@article {pmid42036795,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, JW and Baek, S-W and Kim, HS and Yerke, AM and Jaiswal, YS and Williams, LL and Jung, H and Yang, J-Y and Kang, HY and Hwang, S and Moon, KH},
title = {Alteration of fimbria-mediated biofilm formation and virulence in the zoonotic pathogen Edwardsiella piscicida by sub-inhibitory concentrations of erythromycin exposures.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0036626},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00366-26},
pmid = {42036795},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: With a global rise in industrialization and chemical processing units, the introduction of anthropogenic pollutants into the environment has been on a rise. Aquatic pollutants, unlike terrestrial pollutants, are easily diluted in water environments and exist at a sub-inhibitory concentration (sub-IC). At sub-IC, they do not directly inhibit bacterial growth but can modulate gene expression profiles. Aquaculture industry relies heavily on the use of antibiotics for control of fish pathogens, and the indiscriminate use of antibiotic agents increases antibiotic resistance in the aquatic environment. Previous studies have reported that sub-IC of antibiotics are able to regulate biofilm formation in a variety of pathogenic bacteria. To understand the environmental signals in the biofilm formation of E. piscicida, we hypothesized that the biofilm of E. piscicida can be regulated by sub-IC of erythromycin, which is widely used antibiotic in aquaculture. Our results indicate that at sub-IC of erythromycin, biofilm formation was induced due to increased type 1 fimbrial expression. This caused an increased colonization of the host and hyper-virulence in E. piscicida. Our study reveals a new aspect of antibiotic functioning as a signaling molecule that modulates biofilm-related-gene expression and virulence in fish pathogen. This study demonstrates the comprehensive molecular response of the fish pathogen to environmentally discharged erythromycin. Additionally, the study provides scientific evidence for the hypertoxicity of pathogens through the indiscriminate use of antibiotics-ultimately leading to detrimental effects to the fishery industry.

IMPORTANCE: Antibiotics released into aquatic environments often persist at sub-inhibitory concentrations, where they no longer suppress bacterial growth but instead act as signaling molecules. Here, we show that sub-inhibitory erythromycin enhances biofilm formation and virulence in the fish pathogen Edwardsiella piscicida by upregulating type 1 fimbriae. This response promotes host colonization and hypervirulence, demonstrating that environmentally relevant antibiotic exposure can unintentionally increase pathogenic potential. Our findings provide in vivo evidence that sub-therapeutic antibiotics reshape bacterial behavior and host-pathogen interactions. This study highlights an underappreciated ecological and economic risk of indiscriminate antibiotic use in aquaculture, with direct implications for fish health, disease management, and environmental safety.},
}

@article {pmid42038981,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, L and Tu, Y and Xiao, S and Zeng, J and Sun, G and Li, Y},
title = {Recent perspectives on precision-targeting therapy against oral biofilm.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2662093},
pmid = {42038981},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Oral biofilm-derived diseases pose a significant clinical challenge due to their persistent nature and increasing drug resistance, contributing to a substantial global economic burden. Conventional treatments-such as mechanical debridement, antiseptic agents, and laser therapy-though partially effective, often lack specificity, resulting in non-targeted microbial killing and disruption of the ecological balance.

OBJECTIVE: This review provides an updated overview of the application of precision antimicrobial therapies against oral biofilms, with a particular focus on pH-responsive materials and bacteriophage-based strategies.

DESIGN: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar databases from January 2016 to January 2026. A total of 84 full-text articles were included for qualitative synthesis.

RESULTS: The collective findings demonstrate that multiple precision-targeting strategies-spanning from bacteriophage therapy to pH-responsive antimicrobial materials-exhibit distinct advantages in combating oral biofilms.

CONCLUSION: The common core principle underpinning these approaches lies in their 'precision-targeting' capability: the ability to identify and interfere with specific targets or biological processes. This attribute not only significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy but also paves the way for developing personalized, microbiome-preserving strategies for the prevention and management of oral diseases.},
}

@article {pmid42039755,
year = {2026},
author = {Mazzantini, D and Amato, B and Zineddu, S and de Azevedo-França, JA and Maisetta, G and Ghelardi, E and Esin, S and Messori, L and Batoni, G},
title = {Anti-staphylococcal activity of the auranofin-analogous PEt3AuCl: antibacterial, anti-biofilm and anti-virulence effect on clinically relevant staphylococci.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1794590},
pmid = {42039755},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Auranofin/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives ; *Staphylococcus/drug effects/pathogenicity ; Virulence/drug effects ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Cell Line ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Hemolysis/drug effects ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Gold(I) complexes, such as the drug Auranofin (AF) which is approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis, have attracted significant interest as a potential treatment for bacterial infections due to their promising, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-staphylococcal activity of three AF analogues [PEt3AuCl (AF-Cl), PEt3AuI (AF-I) and PPh3AuCl (TPP-AuCl)] with the aim of discovering new weapons in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

METHODS: The antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of the gold compounds were evaluated by broth microdilution and the WST-1 assay, respectively. Time-kill assays were used to investigate killing kinetics, and the crystal violet (CV) assay was used to evaluate biofilm formation. Eradication of mature biofilms was assessed using the crystal violet assay, a plate count of biofilm-associated cells and scanning electron microscopy. The anti-virulence effect was tested by the hemolysis and agar diffusion assays.

RESULTS: All of the AF analogues were active against staphylococci, including antibiotic-resistant strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.063 to 4 µg/mL. Additionally, they exhibited lower toxicity towards the A549 lung cell line and the spontaneously immortalized human keratinocyte line HaCaT than AF. AF-Cl was identified as the most promising compound and was selected for further biological investigations. Time-kill experiments revealed that AF-Cl was rapidly bactericidal against clinical staphylococci, causing at least a 3-log reduction in the number of viable cells within six hours. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, the compound inhibited biofilm formation and reduced the secretion of hemolysins and phospholipases, representing key virulence factors in S. aureus infections. Furthermore, AF-Cl was able to eradicate mature S. aureus biofilms at non-cytotoxic concentrations.

CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings highlight the potential of AF-Cl as a promising candidate for treating staphylococcal infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. In addition, the compound exhibited anti-biofilm and anti-virulence properties, which could be advantageous in treating toxin-mediated and biofilm-associated staphylococcal diseases.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Auranofin/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives
*Staphylococcus/drug effects/pathogenicity
Virulence/drug effects
Cell Survival/drug effects
Cell Line
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Hemolysis/drug effects

@article {pmid42039800,
year = {2026},
author = {Al-Shaeri, MA and Oves, M},
title = {Single-walled carbon nanotubes as a nano-weapons against biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1791060},
pmid = {42039800},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial biofilms represents a growing global healthcare burden, necessitating the development of novel agents with alternative mechanisms of action.

METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen notorious for its robust biofilm-forming capacity and intrinsic resistance profile. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays, while biofilm inhibition was quantified by crystal violet microplate assays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying antibacterial mechanism.

RESULTS: SWCNTs exhibited potent concentration-dependent bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 62.5 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. Zones of inhibition ranged from 14.5 ± 0.30 mm to 22.0 ± 0.57 mm across concentrations of 4-16 mg/mL (p ≤ 0.05). In biofilm inhibition assays, planktonic growth (OD470) was markedly reduced from ≈0.32 ± 0.01 in untreated controls to ≈0.05 ± 0.01 at 200 μg/mL, corresponding to a maximum biofilm inhibition rate of 85.5%. SEM imaging revealed pronounced morphological disruption of P. aeruginosa cell walls, including membrane deformation, surface roughening, and loss of cellular integrity upon SWCNT treatment, indicative of direct physical interaction between the nanotubes and bacterial membranes. FTIR analysis further corroborated these findings, demonstrating characteristic spectral shifts in functional groups associated with bacterial membrane lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: These spectral changes suggest physicochemical interactions that compromised membrane stability and disrupted biofilm matrix integrity. Collectively, these findings support a proposed mechanism whereby SWCNTs exert their antibacterial effect through direct membrane perturbation, interference with biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and inhibition of early-stage biofilm adhesion and maturation.},
}

@article {pmid42039831,
year = {2026},
author = {Wickham, J and More, KR and Hendricks, AL and Bakaletz, LO and Goodman, SD},
title = {Rapid means of biofilm disruption induce the newly released (NRel) phenotype of enhanced antibiotic sensitivity.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1734540},
pmid = {42039831},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Biofilms are communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced matrix, a structure that makes resident bacteria up to 1,000 times more resistant to antibiotics than their free-living, or planktonic, counterparts. Intriguingly, new methods that use reagents to release the biofilm-resident bacteria result in a transitory yet highly antibiotic sensitive phenotype. These newly released (NRel) bacteria are at least, if not more, sensitive to antibiotics than those in their planktonic form. Here, we sought to determine if the production of the NRel phenotype is reagent- dependent or can be accomplished by alternative means.

METHODS: Across four pathogenic bacteria: non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI), methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, we investigated whether rapid mechanical disruption of biofilms, or the use of a novel cationic depletion method in NTHI, could similarly induce this NRel phenotype. The presence of NRel was assessed by comparing the antibiotic sensitivity of the released bacteria to that of their planktonic counterparts. For NTHI specifically, we further characterized the phenotype by measuring the kinetics of antibiotic sensitivity via comparative plate counts over time. We also analyzed the relative expression levels of known NRel-associated genes using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS: We show that using either intense mechanical disruption or a cationic depletion method not only facilitate rapid biofilm disruption but produce the NRel phenotype. In each case, both NRel signature gene expression and the transient antibiotic sensitivity phenotypes were observed compared to planktonic cells.

DISCUSSION: Similar to methods using reagents, we found that mechanical or cationic depletion disruption of pathogenic bacterial biofilms were sufficient to trigger the NRel phenotype. These results are consistent with the NRel state potentially being a rate-dependent physiological response rather than being induced by specific chemical or biological agents. We discuss the changes in gene expression permissive to NRel and the possibility that rapid and premature release of bacteria from a biofilm fails to allow the resident bacteria to be sufficiently prepared for their biofilm free state. This new insight both expands our understanding of the NRel phenotype and provides further validation for our rapid-release therapeutic strategy.},
}

@article {pmid42040505,
year = {2026},
author = {Collado, C and Romero-Tena, P and Wegener, G and Elvert, M and Menapace, W and Laso-Pérez, R},
title = {Anaerobic oxidation of methane supports a minimal microbial community in a subsurface biofilm at Ginsburg mud volcano.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag072},
pmid = {42040505},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Deep marine sediments generate large amounts of methane, but most of this gas is consumed by the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) mediated by microscopic consortia of anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). In this study, we investigated the AOM within a sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ) at a depth of ~9.6 m at the rim of the Ginsburg mud volcano in the Gulf of Cádiz. The SMTZ is supplied with sulfate from both overlying seawater and an underlying evaporitic deposit, and it coincides with a fracture zone that hosts a visible biofilm. Here, carbon dioxide shows the strongest [13]C-depletion, indicating intense methane consumption. Metagenomic and lipid biomarker analysis of the biofilm revealed an exceptionally simple microbial community dominated by ANME-1b archaea (63%), which predominantly produce strongly [13]C-depleted glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers and, to a lesser extent, the less common macrocyclic archaeols. The putative partner bacterium Seep-SRB1c (Desulfobacterota) is less abundant (9%). Additionally, the biofilm contained five low-abundance heterotrophs that likely rely on biomass or metabolites released from the ANME-SRB consortium. Our study highlights the presence of active methanotrophic biofilms in subsurface sediments and suggests that these communities may play an overlooked role in mitigating seafloor methane emissions.},
}

@article {pmid42041291,
year = {2026},
author = {Ratchasong, K and Saengsawang, P and Yusakul, G and Kabploy, K and Lakhanapuram, HK and Harudeen, A and Wintachai, P and Thomrongsuwannakij, T and Nwabor, OF and Mitsuwan, W},
title = {Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Emulsion Containing Piper betle L. Extract and Hydroxychavicol Prevent Biofilm Development and Surface Adhesion of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli on Stored Chicken Meat.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15040328},
pmid = {42041291},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {WU-FF68-03//Thailand Science Research and Innovation Fund/ ; WU-COE-65-05//Center of Excellence in Innovation of Essential Oil and Bioactive Compounds/ ; 13/2024//Walailak University Graduate Scholarship/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) contributes substantially to colibacillosis outbreaks in chickens. Because APEC cells readily attach to surfaces and develop biofilms, they pose a notable hazard to poultry production and food safety. This study investigated the antibiofilm and anti-adhesion activities of deep eutectic solvent-based emulsion containing Piper betle L. extract (DEPE) and hydroxychavicol, a pure compound isolated from P. betle leaves against APEC. Methods: Antibiofilm and anti-adhesion activities of DEPE and hydroxychavicol against APEC were investigated. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation of DEPE and hydroxychavicol was conducted. In addition, anti-adhesion activity of DEPE on chicken meat during storage was evaluated. Results: DEPE and hydroxychavicol significantly inhibited biofilm formation at sub-MIC, with DEPE achieving up to 80% inhibition and hydroxychavicol up to 69%. At 8 × MIC, DEPE and hydroxychavicol diminished the viability of both early and established biofilms. Furthermore, DEPE and hydroxychavicol reduced APEC adhesion on the surface as observed by SEM. In silico analyses demonstrated the stable binding of hydroxychavicol to adhesion-related proteins, particularly EcpA and FimH, suggesting a possible mechanism for its anti-adhesion activity. At day 5, DEPE at 4 × MIC significantly reduced 63% bacterial adhesion to chicken meat surfaces during storage, while maintaining the meat's color. Conclusions: These findings indicate that DEPE and hydroxychavicol are promising candidates for limiting APEC biofilm formation and surface attachment and may serve as alternative antibacterial agents in poultry-related food safety applications.},
}

@article {pmid42041300,
year = {2026},
author = {Chines, E and Boscarelli, L and Vertillo Aluisio, G and Santagati, M and Mezzatesta, ML and Cafiso, V},
title = {Deciphering the Emergence of Biofilm-Independent Colistin Persistence and Resistance in A. baumannii: Toxin-Antitoxin Omics and Novel T/A mRNA-asRNA Balance Regulatory Models.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15040337},
pmid = {42041300},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {PIACERI 2024-2026//Linea intervento 1 Progetti di Ricerca Collaborativa PIACERI 2024-2026" from the University of Catania, Italy/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Persistence represents a critical evolutionary reservoir for the development of antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab). Understanding the basal mechanisms that enable this survival strategy is crucial for elucidating how high-risk clones evolve resistance during therapy. Methods: High-dose colistin time-kill assays were performed in ten ST2 clinical colistin-susceptible (COL-S) Carbapenem-Resistant Ab (CRAB) developing in vivo stable and full-colistin resistance to detect persisters. Genomics and basal transcriptomics of chromosomal/plasmid toxin-antitoxin systems (T/As) were performed, as duplicates for each sample, in two ST2 COL-S CRAB to investigate the genomics and basal T/A transcriptomic backgrounds. Results: Phenotypically, all strains showed a persistent subpopulation (~1% survival at 8 h) under 5× COL MIC exposure. Genomics identified 10 type-II and one type-IV T/A systems. Basal transcriptomics revealed active expression patterns mainly of GNAT superfamily T/A systems, with consistently low toxin mRNA levels associated with toxin- or antitoxin-directed asRNAs in chromosomal modules. This architecture defined new dual-combined regulatory models in which asRNAs acted as primary T/A mRNA balance modulators, putatively impacting on the T/A mRNA ratio. Conversely, the plasmid-encoded BrnT/A module showed a highly balanced expression. Conclusions: Our findings revealed, for the first time, the role of the type-II GNAT T/A superfamily as putative molecular switchers via a fine-tuning transcript balance regulation, impacting the transition from a metabolically active cell state to a dormant one in developing colistin persistence and in vivo resistance CRAB.},
}

@article {pmid42041301,
year = {2026},
author = {Sevastyanova, T and Loy, C and Schneider-Wald, B and Notarbartolo, K and Reisig, G and Gaiser, S and Darwich, A and Bdeir, M and Blümke, A and Gravius, S and Schilder, A},
title = {Biofilm Formation Patterns of S. epidermidis (RP62A) and S. aureus (UAMS-1) Are Defined by Orthopaedic Implant Materials and Surface Wear.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15040338},
pmid = {42041301},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Background/Objectives:Staphylococcus epidermidis (RP62A) and Staphylococcus aureus (UAMS-1) are clinically relevant pathogens frequently implicated in implant-associated infections due to their ability to form biofilms. RP62A is typically linked to persistent, chronic, low-grade infections, whereas UAMS-1 is associated with acute, invasive disease. Both strains serve as representative models for chronic and acute periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The objective of this study was to examine and compare in vitro biofilm formation by RP62A and UAMS-1 on orthopaedic materials/disc surfaces of defined composition. Methods: In vitro biofilm formation assays were performed using orthopaedic disc surfaces composed of cobalt-chromium alloy (CoCr), titanium alloy (Ti), and polyethylene (PE) after 72 h of incubation. Biofilm biomass was quantified using crystal violet staining, with absorbance measured at OD570. A polystyrene (PS) surface served as a control. Additionally, retrieved orthopaedic explant components were used as substrates for in vitro biofilm assays, in which RP62A was incubated for 72 h on the explanted surfaces. Supporting assays on glass slides were conducted to examine strain-specific biofilm-related architecture. Results: In vitro biofilm mass quantification assays showed strong biofilm formation by RP62A across all tested surfaces, with the highest absorbance on CoCr (OD570 = 5.80 ± 0.19). Notably, biofilm formation on CoCr was 76% higher compared to PS (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed among all three surface discs (p > 0.1). Biofilm formation was highest on PE for UAMS-1 (OD570 = 1.29 ± 0.09) and was significantly greater than on Ti (178%, p < 0.001) and CoCr (196%, p < 0.0001). In the in vitro assays performed on retrieved explant components, RP62A showed pronounced biofilm accumulation on polyethylene tibial inserts, particularly in regions of mechanical wear and friction. Supporting assays on glass slides were performed to examine strain-specific surface microstructural, revealing dense network-like structures for RP62A and thinner, discontinuous layers for UAMS-1. Conclusions: RP62A formed dense biofilms in vitro on multiple orthopaedic implant materials and retrieved explant components, consistent with its association with chronic periprosthetic joint infections. Increased biofilm accumulation was observed on mechanically worn polyethylene surfaces. In contrast, UAMS-1 showed lower biofilm formation on metallic disc surfaces, indicating strain- and material-dependent differences. These findings highlight the relevance of implant material selection and surface integrity for strategies targeting biofilm-associated implant infections.},
}

@article {pmid42041333,
year = {2026},
author = {Llamosí, M and Gomes-Ribeiro, BF and Echeverry-Rendón, M and Yuste, J and Sempere, J and Domenech, M},
title = {Inhibition of Biofilm Formation by Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens via Silver Nanoparticles and Functionalized HEPA Filters.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15040370},
pmid = {42041333},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {PID2024-161570OB-I00//Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities/ ; PI24CIII/00045//Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ ; 2023-T1/TEC-29099//Comunidad de Madrid/ ; },
abstract = {Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of silver oxide nanoparticle (Ag2ONP)-functionalized high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and colloidal Ag2ONP suspensions to inhibit biofilm formation by major respiratory pathogens causing infections at operating rooms. Background: Respiratory infections caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus species are often associated with the formation of biofilms, which confer increased resistance to antibiotics and host immune responses. Effective strategies to prevent biofilm formation on biological surfaces and in air filtration systems are urgently needed in clinical settings. Methods: The biofilm-forming ability of each bacterial strain was assessed by crystal violet microplate assay, viable count or confocal microscopy after prior incubation of the culture medium with Ag2ONP-coated HEPA filter material or colloidal Ag2ONP suspension. Results: Both silver-functionalized filters and silver nanoparticle suspensions significantly inhibited biofilm formation by S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, with near-complete suppression observed. In the case of S. aureus and S. epidermidis, the silver nanoparticle suspension showed partial inhibition of biofilm development. Conclusions: Ag2ONP-functionalized HEPA filters and colloidal Ag2ONP suspensions effectively prevent biofilm formation by major respiratory pathogens, for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These materials show promise for integration with air filtration and surface coating systems to reduce microbial load and transmission in healthcare environments such as operating room facilities.},
}

@article {pmid42041365,
year = {2026},
author = {Promcham, S and Limsivilai, O and Kritsadasima, T and Chermprapai, S and Tansakul, N and Udomkusonsri, P and Yurayart, C},
title = {In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils and Nanoemulsions of Zingiber cassumunar and Cymbopogon citratus Against Planktonic and Biofilm Forms of Malassezia pachydermatis.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15040402},
pmid = {42041365},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {CRP6405031250//Agricultural Research Development Agency/ ; VET 2021-04//Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University/ ; },
abstract = {Malassezia pachydermatis is a yeast pathogen associated with recurrent skin and ear infections in dogs, often complicated by biofilm formation and reduced antifungal susceptibility. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils and nanoemulsions of Zingiber cassumunar and Cymbopogon citratus compared with conventional antifungal agents against planktonic and biofilm forms of M. pachydermatis. Preliminary screening of six plant extracts was performed using 12 clinical isolates identified Z. cassumunar and C. citratus for nanoemulsion formulation. Antifungal susceptibility testing of conventional antifungal agents and nanoemulsions was subsequently conducted using 31 clinical isolates, and nanoemulsions were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. Both essential oils exhibited antifungal activity, and nanoemulsion formulations showed enhanced inhibitory effects compared with the crude oils. Biofilm-associated cells demonstrated reduced susceptibility, particularly to conventional antifungal agents. Terbinafine was the most potent agent against planktonic cells but showed reduced efficacy in biofilms. Nanoemulsions of Z. cassumunar and C. citratus exhibited improved activity against both forms. These findings suggest that nanoemulsification may enhance the in vitro antifungal performance of essential oils against M. pachydermatis biofilms. However, further studies, including mechanistic investigations and in vivo evaluations, are required to confirm their therapeutic potential and safety.},
}

@article {pmid42041366,
year = {2026},
author = {Balázs, VL and Filep, R and Ormai, E and Radványi, L and Kocsis, B and Kerekes, E and Kocsis, M},
title = {Antibiotic Adjuvant Potential of Selected Essential Oil Components Against Respiratory Pathogens: From Planktonic Synergy to Early-Stage Biofilm Inhibition.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15040403},
pmid = {42041366},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {NKFIH PD 147156//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; NKFIH PD 142122//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; 2024-2.1.3-POC-2025-00004//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; 2021-1.2.6-TÉT-IPARI-MA-2022-00015//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Respiratory tract infections remain among the most common indications for antibiotic therapy and represent a major driver of antimicrobial resistance. The ability of respiratory pathogens to form biofilms further contributes to treatment failure and recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic adjuvant potential of selected essential oil components against clinically relevant respiratory bacteria and to determine whether planktonic synergistic interactions translate into early-stage antibiofilm efficacy. Thymol, eugenol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and terpinen-4-ol were tested against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution. Synergistic interactions with clinically relevant antibiotics were assessed using the checkerboard method and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) analysis. Selected combinations were further evaluated in a 6 h crystal violet-based early-stage biofilm model. Gram-positive strains generally exhibited higher susceptibility to the tested components than Gram-negative bacteria. Results: Synergistic interactions (FICI ≤ 0.5) were most frequently observed between β-lactam antibiotics and phenolic components, particularly thymol and trans-cinnamaldehyde. Strong synergy was detected for vancomycin-eugenol against MRSA and for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-cinnamaldehyde against M. catarrhalis. Importantly, synergistic combinations translated into significantly enhanced inhibition of early biofilm formation, increasing inhibition rates by 15-40% compared to antibiotic monotherapy (p < 0.05). Selected essential oil components enhanced the antibacterial activity of clinically relevant antibiotics and effectively potentiated early-stage biofilm inhibition. Conclusions: These findings support further investigation of phytochemical-antibiotic combinations as potential adjunct strategies in respiratory infection management.},
}

@article {pmid42042296,
year = {2026},
author = {Lei, H and Liang, Y and Li, X and Huang, X and Zhang, C and Zou, T},
title = {Design and Development of Teixobactin Analog-Loaded Magnetic Nanocomposites for Biofilm Destruction and Pathogen Elimination.},
journal = {Journal of functional biomaterials},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jfb17040189},
pmid = {42042296},
issn = {2079-4983},
abstract = {Although teixobactin, a promising cyclic undecadepsipeptide, exhibits efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria due to its novel mode of action and low potential for resistance, its clinical application is limited by two key shortcomings: ineffectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria and poor penetration of the protective extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in biofilms. This renders it unsuitable for targeting the polymicrobial biofilms, which are the cause of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. We designed a modified teixobactin analog by integrating rhamnolipid, Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and L-Chg10-teixobactin to obtain a novel magnetic nanoparticle (MNP). The MNP demonstrates the ability to simultaneously degrade EPS, penetrate biofilm structures, and eliminate both G[+] and G[-] pathogens under a rotating magnetic field (RMF). Rhamnolipid grafting degraded 52.5% of biofilm EPS. MNPs showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with minimal inhibitory concentrations from 100 to 200 µg/mL. Combined with RMF, biofilm eradication rates reached 97.0% (E. faecalis), 97.7% (S. gordonii), 88.4% (P. gingivalis), and 74.2% (F. nucleatum). The biofilm thickness was reduced from 19.4 ± 2.9 µm to 7.4 ± 1.0 µm, and the biofilm biomass was reduced by 68.5%. This combined strategy integrates enzymatic EPS degradation, magneto-mechanical disruption, and dual antimicrobial action, offering a promising topical therapy for periodontitis and peri-implantitis.},
}

@article {pmid42042331,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, X and Yin, H and Yang, D and Yang, Y},
title = {Genome and Secondary Metabolites Analysis of Fusarium oxysporum BPF55 Associated with Blaps rynchopetera and Its Anti-MRSA Biofilm Potential.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12040236},
pmid = {42042331},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {202305AC160035//Reserve Talents Project for Young and Middle-Aged Academic and Technical Leaders of Yunnan Province/ ; 202401AT070086//Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects/ ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical global health challenge, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) posing a significant threat in both hospital-acquired and community-associated infections. Research has demonstrated that biofilm formation is a key factor contributing to drug resistance in MRSA. In this study, we investigated an fungus, Fusarium oxysporum BPF55, isolated from Blaps rynchopetera, which inhibits MRSA biofilm formation. The aim of this research was to identify the fungal strain and comprehensively characterize its genomic features, as well as to evaluate its anti-MRSA biofilm potential. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 50,097,681 base pairs, a GC content of 47.36%, and 16,507 predicted coding genes. AntiSMASH analysis identified 56 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, including those involved in the synthesis of various natural products such as terpenes, non-ribosomal peptides, and polyketides. Using UPLC-MS/MS, 15 compounds were annotated from the ethyl acetate extract. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that four compounds exhibit varying affinities for SarA and AgrA, two key proteins involved in MRSA biofilm formation. Overall, these findings suggest that the fungus F. oxysporum BPA55 produces a variety of secondary metabolites and contains bioactive compounds with potential anti-MRSA biofilm activity.},
}

@article {pmid42043333,
year = {2026},
author = {Pandey, N and Mondal, K and Sharma, S and Pradhan, D and Kapoor, S},
title = {Synergy of Bacterial Lipid Liposomes and Monoterpene-Mediated Membrane Perturbation for Enhanced Intracellular Mycobacteria Eradication and Biofilm Disruption.},
journal = {ChemMedChem},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {e202501110},
doi = {10.1002/cmdc.202501110},
pmid = {42043333},
issn = {1860-7187},
support = {IA/I/21/1/505624//The Wellcome Trust DBt India Alliance/ ; },
mesh = {*Liposomes/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Mycobacterium smegmatis/drug effects/chemistry ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Limonene/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Rifampin/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Monoterpenes/chemistry/pharmacology ; Lipids/chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; },
abstract = {In this work, we created liposomes using lipids from the outer membrane layer of Mycobacterial smegmatis (Msm) and doped them with rifampicin and lipophilic terpene, limonene, resulting in a dual-loaded liposomal formulation. Limonene incorporation resulted in a prolonged release of encapsulated rifampicin over time and reduced minimum inhibitory concentration in comparison to the free drug or limonene-free liposomes loaded solely with the drug. Limonene showed a prolonged release over several days and could potentially find applications in fragrant antibacterial products in the future. The bacterial count evaluated by colony-forming units was found to be reduced with limonene-doped drug-loaded mycobacterial liposomes in comparison to those without limonene. Mechanistically, it was shown that limonene enhances membrane fluidity and influences permeability, interacting with intact bacteria and thereby improving drug delivery, which promotes greater bacterial destruction. Limonene in the antibacterial liposomal formulation was also found to enhance the release of intracellular material because of compromised membranes aiding in bacterial destruction. Finally, mycobacterial liposome formulation loaded with drugs and doped with limonene successfully eliminated Msm biofilms more effectively than either the free drug or liposomes without limonene. This clearly demonstrates the collaboration between limonene and rifampicin in combination antimycobacterial treatment.},
}

*Liposomes/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Mycobacterium smegmatis/drug effects/chemistry
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Limonene/pharmacology/chemistry
*Rifampin/pharmacology/chemistry
*Monoterpenes/chemistry/pharmacology
Lipids/chemistry
Molecular Structure
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Structure-Activity Relationship

@article {pmid42043445,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, K and Yang, Z and Lu, X and Zhang, A and Zhang, T and Guo, Y and Pan, D and Li, H and Wu, Z},
title = {The Role of LPxTG Motif Proteins in Lactic Acid Bacteria: Unveiling Key Domains for Adhesion and Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c17767},
pmid = {42043445},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Cell surface LPxTG motif protein (LMP) plays a crucial role in adhesion and biofilm formation during lactic acid bacteria (LAB) colonization. LMP anchors to the cell wall via its C-terminal LPxTG motif and contains functional domains that perform specific tasks. By integrating bioinformatics analysis with existing literature, this review systematically evaluates, for the first time at the domain level, the diversity of LMP in LAB and constructs a functional domain framework for understanding their roles in adhesion and biofilm formation. Annotation analysis reveals domain diversity across LAB strains: mucin-binding and extracellular-matrix-binding domains are widespread, while others exhibit strain-specific characteristics. We also speculate that certain LMP domains may form pilus-like adhesion structures via sortase C-mediated polymerization. Overall, this domain-level elucidation of LMP probiotic mechanisms provides a theoretical basis for probiotic strain screening and functional optimization, and offers new insights into structural and functional localization of LMP on the LAB surface.},
}

@article {pmid42045242,
year = {2026},
author = {Ji, J and Zhang, L and Wang, H and Xu, W and Cai, W and Zhang, N and Zhang, M and Luo, X and Li, X and Zhang, Y and Lu, R},
title = {Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of Epigallocatechin gallate against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {NPJ science of food},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41538-026-00864-x},
pmid = {42045242},
issn = {2396-8370},
support = {MS2022112//Special Scientific Research Project of Nantong Health Commission/ ; 2024JY041//Nantong University Special Research Fund for Clinical Medicine/ ; },
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus enhances its environmental persistence and antimicrobial tolerance by forming biofilms. This study investigated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against the pandemic V. parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633 (O3:K6). EGCG significantly inhibited bacterial growth, motility, and biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Sub-inhibitory concentrations (4 and 8 µg/mL) effectively reduced biofilm biomass, altered colony morphology, and diminished extracellular polymeric substances, and exerted potent bactericidal activity against preformed biofilms. EGCG also exhibited bactericidal effects in shrimp meat and impeded biofilm formation on seafood-related surfaces. It also significantly attenuated bacterial virulence in both in vitro (HeLa cell) and in vivo (Galleria mellonella larva) infection models. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing revealed that EGCG induced transcriptomic reprogramming, with 500 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in key pathways such as c-di-GMP signaling, flagellar assembly, type III/VI secretion systems, and stress responses; biochemical assays confirmed that EGCG directly reduced intracellular c-di-GMP levels in a dose-dependent manner. Quantitative real-time PCR validated the expression changes in genes related to virulence, motility, biofilm, and regulation. Collectively, these findings highlight the multi-faceted anti-virulence and anti-biofilm activities of EGCG, and support its potential application as a natural antimicrobial agent in the food industry and clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid42033860,
year = {2026},
author = {ElGamily, LM and Hafez, AM and Eldars, W and El-Gazzar, RI},
title = {The impact of silver versus silver-fluoride nanoparticles coating on biofilm formation, antimicrobial effect and adhesion efficacy of fixed orthodontic retainers: An in vitro study.},
journal = {International orthodontics},
volume = {24},
number = {3S},
pages = {101175},
doi = {10.1016/j.ortho.2026.101175},
pmid = {42033860},
issn = {1879-680X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This in vitro study evaluated the antimicrobial activity and biofilm formation of silver and silver fluoride nanoparticles coatings on orthodontic fixed retainers as the primary objective over a three-month period, with adhesion efficacy as secondary objective.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dead soft stainless-steel 8-strand braided wire specimens (n=222) were classified into three equal groups (n=74 each): group I (uncoated control), group II (AgFNPs-coated), and group III (AgNPs-coated). Coating was performed by chemical reduction method. Primary outcomes were antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans assessed by disc diffusion test and biofilm formation assessed by colony forming unit count (CFU/mL), both evaluated immediately after coating (T1) and after three months of storage in artificial saliva at 37°C (T2). The secondary outcome was adhesion efficacy assessed by pull-out test following thermocycling at 2,500 (S2500) and 5,000 (S5000) cycles. Data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS: Regarding the primary outcomes, the disc diffusion test at T1 demonstrated inhibition zones of 12mm, 4mm, and 0mm for AgFNPs, AgNPs, and control groups, respectively (P<0.001) [95% CI of differences: -13.72 to -2.88]. At T2, zones were reduced but remained statistically significant: 6mm, 2mm, and 0mm, respectively (P<0.001) [95% CI: -7.78 to -0.611]. For biofilm formation, CFU counts at T1 were 390, 11, and 5CFU/mL for control, AgFNPs, and AgNPs groups, respectively (P<0.001) [95% CI: -395.95 to 395.95]; at T2, counts increased to 580, 100, and 59CFU/mL, respectively (P<0.001) [95% CI: -80.48 to 567.55]. Regarding the secondary outcome, the pull-out test at S2500 showed mean values of 91.27±10.24, 84.19±3.86, and 79.47±8.30N for AgFNPs, AgNPs, and control groups, respectively (P=0.039) [95% CI: -20.70 to 15.98]. At S5000, values were 86.16±5.20, 81.18±3.62, and 77.75±9.45N, respectively, without a statistically significant overall difference (P=0.081) [95% CI: -15.78 to 3.94].

CONCLUSION: Silver-based nanoparticle coatings reduced bacterial adhesion and improved bond strength of orthodontic retainers without compromising mechanical stability after thermocycling. AgFNPs showed superior antibacterial and adhesive performance, suggesting a synergistic effect of silver and fluoride.},
}

@article {pmid42033876,
year = {2026},
author = {Seebach, E and Kretzer, JP and Bormann, T and Gibmeier, J and Vaßen, R and Kunisch, E and Renkawitz, T and Westhauser, F},
title = {Plasma-sprayed 45S5-bioactive glass coating provides superior anti-biofilm activity compared to hydroxyapatite coating while maintaining host cell cytocompatibility and antibacterial immune activation.},
journal = {Biomaterials advances},
volume = {185},
number = {},
pages = {214895},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioadv.2026.214895},
pmid = {42033876},
issn = {2772-9508},
abstract = {Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a major complication in joint arthroplasty, leading to higher mortality, poorer outcomes, and increased failure rates in revision surgeries. Revision challenges include patient risk factors, bacterial resistance, and the need for implants that combine biological integration with antibacterial effects. The 45S5-bioactive glass (BG), with its unique osseointegration and antibacterial properties, shows promise over hydroxyapatite (HA), though its high-temperature crystallization limits the appropriate coating technologies. Using atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) with controlled thermal exposure, we successfully applied coatings of Ti-6Al-4V alloys with either HA or BG, while preserving bioactivity and mechanical properties of the BG coating. This study compared HA and BG coated Ti-6AI-4V discs in terms of cytocompatibility, effect on biofilm formation and macrophage immune response. In doing so, we demonstrated that both coatings showed comparable attachment and viability of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). We found a significant reduction in biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) on the BG coatings, while a pro-inflammatory macrophage activation by bacterial colonization and biofilm formation was preserved. Overall, our study shows that BG exhibits the same properties as HA regarding BMSC attachment and survival, whereas it is superior regarding its anti-biofilm characteristics further allowing for macrophage immunocompetence against bacterial colonization. Therefore, incorporating BG coated implants into revision joint arthroplasty has the potential to enhance and advance current coating strategies by providing a multifunctional approach that combines osteoconductive and antibacterial properties.},
}

@article {pmid42034637,
year = {2026},
author = {Nagy, K and Valappil, SK and Phan, TV and Li, S and Der, L and Morris, R and Bos, J and Winslow, S and Galajda, P and Rakhely, G and Austin, RH},
title = {Gradient metapopulation microfluidic ecologies shape genetic and biofilm drivers of T4r phage resistance in E. coli.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-026-00959-z},
pmid = {42034637},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {PHY-169940//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
abstract = {We use a gradient microfluidic metapopulation ecology which generates non-uniform phage concentration gradients and micro-ecological niches to reveal the importance of time, spatial population structure and collective population dynamics in the de novo evolution of T4r bacteriophage resistant motile E. coli. An insensitive bacterial population against T4r phage occurs within 20 hours in small interconnected population niches created by a gradient of phage virions, driven by evolution in transient biofilm patches. Sequencing of the resistant bacteria reveals mutations at the receptor site of bacteriophage T4r as expected but also in genes associated with biofilm formation and surface adhesion, supporting the hypothesis that evolution within transient biofilms drives de novo phage resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42035474,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, R and Al-Shamiri, MM and Zhang, S and Li, P and Lei, C and Liu, H and Xue, L and Luo, K and Han, B and Xun, M and Yang, E and Han, L},
title = {Linking oxidative stress defense to biofilm architecture: Ohr mediates strain-dependent persistence in Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {Virulence},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2664989},
doi = {10.1080/21505594.2026.2664989},
pmid = {42035474},
issn = {2150-5608},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; *Oxidative Stress ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation is critical for the persistence of Acinetobacter baumannii, yet its directional correlation with antimicrobial resistance remains paradoxical. Here, we confirmed our prior finding that drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains employ distinct, temporally regulated biofilm developmental programs: susceptible strains excel at rapid biomass accumulation but undergo early collapse, while MDR strains delay biofilm initiation and optimize for the maintenance and reinforcement of mature biofilms. Transcriptomic profiling identified the organic hydroperoxide resistance protein (Ohr) as a crucial contributor mediating this strain-specific biofilm divergence, with its deletion resulting in severe biofilm defects. Metabolomics analyses further revealed that Ohr maintains biofilm integrity through dual mechanisms: by modulating redox homeostasis and regulating extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production through control of AdeAB and AdeFG efflux pumps. Moreover, we identified indole-3-lactic acid as a potent biofilm inhibitor. Our findings suggest Ohr as a linchpin in A. baumannii biofilm development, elucidate the basis of temporal phenotypic divergence, and unveil promising therapeutic targets against biofilm-associated infections.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics/physiology
*Oxidative Stress
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Gene Expression Profiling
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism

@article {pmid42027296,
year = {2026},
author = {Karaca, AN and Akçelik, N and Akçelik, M},
title = {The pagN gene: a dual genetic determinant for biofilm formation and virulence in Salmonella Typhimurium.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {xtag017},
pmid = {42027296},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium persists across environments and causes disease by coordinating biofilm formation and host invasion. Although PagN is a known adhesin and invasin, its role in regulating these processes is unclear. We investigated PagN's contribution to biofilm development and pathogenicity using a chromosomal pagN deletion mutant (ΔpagN) and a complemented strain. Deletion did not affect growth but significantly reduced biofilm formation on polystyrene at 20°C and 28°C. The mutant showed altered morphotypes, reduced cellulose, impaired pellicle formation, delayed autoaggregation, and restricted motility. In Caco-2 cells, pagN loss reduced adhesion by ∼60% and abolished invasion by >90%. Ectopic expression of pagN successfully abrogated phenotypic shifts, confirming gene specificity. Comparative transcriptomics revealed a niche-specific regulatory footprint; the profound hilA (SPI-1) repression in planktonic cultures was not recapitulated in biofilms. Instead, the mutant exhibited targeted csgD-yaiC attenuation during biofilm development, alongside robust fimF induction, indicating a potential compensatory shift in the adhesive landscape. Network analysis suggests PagN is integrated into global circuits, influencing pathways through the regulator of capsule synthesis (Rcs) system. These findings demonstrate PagN is a key determinant linking biofilm development with virulence regulation in Salmonella Typhimurium, coordinating environmental persistence and host-pathogen interaction.},
}

@article {pmid42027444,
year = {2025},
author = {Besharati, S and Rahbar, M and Soleimani, N},
title = {Evaluation of Biofilm Formation, Alginate Production, Pattern of Drug Resistance, and the Presence of Efflux Pump MexAB-OprM, MexXY (-OprA), and AmpC Gene in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Tanaffos},
volume = {24},
number = {2},
pages = {163-173},
pmid = {42027444},
issn = {1735-0344},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: One of the most significant factors contributing to multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is the formation of biofilms and the production of alginate. This study aimed to evaluate the overexpression of efflux pumps MexAB-OprM, MexXY (-OprA), and the AmpC gene and investigate biofilm and alginate in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected two government-specialized hospitals from February 2024 to June 2024 in Tehran, Iran. The disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility and detecting the pattern of antibiotics. We used a microtiter plate and carbazole assay to investigate biofilm formation and alginate production, respectively. We investigated the efflux pump MexAB-OprM, MexXY (-OprA), and the AmpC gene expression with real-time PCR and its correlation with biofilm, alginate, and antibiotic resistance.

RESULTS: 30 multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were detected, and 27 antibiotic patterns were obtained. A significant relationship between biofilm formation and resistance to PRL was observed (P<0.01). All of the samples with more than 250μg/ml level of alginate production were resistant to Piperacillin-Tazobactam (PTZ), which was significant (P<0.05). Also, the relationship between alginate production and strong biofilm formation was significant. The expression of resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pumps MexABOprM, MexXY (-OprA), and AmpC gene in MDR isolates of P. aeruginosa was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION: High prevalence of MDR, along with high expression of efflux pump genes, was concerning. High production of biofilm formation and its relationship with alginate were observed in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. To prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance, implementing monitoring methods and not overusing and abusing antibiotics is necessary.},
}

@article {pmid42027784,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuming, L and Zhenkun, X and Yixin, S and Xi, C and Jingzhe, D and Yan, P and Wenjun, Y and Hui, C and Wentao, J},
title = {Nanomaterial-based strategies for oral biofilm management: functionalized implants and targeted delivery systems.},
journal = {Frontiers in oral health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1789632},
pmid = {42027784},
issn = {2673-4842},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections, particularly peri-implantitis, threaten the long-term success of dental implants, and conventional debridement or chemotherapy often fails against mature biofilms. Nanomaterials offer multifunctional strategies to control infection while supporting osseointegration. This mini-review (2015-2025) summarizes nanomaterial-based approaches for managing implant-associated oral biofilms, including passive surface functionalization, active delivery systems, externally triggered therapies, and host-directed osteoimmunomodulation. Their potential should be interpreted in light of evidence maturity, safety-especially for ROS-based modalities-and long-term tribological and manufacturing limitations. We also highlight practical selection by disease stage and host risk, while emphasizing key translational gaps, particularly validation in mixed-species biofilms and long-term biocompatibility.},
}

@article {pmid42029737,
year = {2026},
author = {Lang, Y and Mei, H and Zhang, J and Hu, C and Pang, Z and Chen, Y and Xue, C},
title = {Voltage-tunable plasma-activated water: a strategy for combating peri-implantitis via dual-path biofilm disruption and vascular regeneration.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {30},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42029737},
issn = {1436-3771},
support = {BE2020707//the Science and Technology Department of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
}

@article {pmid42030910,
year = {2026},
author = {Pak, BA and Bal, Y and Hatib, BA and Bayrakdar, A and Sahinkaya, E},
title = {Impact of micropollutants and the process configuration on the performance of moving bed membrane biofilm reactor (MBMBR).},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {300},
number = {},
pages = {125944},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125944},
pmid = {42030910},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {This study investigates the removal performance of selected micropollutants (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, carbamazepine, and triclosan) from domestic wastewater using a moving bed membrane biofilm reactor (MBMBR) process, consisting of two moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) in series followed by a membrane bioreactor (MBR). While the integration of MBBR and MBR processes leverages the advantages of both technologies, systematic studies on determining the optimal configuration, particularly in the presence of micropollutants, remain quite limited in the literature. Within the scope of the research, the effects of sludge recirculation (hybrid growth) from the MBR to different MBBR units on treatment performance were evaluated over 140 days with three different periods. The results showed that the COD removal efficiency, which was initially 98% (permeate COD <10 mg/L), gradually decreased following the introduction of micropollutants. The toxicity of micropollutants led to the accumulation of soluble microbial products (SMPs) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), which increased the average supernatant COD up to 370 mg/L in the MBR unit. The membrane rejected most of the SMPs and EPSs, which improved the permeate quality (with permeate COD averaging <50 mg/L in all configurations) but increased the fouling potential. Nitrification almost entirely ceased (with permeate NH4[+]-N averaging 40 mg/L) during the second period (biofilm-only growth) as the system suffered from both micropollutant toxicity and the lack of microbial seeding by sludge recirculation. Regarding micropollutant removal, high efficiencies of over 75% were achieved for ibuprofen and triclosan, while removal efficiencies for recalcitrant compounds such as carbamazepine, diclofenac, and naproxen generally remained below 30%. This study highlights the impact of micropollutants on ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which may have a critical role in micropollutant removal, and demonstrates the advantages of the hybrid growth mode in maintaining process stability.},
}

@article {pmid42032345,
year = {2026},
author = {Masoudipour, N and Shivaee, A and Pourmehdiabadi, J and Pourmehdiabadi, A and Hajikhani, B and Bastaminejad, S and Kalani, BS},
title = {MqsR Toxin may be a Potential Anti-biofilm and Anti-persistence Target in Burkholderia cenocenocepacia.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42032345},
issn = {1432-0991},
}

@article {pmid42032569,
year = {2026},
author = {Yein, N and Martande, S and Shetty, SK and Kulloli, A and Pv, S and Ramamurthy, P and Sharma, D},
title = {Clinical efficacy of Guided Biofilm Therapy in the management of periodontal disease - a systematic review.},
journal = {BMC oral health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12903-026-08418-z},
pmid = {42032569},
issn = {1472-6831},
}

@article {pmid42022114,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhan, X and Huang, G and Su, J and Zhang, J and Huang, Q and Deng, X and Xu, M},
title = {Correction: Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus encodes a functional BolA transcriptional regulator related to motility, biofilm development, and stress response.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1820587},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1820587},
pmid = {42022114},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1717228.].},
}

@article {pmid42023935,
year = {2026},
author = {Hsu, K-LC and Furstenau, TN and Shaffer, I and Macek, MD and Ernst, RK and Fofanov, VY},
title = {Ethnicity-specific microbiome in early childhood caries: a functional perspective of oral biofilm.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0178725},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01787-25},
pmid = {42023935},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: National surveillance data show persistent racial and ethnic disparities in early childhood caries (ECC), but the underlying causes of these differences have not been determined. This study examined both functional and taxonomic differences in ECC-related microbial activity between two high-risk groups of children: African American (AA) and Latin American Hispanic (LAH). Metatranscriptomic profiling of paired non-caries and caries plaque revealed consistent population-level shifts in gene expression and enabled species-level attribution of metabolically active microbes in caries lesions. A core set of well-established cariogenic organisms was consistently present and highly over-expressed in caries of both groups, including Streptococcus mutans, Veillonella parvula, Propionibacterium acidifaciens, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Beyond identifying the core organisms and functions active in lesions, we have also made two significant observations. First, the active communities in the two groups have substantially diverged: 4,900+ genes across 413 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Orthology (KO) groups were consistently (25%+ of samples) over-expressed in AA children, and 6,500+ genes across 382 KOs were consistently (57% of samples) over-expressed in LAH children. This reproducibility across multiple samples indicates robust group-level differences rather than random variation or single-sample effects. Second, although AA and LAH children exhibited similar functional responses to caries (sharing 1,392 KOs), these shifts were expressed by different bacterial species, indicating that distinct taxa may occupy similar metabolic niches in different groups. Taken together, these findings suggest that there is no single universal caries-associated microbiome; instead, a shared cariogenic core is necessary, but differences among the non-core taxa and their functional activity may be key to understanding ECC disparities.

IMPORTANCE: The disparity in tooth decay among young children has long been demonstrated in national surveillance data. While various factors including family, culture, access to health insurance, and medical infrastructure have been studied, the global transcriptomic perspective remains underexplored. Employing RNA-Seq technology, we examine functional and taxonomic differences in caries-associated microbial activity between two high-risk populations. Besides a core set of well-established cariogenic organisms, we observed significant and consistent differences in the active microbial communities between these two high-risk populations, African American (AA) and Latin American Hispanic (LAH) children. In AA children, Pseudopropionibacterium propionicum and Cardiobacterium hominis consistently showed the highest caries-related gene expression. In contrast, among LAH children, Propionibacterium acidifaciens, Selenomonas sp., Rothia dentocariosa, Atopobium parvulum, and Streptococcus sanguinis were the primary drivers of gene expression in caries lesions. By identifying the unique microbial mechanisms and pathways active in each population, we can better define the core factors required for caries development and uncover how differences in microbial function contribute to persistent disparities.},
}

@article {pmid42024423,
year = {2026},
author = {Garratt, I and Ravari, MY and Clarke, OE and McMurtrie, J and Wand, ME and Feil, EJ and Taylor, TB and Sutton, JM and Jones, BV},
title = {A model of polymicrobial catheter-associated urinary tract infection reveals biofilm-mediated modulation of treatment efficacy.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag098},
pmid = {42024423},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are among the most prevalent healthcare associated infections and an important site for development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Although CAUTI are frequently polymicrobial, the majority of research focuses on individual pathogens in monoculture, largely due to a lack of representative and tractable models.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a tractable and reproducible model of polymicrobial CAUTI.

METHODS: Here we describe the use of an in vitro model of the catheterised urinary tract to generate polymicrobial communities encompassing common uropathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis), in an environment representative of the catheterized urinary tract.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We show that our system establishes stable and reproducible polymicrobial communities and facilitates analysis across both planktonic and biofilm lifestyles. We confirm that polymicrobial biofilms in this system display distinct population dynamics compared to planktonic populations and modulate the impact of ciprofloxacin treatment by protecting the most susceptible community members. In addition, we demonstrate the capacity of P. mirabilis to encrust and block catheters when part of a polymicrobial community and confirm that thioridazine treatment remains effective at inhibiting catheter blockage under these conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42025880,
year = {2026},
author = {Peng, L and He, Z and Fang, L and Liu, Y and Xu, Y},
title = {Reduced nitrous oxide emissions in a comammox-dominated continuous-flow moving bed biofilm reactor compared to a sequencing batch reactor.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134688},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134688},
pmid = {42025880},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) bacteria play an important role in biological nitrogen removal from wastewater. However, limited information is available on the effect of reactor operational mode on comammox bacteria enrichment and the associated nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under varying dissolved oxygen (DO) and ammonium levels. In this work, a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) were adopted to selectively enrich comammox bacteria under oligotrophic (∼142.7 mg N/L/d) and oxygen-rich (> 6.0 mg O2/L) conditions. Stable ammonium removals (>90%) were achieved for both reactors, with comammox bacteria dominating over counterparts at relative abundances of 97.4-98.9%. N2O emission factors across operational cycles were ∼ 0.06% and ∼ 0.1% for the comammox-dominated MBBR and SBR, respectively. DO played an important role in N2O production by either comammox-dominated biofilm or comammox-dominated floccular sludge. Increasing DO from 0.35 to 6.0 mg O2/L resulted in a significant decrease in N2O emissions for both comammox-dominated biofilm (0.5% to 0.04%) and floccular sludge (0.5% to 0.1%), mainly through suppressing abiotic NH2OH oxidation pathway. Non-aerated settling and decanting phases in the batch-mode SBR were responsible for 46.1% higher N2O emissions compared to the continuous-flow MBBR, probably ascribed to the heterotrophic denitrification in comammox-dominated floccular sludge under limited oxygen and organic carbon availabilities. These results suggest the potential of comammox-dominated biofilm-driven continuous-flow reactors in reducing N2O emissions while maintaining efficient pollutant removal.},
}

@article {pmid42015920,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, IF and Chou, CY and Chen, YF and Wang, TY and Lin, JT and Lee, CC and Chen, JW and Jan, JS and Hung, YP},
title = {Biofilm- and Spore-Disruptive Star-Shaped Poly(l-lysine)/Hyaluronic Acid Microgels for Targeted Oral Therapy of Clostridioides difficile Infection.},
journal = {Biomacromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.5c02037},
pmid = {42015920},
issn = {1526-4602},
abstract = {Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains a major healthcare challenge due to recurrent disease, spore persistence, and biofilm-associated tolerance, while conventional antibiotics often disrupt gut microbiota. Here, we report a star-shaped poly(l-lysine) dendrimer (G3-PLL9) formulated into hyaluronic acid-based microgels for targeted oral delivery to the inflamed colon. G3-PLL9 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, including rapid bactericidal effects, superior spore inhibition compared with vancomycin, and robust biofilm disruption at subinhibitory concentrations. In a murine CDI model, rectal administration of G3-PLL9 alleviated clinical symptoms, reduced tissue damage, and lowered recurrence risk. To enable oral therapy, G3-PLL9 was incorporated into hyaluronic acid microgels, achieving site-specific release through hyaluronidase-mediated degradation in the inflamed colon. Importantly, treatment preserved commensal gut microbiota more effectively than vancomycin. Collectively, these findings highlight G3-PLL9 microgels as a microbiota-sparing therapeutic that targets multiple stages of CDI pathogenesis─including spores and biofilms─and demonstrate their potential for clinical translation.},
}

@article {pmid42016031,
year = {2025},
author = {Khanjani, S and Nikkhahi, F and Zeynali Kelishomi, F and Javadi, A and Sadeghi, S and Bijani, B and Sadeghi, H and Saghi Sarabi, H and Marashi, SMA},
title = {Phage Cocktail against Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm on Endotracheal Tube: An in vitro study.},
journal = {International journal of molecular and cellular medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {1045-1058},
pmid = {42016031},
issn = {2251-9637},
abstract = {Although biofilms on endotracheal tube (ET) surfaces represent a major clinical challenge, studies addressing the effect of lytic bacteriophages on these biofilms are relatively scarce. This study focused on examining the anti-biofilm capability of three specific phage against an XDR isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii in a 48-hour pre-formed biofilm on an ET surface. For this purpose, crystal violet staining, colony counting, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in biofilm mass and bacterial count after 24 hours of exposure to the phage cocktail. SEM images confirmed a dramatic reduction in the biofilm. Based on these findings, phage therapy has the potential to reduce and disrupt biofilms on ET surfaces.},
}

@article {pmid42016371,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohammadi, M and Nikkhahi, F and Charkhchian, M and Kiaheyrati, N and Javadi, A and Fard Sanei, A and Fardsanei, F},
title = {Synergistic Anti-Biofilm and Bactericidal Activity of Ethanol and Chlorhexidine Combined with EDTA Against Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Healthcare-Associated Carriers.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {580129},
pmid = {42016371},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly in dialysis units, remain a significant challenge due to the frequent use of invasive devices and the immunocompromised status of patients. Among the most concerning pathogens is Staphylococcus aureus, known for its multidrug resistance and biofilm-forming capacity. This study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm effects of ethanol, chlorhexidine, and EDTA, individually and in combination, against S. aureus isolates from hospital carriers in the dialysis department of Qazvin teaching hospitals, Qazvin, Iran.

METHODS: A total of 400 samples were collected from nasal cavities, fingernails, patient beds, and dialysis machines. Isolates were identified by biochemical tests and PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated via disk diffusion and E-test, with mupirocin resistance determined by mupA and mupB detection. Biofilm formation was assessed using the microtiter plate assay with crystal violet staining. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of a combined solution of chlorhexidine, ethanol, and EDTA were analyzed using broth microdilution and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS: 70 S. aureus isolates were analyzed for antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. High resistance rates were observed to ciprofloxacin (62.8%), doxycycline (57.1%), and tetracycline (54.2%), while mupirocin resistance was detected in 4.2% of isolates (mupA positive). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was found in 68.6% of isolates. Strong biofilm formation was observed in 90% of isolates and was significantly associated with MDR. The combination of chlorhexidine and EDTA exhibited potent antibiofilm activity (FICI ≤ 0.5), with SEM imaging confirming disruption of biofilm structure and bacterial cell integrity.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant and strong biofilm-producing S. aureus in dialysis units. Among the tested disinfectant combinations, chlorhexidine in combination with EDTA demonstrated substantial antibiofilm and antimicrobial effects, whereas EDTA and ethanol alone showed no significant activity. These results highlight the potential of synergistic disinfectant combinations to disrupt biofilm structures and suggest the need for further studies to evaluate their applicability in clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid42016518,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, S and Wang, W and Yin, H and Luu, QH and Kong, L and Zhang, X and Lu, S and Bai, X and Han, X and Jiang, W},
title = {Transposon mutant library reveals the complex regulatory network of biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100359},
pmid = {42016518},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a globally prevalent seafood-borne pathogen and a leading cause of gastroenteritis. It readily forms biofilms on shrimp, shellfish, and food packaging surfaces, enhancing its environmental tolerance, survival, and risk of cross-contamination during processing and storage. In this study, we constructed a transposon mutant library to systematically identify genes involved in biofilm regulation. Quantitative screening of 4000 mutants revealed 103 candidate genes, with 28 mutants showing reduced biofilm formation and 75 showing enhanced formation. Enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are primarily associated with the two-component systems (TCS), pyrimidine metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Two previously uncharacterized genes were further analyzed. Results showed that vp2252, encoding a component of a TCS, and vp2888, encoding a diguanylate cyclase with cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) synthetase activity, broadly regulate biofilm formation, motility, and virulence. Transcriptomic data suggest that vp2252 mediates the transition from free-swimming to surface-associated swarming lifestyles. These findings provide new insights into the genetic regulation of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm development, highlight potential molecular targets for biofilm control, and lay the groundwork for future studies on its regulatory networks.},
}

@article {pmid42018147,
year = {2026},
author = {Mushtaq, K and Shakeel, N and Chaman Lal, K},
title = {Beyond replacement frequency: age, biofilm ecology, and methodological constraints in tracheostomal colonization studies.},
journal = {European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42018147},
issn = {1434-4726},
}

@article {pmid42018469,
year = {2026},
author = {Jungbauer, G and Giacobbo, L and Stähli, A and Sculean, A and Burger, J and Eick, S and Hofmann, M},
title = {Modeling In Vitro Biofilm-Calculus Formation for Assessing Periodontal Instrumentation and the Forces Applied.},
journal = {Clinical and experimental dental research},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {e70359},
doi = {10.1002/cre2.70359},
pmid = {42018469},
issn = {2057-4347},
support = {//Association for Dental Infection Control/ ; //Geistlich-Stucki Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; *Dental Calculus/microbiology/therapy ; In Vitro Techniques ; Periodontitis/microbiology/therapy ; Ultrasonic Therapy/instrumentation ; Dental Scaling/instrumentation ; Periodontal Pocket/microbiology/therapy ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: In vitro models provide valuable insights into treatment options and their effectiveness prior to and alongside clinical evaluation. Such models should be standardized, reproducible, and closely reflect the clinical situation. This study aimed to investigate the removal of subgingival biofilm and calculus by instrumentation, which is vital in the successful treatment of periodontitis. The approach was to (i) develop an in vitro model based on biofilm and calculus formation and (ii) assess it by hand and ultrasonic instrumentation, while (iii) measuring the forces applied in an innovative periodontal defect model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-species mixture consisting of 11 bacterial strains was used to form an initial calculus over 14 days. Inserts carrying human dentin specimens, either with biofilm or with a combination of biofilm and calculus, were placed in a periodontal pocket model equipped with a multi-axis force sensor, followed by treatment with hand or ultrasonic instrumentation. Instrumentation forces were recorded, and the remaining biofilm or biofilm/calculus was analyzed for bacterial colony-forming unit (cfu) counts and calcium levels after instrumentation.

RESULTS: The results revealed that the cfu counts and calcium levels in the biofilm/calculus group were higher compared to the respective biofilm controls. Ultrasonic instrumentation was more effective than hand instrumentation in reducing cfu counts in both the biofilm and biofilm/calculus groups. Furthermore, both hand and ultrasonic instrumentation reduced calcium levels in the biofilm/calculus groups. The peak forces Fy in the hand instrumentation groups were significantly higher in both the biofilm and biofilm/calculus groups compared to the respective ultrasonic groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The model enabled an initial reproducible calculus formation and evaluation of different instrumentation modalities, including the forces applied. The results favored the ultrasonic instrumentation due to its superior removal of biofilm and calculus and lower lateral forces. The presented biofilm/calculus model offers a new in vitro approach for comparing different instrumentation modalities.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
*Dental Calculus/microbiology/therapy
In Vitro Techniques
Periodontitis/microbiology/therapy
Ultrasonic Therapy/instrumentation
Dental Scaling/instrumentation
Periodontal Pocket/microbiology/therapy

@article {pmid42018900,
year = {2026},
author = {Viana, AAG and Borchardt, H and Dantas, JV and Dias, DSB and Amaral, IPGD and Vasconcelos, U},
title = {Exogenous phenazine allows biofilm stability but retards biodegradation of recently WLO-contaminated aqueous system.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {98},
number = {1},
pages = {e20250706},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202620250706},
pmid = {42018900},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Biodegradation, Environmental/drug effects ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/metabolism ; *Phenazines/pharmacology ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism ; *Petroleum/metabolism ; *Lubricants/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Each year, millions of liters of lubricating oil are consumed worldwide, and more than 50% of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) enter the environment through spills or improper disposal. Numerous strategies are applied to remediate oil-contaminated sites, and each scenario contributes to assessing the maximum efficiency of available cleanup approaches. This study evaluated, on a laboratory scale, the effect of phenazine methosulfate (PMS) on Waste Lubricating Oil (WLO) removal by P. aeruginosa. Microcosms were contaminated with WLO containing 448,000 mg·kg[-1] of TPH. WLO: aqueous phase ratios of 1:40, 1:20, and 1:10 were tested, all supplemented with PMS at 5 µg·mL[-1]. After 20 days of incubation at 29°C, greater WLO removal was observed in microcosms without PMS (33.8-37.8%), whereas PMS-amended systems removed only 9.9-15.3% (p > 0.05) possibly due to WLO composition or PMS interacting with alternative cell pathways. In both treatments, the inoculated cells were not adversely affected by the stressful conditions and established stable biofilms. This is the first report describing the effect of PMS on P. aeruginosa biofilm formation during WLO biodegradation under recent-contamination conditions. These findings indicate that combining bioaugmentation with exogenous phenazine addition should be avoided in the initial treatment phase.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Biodegradation, Environmental/drug effects
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/metabolism
*Phenazines/pharmacology
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
*Petroleum/metabolism
*Lubricants/metabolism

@article {pmid42020691,
year = {2026},
author = {Vávrová, P and Janďourek, O and Coraça-Huber, DC and Spiegel, C and Nachtigal, P and Krátký, M and Konečná, K},
title = {Host soluble plasma factors increase dual-species Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans biofilm biomass without enhancing stress tolerance.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-49557-1},
pmid = {42020691},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {SVV 260 664//Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Czechia/ ; NW24-05-00539//Ministerstvo Zdravotnictví Ceské Republiky/ ; },
}

@article {pmid42008411,
year = {2026},
author = {Tuon, FF and Suss, PH and Dantas, LR and Ortis, GB},
title = {Comparative In Vitro Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Evaluation on 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid and Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified Surfaces.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {230},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/70394},
pmid = {42008411},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Polyesters/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Printing, Three-Dimensional ; *Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/drug effects ; *Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Polyethylene Terephthalates/chemistry ; *Lactic Acid/chemistry ; *Polymers/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Three-dimensional (3D) printing has accelerated the development of customized medical devices, but biofilm formation on printed materials remains a major threat to implant safety and performance. Because material chemistry and print-dependent surface features can influence bacterial attachment and antibiotic tolerance, standardized in vitro approaches that enable meaningful comparisons across commonly used 3D-printing polymers are needed. Here, we compare biofilm development on polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) using a multi-model in vitro evaluation framework that captures complementary aspects of biofilm biology, including early adhesion, maturation, and antimicrobial tolerance, under both static and flow conditions. S. aureus biofilms were established and assessed using quantitative (viable bacterial load and minimal biofilm eradication concentration [MBEC]) and qualitative (scanning electron microscopy) endpoints. Both PLA and PETG supported biofilm formation across models; however, PLA tended to show higher early adhesion and greater biofilm density. In static assays, PLA demonstrated higher CFU values than PETG, whereas vancomycin MBEC values were similar between materials. Assay-dependent differences in MBEC were observed across platforms, underscoring how model structure can influence apparent antimicrobial susceptibility. Under dynamic flow, biofilm burden increased relative to static conditions, with minimal material-dependent differences. Collectively, these results highlight the susceptibility of both polymers to biofilm formation and demonstrate the value of a multi-model framework for evaluating material-associated biofilm behavior and benchmarking antimicrobial performance on 3D-printed device-relevant substrates.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Polyesters/chemistry/pharmacology
*Printing, Three-Dimensional
*Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/drug effects
*Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry/pharmacology
*Polyethylene Terephthalates/chemistry
*Lactic Acid/chemistry
*Polymers/chemistry

@article {pmid42010135,
year = {2026},
author = {Lendel, AM and Antonova, NP and Grigoriev, IV and Goldin, IV and Dedova, AV and Usachev, EV and Gushchin, VА and Vasina, DV},
title = {Search for effective bacteriolytic enzymes and their combinations for the treatment of polymicrobial biofilm-associated infections.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42010135},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; 125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; 125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; 125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; 125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; 125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; 125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; 125021101874-6//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; },
}

@article {pmid42011017,
year = {2026},
author = {Sadia, H and Amin, A and Ahmed, I},
title = {Metagenomic and Phenotypic Insights Into Biofilm-Forming Pathogens in Patients With Nosocomial Sepsis.},
journal = {BioMed research international},
volume = {2026},
number = {1},
pages = {e8989667},
pmid = {42011017},
issn = {2314-6141},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; *Sepsis/microbiology/genetics ; *Cross Infection/microbiology/genetics ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Metagenome ; Male ; Female ; Phenotype ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-related infections significantly contribute to bacterial diseases, with estimates suggesting that at least 80% of such infections are associated with biofilms. These infections often involve opportunistic pathogens, which not only influence the type of infection but also impact the microenvironment by interacting with other polymicrobial pathogens, thereby altering microbial diversity within the infection site. The present study was designed to assess potential changes in bacterial communities across various infection types. The 50 samples were collected and pooled from different anatomical locations: II-H1 (calf), ul-H2 (thighs), ft-H3 (upper leg), ct-H4 (chest), and Ca-H5 (catheter). The 16S rDNA sequencing was performed on 10 representative samples using the Sanger method to identify bacterial taxa, whereas the metagenomic analysis was conducted on the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina, Inc., San Diego, California). Sanger sequencing identifying several bacterial strains including Bacterium MS-AsIII-61, Bacterium HB33-1, Mammaliicoccus sciuri SSB38, multiple Staphylococcus species (S. aureus DA101 and S8, Staphylococcus sp. C0021-01R and TSA25S, S. cohnii FC2265, and S. saprophyticus A), and Enterobacter hormaechei D15. The metagenomics analysis revealed variations and diversity in the different location across the organ by relative abundance of 5 bacterial phyla and 38 species. The Proteobacteria phylum was the most abundant phylum across all sites, with the highest prevalence observed in Ca-H5, followed by ul-H2, ct-H4, II-H1, and ft-H3 in the decreasing order. In contrast, the Bacteroidetes phylum exhibited the highest abundance in ft-H3. Catheter-associated infections (Ca-H5 site) show a homogeneous ARG profile, dominated by genes supporting biofilm formation and persistence. MSA samples reflect diversity in methicillin and multidrug resistance genes, consistent with surgical-site and opportunistic infections. Trypto samples may represent an environmental or experimental condition leading to alternative ARG expression, highlighting site- or condition-specific variations. The different virulence factor responsible for the boost in the establishment of biofilms in these pathogens includes, surface adhesion proteins, increasing resilience to environmental, efflux pumps, quorum-sensing regulators, stresses, and antibiotic treatments. The study demonstrates the dynamic nature and impact of biofilm-related infections at anatomical sites. It also focused on biofilm-associated infections at surgical sites, their progression into chronic conditions, and the corresponding treatment patterns. The integration of metagenomic analysis with phenotypic studies provided deeper insights into the roles of key genes and their mechanisms in biofilm formation.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
*Sepsis/microbiology/genetics
*Cross Infection/microbiology/genetics
*Metagenomics/methods
*Bacteria/genetics/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Metagenome
Male
Female
Phenotype

@article {pmid42012057,
year = {2026},
author = {Chaluvaraju, PB and Ramu, R and Swamy, SN and K B, VG and C, KA and Priya, BS},
title = {Unveiling the Potential of Isoquinoline-Tethered 1,2,3-Triazoles as Promising Anti-Biofilm Agents Against Candida albicans: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, ADME, and Molecular Docking Studies.},
journal = {Chemistry & biodiversity},
volume = {23},
number = {4},
pages = {e03083},
doi = {10.1002/cbdv.202503083},
pmid = {42012057},
issn = {1612-1880},
mesh = {*Candida albicans/drug effects/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Triazoles/chemistry/pharmacology/chemical synthesis ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Isoquinolines/chemistry/pharmacology ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Molecular Structure ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; },
abstract = {A library of twelve new 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline tethered 1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-methyl derivatives 7(a-l) were synthesized via copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition. The synthesized derivatives were characterized by [1]H-NMR, [13]C-NMR, and mass spectrometry techniques. All the derivatives were screened for in vitro antifungal activity against an opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans by broth microdilution method. The study revealed that compound 7i exhibited the potent antifungal profile with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6 µg/mL, minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 32 µg/mL, and it demonstrated 82% biofilm inhibition and 78% filament inhibition. The results showed an improvement over the standard drug fluconazole which exhibited MIC of 8 µg/mL and MFC of 64 µg/mL, 78% biofilm inhibition, and 65% of filament inhibition. Further the inhibition was confirmed by SEM analysis and qRT-PCR was conducted against HWP1, EFG1, and ALS3 genes. In addition, an in silico molecular docking study was carried out to demonstrate the interactions between the synthesized compounds and target amino acids. ADMET analysis indicated all the compounds met the criteria of drug-likeness and follow Lipinski's rule of five. Further optimization of these derivatives could yield promising therapeutics for Candidal infections.},
}

*Candida albicans/drug effects/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Molecular Docking Simulation
*Triazoles/chemistry/pharmacology/chemical synthesis
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology/chemical synthesis/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Isoquinolines/chemistry/pharmacology
Structure-Activity Relationship
Molecular Structure
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Humans

@article {pmid42012157,
year = {2026},
author = {Poulsen, JS and Van Alin, A and Larsen, PB and Haarder, FMN and Meyer, RL and Koren, K and Kjeldsen, KU},
title = {Limits of bacterial osmoadaptation during planktonic and biofilm growth: a step toward effective biofouling control.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0241125},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02411-25},
pmid = {42012157},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Salinity is a key parameter for bacterial survival and growth. Halophilic and halotolerant bacteria can adapt to elevated salinity, but the energetic demands of osmoadaptation increase under fluctuating salt concentrations, potentially constraining growth and persistence. A new concept in reverse osmosis (RO) filtration is batch operation with oscillating rather than constantly high brine salinity. We hypothesize that fluctuating salinity can diminish biofouling in such RO systems. To test this hypothesis, we examined the survival and activity of Aliivibrio fischeri and Pseudomonas fluorescens under fluctuating salinities in planktonic and biofilm cultures as representative of halophilic and halotolerant species, respectively, and common members of biofouling communities. At 28°C, P. fluorescens grew at 0%-6% salinity with fastest growth rate at 0%-1%. At 7%-10% salinity, P. fluorescens remained viable but did not grow. At 22°C, A. fischeri grew at 0.5%-7% salinity, with fastest growth rate at 2%-3%, but unlike P. fluorescens, it lost viability outside this growth range. Cultures did not respire at salinities that did not support growth, suggesting that survival under such salt stress does not depend on high metabolic activity. Furthermore, cell-specific aerobic respiration rates in A. fischeri correlated with growth rate but not osmotic stress. Biofilm formation did not enhance the osmotic stress tolerance of the two bacteria. Our results indicate that high constant salinity favors the halophilic A. fischeri over the halotolerant P. fluorescens, but oscillating salinity (e.g., 0%-7%) favors neither. Oscillating salinity may, therefore, offer a new mechanism for controlling microbial growth that circumvents community adaptation to environmental conditions.IMPORTANCEReverse osmosis filtration is a widely used technology to address the scarcity of clean freshwater. However, the efficiency of reverse osmosis systems is challenged by microbial biofouling, as microbial communities adapt to the environmental conditions within the system and form biofilms on the membranes. This study investigated the impact of fluctuating salinity on the growth and survival of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria. The findings suggest that oscillating salinity disrupts the growth and viability of both types of bacteria, in both planktonic cultures and biofilms. The study, thus, supports the hypothesis that fluctuating salinity in reverse osmosis systems could reduce biofouling by impeding microbial adaptation to salinity. This represents a promising new strategy for microbial control in reverse osmosis systems, potentially enhancing performance by minimizing biofouling through an environmentally friendly approach.},
}

@article {pmid42012583,
year = {2026},
author = {Karthikeyan, A and Tabassum, N and Javaid, A and Kim, T and Jung, WK and Khan, F},
title = {Controlling Staphylococcus aureus skin infections by targeting biofilm and virulence properties using FDA-approved antiseptics and skin care products.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42012583},
issn = {1874-9356},
support = {RS-2021-NR060118//Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; RS-2023-00241461//Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is a major skin pathogen that causes a broad spectrum of infections, ranging from mild skin infections to severe invasive diseases. In this study, we evaluated antibacterial and antivirulence properties of selected FDA-approved skincare bioactives and antiseptics against multiple virulence factors. Minimum inhibitory concentration analysis of benzalkonium chloride, retinol, hydroquinone, and kojic acid showed strong antimicrobial activity at concentrations from 2 to 1024 µg/mL. Epigallocatechin gallate effectively inhibits biofilm formation by 81.53% and reduces staphyloxanthin production by 68.26%. Retinol exhibited antibiofilm activity, eradicating mature biofilm mass by 79.18%. Furthermore, a combination of skincare bioactives with antibiotics, including oxacillin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin, demonstrated synergy and additive effects, enhancing antibacterial efficacy. Molecular docking analysis exhibited strong predicted binding affinities of skincare bioactives and antiseptics against key virulence factors. This study highlights the multitarget antivirulence potential of skincare bioactives and antiseptics as an alternative strategy to mitigate diverse S. aureus infections.},
}

@article {pmid42012718,
year = {2026},
author = {Mensi, M and Garzetti, G and Scotti, E and Marchetti, S and Venturi, C and Di Monda, L and Sordillo, A and Calza, S},
title = {Plaque disclosing agent as a guide in biofilm removal in patients with fixed orthodontic appliance: a randomized clinical trial.},
journal = {Odontology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42012718},
issn = {1618-1255},
abstract = {Effective professional plaque removal is of major importance in the prevention of white spot lesions and gingivitis in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. However, visual identification of plaque can be difficult, especially around brackets, ligatures and wires. The purpose of the present randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a plaque disclosing agent (PDA) as a visual guide for biofilm removal. Thirty-two systematically and periodontally healthy adults with fixed orthodontic appliances and Plaque Index (PI) > = 25% were enrolled from October 2020 to May 2022, the subjects were equally randomized into test and control group. Primary outcome was the change in the difference in percentage of residual plaque area (RPA) between the two study groups. In the test group, a PDA was applied before professional oral hygiene, whilst the control group received a hygiene session without disclosing. The PDA was then re-applied at the end of the treatment in both groups, and the RPA was assessed via Image-J software analysis of standardized frontal photos and compared between groups. The average RPA in the test group was 3.9% (CI 95% 2.6%; 5.1%), which resulted significantly lower than in the control group, where it reached 12.0% (CI 95% 8.0%-16.0%) (p-value < 0.001). The percentage of area with residual plaque was modelled using a beta-regression model. The use of plaque disclosing agents as guidance for professional oral hygiene treatment leads to improved plaque removal in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. NCT05428189, 2022-06-08, retrospectively registered.},
}

@article {pmid42012722,
year = {2026},
author = {Mrosek, D and Białas, N and Winter, A and Prymak, O and Loza, K and Epple, M},
title = {Biofilm formation associated with calcium phosphate coating on implant metals.},
journal = {Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s10856-026-07053-y},
pmid = {42012722},
issn = {1573-4838},
support = {Ep 22/64-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
abstract = {Three clinically relevant implant metals, i.e., stainless steel (SS316L), pure titanium (grade 4), and the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V (grade 5), were coated with octacalcium phosphate from supersaturated aqueous calcium phosphate solution. Calcium phosphate coatings are frequently applied to enhance the osteoconductivity of metal implants. However, this leads to a higher surface roughness that increases the risk for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The bacterial species Escherichia coli (Gram-negative rods) and Staphylococcus xylosus (Gram-positive cocci) were seeded on the bare metals and the calcium phosphate-coated metals, respectively, and cultivated for up to 72 h to assess the biofilm formation. The efficiency of biofilm production by bacteria was evaluated by the crystal violet assay, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy. The growth of S. xylosus was always strong, with and without calcium phosphate coating, whereas E. coli proliferated better on calcium phosphate-coated metals. Both bacterial species colonized cavities within the porous calcium phosphate coating as indicated by scanning electron microscopy. The metabolic activity of S. xylosus caused a pH drop to 5.5 that led to corrosion of the calcium phosphate layer by acidic dissolution. In contrast, E. coli led to an increase in pH to about 8.9 that did not affect the coating. Osteoblast-like MG-63 cells adhered and proliferated well on both coated and uncoated metals, underscoring the good osteocompatibility before and after coating.},
}

@article {pmid42001570,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Xu, B and Xu, R and Xu, G and Chen, L and Huang, S and Shi, X and Ng, HY and Lee, CH},
title = {Switch-like effects and regulatory mechanisms of DSF-mediated quorum sensing in wastewater biofilm behaviors.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {300},
number = {},
pages = {125915},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125915},
pmid = {42001570},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Wastewater biofilms leverage quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate collective microbial processes, positioning exogenous QS signal dosing as a promising biostimulation strategy for biofilm reactors. However, the unknown threshold concentration of QS activation (common QS signals dose ranges from ∼0.1 to ∼10[5] µg/g-VSS in biostimulated biofilm reactors), and the complex concentration-dependent relationships remain poorly understood. In this study, we applied external diffusible signal factor (cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, DSF) gradients to uncover how the prevalent, yet underexplored DSF-based QS system governs biofilm formation and their metabolisms in wastewater treatment. A low DSF dose (0.1 μM, 7.0 μg/g-VSS) triggered "switch-on" state, increasing protein-rich EPS by 86.9% and biomass by 46.9%. This was driven by a Pseudomonas-centered interspecies QS circuit via sensor PA1396, which upregulated aromatic amino acid (aroB, trpB), EPS (pelA, algD), and ATP (atpH) genes. In contrast, excessive DSF (0.1 mM, 6957.1 μg/g-VSS) induced "switch-off" state, markedly reducing biomass by 64.1% where QS-regulated Pseudomonas shifted energy from EPS secretion to reduction, and upregulated multidrug efflux genes (mexXY, oprM). This transition also involved rpfC-rpfG activation (mainly in Comamonas) and digA-D quenching (in P. panipatensis), reducing c-di-GMP and DSF while enhancing flagellar motility (fliC). Null modeling confirmed both states reinforced deterministic selection, leading to specialized communities. Overall, DSF exerted biphasic, switch-like control over biofilm phenotypes, community assembly, and functional traits, and our results suggested that analogous switch-like regulation may extend to other QS-signal pathways (e.g., AHLs and AI-2). Collectively, this study provided a mechanistic basis for precision, dose-guided ecological manipulation of wastewater biofilm reactors.},
}

@article {pmid42002056,
year = {2026},
author = {Razdan, K and Allott, M and Kanta, S and Chaudhary, E and Rahi, DK and Kumari, S and Zwain, T and Lara, JG and Sinha, VR and Singh, KK},
title = {Nanostructured lipid carrier enabled delivery of levofloxacin and clove essential oil to overcome Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infection in burn wounds- a synergistic approach.},
journal = {International journal of pharmaceutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {126885},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2026.126885},
pmid = {42002056},
issn = {1873-3476},
abstract = {Conventional antibiotics struggle to completely eradicate the infection because of their ineffective penetration of biofilms. New multimodal strategy integrating antibiofilm agent with antimicrobials delivered as nanomedicine could be a powerful approach to overcome biofilm resistance. Bioactive essential oils have recently garnered great attention because of their biofilm disruption and antibiofilm activity. The present study developed an integrated functional nanostructured lipid carrier (NLCs) combining clove essential oil (CO) and levofloxacin (LFX) as model antibiotic for localized delivery as hydrogel for treatment of burn wounds infected with P. aeruginosa biofilms. In vitro cell line studies demonstrated concentration dependent uptake of LFX-CO-NLCs in human dermal fibroblasts and normal human epithelial keratinocytes, cytocompatibility and fibroblast migration in scratch wound assay. Crystal violet assay validated strong antibiofilm effect of LFX-CO-NLCs. The nanoparticles were able to infiltrate through P. aeruginosa biofilm and be up taken by bacterial cells as evidenced by confocal microscopy. LFX-CO-NLCs hydrogel showed appreciable textural profile and pseudoplastic behavior which facilitated topical application. In vivo burn wound in mice with P. aeruginosa infection displayed early wound closure, significantly improved infection clearance and enhanced collagen deposition and wound healing after treatment with LFX-CO-NLCs hydrogel in comparison to other treatment groups. Wounds were found to be devoid of any bacterial presence after 7 days of LFX-CO-NLCs hydrogel application. It is propounded that this industrially viable technology holds great promise as future therapeutics for chronic wound infections.},
}

@article {pmid42003596,
year = {2026},
author = {Louvet, M and Li, J and Areitio, M and Brandalise, D and Bachmann, D and Coste, AT and LeibundGut-Landmann, S and Sanglard, D and Lamoth, F},
title = {Role of the transcription factor Wor2 in biofilm formation of Candidozyma auris.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0005726},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00057-26},
pmid = {42003596},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {The yeast pathogen Candidozyma (Candida) auris can form biofilms, which contribute to its virulence and nosocomial transmission. In this study, we identified the transcription factor Wor2 as a negative regulator of biofilm formation in C. auris. Wor2 hyperactivation in a strain of clade IV via the use of a protein tagging strategy resulted in downregulation of two important adhesins, SCF1 and ALS4112, and decreased biofilm-forming capacity. We showed that the impact on biofilm was predominantly mediated via decreased SCF1 expression in this strain. However, results of adhesion assays on inert surfaces and human keratinocytes found relatively modest roles of Wor2 and Scf1 in this process, suggesting that their effect on biofilm formation is complex and not limited to the adhesion step. Finally, analyses of other strains from different clades identified three distinct WOR2 genotypes, with variable WOR2 expression levels and distinct impacts of WOR2 deletion on biofilm formation. Notably, Wor2 negatively regulated biofilm in strains of clades I, III, and IV with distinct profiles of SCF1/ALS4112 expression, while it had no impact on biofilm in a clade II strain. Taken together, this study showed that Wor2 exhibited some distinct genotypic evolution in C. auris resulting in clade- or strain-specific regulatory roles and pathways in biofilm formation.IMPORTANCECandidozyma (Candida) auris is a pathogenic yeast exhibiting a particular capacity for interhuman transmission via medical instruments, which was the cause of nosocomial outbreaks of candidemia. Adhesion to inert surfaces and subsequent biofilm formation is therefore important for C. auris propagation. This work highlights the role of the transcription factor Wor2 as a negative regulator of biofilm formation in C. auris. In a strain of clade IV, Wor2 was shown to downregulate two important adhesins (SCF1 and ALS4112). Interestingly, Wor2 exhibited different genotypes across C. auris clades and strains, which were associated with distinct differential expression of WOR2, ALS4112, and SCF1, and possibly distinct roles in biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid42004886,
year = {2026},
author = {Nuwayhid, R and Ngoc-Huyen, N and Lippmann, N and Dietze, N and Kursawe, L and Kikhney, J and Moter, A and Kobbe, P and Siemers, F and Roth, A and Langer, S and Pempe, C and Kurow, O},
title = {Synergistic tissue destruction by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in a 3D human skin biofilm equivalent.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100361},
pmid = {42004886},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Staphylococci are common skin commensals that can transition into opportunistic pathogens, particularly in biofilm-associated and polymicrobial infections. However, how interspecies interactions modulate virulence remains poorly understood, partly due to a lack of human-relevant models. We adapted a human cell-based three-dimensional skin equivalent (3DSE) into a biofilm infection model using monospecies biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis, and a dualspecies co-culture. Biofilm architecture and spatial distribution were analysed by histology and fluorescence in situ hybridisation, while bacterial dominance was assessed by colony-forming unit counts. Host responses were evaluated using a composite biofilm destruction score, lactate dehydrogenase release, apoptosis and tight junction integrity, and cytokine profiling. The 3DSE supported robust, species-specific biofilm formation. Notably, despite reduced biofilm mass, dualspecies biofilms caused the most severe tissue damage, cytotoxicity and epithelial disruption. Although S. aureus dominated in co-culture, pathogenicity was not dependent on bacterial load. These findings demonstrate synergistic host modulation in polymicrobial staphylococcal biofilms and establish the 3DSE as a physiologically relevant platform for studying skin biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid42007030,
year = {2026},
author = {Pei, H and Xu, L and Chen, X and Kong, F and Wu, M and Shang, F and Xue, T},
title = {The TcaR-CtsR regulatory cascade governs multi-stress tolerance and biofilm formation in foodborne Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Current research in food science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {101397},
pmid = {42007030},
issn = {2665-9271},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus exhibits remarkable resilience to environmental stresses, largely governed by complex transcriptional regulatory networks. While CtsR is a well-established repressor of the heat shock response in Gram-positive bacteria, its role in S. aureus extends beyond proteotoxic stress management. In this study, using a foodborne S. aureus strain RMSA49, we demonstrated that CtsR is critical for biofilm formation, glycopeptide antibiotic susceptibility, and multi-stress tolerance to heat, desiccation, oxidative, and salt stresses. Genetic disruption of ctsR significantly impaired biofilm development and increased bacterial sensitivity to vancomycin and teicoplanin. Furthermore, we identified TcaR as a direct upstream regulator of ctsR, binding specifically to its promoter region, as confirmed by EMSA. This TcaR-CtsR regulatory cascade represents a novel layer of control in the stress adaptation mechanism of S. aureus. Our findings expand the functional scope of CtsR and provide new insights into the molecular basis of stress resilience and antibiotic susceptibility in this pathogen, highlighting potential targets for controlling S. aureus in both food safety and clinical contexts.},
}

@article {pmid42007712,
year = {2026},
author = {Çakmak, G and Molinero-Mourelle, P and Mosaddad, SA and Farjoud, S and Yılmaz, D and Eick, S and Schimmel, M and Yilmaz, B},
title = {Surface properties and biofilm formation of a manufacturer-reinforced, nanographene-modified pre-polymerized CAD-CAM polymethylmethacrylate denture base material: An in vitro study.},
journal = {Journal of prosthodontics : official journal of the American College of Prosthodontists},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jopr.70132},
pmid = {42007712},
issn = {1532-849X},
abstract = {PURPOSE: To evaluate the surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and Candida albicans biofilm formation of three denture base materials, including two computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resins and one conventional heat-polymerized PMMA, before and after thermocycling (TC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty disk-shaped specimens (Ø10 × 1.5 mm) were fabricated and assigned to three groups (n = 10 each): (1) nanographene-reinforced CAD-CAM PMMA (GDM, trace graphene content <0.05 wt%), (2) pre-polymerized CAD-CAM PMMA (MDM; nanoparticle-free control), and (3) conventional heat-polymerized PMMA (CDM; nanoparticle-free control). Specimens underwent 10,000 thermal cycles in artificial saliva, followed by repeated measurements. Surface roughness was measured before polishing, before TC (after polishing), and after TC using a noncontact optical profilometer to establish baseline surface conditions and quantify finishing- and aging-related changes. Hydrophobicity was assessed before TC (after polishing) and after TC via water contact angle analysis. C. albicans biofilm formation was evaluated before TC (after polishing) and after TC using a 48-h incubation model followed by colony-forming unit quantification. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Additionally, paired t-tests were conducted to evaluate changes before and after TC (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Surface roughness differed significantly before polishing and after TC (p < 0.001), but not before TC (after polishing) (p = 0.129). CDM had the highest roughness; GDM showed the lowest after TC (p < 0.001). Water contact angle did not differ significantly among materials (p ≥ 0.136). GDM initially showed higher C. albicans biofilm than CDM (p = 0.009), but levels decreased after TC (p < 0.001), with no differences thereafter. Biofilm formation after TC correlated positively with contact angle (r = 0.478) and negatively with roughness (r = -0.401).

CONCLUSION: Surface polishing reduced the roughness of all tested materials, with GDM exhibiting the lowest roughness. The incorporation of nanographene in a pre-polymerized PMMA denture base reduced roughness and C. albicans biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid42007716,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, S and Zhang, X and Li, M and Zhou, M and Xing, Z and Zhu, W and Liu, Y and Li, Q and Zang, X and Zhang, S},
title = {A cold-responsive fimACD chaperone-usher operon tunes motility and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas fragi D12.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0247225},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02472-25},
pmid = {42007716},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Low temperature alters bacterial growth and surface-linked behaviors; however, the genetic role of the associated pilus systems in cold adaptation remains unclear. Here, we used the psychrotolerant tundra isolate Pseudomonas fragi D12 as a model to investigate the transcriptional responses and functional divergence of three fimbrial genes, fimA, fimC, and fimD, through a combination of transcriptome analysis and gene knockout/overexpression assays. RNA-seq analysis revealed that extreme cold stress (4°C) triggered a robust induction of the fim cluster and an adjacent regulatory module comprising an Arc-family DNA-binding protein and an EAL-domain phosphodiesterase. qRT-PCR confirmed the RNA-seq trends. Functional assays demonstrated distinct ecological roles; deletion of fimA increased swimming but reduced swarming, whereas overexpression of fimA led to an increase in swarming. fimC overexpression enhanced swimming, whereas fimC deletion decreased swarming. fimD deletion increased swimming and reduced swarming, while fimD overexpression suppressed swarming. Temperature-gradient experiments further showed that across the three temperatures examined (4°C, 15°C, and 30°C), motility and biofilm formation were the highest at 15°C. Transmission electron microscopy associated these behavioral changes with altered fimbrial density and organization, and growth-curve analysis indicated no major defects in planktonic proliferation. In combination, the data point to a fimbrial apparatus that is transcriptionally responsive to cold and may mechanically modulate the coupling of a single polar flagellum to liquid and solid interfaces, while the genomic context of fimACD remains compatible with local modulation of cyclic di-GMP signaling that has yet to be examined directly.IMPORTANCELow-temperature environments are widespread in nature; however, the genetic contributions of bacterial surface appendages to cold-associated behavioral adaptation remain poorly understood. Our work, using the psychrotolerant tundra isolate Pseudomonas fragi D12, offers a tractable example in which a single chaperone-usher fimbrial operon exerts a marked influence on how cells move and form biofilms across the three temperatures examined (4°C, 15°C, and 30°C). By combining transcriptomics, defined genetic changes, and imaging, we connect cold-inducible expression of the fimACD locus with altered fimbrial architecture, motility behavior, and biofilm robustness, while separating these effects from bulk growth. The results support a view in which fimbriae in a psychrotolerant bacterium operate as adjustable elements that influence when cells favor long-range swimming versus surface-associated growth. Such information may provide direct genetic and phenotypic evidence for functional specialization of the fimbrial system under cold stress, offering new insight into the molecular strategies that enable microbial survival in low-temperature habitats.},
}

@article {pmid42007726,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, S and Zheng, J and Liu, Q and Teng, T and Yang, Z and Huo, F and Xue, Y and Li, L and Huang, H},
title = {AceE affects the optimum growth and biofilm formation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis via cell wall lipid remodeling.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0173225},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01732-25},
pmid = {42007726},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Central carbon metabolism is fundamental to the growth and virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The aceE gene encodes the E1 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex that irreversibly converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. There, we investigated the impact of aceE inactivation on the physiological metabolism of Mtb. An aceE deletion in Mtb H37Rv was constructed, and the mutant was compared to wild type (WT) by in vitro growth assays, colony morphology, biofilm formation, stress tolerance, lipidomics, RNA-seq, and BALB/c mouse infection. Mtb ΔaceE exhibited markedly slower planktonic growth, smooth colony morphology, impaired biofilm formation, and was more sensitive to acid, NaNO2, and some commonly used antibiotics. Lipidomics revealed global depletion of mycolic acids and major phospholipids in Mtb ΔaceE mutant. Transcriptome analysis showed downregulation of TCA cycle and fatty-acid biosynthetic genes. Two weeks after intravenous infection, lung bacillary loads were 0.6 log10 lower for ΔaceE than in WT, and spleen enlargement was absent, yet the mutant persisted, and pathology was otherwise comparable to WT. AceE is required for robust lipid anabolism, biofilm formation, and maximal growth of Mtb in vitro, especially on carbohydrate-based media, but its absence only modestly attenuates acute virulence in mice, underscoring the pathogen's metabolic plasticity during infection.IMPORTANCEThe present study demonstrated that the aceE gene, a crucial enzyme that links glycolysis and the TCA cycle, plays a vital role in regulating the normal physiological metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The aceE gene not only aids in the bacteria's energy metabolism but also promotes lipid synthesis, forming a thicker cell wall that helps Mtb resist various intracellular stresses, further favoring its survival within the host cells. During in vivo survival, the increased expression of the aceE gene in the virulent Mtb H37Rv strain may enhance the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, thereby providing more precursor materials for the synthesis of lipids and amino acids.},
}

@article {pmid41233473,
year = {2025},
author = {Valencia-Toxqui, G and Sugumar, S and Ramsey, J},
title = {Isolation and characterization of biofilm-disrupting proteus phage Premi.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {39780},
pmid = {41233473},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R35 GM155289/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM155289//National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Proteus mirabilis/virology/physiology ; *Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; Genome, Viral ; Phylogeny ; Proteus Infections/microbiology/therapy ; Humans ; Phage Therapy ; },
abstract = {Proteus mirabilis is a biofilm-forming, multidrug-resistant bacterium and one of the most common causes of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Phage therapy is an alternative method that can be used to address the problem of multidrug-resistance. In this study, we report isolation and characterization of virulent phage Premi. The phage exhibits lytic activity against 4 out of 30 clinical isolates of P. mirabilis tested and is stable when exposed to pH values between 3 and 11. Phage Premi demonstrated significant anti-biofilm activity against P. mirabilis, reducing 24-hour established biofilms by 59-68%. In the 42-kb Premi genome, functions were assigned for the 50 predicted protein-coding genes including those involved in DNA replication, DNA modification, and lysis. Structural proteins were verified using mass spectrometry of purified virions. A comparison of its genomic features and phylogenetic analysis revealed that phage Premi is a podophage member of the order Caudoviricetes sharing 96% nucleotide similarity with Proteus phage PM 85 and has a T7-like phage genomic organization. Our study shows that Premi effectively inhibits P. mirabilis biofilms and could be a promising antimicrobial agent for treating drug-resistant P. mirabilis infection.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Proteus mirabilis/virology/physiology
*Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
Genome, Viral
Phylogeny
Proteus Infections/microbiology/therapy
Humans
Phage Therapy

@article {pmid41233755,
year = {2025},
author = {Oschmann, AM and Konrat, K and Schaudinn, C and Sohl, G and Wagner, D and Lewin, A and Arvand, M},
title = {Biofilm formation by the global outbreak strain of Mycobacterium chimaera results in significantly reduced efficacy of standard disinfectants.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {738},
pmid = {41233755},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Disinfectants/pharmacology ; *Mycobacterium/drug effects/physiology ; Peracetic Acid/pharmacology ; Glutaral/pharmacology ; Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology ; Humans ; Disease Outbreaks ; Disinfection/methods ; Equipment Contamination/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In 2013, a global outbreak of Mycobacterium chimaera infections due to contaminated heater-cooler units emerged. This ongoing problem has highlighted the question of whether disinfection recommendations for medical devices containing water circuits are adequate for preventing contamination and possible recontamination by nontuberculous mycobacteria. The formation of biofilms in such devices exacerbates the problem. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of disinfectants on biofilms and suspensions of the M. chimaera strain ZUERICH-1, and to compare it with two unrelated M. chimaera strains obtained from different sources.

METHODS: Disinfection efficacy testing for biofilm was performed using a Bead Assay for Biofilms and for bacteria in suspension according to the European Standard EN 14348. Three different disinfectants, glutaraldehyde, sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid, were assessed. M. chimaera ZUERICH-1, two genetically unrelated M. chimaera isolates and M. avium subsp. avium ATCC 15769, which is included in European standards for disinfectant testing on mycobacteria, were analyzed. The biofilms' structure and composition were analyzed by chemical and molecular techniques and advanced imaging methods.

RESULTS: We found that peracetic acid and glutaraldehyde in standard concentrations were able to effectively inactivate (≥ 4 log10 reduction) suspended bacteria of all three strains, but chlorine failed in all cases. Formation of biofilm generally enhanced the tolerance of M. chimaera to disinfectants. Peracetic acid in standard concentration could not effectively inactivate biofilms of M. chimaera ZUERICH-1, but was effective against biofilms of the other M. chimaera strains tested. Similarly, glutaraldehyde in standard concentration could not inactivate biofilm of ZUERICH-1. Biomass analysis showed higher amounts of extracellular matrix of ZUERICH-1 when compared to the other two strains.

CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that current standard disinfection recommendations do not ensure sustained inhibition of M. chimaera when embedded in biofilm. Additional measures are needed to prevent nosocomial transmission of M. chimaera through contaminated heater-cooler units.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Disinfectants/pharmacology
*Mycobacterium/drug effects/physiology
Peracetic Acid/pharmacology
Glutaral/pharmacology
Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology
Humans
Disease Outbreaks
Disinfection/methods
Equipment Contamination/prevention & control

@article {pmid41234539,
year = {2025},
author = {Pandi, S and Kathiresan, N and Kumar Subbaraj, G and Desai, D and Nagarajan, C and Kulanthaivel, L},
title = {Decoding the anticancer and biofilm-inhibiting efficacy of Adansonia digitata using experimental, AI-powered, and molecular modeling approaches.},
journal = {Frontiers in molecular biosciences},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1666360},
pmid = {41234539},
issn = {2296-889X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Adansonia digitata, commonly known as the Baobab tree, is a highly multifunctional species with significant cultural and economic value across various regions of Africa. This study aims to investigate the anticancer and cytotoxic properties of ethanol extract derived from A. digitata (ADEE) on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, as well as its potential to inhibit biofilm formation.

METHODS: The study employs GNINA, a deep learning-based docking tool, to evaluate molecular interactions. This work integrates machine learning and molecular modeling methodologies, highlighting the potential of informatics-driven strategies to expedite the discovery of novel plant-based therapies.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that ADEE effectively inhibited biofilm formation and reduced cell viability at a concentration of 1.56 μg/mL. These findings suggest that ADEE disrupts quorum-sensing signaling pathways and compromises the structural integrity of the biofilm matrix. Further assessments of cytotoxicity revealed a dose-dependent reduction in cancer cell viability, highlighting the potent anticancer properties of ADEE. The study also confirmed the pro-apoptotic effects of ADEE through Hoechst and AO/EB staining techniques. Validation utilizing GNINA-based deep learning techniques demonstrated an enhanced binding affinity and pose stability of compounds derived from ADEE. Molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the interactions of ADEE with pqsA and CK2, showing more favorable binding characteristics compared to the reference inhibitor. PCA/FEL analyses indicated stable conformations with significant interactions at critical residues. In summary, the phytocompounds identified in ADEE demonstrated enhanced binding affinity and structural stability, indicating promising therapeutic potential for targeting QS-regulated biofilm development and serving as potential anticancer agents.},
}

@article {pmid41235794,
year = {2025},
author = {Marchesani, A and Taylor, CC and Li, Z and Hudson, W and Jiang, Y and Gilbert, ES},
title = {4-Ethoxybenzoic acid interferes with the spatiotemporal dynamics of Saphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 biofilm formation.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {136},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxaf282},
pmid = {41235794},
issn = {1365-2672},
support = {//Georgia State University/ ; },
mesh = {*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/growth & development/pathogenicity/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Hydroxybenzoate Ethers/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {AIMS: Anti-virulence compounds can control pathogens with reduced selection for antimicrobial resistance. There is little understanding of how these compounds impact biofilm structure and development through time. We hypothesised that 4-ethoxybenzoic acid (4EB), an anti-virulence compound, disrupts normal growth for the four phases of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 biofilm development (attachment, multiplication, exodus, and maturation).

METHODS AND RESULTS: Flow-cell grown biofilms were fed Luria Bertani (LB) broth (control) or LB broth with 0.8 mg/mL 4EB (treatment). Treatment inhibited the progress of multiplication phase and caused a 6-hour delay in the onset of exodus phase. Transcriptional analysis showed patterns of nuc, saeS, and saeR expression consistent with the delayed exodus phenotype. Imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy followed by digital image analysis determined that 4EB interfered with biofilm structure formation, including reductions in height (57%/44%) and biovolume (73%/63%) during the multiplication and maturation phases, respectively, with statistically insignificant effects during exodus phase (1.9%/15%). These measurements indicated that the occurrence of exodus phase was not impacted by 4EB. Gene expression analysis using flow cell effluent found significant downregulation of genes including atl (-3.1 fold change) during multiplication phase and agrA and saeR (-5.8 and -5.2 fold change, respectively) during maturation. Principal component analysis with 24 measured parameters confirmed that 4EB treatment primarily affected multiplication and maturation phases.},
}

*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/growth & development/pathogenicity/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Hydroxybenzoate Ethers/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Gene Expression Profiling
Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy

@article {pmid41235977,
year = {2026},
author = {Kolodkin-Gal, I and Murugan, PA and Mahapatra, S and Zanditenas, E and Ankri, S},
title = {Differential coping strategies exerted by biofilm and planktonic cells of Bacillus subtilis in response to a protozoan predator.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {e0159725},
pmid = {41235977},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {1142/24//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 1984/24//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 2024836//United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Bacillus subtilis/physiology/genetics ; *Entamoeba histolytica/physiology ; Humans ; Probiotics ; Stress, Physiological ; *Plankton/physiology ; Cysteine Proteases/metabolism ; Coping Skills ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica causes amebiasis and interacts with both beneficial and harmful members of the microbiome. In previous studies, it was shown that E. histolytica can break down pre-established biofilms of Bacillus subtilis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Inhibiting parasitic cysteine proteases impairs biofilm degradation. However, it is still unknown whether bacteria can sense this process and respond to the degradation of the biofilms. Here, our research demonstrates a multilayered response of probiotic bacteria to the parasite, which differs between planktonic bacteria and pre-established biofilms. Sensing the activity of cysteine proteases from E. histolytica, the bacteria activate the general stress response and, to a lesser extent, the cell wall stress response. This activation helps the surviving members of the biofilm become more resistant to mild stressors such as ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and sub-mic concentrations of ampicillin. On the other hand, planktonic cells exposed to the predators' lysate deactivate the expression of genes associated with biofilm formation while inducing their motility to avoid predation. Overall, our results indicate that bacteria have evolved to recognize amoeba predators capable of degrading biofilms. Furthermore, the partially digested biofilm cells may have unexpected disadvantages over bacteria that did not encounter a predator. These findings may be useful in developing more efficient probiotic strains that are resilient to amebiasis.

IMPORTANCE: The human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica feeds on intestinal microbiota to survive. To enhance the effectiveness of probiotics, we characterized how they respond to amoeba predators. We found that probiotics decrease the expression of biofilm-related genes to avoid predation while simultaneously inducing their stress response and increasing their motility. Our results can provide novel directions for engineering probiotic bacteria to overcome gastrointestinal-associated parasitic diseases. Additionally, it highlights a fundamental mechanism through which bacterial prey can evade predation in the gastrointestinal tract.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Bacillus subtilis/physiology/genetics
*Entamoeba histolytica/physiology
Humans
Probiotics
Stress, Physiological
*Plankton/physiology
Cysteine Proteases/metabolism
Coping Skills

@article {pmid41238133,
year = {2026},
author = {Cao, YS and Cheng, YQ and Liu, Y and Zhou, XR and Tang, CC and He, ZW and Wang, WQ and Tian, Y and Wang, XC},
title = {Roles of vertical light-conducting carriers applied in microalgal-bacterial biofilm for enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus removal.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {441},
number = {},
pages = {133633},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133633},
pmid = {41238133},
issn = {1873-2976},
mesh = {*Phosphorus/isolation & purification/metabolism ; *Nitrogen/isolation & purification/metabolism ; *Biofilms ; *Microalgae/metabolism/physiology ; *Light ; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis ; *Water Purification/methods ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The microalgal-bacterial biofilm (MABB) system holds promise for wastewater treatment, yet uneven light distribution limits its efficiency. This study introduced vertical light-guiding plates (LGP) as bio-carriers to expand the light reception range of microalgae. Compared with the control group (Rc), the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in the experimental group (Re) increased by 9.9%, 20.9%, and 11.1% respectively. The content of chlorophyll a (Chl-a), volatile suspended solids (VSS), Chl-a/VSS ratio, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in Re were 4.2 times, 3 times, 1.9 times, and 2.6 times higher than those of Rc, respectively. The abundance of Flavobacterium with nitrogen and phosphorus removal functions and Chlorella with strong light adaptability in Re reached 2.1% and 39.2% respectively, which was higher than that in Rc. In summary, LGP provides an effective path for expanding the application of MABB and achieving low-carbon sewage treatment.},
}

*Phosphorus/isolation & purification/metabolism
*Nitrogen/isolation & purification/metabolism
*Biofilms
*Microalgae/metabolism/physiology
*Light
Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
*Water Purification/methods
Chlorophyll/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism

@article {pmid41241300,
year = {2026},
author = {Santos, VRD and Caiaffa, KS and Souza, ACA and Pereira, JA and Abuna, GF and Ribeiro, TC and Bottino, MC and Chorili, M and Duque, C},
title = {Phenolic acids-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel for intracanal biofilm management.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {165},
number = {},
pages = {106231},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106231},
pmid = {41241300},
issn = {1879-176X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Hydrogels/chemistry/pharmacology ; Humans ; Calcium Hydroxide/pharmacology ; Cinnamates/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Chlorhexidine/pharmacology ; Chitosan/chemistry ; *Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology ; *Hydroxybenzoates/pharmacology/chemistry ; Caffeic Acids/pharmacology ; Dentin/microbiology ; Fibroblasts/drug effects ; *Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Temperature ; Bacterial Load/drug effects ; Rheology ; Animals ; Macrophages/drug effects ; Mice ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: In search of an inter-appointment intracanal medication capable of promoting root canal disinfection while preserving the viability of periapical cells, this study synthesized and characterized chitosan-poloxamer hydrogels (CPH) containing phenolic acids and evaluated their effects on multispecies biofilms and cell viability for potential endodontic use.

METHODS: Cinnamic acid (CI), caffeic acid (CA) and controls (calcium hydroxide [CH] and chlorhexidine [CHX]) were incorporated into the CPH matrix. The hydrogels were characterized by flow and oscillatory rheometry, sol-gel transition temperature, compounds release profile and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The effect of hydrogels on multispecies biofilms formed in radicular dentin specimens was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, while cytotoxicity of CPH containing or not the compounds was assessed using resazurin assays on fibroblasts and macrophages cultures. Statistical analysis was performed with significance determined at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: CPHs demonstrated pseudoplastic flow behavior and established a strong gel network at 37° C. Furthermore, hydrogels exhibited thermoresponsive behavior and sustained released of incorporated compounds. All formulations reduced bacterial loads in dentinal multispecies biofilms in dentin tubules, notably, CPH+CA (77.8 %) and CPH+CI (73.2 %) outperformed CPH+CH (53.6 %) and CPH+CHX (39.9 %). Overall, all CP hydrogels were cytocompatible when diluted at ratios over 1:4. CPH + CI showed lower cytotoxicity compared to CPH + CA, for both cell lines analyzed.

CONCLUSION: CPH demonstrated suitable thermoreversible and physicochemical characteristics to be applied as an injectable temporary medication. When particularly combined with cinnamic acid, it markedly reduced intra-radicular multispecies biofilms and exhibited better cytocompatibility.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cinnamic-acid loaded chitosan-poloxamer hydrogel could be an effective intracanal medication for the management of infected root canals in endodontics.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Hydrogels/chemistry/pharmacology
Humans
Calcium Hydroxide/pharmacology
Cinnamates/pharmacology/administration & dosage
Cell Survival/drug effects
Chlorhexidine/pharmacology
Chitosan/chemistry
*Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology
*Hydroxybenzoates/pharmacology/chemistry
Caffeic Acids/pharmacology
Dentin/microbiology
Fibroblasts/drug effects
*Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology
Microscopy, Confocal
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Temperature
Bacterial Load/drug effects
Rheology
Animals
Macrophages/drug effects
Mice

@article {pmid41242559,
year = {2026},
author = {Parde, D and Singh, A and Behera, M and Dash, RR},
title = {Anammox-Moving Bed biofilm reactor Data-Driven optimization: Insights into anammox process stability and performance.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {441},
number = {},
pages = {133655},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133655},
pmid = {41242559},
issn = {1873-2976},
mesh = {*Bioreactors/microbiology ; *Biofilms ; Nitrogen/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis ; Wastewater/chemistry ; *Ammonium Compounds/metabolism ; Water Purification/methods ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Anaerobiosis ; Denitrification ; },
abstract = {Anammox-Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) was evaluated for energy-efficient organic and nitrogen removal from domestic wastewater under varying Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): 250-450 mg/L, Ammonium nitrogen (NH4[+]-N): 30-80 mg/L, and Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT): 8-16 h. The results reveal that lower COD concentrations favour anammox activity, achieving the highest Total Nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency (92.2 %) at 250 mg/L COD, 80 mg/L NH4[+]-N, and 16 h HRT, while excessive COD (450 mg/L) led to a shift toward denitrification, reducing anammox contribution below 5 %. Microbial analysis confirmed a higher relative abundance of Candidatus Brocadia (14.1 %). This study identifies a stable operational window (COD 350 mg/L, NH4[+]-N 55 mg/L, HRT 12 h) with consistent COD and TN removal (around 90 %). These findings provide a novel framework for optimizing anammox-MBBR in wastewater treatment, ensuring high nitrogen removal efficiency while addressing the limitations of previous studies in handling variable organic loads.},
}

*Bioreactors/microbiology
*Biofilms
Nitrogen/isolation & purification/metabolism
Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis
Wastewater/chemistry
*Ammonium Compounds/metabolism
Water Purification/methods
Oxidation-Reduction
Anaerobiosis
Denitrification

@article {pmid41242988,
year = {2025},
author = {Tondu, F and Moeller, K and Sdiri, K and Oberhansli, F and Metian, M and Alonso Hernandez, C},
title = {Biofilm Formation on Polyethylene Microplastics Affects Brevetoxin Adsorption and Desorption.},
journal = {Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology},
volume = {115},
number = {6},
pages = {71},
pmid = {41242988},
issn = {1432-0800},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Marine Toxins/analysis/chemistry/metabolism ; Adsorption ; *Oxocins/analysis/metabolism/chemistry ; *Microplastics/chemistry ; *Polyethylene/chemistry ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/chemistry/metabolism ; Dinoflagellida ; Polyether Toxins ; },
abstract = {Microplastics can serve as sites for microbial attachment, however their role in facilitating biotoxin entry into marine food webs remains poorly understood. This study quantified the adsorption and desorption kinetics of brevetoxin 3 (PbTx-3), a neurotoxin produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, on polyethylene (PE) surfaces in relation to the presence of biofilms using radiolabeled [3]H-PbTx-3. It was hypothesized that the presence of biofilms would enhance toxin retention on PE. Contrary to this hypothesis, results revealed significantly reduced adsorption of brevetoxin on biofilm-coated PE (0.035 ± 0.007 nmol mg[-1], p < 0.001) compared to virgin PE (0.59 ± 0.076 nmol mg[-1]). Furthermore, toxin desorption from biofilm-coated PE occurred rapidly, with less than 20% activity remaining after 24 h, whereas virgin PE retained over 80% activity over the same period. Complete toxin depuration was not observed within one week under either condition. These findings demonstrate that biofilms not only reduce brevetoxin adsorption on PE but also accelerate desorption. Further research is needed to elucidate the broader ecological and health implications of microplastic-mediated biotoxin transport, albeit the results of this study suggest that biofilm-coated PE likely plays a minor role as vector for biotoxins in marine food webs, at least compared to its virgin counterpart.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Marine Toxins/analysis/chemistry/metabolism
Adsorption
*Oxocins/analysis/metabolism/chemistry
*Microplastics/chemistry
*Polyethylene/chemistry
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis/chemistry/metabolism
Dinoflagellida
Polyether Toxins

@article {pmid41243857,
year = {2025},
author = {Rajalakshmi, E and Chandrasekhar, B and Saranya, E and Madhavan, T and Ramya, M},
title = {Exploring Eugenol as a Growth and Biofilm Inhibitor in Leptospira interrogans by a Combined Experimental and Computational Approach.},
journal = {APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica},
volume = {133},
number = {11},
pages = {e70088},
doi = {10.1111/apm.70088},
pmid = {41243857},
issn = {1600-0463},
mesh = {*Eugenol/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Leptospira interrogans/drug effects/growth & development/genetics/physiology ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins ; Lipoproteins ; },
abstract = {Leptospira interrogans, known for its association with environmental biofilms, poses significant challenges in managing leptospirosis due to its persistent virulence and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Addressing the biofilms in infection and resistance necessitates novel anti-leptospiral agents and strategies, with bioactive compounds offering better biomolecules to combat leptospiral biofilms. This study investigates the role of eugenol against L. interrogans, which has been unexplored. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of eugenol on the growth and biofilm formation of L. interrogans. Eugenol inhibited 70% of biofilm formation at its MBIC70 (10 mM). These findings were further validated through fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to assess cell viability and morphological changes. Furthermore, the expression levels of key genes, csrA and lipL32, associated with bacterial growth and biofilm formation, were analyzed using qRT-PCR. To complement these findings, molecular docking, c-DFT, and ADME profiles were performed to investigate the interaction of eugenol with the transpeptidase/penicillin-binding protein. The results strongly correlate with the biological outcomes observed in the experimental studies, supporting the efficacy of eugenol against L. interrogans.},
}

*Eugenol/pharmacology/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Leptospira interrogans/drug effects/growth & development/genetics/physiology
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
Lipoproteins

@article {pmid41244668,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, Y and Hu, H and Huang, T and Luo, X and Chen, F and Shi, P and Ma, W and Lu, Y and Lan, S and Cui, G and Qi, X and Liu, YJ and Hong, W},
title = {Pig-L mediates virulence, biofilm formation, and oxidative stress tolerance in Clostridioides difficile.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1691769},
pmid = {41244668},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) represents a significant global public health concern. The Phosphatidylinositol Glycan Class L (pig-L) gene in C. difficile encodes an enzyme critical for the biosynthesis of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor, which play a vital role in bacterial surface protein localization and function.

METHODS: To investigate the role of pig-L in C. difficile pathogenesis, we utilized CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to generate a pig-L knockout strain and a complementation strain in the wild-type (WT) background. Phenotypic characterization of these strains was performed through a suite of assays, including virulence assays, biofilm formation assays, oxidative stress sensitivity testing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Proteomics analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed proteins in the knockout strain.

RESULTS: Deletion of the pig-L gene resulted in a significant reduction in C. difficile virulence, decreased biofilm formation, and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Proteomic analysis revealed significant alterations in protein expression, with 170 proteins exhibiting upregulation and 101 proteins demonstrating downregulation in the knockout strain. Complementation of the pig-L gene partially restored the phenotypes observed in the deletion strain.

CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the pig-L gene functions as a crucial regulator of C. difficile virulence, biofilm formation, and peroxide resistance. Targeting the pig-L gene or its downstream effectors represents a promising avenue for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to effectively control C. difficile infection.},
}

@article {pmid41244698,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferretti, J and Zegers, MAJ and Zeppilli, M and Jourdin, L},
title = {A two-stage strategy for methanogenesis suppression and rapid acetogenic biofilm formation in microbial electrosynthesis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1655259},
pmid = {41244698},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The practical implementation of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is currently limited by the slow microbial colonisation of the electrode and the need to suppress methanogenic activity. This study investigates a two-stage strategy to suppress methanogenesis and promote the rapid formation of an acetogenic biofilm in a directed-flow-through bioelectrochemical reactor. Four start-up regimes were compared: mixotrophic without heat pre-treatment (M), mixotrophic with heat pre-treatment (MT), heterotrophic without heat pre-treatment (H), and heterotrophic with heat pre-treatment (HT), each followed by a common autotrophic phase. Mixotrophy outperformed heterotrophy by accelerating and increasing acetate accumulation. However, adding heat pre-treatment (MT) introduced a short lag phase and resulted in less sustained chain elongation than mixotrophy alone (M). Under the mixotrophic regime, microbial analysis showed an enrichment of genera with acetogenic representatives such as Clostridium sensu stricto 12 and Sporomusa, alongside a reduction in facultative anaerobic and fermentative bacteria. Full biofilm colonisation of the electrode was achieved within 55 to 65 days, while acetate, butyrate, and caproate production was initiated within the first week, reaching concentrations typically observed only after approximately 70 days under autotrophic conditions. Methane remained undetectable for about 40 days and, when detected later, exhibited low coulombic efficiencies (< 1%). Taken together, these results indicate that mixotrophic start-up provides a promising route to accelerate electrode colonisation and enhance early-stage productivity in MES, while highlighting the need for further optimisation and a deeper understanding of microbial interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41247508,
year = {2025},
author = {Wenten, IG},
title = {Rethinking Biofilm Engineering and Fouling Resistance in Membrane Bioreactors.},
journal = {Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids},
volume = {41},
number = {47},
pages = {31709-31719},
doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c03864},
pmid = {41247508},
issn = {1520-5827},
mesh = {*Biofilms ; *Bioreactors/microbiology ; *Membranes, Artificial ; *Biofouling/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are increasingly recognized as a key technology in sustainable wastewater treatment, offering a high effluent quality through the integration of biological degradation and membrane filtration. Among the critical factors influencing their performance are biofilm dynamics and membrane fouling. This article critically examines recent advances in biofilm engineering and antifouling strategies for MBRs, with an emphasis on microbial community modulation, quorum quenching, and hydrodynamic control to improve biofilm stability. In parallel, the review examines material-based and biological methods to mitigate membrane fouling, emphasizing multifunctional surfaces and emerging biocontrol strategies. Key operational challenges, such as energy consumption, cleaning frequency, and membrane aging, are evaluated alongside future research directions in materials design, microbial ecology, and real-time system optimization. The integration of these innovations is essential for advancing MBR technologies that are robust, resource-efficient, and aligned with circular economy principles.},
}

*Biofilms
*Bioreactors/microbiology
*Membranes, Artificial
*Biofouling/prevention & control

@article {pmid41248935,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Xu, K and He, X and Kang, X and Tang, C and Niu, C and Li, Z and Weng, J and Li, J and Chen, X},
title = {Stage-Responsive Multifunctional Microneedle Patches for Enhanced Biofilm Penetration and Accelerated Healing of Bacterial Infected Skin Wounds.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {17},
number = {47},
pages = {65177-65191},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.5c20107},
pmid = {41248935},
issn = {1944-8252},
mesh = {*Wound Healing/drug effects ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; Animals ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Mice ; Needles ; Curcumin/chemistry/pharmacology ; Skin/drug effects/microbiology/injuries ; Hydrogels/chemistry ; Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Glutathione/chemistry/pharmacology ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; Humans ; Photochemotherapy ; Antioxidants/chemistry/pharmacology ; Drug Delivery Systems ; },
abstract = {Biofilms, formed by microorganisms and surrounding substances, hinder traditional drug delivery and delay wound healing. Microneedles, with their excellent mechanical properties, minimally invasive nature, and ability to penetrate biofilms for rapid drug delivery, offer a promising solution for biofilm eradication. In this study, we developed an intelligent, responsive bilayer microneedle system (CurMN@RRH) based on photodynamic therapy to accelerate wound healing caused by bacterial infections. Cur@ZIF-8 nanoparticles are synthesized in a one-pot process and embedded in gelatin and hyaluronic acid to form the microneedle tips. The microneedle substrate consists of ROS-responsive boronate-ester-based hydrogels (TSPBA-PVA), loaded with the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). In the early stages of wound healing, the acidic environment triggered by bacterial infection prompts the release of curcumin from Cur@ZIF-8 nanoparticles, which generates hydroxyl radicals under blue light to promote bacterial death. In later stages, the CurMN@RRH microneedles release GSH, clearing excessive reactive oxygen species and reducing inflammation, thus accelerating healing. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the intelligent CurMN@RRH microneedles exhibited strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, promoted cell proliferation, and accelerated tissue wound healing. This approach offers a novel strategy for treating bacterial infection-induced wounds.},
}

*Wound Healing/drug effects
*Biofilms/drug effects
Animals
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Mice
Needles
Curcumin/chemistry/pharmacology
Skin/drug effects/microbiology/injuries
Hydrogels/chemistry
Nanoparticles/chemistry
Glutathione/chemistry/pharmacology
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
Humans
Photochemotherapy
Antioxidants/chemistry/pharmacology
Drug Delivery Systems

@article {pmid41249920,
year = {2025},
author = {Khaddam, W and Durgham, B},
title = {Comparative analysis of biofilm detection methods and antibiotic resistance in catheter-associated uropathogens: a cross-sectional study from Syria.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {760},
pmid = {41249920},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Bacteria/drug effects/isolation & purification/growth & development ; *Catheter-Related Infections/microbiology ; Syria ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; },
abstract = {Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major healthcare challenge due to bacterial biofilm formation, which protects pathogens from antibiotics and host immune responses. Three phenotypic biofilm detection methods-Microplate assay, Tube Method, and Modified Congo Red Agar (MCRA)- were compared using bacterial isolates from catheter tips and urine samples. The Microplate assay, considered the reference standard, detected biofilm in 88.6% of catheter isolates and 78.6% of urine isolates. Notably, 44% of urine samples showed no microbial growth, likely due to prior antibiotic use. In catheter-derived samples, CRA showed higher sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (61.5%) than the Tube method (72.7% and 46.2%, respectively). PPV and NPV were 87.0% and 46.2% for CRA, and 82.2% and 22.7% for Tube. Both methods performed less reliably in urine isolates. Strong biofilm formation was more prevalent in catheter isolates (62.5%) than in urine isolates (44.6%) and was associated with higher antimicrobial resistance. Gentamicin was most effective against urine isolates (85.7%), whereas Imipenem showed highest efficacy in catheter isolates (47.7%). These findings provide practical guidance for microbiology laboratories, especially in low-resource settings, by identifying reliable phenotypic methods for biofilm screening. Overall, sensitive biofilm detection combined with targeted antibiotic susceptibility testing is crucial for effective CAUTI management and antimicrobial stewardship.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
Humans
Cross-Sectional Studies
*Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Bacteria/drug effects/isolation & purification/growth & development
*Catheter-Related Infections/microbiology
Syria
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Sensitivity and Specificity

@article {pmid41250896,
year = {2026},
author = {He, Y and Cao, X and Wu, J and Wang, X},
title = {Characterization of Biofilm Wrinkles Based on the Composite Bilayer Model.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {1},
pages = {e70128},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70128},
pmid = {41250896},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {//This study was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award 12372321 and 11972074./ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Finite Element Analysis ; Elastic Modulus ; *Models, Biological ; Computer Simulation ; Agar ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; },
abstract = {The study of the biofilm mechanical stability is important in the fields of biomedical and environmental engineering. In this paper, we present an innovative simplified bilayer model, which is obtained based on a simplification of the complex four-layer model. We simplify the model and reduce the computational complexity by ignoring the top layer of the biofilm and treating the middle layer and the substrate layer as a spring system connected in series. In finite element analysis, we used a simplified two-layer model to simulate the bending behavior of biofilm wrinkles and found the influence of elastic modulus ratio (Ef/Es) and biofilm thickness (h) on biofilm wrinkles and critical stress (ε $\varepsilon $). We simulated the wrinkle morphology changes of biofilm in regions II and III on three low, medium, and high agar substrates, and compared the simulated wrinkle wavelengths with experimental data for verification, providing a new perspective for understanding the mechanical behavior of biofilms.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Finite Element Analysis
Elastic Modulus
*Models, Biological
Computer Simulation
Agar
Biomechanical Phenomena

@article {pmid41253625,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, J and Huo, X and Liu, J and Bu, F and Zhang, P},
title = {Corrigendum to "Multifunctional NIR-II nanoplatform for disrupting biofilm and promoting infected wound healing" [Colloids Surf. B: Biointerfaces 245 (2025), 114330].},
journal = {Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces},
volume = {258},
number = {},
pages = {115255},
doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2025.115255},
pmid = {41253625},
issn = {1873-4367},
}

@article {pmid41255249,
year = {2025},
author = {Yuan, H and Lu, M and Shi, C and Li, C and Yao, Z and Shang, H and Li, X and Yu, H and Bie, S},
title = {Plumbagin disrupts the mature biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {41},
number = {10},
pages = {1132-1144},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2025.2589802},
pmid = {41255249},
issn = {1029-2454},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Naphthoquinones/pharmacology ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; Polysaccharides, Bacterial/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Plumbagin, also known as 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (PLB), is a naturally occurring naphthoquinone molecule that has demonstrated strong antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). However, the potential of PLB to eradicate mature biofilms and the underlying mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study explored the effects of PLB on disrupting mature S. aureus biofilms, focusing on its impact on the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and potential mechanisms of action. Crystal violet (CV) and XTT assays demonstrated that PLB significantly reduced both the biomass and metabolic activity of mature S. aureus biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. High-content screening (HCS) imaging demonstrated that PLB treatment induced significant alterations in the biofilm EPS architecture, leading to a substantial reduction in overall biomass and average thickness, with disruption severity correlating positively with PLB concentration. Using molecular fluorescence probing techniques, this study found that treatment with PLB resulted in a marked reduction in EPS components, including extracellular polysaccharides (PIA), proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA), compared to untreated controls. Molecular docking analysis revealed that PLB strongly interacts with several key S. aureus proteins involved in EPS production, such as IcaA, IcaD, IcaB, IcaC, Bap, ClfB, and CidA, particularly binding strongly to the active sites of IcaA and Bap. Furthermore, gene expression analysis indicated that PLB downregulated genes associated with biofilm EPS production. Overall, these findings suggest that PLB effectively disrupts S. aureus biofilms by targeting the EPS. These results highlight PLB as a promising candidate for targeting mature S. aureus biofilms in chronic infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Naphthoquinones/pharmacology
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/genetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Molecular Docking Simulation
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
Polysaccharides, Bacterial/metabolism

@article {pmid41258437,
year = {2025},
author = {Romaní, AM and Perujo, N and Pujol, M and Gionchetta, G},
title = {Drought Drives Extracellular Polymeric Substances Accumulation and Functional Shifts in Streambed Biofilm Communities.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {133},
pmid = {41258437},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism ; *Rivers/microbiology/chemistry ; *Droughts ; *Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics ; Biomass ; Microbiota ; Chlorophyll A ; },
abstract = {This study investigates the adaptive response of streambed microbial biofilms to water scarcity, focusing on the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production across a gradient of hydrological conditions. Sediment samples from 37 streams in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula, encompassing both permanent and intermittent flow regimes, were analysed for EPS-polysaccharide content, microbial biomass, chlorophyll-a, and biofilm function (carbon substrate utilization profiles). Drought conditions were characterized based on the number of dry days over the eight months preceding sampling. Results revealed that EPS production increased significantly in intermittent streams, particularly under long-term drought, reaffirming that EPS synthesis is a key microbial strategy to mitigate desiccation stress. Notably, when normalized to prokaryotic density, EPS content exhibited a significant positive correlation with drought duration, emphasizing the dominant role of heterotrophic bacteria over algae in EPS secretion. However, EPS content alone was not a universal indicator of water scarcity, which showed a large variability in permanently flowing streams. Functional profiling showed clear shifts in carbon substrate utilization associated with stream hydrology. Intermittent streams exhibited a broader metabolic range, and particularly a capacity to use phenolic compounds, suggesting an adaptation to terrestrial organic matter inputs. Contrary to expectations, functional diversity increased in drier conditions, challenging assumptions derived from controlled experiments and underscoring the resilience of Mediterranean microbial biofilm communities to drought. These findings provide empirical support for EPS-mediated drought adaptation in natural biofilms and highlight functional diversity as a potential mechanism maintaining ecosystem processes under increasing aridity due to climate change.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism
*Rivers/microbiology/chemistry
*Droughts
*Geologic Sediments/microbiology
*Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics
Biomass
Microbiota
Chlorophyll A

@article {pmid41258593,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahmad, A and Senaidi, AS and Almohamadi, H and Alnasser, AS},
title = {Correction: Electroactive biofilm enhanced microbial electrolysis for sewage sludge-to-energy conversion.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {12},
pages = {461},
doi = {10.1007/s11274-025-04682-3},
pmid = {41258593},
issn = {1573-0972},
}

@article {pmid41258757,
year = {2025},
author = {Saini, TC and Randhawa, S and Bathla, M and Nisha, A and Teji, N and Acharya, A},
title = {Nanoengineered Polyphenol-Quantum Dot Conjugates Inhibit Biofilm Protein-Aβ42 Heterotypic Fibrillogenesis, Restore Synaptic Transmission, and Suppress Apoptosis in Alzheimer's Disease.},
journal = {ACS chemical neuroscience},
volume = {16},
number = {23},
pages = {4458-4478},
doi = {10.1021/acschemneuro.5c00467},
pmid = {41258757},
issn = {1948-7193},
mesh = {*Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Alzheimer Disease/metabolism/drug therapy ; *Apoptosis/drug effects/physiology ; Humans ; *Polyphenols/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Peptide Fragments/metabolism ; Animals ; *Quantum Dots/chemistry ; Escherichia coli ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota influences neurodegenerative disease progression, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), through microbial metabolites like amyloids in bacterial biofilms, such as the curli protein in Eshcherichia coli biofilm. In this context, the study focuses on two key aspects, namely, (i) how cross-kingdom bacterial biofilm proteins accelerate Aβ42 aggregation and induce neurotoxicity and (ii) whether a nanochaperone with hydrophobic sheets and hydrophilic polyphenolic moieties could inhibit cross-seeded aggregation. Considering this, we chemically synthesized and further characterized gallic acid-conjugated molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (GA@MoS2 QDs, ∼9.6 ± 4.2 nm) using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, which showed ∼1.84-fold reduction in E. coli biofilm thickness, indicating interaction with biofilm components. The presence of the curli protein in E. coli was confirmed by dot blot and MALDI-TOF studies. Subsequent biophysical studies showed that isolated E. coli biofilm protein accelerated Aβ42 aggregation (heterotypic) by ∼6.76-fold, while GA@MoS2 QDs reduced this heterotypic aggregation by ∼9.49-fold reduction in Aβ42+ECBFP fluorescence relative to Aβ42 aggregates. In vitro studies with SH-SY5Y cells showed that heterotypic protein aggregation led to increased ROS production, intracellular calcium influx, and apoptosis induction, which were mitigated by GA@MoS2 QDs. The neuroprotective effect of GA@MoS2 QDs was also studied on Caenorhabditis elegans. Overall, the present studies suggested that the bacterial amyloid proteins may play a crucial role in Aβ42 aggregation, suggesting that targeting coaggregation could provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of early onset AD.},
}

*Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Alzheimer Disease/metabolism/drug therapy
*Apoptosis/drug effects/physiology
Humans
*Polyphenols/pharmacology/chemistry
*Peptide Fragments/metabolism
Animals
*Quantum Dots/chemistry
Escherichia coli
Caenorhabditis elegans
Cell Line, Tumor
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism

@article {pmid41258760,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, R and Sun, D and Liu, J and Yang, J and Zhu, J and Liu, C and Liu, W},
title = {Ampicillin promotes the biofilm formation of Shewanella putrefaciens through the c-di-GMP-regulated BpfAGD system.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {e0290625},
pmid = {41258760},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Shewanella putrefaciens/drug effects/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Shewanella/drug effects/genetics ; *Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; *Ampicillin/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {Although many Shewanella strains are naturally resistant to some β-lactam antibiotics, research into the effect of these antibiotics on Shewanella biofilm formation is scarce. Shewanella putrefaciens is not only known as an important seafood spoilage bacterium but can also cause infection in several aquatic animals. In addition, it is a rare opportunistic human pathogen. The present study found that although some antibiotics from cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams repress the biofilm formation of S. putrefaciens CN32, multiple penicillin antibiotics increase its biofilm formation. Further experiments showed that ampicillin can increase intracellular c-di-GMP levels by regulating 16 DGCs/PDEs. This increases biofilm formation of S. putrefaciens CN32 by controlling the BpfAGD system. These penicillin antibiotics were also found to increase biofilm formation by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. In addition, the biofilm formation by S. oneidensis MR-1 was increased by carbapenem antibiotics but repressed by cephalosporins and monobactam antibiotics. This study provides a theoretical foundation for future research into the impact of β-lactam antibiotics on the biofilm formation of Shewanella, as well as the mechanisms that regulate this process.IMPORTANCEThe resistance of bacteria in biofilms to antibacterial agents is much higher than that of planktonic bacteria. Bacterial antibiotic resistance in biofilms and bacterial biofilm formation induced by certain antibiotics are now key concerns. Many Shewanella strains are naturally resistant to some β-lactam antibiotics. However, research into whether β-lactam antibiotics induce Shewanella biofilm formation is scarce. This study examined the impact of various β-lactam antibiotics on the biofilm formation of Shewanella putrefaciens CN32, as well as the mechanism by which ampicillin promotes biofilm formation. This provides guidance on the correct use of antibiotics and improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial resistance and antibiotic-induced biofilm formation. This could lay theoretical groundwork for controlling biofilms in the future.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Shewanella putrefaciens/drug effects/genetics/physiology/metabolism
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Shewanella/drug effects/genetics
*Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
*Ampicillin/pharmacology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid41258899,
year = {2025},
author = {Ilias, F and El Haci, IA and El Ghali, F and Mrabet, R and Aifa, S and Mnif, S},
title = {The effect of some Algerian plant essential oils on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and quorum sensing: in vitro and in silico studies.},
journal = {Natural product research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/14786419.2025.2588794},
pmid = {41258899},
issn = {1478-6427},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it is more likely to cause illness in individuals with weakened immune systems or other compromised defences. An increase in the prevalence of multiple-drug-resistant P. aeruginosa in hospitals is thus a worldwide problem. This study investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of four Algerian essential oils (EOs). The GC-MS analyses showed high contents of perillaldehyde (83.28%) in Ammodaucus leucotrichus (Coss. & Dur.) EO. While, Daucus carota (L.) contained geranyl acetate (40.75%) and α-pinene (25.13%) as major constituents. The main components of Artemisia herba-alba (Asso.) were α-thujone (25.40%), chrysanthenone (15.68%), camphe (14.31%), and β-thujone (12.58%). Whereas Juniperus phoenicea (L.) was mainly characterised by α-pinene (47.76%). A. leucotrichus EO showed the strongest antibacterial activity. This EO presented interesting activities for anti-biofilm and anti-virulence factors production. The docking results confirmed the experimental finding. These results suggest that A. leucotrichus EO warrants further exploration for its potential applications.},
}

@article {pmid41259952,
year = {2026},
author = {Pourmahdi-Torghabeh, N and Mohammadzadeh, R and Izadi, N and Farsiani, H},
title = {Biofilm formation, biofilm-associated genes, and antibiotic resistance in clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates in Northeastern Iran.},
journal = {Journal of infection and public health},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {103060},
doi = {10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103060},
pmid = {41259952},
issn = {1876-035X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Stenotrophomonas maltophilia/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification ; Iran/epidemiology ; Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Genotype ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Genes, Bacterial ; Young Adult ; Aged ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is recognized as an opportunistic pathogen due to its ability to form biofilms and its antibiotic resistance, posing significant clinical challenges. This study assessed the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of biofilm formation in S. maltophilia isolates from various clinical samples and their antibiotic resistance profiles.

METHODS: For this cross-sectional analysis, 93 S. maltophilia suspected isolates were collected from patients at three hospitals in Northeastern Iran. Bacterial isolates were identified through conventional microbiological and biochemical assays. The confirmation of S. maltophilia species was further verified by evaluating its intrinsic carbapenem resistance and performing 23S rRNA-targeted PCR. To assess biofilm formation, we utilized the microtiter plate method, and biofilm-associated genes (spgM, rmlA, rpfF, and smf-1) were evaluated by PCR. The disk diffusion method was employed to assess antibiotic susceptibility.

RESULTS: All 93 isolates were verified to be S. maltophilia. Phenotypically, 75.3 % exhibited strong biofilm formation, 22.6 % moderate, 1.1 % weak, and 1.1 % could not form biofilms. Genotypically, the frequencies of biofilm-associated genes were: smf-1 (100 %), spgM (94.6 %), rpfF (83.9 %), and rmlA (35.5 %). Genotype 1 (spgM+/rmlA+/rpfF+/smf-1+) demonstrated significantly higher OD570, indicating stronger biofilm formation than genotype 3 (spgM+/rmlA-/rpfF+/smf-1+), with a positive correlation between rmlA and biofilm production (P = 0.03). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed 17.2 % resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 2.15 % intermediate susceptibility to minocycline, and no resistance to levofloxacin.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the prevalence of biofilm production and associated genes in S. maltophilia, but further validation is needed to confirm their clinical significance. Ongoing monitoring remains essential for guiding effective treatment strategies.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Stenotrophomonas maltophilia/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification
Iran/epidemiology
Humans
Cross-Sectional Studies
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/microbiology/epidemiology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Genotype
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Adult
Genes, Bacterial
Young Adult
Aged

@article {pmid41262223,
year = {2025},
author = {Alharbi, OS and Alhazmi, KA and Gazzaz, M and Almuhayya, S and Aldehalan, FA and Sharif, AT and Redwan, B and Alzain, MA and Alhazmi, W and Altarawneh, H and Hasan Alfreahat, HA and Bani Abdel-Rahman, S and Halabi, WS and Altalhi, R and Saleh, BH and Alhussainy, NH and Alsaedi, A and Niyazi, HA and Niyazi, HA and Juma, NA and Zubair, MA and Alqarni, M and Helmi, N and Ibrahem, K},
title = {A Review Vancomycin Role in Gram Positive Biofilm-Associated Infections: Challenges and Emerging Solutions.},
journal = {Therapeutics and clinical risk management},
volume = {21},
number = {},
pages = {1569-1578},
pmid = {41262223},
issn = {1176-6336},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections pose a significant challenge in clinical settings due to their increased resistance to antibiotics and evasion of host immune responses. These infections are responsible for a large proportion of chronic and recurrent infections, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, has long been a cornerstone in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) represents an important group of biofilm-forming pathogens, further complicating treatment strategies. However, its efficacy against biofilms remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. The ability of vancomycin to target biofilm-embedded bacteria is often hindered by multiple resistance mechanisms, including poor antibiotic penetration, metabolic adaptation of biofilm-associated cells, and the presence of persister cells. The aim of this review is to evaluate vancomycin's antibiofilm activity by examining its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, effectiveness, limitations, and potential strategies to enhance its therapeutic outcomes. Several novel approaches have been explored to augment vancomycin's antibiofilm activity, including combination therapies, adjuvant strategies, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing therapeutic strategies and overcoming the persistent challenge of biofilm-related infections. This review synthesizes current evidence and highlights areas requiring further research to enhance vancomycin's efficacy against biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid41262282,
year = {2025},
author = {Pandhi, D and Gaurav, V and Anand, GRP and Das, S and Khan, AM},
title = {A Cross-sectional Study Comparing the in vitro Biofilm Optical Density of Dermatophytic Isolates with Clinical Profile, Risk Factors, and Antifungal Susceptibility.},
journal = {Indian journal of dermatology},
volume = {70},
number = {6},
pages = {320-329},
pmid = {41262282},
issn = {1998-3611},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In India, Trichophyton mentagrophytes has emerged as the dominant cause of dermatophytosis, surpassing Trichophyton rubrum, contributing to an epidemic-like surge in cases. The Indian genotype "T. mentagrophytes ITS genotype VII" exhibits widespread resistance to terbinafine due to mutations in the squalene epoxidase gene. Rising instances of recurrent and chronic dermatophytosis highlight the urgent need to explore factors like host profiles, environmental influences, and antifungal resistance, including the role of biofilms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate biofilm formation in dermatophyte isolates and explore its correlation with demographic factors, disease duration, steroid misuse, and antifungal resistance to facilitate future management strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 patients with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis were included in this tertiary care center-based study. Detailed clinical histories were documented, and biofilm formation was quantified using crystal violet staining. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI M38-A2 guidelines. Clinical improvement was assessed using the Clinical Assessment Severity Score, and statistical analysis was performed to explore associations between biofilm formation, clinical response, and antifungal resistance.

RESULTS: T. mentagrophytes/Trichophyton interdigitale complex was identified in 98.46% of cases, with significant antifungal resistance to fluconazole and griseofulvin. The mean biofilm optical density was significantly higher in isolates from patients using oral antifungal treatments, especially those with poor clinical responses. Biofilm density was also significantly associated with antifungal resistance, particularly against fluconazole and griseofulvin (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the role of biofilm formation in contributing to chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis, particularly in patients with a history of oral antifungal use. Biofilm density correlates significantly with antifungal resistance, which may hinder clinical outcomes. These results highlight the need for tailored treatment strategies targeting biofilm-associated resistance to improve the management of chronic dermatophytosis.},
}

@article {pmid41262745,
year = {2025},
author = {Discepoli, N and De Rubertis, I and David, D and Ferrari, A and Mirra, R},
title = {Influence of Emergence Angle and Mucosal Tunnel Depth on Artificial Biofilm Removal Around Dental Implants: An In Vitro Study.},
journal = {International journal of dentistry},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {7500003},
pmid = {41262745},
issn = {1687-8728},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Implant-prosthetic characteristics jeopardize accurate diagnosis, professional and domiciliary plaque control around dental implants. Accurate prosthetic design planning and prosthetic features modifications are fundamental in peri-implant diseases' primordial prevention and active treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of prosthetic emergence angles (EAs) and mucosal tunnel depths (MTDs) on the efficacy of ultrasonic debridement in removing ink stain simulating artificial biofilm in an in vitro model.

METHODS: An in vitro model simulating biofilm around implant abutment, incorporating a 4 mm implant analog replicating a missing single tooth was designed. Titanium abutments with three MTDs (2, 4, and 6 mm) were associated with individualized crowns with different EAs (15°, 30°, and 45°), resulting in nine experimental groups. Abutments were stained with artificial biofilm and subsequently instrumented through ultrasonic debridement. The proportion of residual biofilm (ResB) was quantified and evaluated for the four surfaces.

RESULTS: A total of 360 images of 90 instrumented abutments was evaluated. The overall means described a consistent increase of ResB in relation to the progressive increment of both MTD and EA. Mesial and distal surfaces presented more biofilm across all EA-MTD combinations (p  < 0.05). Logistic regression models pinpointed MTD and EA as significant predictors. The 6 mm MTD and 45° EA combination demonstrated as the strongest predictor (odds ratio [OR] = 134,33).

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a progressively wider prosthetic EA and a deeper mucosal tunnel significantly reduced the efficacy of submucosal instrumentation. Narrower EA (<30°) and shallower MTD (<4 mm) yielded significantly better results in terms of ResB.},
}

@article {pmid41263522,
year = {2025},
author = {Krzyżewska-Dudek, E and Dudek, B and Kapczyńska, K and Pasikowski, P and Brożyna, M and Paleczny, J and Mikołajczyk-Martinez, A and Junka, A and Rybka, J},
title = {The Influence of Lipopolysaccharide O-Antigen Chain Length on Biofilm Formation Capacity and Outer Membrane Proteome Shape of Salmonella Enteritidis.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {e70211},
pmid = {41263522},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {2017/25/N/NZ6/02295//National Science Centre Poland/ ; },
mesh = {*Salmonella enteritidis/genetics/physiology/chemistry/metabolism ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *O Antigens/chemistry/metabolism ; *Proteome/analysis/metabolism ; *Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Lipopolysaccharides/chemistry/metabolism ; *Bacterial Outer Membrane/chemistry/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation is a phenomenon of great medical importance, also affecting food production. In the present work, we investigated the effect of the O-antigen length of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella Enteritidis on biofilm production and the physicochemical properties of Salmonella cells, using bacterial deletion mutants. We also analysed the influence of LPS O-antigen shortening on the composition of the outer membrane (OM) proteome of S. Enteritidis. We have shown that the shortening of the LPS O-antigen part is associated with decreased biofilm biomass formation in some mutants and that it also depends on the composition of the culture medium. Physicochemical properties of bacterial cells changed with the shortening of the O-antigen, promoting bacterial aggregation and influencing their hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, or hydrophobicity. We have also shown that shorter O-antigen alters the bacterial proteome in comparison to regular size O-antigen: flagellar FliC protein was down-regulated in most mutants, while the HptG as well as 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 protein were up-regulated, suggesting increased protein synthesis activity. In some mutants, proteins involved in LPS biosynthesis were also upregulated: lipopolysaccharide core heptose(II)-phosphate phosphatase, acyl carrier protein, and undecaprenyl-phosphate alpha-N-acetylglucosaminyl 1-phosphate transferase, implying that the increased LPS biosynthesis is aimed at the replacement of the lacking LPS modal fractions in the S. Enteritidis mutants.},
}

*Salmonella enteritidis/genetics/physiology/chemistry/metabolism
*Biofilms/growth & development
*O Antigens/chemistry/metabolism
*Proteome/analysis/metabolism
*Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Lipopolysaccharides/chemistry/metabolism
*Bacterial Outer Membrane/chemistry/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid41263815,
year = {2025},
author = {Hatamoto, M},
title = {Puribacter membranae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a biofilm of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) treating sewage.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {41263815},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Sewage/microbiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; Base Composition ; Fatty Acids/chemistry/analysis ; *Bioreactors/microbiology ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Japan ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; *Burkholderiaceae/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Novel Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile rods, designated HTMS2 and HTMS3[T], were isolated from a biofilm on the membrane of a municipal sewage treatment membrane bioreactor in Nagaoka, Japan. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes placed them in the family Burkholderiaceae, most closely related to Hydromonas duriensis A2P5 [T] (94.14% similarity). Genome sequencing (2.52 Mb, 48.2% G+C) and phylogenomic analysis affiliated them with the uncultured genus lineage CTSOIL-112 in the Genome Taxonomy Database. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values to related taxa were below species thresholds (ANI ≤77.0%, dDDH ≤54.9%). In addition, average amino acid identity values to related taxa were ≤68.6%. Both strains are catalase- and oxidase-positive, reduced nitrate and utilized various carbohydrates but not N-acetyl-glucosamine; they differed in sorbitol assimilation. The major respiratory quinone is Q-8, and the predominant fatty acids are summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω7c/ω6c), summed feature 8 (C_18:1 ω7c/ω6c) and C_16:0. Genomic data supported a non-motile, Gram-stain-negative phenotype. Polyphasic analysis indicates that these strains represent a novel genus and species, Puribacter membranae gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain HTMS3[T]=NBRC 117344[T]=LMG 34133[T]).},
}

*Phylogeny
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Sewage/microbiology
*Biofilms/growth & development
Base Composition
Fatty Acids/chemistry/analysis
*Bioreactors/microbiology
Bacterial Typing Techniques
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Japan
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
*Burkholderiaceae/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
Genome, Bacterial

@article {pmid41265715,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, F},
title = {Editorial: Special issue: Bioinspired nanomaterials: Controlling biofilm and virulence of microbial pathogens.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {210},
number = {},
pages = {108197},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108197},
pmid = {41265715},
issn = {1096-1208},
}

@article {pmid41265798,
year = {2026},
author = {Anderson, GG and James, S and Kovvali, S and Dang, FW and Vishwakarma, A and Gagnon, MC and Goulet, N and Racine, F and Labrie, P and Eppihimer, M and Weeks, JW and Haas, B and Pandey, R},
title = {Comparison of two models of biofilm formation on reusable stainless steel medical device material.},
journal = {The Journal of hospital infection},
volume = {168},
number = {},
pages = {23-30},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.034},
pmid = {41265798},
issn = {1532-2939},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Stainless Steel ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/growth & development/physiology ; *Equipment and Supplies/microbiology ; Humans ; *Equipment Reuse ; Colony Count, Microbial ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Reusable medical devices require reprocessing before subsequent patient use. Inadequate reprocessing can create suitable conditions for contaminating microbes to form biofilm. Despite this threat, there is a lack of guidance for medical device manufacturers to make biofilm assessment on their device labelling and instructions for use. Currently, there are no US Food and Drug Administration-recognized standardized models for biofilm formation on medical devices or device materials.

AIM: To assess established standard methods for their suitability to be used as validation tools for medical device manufacturers and regulatory agencies.

METHODS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms were grown using a drip flow reactor and a CDC biofilm reactor (CDC-BR) biofilm reactor on stainless steel coupons as a medical device material surrogate surface. Growth duration, extraction procedure, and extraction medium were optimized within the parameters of the experiments. Suitability of the models was determined by the comparison of colony-forming units (cfu), protein concentration, and total organic carbon.

FINDINGS: Data revealed that both the models developed similar levels of biofilm as quantified by cfu, despite different shear stress conditions. The results showed that protein and total organic carbon are potential analytes to quantify the biofilm biomass under the conditions tested. Additionally, results of each assay display low variability across multiple biofilm replicates.

CONCLUSION: Both models develop reproducible biofilm with a similar level of cfu but different levels of total organic carbon and protein. Our findings indicate that the CDC biofilm reactor and drip flow reactor provide reliable platforms for studying biofilm growth on medical device materials.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Stainless Steel
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/growth & development/physiology
*Equipment and Supplies/microbiology
Humans
*Equipment Reuse
Colony Count, Microbial

@article {pmid41266360,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilksch, JJ and Tan, JWH and Nero, TL and Hocking, DM and Bennett-Wood, V and Wang, N and Zavras, SA and Schiesser, CH and Tauschek, M and Schembri, MA and Lithgow, T and Hartland, EL and Robins-Browne, RM and Parker, MW and Yang, J and Strugnell, RA},
title = {Chemical inhibition of MrkH-dependent activation of type 3 fimbriae synthesis and biofilm formation by Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {212},
pmid = {41266360},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; APP1194263//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; APP1194263//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 606788//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; DP130100957//Australian Research Council/ ; DP130100957//Australian Research Council/ ; Ruth Bishop Fellow//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; *Fimbriae, Bacterial/drug effects/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Benzamides/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Fimbriae Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Klebsiella Infections/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation by Klebsiella pneumoniae is mediated by the type 3 fimbriae Mrk, and regulated by MrkH and 3',5'-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP). We sought to identify specific chemical inhibitors of K. pneumoniae biofilm formation that reduced the activity of MrkH. A compound N-(3-cyano-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thien-2-yl)-2-methoxybenzamide, JT71, reduced K. pneumoniae mrkA promoter activity and biofilm formation by 50% without affecting cell viability. Western blot analysis, hemagglutination assays, electron microscopy and qPCR showed that JT71 reduced type 3 fimbriae production, and transcription of mrkA and mrkH. JT71 demonstrated activity against other clinical and multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, and a type 3 fimbriate-positive Citrobacter koseri strain. In silico molecule docking was used to illustrate that JT71 could bind directly to the MrkH protein and block its activity. JT71 possesses promising drug-likeness properties and is non-toxic to mammalian cells. Chemical inhibition of transcriptional regulators that control fimbriae expression can inhibit bacterial biofilm formation.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology/genetics
*Fimbriae, Bacterial/drug effects/metabolism
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Benzamides/pharmacology
Humans
*Fimbriae Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Klebsiella Infections/microbiology

@article {pmid41267528,
year = {2026},
author = {Ye, J and Wen, T and Liu, Q and Ma, B and Yang, Y and Wang, Y and Yu, S and Yan, J and Zhang, J and Liu, Y},
title = {Combination effects of Nd:YAP laser and DNase I on dual-species biofilm removal in a simulated lateral canal model: An in vitro study.},
journal = {European journal of oral sciences},
volume = {134},
number = {1},
pages = {e70051},
doi = {10.1111/eos.70051},
pmid = {41267528},
issn = {1600-0722},
support = {TJWJ2022QN054//the Tianjin Health Research Project/ ; 2021KJ245//the Science & Technology Development Fund of Tianjin Education Commission for Higher Education/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/radiation effects ; *Deoxyribonuclease I/pharmacology ; Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/radiation effects ; Microscopy, Confocal ; *Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects/radiation effects ; Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology ; *Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology ; Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel combination of the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite (Nd:YAP) laser and deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) in eliminating dual-species biofilms from dentinal surfaces using a three-dimensional (3D)-printed lateral canal model. A computational fluid dynamics model was used to assess the impact of needle insertion depth on irrigant flow within the lateral canal model. Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum biofilms were cultured on dentin discs. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to investigate the influence of Nd:YAP laser and DNase I on the antimicrobial activity of 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The CLSM results demonstrated a significant reduction in the formation of dual-species biofilms among viable bacteria treated with the combination of Nd:YAP laser and DNase I, compared to other treatment groups. As the needle insertion depth decreased, the irrigant velocity in the lateral canal decreased, resulting in the attachment of a greater number of viable bacteria. The combination of Nd:YAP laser and DNase I effectively addresses the limitations of single supplementary treatment by enhancing irrigant penetration and biofilm disruption within the lateral canal model, presenting a promising strategy for in vitro disinfection of lateral canal structures.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/radiation effects
*Deoxyribonuclease I/pharmacology
Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/radiation effects
Microscopy, Confocal
*Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects/radiation effects
Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology
*Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology
Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology
Printing, Three-Dimensional

@article {pmid41269261,
year = {2025},
author = {Hyderi, Z and Nagarajan, H and Saravanan, K and Ganesan, S and Jeyaraman, J and Ranganathan, S and Ravi, AV},
title = {Inhibition of MMP-2/MMP-9 and biofilm formation by 4,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone (THF): a promising therapeutic approach against Enterococcus gallinarum endocarditis.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {1},
pages = {36},
pmid = {41269261},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {EBSB-RUSA 2.0, PhD fellowship//Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Animals ; Zebrafish ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Enterococcus/drug effects/physiology ; *Endocarditis, Bacterial/drug therapy/microbiology ; *Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism/genetics ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism/genetics ; *Flavanones/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are critical global health concerns, necessitating the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds. Enterococcus gallinarum, an opportunistic pathogen intrinsically resistant to vancomycin, is responsible for severe infections, often leading to endocarditis, bloodstream dissemination, immune dysregulation, and tissue damage. The limited efficacy of existing treatments underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Recently, we reported the efficacy of 4,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone (THF) as an exhibited potential antimicrobial agent. In this study, the antibiofilm activity of THF against E. gallinarum was examined. In addition, the role of THF in preventing infection and mortality in zebrafish was also analysed using histopathological studies. The host-drug interaction was investigated through a network pharmacology approach for bacterial endocarditis. The top hub genes found in this analysis were docked with THF using the Glide XP protocol, and simulations were performed by GROMACS version 2020. The results suggest the potential of THF in inhibiting bacterial adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) and the disruption of mature biofilms. The histopathological results showed significantly recovered tissues after THF treatment. Furthermore, the network pharmacology studies of bacterial endocarditis disease revealed the identification of top hub genes MMP-2 and MMP-9, which have the function of binding to ECM and causing inflammation. The molecular docking and dynamics simulations performed between MMP-2 & MMP-9 showed a strong binding score of -4.652 kcal/mol & -7.597 kcal/mol between THF and MMP-2 & MMP-9, suggesting the anti-inflammatory potential of THF as well. This significant influence on host-pathogen interactions, particularly in modulating immune responses and inflammation, makes it a promising drug candidate for bacterial infections and necessitates its consideration for future research and studies.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Animals
Zebrafish
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Enterococcus/drug effects/physiology
*Endocarditis, Bacterial/drug therapy/microbiology
*Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism/genetics
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism/genetics
*Flavanones/pharmacology/chemistry
*Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
Humans
*Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/drug therapy/microbiology

@article {pmid41269277,
year = {2025},
author = {Rathod, NV and Mishra, S},
title = {Strategies for biofilm inhibition: the role of synthetic drug- and nanotechnology-based agents.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {1},
pages = {37},
pmid = {41269277},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Nanotechnology/methods ; Humans ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Bacteria/drug effects ; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism ; Nanoparticles ; Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Biofilms are organized microbial communities that are surrounded by a matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which raises significant challenges to environmental, and medical applications. Their intricate architecture and adaptive behavior enable them to resist conventional antimicrobial therapies, primarily due to restricted drug diffusion, altered metabolic activity, and the emergence of resistance mechanisms. To address these challenges, synthetic drug-based strategies have emerged, focusing on the disruption of key stages in biofilm development, such as bacterial adhesion, quorum sensing (QS), EPS production, and biofilm maturation. Quorum sensing inhibitors, including synthetic furanones, peptide-based inhibitors, and nanoparticles, have shown promising results in interfering with biofilm signaling pathways and preventing biofilm maturation. EPS matrix, such as chelating agents and enzymatic treatments, weaken the biofilm matrix, rendering the microbial cells more susceptible to antimicrobial agents. Nanotechnology-driven approaches, utilizing metal nanoparticles, functionalized nanoparticles, and nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, enhance. These strategies enhance antimicrobial penetration and efficacy while reducing off-target effects; however, clinical translation is limited by cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetic constraints, and microbial adaptation. Future work should prioritize multi-targeted therapies, personalized biofilm disruption, and advanced drug delivery systems to combat biofilm-related infections and industrial biofouling.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Nanotechnology/methods
Humans
Drug Delivery Systems
Bacteria/drug effects
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism
Nanoparticles
Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects

@article {pmid41270087,
year = {2025},
author = {Shedleur-Bourguignon, F and Thériault, WP and Berthiaume, F and Doghri, I and Longpré, J and Thibodeau, A and Fravalo, P},
title = {Veillonella dispar and V. atypica increased the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in liquid culture and biofilm conditions.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {11},
pages = {e0332852},
pmid = {41270087},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Listeria monocytogenes/growth & development/physiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; Swine ; Animals ; Food Microbiology ; Abattoirs ; },
abstract = {Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a foodborne pathogen that causes severe illness in high-risk groups who face a mortality rate of 15% to 20% with exposure to this deadly bacterium. L. monocytogenes poses a significant food safety concern due to its ability to withstand the adverse conditions encountered in food production environments. Prevention of its entry into the ready-to-eat (RTE) processing environment is crucial, and consequently, preventing its establishment within the environmental microbiota of slaughterhouses-the preceding stage in the production chain-is essential. This can be a challenge because L. monocytogenes has the ability to create and persist in biofilms in association with microorganisms. The role of the accompanying microbiota in the survival and density of L. monocytogenes has been shown to range from having antagonistic to synergetic effects. The aim of the present study was to validate a positive association previously identified using bioinformatic tools between the presence of Veillonella spp. on conveyor belt surfaces of the cutting room of a swine slaughterhouse and the relative abundance of L. monocytogenes. Veillonella dispar (V. dispar) and Veillonella atypica (V. atypica) showed statistically significant positive effects on the growth and survival of the pathogen in both planktonic cultures and in biofilms tested under static and dynamic conditions. These effects of Veillonella appear to be mediated through compounds secreted or made available by the bacterium since contact with the supernatants of Veillonella cultures was sufficient to induce L. monocytogenes growth enhancement. This increase is primarily due to the live cell mass, suggesting that Veillonella acts at the L. monocytogenes cell population level rather than on the biofilm matrix. We believe that our results represent a step toward a better L. monocytogenes food safety risk assessment and could contribute to the development of better strategies against this pathogen.},
}

*Listeria monocytogenes/growth & development/physiology
*Biofilms/growth & development
Swine
Animals
Food Microbiology
Abattoirs

@article {pmid41270969,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, C and Chen, M and Wang, R and Liu, X and Tian, D and Xiao, M and Liu, H and Tian, T and Sun, Y and Tan, M and Xu, JY},
title = {Multi-omic analysis reveals lysine acylation and biofilm formation induced by central metabolites in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {210},
number = {},
pages = {108198},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108198},
pmid = {41270969},
issn = {1096-1208},
mesh = {*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/metabolism/physiology/growth & development/drug effects ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Lysine/metabolism ; Acylation ; Glucose/metabolism ; Proteomics ; Citric Acid Cycle ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; Humans ; Acetylation ; Glycolysis ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology ; Computational Biology ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major multidrug-resistant pathogen responsible for severe infections, such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections. These infections are often associated with high mortality rates and pose a significant burden on public health. Studies have shown that biofilm formation is a key factor contributing to its enhanced drug resistance. Recent evidence also implicates core metabolites in biofilm regulation. However, their specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we initially assessed how key metabolites from glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle influenced MRSA physiology. Notably, glucose markedly enhanced bacterial proliferation and stimulated biofilm development. To further explore the molecular basis of glucose-induced changes in MRSA, we subsequently applied a multidimensional omics approach, including proteomics, acetylomics, succinylomics, and lactylomics. A total of 1666 proteins, 3761 lysine acetylated sites, 1809 succinylated sites, and 128 lactylated sites were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis revealed that these modifications were significantly enriched in ribosome-associated functions and metabolic pathways. To further explore their functional relevance, in vitro enzyme assays demonstrated that glucose-induced lysine succinylation modulates the activity of arsenate reductase. Building upon this, functional validation at both the bacterial and host cell levels confirmed the physiological significance of glucose-induced lysine acylation. In conclusion, these findings reveal that the core metabolite glucose promotes MRSA biofilm formation and induces extensive lysine acylation, which in turn regulates metabolic functions and virulence. Therefore, this study provides new insights into MRSA pathogenesis and suggests potential targets for anti-infective therapy.},
}

*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/metabolism/physiology/growth & development/drug effects
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Lysine/metabolism
Acylation
Glucose/metabolism
Proteomics
Citric Acid Cycle
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
Humans
Acetylation
Glycolysis
Metabolic Networks and Pathways
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology
Computational Biology
Multiomics

@article {pmid41270988,
year = {2025},
author = {Tabatabaei, F and McMahon, R and Estlack, L and Sanchez, TF and Medina, S and Bionda, N},
title = {The In Vitro Performance of Surgical Irrigation Solutions in Preventing Biofilm Formation on Implants.},
journal = {The Journal of arthroplasty},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.arth.2025.11.026},
pmid = {41270988},
issn = {1532-8406},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Total joint arthroplasties are widely performed in the United States. Although various intraoperative irrigation solutions have been studied, comprehensive in vitro comparisons of their efficacy in preventing biofilm formation across multiple implant materials remain limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nine commercially available irrigation solutions in preventing biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on four orthopaedic implant materials under clinically relevant conditions. Cytotoxicity was also assessed by evaluating human dermal fibroblast recovery following exposure.

METHODS: The solutions tested included a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)-synergy solution, a benzalkonium chloride (BZK) solution, a PHMB-betaine solution, a chlorhexidine gluconate solution, a povidone-iodine solution, a hypochlorous acid solution, a citric acid solution, a triple antibiotic solution (bacitracin, cefazolin, gentamicin), and normal saline. The testing laboratory was blinded to solution identities. Stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium alloy, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene coupons (n = four per group) were pretreated with each solution for two minutes. After aspiration, bacteria in simulated synovial fluid were added. Following 24-hour incubation at 37° C, adherent bacteria were recovered and quantified. For cytocompatibility, fibroblasts were exposed to selected solutions for two minutes, and then incubated in fresh medium. Cell viability was assessed on days one and five using a colorimetric metabolic activity assay.

RESULTS: The PHMB-synergy and BZK solutions were the most effective in preventing biofilm formation, with microbial levels over 6.0-log lower than controls for both pathogens across all materials. Other solutions showed variable efficacy depending on the material and bacterial strain. A 1:10 dilution of the PHMB-synergy solution supported fibroblast recovery at day five, while the BZK solution remained cytotoxic at the same dilution.

CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with certain irrigation solutions for two minutes, reflecting clinical use, significantly reduces biofilm formation on orthopaedic implant materials and may help prevent periprosthetic joint infections in total joint arthroplasty.},
}

@article {pmid41271354,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, H and Zhang, M and Wang, J and Xiong, S and Li, X and Luo, X and Yang, C and Lu, R and Zhang, Y},
title = {BfrR-mediated biofilm regulation in the seafood-borne pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {117792},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117792},
pmid = {41271354},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/physiology/pathogenicity ; *Seafood/microbiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Food Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major seafood-associated pathogen whose biofilm formation enhances environmental persistence, antibiotic resistance, and food safety risks. In this study, we identified a LysR-type regulator, BfrR (VPA1687), as a critical mediator of biofilm development in V. parahaemolyticus. Deletion of bfrR severely impaired biofilm formation, switching colony morphology from wrinkled to smooth and reducing extracellular matrix components (exopolysaccharides (EPS), proteins, and extracellular DNA). BfrR also modulated metabolic activity in biofilm-embedded cells and exhibited dual control over motility: it inhibited swimming while promoting swarming. Mechanistically, BfrR elevated intracellular c-di-GMP levels by regulating genes encoding GGDEF/EAL domain proteins. RNA-seq revealed BfrR influences 500 genes, including biofilm-related pathways (e.g., cps operon for EPS), virulence factors, and flagellar genes. Critically, BfrR was essential for biofilm formation on diverse food-contact surfaces (shrimp, crab, stainless steel, plastic, and glass). These findings establish BfrR as a global regulator that coordinates biofilm formation, motility, and c-di-GMP signaling, highlighting its potential as a target for mitigating V. parahaemolyticus biofilm-associated risks in the food industry.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/physiology/pathogenicity
*Seafood/microbiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
Food Microbiology

@article {pmid41271362,
year = {2025},
author = {Rahman, MA and Akter, S and Ashrafudoulla, M and Jung, SJ and Rapak, MT and Ha, SD},
title = {CRISPR-Cas systems as emerging tools for precision biofilm control for food safety: Mechanisms and applications.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {117803},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117803},
pmid = {41271362},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Food Safety/methods ; Gene Editing/methods ; *Food Microbiology/methods ; },
abstract = {Biofilms on food-contact surfaces pose persistent challenges to sanitation, safety, and product quality within food processing. Traditional cleaning methods and broad-spectrum antimicrobials often fail to disrupt the resilient matrix and multispecies communities characteristic of these biofilms. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems offer a transformative approach to enhancing food safety, enabling precise modulation of microbial gene networks with applications in diagnostics, programmable sanitation, and targeted microbial control. This review synthesizes recent advances in CRISPR-Cas technology, encompassing Cas9/Cas12-based gene editing, Cas13-mediated RNA targeting, and dead Cas9 (dCas9)-based transcriptional regulation (CRISPR interference/activation, CRISPRi/a), and evaluates their relevance to biofilm prevention and eradication in food environments. We critically assess delivery platforms, including plasmids, nanocarriers, phagemids, and conjugative systems, for their efficiency in complex biofilm settings. The review highlights innovations such as multiplexed repression of redundant pathways, activation of latent antibiofilm functions. These genetic strategies are increasingly being integrated with omics-based analytics (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to reveal systems-level cellular responses and regulatory shifts triggered by biofilm-targeted interventions. We also address the practical limitations, such as delivery barriers, off-target effects, regulatory hurdles, and ethical considerations specific to food applications. Ultimately, we propose a framework for translating CRISPR-Cas technology into scalable, safety-compliant tools for precision control of biofilms in food processing environments. This review aims to guide future research and inform stakeholders on leveraging CRISPR-Cas technology for safe, sustainable, and targeted management of food-associated biofilms.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
*Food Safety/methods
Gene Editing/methods
*Food Microbiology/methods

@article {pmid41271585,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Xu, Y and Xiong, Z and Wang, H and Wang, X and Kang, Y and Wang, Z and Zeng, X and Liu, Y and Zheng, Y and Chen, W and Li, M and Hu, Z and Xu, C and Wu, Y and Wang, Y and Yuan, Z and Yuan, S and Liu, H and Matthews, S and Qiao, N and Li, Y and Liu, B},
title = {Cinnamic-Hydroxamic-Acid Derivatives Exhibit Antibiotic, Anti-Biofilm, and Supercoiling Relaxation Properties by Targeting Bacterial Nucleoid-Associated Protein HU.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {13},
number = {13},
pages = {e09876},
pmid = {41271585},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2021YFA1301201//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 32270151//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82172299//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82272377//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022CFA068//Hubei Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Animals ; Mice ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Cinnamates/pharmacology/chemistry ; *DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; DNA, Superhelical/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Finding novel compounds and drug targets is crucial for antibiotic development. The nucleoid-associated protein HU plays a significant role in bacterial DNA metabolism, supercoiling, and biofilm formation, making it a promising new target. In this work, structure-based screening and identified cinnamic-hydroxamic-acid derivatives (CHADs) are conducted as HU inhibitors, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of as low as 12 µg mL[-1] against a range of pathogenic bacteria. CHADs induce nucleoid deformation, preventing bacterial division and inhibiting growth. They exhibit low toxicity in mice and effectively treat infections in mouse models. Additionally, CHADs possess anti-biofilm activity and supercoiling relaxation properties, countering bacterial stress responses to antibiotics. They suppress changes in gene expression required for optimal stress responses, resulting in synergistic effects with other antibiotics. Thus, CHADs represent a new class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial stress responses by co-targeting biofilm formation and DNA supercoiling.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Animals
Mice
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Cinnamates/pharmacology/chemistry
*DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
DNA, Superhelical/drug effects

@article {pmid41272116,
year = {2025},
author = {Ducret, J and Manceau, A and Lacroix, C and Ménard, D and Dejoie, C and Barbeau, B},
title = {Role of biofilm during groundwater biofiltration of manganese.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {41330},
pmid = {41272116},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RGPIN2020-0649//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Manganese/metabolism/isolation & purification/chemistry ; *Groundwater/chemistry/microbiology ; *Filtration/methods ; *Water Purification/methods ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Oxides/chemistry ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Adsorption ; },
abstract = {Manganese (Mn) contamination in groundwater poses significant challenges for drinking water treatment. This study explores the mechanisms of Mn removal in a long-term oxygenated groundwater biofilter. The filter media coating primarily consists of abiotic disordered birnessite (δ-MnO2) with a microglobular structure and an average oxidation state of approximately 3.45. This material plays a key role in the effective adsorption and oxidation of Mn(II) dissolved in groundwater. The results indicate that Mn removal is predominantly abiotic, with biofilm activity contributing to less than 10% of Mn(II) oxidation. Biological colonization is minimal, as evidenced by the low microbial activity and protein-to-polysaccharide ratio. However, Mn-oxidizing and Mn-reducing bacteria were identified under aerobic conditions, suggesting that they play facultative or complementary roles in Mn cycling. The unexpected coexistence of the two types of bacteria highlights the need for further investigation into their role in δ-MnO2 transformation and regeneration. The study provides foundational insights into the dynamics of Mn(II) removal in biofilters and proposes an initial framework for understanding the Mn(II) biogeochemical cycle within such common engineered systems.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Manganese/metabolism/isolation & purification/chemistry
*Groundwater/chemistry/microbiology
*Filtration/methods
*Water Purification/methods
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism/isolation & purification
Oxidation-Reduction
Oxides/chemistry
Bacteria/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
Adsorption

@article {pmid41272294,
year = {2025},
author = {Almatroudi, A},
title = {Identification of potential anti-biofilm agents targeting LasR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through machine learning-driven screening, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {44968},
pmid = {41272294},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology ; *Trans-Activators/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry/metabolism ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Bacterial Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry/metabolism ; *Machine Learning ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major worldwide health concern, with biofilm-forming bacteria playing an important role in the persistence of chronic infections and the evasion of host immune responses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common biofilm-forming bacteria, is notorious for causing a wide range of infections, particularly in immunocompromised people, and is highly resistant to standard treatment drugs. This work aims to find new anti-biofilm compounds that target the Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR quorum-sensing system, which is an important regulator of biofilm development and pathogenicity. In this study machine learning-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations were combined. Initially, a selection of 324 decoys and 116 known LasR inhibitors were selected and used to train a number of machine learning models. Random Forest (RF) outperformed other models with an accuracy of 0.98. Leveraging the predictive power of the RF model, a library of 9000 phytochemicals was screened using RF model, predicting 367 active compounds as potential LasR inhibitors. After that compounds were evaluated for drug-likeness using Lipinski's Rule of Five and 155 potential candidates were identified. Following molecular docking experiments, PubChem 3,795,981, PubChem 42,607,867, and PubChem 6,971,066 emerged as the top candidates, with binding energy scores of -12.0, -12.0, and - 11.8 kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds established persistent interactions with critical residues in the LasR binding site, mostly by hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking. Further molecular dynamics simulations and MMPBSA analysis indicate compounds PubChem 3,795,981 (-36.95 kcal/mol) and PubChem 42,607,867 (-38.58 kcal/mol) as the most favorable LasR inhibitor with minimal structural deviations, emphasizing their potential as anti-biofilm agent against resistant P. aeruginosa strains. This integrated pipeline helped to identify potential inhibitors providing theoretical basis for the development of anti-bacterial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further research is needed to determine the therapeutic usefulness of these findings.},
}

*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology
*Trans-Activators/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry/metabolism
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Bacterial Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry/metabolism
*Machine Learning
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
*Biofilms/drug effects
Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
Quorum Sensing/drug effects

@article {pmid41272707,
year = {2025},
author = {Zarin, R and Shayegh, J and Hosseinzadeh, S},
title = {Comparative analysis of virulence genes, biofilm production, and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli from dogs and humans using rep-PCR.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {678},
pmid = {41272707},
issn = {1746-6148},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/pathogenicity/drug effects/physiology ; Humans ; *Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; *Dog Diseases/microbiology ; Virulence/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; Iran ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a major pathogen responsible for urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections in both humans and dogs and is of serious public health concern due to its potential for severe infections. The aim of this study was to compare the pathogenicity of E. coli strains isolated from dogs and humans using repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR).

METHODS: A total of 30 fecal samples from visiting dogs and 30 samples from veterinarians and other animal-related personnel in Tehran and Qom, Iran was collected. The presence of E. coli was confirmed by phenotypic and biochemical methods (Gram staining, culture on MacConkey and EMB agar, TSI agar, and IMViC tests) followed by identification of virulence genes (bfpB, elt, stx1, hlyA, fimC) by PCR. Susceptibility to antimicrobials was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method and the ability to produce biofilm was assessed. Finally, all isolates were subjected to genomic fingerprinting using rep-PCR.

RESULTS: Out of 60 fecal samples, only one E. coli isolate per sample was selected for analysis. All 60 isolates were confirmed and the fimC gene was present in all samples, while the bfpB gene was found in 90% of human samples and 46.4% of animal samples. All isolates had the ability to produce biofilm, with 20% of human samples and 56.6% of animal samples produced strong biofilms. Antimicrobial testing showed high resistance to amikacin (96.6-100%) and fluoroquinolones, but susceptible to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin. Over 90% of isolates were multidrug-resistant, indicating treatment challenges. Based on rep-PCR, the isolates are assigned to 12 different clusters. Of the 12 clusters identified, five contained isolates from both humans and dogs, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that E. coli from humans and dogs share the same pathogenic characteristics, with notable differences in biofilm production and antibiotic resistance. The genetic relatedness between some isolates highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance and a One Health approach to control infections.},
}

Animals
Dogs
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Escherichia coli/genetics/pathogenicity/drug effects/physiology
Humans
*Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology
Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
*Dog Diseases/microbiology
Virulence/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Feces/microbiology
Iran
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Virulence Factors/genetics