infection model compared with φR12EFP monotherapy alone. These findings indicate that φR12EFP restores CIP sensitivity in resistant E. faecalis and supports the use of phage-antibiotic regimens against multidrug-resistant enterococci.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/virology/physiology
*Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects
*Bacteriophages/physiology/genetics/isolation & purification
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Genome, Viral
Host Specificity
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid42799983,
year = {2026},
author = {Nasser, A and Alobaidi, KH and Al-Obaidi, JR},
title = {Dodonaea viscosa-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anti-virulence activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42799983},
issn = {1618-1905},
abstract = {Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated mortality, with multidrug resistance and biofilm formation limiting treatment options. Anti-virulence strategies targeting adhesin gene expression offer a promising alternative, yet the ability of green-synthesised ZnO-NPs to suppress MRSA virulence remains underexplored. In this study, ZnO-NPs were synthesised using Dodonaea viscosa leaf extract, with D-Fructose-3-O-methyl identified as the dominant phytochemical. Nanoparticles were characterised by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and AFM. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities were evaluated against a clinically isolated MDR MRSA strain (VITEK 2 confirmed; resistant to 15 antibiotic agents) using MIC determination and crystal violet microplate biofilm assay. Virulence gene expression (fnbA, cna) was quantified by RT-qPCR using the 2[-]ΔΔCt method with 16 S rRNA as a reference gene. ZnO-NPs exhibited a characteristic UV absorption at 321 nm and an AFM mean diameter of 34.95 nm. EDS confirmed Zn (28.94%) and O (22.54%) as principal elements, with residual C and Cl attributable to phytochemical surface capping and precursor, respectively. The MIC of ZnO-NPs against MRSA was 4.312 mg/mL - a 7.5-fold improvement over crude D. viscosa extract (32.25 mg/mL). Anti-biofilm inhibition reached 41% and 58% for two clinical isolates at sub-MIC concentrations. RT-qPCR revealed significant downregulation of fnbA (fold change 0.37; 63.4% reduction) and cna (fold change 0.46; 54.0% reduction) relative to untreated controls. These findings demonstrate that D. viscosa-mediated ZnO-NPs combine direct antibacterial activity with transcriptional suppression of MRSA adhesin-encoding virulence genes at sub-lethal concentrations, offering a promising anti-virulence platform with reduced potential for resistance selection compared with conventional bactericidal agents.},
}

@article {pmid42800316,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, W and Du, R and Cao, S and Liu, T and Yuan, Z and Peng, Y},
title = {Scaling up membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABR) for sustainable wastewater treatment.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt C},
pages = {127015},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.127015},
pmid = {42800316},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABR) have attracted increasing attention as a potential platform for low carbon wastewater treatment, owing to their high oxygen transfer efficiency, biofilm-based process intensification, and reported potential for reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under specific configurations. However, successful full-scale implementation requires careful management of scale dependent variations in gas transfer, liquid-side mass transfer, hydrodynamics and biofilm stratification. This review critically examines these bottlenecks and the engineering principles required to manage them. Key challenges include membrane wetting, boundary layer resistance, lumen pressure loss and condensate accumulation in longer fibres, flow maldistribution at high packing density, excessive biofilm growth and matrix specific competition for oxygen. Emerging strategies, including intermittent scouring, redox regulation, spatially differentiated aeration, model informed module design and hybrid nitrogen removal configurations, provide potential scaling pathways, but their performance remains configuration and wastewater dependent. Reliable full-scale deployment therefore requires treating MABR as an integrated platform combining module design, gas-water regulation, biofilm control and greenhouse-gas management. Plant wide models and data driven soft sensors may support adaptive operation, although real-time closed-loop control remains to be demonstrated. By synthesizing material evolution, hydrodynamic regulation and operation emission interactions, this review identifies the engineering conditions that may influence the long term operational and environmental performance of MABR.},
}

@article {pmid42786181,
year = {2026},
author = {Antypas, H and Schmidtchen, V and Staiger, WI and Yanhong, LI and Tan, RJW and Ng, KKF and Neo, CJY and Radhesh, SM and Tanoto, FR and da Silva, RAG and Colomer-Winter, C and Schütz, SD and Kloehn, J and Muthualagu Natarajan, L and Manzano, C and Wong, JJ and Pethe, K and Hasse, B and Brugger, SD and Wong, SL and Van Tyne, D and Zinkernagel, AS and Kline, KA},
title = {Author Correction: Loss of Fsr quorum sensing promotes biofilm formation and worsens outcomes in enterococcal infective endocarditis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-78152-1},
pmid = {42786181},
issn = {2041-1723},
}

@article {pmid42786866,
year = {2026},
author = {Verma, A and Sharma, S},
title = {Nano-Carriers in Biofilm-Associated Infections: Clinical Challenges, Regulatory Hurdles, and Translational Perspectives.},
journal = {Recent advances in drug delivery and formulation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0126673878496546260903102828},
pmid = {42786866},
issn = {2667-3886},
abstract = {Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms encapsulated by an Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) matrix, which plays a crucial role in recurrent and chronic infections caused by implanted medical devices. The natural resistance of biofilms to antimicrobials and the difficulty in diagnosing them pose a challenge in the fight against infections. The biofilm life cycle, consisting of attachment, maturation, and dispersion stages, further complicates this issue. Nanocarriers have increasingly been proposed to overcome the challenges posed by biofilms because of their small size, large surface area-to-volume ratio, and physicochemical properties. Due to the unique characteristics of nanocarriers, researchers have used them to facilitate antimicrobial delivery, enhance drug permeability into biofilms, and promote the effects of the administered drugs. Researchers have used various techniques such as quorum-sensing inhibition, EPS matrix breakdown, and targeted drug delivery to treat biofilm infections. Although considerable advancements have been made in treating biofilm infections through the use of nanocarriers, there are still several issues that need to be addressed before moving into clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid42789175,
year = {2026},
author = {Yamaguchi, CC and Mori, JF and Kutsuna, S and Kanaly, RA},
title = {Identification of Putative Cellulose Synthase Gene xcsA2 Required for c-di-GMP-Induced Biofilm Formation and Cell Aggregation in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942.},
journal = {Biotechnology and bioengineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/bit.70396},
pmid = {42789175},
issn = {1097-0290},
support = {17K00555//Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI/ ; 23K05013//Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI/ ; 22H04984//Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI/ ; 24H02301//Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI/ ; 25K08898//Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI/ ; JPMJSP2179//JST SPRING research grant Japan/ ; },
abstract = {Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 is a widely used model cyanobacterium for diverse research fields and for bioproduction applications owing to its ease of cultivation, genetic modification, and ability to fix CO2. We found that a laboratory strain of S. elongatus PCC 7942 expressing the ydeH gene from E. coli exhibited pronounced biofilm formation and cell aggregation upon ydeH induction, despite the species rarely showing these phenotypes under standard laboratory conditions. Our findings demonstrate that this strain harbors latent potential for biofilm formation and aggregation through c-di-GMP synthesis, suggesting possible applications in biomass recovery. Further, we identified that xcsA2 (Synpcc7942_2151), a putative cellulose synthase gene containing a PilZ domain that binds c-di-GMP is an indispensable gene in this biofilm-producing phenotype and experimentally confirmed ydeH-induced cellulose-like β-1,4-linked glucans production. Notably, xcsA2 represents the first putative functional cellulose synthase gene involved in biofilm/aggregate formation in S. elongatus and suggests that this organism may serve as a useful platform for bacterial cellulose bioproduction. Overall, discovery of xcsA2 provides a new genetic basis for exploring cellulose synthase evolution in cyanobacteria and specifically opens possibilities for engineering cellulose bioproduction utilizing S. elongatus.},
}

@article {pmid42790370,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, D and Xun, J and Wang, L and Han, Z and Liu, C and Cheng, W and Zhao, Y and Sun, Z and Ma, J},
title = {Aluminum hydrolysis species as metabolic drivers: Novel insights into biofilm function regulation in gravity-driven membrane (GDM) systems.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt C},
pages = {126994},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126994},
pmid = {42790370},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Aluminum (Al) salt coagulation is frequently employed as a pretreatment strategy in gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration to alleviate fouling, however, its actual efficacy remains highly variable and occasionally counterproductive, with the underlying mechanisms largely unexplored. This study systematically revealed how Al hydrolytic species dictated biofilm functionality and overall GDM performance, shifting the conventional perspective from viewing Al as a simple foulant precursor to recognizing it as a decisive metabolic regulator. The formation of ε‑Al13 under high coagulant doses induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and enzymatic inhibition, thereby suppressing energy metabolism and nitrogen transformation pathways. In contrast, optimized dosing promoted the generation of Al6 species, which established a low-mass-transfer-resistance, biocompatible microenvironment and acted as sustained-release nutrient carriers selectively enhancing nitrification, denitrification, and anammox activities, while curtailing extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) accumulation and inhibiting biofilm-to-biofouling transition. Based on these mechanistic insights, a micro-flocculation-GDM (MGDM) system was developed, achieving a flux approximately 2.3‑fold higher than conventional GDM alongside significantly improved pollutant removal (87.17% for NH4[+]‑N and 60.61% for UV254). These findings not only provided critical theoretical guidance for optimizing GDM operation but also established a refined species‑oriented biofilm regulation framework, offering a practical technological pathway for scalable engineering applications of GDM systems in surface water treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42791618,
year = {2026},
author = {Zwicker, P and Bradtke, AML and Ploch, NL and Hübner, NO},
title = {233 nm far-UV-C radiation for biofilm inactivation.},
journal = {Photochemistry and photobiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/php.70153},
pmid = {42791618},
issn = {1751-1097},
abstract = {The formation of biofilms protects bacteria from antibiotic therapy or disinfection based on different mechanisms. The treatment of biofilms is furthermore impeded by their characteristic of being composed of multiple species; thus, it is necessary to identify involved species to determine an appropriate treatment. Consequently, new methods for inactivating involved bacteria in biofilms are necessary. One possibility might be the use of skin-compatible doses of 233 nm far-UV-C irradiation. In the presented study, the potential for biofilm formation of various bacteria species and strains was identified using a plate-based assay (crystal violet staining) as well as two cultivation-based assays on agar plates (Congo red, calcofluor). Strains of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa were selected and grown on stainless steel carriers for 24 h followed by irradiation with skin-tolerable doses of 233 nm far-UV-C radiation (20-80 mJ/cm[2]). Viability of bacteria was assessed via quantification of colony-forming units. Irradiation led to a statistically significant inactivation of up to 2.28 lg (S. epidermidis), 2.60 lg (S. aureus), and 1.16 lg (P. aeruginosa). Higher doses tended to result in slightly higher inactivation, but without statistical significance. Since UV-C irradiation does not remove bacteria and the surrounding matrix, additional cleansing is necessary for biofilm removal. But UV-C irradiation can be an effective addition to cleansing and chemical treatment for biofilm inactivation. Therefore, for potential applications on skin or mucous membranes, UV-C currently represents a valuable additional method that broadens the antiseptic treatment repertoire.},
}

@article {pmid42791989,
year = {2026},
author = {Baca-García, A and Baca, P and Abellán, A and Arias-Moliz, MT and Valderrama, P},
title = {Research Trends in Antimicrobial Oral Hygiene Products, the Oral Microbiome, and Dental Biofilm: A Bibliometric Analysis (2006-2025).},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15090839},
pmid = {42791989},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {PID2023-149087NB-I00//Spanish State Research Agency/ ; },
abstract = {Objective: This study aims to provide a global landscape of research into oral hygiene products with antimicrobial or microbiome-modulating activity through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify trends and hotspots that may influence future research frontiers. Methods: A structured bibliographic search was conducted within the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2006 to 2025. Manual screening was performed to exclude duplicate records, studies that did not align with the core topic, and those failing to meet the predefined inclusion criteria. Bibliometric and visual analyses were performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package 'bibliometrix' to evaluate production metrics, citation networks, and multi-level collaboration patterns. Results: The analysis included 1007 publications. Sreenivasan PK was the most productive author, and Lundberg JO was the most cited. The United States, followed by India, Brazil, and China, led global research volume, while the United Kingdom and the Netherlands led in total citations. The International Journal of Dental Hygiene was the most productive journal (n = 48), and the Journal of Dentistry was the most cited (n = 1356). Burgeoning research hotspots include the impact of mouthwashes on the oral microbiome and systemic disorders, the controlled clinical use of chlorhexidine, and alternative formulations incorporating probiotics, herbal extracts, or hyaluronic acid. Conclusions: This study underscores a global shift in dental research priorities from traditional bacterial elimination toward preserving oral microbiota eubiosis. While chlorhexidine remains a subject of research due to its widespread use for therapeutic benefits, bibliometric research highlights its potential systemic consequences as a hotspot. Therefore, future research should focus on innovative antimicrobial formulations for mouthwashes and toothpastes that maintain oral health without causing dysbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42792024,
year = {2026},
author = {Tabassum, N and Javaid, A and Karthikeyan, A and Kim, M and Kim, YM and Khan, F},
title = {Prophage-Derived Molecules as Anti-Vibrio Agents in Aquaculture: Mechanisms of Biofilm Control and Virulence Suppression.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15090874},
pmid = {42792024},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {RS-2021-NR060118 and RS-2023-00241461//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; This research was also a part of the project titled 'Global Bluefood leadership project (RS-2025-02373103)', funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea//Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries/ ; },
abstract = {Vibriosis causes substantial losses in marine and brackish-water aquaculture, while increasing antimicrobial resistance limits the effectiveness of conventional antibiotic treatment. Biofilm formation and quorum-sensing-controlled virulence further contribute to the persistence of pathogenic Vibrio species. Prophages integrated into Vibrio genomes encode proteins and regulatory elements that may provide alternative approaches for controlling these pathogens. This review evaluates endolysins, polysaccharide depolymerases, nucleases, holins, spanins, tailocins, regulatory proteins, and small RNAs associated with prophages and related phages. The available evidence was classified according to molecular origin to distinguish validated prophage-derived molecules from those obtained from temperate or lytic phages and from molecules characterized in non-Vibrio bacteria. Endolysins and depolymerases can disrupt bacterial cells and biofilm matrices, whereas prophage regulatory elements may influence quorum sensing, adhesion, motility, toxin production, and secretion systems. However, the evidence directly supporting prophage-derived anti-Vibrio agents remains limited. Most experimentally demonstrated activity has been reported for endolysins and one validated depolymerase, and many of these molecules originated from lytic rather than temperate phages. No direct Vibrio-specific evidence is currently available for phage-derived nucleases, holins, spanins, or tailocins as isolated control agents. Prophage genomes nevertheless provide an extensive source of regulatory and antimicrobial candidates for further investigation. Progress toward aquaculture application will require experimental validation, effective delivery methods, safety assessment, scalable production, and clear regulatory standards.},
}

@article {pmid42792029,
year = {2026},
author = {Duggal, AP and Alreja, AB and Vashee, I and Nordstrom, H and Harrelson, E and Fallen, N and Takano, KA and Blaustein, RA and Fouts, DE and Gonzalez-Juarbe, N},
title = {Phage-Antibiotic-Peptide Synergy Overcomes Biofilm-Mediated Multidrug Resistance in Serratia marcescens.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15090879},
pmid = {42792029},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; /JG/JG CDC HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Background/Objectives: Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen that causes severe hospital-acquired infections, notable for its biofilm formation abilities and development of extensive antibiotic resistance. Here, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of bacteriophages, antibiotics, and antimicrobial peptides (BAP), alone and in combination, against fourteen multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. marcescens isolates sourced from hospitals and other environmental settings.

METHODS: S. marcescens was grown planktonically or in surface-associated biofilms, and biofilm biomass was measured via changes in absorbance and colony-forming units or live/death staining.

RESULTS: Combining bacteriophage with a low-dose cocktail of penicillin-streptomycin, kanamycin, and ciprofloxacin enhanced antimicrobial activity compared with antibiotics alone. Across the isolate panel, responses to BAP treatment varied according to determined antibiotic resistance profiles. The highly resistant AR-0517 isolate was selected for detailed mature biofilm analysis, where the BAP treatment reduced biofilm biomass by 97.8% and recoverable bacteria by 99.99%. Microscopy and viability assays further confirmed extensive biofilm disruption and bacterial killing.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that simultaneous targeting of multiple bacterial pathways can enhance antimicrobial activity against MDR S. marcescens in vitro and support further evaluation of BAP as a potential strategy for biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid42792030,
year = {2026},
author = {Akkache, A and Védère, M and Hathroubi, S},
title = {Next-Generation Antimicrobial Peptides for Biofilm-Associated Infections: Engineering, Biomaterial Delivery and AI-Assisted Discovery.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15090880},
pmid = {42792030},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are increasingly regarded as next-generation antimicrobial agents because of their broad-spectrum activity, rapid killing, antibiofilm potential, immunomodulatory properties, and mechanisms of action that differ from those of many conventional antibiotics. Despite these advantages, their clinical translation remains limited by proteolytic instability, hemolysis or cytotoxicity, poor pharmacokinetics, salt and serum sensitivity, production costs, and delivery challenges. The AMP field is therefore shifting from natural peptide discovery toward integrated engineering pipelines that combine rational peptide modification, biomaterial-based delivery, high-throughput screening, and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning approaches. Chemical and structural modifications, including D-amino acid substitution, N-glycine substitution, cyclization, lipidation, PEGylation, terminal amidation, hydrocarbon stapling, hybridization, sequence truncation, metal coordination, and biomaterial immobilization, are being used to improve stability, potency, selectivity, antibiofilm activity, and tissue localization. In parallel, AI-guided approaches, including ML, deep learning, and generative modeling, enable large-scale exploration of diverse peptide sources, including microbiomes and extinct proteomes, to entirely new sequences, while supporting optimization of potency, selectivity, stability, toxicity, and synthesizability. This focused review summarizes recent advances in AMP engineering, biomaterial-assisted delivery, and AI-guided discovery for biofilm-associated infections in the context of antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42792071,
year = {2026},
author = {Abilova, Z and Balabayev, B and Shevchenko, P and Yernazarova, M and Bulashev, A and Rychshanova, R and Gabitova, A},
title = {Association Between Biofilm Phenotype and Antimicrobial Resistance in Foodborne Listeria monocytogenes from Northern Kazakhstan.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15090921},
pmid = {42792071},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {BR22885795, "Improving Food Safety"//Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the Scientific and Technical Pro-gramme for 2024-2026/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives:Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen of public health concern because of the severe outcomes associated with invasive listeriosis, its ability to persist throughout the food chain, and its capacity to form biofilms. In this study, the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial resistance genes, and biofilm-forming capacity of L. monocytogenes from food of animal origin in Northern Kazakhstan were investigated, and the association between the biofilm phenotype and antimicrobial resistance was also assessed. Methods: A total of 1561 samples were analyzed. L. monocytogenes was isolated and identified according to ISO 11290-1 and confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion according to EUCAST recommendations. Resistance genes were detected by PCR, and biofilm formation was assessed using a crystal violet assay. Results:L. monocytogenes was detected in 34 (2.18%) samples. Resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent was observed in 18 (52.9%) isolates, with the highest resistance rate observed for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (14/34, 41.2%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 8 (23.5%) isolates and was defined as resistance to at least three antimicrobial classes, including β-lactams, macrolides, and sulfonamides. The most frequently detected resistance genes were msrA (26.5%) and mefA (20.6%). All isolates formed biofilms, with 44.1% classified as strong producers and 55.9% as moderate producers. Strong biofilm formation was significantly associated with antimicrobial resistance (OR = 4.71, p = 0.045). Conclusions:L. monocytogenes was detected in 34 (2.18%) animal-origin food samples from Northern Kazakhstan. The isolates demonstrated antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-forming capacity, with a significant association between strong biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. These findings highlight the importance of continued microbiological surveillance of L. monocytogenes in animal-origin foods.},
}

@article {pmid42792073,
year = {2026},
author = {Yoon, JH and Kim, YJ and Kim, KY},
title = {3-Hydroxyflavone Inhibits Biofilm Formation and Enhances Antibiotic Activity Against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15090925},
pmid = {42792073},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {RS-2025-02216619//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: The increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria has created an urgent need for new therapies that target virulence factors. Biofilm formation is a major determinant of bacterial pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance. Methods: Biofilm formation assays (using crystal violet staining) were performed in independent triplicates to evaluate the biofilm-inhibitory activity of 3-Hydroxyflavone. A bacterial viability assay (colony-forming unit counting) was used to assess the enhanced antibiotic activity, and qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to investigate the transcriptional modulation of biofilm-related genes. Results: 3-Hydroxyflavone inhibited biofilm formation in E. faecalis (IC50 = 1.025 μg/mL), E. faecium (IC50 = 0.19 μg/mL), S. aureus (IC50 = 1.21 μg/mL), C. acnes (IC50 = 0.132 μg/mL), S. sobrinus (IC50 = 5.49 μg/mL), P. aeruginosa (IC50 = 22.1 μg/mL), and E. coli (IC50 = 10.88 μg/mL). Notably, these effects were observed without significant inhibition of planktonic bacterial growth, indicating a biofilm-specific mechanism of action. 3-Hydroxyflavone also downregulated the expression of quorum-sensing genes (FsrB, FsrC, GelE, EbpA, EbpB, Acm, Scm, and Bps), the biofilm virulence gene Esp, and cytolysin genes (CylLs, CylR, and CylM), while exhibiting strong enhanced antibiotic activity in the viability assay. Conclusions: These in vitro findings suggest that 3-Hydroxyflavone may serve as a promising antibacterial adjuvant for controlling biofilm-associated bacterial infections. However, further studies, including in vivo validation, are required to determine its clinical applicability.},
}

@article {pmid42792583,
year = {2026},
author = {Ning, C and Zhou, J and Yu, Z and Yang, Y and Kang, M and Dong, Z and Sun, Y and Meng, X and Guo, H},
title = {The Combined Strategy of Baicalin and Oxacillin Sodium Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Biofilm Inhibition, Virulence Attenuation and In Vivo Anti-Infection Efficacy.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15181639},
pmid = {42792583},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {JJKH20261179KJ//Department of Education of Jilin Province/ ; },
abstract = {Over the past few years, considerable scholarly interest has been directed toward the synergistic application of natural compounds alongside conventional antibiotics to address infections stemming from multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the efficacy of baicalin (BA), an extract obtained from Scutellaria baicalensis, when used in conjunction with oxacillin sodium (OXS). Specifically, the study evaluates their combined impact on biofilm formation and toxicity reduction in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain USA300. Furthermore, a murine peritonitis model induced by MRSA USA300 was developed to determine the therapeutic potential of this combination therapy against infection. Experimental data indicate that the co-administration of BA and OXS does not induce hemolysis in vitro. In comparison to treatments involving either BA or OXS alone, the combined regimen significantly enhances the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) within MRSA USA300. Additionally, this synergistic approach suppresses the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), decreases the overall protein content within the biofilm matrix, and impairs the metabolic functions of biofilm cells. The investigation also revealed that the synergistic application of BA and OXS intensifies the suppression of key virulence determinants, specifically lipase activity and staphyloxanthin production, while simultaneously downregulating the transcription of sarA (a global regulator of virulence). These findings substantiate the anti-virulence efficacy of the BA-OXS combination. In a murine model of peritonitis established using MRSA USA300, the healthy mice group, the MRSA USA300 group, the BA group, the OXS group, the combined group of BA and OXS, and the VAN group were set up, with eight mice in each group. The results showed that the combined therapy significantly mitigated body weight reduction, decreased the circulating counts of inflammatory cells, including leukocytes and lymphocytes, and suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, thereby demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the co-administration of BA and OXS reduced bacterial burden in the abdominal organs of infected mice and alleviated associated histopathological injuries. Importantly, the treatment regimen exhibited no hepatorenal toxicity in the peritonitis mice, effectively maintaining normal levels. In the plasma of mice suffering from peritonitis, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, was reduced, while the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were elevated. This modulation contributes to anti-infective effects. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for subsequent investigations into the synergistic application of natural compounds and conventional antibiotics against MRSA.},
}

@article {pmid42794365,
year = {2026},
author = {Teng, L and Zhou, Z and Feng, C and Li, G and Men, W and Cui, Y and Liu, S and Zhang, L},
title = {One-Step Sol-Gel-Fabricated CuZn Alloy Aerogel Enabled by Cu-Zn Bimetallic Synergy for Efficient Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Therapy.},
journal = {Gels (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/gels12090815},
pmid = {42794365},
issn = {2310-2861},
support = {01090/432413 and 01090/FZ241004//Tianjin Renai College/ ; },
abstract = {Copper nanoparticles possess broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and aerogels with 3D interconnected porous networks can trap bacteria and sustain metal ion release to boost bactericidal effects. Zinc is another low-toxicity antibacterial metal, and the Cu-Zn combination is predicted to generate synergistic inhibition. Herein, monometallic Cu aerogel and CuZn alloy aerogel were fabricated by a one-step method, and comparative experiments were performed to verify whether Zn alloying improves the antibacterial performance of Cu aerogel. TEM and XRD suggest the probable formation of Cu-Zn substitutional solid solution; Zn addition refined nanoparticles and relieved particle aggregation. Quantitative viability tests, agar diffusion and biofilm inhibition assays proved that CuZn alloy aerogel exhibited superior bactericidal and anti-biofilm activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the bimetallic alloy induced strain-dependent intracellular ROS accumulation and disrupted bacterial membrane potential to cause irreversible bacterial death. DC2.4 cell tests validated its good cytocompatibility, with cell viability over 70% at 100 ppm, the concentration delivering excellent antibacterial capacity. This work explores the combined antibacterial advantages of Cu-Zn bimetallic alloy aerogel and offers a facile strategy to fabricate biocompatible metal aerogels for biomedical antibacterial applications.},
}

@article {pmid42794839,
year = {2026},
author = {Peñaloza, D and Barros, MJ and Cabezas-Mera, F and Acuña, LG and Vásquez-Arriagada, P and Parra, F and Queraltó, C and Silva, C and Díaz, S and Ubilla, C and Moya-Beltrán, A and Silva, A and Nevermann, J and Parada, P and Gil, F and Fuentes, JA and Calderón, IL},
title = {Participation of the Transcriptional Regulator Fur in Modulating Biofilm Formation of the Salmonid Pathogen Yersinia ruckeri: Beyond Iron Homeostasis.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27188413},
pmid = {42794839},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {1221610; 1261776; 1220584; 1250831//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; },
mesh = {*Yersinia ruckeri/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Iron/metabolism ; Animals ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Homeostasis ; *Repressor Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Yersinia Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; Flagella/metabolism ; Salmonidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens represents a major challenge in aquaculture, since biofilms promote persistence and increase tolerance to antimicrobial treatments. Yersinia ruckeri, the etiological agent of enteric redmouth disease in salmonids, contributes to recurrent infections in aquaculture. However, the molecular mechanisms governing biofilm development in this pathogen remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of the global transcriptional regulator Fur in the biofilm formation of Y. ruckeri. To this aim, a fur deletion mutant (Δfur) was phenotypically, structurally, and transcriptionally characterized under biofilm-forming conditions. Fur deletion resulted in impaired motility, reduced flagellar synthesis, and a marked decrease in mature biofilm formation. These changes were accompanied by alterations in three-dimensional architecture, cellular organization, and extracellular matrix production, as revealed by scanning electron and confocal microscopy analyses. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling via RNA-seq demonstrated that the absence of Fur leads to extensive transcriptional reprogramming. Genes associated with the biosynthesis of flagella and oxidative stress response were significantly down-regulated, whereas genes associated with SOS responses, non-ribosomal peptide biosynthesis, and those related to iron acquisition and siderophore systems exhibited significant up-regulation in the absence of Fur. Interestingly, the strong up-regulation of P2-type prophage genes was also observed in the Δfur strain. Collectively, our findings identify Fur as an important contributor to the normal progression toward mature and spatially organized Y. ruckeri biofilms. Likewise, the Fur-dependent pathways and factors identified here provide candidates for future mechanistic studies and may ultimately help identify strategies to interfere with Y. ruckeri persistence in aquaculture environments.},
}

*Yersinia ruckeri/genetics/physiology/metabolism
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Iron/metabolism
Animals
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Homeostasis
*Repressor Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling
*Yersinia Infections/microbiology/veterinary
Flagella/metabolism
Salmonidae/microbiology

@article {pmid42795359,
year = {2026},
author = {Sangkanu, S and Khanansuk, J and Abdjan, MI and Wang, Y and Phoopha, S and Udomuksorn, W and Wink, M and Dej-Adisai, S},
title = {From Detoxified Yam to Bioactive Extracts: Integrated Extraction and In Silico Evidence of Anti-Biofilm Activity of Dioscorea hispida Extracts Against Cutibacterium acnes.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life16091494},
pmid = {42795359},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {This research was funded by the National Science, Research, and Innovation Fund (NSRF) and Prince of Songkla University (Ref. No. PHA6701074S), and Prince of Songkla University under the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, Thailand.//Prince of Songkla University/ ; },
abstract = {The increasing prevalence of biofilm-associated infections caused by Cutibacterium acnes has stimulated interest in food-derived natural products as alternative sources of anti-biofilm agents. This study investigated the effects of processing and extraction conditions on the phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, and anti-biofilm properties of Dioscorea hispida Dennst. Reflux extraction of dried yam with 80% ethanol produced the crude extracts with the highest yields (1.39-1.80%), whereas fresh yam yielded 0.51-0.97% extract. Using Gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS) analysis, linoleic acid ethyl ester, n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, and stigmasterol were identified as the major constituents. Among the tested extracts, DH-W-F-H (D. hispida-water washing-fresh-hexane) and DH-W-F-E (D. hispida-water washing-fresh-ethanol) were extracted from fresh yam using hexane and ethanol, respectively, while DH-W-D-E (D. hispida-water washing-dry-ethanol) was isolated from dried yam using ethanol and exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 64 to 2048 µg/mL. These extracts demonstrated pronounced concentration-dependent inhibition of biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Cutibacterium acnes. The strongest anti-biofilm activity was observed against C. acnes, with biofilm formation nearly eliminated at MIC concentrations. Moreover, all three extracts significantly reduced established C. acnes biofilms, with DH-W-F-H exhibiting greater eradication efficacy than vancomycin under the tested conditions. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, major fatty acid derivatives were evaluated against C. acnes lipase (CALipase), a virulence factor associated with biofilm development, using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and the Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) binding free-energy calculations. The compounds exhibited favorable interactions with CALipase, with linoleic acid ethyl ester (FA2) showing the strongest binding affinity, stable protein-ligand interactions throughout a 200 ns simulation, and the most favorable binding free energy. Collectively, the biological and computational findings suggest that fatty acid-rich extracts from processed D. hispida suppress biofilm formation through an antivirulence mechanism involving CALipase inhibition. These results highlight the potential of D. hispida as a source of metabolites for the development of functional food ingredients and value-added cosmetic and dermatological applications.},
}

@article {pmid42795464,
year = {2026},
author = {Kraus, K and Mikziński, P and Subhadra, B and Paluch, E},
title = {Hydrogels for Local Drug Delivery in Biofilm-Associated Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Current Progress and Future Directions.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14091882},
pmid = {42795464},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains one of the most serious complications of arthroplasty, largely due to the formation of microbial biofilms on implant surfaces. Biofilm-associated infections exhibit increased tolerance to antimicrobial therapy and host immune responses, making eradication difficult and often requiring repeated surgical interventions. Consequently, there is a growing need for effective local therapeutic strategies capable of delivering high concentrations of antimicrobial agents directly to the site of infection while minimizing systemic toxicity. Hydrogels have emerged as promising drug delivery platforms for the management of biofilm-associated PJI. Their biocompatibility, injectability, high water content, and tunable physicochemical properties enable controlled and localized release of therapeutic agents within the infected peri-implant environment. This narrative review summarizes recent advances in hydrogel-based approaches, including antibiotic-loaded hydrogels, systems incorporating anti-biofilm enzymes, bacteriophage-loaded formulations, and nanoparticle-enhanced platforms. It also highlights future research directions, with particular emphasis on the need for expanded clinical studies to facilitate the translation of emerging hydrogel-based therapies into clinical practice. Further development of these systems should focus on the incorporation of novel therapeutic agents into hydrogel platforms, aiming to enhance biofilm eradication and improve treatment outcomes in patients with PJI. Particular attention is given to stimuli-responsive ("smart") hydrogels that release therapeutic payloads in response to infection-related triggers such as pH changes, with emphasis on the need for expanded clinical studies to facilitate the translation of emerging hydrogel-based therapies into clinical practice. Further development of these systems should focus on the incorporation of novel therapeutic agents into hydrogel platforms, aiming to enhance biofilm eradication and improve treatment outcomes in patients with PJI.},
}

@article {pmid42795520,
year = {2026},
author = {Dai, S and Lan, W and Geng, W and Liu, P and Wang, B and Li, X and Fan, Y and Wang, F and Xu, D and Zheng, Y},
title = {Community Interactions and Extracellular Riboflavin Are Associated with Oral Biofilm-Mediated Medical Stainless Steel Corrosion.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14091938},
pmid = {42795520},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {250246//National Training Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates/ ; U24A20713//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025YFF0517101//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; U24A2032//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52425112//National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars/ ; 2023A1515240066//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; XLYC2203137//Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program/ ; XLYC2402047//Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program/ ; 2025-MS-031//Liaoning Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025‑BS‑0632//Liaoning Provincial Doctoral Research Startup Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) at oral biomaterial interfaces is viewed as an ecological phenomenon, yet how microbial composition and interspecies interactions shape corrosion remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether oral microbial community composition and interspecies interactions contribute to medical 316L stainless steel corrosion. Consortia-enhanced Cr and Fe release and localized surface pitting, with marked inter-subject variability. Interface-associated biofilms exhibited trends toward compositional shifts and showed enrichment of predicted pathways for fermentation and riboflavin metabolism, along with higher genome-based metabolic interaction potential than planktonic communities. Extracellular riboflavin accumulated in MIC systems and correlated positively with dissolved Cr and Fe concentrations. In perturbation assays, riboflavin supplementation increased corrosion current density (icorr) and metal dissolution, whereas roseoflavin reduced extracellular riboflavin availability and corrosion-related parameters without marked changes in the measured biofilm biomass or surface-associated ATP levels. A defined three-strain consortium (C. tsuruhatensis, R. erythropolis, and T. aromatica) reconstituted the S3 high-corrosion phenotype, including elevated icorr, extracellular riboflavin accumulation, and induced pitting, consistent with a proposed riboflavin-linked model involving species-dependent metabolic interactions. These findings suggest that extracellular riboflavin may represent a candidate redox-active factor associated with microbial community interactions and corrosion activity, providing an ecological framework for understanding microbiota-associated corrosion resistance at oral biomaterial interfaces.},
}

@article {pmid42795542,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhan, X and Pei, Y and Huang, Y and Li, N and Huang, W and Tang, Y and Liang, H},
title = {Co-Expression of PA0290 and PelD Enhances Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14091961},
pmid = {42795542},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {nos. 32470196 and 32170188 to H.L., and 32500162 to X.Z.//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; nos. 2022YFC2304401 and 2021YFA0911200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; no. 20231120104808001//Shenzhen Science and Technology Program/ ; no. 2024A1515010319//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; no. 2025AFD079//Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {How individual diguanylate cyclases generate specific outputs within bacterial c-di-GMP networks remains unclear. Here, we characterized PA0290, a PAS-PAC-GGDEF protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and examined its relationship with the c-di-GMP receptor PelD. Deletion or overexpression of PA0290 alone did not significantly affect biofilm formation. A bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid screen identified PelD as a candidate PA0290-interacting protein, and co-expression of PA0290 and PelD markedly enhanced static and flow-cell biofilm formation. Purified PA0290 generated an HPLC product peak with a retention time closely matching that of the authentic c-di-GMP standard, whereas substitution of the conserved GGEEF motif with GGAAF reduced product formation and weakened the biofilm-enhancing phenotype observed upon PA0290-PelD co-expression. PA0290-PelD co-expression did not produce sustained activation of the bulk c-di-GMP-responsive cdrA-lux reporter. Clinical isolates also displayed heterogeneous biofilm-forming capacity and variable PA0290 and pelD transcript abundance. Together, these findings support a functional association between PA0290 and PelD in biofilm regulation. The absence of sustained bulk c-di-GMP-responsive reporter activation suggests that this phenotype is not accompanied by a generalized increase in c-di-GMP-responsive transcription.},
}

@article {pmid42795605,
year = {2026},
author = {Ebenberger, SP and Pombo, JP and Rechberger, A and Fleischhacker, D and Schild, S},
title = {Repression of the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) During Biofilm Formation Provides a Fitness Advantage for Vibrio cholerae.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14092024},
pmid = {42795605},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {P33073//FWF Austrian Science Fund/ ; 32577//FWF Austrian Science Fund/ ; DOC50//FWF Austrian Science Fund/ ; //University of Graz/ ; },
abstract = {The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a contact-dependent bacterial weapon to inject hazardous proteins into competitors and can be pivotal for bacterial fitness. Throughout the lifecycle of Vibrio cholerae, beneficial and detrimental activities of the T6SS have been described, but its role in biofilm-associated interactions remains poorly understood. Here, we show that biofilm formation is accompanied by significant repression of T6SS genes. Expression analyses across multiple V. cholerae isolates revealed consistent downregulation of the major T6SS gene cluster in biofilm-derived cells relative to planktonic cultures. Consistent with this biofilm-dependent repression, a loss of the T6SS did not affect V. cholerae biofilm formation. Notably, biofilm-derived V. cholerae wild-type isolates and their isogenic T6SS-deletion mutants displayed comparable resistance to attacks by T6SS-reactive Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings suggest that T6SS repression during biofilm growth provides a fitness advantage for V. cholerae by limiting susceptibility to T6SS-mediated counterattacks from neighboring heterologous T6SS[+] predatory species. Our results, therefore, identify conditional T6SS silencing as a potential adaptive strategy that promotes survival within multispecies microbial communities, particularly in environments containing bacteria with highly active or more potent T6SS machineries.},
}

@article {pmid42795683,
year = {2026},
author = {Bieda, A and Illner, S and Senz, V and Oschatz, S and Grabow, N and Löbermann, M and Reisinger, EC and Sombetzki, M},
title = {Effects of Sub-Inhibitory Rifampicin, Minocycline, and Dalbavancin on Early Biofilm Formation and Transcriptional Responses in Staphylococcus aureus SA113.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14092101},
pmid = {42795683},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Implant-associated infections are often caused by biofilm-forming pathogens such as Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. While local antibiotic delivery systems aim to prevent adhesion and biofilm establishment, declining drug concentrations may result in sub-inhibitory exposure, which can modulate bacterial adaptation linked to antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and regulatory responses. We investigated the effects of sub-inhibitory antibiotic exposure on biofilm formation in S. aureus SA113 and associated transcriptional responses. The biofilm-producing strain S. aureus SA113 was exposed to sub-inhibitory concentrations of rifampicin, minocycline, and dalbavancin during early biofilm formation. Phenotypic effects were assessed by crystal violet staining, enumeration of colony-forming units, and scanning electron microscopy, while transcriptional responses were analyzed by qPCR. Despite stable counts of culturable adherent bacteria, sub-inhibitory antibiotic exposure differentially altered biofilm formation and transcriptional responses. Rifampicin was associated with increased biomass at higher sub-inhibitory concentrations and increased early expression of icaA, icaD (+4.2 log2) and fnbA (+2.7 log2) at 1/2× MIC. Minocycline reduced biomass at lower concentrations with partial recovery toward control levels at 1/2× MIC, while transcriptional analysis at 1/4× MIC after 6 h showed increased expression of icaA, icaD (+2.1 log2) and fnbA (+4.3 log2). Dalbavancin induced a distinct transcriptional response characterized by increased expression of vraS (+1.1 log2) and lrgA (+1.8 log2), without induction of matrix-associated genes, while adherent biofilm biomass was reduced to 42.9% at 1/2× MIC. Morphologically, this was associated with compact aggregates rather than diffuse biofilm structures. Sub-inhibitory antibiotic exposure differentially modulated early biofilm formation in SA113 in a drug-specific manner. Overall, the distinct dalbavancin-associated response may be relevant for the development of preventive local drug-delivery systems.},
}

@article {pmid42796702,
year = {2026},
author = {Silva, C and de Sousa, T and Rodrigues, J and Igrejas, G and Poeta, P},
title = {Ecological Stress Tolerance and Biofilm-Associated Persistence in Opportunistic Bacteria Isolated from Livestock Faeces.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15090935},
pmid = {42796702},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {UIDB/CVT/00772/2020//Foundation for Science and Technology/ ; LA/P/0059/2020//Foundation for Science and Technology/ ; UID/50006/2025//FCT/MCTES through national funds/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Animals ; *Feces/microbiology ; *Pseudomonas/isolation & purification/physiology/growth & development ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Livestock/microbiology ; *Alcaligenes faecalis/isolation & purification/physiology/growth & development ; Pseudomonas putida/isolation & purification/physiology ; },
abstract = {Livestock faeces constitute an important environmental interface within the One Health framework, as bacteria shed by animals are directly exposed to external environmental conditions, where they may persist and subsequently disseminate across the human, animal, and environmental sectors. The ability of these microorganisms to tolerate environmental stresses is therefore critical for their persistence and ecological distribution. In this study, the responses of 5 Pseudomonas putida, 15 Pseudomonas fulva, and 12 Alcaligenes faecalis isolates recovered from livestock faeces to different environmental stress conditions were investigated. Bacterial growth was evaluated under different temperatures, increasing NaCl concentrations, and carbon starvation, while biofilm formation was assessed using the microtiter plate assay. Growth was markedly affected by all stress conditions, although substantial variability was observed among isolates of the same species. Despite reduced growth under the most adverse conditions, all three species remained capable of growing across a wide range of environmental stresses. A. faecalis exhibited greater salt tolerance and biofilm-forming capacity than Pseudomonas spp., with biofilm formation detected in almost all isolates of both species. Furthermore, no statistically significant correlations were detected among the evaluated stress tolerance traits. These findings demonstrate that livestock-associated P. putida, P. fulva, and A. faecalis possess physiological characteristics that promote persistence under diverse environmental conditions, highlighting the potential role of livestock faeces as environmental reservoirs of opportunistic bacteria within the One Health context.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Animals
*Feces/microbiology
*Pseudomonas/isolation & purification/physiology/growth & development
*Stress, Physiological
*Livestock/microbiology
*Alcaligenes faecalis/isolation & purification/physiology/growth & development
Pseudomonas putida/isolation & purification/physiology

@article {pmid42796731,
year = {2026},
author = {Stîngă, RI and Nadăş, GC},
title = {Biofilm Dynamics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Rabbit Odontogenic Infections: A One Health Perspective.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15090963},
pmid = {42796731},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Rabbits ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Bacteria/drug effects ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Rabbit odontogenic abscesses are among the most challenging chronic infections encountered in exotic animal medicine because of their polymicrobial etiology, biofilm-associated persistence, and poor response to conventional antimicrobial therapy. Biofilm formation plays a central role in disease pathogenesis by promoting bacterial adhesion, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, quorum sensing (bacterial cell-to-cell communication), metabolic heterogeneity, and the persister-cell formation (transiently antibiotic-tolerant bacterial subpopulations), collectively reducing antimicrobial susceptibility and contributing to treatment failure and recurrence. In addition to biofilm-mediated tolerance, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) further complicates disease management through mechanisms including horizontal gene transfer, efflux pump activation, enzymatic antibiotic degradation, reduced membrane permeability, and target modification. This review summarizes current knowledge on the microbiology, biofilm dynamics, and resistance mechanisms associated with rabbit odontogenic infections while examining recent advances in molecular diagnostics, including culture-independent sequencing technologies, metagenomics, and advanced imaging approaches. Current and emerging anti-biofilm strategies, such as local antimicrobial delivery systems, enzymatic biofilm disruption, quorum-sensing inhibitors, bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, photodynamic therapy, and nanotechnology-based approaches, are critically discussed in the context of their potential application in rabbits. Comparative evidence from human endodontic infections and other veterinary biofilm-associated diseases highlights the translational relevance of rabbit odontogenic abscesses as a naturally occurring model for chronic polymicrobial infections. Finally, key research gaps are identified, emphasizing the need for standardized experimental models, integrated multi-omics analyses, combining genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, longitudinal clinical investigations, and evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship. By integrating microbiology, biofilm biology, antimicrobial resistance, and One Health concepts, this review provides a comprehensive framework to support future research and improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rabbit odontogenic infections.},
}

Animals
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Rabbits
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Bacteria/drug effects
Humans

@article {pmid42796753,
year = {2026},
author = {Dolee, R and Sakulkeo, O and Wunnoo, S and Mordmuang, A and Maneenoon, K and Thipkham, W and Voravuthikunchai, SP and Götz, F and Luqman, A and Saising, J},
title = {Effects of an Herbal Formulation Ethanolic Extract on Streptococcus pyogenes: Bactericidal Activity, Biofilm Control, and Interactions with Conventional Antibiotics.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15090985},
pmid = {42796753},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {651B05003//Mae Fah Luang University/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Streptococcus pyogenes/drug effects/physiology/ultrastructure ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Humans ; Ethanol/chemistry ; Microbial Viability/drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus pyogenes is a pathogen that causes skin infections worldwide. Currently, there is growing interest in herbal formulations as potential sources of antibacterial agents. This in vitro study investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of herbal formulation ethanolic extract (HFE), alone and combined with specific antibiotics, against S. pyogenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of HFE were determined using the broth microdilution method. Bactericidal activity was further evaluated using time-kill assays. Bacterial cell morphology was examined using electron microscopy. The interaction between HFE and specific antibiotics was assessed using the checkerboard assay. The MIC and MBC values of HFE against S. pyogenes ATCC 19615 were 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively, while all clinical isolates showed MIC and MBC values of 8 µg/mL. Time-kill curve analysis demonstrated HFE's bactericidal activity within 2 h and induced ultrastructural changes in S. pyogenes cells. HFE also exhibited antibiofilm activity against both biofilm formation and established biofilms. The checkerboard assay showed indifferent interactions, with a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.57-3.00 for all HFE combinations against S. pyogenes. These findings suggest the potential of HFE as a natural health product for the management of S. pyogenes infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Streptococcus pyogenes/drug effects/physiology/ultrastructure
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Humans
Ethanol/chemistry
Microbial Viability/drug effects
Drug Synergism

@article {pmid42782982,
year = {2026},
author = {Boloș, A and Boloș, OC and Maghet, E and Bita, RG and Briceag, R and Bumbu, BA and Brad, S},
title = {Halitosis: A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Periodontal Debridement with Tongue Cleaning, Denture Biofilm Management, and Restorative Maintenance.},
journal = {Dentistry journal},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42782982},
issn = {2304-6767},
abstract = {Background: Halitosis in elderly dental patients is rarely attributable to a single etiology; tongue coating, periodontal inflammation, denture biofilm, and reduced salivary flow may coexist and modify treatment response. We compared three procedure pathways and examined whether tongue-coating reduction mediates procedure-related improvement. Methods: A prospective cohort of 94 patients aged 65 years or older was assigned by dominant indication to periodontal debridement with tongue cleaning (PDT, n = 33), denture biofilm management (DBM, n = 31), or restorative/prosthetic maintenance (RPM, n = 30). This was a single-center, nonrandomized prospective cohort study; assignment followed the dominant clinical indication rather than randomization. All clinical assessments were made by a single examiner who was masked to the formal procedure-group assignment; masking was partial because the clinical picture at follow-up could sometimes reveal the care delivered. The primary outcome was percentage reduction in volatile sulfur compound (VSC) concentration at 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included organoleptic score, HALT, OHIP-14, tongue-coating index, denture plaque index, and a composite clinical response (≥30% VSC reduction plus ≥ 1-point organoleptic improvement plus ≥ 8-point HALT improvement). Linear mixed-effects, multivariable regression, and bootstrap mediation analyses were performed. Results: All three procedures reduced VSC at 8 weeks, but PDT produced the largest absolute reduction (-102.6 ± 20.2 ppb) and the highest composite response rate (57.6%), versus 9.7% in DBM and 3.3% in RPM (p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses showed PDT improved VSC reduction by 22.8 percentage points and DBM by 11.7 percentage points relative to RPM. Tongue-coating reduction mediated 29.5% of the PDT effect and 35.6% of the DBM effect. Xerostomia and reduced salivary flow attenuated the response in DBM and RPM but not in PDT. Conclusions: Periodontal debridement with tongue cleaning was the most effective procedure pathway for elderly halitosis. Tongue-coating reduction was a meaningful, though statistically rather than experimentally established, mediator of treatment benefit, supporting an oral-ecological framework for managing geriatric oral malodor that warrants confirmation in randomized studies.},
}

@article {pmid42782984,
year = {2026},
author = {Isfendiyaroglu, I and Daniskan, AS and Bagkur, C and Ozverel, CS and Isfendiyaroglu, M and Ergucu, Z},
title = {The Effects of Bioactive Glass-Containing Toothpastes on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Removal from Contemporary Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study.},
journal = {Dentistry journal},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42782984},
issn = {2304-6767},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Dental biofilms are complex microbial communities that could lead to the formation of dental caries and other oral diseases. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effects of two commercially available toothpastes containing bioactive glass (BioMin F and Sensodyne Repair & Protection) on biofilm removal from five contemporary restorative dental materials and bovine enamel. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of bioactive glass-containing toothpastes on Streptococcus mutans viability and colonization on different restorative materials and bovine enamel. Methods: A total of 42 disc specimens representing five restorative dental materials and bovine enamel were incubated with Streptococcus mutans for 24 h to develop biofilms. After bacterial adhesion, specimens were brushed with toothpaste slurries (1:2 dilution) and distilled water (control). Biofilm viability and bacterial colonization were evaluated using the MTT assay and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, respectively. Biofilm morphology on selected specimens was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differences among groups were analyzed statistically using Tukey's test. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed among the study groups following brushing (p < 0.05). EQUIA Forte HT (EF) demonstrated the lowest levels of S. mutans viability and colonization, whereas ACTIVA PRONTO (AP) exhibited the highest levels. Among the toothbrushing methods, BioMin F resulted in a greater reduction in bacterial viability and colony counts independent of the restorative materials. Combined analysis indicated that EF brushed with Sensodyne Repair & Protect yielded the lowest bacterial burden, whereas AP brushed with distilled water exhibited the highest. The results describing bacterial viability and colony counts also correlate with the SEM images taken. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, Sensodyne Repair & Protect was associated with lower S. mutans viability and colonization on most restorative materials, particularly EQUIA Forte HT.},
}

@article {pmid42784747,
year = {2026},
author = {Mehta, H and V, A and Srivastava, P and Nebhani, L},
title = {Interfacial Engineering with Amphiphilic Cationic Polymers: Role of Alkyl Chain Length in Biofilm Suppression and Corrosion Protection.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.6c01485},
pmid = {42784747},
issn = {2576-6422},
support = {ET-5/2024//Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation promotes microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in marine environments, demanding coatings that can resist bacterial adhesion and corrosion simultaneously. Herein, we report amphiphilic cationic polymer coatings based on quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) with varying alkyl chain lengths (C4-C12) deposited over an inherently antimicrobial tannic acid-Cu (TA-Cu) interfacial layer on stainless steel. Increasing the alkyl chain length gives rise to noticeable surfactant-like action, resulting in improved hydrophobicity and reduced surface free energy of the coatings. Specifically, the dodecyl-functionalized polymer has the lowest surface free energy which effectively reduces bacterial adhesion and inhibits the formation of biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The electrochemical tests show a significant drop in corrosion current density and rise in impedance with increasing chain length. The PC12 coating exhibits diffusion-limited corrosion behavior, which indicates a dense and impermeable barrier. In contrast, shorter chain counterparts provide only limited protection as these have less affinity to create a dense coating. The long-chain quaternized PDMAEMA coatings proved efficient multifunctional surfaces to reduce MIC in marine environments owing to their combined effects of decreased surface free energy, improved hydrophobicity, and cationic nature.},
}

@article {pmid42784914,
year = {2026},
author = {Nascimento, YGB and Macedo, TT and Malavazi, LM and Santos, YS and da Silva, LDA and Braga, ARO and Gomes, APAP and Dudu-Silva, G and de Araujo, DR and Torrez, WB and Bueno, MR and Bueno-Silva, B},
title = {Selective ecological modulation of multispecies subgingival biofilm by a non-alcoholic neovestitol-vestitol formulation.},
journal = {Archives of oral biology},
volume = {192},
number = {},
pages = {106770},
doi = {10.1016/j.archoralbio.2026.106770},
pmid = {42784914},
issn = {1879-1506},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a non-alcoholic formulation containing neovestitol and vestitol modulates the development and microbial composition of a complex multispecies subgingival biofilm.

DESIGN: A 33-species subgingival biofilm model was developed over seven days using the Calgary Biofilm Device. From day 3 onward, biofilms were exposed twice daily for 60 s to neovestitol-vestitol compounds incorporated into a poloxamer 407-based vehicle (CNV-PL407; 200-1600 µg/mL), vehicle control, or 0.12% chlorhexidine. On day 7, biofilm metabolic activity, biomass, and microbial composition were evaluated by tetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay and DNA-DNA hybridization.

RESULTS: CNV-PL407 at 1600 µg/mL significantly reduced metabolic activity (~50%) and biomass compared with the vehicle control (p ≤ 0.05), although to a lesser extent than chlorhexidine (~90%). Unlike chlorhexidine, which broadly reduced counts across most evaluated species (31 of 33 species), CNV-PL407 selectively reduced dysbiosis-associated taxa, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium spp. (p ≤ 0.05), while preserving most health-associated species.

CONCLUSIONS: CNV-PL407 promoted selective ecological modulation of multispecies subgingival biofilms, impairing the recruitment of key periodontopathogens without extensive suppression of commensal species. These findings suggest that non-alcoholic neovestitol-vestitol delivery may represent a promising adjunctive strategy for periodontal biofilm control.},
}

@article {pmid42777871,
year = {2026},
author = {Ruan, Z and Yuan, B and Di, J and Ruan, L and Ruan, L},
title = {How membrane aeration and organic carbon enhanced the performance of algal-bacterial biofilm systems for acid mine drainage treatment?.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135932},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135932},
pmid = {42777871},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Acid mine drainage (AMD), characterized by low pH, high sulfate concentrations, and toxic heavy metals, poses severe ecological and human health risks. This study compared the performance of a conventional aerated algal-bacterial biofilm reactor (CAABR) and a membrane-aerated algal-bacterial biofilm reactor (MAABR) for AMD treatment. Six reactors with different influent COD concentrations (400 ± 11.41, 1400 ± 19.07, and 2800 ± 18.37 mg/L) were operated for 80 days, and pollutant removal, biofilm properties, and microbial community dynamics were systematically analyzed. Results showed that the MAABRs and CAABRs exhibited broadly comparable sulfate-removal performance, whereas the MAABRs maintained greater aqueous DIC availability and more stable heavy-metal removal under shock loading. Kinetic analysis revealed a transition from algal assimilation (first-order) to SRB-mediated reduction (zero-order) as COD increased, confirming that COD/SO4[2-] ratios regulate pathway dominance. Multiscale biofilm characterization and EPS fluorescence analysis demonstrated that membrane aeration improved CO2/O2 mass transfer, enhanced algal biomass, and maintained higher EPS secretion under stress. High-throughput sequencing revealed the simultaneous enrichment of Pseudomonas and the sulfate-reducing genus Desulfosporosinus, indicating that the MAABR supported the coexistence of functionally distinct microbial populations. Overall, this study demonstrates that membrane aeration enhances algal-bacterial symbiosis, improves pollutant removal efficiency, and strengthens system resilience, providing a promising and sustainable approach for AMD remediation.},
}