@article {pmid42655918,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, J and Soliman, M and Zhang, B and Krawiel, D and McCarthy, RR},
title = {Hydrogels Augmented With Artificial Sweeteners can Inhibit Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Growth and Biofilm Formation While Demonstrating Safety in Pre-Clinical Pilot Human Trials.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e05777},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.202505777},
pmid = {42655918},
issn = {2192-2659},
support = {BB/V007823/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; UKRI1911/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/Y001354/1//Medical Research Council Grant/ ; SBF006\1040//Academy of Medical Sciences/the Welcome Trust/ the Government Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy/the British Heart Foundation/Diabetes UK Springboard Award/ ; },
abstract = {There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to tackle multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Artificial sweeteners (AS) specifically acesulfame potassium, sodium saccharin, and sodium cyclamate, have recently demonstrated antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-borate hydrogel is developed as a carrier for antimicrobial AS to combat wound infections. Through extensive optimization, we developed cytocompatible 8% AS-loaded hydrogels with 3% PVA + 3% borax that reduced the viability of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii AB5075 by 99.9% colony-forming unit enumeration following 1 h hydrogel treatment. Most currently available wound dressings have limited efficacy against bacterial biofilms, but we demonstrate that each of these sweeteners can attenuate A. baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa dual-microbial biofilms. Haemolysis and cell viability assays demonstrate excellent blood compatibility and non-cytotoxic behavior of the sweetener-loaded hydrogels. To further evaluate the clinical potential of these AS-loaded hydrogels, we conducted a pilot Phase I clinical study with human volunteers focused on evaluating short-term safety and irritancy. This study revealed that the dressings had no adverse effects on the volunteers. This research underscores the translational potential of hydrogels augmented with AS and their capacity to overcome many of the hurdles that typically lead to wound dressing failure.},
}

@article {pmid42656269,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, X and Ma, L and Li, Y and Liu, B and Zhang, W and Su, X and Liu, Y},
title = {Isolation and characterization of a novel Staphylococcus phage SPD: genomic insights and its anti-biofilm efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1861467},
pmid = {42656269},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus Phages/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification/physiology ; *Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/virology/physiology ; Genome, Viral ; Host Specificity ; Animals ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/therapy ; Podoviridae/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification ; Genomics ; DNA, Viral/genetics ; Wastewater/virology ; Viral Plaque Assay ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Base Composition ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterize a novel Staphylococcus phage with activity against animal-derived methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and biofilms in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

METHODS: Phage SPD was isolated through enrichment from farm wastewater, purified using the double-layer plaque assay, and characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), spot assays, growth kinetics, stability tests, and whole-genome sequencing (Illumina HiSeq). Anti-biofilm activity was evaluated via crystal violet staining.

RESULTS: SPD is a virulent Podovirus characterized by an icosahedral head (~50 nm in diameter) and a short tail phage (~60 nm in length). It exhibits a broad host range (lyses 38 out of 50 tested strains, including 7 MRSA), a short latent period (~10 min), a high burst size (4,470 PFU/cell), and stability at temperatures ranging from 4 to 50 °C and pH values between 6 and 9. The 17,066 bp double-stranded DNA genome (35.1% GC content) encodes a lysin and a holin, with no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes detected. SPD effectively inhibits planktonic MRSA growth and reduces biofilm formation (>50% inhibition) as well as pre-formed biofilms (>60% clearance) in vitro.

CONCLUSION: SPD represents a safe, novel Andhravirus phage with potent activity against MRSA and biofilms, offering a promising candidate for phage therapy, particularly in the Xinjiang region.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Staphylococcus Phages/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification/physiology
*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/virology/physiology
Genome, Viral
Host Specificity
Animals
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/therapy
Podoviridae/isolation & purification/genetics/ultrastructure/classification
Genomics
DNA, Viral/genetics
Wastewater/virology
Viral Plaque Assay
Whole Genome Sequencing
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Base Composition

@article {pmid42656373,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Liu, J and Han, X and Zheng, S and Jiang, X and Huang, T and Yang, B and Zhu, S},
title = {Bio-adhesive cationic carbon dots enable photodynamic reactive oxygen species generation for cariogenic biofilm suppression.},
journal = {Materials today. Bio},
volume = {40},
number = {},
pages = {103582},
pmid = {42656373},
issn = {2590-0064},
abstract = {Bacterial infections remain a major threat to human health and are often difficult to eradicate once bacteria establish structured communities. In the oral cavity, this challenge is exemplified by dental caries, a highly prevalent chronic infectious disease driven by cariogenic biofilms dominated by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). To develop an efficient antimicrobial strategy for cariogenic biofilms, we synthesized D-lysine-derived cationic carbon dots (Lys-CDs) through a facile hydrothermal method and investigated their photodynamic antibacterial activity. The resulting Lys-CDs are water-dispersible and exhibit favorable cytocompatibility under the tested conditions. Their positive surface charge enhanced association with biofilm-associated bacterial communities. Under blue-light irradiation (450 nm), Lys-CDs generate abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing membrane destabilization and causing substantial structural alterations of mature biofilms. In mature S. mutans biofilms, Lys-CDs + light achieved over 99% bacterial killing, reduced biofilm thickness by about 70%, and increased ROS production. Mechanistic assays and transcriptomic profiling collectively suggested a ROS-driven multi-hit mode involving membrane permeabilization, oxidative stress amplification, and broad suppression of pathways associated with energy metabolism, envelope biogenesis, and stress regulation. In a rat caries model, topical Lys-CDs + light effectively inhibited caries progression. Collectively, this work provides experimental evidence supporting that biophilic cationic Lys-CDs can acts as a simple photodynamic strategy for cariogenic biofilms control and attenuate caries development under the investigated experimental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42658845,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, D and Svagan, AJ and Yang, N and Hansen, MF and Kühl, M and Burmølle, M},
title = {Carbon substrate type shapes spatial self-organization in a multi-species biofilm community.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag223},
pmid = {42658845},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Spatial organization is a defining feature of multispecies biofilms and critically influences microbial interactions and emergent community properties. However, understanding and manipulating how microbes assemble into spatially structured biofilms remains challenging because most experimental frameworks emphasize species composition and pairwise interactions, while often overlooking the spatial constraints on biofilms imposed by the environment. In this study, we focus on how carbon substrate type, distinguishing between diffusible sugars and polymeric substrates, affects biofilm self-organization in a four-member synthetic bacterial community (SynCom). Across all tested conditions, the SynCom consistently formed more biofilm biomass than any of its subsets, indicating a robust synergistic phenotype. Using chemically defined, 3D-printed hydrogel substrates with consistent physical properties, we varied carbon source composition to identify its impact on biofilm assembly. Microscopic imaging showed that carbon substrate type strongly influenced biofilm self-organization with diffusible simple carbon substrates yielding relatively intermixed communities, whereas polymer-rich carbon substrates promoted a highly structured biofilm organization characterized by the dominance and peripheral localization of polymer-degrading species. Bioinformatic analyses of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) repertoires and genome-scale metabolic modeling suggested bidirectional metabolite exchange among the SynCom members, which was also supported by analysis of biofilm formation in conditioned community supernatants. Together, our findings suggest carbon substrate type as an important ecological determinant of biofilm self-organization, highlighting the need to integrate environmental factors alongside species composition and metabolic potential to fully understand and manipulate natural and engineered multispecies biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42661110,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, K and Chen, P and Wang, L and Zhu, C and Li, Y and Bei, W and He, S},
title = {Berberine Hydrochloride Attenuates Growth, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence Associated Phenotypes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Strain APP-2023.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42661110},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {DKYJ202204//Talent Introduction Project of Anhui Science and Technology University/ ; 32302854//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XK-XJGF002//Veterinary Science Peak Discipline Project of Anhui Science and Technology University/ ; },
mesh = {*Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae/drug effects/pathogenicity/growth & development/physiology/genetics ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Animals ; *Actinobacillus Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/veterinary ; Virulence/drug effects ; Mice ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; *Berberine/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Swine ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Phenotype ; Swine Diseases/microbiology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A. pleuropneumoniae), the causative agent of porcine contagious pleuropneumonia, poses significant economic threats to the global swine industry, further compounded by increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the antibacterial and antivirulence effects of berberine hydrochloride (BBH) against A. pleuropneumoniae strain APP-2023 using in vitro assays and a murine infection model. BBH exhibited measurable antibacterial activity against the tested strain, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 312.5 µg/mL, indicating relatively modest growth-inhibitory potency. At subinhibitory concentrations, BBH reduced crystal violet-stained surface-associated biofilm biomass and increased bacterial susceptibility to oxidative and osmotic stress. Treated bacteria displayed marked morphological alterations including cell elongation, accompanied by reduced transcription of cell division genes ftsZ and ftsA. In the murine challenge model, infection with BBH-pretreated bacteria resulted in improved survival and reduced pulmonary bacterial burden. These findings provide preliminary evidence that BBH attenuates several virulence-associated phenotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae strain APP-2023 and warrant further mechanistic and translational studies in multiple strains and natural porcine infection models.},
}

*Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae/drug effects/pathogenicity/growth & development/physiology/genetics
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Animals
*Actinobacillus Infections/microbiology/drug therapy/veterinary
Virulence/drug effects
Mice
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/administration & dosage
*Berberine/pharmacology/administration & dosage
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Swine
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Disease Models, Animal
Female
Phenotype
Swine Diseases/microbiology/drug therapy

@article {pmid42662764,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, C and Mazurel, D and Yang, J and Ligtenberg, AJM and Deng, D},
title = {From adhesion to biofilm: strain-specific and environmental factors shaping Streptococcus mutans biofilms.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100391},
pmid = {42662764},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen in dental caries and adheres to tooth surfaces via the surface protein SpaP, which binds salivary agglutinin (SAG). However, the extent to which adherence properties influence subsequent biofilm formation remains unclear. This study investigated biofilm formation of S. mutans strains with varying adherence properties on glass surfaces with or without a crude SAG (cSAG) coating prepared from human parotid saliva, under static or laminar flow conditions, and in mono- or multispecies conditions. Green-fluorescent protein-labeled S. mutans strains (V403, NG8, C67-1, and UA159) were tested using the Calgary Biofilm device (CBD) and the BioFlux™ microfluidic system. Following a 2 h adhesion phase and 10 h of biofilm development, adherence and biofilm formation were quantified using resazurin assay or image analysis. cSAG coating enhanced adherence and biofilm formation under flow in strains V403, NG8, and C67-1, whereas UA159 showed low adherence and almost no biofilm formation under flow. All strains formed substantially more biofilm under flow than under static conditions, with increases exceeding 200-fold for V403 and NG8. Under laminar flow, the presence of a multispecies community generally reduced the amount of S. mutans in biofilms. In conclusion, cSAG coating promoted both adherence and biofilm formation, particularly under flow conditions. However, variation in initial cSAG-mediated adherence among S. mutans strains did not predict subsequent biofilm formation. Instead, biofilm formation was influenced by multiple factors, including strain-specific characteristics, flow conditions, and microbial community composition.},
}

@article {pmid42648151,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Ma, W and Ouyang, Y and Zhong, D and Cheng, P and Ma, J},
title = {Dynamic remodeling of pipe material interfacial properties: Intervention effects on biofilm in water distribution networks and multi-omics insights.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt A},
pages = {126523},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126523},
pmid = {42648151},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Biofilm contamination in water distribution networks (WDNs) persistently threatens water safety and operational efficiency, representing a critical public health challenge. Herein, we develop an environmentally adaptive, pH-responsive, and non-leaching antibacterial coating strategy to construct a durable bio-safe interface on pipe walls. Leveraging polydopamine (PDA) for robust interfacial adhesion, the coating incorporated chitosan and gelatin to form a stable composite layer. The engineered surface exhibited superhydrophilicity, low roughness, and elevated total pipe-bacteria interaction energy (ΔG[TOT]), and reversible surface charge switching in response to pH variations. Such features enable environmentally triggered antibacterial responses, enhancing both bacterial repulsion and inactivation. Owing to its positively charged and structurally disruptive interface, the coating synergized with free chlorine (Cl2) to potentiate antimicrobial efficacy. Under long-term flow conditions simulating actual WDNs operation, this combination achieved up to a 3-log reduction of adhered bacteria, effectively delaying colonization and suppressing biofilm matrix formation. Multi-omics analyses revealed that the coating molecularly inhibited biofilm establishment by downregulating key pathways such as quorum sensing, simultaneously limiting microbial exchange between the water and biofilm phases, thereby promoting pronounced inter-phase community divergence. This study establishes a new paradigm for constructing bio-safe interfaces and safeguarding water supply reliability.},
}

@article {pmid42648604,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, FS and Chan, YJ and Liu, YC and Chen, A and Kuan, YC and Chen, CJ},
title = {Diagnostic performance of a portable autofluorescence imaging system (Qraycam PRO) for the detection of mature supragingival biofilm: a tooth-level diagnostic accuracy study.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105634},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105634},
pmid = {42648604},
issn = {1873-1597},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Conventional plaque indices are operator-dependent and subject to substantial inter- and intra-examiner variability. Portable autofluorescence imaging-based on red autofluorescence from bacterial porphyrins-has been proposed as a chairside adjunct, but its diagnostic accuracy across different levels of biofilm maturity remains insufficiently characterized. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the portable Qraycam PRO autofluorescence imaging system for the detection of supragingival dental plaque, using disclosed-plaque scoring as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study, 40 systemically healthy adults underwent autofluorescence imaging of the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth (FDI 13-23 and 33-43). After exclusion of missing or prosthetically restored teeth, 467 tooth surfaces were available for analysis. Fluorescence images were acquired before application of a two-tone plaque disclosing agent to avoid spectral interference; the Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI) was then recorded for each surface. The presence or absence of red autofluorescence was scored independently from the stored images. To accommodate intra-subject clustering, Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with an exchangeable working correlation structure were used to estimate sensitivity, specificity, and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at two thresholds: any biofilm (PI ≥ 1) and mature biofilm (PI ≥ 2). Reporting follows the STARD 2015 guidelines.

RESULTS: At the PI ≥ 1 threshold the system showed a sensitivity of 19.64% (95% CI 15.41-24.69) and a specificity of 93.58% (95% CI 89.12-96.29) (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI 2.04-6.52; P < 0.001); at PI ≥ 2, sensitivity rose to 33.64% (95% CI 25.49-42.89) and specificity remained high at 91.60% (95% CI 88.26-94.05) (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI 2.63-8.80; P < 0.001). The red-fluorescence detection rate increased monotonically with biofilm maturity (6.42% at PI = 0, 10.59% at PI = 1, 23.29% at PI = 2, and 54.05% at PI = 3).

CONCLUSIONS: The portable Qraycam PRO autofluorescence imaging system demonstrated a maturity-selective diagnostic profile-high specificity (> 90%) combined with limited sensitivity for immature biofilm-consistent with its proposed porphyrin-dependent mechanism. The device is therefore best positioned as a confirmatory chairside adjunct for the identification of clinically significant mature biofilm rather than a stand-alone screening tool, and may contribute to objective plaque-site identification during patient motivation and supportive periodontal therapy.},
}

@article {pmid42648689,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, L and Xie, J and Zhang, L and Kong, L and Deng, P and Huang, J and Wang, W and Wu, S and He, S and Cheng, S},
title = {Substrate filling ratio affects nitrogen removal and antibiotic resistance risk in modular moving bed constructed wetland: Biofilm-mediated microbial community succession and resistome profiles reshaping.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125574},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125574},
pmid = {42648689},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely used for advanced treatment of wastewater treatment plant effluents and their nitrogen (N) removal performance is often inhibited by antibiotics. Biofilms on CW substrates play a fundamental role in pollutant biodegradation, microbial community stability and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dissemination. This study investigated the effects of substrate filling ratios (90% and 60%) in modular moving bed constructed wetlands (MMB-CWs) on operational performance, biofilm properties and antibiotic resistance risks. The MMB-CW with higher substrate filling ratio exhibited a better N removal efficiency of 83.7% and a significant reduction of nitrous oxide emission by 72.6%. The higher substrate filling ratio increased the protein/polysaccharide ratio of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), potentially forming a hydrophobic barrier and structured a highly modular microbial network with pronounced niche differentiation. Genome-centric analysis revealed that core taxa carrying denitrification and anammox genes (narG, narH, nirS, nosZ, hzs, hdh) enriched by 1.5- to 12.6-fold in abundance in the MMB-CW with 90% substrate filling ratio. Notably, Desulfobacillus increased by 1.7-fold in abundance, which served as a keystone species driving denitrification, EPS construction, oxidative stress adaptation and energy production. The elevated abundances of enzymes catalyzing key electron- and energy-generating steps in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and denitrification enzymes drove a more complete denitrification process. The highly modular network restricted horizontal gene transfer of ARGs, mitigated the enrichment of pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (PARBs) and occurrence of high-risk ARGs in MMB-CW. The findings provide an optimization strategy for MMB-CW in view of treatment performance and ecological risk.},
}

@article {pmid42649018,
year = {2026},
author = {Fujishima, K and Hoshika, T and Watanabe, A and Oku, Y and Kudo, Y and Nishitani, Y and Tamaki, N},
title = {Inhibitory effects of surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer eluate on Candida albicans and commensal oral streptococci dual-species biofilm.},
journal = {Dental materials journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4012/dmj.2026-127},
pmid = {42649018},
issn = {1881-1361},
abstract = {Surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) fillers, a bioactive material, possess various biological functions. Various studies have investigated the bioactive effects of S-PRG fillers; however, their effects on biofilms formed by multiple microorganisms remain unclear. Recently, several cases of rampant caries onset and severe caries in childhood caused by coinfections with cariogenic bacteria and commensal oral fungi have been reported. This study evaluated the effects of S-PRG eluate on complex biofilms involved in the onset of rampant and severe caries. The amounts of biofilm formed by co-culturing cariogenic bacteria and fungus was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by the S-PRG eluate. Furthermore, intracellular oxidative stress increased in proportion to the S-PRG eluate. The results of this study suggest that oxidative stress generated by S-PRG eluate suppresses the formation of complex microbial biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42650660,
year = {2026},
author = {Facchin, A and Ratti, G and Mauri, I and Gazzonis, AL and Dall'Ara, P and Pollera, C and Rapi, MC and Lauzi, S},
title = {Phenotypic and Genetic Profile, Biofilm-Forming Ability and Antibiotic Sensibility of ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Complex from Fecal Samples of Cats in Italy.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080735},
pmid = {42650660},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {LINEA2_SLAUZ_2019_AA, Piano di Sostegno alla Ricerca UNIMI 2019: Zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in pets: a model study from the One health-One welfare perspective//University of Milan/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance mediated by ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is an emerging concern in both human and veterinary medicine, with companion animals increasingly considered relevant within the One Health framework. This study aimed to investigate the fecal carriage of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complex in cats from Italy and to characterize the strains by the phenotypic and genetic profile of ESBL production, virulent pathotypes, antibiotic resistance profile and biofilm production.

METHODS: Fecal samples collected from cats admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Milan (Italy) in 2020-2026 were bacteriologically and genetically analyzed.

RESULTS: All the Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated [4/200 (2%, 95% CI: 0.06-3.94%)] were ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complex isolates harboring blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV, and blaTEM genes. The isolates were detected with higher presence in cats with diarrhea and were found only in cats treated with antibiotics and hospitalized. All four ESBL-producing isolates were classified as the classical K. pneumoniae pathotype based on the negative string test results, the absence of reliable virulence genes used for pathotype identification (peg-344, iucA, rmpA and rmpA2), and the lack of K1 and K2 serotypes, despite the detection of terB and irp2 virulence genes in one and two isolates, respectively. All four ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complexes were classified as multidrug-resistant, with resistance mainly observed to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, quinolones and folate antagonists. All four ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complexes demonstrated biofilm-forming abilities, with two isolates showing weak adhesion, one moderate adhesion, and one strong adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS: The detection of ESBL genes together with the MDR pattern, biofilm-forming capacity and selected virulence determinants suggests the potential epidemiological relevance of cats in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant K. pneumoniae complexes, underscoring the need for strengthened surveillance and prevention strategies in veterinary settings to provide information to pet cat owners and children who may interact with stray cats, in full implementation of the One Health approach.},
}

@article {pmid42650661,
year = {2026},
author = {Mayombo Ngoussou, E and Mabika Mabika, R and Ampa, R and Zong Minko, O and Ondjiangui, LF and Mounioko, F and Mbadinga Mackanga, F and Litchangou Bouka, FS and Mambu, M and Yala, JF},
title = {Biofilm-Forming Capacity and fimH Gene Prevalence Among Uropathogenic Klebsiella spp. in Gabon: Assessing the Link with Resistance to Third-Generation Cephalosporins and Aminoglycosides.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080736},
pmid = {42650661},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bacteria of the genus Klebsiella are opportunistic pathogens frequently responsible for severe urinary tract infections (UTIs). Biofilm formation is a critical virulence factor that facilitates bacterial persistence and promotes the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to characterize the biofilm-forming capacity and the prevalence of the fimH adhesin gene among clinical Klebsiella isolates in Gabon, and to evaluate their association with resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides.

METHODS: A total of 114 urinary isolates, including Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 96), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 7), and Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 11), were analyzed. Biofilm formation was assessed using the crystal violet staining method and quantified by spectrophotometry. The fimH gene was detected using conventional PCR. Susceptibility to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, and amikacin was determined using an automated system.

RESULTS: The study revealed that 81.58% of the clinical Klebsiella isolates were biofilm producers. Quantitative analysis showed a predominance of weak (43.86%) and moderate (26.32%) producers, while only 5.26% were categorized as strong producers. The fimH gene was detected in 95.61% of the isolates, reaching 100% prevalence in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Interestingly, non-biofilm-producing Klebsiella spp. isolates exhibited the highest resistance rates to 3GC (67.90% for both cefotaxime and ceftazidime), suggesting that resistance to this class may be independent of biofilm-forming capacity in this cohort. Conversely, the highest resistance rates to aminoglycosides were observed among strong biofilm producers, reaching 60% for gentamicin and 40% for amikacin.

CONCLUSIONS: Uropathogenic Klebsiella spp. in Gabon exhibit a high capacity for biofilm formation, with resistance patterns appearing to be antibiotic-class dependent. These findings suggest that considering biofilm phenotypes could be relevant for microbiological surveillance to improve the understanding of UTI resistance dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42650664,
year = {2026},
author = {Dittmer, M and Liegenfeld, SC and Krueger, N and Geffken, M and Delle Coste, A and Schoeller, C and Alio, I and Streit, WR and Stuermer, EK},
title = {Interkingdom Biofilms in Chronic Wounds: The Collaboration of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus Against Conventional Wound Antiseptics in a Wound-like Leucocyte-Rich Human Plasma Biofilm Model (lhBIOM).},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080739},
pmid = {42650664},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic wounds are frequently associated with biofilms, in which not only bacterial but also fungal pathogens can impair wound healing. Among the most relevant opportunistic pathogens is Staphylococcus aureus; together with Candida albicans, both are part of the human skin microbiome but can also colonize chronic wounds. Interkingdom biofilms formed by these microorganisms have been shown to exacerbate the course of diseases compared to infections caused by either species alone.

METHODS: To address the limited number of studies examining fungal-bacterial interactions in wound environments, leucocyte-rich human plasma biofilm models (lhBIOMs) inoculated with S. aureus and C. albicans were prepared. The efficacy of the commonly used clinical antiseptics octenidine dihydrochloride/phenoxyethanol (OCT/PE) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) was examined using the quantitative suspension method (QSM). In addition, spatial distribution and morphology of the microorganisms within this biofilm model were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

RESULTS: In this study, the presence of S. aureus triggered an increase in the formation of filamentation of C. albicans in contrast to the single-species biofilm. In addition, treatment with the tested antimicrobial agents was effective against C. albicans after repetitive applications and showed a clear reduction against S. aureus. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis of the co-culture revealed increased growth of S. aureus in the control culture compared to the single-species model.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the pathogenic relevance of interkingdom biofilms in chronic wounds and emphasize the importance of effective species-independent antimicrobial treatment strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42650692,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Li, J and Deng, S and Lei, J and Gao, L and Li, X and Gao, L and Yuan, Y and Wu, H and Zhai, Y and Liu, J},
title = {Associations of Biofilm Capacity with Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae from Chickens in Henan, China, 2023-2025.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080767},
pmid = {42650692},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {32072914//National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant/ ; 221111111300//Key R&D Program of Henan Province under Grant/ ; },
abstract = {Background:Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that can cause respiratory diseases in chickens. The aim of this study was to investigate the biofilm formation, resistance, and virulence of K. pneumoniae isolates from chickens in Henan Province, China, between 2023 and 2025, and to analyze the associations among these characteristics. Methods: We identified the isolates through blood agar culture, Gram staining and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Hypermucoviscosity phenotype, biofilm-forming ability, antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes were assessed by the string test, crystal violet assay, disk diffusion and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Results: A total of 102 K. pneumoniae isolates were identified. Of these, 81.4% were biofilm-forming strains, and 15.7% exhibited the hypermucoviscosity phenotype. The susceptibility profiles of the K. pneumoniae isolates indicated high resistance to penicillins (>90.0%) and low resistance to carbapenems (<10%), with 88.2% identified as multidrug-resistant. The results of virulence gene detection indicated that luxS (79.4%), mrkD (75.5%), and uge (73.5%) were the most prevalent virulence genes, followed by wabG (49.0%), ybtA (34.3%), and iucA (20.6%). The association analysis indicated that biofilm formation was significant association with multidrug-resistant and the carriage of virulence genes. Compared with non-biofilm-forming isolates, biofilm-forming isolates showed significantly higher resistance to ceftiofur and florfenicol, as well as higher detection rates of luxS, mrkD, and uge (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The data obtained in this study reveal the pathogenic potential and multidrug-resistant characteristics of this pathogen, highlighting the need for surveillance and monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid42650708,
year = {2026},
author = {Goroftei, L and Popescu, CM and Profir, I and Jalba, GA and Gurau, G},
title = {Biofilm-Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance in Pediatric Klebsiella pneumoniae Urinary Tract Infections: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Challenges, and Therapeutic Strategies.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080783},
pmid = {42650708},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are an increasing challenge in pediatric practice due to the combined effects of biofilm formation, multidrug resistance (MDR), and limited therapeutic options for children. Biofilm development promotes bacterial persistence by impairing antibiotic penetration, enabling metabolic adaptation, promoting persister-cell formation, facilitating horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and inducing stress-induced mutagenesis, thereby reducing the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapy. These mechanisms are further compounded by pediatric-specific challenges, including age-dependent pharmacokinetic variability, congenital urinary tract abnormalities, device-associated infections, and the limited availability of validated diagnostic tools for biofilm-associated infections. This narrative review integrates current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance with the unique diagnostic, pharmacological, and therapeutic challenges encountered in pediatric patients with K. pneumoniae UTIs. Emerging therapeutic strategies, such as optimized antibiotic combination therapy, bacteriophages, biofilm matrix-degrading enzymes, quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and microbiome-directed approaches are critically evaluated with particular emphasis on their potential applicability in children. Although several anti-biofilm strategies have demonstrated encouraging results in experimental models, robust pediatric clinical evidence remains scarce. Current international guidelines continue to rely primarily on planktonic antimicrobial susceptibility testing without addressing biofilm-specific therapeutic considerations. In the absence of validated biofilm diagnostics, catheter stewardship and dosing optimization remain the most defensible clinical interventions available today. Broader translation of anti-biofilm strategies into pediatric practice will require dedicated pharmacokinetic studies, standardized biofilm diagnostics, and prospective clinical trials.},
}

@article {pmid42650712,
year = {2026},
author = {Dyce, H and Schweiger, P and Patel, R and Johnson, S and Sharp, I and Schwan, WR},
title = {Global Transcriptional Differences in Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm-Associated Genes in a brpR Mutant Compared to Wild-Type Strain.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080787},
pmid = {42650712},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {//Mayo Clinic/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Staphylococcus aureus causes bloodstream and skin infections in humans. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains means new antibiotics are needed. A novel antimicrobial drug named SK-03-92, a synthetic aromatic organic stilbenoid compound, kills S. aureus cells within 30 min, but an increase in both biofilm formation and persister cells occurs. SK-03-92 treatment downregulates transcription of the biofilm regulating protein regulator (brpR) gene and biofilm regulating protein sensor (brpS) gene in S. aureus. BrpR/BrpS system may be a LytTR regulatory system tied to biofilm formation, creation of persister cells, and late-stage competence in S. aureus. The aim of this study was to determine what biofilm, late-stage competence, and persister-associated genes were regulated in a brpR mutant compared to wild-type strains. Methods: In this study, involvement of BrpR in regulating other genes was assessed by comparing transcriptional changes in a brpR mutant strain to the S. aureus parent strain via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Bioinformatic analysis was then performed on the RNA-Seq data to assess what biochemical pathways might be involved. Results: From these analyses, 440 genes were identified that had significant differences in transcript abundance when comparing the brpR mutant to wild-type strains. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed bacA, icd, metE, and pdhA transcript levels were lower, whereas alr and mraY were higher in the brpR mutant versus wild-type strain. Furthermore, an enzymatic assay targeting NADH production from the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex showed lower levels in the mutant compared to wild-type strain. Conclusions: Overall, the study demonstrated several biosynthetic pathways tied to biofilm formation and late-stage competency may be regulated by BrpR and some potential leads for the mechanism of action of the SK-03-92 drug were uncovered.},
}

@article {pmid42650733,
year = {2026},
author = {Chinwatanawongwan, B and Jarungvittayakon, C and Wongsak, S and Sa-Ngasoongsong, P and Sae-Chew, P and Rujirawat, T and Payattikul, P},
title = {Biofilm Removal and Bacterial Reduction Using a Low-Cost Ultrasonic Bath Sonicator with Povidone-Iodine on Polyethylene: An In Vitro Periprosthetic Joint Infection Model.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15080810},
pmid = {42650733},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Background: Biofilm formation on polyethylene surfaces contributes significantly to treatment failure in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). In certain clinical situations, such as discontinued implant systems, replacement polyethylene liners may be unavailable, necessitating more complex revision procedures. This study evaluated the efficacy of a low-cost ultrasonic bath sonicator for biofilm removal and bacterial reduction on polyethylene surfaces, with and without povidone-iodine. Methods: An exploratory in vitro experimental study was performed using twenty ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) coupons (1 × 1 cm, 3 mm thickness) allocated into five groups (n = 4/group): negative control, positive control, povidone-iodine only (PVP-I), sonication only (SON), and sonication with povidone-iodine (SON+PVP-I). Biofilm formation using Staphylococcus epidermidis was established through an optimized protocol developed from sequential pilot experiments. Residual biofilm was quantified using optical density at 600 nm (OD600), while viable bacterial burden was determined by colony-forming unit counts per milliliter (CFU/mL). Results: SON demonstrated the lowest residual biofilm burden (OD600 = 0.194), whereas no culturable bacteria were detected above the assay detection limit (<10 CFU/mL) in the SON+PVP-I group. SON alone resulted in the greatest reduction in residual biofilm biomass, while the addition of PVP-I was associated with reduced recovery of culturable bacteria. Conclusions: A low-cost ultrasonic bath sonicator effectively reduced residual biofilm biomass on polyethylene surfaces, while no culturable bacteria were detected following combined sonication and povidone-iodine treatment. These findings suggest that sonication and chemical disinfection may provide complementary roles in polyethylene decontamination strategies. However, because of the exploratory study design and non-equivalent bacterial recovery procedures across treatment groups, the bacterial recovery findings should be interpreted cautiously. Further studies are required before clinical application.},
}

@article {pmid42650800,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Q and Zhang, B and Aazmi, MS and Chen, L and Yahya, MFZR},
title = {Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles at the Crossroads of Immune Regulation and Biofilm Dynamics: Biogenesis, Comparative Analysis, and Translational Challenges.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom16081132},
pmid = {42650800},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism ; *Bacteria/immunology/metabolism ; Humans ; Animals ; Probiotics ; },
abstract = {Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are nano-sized lipid bilayer particles secreted by bacteria, capable of carrying various proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The biosynthetic pathway of BEVs determines their load components, physicochemical properties, and different biological activities. Increasing evidence indicates that BEVs play an important role in mediating host immune responses and the dynamic regulation of bacterial biofilms. Additionally, BEVs may serve as a molecular bridge between the two. BEVs derived from pathogens can trigger pro-inflammatory cascades, assist bacteria in immune evasion, and further accelerate the maturation of biofilms, forming a vicious cycle of persistent infection and inflammatory damage. In contrast, BEVs derived from probiotics can maintain host immune homeostasis and exert direct anti-biofilm and synergistic antibacterial effects, thereby breaking the pathological cycle. However, significant methodological research bottlenecks have greatly hindered the comparability and clinical translation of BEVs research. This article systematically summarizes the classification of BEVs and their biosynthetic mechanisms, compares the differential effects of BEVs from pathogenic bacteria and probiotic bacteria on immunity, clarifies the dual regulatory role of BEVs throughout the life cycle of biofilms, and highlights the bridging function of BEVs in the immune-biofilm interaction. Additionally, this article also discusses the current development of BEVs in clinical translation applications, such as vaccine development, antibiotic delivery, and mucosal inflammation intervention, and outlines the key industrial and clinical challenges faced in the future development of BEVs-based therapeutic approaches.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism
*Bacteria/immunology/metabolism
Humans
Animals
Probiotics

@article {pmid42652133,
year = {2026},
author = {Jeffery, S and Wakaf, A and Marlinghaus, L and Gatermann, S and Meyer, T and Gil, J and Jozic, I and Davis, SC},
title = {Cold Atmospheric Plasma Disrupts Microbial Wound Bioburden: In Vitro, Porcine MRSA Biofilm, and Clinical Fluorescence Evidence from Bench to Bedside.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomedicines14081750},
pmid = {42652133},
issn = {2227-9059},
abstract = {Background: Biofilm-associated microbial burden is a major barrier to wound healing and is increasingly difficult to control in the era of antimicrobial resistance. This translational study evaluated the antimicrobial performance and tissue compatibility of a commercially available large-area cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) system (CPTpatch[®]/CPTcube[®]; Coldplasmatech GmbH, Greifswald, Germany) across in vitro, porcine, and clinical patient settings. Methods: CAP was tested against seven wound-relevant bacterial species, including multidrug-resistant strains, and the fungus Candida albicans in vitro, in two porcine MRSA-infected deep dermal wound models, and in a clinical service-evaluation cohort of 20 chronic lower-limb wounds in 14 patients; 17 wounds had evaluable longitudinal MolecuLight[®] (Toronto, ON, Canada) fluorescence series. Results: In vitro, CAP induced rapid multi-log killing across the bacterial panel and showed a marked antifungal effect against C. albicans. In porcine MRSA wounds, CAP reduced bacterial burden versus sham by 1.65, 1.89, and 2.04 log10 CFU/g on Days 4, 8, and 11, equivalent to 97.8%, 98.7%, and 99.1% reductions. In a 72-h post-inoculation MRSA biofilm model, the strongest 5×/week regimen achieved 2.51 log10 (99.69%) and 3.18 log10 (99.93%) reductions versus baseline after 2- and 4-min CAP exposures, respectively. Clinically, twice-weekly CAP was associated with a significant decline in MolecuLight[®] fluorescence grades over 5 weeks (p < 0.001); effective surface disinfection at 5 weeks was observed in 16/17 evaluable wounds. Conclusions: From bench to bedside, the investigated CAP system delivered rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, reduced MRSA burden in biofilm-infected porcine wounds, and was associated with clinically measurable suppression of wound surface bioburden while remaining tissue-sparing. These findings support further controlled studies to define clinical benefit in wound care.},
}

@article {pmid42653358,
year = {2026},
author = {Smoter, S and Gajewska, J and Olszewska, MA},
title = {Impact of Nisin on Growth Inhibition and Biofilm Formation Capacity of Listeria monocytogenes.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27167355},
pmid = {42653358},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2022/45/B/NZ9/00299//National Science Centre/ ; },
mesh = {*Nisin/pharmacology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Listeria monocytogenes/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/genetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The effects of nisin on growth inhibition and biofilm formation were studied in two Listeria monocytogenes strains, LM_ATCC 19115 and LM_18, at concentrations ranging from 14 to 450 µg/mL. The maximum rate of OD600 increase (μmax) showed no significant concentration-dependent change in LM_ATCC 19115, whereas LM_18 exhibited a downward trend. Maximum OD600 dropped progressively and significantly at 225 and 450 µg/mL in both strains. Although concentrations of 14-56 µg/mL supported gradual growth that paralleled the control, the highest nisin concentrations significantly prolonged the lag phase of both strains and eventually decreased biomass by 64% and 51% for LM_ATCC 19115 and LM_18, respectively. Consequently, nisin reduced biofilm formation, with no biofilm observed for LM_ATCC 19115 at 450 µg/mL. However, both strains retained biofilm-forming capacity at 14-113 µg/mL concentrations. In LM_ATCC 19115, biofilm formation decreased independently of growth, along with significantly increased expression of the motility gene flaA and quorum sensing regulator agrA. In contrast, for LM_18, biofilm reduction corresponded to growth inhibition, with significant downregulation of the virulence gene hly. The observed strain-specific patterns of growth and biofilm formation warrant further investigation with a broader range of strains to better define and address the limitations of nisin application.},
}

*Nisin/pharmacology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Listeria monocytogenes/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/genetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42653718,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, J and Huang, X and Wu, S and Xu, X and Wu, S and Zhai, Y and Bao, J},
title = {Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in Dysbiosis-Related Oral Biofilm Diseases: Antibiofilm, Antivirulence and Host Response Evidence.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ph19081221},
pmid = {42653718},
issn = {1424-8247},
support = {232102310320//Foundation of Science & Technology Department of Henan Province of China/ ; 25A320004//Natural Science Foundation of Education Department of Henan Province/ ; 242102310376//Foundation of Science & Technology Department of Henan Province of China/ ; 2203015//Foundation of the Science and Technology Department of Kaifeng City of Henan Province/ ; 2203018//Foundation of the Science and Technology Department of Kaifeng City of Henan Province/ ; HX20240114//Commercial Research Funds with Vectura Fertin Pharma/ ; MMCB-OP-2023-03//Foundation of the KeyLab of Medical Molecular Cell Biology of Shanxi Province and Shanxi University/ ; HUSSYS2024005//the Foundation for Young Scholars in the School of Stomatology of Henan University/ ; },
abstract = {Dysbiosis-related oral biofilm diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal diseases, pose major global health challenges because ecological shifts within oral microbial communities enhance biofilm virulence, resilience, and host inflammatory responses. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties, has attracted increasing interest as an investigational, ecology-oriented adjunct for oral health applications. This narrative review evaluates current antibiofilm, antivirulence, and host response evidence for CBD in dysbiosis-related oral biofilm diseases, with emphasis on dental caries and periodontal diseases and selected supportive evidence from other oral biofilm-associated conditions. Current evidence suggests that CBD can inhibit biofilm formation, attenuate cariogenic and fungal virulence traits, modulate periodontal inflammation and immunity, and support tissue-protective responses. However, most evidence remains preclinical and model-dependent, particularly in caries research, and CBD's hydrophobicity, limited stability, uncertain dose windows, and incomplete microbiome-level evidence remain major barriers to translation. Future studies should clarify CBD's ecological effects on oral microbial communities, define clinically relevant dosing and exposure timing, and develop oral-retentive delivery systems.},
}

@article {pmid42654047,
year = {2026},
author = {Hudecová, P and Ondrašovičová, S and Hajdučková, V and Dančová, N and Gregová, G and Mačák, L and Velgosová, O and Ondrašovičová, J and Király, J},
title = {Comparison of the Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized with Lavandula angustifolia Extract and Lavender Essential Oil Against Multidrug-Resistant and Biofilm-Forming Staphylococcus Species.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {18},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics18080930},
pmid = {42654047},
issn = {1999-4923},
support = {APVV-23-0488//Slovak Research and Development Agency/ ; VEGA 1/0091/26//Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sports of the Slovak Republic/ ; KEGA 018UVLF-4/2025//Cultural and Educational Grant Agency of the Slovak Republic/ ; KEGA 009UVLF-4/2025//Cultural and Educational Grant Agency of the Slovak Republic/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming staphylococci pose a threat to the sustainability of public health, livestock health and the ecosystem. Pathogenic potential with a worsening prognosis of therapy is mainly due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or multidrug-resistant Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci (NASM). Alternative approaches based on the use of biosynthesized nanoparticles or substances of natural origin appear to be promising solutions to the problem of ineffective suppression of infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: The aim of this study was to monitor and compare the biological effects of silver nanoparticles prepared by green synthesis using Lavandula angustifolia and lavender essential oil. In particular, the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and biofilm-eradicating effects against biofilm-forming and multidrug-resistant reference strains and field isolates of staphylococci were monitored. Results: AgNPs inhibited the growth and formation of biofilms of S. aureus strains at a concentration of 0.05 μg/μL, but clinical NASM at 0.025 μg/μL. Sensitivity to Lavender essential oil (LEO) was the same against all tested staphylococcal strains, with an antibacterial MIC of 0.901 μg/μL. The essential oil also had an effect on biofilm formation against all tested strains, but its effect was recorded at a tenfold lower concentration (antibiofilm MIC = 0.0901 μg/μL). No eradication activity was recorded for either tested substance. Their activity against the formed biofilms was not recorded. Conclusions: The results demonstrate promising antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of biosynthesized AgNPs and lavender essential oil under in vitro conditions. These findings support further investigation of these materials as potential alternative antimicrobial approaches, particularly in combination with conventional antimicrobial agents.},
}

@article {pmid42654128,
year = {2026},
author = {Dumitru, CN and Dumitru, AO and Marcu, T and Earar, K and Matei, NM and Dumitriu Buzia, O},
title = {Biomimetic and Locally Active Drug Delivery Systems for the Oral Biofilm and Periodontal Pocket: Formulation Strategies, Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {18},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics18081011},
pmid = {42654128},
issn = {1999-4923},
support = {RO50411550//"Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati/ ; },
abstract = {Periodontitis and dental caries remain among the most prevalent chronic diseases, and their local treatment is limited less by the choice of active agent than by the difficulty of sustaining therapeutic concentrations against salivary and crevicular clearance, the mucosal barrier and the biofilm matrix. This narrative review (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science; 2010-2026; 118 sources) maps five mechanistic classes-mucoadhesive, in situ gelling, stimuli-responsive, nano-/microparticulate and biomimetic-alongside marketed sustained-release products onto the specific barrier each addresses and onto an explicit translational gradient. The barriers are quantified rather than described: a pocket of ≈0.5 µL perfused at ≈20 µL/h turns over some 40 times hourly, giving an intra-crevicular half-life of about one minute, and the inflamed pocket is neutral-to-alkaline (pH 7.4-8.5), so acid-triggered release is a cariogenic and not a periodontal strategy, whereas alkaline-triggered release remains an open design space. A dose calculation from these figures identifies payload potency and deliverable mass, not carrier retention, as the binding constraint on phytocompound delivery. Because no single class overcomes all barriers, hybrid nano-in-macro architectures are analysed as the structural solution. Measured against a marketed benchmark of ≈0.3 mm additional probing-depth reduction, progress now depends on consolidation rather than on novelty.},
}

@article {pmid42654549,
year = {2026},
author = {Qi, L and Wang, J and Zhang, X and Jia, H and Wu, Y and Wen, H},
title = {Evaluation of Aquaporin-Incorporated Forward Osmosis Membrane and Biofilm Carrier Materials in a Novel Osmotic Membrane Bioreactor for Low-Temperature Rural Sewage Treatment.},
journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ma19163395},
pmid = {42654549},
issn = {1996-1944},
support = {U23B20165//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 24481201D//Innovation Capacity Enhancement Program of Hebei Province/ ; TGCYY-F-0103//Cangzhou Institute of Tiangong University/ ; },
abstract = {Transforming traditional membrane bioreactors (MBRs) into forward osmosis membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) is a highly challenging yet promising technological upgrade. Although both combine biological treatment and membrane separation, their core driving forces and operating mechanisms are completely different (an MBR is pressure-driven, while an OMBR is osmosis-driven). In this paper, a novel OMBR with an integrated fixed biofilm (BF-OMBR) was tested for the treatment of synthetic rural wastewater using fertilizer potassium chloride (KCl) as the draw solution (DS) and a commercial aquaporin Inside[TM] forward osmosis (FO) membrane. A bench-scale investigation was conducted to compare the BF-OMBR with traditional OMBRs and MBRs. The experimental data suggested that the reactor with aquaporin membranes contributed to a higher water flux than traditional TFC membranes, while immobilized biofilms improved the total nitrogen removal rate compared to normal OMBRs. The integration of these two technologies in the BF-OMBR system appears to leverage these individual benefits. Its TOC and ammonia nitrogen removal efficiencies were also better than those of the other two bioreactors. Meanwhile, the BF-OMBR successfully controlled the salinity build-up to a level not exceeding 2.5 mS/cm over 90 days of operation. This novel osmotic bioreactor may represent a possible alternative approach to overcoming the challenges of low-temperature and low-C/N-ratio rural sewage treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42654734,
year = {2026},
author = {Sheikh, SW and Ali, A and Ahsan, A and Shang, F and Xue, T and Gollahon, L},
title = {Prevention and Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms Using Promising Agr-QS-Targeting Anti-Biofilm Agents.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15080795},
pmid = {42654734},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {NA//Texas Tech Association of Biologists/ ; NA//TechASM/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; Humans ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Bacterial Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; *Trans-Activators/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a leading cause of nosocomial infections, contributes significantly to increased morbidity and mortality, especially when it forms biofilms on medical devices. This pathogen, specifically methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), remains a challenge to treat due to its ability to form biofilms and rapidly develop resistance against antibiotics. Biofilm formation allows bacteria to adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, creating a protective matrix that shields them from immune responses and antibiotic therapies. The widespread prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus biofilms poses a significant therapeutic challenge in clinical settings. Several novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to combat S. aureus biofilm-associated infections. Accumulating evidence suggests that natural plants and their derivatives possess antimicrobial and chemo preventive properties that can disrupt established biofilms. Several plant-derived compounds with anti-biofilm activities have been reported to target the regulatory proteins involved in the Agr quorum sensing (Agr-QS) system, underscoring their potential as therapeutic candidates for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-associated infections. However, despite these encouraging findings, clinical validation of these plant-based agents is essential to ensure their efficacy, safety, and optimal application in treating S. aureus biofilm infections. The continued exploration of natural biofilm inhibitors anticipates the urgent need for new treatments to combat biofilm-associated infections and multidrug-resistant pathogens like MRSA. This review provides a detailed overview of preventive and therapeutic interventions to eradicate biofilm-forming S. aureus infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
Humans
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy/microbiology/prevention & control
*Bacterial Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
*Trans-Activators/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects

@article {pmid42654745,
year = {2026},
author = {Castro, VS and Bumunang, EW and Yang, X and Porto, YD and de Souza Figueiredo, EE and Stanford, K},
title = {Phenotypic and Genomic Divergence in Biofilm Formation in STEC and Non-STEC Escherichia coli: The Impact of Genomic Plasticity on the Virulence and Persistence of Bovine Isolates.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15080807},
pmid = {42654745},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {FOS.02.2//Beef Cattle Research Council/ ; 202553598R//RDAR/ ; //Alberta Beef Producers'/ ; IT44231 + IT52108//Mitacs/ ; 404459/2024-2 + 202918/2025-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; PDPGCENTOESTE3084571P//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; SE-DEC-PRO-2022/02316//Secretaria de Estado de Desenvolvimento Econômico de Mato Grosso (SE-DEC-MT)/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Animals ; Cattle ; *Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/pathogenicity/classification ; *Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; Phenotype ; Virulence/genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/classification ; Genetic Variation ; *Cattle Diseases/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen of global relevance whose persistence in food processing environments is frequently mediated by biofilm formation. The acquisition of stx prophages and associated regulatory mutations can impose adaptive restrictions on this phenotype. This study analyzed 216 whole-genome sequences (WGS) to investigate the genomic determinants of biofilm formation in a diverse collection of E. coli isolates (STEC and non-STEC) isolated from cattle feedlots. Genomes were characterized for serogroup, MLST, stx subtyping, integrity of the mlrA and rpoS regulators, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the csg/bcs operons, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and plasmid replicons. The biofilm phenotype was quantitatively evaluated using a crystal violet assay at 15 °C for 96 h. Results demonstrated higher biofilm forming ability among non-STEC isolates compared to STEC strains, with strains simultaneously carrying both stx1 and stx2 exhibiting the lowest prevalence of biofilm formation (3.3%). Although the rpoS mutation did not show a significant overall association (p = 0.354) with biofilm formation, it was universally present across all O157:H7 isolates, and likely enhanced mlrA disruption toward csgD repression. In addition, stx-positive isolates accumulated significantly more SNPs in the curli (csg) and cellulose (bcs) structural genes. Exploratory gene-level association tests and multiple correspondence analysis further indicated that stx status was associated with broader differences in non-stx accessory gene composition. In addition, there was no statistical association between AMR classes and biofilm-forming capacity. Furthermore, STEC strains demonstrated a lower frequency of resistance to aminoglycosides, phenicols, and tetracyclines. Finally, the plasmid replicons IncX1 and IncFII(pSE11) were present and associated with biofilm-positive isolates. In conclusion, biofilm suppression in STEC suggests a multifactorial and evolutionary phage-induced regulatory trade-off, whereas biofilm persistence in non-STEC strains is independently driven by mobile genetic elements and potential accessory determinants.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Animals
Cattle
*Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/pathogenicity/classification
*Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology/veterinary
Phenotype
Virulence/genetics
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Genome, Bacterial
Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics
Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Whole Genome Sequencing
*Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/classification
Genetic Variation
*Cattle Diseases/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology

@article {pmid42654805,
year = {2026},
author = {Cristina, ML and Schinca, E and Piccinini, C and Cima, S and Ottria, G and Dupont, C and Carbone, A and Sartini, M},
title = {Long-Term Environmental Surveillance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Hospital Water Distribution System: Trends in Prevalence, Biofilm Formation, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15080868},
pmid = {42654805},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Humans ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Water Microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Water Supply ; Prevalence ; Environmental Monitoring ; Hospitals ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hospital water systems are major environmental reservoirs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but evidence on the long-term impact of Water Safety Plans (WSPs) on environmental prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-forming ability remains limited. This study evaluated the long-term occurrence of P. aeruginosa in a hospital water distribution system over a 15-year surveillance period.

METHODS: A 15-year environmental surveillance study was conducted in a tertiary-care hospital in Northern Italy. Water samples were cultured for P. aeruginosa, and recovered isolates were assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm-forming ability. Temporal trends were analysed using generalized linear and segmented logistic regression models.

RESULTS: Among 1696 water samples, the overall prevalence of P. aeruginosa was 2.93%, with a significant annual decline of 12% (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82-0.94; p < 0.001). Segmented regression identified a marked reduction after the fourth year (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06-0.55; p = 0.003). Over time, isolates shifted toward weak or non-biofilm-producing phenotypes while maintaining high antimicrobial susceptibility, with only one multidrug-resistant isolate detected.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term surveillance integrated within a comprehensive WSP was associated with reduced P. aeruginosa contamination, decreased biofilm-forming ability, and persistently low antimicrobial resistance.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Humans
Italy/epidemiology
*Water Microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Water Supply
Prevalence
Environmental Monitoring
Hospitals
Drug Resistance, Bacterial

@article {pmid42654810,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, K and Zhao, G and Zhang, Q and Zhang, X},
title = {Molecular Regulation of Biofilm Development in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Integrating Signal Transduction, Environmental Adaptation, and Antibiotic Resistance.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15080874},
pmid = {42654810},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {cstc2019jcyj-msxmX0253//Natural Science Foundation，Chongqing/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Stenotrophomonas maltophilia/physiology/drug effects/genetics ; *Signal Transduction ; Humans ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Quorum Sensing ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is increasingly recognized as a difficult-to-treat healthcare-associated opportunistic pathogen, particularly in critically ill and immunocompromised patients, in whom it causes severe respiratory, bloodstream, and device-associated infections. Its intrinsic resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, capacity to acquire additional resistance determinants, and ability to establish persistent biofilms substantially limit therapeutic options. This review integrates current knowledge of the structural basis, regulatory circuitry, and ecological interactions governing S. maltophilia biofilm development and examines how these processes converge with antimicrobial resistance. Biofilm formation is driven by coordinated adhesion and motility, extracellular matrix production, quorum sensing, cyclic di-GMP signaling, two-component regulatory systems, and adaptive responses to iron limitation and oxidative stress. Multidrug efflux systems contribute not only to antibiotic extrusion but also to membrane homeostasis, motility, stress adaptation, and biofilm-associated phenotypes, thereby providing a functional link between antimicrobial resistance and bacterial persistence. In polymicrobial communities, interspecies signaling and competitive or cooperative interactions further reshape biofilm architecture and antimicrobial tolerance. Collectively, current evidence indicates that S. maltophilia biofilm formation arises from interconnected regulatory networks rather than isolated molecular determinants. Targeting matrix assembly, signaling pathways, stress adaptation, or resistance-associated physiology may therefore complement conventional antimicrobial therapy. Future studies should prioritize clinically representative isolates, physiologically relevant multispecies models, and in vivo validation to translate mechanistic insights into effective anti-biofilm interventions.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Stenotrophomonas maltophilia/physiology/drug effects/genetics
*Signal Transduction
Humans
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Quorum Sensing
*Adaptation, Physiological

@article {pmid42654820,
year = {2026},
author = {Atazhanova, G and Badekova, K and Levaya, Y and Sabiyeva, A and Kacergius, T and Gabe, V and Kadyrova, I and Bakenova, A and Makhmutova, A and Sadyrbekov, D and Ainabayev, A and Smagulova, E},
title = {Anti-Biofilm Activity of (+)-Endo-Borneol Against Streptococcus mutans: Experimental Evaluation, Virulence Gene Expression Analysis, and Molecular Docking.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15162417},
pmid = {42654820},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {AP23488250//MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND HIGHER EDUCATION OF REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN/ ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans is the primary etiological agent of dental caries due to its ability to form acidogenic biofilms on tooth surfaces. Natural monoterpenes have attracted considerable interest as potential antibiofilm agents for oral healthcare. The present study investigated the antibiofilm activity and possible mechanism of action of (+)-endo-borneol isolated from the essential oil of Achillea millefolium against S. mutans. The chemical composition of the essential oil was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and (+)-endo-borneol was isolated by chromatographic separation. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated using the crystal violet biofilm assay, while antimicrobial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The influence of subinhibitory concentrations of (+)-endo-borneol on the expression of the biofilm-associated genes gtfB and yycF was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Molecular docking was performed to investigate ligand-protein interactions, using a ligand geometry pre-optimized by density functional theory (DFT, B3LYP/6-31G**). The essential oil inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation by up to 98%, whereas isolated (+)-endo-borneol reduced biofilm biomass by 97-98% at concentrations of 2-10 mg/mL. The MIC and MBC values of (+)-endo-borneol were 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of (+)-endo-borneol modulated the transcription of gtfB and yycF, indicating activation of bacterial regulatory responses. Molecular docking revealed favorable binding of (+)-endo-borneol to biofilm-related protein targets. These findings demonstrate that (+)-endo-borneol is a promising natural antibiofilm compound with potential application in the development of novel preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare products targeting S. mutans biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42655062,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, X and Chen, Y and Ji, Z and Zhang, Y and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y and Li, M},
title = {EGCG-Enhanced Ferrous-Activated Peroxydisulfate Processes for Shigella flexneri Biofilm Inactivation: Efficacy, Underlying Mechanisms, and Practical Implications.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14081717},
pmid = {42655062},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2025JC-YBMS-512//Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province/ ; 52000127//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22GXFW0018//Science and Technology Project of Xi'an/ ; 2017071CG/RC034(SXSF002)//Science and Technology Project of Xi'an/ ; 201906875037//China Scholarship Council/ ; },
abstract = {Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri), as a common foodborne and waterborne pathogen, poses a serious health threat, with its biofilm formation significantly increasing disinfection difficulty. Ferrous-activated peroxydisulfate (Fe[2+]/PDS) is effective for pollutant removal but limited by unstable Fe[2+]. To address this issue, the present study developed an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-enhanced Fe[2+]/PDS system for inactivating S. flexneri biofilms. The biofilm biomass and viability were assessed via crystal violet staining and CLSM. The results showed that comparable biomass reduction and inactivation was achieved with the EGCG-enhanced system at much lower iron loading. Mechanistic analysis revealed that compared with the original system, the EGCG-enhanced system maintained a higher effective Fe[2+] concentration, likely contributing to a more stable Fe[2+]/Fe[3+]redox cycle. High-valent Fe species and multiple reactive oxygen species were also observed in the enhanced system which might contribute to the biomass reduction and inactivation. Compared with the Fe[2+]/PDS system, the EGCG-enhanced system developed in this work achieved a broader pH adaptability and stronger anti-interference capability in tap water, and exhibited lower biological toxicity. These findings provide new perspectives for green disinfection technologies and agricultural waste utilization.},
}

@article {pmid42655096,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, W and Wu, W and Zuo, Y and Zhu, J and Zhang, F and Meng, C and Miao, X and Qin, T and Zhou, B and Gao, Q and Peng, D and Yin, Y},
title = {The Homoserine Dehydrogenase thrA Significantly Impairs Biofilm Formation, Stress Adaptation, and Virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14081751},
pmid = {42655096},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {JICZB-202617//2026 Year Interdisciplinary Research Project of Jiangsu Interdisciplinary Center for Zoonoses and Biosafety/ ; R2403//the Open Project Program of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/ ; 31600113//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a major opportunistic pathogen associated with a broad spectrum of hospital-and community-acquired infections. Biofilm formation contributes to bacterial persistence, stress tolerance, and host immune clearance. In this study, we constructed a transposon mutant library of the clinical K. pneumoniae strain KP20 using a mariner-based mutagenesis system and screened for mutants exhibiting defective biofilm formation. Targeted knockout of thrA significantly reduced biofilm formation and attenuated the adhesion and invasion of K. pneumoniae with respect to human airway epithelial Calu-3 cells and lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. These phenotypic changes are associated with altered transcription of the gene clusters responsible for type I and type III fimbria biosynthesis. Moreover, deletion of thrA compromised bacterial tolerance to acidic and alkaline stresses and increased susceptibility to phagocytosis by dendritic cells. In a murine infection model, thrA deletion significantly attenuated the virulence of K. pneumoniae and decreased bacterial colonization in target organs. Collectively, these findings indicate that thrA substantially contributes to biofilm formation, pH stress tolerance, host-cell interaction, and virulence in K. pneumoniae.},
}

@article {pmid42655167,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Tang, L and Gao, P and Li, J and Sun, X and Fang, J},
title = {Piezoelectric Nanocoatings on Bio-Interfaces: Microenvironment Remodeling, Biofilm Disruption, and Immunomodulatory Integration.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14081822},
pmid = {42655167},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {82301132//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; JCSZ2025678-19//Science and Technology Project of Jilin Province Financial Department/ ; YDZJ202401209ZYTS//the Key Program of Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province/ ; 2026B27//Norman Bethune Program of Jilin University/ ; },
abstract = {Implant-associated infections (IAIs) persist as a critical complication in biomaterial transplantation, driven by rapid microbial colonization, biofilm encapsulation, and escalating antibiotic resistance. Conventional antibiotic-based treatments and passive antimicrobial coatings often fail to achieve long-term infection control due to limited biofilm penetration, localized cytotoxicity, and active agent depletion. To overcome these limitations, piezoelectric nanocomposite coatings utilize a dynamic, stimulus-responsive framework that converts physiological mechanical forces or external ultrasound into localized electrical signals. These surface-bound electric fields systematically mitigate bacterial adhesion, eradicate mature biofilms via targeted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, disrupt microbial metabolic pathways, and favorably modulate the peri-implant immune microenvironment while supporting host tissue repair. This review evaluates the material design principles and classifications of inorganic, organic, and hybrid piezoelectric nanocoatings. We detail their multifaceted antibacterial mechanisms and trace their therapeutic potential in orthopedic and dental implants, as well as wound management. Lastly, we analyze current engineering bottlenecks to chart a clear trajectory for their clinical translation.},
}

@article {pmid42641263,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Chen, H and Shen, Z and Liu, Z and Ren, Z and Zhang, J},
title = {Erythritol attenuates cariogenic traits in single-species models and alters bacterial composition in a dual-species biofilm.},
journal = {Archives of oral biology},
volume = {191},
number = {},
pages = {106730},
doi = {10.1016/j.archoralbio.2026.106730},
pmid = {42641263},
issn = {1879-1506},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of erythritol on functional cariogenic traits in separate single-species Streptococcus mutans and Lacticaseibacillus acidophilus models and to characterize relative species composition in a simplified dual-species biofilm.

DESIGN: Functional microbial, biochemical, structural, molecular, and hard-tissue outcomes were evaluated in separate single-species models. Species-specific qPCR was used to quantify the relative abundance of S. mutans and L. acidophilus in a simplified dual-species biofilm.

RESULTS: Erythritol reduced bacterial growth and viable colony formation in both species. Medium acidification was attenuated, with slower pH decline and lower lactic acid accumulation in erythritol-treated groups. Biofilm biomass and metabolic activity were lower at both 24 h and 48 h. In the dual-species biofilm, the relative abundance of S. mutans decreased, whereas that of L. acidophilus increased correspondingly. Microscopy showed reduced viable bacterial distribution, weaker dentin-surface adhesion, less compact biofilm architecture, and diminished extracellular matrix deposition. Separate single-species hard-tissue analyses demonstrated lower Ca2 + release, higher endpoint surface microhardness, lower surface hardness loss, and higher cross-sectional microhardness profiles. RT-qPCR showed reduced expression of selected virulence-related genes, particularly in S. mutans. Across most assays, the effects observed at 6% and 8% erythritol were similar.

CONCLUSIONS: Erythritol attenuated multiple cariogenic traits in separate single-species S. mutans and L. acidophilus assays and altered relative species composition in a dual-species biofilm. The composition data do not establish reduced dual-species functional virulence or clinical carioprotection.},
}

@article {pmid42641687,
year = {2026},
author = {Kumari Senarath Pathirana, HN and Flint, S and Palmer, J},
title = {Ion-dependent regulation of biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus: strain-specific trade-offs between cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix production.},
journal = {Journal of food protection},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100903},
doi = {10.1016/j.jfp.2026.100903},
pmid = {42641687},
issn = {1944-9097},
abstract = {Biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus is modulated by environmental factors; however, the influence of ionic composition on extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production and biofilm architecture remains insufficiently characterized. This study examined the individual and combined effects of monovalent (K[+]) and divalent (Ca[2][+], Mg[2][+]) cations on environmental (strain 5) and clinical (strains 8 and 10) biofilms under air-liquid wall (ALW) and submerged (SM) conditions. Viable cell counts (log10CFU/cm[2]), normalized protein concentration per viable cell (nProt), and normalized polysaccharide concentration per viable cell (nPol) were measured. ALW biofilms exhibited higher cell densities (4.40-6.49 log10CFU/cm[2]) than SM biofilms (4.13-6.01 log10CFU/cm[2]), reflecting enhanced oxygen-driven proliferation. Conversely, SM conditions yielded significantly higher nProt and nPol (p < 0.05), indicating that low oxygen promotes investment in the EPS matrix. The ion responses were strain specific. The oyster isolate Strain P5 maximized nPol/nProt with K[+] + Ca[2] + Mg[2] under seawater-mimicking conditions. Clinical Strain P8 peaked under K + Ca[2][+], whereas pandemic Strain P10 favored K[+] alone. Microscopy and three-dimensional surface plot analyses revealed relatively uniform biofilm layers at the ALW interface. In contrast, SM biofilms formed heterogeneous, tower-like structures, highlighting structural differences attributable to both ionic composition and strain. These findings demonstrate that cation composition and the interface regulate the balance between growth and matrix production in V. parahaemolyticus. Divalent cations enhance structural cohesion, whereas monovalent ions primarily support metabolic activity. This study provides a mechanistic framework linking ionic environments to biofilm architecture and emphasizes the importance of strain-specific responses in marine and food-associated environments.},
}

@article {pmid42641712,
year = {2026},
author = {Yakovlev, AY},
title = {Biofilm disruption vs. rapid resistance: Evaluating the role of Calliphora vicina defensin in Staphylococcus aureus clearance.},
journal = {Insect biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104665},
doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2026.104665},
pmid = {42641712},
issn = {1879-0240},
abstract = {Defensins are evolutionarily conserved antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) considered a cornerstone of innate immunity. However, the rapid emergence of resistance in pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus challenges our understanding of defensin efficacy in vivo. We used the blowfly Calliphora vicina-an insect adapted to pathogen-rich environments-to investigate S. aureus resistance dynamics. During an active immune response, defensin concentrations in larval hemolymph reach 11-16 μM. At these levels, purified defensin effectively eradicates both planktonic cells and pre-formed S. aureus biofilms (MBEC90 = 50 μg/mL). Crucially, S. aureus develops high-level genetic resistance to the defensin within only nine passages, and the total larval AMP complex fails to prevent this adaptation. Since defensin accounts for over 90% of the hemolymph's anti-Gram-positive activity, this rapid resistance renders the entire systemic humoral response ineffective from an evolutionary perspective. Our findings challenge the traditional view of defensins as a primary "first line of defense." Instead, we propose a "Final Clearance" hypothesis, suggesting that systemic AMPs act as a secondary precision tool to eliminate pathogens already decimated by cellular and enzymatic responses. This shift is vital for understanding innate immunity stability and developing sustainable antimicrobial strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42641927,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahsan, A and Kainth, N and Azroun, R and Barnes, TJ and Prestidge, CA},
title = {Engineering controlled antimicrobial delivery across biofilm matrix barriers: mechanics, transport and nanocarrier design.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115302},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.115302},
pmid = {42641927},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms are a major challenge for antimicrobial therapy because they function not only as structured microbial communities, but also as complex biological barriers to drug delivery. Biofilm-associated bacteria are embedded within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix that provides mechanical stability, regulates antimicrobial transport and generates heterogeneous microenvironments characterised by nutrient limitation, oxygen gradients and metabolically diverse bacterial subpopulations. As a result, therapeutic failure in mature biofilms often reflects a mismatch between antimicrobial activity and intra-biofilm delivery rather than insufficient drug potency alone. This review examines how EPS composition, architecture, viscoelasticity, molecular transport, physicochemical sequestration and bacterial physiology govern antimicrobial accessibility, local retention and therapeutic outcome. Matrix-remodelling strategies, including enzymatic degradation and quorum-sensing inhibition, are evaluated for their ability to weaken structural barriers and improve antimicrobial access. Building on these concepts, the review explores how nanocarrier-based delivery systems can be engineered to overcome transport limitations, optimise local therapeutic retention and control drug distribution within biofilms. Lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic, hybrid and stimuli-responsive platforms are critically considered in relation to particle size, surface charge, deformability, matrix affinity, controlled release, biodegradability and infection-site compatibility. Advanced experimental approaches, including confocal microscopy, rheological analysis, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, single-particle tracking and microfluidic platforms, are discussed as tools for linking formulation design with biofilm transport behaviour. By reframing biofilm eradication as a coupled mechanics-transport-biology problem, this review establishes barrier-guided design principles for next-generation antibiofilm therapies that integrate matrix disruption, controlled antimicrobial transport and sustained bacterial killing.},
}

@article {pmid42644614,
year = {2026},
author = {Petersen, HA and Chan, CH and Carpenter, GO and Tabari, MZ and Fields, JL and Zia, A and Rich-New, ST and Hochbaum, AI and Bond, DR and Wang, F},
title = {A bundled anti-parallel cytochrome nanowire structure suggests roles in cell-cell electron transfer and biofilm formation.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0090626},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00906-26},
pmid = {42644614},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Long-range extracellular electron transfer enables respiring microbes to use minerals, organisms, or electrodes as electron acceptors by transporting electrons microns away from the cell surface. This process is primarily studied in Geobacter sulfurreducens, which produces at least three distinct, micrometer-long, multiheme cytochrome nanowires capable of electron transfer. However, the distribution and higher-order structure of such nanowires remains largely unknown. Here, we employed cryo-electron microscopy to determine the atomic structure of a unique cytochrome nanowire from Desulfuromonas soudanensis WTL, a halophilic, iron- and electrode-reducing bacterium from deep subsurface brine. These filaments are based on an OmcE tetraheme cytochrome homolog that assembles into highly ordered bundles of anti-parallel filaments. Electronic measurements of purified nanowire bundle films reveal that these bundles are conductive, with conductance increasing in a concentration-dependent manner. The apparent midpoint potential of these OmcE bundles was -145 mV vs SHE. They exhibit redox activity over a ~370 mV window attributable to five electrostatically coupled hemes, suggesting heme-heme interaction beyond the boundaries of individual OmcE repeat units. Observations of these bundles under diverse buffer conditions suggest that they represent stable supramolecular assemblies, although direct in vivo confirmation within intact biofilms remains a future goal. Furthermore, a similar cytochrome bundle structure was observed in Geobacter metallireducens, showing that this quaternary structure may be a common feature among nanowires secreted by electroactive microbes. Our findings demonstrate that cytochrome nanowires are widespread and can form specialized bundle interfaces. This novel state could facilitate conductive biofilm formation and form the basis for direct microbial electron exchange.IMPORTANCEAll available structures of filaments containing a central core of closely spaced multiheme c-type cytochromes are derived from only a few organisms and are based on individual fibers easily imaged by cryo-electron microscopy. While imaging enriched preparations of extracellular appendages from a bacterium isolated from deep subsurface brine, we observed ordered bundles of anti-parallel cytochrome filaments. This quaternary arrangement contained specific contacts between adjacent nanowires, and a similar structure could be found in a relative from a related genus. This first report of bundling by nanowires suggests that such conductive structures may be missed in traditional surveys searching for novel filaments and provides an explanation for how nanowires could directly link adjacent cells in biofilms and granular communities.},
}

@article {pmid42644815,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, X and Wang, H and Wu, Y and Ding, X and Guo, S and Gao, S and Sun, S and Wang, W},
title = {Discovery of Virulence Attenuator of Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 From Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus ochraceus LSD-13 by Inhibiting Quorum Sensing and Destroying Biofilm.},
journal = {Chemistry & biodiversity},
volume = {23},
number = {8},
pages = {e71640},
pmid = {42644815},
issn = {1612-1880},
support = {82003650//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2018BD030//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; LMM2020-6//Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Material Medica/ ; },
mesh = {*Chromobacterium/drug effects/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Aspergillus ochraceus/chemistry/metabolism ; Virulence/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; *Drug Discovery ; Molecular Structure ; },
abstract = {Targeted quorum-sensing (QS) represents a promising approach to combat multidrug-resistant infections. In this study, an undescribed pyrazine derivative 5-isobutyryl-1,4-dihydropyrazine-2,3-dione (1) together with three known compounds (2--4) were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus ochraceus LSD-13. Compound 2 was a potent virulence attenuator of Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 32 µg/mL. At sub-MIC, compound 2 significantly suppressed the production of QS-controlled phenotypes: violacein, N-acyl homoserine lactone, chitinase, and extracellular polysaccharide. It also reduced biofilm formation by 73.3% at 1/2 MIC, a phenotype confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, compound 2 inhibited swarming motility in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigations revealed that compound 2 downregulated the expression of QS-associated genes (cviR, vioA, vioC). Molecular docking demonstrated that compound 2 has a strong binding affinity for CviR protein with -6.8 kcal/mol, suggesting a competitive antagonism of the native C6HSL ligand. These findings highlight compound 2 as a promising QS inhibitor with therapeutic potential against C. violaceum CV026.},
}

*Chromobacterium/drug effects/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
Molecular Docking Simulation
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Aspergillus ochraceus/chemistry/metabolism
Virulence/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
Structure-Activity Relationship
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
*Drug Discovery
Molecular Structure

@article {pmid42645461,
year = {2026},
author = {May, WS and Zicong, N and Rosa, V and Foong, KWC},
title = {Microbial Biofilm Reduces the Strength Reliability of 3D-Printed Appliance Resins.},
journal = {Dentistry journal},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/dj14080487},
pmid = {42645461},
issn = {2304-6767},
support = {Singapore Ministry of Education (Academic Research Fund Tier 1, grant no. A-8001132-00-00//National University of Singapore/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Three-dimensionally (3D) printed resins are increasingly used for removable orthodontic appliances, but how their mechanical reliability changes in the oral environment is unclear. This study evaluated the effect of bio-ageing environment and material type on the biaxial flexural strength and Weibull reliability of one conventional acrylic resin (Orthocryl, OC) and two 3D-printed photopolymer resins (BioMed Clear, BMC; and KeySplint Hard, KH). The Weibull modulus (m) reflects how consistent, or predictable, the strength is among specimens, independent of its average value. Methods: Disc specimens (n = 32) were aged for 24 h at 37 °C in pooled human saliva, a Streptococcus mutans biofilm, or water, and the biaxial flexural strength was measured by the piston-on-three-balls method (1 mm/min). Data were analysed with two- and three-parameter Weibull statistics to estimate the Weibull modulus (m), characteristic strength (σ0), strength at 5% failure probability (σ5%), and threshold strength (σμ), with model selection guided by the Akaike Information Criterion. Results: Biofilm exposure lowered m while σ0 was preserved: m fell from 9.96 (saliva) and 7.98 (water) to 1.95 for OC, and from 17.61 and 13.01 to 2.62 for BMC, whereas σ0 stayed near 55 MPa (OC) and 64 MPa (BMC). Under biofilm the modulus of all three converged to low values (1.4-2.6), abolishing the differences among materials; OC and BMC required a three-parameter model only after biofilm (σu ≈ 41 MPa), whereas KH required it in every environment (σu = 28.9-38.7 MPa). Conclusions: Biofilm ageing mainly reduced strength predictability, while characteristic strength was largely preserved. This indicates that flexural strength alone may be insufficient to qualify resins for removable appliances, and that printed resins studied here are not inherently superior or inferior to conventional acrylic.},
}

@article {pmid42646108,
year = {2026},
author = {Vazquez-Rodriguez, A and Lopez-Ribot, JL},
title = {Development of a Cost-Effective and Low-Toxicity Safranin-Based Assay for Discovering Candida albicans Biofilm Formation Inhibitors in Large-Scale Screening Campaigns.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42646108},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {R33AI140823//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; //Margaret Batts Tobin Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Screening assays for discovering Candida albicans biofilm inhibitors typically measure either metabolic activity or attached biomass. Although biomass staining with Crystal Violet or Safranin is affordable and easy to perform, standard protocols often require toxic solvents for biofilm fixation and dye extraction. We developed and evaluated an alternative Safranin staining method that uses heat fixation and direct absorbance measurement of stained biofilms without a dye-extraction step. Under the experimental conditions tested, the proposed method reduced solvent use and plate handling and minimized reagent use while offering assay consistency and reliability for primary screening campaigns. The assay quality was verified using positive and negative inhibition controls, with acceptable Z'-factor values supporting its use for primary drug screening. The protocol was further evaluated by screening 1520 compounds from the Prestwick Chemical Library to identify inhibitors of C. albicans biofilm formation. The proposed Safranin method provides a simplified, extraction-free alternative for biofilm-inhibitor screening under the experimental conditions evaluated in this study.},
}

@article {pmid42646216,
year = {2026},
author = {Floare, L and Bolos, OC and Dumitrescu, R and Caraba, MN and Petculescu, IM and Opris, C and Balean, O and Bolchis, V and Todor, BI and Savencu, CE and Galuscan, A and Jumanca, D},
title = {Multidimensional Characterization of Surface Properties and Microbial Biofilm Formation in Commercial Flowable Resin-Based Dental Composites.},
journal = {Journal of functional biomaterials},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jfb17080413},
pmid = {42646216},
issn = {2079-4983},
abstract = {The interaction between restorative materials and microbial biofilms plays an important role in restoration longevity and the development of secondary caries. This study aimed to perform a multidimensional characterization of four commercially available flowable resin-based dental composites by evaluating their surface roughness, Vickers microhardness, surface morphology, and microbial biofilm formation under standardized in vitro conditions. Filtek™ Bulk Fill Flowable Restorative (3M), Tetric EvoFlow (Ivoclar Vivadent), BRILLIANT Flow (Coltene), and G-ænial™ Universal Injectable (GC) were investigated. Surface roughness was determined by contact profilometry, microhardness was assessed using the Vickers method, and microstructural characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microbial biofilm biomass formed by Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans, including both reference strains and clinical isolates, was quantified using a crystal violet assay to compare material-dependent microbial colonization. G-ænial™ Universal Injectable exhibited the lowest roughness values, whereas BRILLIANT Flow showed the highest microhardness. SEM analysis revealed a more homogeneous surface morphology for Filtek™ Bulk Fill Flowable Restorative and G-ænial™ Universal Injectable, while Tetric EvoFlow and BRILLIANT Flow displayed increased topographical heterogeneity. Although modest differences in biofilm biomass accumulation were observed among the investigated composites (4.37-12.21% relative biomass reduction compared with the control), no material demonstrated a distinct advantage under the experimental conditions. The integrated evaluation of surface roughness, microhardness, surface morphology, and microbial biofilm formation provides a comparative characterization of commercially available flowable resin-based composites and contributes to a better understanding of material-biofilm interactions. These findings may support the future development of multifunctional restorative biomaterials with improved biofilm-modulating properties.},
}

@article {pmid42646587,
year = {2026},
author = {Tatarciuc, D and Esanu, IM and Foia, I and Vasilcu, TF and Pauna, AMR and Foia, I and Vasluianu, RI and Ioanid, N and Moraru, MC and Avadanei, ER and Trandafirescu, MF},
title = {The Vicious Cycle of Biofilm, Host Inflammation and Microvascular Insufficiency in Venous Leg Ulcers.},
journal = {Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42646587},
issn = {2076-3271},
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Inflammation ; *Varicose Ulcer/physiopathology/microbiology ; *Leg Ulcer/physiopathology ; },
abstract = {Chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) affect approximately 1% of adults, and up to 30% remain unhealed by 12 months of standard therapy, with rates of recurrence approaching 70%. The chronicity and treatment resistance cannot be explained by the traditional view that venous hypertension alone causes the pathogenesis of VLUs. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (2016-April 2026), including original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of VLU, with a focus on biofilm, inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction. The reviewed studies were critically appraised. The current integrated framework offers a potential mechanistic roadmap for understanding the pathogenesis of VLUs and may help justify integrated therapeutic strategies. This review evaluates the existing evidence, identifies controversies, and highlights areas of knowledge that require further investigation. We analyze emerging data to propose a unified, conceptually distinct framework focused on the reciprocal, self-perpetuating interactions between biofilm, inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction, a triad that may offer a more comprehensive explanation for clinical heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance than venous hypertension alone. Future research should focus on the development of clinically available biofilm diagnostics, rigorous studies of combination therapies and elucidation of molecular links between components of the triad. We suggest that a transition to mechanism-based approaches targeting simultaneously may hold promise for transforming outcomes for millions of people affected by this debilitating condition.},
}

Humans
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Inflammation
*Varicose Ulcer/physiopathology/microbiology
*Leg Ulcer/physiopathology

@article {pmid42636511,
year = {2026},
author = {Padilla-Gálvez, N and González, T and Riveros, G and Usuba, J and Sanhueza, F and Viswanathan, MR and Urrutia, H},
title = {External resistance modulates anodic biofilm architecture, electrochemical performance, and EET-related gene expression in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 microbial fuel cells.},
journal = {Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {173},
number = {},
pages = {109428},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109428},
pmid = {42636511},
issn = {1878-562X},
abstract = {External resistance is a key operational variable in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), yet its mechanistic influence on pure-culture electrogenic biofilms remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigated how fixed external resistances (10, 100, 500, and 1000 Ω) applied during start-up modulate electrochemical performance, architecture, membrane-integrity-associated viability, and extracellular electron transfer (EET)-related gene expression in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 anodic biofilms. After 10 days in dual-chamber MFCs, polarization analysis, cyclic voltammetry, confocal microscopy with LIVE/DEAD staining, epifluorescence viable-cell counting, and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR targeting mtrA and omcA were performed. Low resistance (10 Ω) produced the highest maximum power density (130 mW m[-2]), current density at maximum power (1609.6 mA m[-2]), lowest apparent internal resistance, strongest anodic redox activity, and significant mtrA up-regulation. In contrast, intermediate and high resistances promoted thicker biofilms with higher membrane-integrity-associated live signal but lower electrochemical output. omcA expression was not significantly affected. Multivariate correlation and regression analyses identified anodic peak current, peak potential, and external resistance as the main predictors of maximum power density (R[2] = 0.978), indicating that external resistance modulates a trade-off between biofilm accumulation and electrochemical output, with mtrA acting as a molecular marker of the anodic electroactive state.},
}

@article {pmid42636520,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Sun, Y and Chen, Y and Xie, X},
title = {An interpretable grid-resolution machine learning framework for predicting biofilm detachment.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {126672},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126672},
pmid = {42636520},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Biofilm detachment affects biomass release, microbial dispersal, and operational stability in water systems. However, predicting where and when detachment occurs remains difficult. Most existing models rely on bulk scale descriptions and do not resolve microscale structural heterogeneity. Here, we developed a framework at grid resolution that integrates in situ confocal laser scanning microscopy, computational fluid dynamics, and interpretable machine learning to predict localized biofilm detachment from coupled structural and hydrodynamic information. Three-dimensional Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 biofilms were discretized into micrometer scale grids and paired with CFD derived local shear fields. This workflow produced a dataset of 26,653 local observations linking biofilm morphology, hydrodynamic exposure, and detachment response. Among ten regression models, the Extra-Trees Regressor showed the best overall predictive performance and robustness and was therefore used consistently for model interpretation, grouped validation, external validation, and inverse prediction. Model interpretation indicated that local detachment predictions were mainly associated with the balance between structural vulnerability and attachment support. Greater local thickness was associated with higher predicted detachment, whereas the basal layer showed a stabilizing association. The thickness and shear-rate transition ranges identified by SHAP, PDP, and ICE analyses should be interpreted as system specific, data driven model response regions rather than universal mechanistic thresholds. External validation in controlled porous media and simulated drinking water pipe systems supported preliminary laboratory scale transferability, but applicability domain analysis showed that the external predictions contained an extrapolative component.},
}

@article {pmid42636633,
year = {2026},
author = {Dolhey, R and Kaur, K and Bajiya, M and Surabhi, and Puri, P and Devi, B and Yadav, N and Goyal, D and Swaroop, S and Singh, P and Gupta, V and Pandey, J},
title = {Harnessing the phytobiome for resilience: Biofilm-forming PGPR mediate physiological adaptations through enhanced seed colonization and oxidative regulation to mitigate drought stress in Cyamopsis tetragonoloba.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {238},
number = {},
pages = {111670},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111670},
pmid = {42636633},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Global climate change and the escalating drought cycles have severely compromised agricultural productivity in marginalized agroecosystems worldwide. This has necessitated a deeper understanding of the role of the phytobiome in the host plant's resilience. Although seed biopriming with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is widely acknowledged for alleviating abiotic stress, the role of PGPB biofilms in enhancing the efficiency of biopriming remains a critical knowledge gap. In this study, the biofilm-forming capacity of nine thermohalotolerant, ACC-deaminase-producing PGPB strains previously isolated from the rhizosphere of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba grown in arid regions of India was evaluated. Strains were classified into biofilm-forming and biofilm-deficient groups based on pellicle formation, wrinkle formation by macrocolony, safranin staining quantification (OD492 > 2.5 v/s OD492 < 0.5), FTIR spectroscopy, and FESEM analyses. Selected representatives of both groups, Bacillus altitudinis C-17 and Bacillus subtilis J-35 (biofilm-forming), and Enterobacter cloacae C-35 (biofilm-deficient), were subjected to comparative seed biopriming assays, carried out on a drought-susceptible variety of C. tetragonoloba under simulated drought (-1.5 MPa). Results revealed that simulated drought completely arrested seed germination in the unprimed control group, whereas biopriming with the biofilm-forming strain J-35 restored germination by >70% (p < 0.005). The biofilm-deficient strain, C-35, showed a non-significant recovery (p = 0.476). In pot assay conducted under water deficit, biopriming with biofilm-forming PGPBs significantly improved seedling vigor, as evidenced by improved root length, shoot length, leaf area, and wilting index. Statistical analyses revealed that biofilm formation strongly correlated with enhanced seed colonization efficiency (R[2] = 0.953, p < 0.005). Furthermore, biofilm-forming strains induced robust modulation of host oxidative homeostasis, as evident from ∼15.8-fold increase in proline content, a 3- to 5-fold increase in superoxide dismutase activity, and a negative correlation with harmful H2O2 accumulation (R = -0.816). These observations clearly demonstrate that enhanced biopriming by biofilm-forming PGPBs stems from the underlying mechanism in which biofilms act as biological anchors, enhancing seed colonization and triggering robust modulation of the host plant's antioxidant machinery. These findings provide a fundamental understanding necessary to exploit the social microbial behavior in developing next-generation bioinoculants for crops grown in climate-vulnerable agroecosystems, including drought-prone arid and semi-arid regions. The core hypothesis tested in this study is that biofilm formation by PGPB serves as more than a microbial survival strategy; it is a critical functional determinant of phytobiome resilience that enhances host physiological plasticity and abiotic stress resilience through persistent host-microbe interaction and the systemic modulation of oxidative stress.},
}

@article {pmid42636905,
year = {2026},
author = {Qian, X and Huang, J and Shi, Y and Zhang, Y and Liang, Z and Shan, S and Xu, J},
title = {Reinforced biofilm-mediated electron transfer and perfluorooctanoic acid removal: Neglected macrophyte roles in iron-biochar-based constructed wetlands.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135713},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135713},
pmid = {42636905},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study evaluated how macrophytes regulated biofilm-mediated electron transfer and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) fate in iron-carbon (IC)-based constructed wetlands (CWs). Compared with unplanted systems, Iris pseudacorus markedly enhanced intracellular electron transfer and energy metabolism, increasing final electron transport system activity by 51.3%, and raising ratio of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide by up to 5.9-fold and adenosine triphosphate content by 308.1% in IC layer after long-term PFOA exposure. Plants increased alpha diversity, optimized microbial community, and enriched functional microorganisms (like Geobacter and Shewanella) and up-regulated genes (belonging to Complex I/III/V, extracellular polymeric substance synthesis, and quinone), which were closely related to electron transfer and iron/sulfur-cycling. Consequently, macrophytes contributed to higher PFOA removal in IC-based CW (74.0-92.6%) than unplanted group (41.5-71.3%), with increased defluorination rate (by up to 30.7%), greater degradation contribution (28.5%), lower short-chain PFCA accumulation, and continuously enhanced nutrient removal. These findings innovatively proposed macrophytes as key regulators for sustainable PFOA treatment in IC-based CWs.},
}

@article {pmid42637962,
year = {2026},
author = {Aşan, M and Özdemir, FN and Akçelik, N},
title = {The regulatory network of Salmonella biofilm formation: the role of CsgD on autoinducer-2 activity and expression of quorum-sensing-related genes in Salmonella Typhimurium.},
journal = {Molecular genetics and genomics : MGG},
volume = {301},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42637962},
issn = {1617-4623},
support = {21L0415001//Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Ankara University/ ; },
mesh = {*Quorum Sensing/genetics ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Salmonella typhimurium/genetics/physiology ; *Lactones/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Homoserine/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics ; },
abstract = {Salmonella biofilms are mainly formed by cellulose and curli fimbriae under the control of CsgD. Biofilm regulation also involves small RNAs and LuxS-mediated AI-2 quorum sensing. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CsgD and quorum-sensing regulation in Salmonella Typhimurium. By modulating csgD expression, the impact on the expression levels of MicA, CsrB, CsrC, and RyeE sRNAs-sRNAs implicated in QS-linked regulatory pathways-was assessed. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses demonstrated that the expression of these sRNAs was increased following perturbation of CsgD levels. Furthermore, the influence of CsgD levels on AI-2 activity was evaluated, revealing that strains overexpressing csgD displayed a 277% increase in relative AI-2 activity compared with the wild-type strain. Additionally, the effects of csgD on the expression of lsrA, lsrK, and lsrR genes, which are part of the Lsr transport system for AI-2 uptake, were investigated. In the strain with elevated AI-2 activity, a marked increase in lsrK expression was observed. Conversely, loss of csgD resulted in the upregulation of lsrA, lsrK, and lsrR, while AI-2 activity remained largely unchanged. This pattern suggests that the inhibitory effect of LsrR on QS signaling may be counterbalanced by increased expression of lsrA and lsrK. Collectively, our findings indicate that changes in CsgD levels are associated with shifts in QS-linked sRNA expression and AI-2 signaling dynamics. In addition, deletion of csgD resulted in reduced biofilm-associated phenotypes, including curli- and cellulose-related traits and biofilm biomass, whereas partial restoration of these phenotypes was observed in the complemented strain. Results suggest that CsgD may act as an integrative regulatory node linking transcriptional control of biofilm formation with quorum-sensing signaling pathways in Salmonella.},
}

*Quorum Sensing/genetics
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Salmonella typhimurium/genetics/physiology
*Lactones/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Homoserine/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Regulatory Networks
RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics

@article {pmid42638159,
year = {2026},
author = {Thakur, P and Tripathi, AK and Saxena, P and Tseng, BS and Sani, RK},
title = {Proteomic Evidence for Biofilm-Mediated Copper Stress Adaptation in Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {8},
pages = {e70403},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70403},
pmid = {42638159},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {1849206//National Science Foundation/ ; 1920954//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Copper/metabolism/toxicity ; Proteomics ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; *Proteome ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Copper (Cu) is an essential cofactor for enzymes regulating key metabolic processes; however, excess Cu can inhibit bacterial growth. The ability of Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20 (OA G20) to survive under heavy metal stress is compelling. Our previous study on OA G20 exposed to Cu suggests that bacteria might use biofilm formation to adapt to high levels of toxic metal ions. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this adaptation, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of OA G20 stress-induced biofilms (30 μM Cu) versus control (no Cu) and their respective extracellular fractions. Proteomic analysis revealed that among the differentially regulated intracellular proteins identified in this study, 47.93% were upregulated and 52.07% were downregulated in OA G20 biofilms exposed to 30 μM Cu compared to control. Similarly, 41.05% of extracellular proteins were upregulated and 58.95% were downregulated. The significantly modulated proteins (log2FC > 1) were involved in heavy-metal ion transportation, cell division, chemotaxis, cell motility and cell morphology. Our results also identified 133 hypothetical proteins under copper stress, several of which were related to prokaryotic membrane lipoprotein, cell and flagellar motility, and Type VI secretion system, offering new avenues for future research in bioremediation and biofilm mitigation strategies in industrial settings.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Copper/metabolism/toxicity
Proteomics
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Stress, Physiological
*Adaptation, Physiological
*Proteome
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

@article {pmid42638872,
year = {2026},
author = {Alzuheir, IM and Gharaibeh, MH and Alekish, MO and Malkawi, IM and Oudsi, FRA},
title = {Occupational exposure to dairy cattle influences virulence gene profiles of methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> in humans: Antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxin, biofilm, and immune evasion determinants in Jordan.},
journal = {Veterinary world},
volume = {19},
number = {7},
pages = {3246-3255},
pmid = {42638872},
issn = {0972-8988},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIM: Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is a major zoonotic pathogen. This study assessed the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA among individuals in close occupational contact with dairy cattle in Jordan and characterized the recovered MRSA isolates for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), enterotoxin, biofilm, and immune evasion gene profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling. Nasal swabs were collected from 100 cattle-exposed individuals and 100 non-exposed controls. S. aureus was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the nuc gene, and MRSA was confirmed by mecA detection. Multiplex PCR assays screened for AMR genes, virulence gene profiles (VGP1-VGP8), biofilm genes, and immune evasion genes. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed using the chi-square test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: S. aureus was isolated from 82/200 (41.0%) samples, with MRSA comprising 63/82 (76.8%) isolates (32 from exposed and 31 from non-exposed individuals). The blaZ gene was detected in 100% of exposed and 83.9% of non-exposed MRSA isolates. Tetracycline resistance genes (tetK and tetM) were highly prevalent in both groups. Biofilm-associated genes (icaA and icaD) were present in 100% of isolates. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for several virulence genes: selr, hlg, and etd were more common in exposed isolates, while selp and sak were more prevalent in non-exposed isolates. The etd gene was detected exclusively in exposed isolates (50%).

CONCLUSION: Human MRSA isolates from both groups showed high AMR, biofilm formation, and virulence potential, indicating substantial zoonotic risk. Occupational exposure to dairy cattle was associated with distinct virulence gene signatures. These findings emphasize the need for continuous molecular surveillance and One Health interventions to mitigate MRSA transmission at the livestock-human interface in Jordan.},
}

@article {pmid42641235,
year = {2026},
author = {García Maza, LJ and Da Rosa, D and Beys-da-Silva, WO and Santi, L and Schrank, A and Vainstein, MH and Macedo, AJ},
title = {Short chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (scl-PHA) produced by the marine bacterium Pseudomonas sputi MaRe06 inhibits Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation.},
journal = {Bioorganic chemistry},
volume = {181},
number = {},
pages = {110431},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2026.110431},
pmid = {42641235},
issn = {1090-2120},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is a major biofilm-forming pathogen that is often linked to skin infections and colonization of medical devices. This bacterium poses a significant challenge to infection control efforts. This study isolated and characterized a short chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (scl-PHA) produced by the marine bacterium Pseudomonas sputi MaRe06 as an antibiofilm agent. Structural characterization using FT-IR, ESI-TOF MS and [1]H NMR revealed a copolymer composed of hydroxybutyrate (HB) and hydroxyvalerate (HV) units, corresponding to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [poly(3HB-co-3 HV)]. ESI+ and ESI- mass spectra showed oligomeric distributions consistent with HB/HV combinations. The PHA exhibited strong antibiofilm activity against S. aureus, reaching 92% inhibition at 300 μg/mL. Using the Galleria mellonella in vivo model, toxicity evaluation showed 83.33% larvae survival at 50 mg/kg, with no significant difference compared to viability controls (two-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test, p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report of poly(3HB-co-3 HV) production by Pseudomonas sputi and the first evaluation of the antibiofilm potential of scl-co-PHA from this marine species isolated from restinga ecosystems. These findings highlight P. sputi MaRe06 as a promising microbial platform for producing bioactive compounds capable of inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid42631632,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Li, Y and Zheng, J and Liu, X and Lu, J and Li, W},
title = {The transcriptional regulator CasR controls mycobacterial antioxidant defense and biofilm formation via multiple direct targets.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag210},
pmid = {42631632},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: The antioxidant defense system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is critical for pathogenicity and persistence within macrophages, yet the regulatory networks remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which the transcription factor CasR regulates antioxidant defense in mycobacteria through delineation of the regulatory axis linking CasR activity, target gene expression, and the antioxidant phenotype.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model organism, we demonstrate that overexpression of CasR renders the bacteria significantly susceptible to hydrogen peroxide. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and β-galactosidase reporter analyses reveal that CasR directly binds and represses the promoter of cyp144, an uncharacterized cytochrome P450-encoding gene. Deletion of casRMsmreduces biofilm formation, consistent with the expected derepression of cyp144Msm, a gene that negatively regulates both biofilm and oxidative stress tolerance. EMSA and β-galactosidase activity assays also demonstrate that CasR negatively regulates antioxidant gene katGI, suggesting that CasR exerts a broader, global regulatory role within the mycobacterial antioxidant defense network. Furthermore, we identify isoleucine 18 as a critical residue for the DNA-binding and regulatory function of CasR.

CONCLUSION: This study establishes CasR as a pleiotropic transcriptional regulator that directly controls multiple antioxidant genes, including cyp144 and katGI, in mycobacteria. We report a previously unrecognized role for a cytochrome P450 family member in suppressing bacterial antioxidant capacity, as cyp144 overexpression reduces biofilm formation. These findings provide a valuable reference for further investigation into mycobacterial antioxidant mechanisms and identify CasR and Cyp144 as potential targets for the development of anti-tuberculosis drugs.},
}

@article {pmid42631930,
year = {2026},
author = {Choi, W and Mangal, U and Cha, JK and Cho, H and Ryu, JH and Kim, JY and Koh, WG and Lee, KJ and Kim, KW and Choi, SH and Traverso, G and Hong, J},
title = {A Mucosa-Inspired Dynamic Biointerface Engineering a Biofilm-Preventive Niche Against Pathogenic Microbiome Dysbiosis.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e74745},
doi = {10.1002/adma.74745},
pmid = {42631930},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {//Korea-US Collaborative Research Fund/ ; RS-2024-00468036//Ministry of Science and ICT and Ministry of Health & Welfare/ ; 2025-RISE-10-101//Regional Innovation System & Education/ ; //Regional Anchor company-Academia Partnership Innovation Development/ ; //Institute for Project-Y Seed/ ; RS-2024-00438634//Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; //Nano & Material Technology Development Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2024-00449435//Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; RS-2021-NR059601//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2023-00217709//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2025-00522998//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {A stable symbiosis within the microbiome-host axis is essential for human health. However, preventing microbiome dysbiosis using biomaterials remains challenging due to their unpredictable influence on microbiome evolution. Inspired by the defensive niche of symbiotic mucosa, we have developed a biointerface that forms an engineered mucosa-inspired dynamic niche to prevent pathogenic dysbiosis. This biointerface features a dynamic zwitterionic network that emulates the mucosa's biophysical defensive functions. Notably, by leveraging its dynamic niche, the biointerface restricts microbial attachment and aggregation, thereby preventing biofilm formation. Comprehensive metagenomic analyses reveal that microbial communities adapt to this biofilm-preventive dynamic biointerface compositionally and functionally. In particular, Gram-negative bacteria were relatively reduced, along with decreased abundance of pathways associated with virulence and biofilm formation. Consequently, the mucosa-inspired biointerface intrinsically prevents the development of pathogenic dysbiosis. This study demonstrates the groundbreaking potential of material-based niche engineering to guide the ecological shifts of microbial communities from the material scale.},
}

@article {pmid42632409,
year = {2026},
author = {Kwon, YH and Kim, KW and Kim, JH and Choi, CY},
title = {Interactive effects of temperature and microplastic size on biofilm formation and Vibrio harveyi infection in Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegelii.},
journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology},
volume = {286},
number = {},
pages = {111272},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbpb.2026.111272},
pmid = {42632409},
issn = {1879-1107},
abstract = {Environmental changes affect microplastic (MP) biofilms, but how the resulting bacterial adsorption influences infection rates and physiological responses in fish remains unclear. This study investigated the combined effects of temperature (18 °C, 22 °C, and 26 °C) and MP size (102 and 220 μm) on biofilm formation and the subsequent effects on Vibrio harveyi infection and physiological responses in Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegelii. Biofilms were formed on MPs over 21 days under different temperature conditions, followed by a 5-day co-exposure experiment with V. harveyi. Biofilm formation markedly increased with rising temperature and was more pronounced on smaller MPs owing to their larger specific surface area, with the highest levels observed in the 26 °C small MP group. Correspondingly, the abundance of V. harveyi on MPs and its accumulation in fish tissues were markedly elevated, indicating enhanced bacterial transport and internalization. Co-exposure to MPs and V. harveyi induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased reactive oxygen species production in the liver, along with upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Immune responses were also activated, with marked increases in the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1 beta (il-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnf-α), and c-c chemokine ligand 25 (ccl25), particularly under high-temperature and small MP conditions. In situ hybridization further confirmed increased il-1β expression in liver tissues. Overall, elevated temperature and smaller MPs promoted biofilm formation, facilitating bacterial infection and inducing oxidative stress and immune responses. These findings suggest that climate-driven warming and MP pollution may synergistically increase disease risks in marine fish, with important implications for aquaculture and marine ecosystem health.},
}

@article {pmid42632980,
year = {2026},
author = {Mondal, P and Ganguly, D and Das, B and Sarker, RK and Ghosh, A and Samanta, S and Chakraborty, P and Tribedi, P and Gupta, AD and Trivedi, S and Das, S and Sarkar, S},
title = {Isolation, characterization and identification of antibiotic-resistant biofilm forming bacteria from East Kolkata Wetland, a Ramsar site: an ecological concern.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {382},
pmid = {42632980},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The current study holds major socio-economic importance of East Kolkata Wetland (EKW) in India, a Ramsar site, presently under constant threat of anthropogenic wastes that could accelerate antibiotic resistance (AR). The underlying mechanism behind the spread of AR in EKW requires proper investigation. Towards this direction, we focused on the isolation of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) from EKW with adequate characterization by employing biochemical, molecular and antibiotic sensitivity tests. Thus, water samplings were carried out and a total of 32 ARB were isolated from three different study sites at EKW by selective agar plating. The isolates exhibited diverse biochemical properties with multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) index exceeding 0.2 against 14 antimicrobial agents. MAR is strongly linked with biofilm formation. For comprehensive understanding of MAR among the isolates, their biofilm forming ability was checked. Henceforth, 14 potent biofilm formers were identified by measuring the total biofilm biomass through crystal violet (CV) assay and light microscopy. Furthermore, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), metabolic activity, auto-aggregation property along with their motility pattern also confirmed their strong biofilm forming ability. Considering their pathogenicity, few exhibited hemolytic activities. Subsequently, these potent biofilm formers were identified by 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic approach. These biofilm forming ARB in waterbodies of EKW requires vigilant monitoring before it is recycled for household, aquaculture and agricultural activities. Hence this study requires attention from the viewpoint of Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) particularly related to good health (SDG 3) in the context of ensuring clean, sanitary water (SDG 6) and managing life below water (SDG 14).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-05012-6.},
}

@article {pmid42635270,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh, J and Wood, HB and Srikanth, D and Guajardo, S and Agarwal, R and Sydlik, SA},
title = {Engineering the interface: pH-dependent self-assembly of lysine-tyrosine synthetic copolypeptides for anti-biofilm implant coatings.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d6tb01015f},
pmid = {42635270},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {Developing resilient antimicrobial coatings for medical implants requires a sophisticated balance between direct bactericidal activity and resistance to bacterial adhesion. While poly(L-lysine) provides effective membrane disruption, its performance is often compromised by the accumulation of cellular debris, which facilitates secondary biofilm formation. In this study, we engineered a block copolypeptide, pK30Y10, designed to bridge this functional gap by combining 30 cationic lysine residues with 10 aromatic tyrosine units. By utilizing ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides, we synthesized a scalable, structurally defined material that leverages tyrosine's unique phenolic properties specifically π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding to drive surface-anchored self-assembly. We systematically investigated the material's transition from molecular chains to complex assemblies across a pH range of 2.0 to 10.0, identifying a critical link between solution-phase conformation and interfacial performance. Physicochemical characterization confirmed that pH-induced ionization states dictate the peptide's secondary structure and aggregation behavior. Crucially, these distinct structural phases resulted in strain-specific antimicrobial outcomes: while pK30Y10 coatings effectively disrupted both pathogens, the optimal assembly state for biomass reduction differed between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This suggests that the biological efficacy is not merely a product of chemical composition, but a direct consequence of how the block architecture organizes at the interface under varying environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42635427,
year = {2026},
author = {Berdous, C and Gotz, D and Noirot-Gros, M-F and Leclercq, E and Guéneau, V and Briandet, R},
title = {Draft genome sequences of eight biofilm-forming Vibrio spp. strains isolated from marine ecosystems.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0019926},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00199-26},
pmid = {42635427},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We report the genome sequences of eight environmental biofilm-forming Vibrio strains isolated from diverse marine environments. Genome analysis revealed the presence of multiple antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes, providing a valuable resource for future comparative and ecological studies of environmental Vibrio species.},
}

@article {pmid42635836,
year = {2026},
author = {Tatta, ER and Kumavath, R},
title = {Pan-genome analysis reveals the triangle mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, pathogenicity, and biofilm formation in Enterococcus faecalis.},
journal = {Molecular genetics and genomics : MGG},
volume = {301},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42635836},
issn = {1617-4623},
support = {SERB-EMEQ/051/2014//Science and Engineering Research Board/ ; },
mesh = {*Enterococcus faecalis/genetics/pathogenicity/drug effects ; *Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Humans ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Quorum Sensing/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Virulence/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The bacterial genus Enterococcus is typically nonpathogenic and a commensal that lives symbiotically with humans. However, the transition from commensal to opportunistic pathogenic is a complex, multi-step process driven by environmental adaptation. The study focused on 214 Enterococcus faecalis genome sequences, selected from various environments and organisms, including humans and animals, and targeted genes associated with biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and quorum sensing. KEGG pathway analysis identified 36 potential drug targets, comprising n = 15 non-enzymatic and n = 21 enzymatic targets, primarily located in the cytoplasm, including four surface proteins and seven pharmacological targets. The study also revealed resistance-conferring genes, including ABC transporters, major facilitator superfamily (MFS) proteins, and antibiotic efflux pumps, which mediate resistance to glycopeptides, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines. In this pangenome study, critical insights into the development of multidrug resistance in nosocomial pathogens are provided. Insights into the outcomes could enlighten novel drug designs and strategies to combat infections in both clinical and environmental settings.},
}

*Enterococcus faecalis/genetics/pathogenicity/drug effects
*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Genome, Bacterial/genetics
Humans
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Quorum Sensing/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
Animals
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Virulence/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid42635957,
year = {2026},
author = {López-Fernández, AM and Quintero, V and Ballesta, S and García-Luque, I and Galindo, F},
title = {Photodynamic anti-biofilm PHEMA/Rose Bengal hydrogels enhanced by iodide: evidence for hydrogen peroxide and triiodide formation.},
journal = {Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42635957},
issn = {1474-9092},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections remain a major challenge for biomedical devices, motivating the development of light-activated antimicrobial materials. Here we report the antibiofilm activity (against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of a photodynamic hydrogel consisting of Rose Bengal (RB) physically entrapped within a crosslinked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) matrix. Under visible-light irradiation, RB-PHEMA alone produced only modest reductions (ca. 1 log), whereas addition of iodide markedly enhanced antibiofilm performance, yielding a 4.2-log reduction for S. aureus and a 1.7-log reduction for P. aeruginosa. To elucidate the basis of iodide potentiation, we conducted a systematic spectroscopic study under irradiation with varying concentrations of KI and NaI. Long-lived products consistent with iodide oxidation by singlet oxygen were detected, including triiodide (I3[-]) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). I3[-] was observed within the PHEMA hydrogel but not in the supernatant, consistent with electrostatic retention in the polymer network, while H2O2 was detected both at the hydrogel surface and in the surrounding solution, indicating diffusion away from the material. These findings support a mechanism in which diffusible H2O2, together with polymer-retained iodine species, contributes to biofilm inactivation beyond short-lived reactive intermediates. Practically, 10 mM iodide was sufficient to reach the maximum I3[-] signal, and NaI performed comparably to KI. The transparency and flexibility of the hydrogel support applications requiring conformal contact and back-illumination. Finally, photobleaching of RB within the hydrogel is effectively eliminated in the presence of iodide, providing an additional practical advantage of iodide as a potentiating additive.},
}

@article {pmid42630791,
year = {2026},
author = {Pandey, P and Tushar, T and Vavilala, LS},
title = {6-Aminoflavone Inhibits Planktonic Growth, Disrupts Biofilm Architecture, and Regulates Quorum Sensing in Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {Biochemistry research international},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {8058282},
pmid = {42630791},
issn = {2090-2247},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major global health challenge, particularly in biofilm-forming pathogens that exhibit enhanced tolerance to antimicrobial therapies. K. pneumoniae, a multidrug-resistant pathogen, is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, septicemia, and device-associated infections. Its robust biofilm-forming capacity facilitates immune evasion, restricts antibiotic penetration, and contributes to recurrent infections. Therefore, the identification of agents capable of targeting both planktonic bacterial growth and biofilm architecture is of considerable therapeutic importance. In the present study, the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence potential of 6-Aminoflavone was investigated against K. pneumoniae. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using growth inhibition assays, time-kill kinetics, and clonogenic survival analysis. Mechanistic investigations revealed significant intracellular ROS accumulation, increased oxidative stress susceptibility, and induction of apoptosis-like cell death, suggesting ROS-mediated antibacterial activity. In addition to suppressing bacterial proliferation, 6-Aminoflavone exhibited promising antibiofilm efficacy, inhibiting biofilm formation by 86.23% and eradicating 84.77% of established biofilms. These effects were associated with a substantial reduction in cell surface hydrophobicity (∼45.39%), and EPS levels were reduced to ∼2.33% as compared to untreated controls, indicating severe destabilization of the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, eDNA, a key structural component of the biofilm scaffold, exhibited a maximum ∼2.13-fold reduction following treatment. Confocal microscopy confirmed marked disruption and collapse of biofilm architecture. Additionally, quorum sensing (QS)-regulated virulence factors, including urease (∼51.92%), protease (∼55.18%), and lipase (∼44.90%), were significantly attenuated. These findings demonstrate that 6-Aminoflavone exerts antimicrobial activity by inducing oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis-like bacterial death, disrupting biofilm structural components, and suppressing QS-regulated virulence in K. pneumoniae.},
}

@article {pmid42628369,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, M and Liu, Y and Qiu, S and Chen, G and Ge, S and Liang, H},
title = {Dark-light cycle driven metabolic H2/O2 switching for benzothiazole removal and sulfate transformation in a nano-Fe3O4-assisted anoxic bacterial-microalgal biofilm.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {126737},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126737},
pmid = {42628369},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Benzothiazole (BTH) and sulfate coexist in thiazole-containing pharmaceutical wastewater, but their biological removal is constrained by conflicting redox requirements for oxidative ring cleavage and reductive sulfate transformation. Here, a nano-Fe3O4-assisted anoxic bacterial-microalgal biofilm (ABMB) was constructed to couple dark-light cycle driven metabolic H2/O2 switching with pollutant conversion. During long-term operation (60 days) at a hydraulic retention time of 24 h, the nano-Fe3O4-assisted ABMB achieved 99.3 ± 0.7% BTH removal, 92.9 ± 2.1% sulfate removal, and 49.8 ± 8.7% total organic carbon removal, outperforming suspended and unmodified biofilm systems. Metabolism analysis indicated that BTH was transformed through hydroxylation and thiazole-ring cleavage to 2-mercaptophenyl-carbamate and further degradable intermediates, whereas sulfate was converted mainly into recoverable elemental sulfur. The 6 h dark/6 h light cycle was optimal for coordinating the sulfate reduction and the BTH oxidation degradation. Metagenomic and physiological analyses further validated that nano-Fe3O4 enhanced extracellular electron transfer, regulated photosynthetic activity and optimized biofilm structure, as well as enriched key genes related to BTH oxidation, sulfate reduction, and sulfide oxidation. This system breaks the conventional reliance on microalgae solely for O2 supply by harnessing a dark-light cycle driven metabolic H2/O2 switching mechanism. It provides a paradigm shift in bacterial-microalgal symbiosis with a sustainable, zero-aeration, and resource-oriented strategy for treating thiazole-containing wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid42628589,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Sun, Q and Wang, W and Tang, X and Xing, J and Sheng, X and Zhan, W and Sui, Z and Chi, H},
title = {Effects of single and double deletion of Vibrio anguillarum histone-like protein HU subunits on biofilm formation and pathogenicity in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).},
journal = {Fish & shellfish immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {111669},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2026.111669},
pmid = {42628589},
issn = {1095-9947},
abstract = {Vibrio anguillarum is a major bacterial pathogen in marine aquaculture, which causes significant economic losses. The histone-like protein HU, a conserved nucleoid-associated protein, plays crucial roles in chromosome organization, global gene regulation, and stress adaptation. In many bacteria, HU exists as both a homodimer and a heterodimer composed of two subunits, HUα and HUβ, which are encoded by hupA and hupB, respectively. However, the functional roles and divergence of HU subunits in V. anguillarum remain poorly understood. In this study, we successfully constructed the single-gene deletion mutants (ΔhupA and ΔhupB) and the hupA/hupB double-gene deletion mutant (ΔHU). Compared with wild-type (WT) strain, ΔhupA and ΔHU exhibited impaired growth, whereas ΔhupB showed enhanced growth. Deletion of hupB completely abolished biofilm formation and autoaggregation, whereas the ΔHU mutant partially restored biofilm formation. Interestingly, ΔHU and ΔhupA displayed enhanced autoaggregation. All mutants displayed significantly reduced motility. Notably, extracellular DNase production was markedly decreased in ΔHU. In addition, ΔHU showed the highest susceptibility to DNA-mediated killing, while ΔhupB displayed enhanced resistance to this stress. Moreover, the virulence of ΔhupA and ΔHU was significantly attenuated, with a 10.00-fold and a 12.60-fold increase in LD50, respectively, compared to the WT strain, while ΔhupB showed no significant change in virulence. Collectively, our findings reveal the functional divergence between HUα and HUβ in regulating growth, motility, biofilm formation, quorum-sensing, DNase production, and DNA resistance in V. anguillarum, and provide a theoretical basis and novel insights for the development of live attenuated vaccines against vibriosis in aquaculture.},
}

@article {pmid42629057,
year = {2026},
author = {El-Moghazy, A and Wisuthiphaet, N and Nitin, N},
title = {Curcumin-modified nanofibers for visible-light-induced inactivation of foodborne pathogens and preventing biofilm formation.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {242},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {119825},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119825},
pmid = {42629057},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Curcumin/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development/radiation effects ; *Nanofibers/chemistry ; *Light ; Escherichia coli/drug effects/radiation effects ; *Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Listeria/drug effects/radiation effects ; *Food Microbiology/methods ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Polyvinyl Alcohol/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Visible or daylight-activated photoactive antimicrobial nanomaterials with food-grade photosensitizers and food-compatible polymers offer a promising approach for controlling microbial contamination and biofilm formation. In this study, we developed and systematically evaluated poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE) nanofibrous membranes functionalized with curcumin, a food-grade photosensitizer for antibacterial and antiviral activities, and the potential of these functionalized membranes for preventing biofilm formation. Three distinct strategies were employed for curcumin incorporation: physical encapsulation during electrospinning (CrNFM) and chemical conjugation via glutaraldehyde (Cr-g-NFM), or APTES/EDC chemistry (Cr-E-NFM). Among these, Cr-g-NFM exhibited the highest curcumin loading efficiency and superior reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under daylight exposure, which could be attributed to enhanced surface accessibility and reduced self-quenching effects and curcumin leaching out due to the weak interactions. The Cr-g-NFM demonstrated potent photodynamic inactivation of both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Listeria innocua, achieving >6-log reductions within 30-75 min upon exposure to daylight. It also showed robust antiviral activity, eliminating T7 bacteriophage by >6-log within 30 min. The curcumin-conjugated nanofiber membranes maintained their antimicrobial efficacy over multiple light exposure cycles, and the curcumin-modified membranes were durable after prolonged UV and sunlight exposure, indicating excellent reusability and photostability. Furthermore, Cr-g-NFM effectively prevented L. innocua biofilm formation over 72 h, highlighting its anti-biofouling potential. These results underscore the potential of curcumin-functionalized PVA-co-PE nanofibers as visible-light-activated antimicrobial and antibiofilm materials for food-contact surfaces and related applications.},
}

*Curcumin/pharmacology/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development/radiation effects
*Nanofibers/chemistry
*Light
Escherichia coli/drug effects/radiation effects
*Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Listeria/drug effects/radiation effects
*Food Microbiology/methods
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Polyvinyl Alcohol/chemistry

@article {pmid42629083,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, Y and Zhang, M and Yang, R and Liu, Y and Su, C and Shi, M and Shao, L},
title = {Sublethal injury effects of lactic acid against Salmonella Typhimurium biofilm on foods and food contact surfaces.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {242},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {119855},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119855},
pmid = {42629083},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects/growth & development ; *Food Microbiology/methods ; Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects ; Animals ; *Lactic Acid/pharmacology ; Stainless Steel ; Food Contamination/prevention & control ; *Disinfectants/pharmacology ; Surface Properties ; Swine ; Brassica/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Lactic acid (LA) is broadly utilized as a disinfectant in the food industry, but its sublethal injury effects against Salmonella Typhimurium biofilm on different food matrices and food contact surfaces remain poorly understood. The sublethal injury effects of LA against S. Typhimurium biofilm inoculated on foods (eggshells, pork skin, and Chinese cabbage leaves) and food contact surfaces (rubber, polypropylene, stainless steel, and glass) were investigated in this study. Meanwhile, the changes of morphological characteristic, swimming motility, metabolic activity, and adhesion ability were also determined during the formation of sublethally injured biofilm cells. The results showed that LA effectively inactivated biofilm cells and induced sublethal injury on all tested foods and food contact surfaces, with injury ratios varying significantly depending on the surface types. The highest injury ratios on eggshells and Chinese cabbage leaves reached 58.18% and 66.76%, respectively, while on stainless steel and glass, the injury ratios exceeded 90%. Morphological analysis revealed cell deformation, membrane damage, and loosened biofilm structure after LA treatment. Swimming motility, metabolic activity, and adhesion ability of the biofilm cells were all significantly decreased, with more pronounced effects on food contact surfaces than on foods. These findings highlight that food matrices provide protective effects against LA-induced sublethal injury, whereas smooth, nonporous food contact surfaces enhance LA efficacy. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing disinfection strategies and controlling sublethally injured biofilm cells in the food industry.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Salmonella typhimurium/drug effects/growth & development
*Food Microbiology/methods
Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects
Animals
*Lactic Acid/pharmacology
Stainless Steel
Food Contamination/prevention & control
*Disinfectants/pharmacology
Surface Properties
Swine
Brassica/microbiology

@article {pmid42621682,
year = {2026},
author = {Walters, SH and Guglielmo, CG and Drever, MC and Flemming, SA and Maftei, M and Hobson, KA},
title = {Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) use of intertidal biofilm in freshwater and marine influenced mudflats during migratory stopover.},
journal = {Isotopes in environmental and health studies},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-31},
doi = {10.1080/10256016.2026.2708365},
pmid = {42621682},
issn = {1477-2639},
abstract = {Migrating Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) often stop to refuel at mudflats where intertidal biofilm forms a major component of their diet. Western Sandpipers may increase intake of this food source at sites where biofilm diatoms are high in Omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), which have been hypothesized to improve shorebird physiological condition and migration performance. At mudflats in the Fraser River Delta (FRD) of British Columbia (BC), Canada, outflowing freshwater from the spring snowmelt is believed to induce n-3 LC-PUFA proliferation in biofilm diatoms, potentially making this refuelling site a distinctly important source of intertidal biofilm. We used Bayesian mixing models to analyse δ[13]C and δ[15]N of Western Sandpiper blood plasma to compare biofilm consumption at FRD areas to another highly frequented stopover site, the relatively marine-influenced Wah-nah-jus Hilth-hoo-is mudflat system at Tofino, BC. While past studies have estimated biofilm as a significant portion of Western Sandpiper diet in the FRD, the assumption that this refuelling area provides a distinct advantage had not been tested by comparing proportional dietary estimates of biofilm at the FRD to other stopover mudflat systems. Our results confirm the assumption that biofilm consumption during the northward, pre-breeding migration at the FRD (∼31 % of diet) is greater than at another commonly used refuelling location (Tofino, BC; ∼16 % of diet). Seasonal effects were also measured between migratory periods, revealing an apparent, but insignificant, decrease in biofilm consumption at the FRD during post-breeding migration. Biofilm consumption appeared to be marginally higher in juveniles (i.e. hatch-year) than in adults (i.e. after-hatch-year) at the FRD but not at Tofino, and no significant differences were detected by sex class at either mudflat system. These findings can inform land use decisions that may impact essential shorebird habitat, particularly at the Roberts Bank mudflat area of the FRD.},
}

@article {pmid42623124,
year = {2026},
author = {Baz, A and Allkja, J and Alshehri, M and He, Y and Bilal, Z and Hughes, E and Sealy, O and Williams, C and Faulds, K and Ramage, G and Brown, JL},
title = {Biofilm sensitization to break Staphylococcus aureus tolerance to cold atmospheric plasma therapy.},
journal = {Journal of medical microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42623124},
issn = {1473-5644},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; *Plasma Gases/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology ; Microbial Viability/drug effects ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Introduction. Biofilm-associated infections present a major therapeutic challenge due to their intrinsic tolerance to conventional antimicrobials. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown promise as a non-antibiotic antimicrobial modality; however, some bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus can exhibit tolerance to plasma exposure.Gap Statement. Strategies that sensitize CAP-tolerant biofilms to plasma treatment may improve CAP efficacy, but suitable adjunctive compounds and mechanisms remain poorly defined.Aim. This study aimed to determine whether repurposed bioactive compounds could enhance CAP activity against S. aureus biofilms.Methodology. Selected compounds from the Tocriscreen™ bioactive compound library were initially screened, followed by treatment of S. aureus biofilms with KHS101 ±CAP therapy. Biofilm viability was quantified using live/dead qPCR. To probe mechanisms of sensitization, biofilms were exposed to H2O2 at concentrations equivalent to those generated by CAP, either alone, or in combination with KHS101 or conventional antibiotics. Various microscopy techniques were used to visualize the cellular impacts of KHS101, while metabolic activity and cell viability of dual therapies were determined using AlamarBlue[®] assay and plate count assays, respectively.Results. Short-term KHS101 treatment alone displayed modest antibiofilm activity at concentrations that inhibited planktonic growth. However, pre-treatment with KHS101 followed by CAP therapy resulted in significant reductions in viable populations in S. aureus-containing biofilms. Microscopy revealed structural perturbations consistent with cellular stress following KHS101 exposure, but also showed intact cellular ultrastructure. Mechanistic probing demonstrated that equivalent concentrations of H2O2 with KHS101 were insufficient to reproduce the enhanced efficacy observed with CAP. In contrast, H2O2 enhanced flucloxacillin activity in a strain-dependent manner, sensitizing S. aureus biofilms to otherwise sub-lethal concentrations of antibiotic.Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that tolerance of S. aureus biofilms to CAP can be overcome through dual-therapy strategies. Treatment with the repurposed compound KHS101 was associated with enhancement of CAP efficacy via an unknown mechanism. However, the inability of H2O2 to reproduce this effect highlights the importance of additional plasma-derived reactive species in mediating this dual-action killing. Together, these findings position biofilm sensitization as a central concept emerging from this study, whereby a non-lethal adjunct can lower the threshold for CAP-mediated killing without acting primarily as a direct antimicrobial.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
*Plasma Gases/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology
Microbial Viability/drug effects
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Humans

@article {pmid42623443,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Huang, Y and He, Y and Zhang, X and Ma, Q and Chen, J and Su, C and Zhou, H and Huang, S and Zhang, H and Luo, D and Bao, Y and Shen, Y and Xiao, S and Xiong, M},
title = {Primary amine-functionalized radially amphiphilic polypeptides target bacterial phospholipids in polyanionic matrices for biofilm therapy.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {34},
pages = {e2616934123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2616934123},
pmid = {42623443},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {52573161//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; U22A20156//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22422306//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFB3809900//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 202510570030//National Innovation Training Program for College Students/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Phosphatidylglycerols/metabolism/chemistry ; *Amines/chemistry ; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions ; *Phospholipids/metabolism ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry ; Animals ; Polymers/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Bacterial biofilm infections, a key contributor to antibiotic resistance, pose a critical global health challenge. Although antimicrobial peptides are promising candidates, their cationic amphipathic structures often lead to nonspecific sequestration by polyanionic biofilm matrix components. Here, we report a class of primary amine-functionalized radially amphiphilic antimicrobial polypeptides (paRAPs) that achieve potent antibiofilm activity by selectively targeting bacterial phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in polyanionic biofilm matrices. Simulation studies support a mechanism of PG-responsive structural rearrangement in paRAPs. In contrast to the compact form of quaternary amine analogs, paRAPs adopt an extended conformation, with outward-facing cationic amine termini that shield the hydrophobic core and thereby reduce nonspecific protein binding. Upon encountering bacterial membranes, strong PG recognition triggers a side-chain rearrangement, reorienting the cationic groups toward the membrane surface and exposing hydrophobic motifs for progressive bilayer insertion and disruption. Supportingly, lengthening the exposed terminal hydrophobic group increased interactions with proteins and mammalian lipids, reduced PG selectivity, and compromised antibiofilm efficacy, underscoring the importance of hidden hydrophobic domains for biofilm bacteria targeting. paRAP showed potent antibiofilm efficacy in vitro and in murine models of both periodontitis and urinary tract infections. Our study provides a PG-targeting strategy for designing matrix-resistant antibiofilm polypeptides.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Phosphatidylglycerols/metabolism/chemistry
*Amines/chemistry
Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
*Phospholipids/metabolism
*Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
*Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry
*Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/pharmacology/chemistry
Animals
Polymers/chemistry

@article {pmid42623874,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, R and Ma, Z and Kou, S and Ni, Y and Huang, X and Wei, H and Jin, Q and Xu, H and Ding, Z},
title = {Microplastics as vectors for microbial pollutants: Biofilm-associated transfer of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in zebrafish intestine.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {516},
number = {},
pages = {143329},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143329},
pmid = {42623874},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {As composite carriers of microorganisms and pollutants, biofilm-attached microplastics (MPs) serve as potential vectors for the environmental migration and biotransmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens. In this study, traditional polypropylene (PP) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs were used to investigate the interference effects of biofilms-attached MPs on gut microbiota and ARGs transmission, through a combination of laboratory biofilm cultivation, zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposure simulations, metagenomic sequencing, and metabolomic profiling. Results showed that MP biofilms likely induced gut dysbiosis and were associated with altered diversity and abundance of pathogens and ARGs. At the phylum level, Nitrospira was transferred from PP biofilms to the gut. At the genus level, 23 genera were transferred from MP biofilms, with PLA (23 genera) showing higher transfer capacity than PP (4 genera). Notably, two human pathogens, one opportunistic pathogen, and two ARGs (adeF and oqxB) were specifically transferred from PLA biofilms, highlighting the unique dissemination risk of biodegradable MPs. Mechanistically, MPs may activate mobile genetic elements (e.g., Tn916 transposon) through metabolic remodeling and quorum sensing, thereby promoting horizontal gene transfer and ARGs dissemination within the gut. Our findings highlight the potential role of MPs as carriers of microorganisms and ARGs, underscoring the biotransmission risks of antibiotic resistance caused by composite pollution.},
}

@article {pmid42625760,
year = {2026},
author = {Di Domenico, EG and Guembe, M and Batoni, G},
title = {Editorial: Innovative antibiofilm strategies: advancing the management of microbial biofilm infections.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1944225},
pmid = {42625760},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid42625932,
year = {2026},
author = {Gunardi, WD and Dharmawan, A and Timotius, KH},
title = {Reducing catheter urinary tract infection risk through biofilm prevention: evidence-based strategies for urinary catheter management.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {482-489},
pmid = {42625932},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common healthcare-associated infections mainly caused by biofilm formation on urinary catheters. This study aimed to provide evidence-based catheter management strategies to reduce CAUTI risk through biofilm prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 109 adult patients undergoing urinary catheterization between September 2017 and January 2018. Urine samples were collected after catheter insertion and before catheter removal. Bacteriuria was screened using flow cytometry and confirmed by urine culture. Removed catheters were cultured to assess biofilm formation, while isolates were tested for biofilm-forming ability using Congo Red Agar (CRA).

RESULTS: The mean catheterization duration was 5.6 ± 2.1 days, and most patients were catheterized for ≥5 days. Bacteriuria was significantly associated with catheterization (p = 0.029). Antibiotic use reduced bacteriuria incidence (p < 0.001) but did not significantly reduce biofilm formation (73.4%, p > 0.05). CRA-positive isolates showed 1.5-fold greater biofilm-forming potential. Female sex, early bacteriuria, and catheterization >5 days were associated with biofilm formation.

CONCLUSION: Urinary catheterization promotes biofilm and increases CAUTI risk. Although antibiotics reduced bacteriuria, they showed limited efficacy against biofilms. Early bacteriuria screening, routine monitoring, biofilm prevention, and limiting catheter duration may help reduce CAUTI incidence.},
}

@article {pmid42611790,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, X and Tang, H and Dong, Z and Li, X and Chen, Y and Xu, X and Li, L and Tang, B and Luo, J and Li, J},
title = {A glucose-triggered cascade catalytic adhesive hydrogel enables mild photothermal-biofilm eradication for infected diabetic wounds.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d6tb01023g},
pmid = {42611790},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {Delayed healing in chronic diabetic wounds is primarily driven by the hyperglycemic microenvironment and persistent bacterial biofilm infection, making biofilm eradication under mild therapeutic conditions highly challenging. Herein, we designed an injectable glucose-responsive cascade catalytic adhesive hydrogel (STU@Au) for mild-temperature photothermal-catalytic synergistic therapy of infected diabetic wounds. This hydrogel integrates gold nanoclusters with glucose oxidase-like activity and photothermal properties into an adhesive matrix (STU) constructed from silk fibroin and tannic acid via urea-regulated hydrogen bonding. Upon injection, the fluidic STU@Au adaptively conforms to wound sites. At the same time, outward diffusion of urea induces hydrogel solidification through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen-bond rearrangement, achieving stable in situ sealing of moist wound surfaces. Within the hyperglycemic microenvironment, gold nanoclusters catalyze the conversion of glucose into hydrogen peroxide. Under near-infrared irradiation, the plasmonic photothermal effect further converts hydrogen peroxide into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals while depleting endogenous glutathione within bacteria, weakening their antioxidant defenses and enabling effective bacterial eradication and biofilm disruption under mild-temperature conditions without obvious thermal damage to surrounding tissues. Through the synergistic integration of glucose consumption, reactive oxygen species generation, bacterial defense attenuation, and mild photothermal enhancement, STU@Au markedly accelerates infected diabetic wound healing, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic wound management.},
}

@article {pmid42612812,
year = {2026},
author = {Vohra, M and Kamath, N and Kalia, NP and Sharma, S and Sharma, S},
title = {Benchmarking biofilm assays, surface models, and detachment methods in Pseudomonas aeruginosa for reproducible downstream molecular analysis.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107675},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107675},
pmid = {42612812},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major ESKAPE pathogen and a WHO priority pathogen, but biofilm studies remain difficult to compare because detection methods, test surfaces, strain selection, and biofilm recovery procedures vary widely across laboratories. This study evaluated three linked methodological questions: phenotypic biofilm detection, surface-associated expression of selected biofilm genes, and biofilm detachment for downstream molecular sample preparation. Eighty-four clinical isolates and the reference strain, PAO1, were screened using three phenotypic assays, and four biofilm-related genes (algR, lecA, pelA, and pslG) were assessed across six surface types in representative strains. The four biofilm removal methods were compared based on viable cell recovery and the release of cellular components. Clinical isolates displayed three distinct biofilm-forming profiles: consistently strong, surface-independent moderate/low, and highly variable producers. Surfaces such as latex and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) induced the highest expression of algR and lecA up to 3.33-fold and 4.21-fold, respectively, in strain PS120. The study revealed that surface type was the dominant factor influencing gene expression (42.6% variance), followed by strain type (17.8%) and gene identity (4.0%). Among the biofilm detachment methods, mechanical scraping provided the highest viable cell recovery (2 × 10[8] cfu/mL) and showed comparatively lower cellular-component release than sonication. Overall, this study provides a practical methodological framework for selecting complementary biofilm assays, reproducible surface models, and recovery methods for downstream molecular analysis of P. aeruginosa biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42617778,
year = {2026},
author = {Watt, A and Dadi, NCT and Lau, SW and Vorstenbosch, J and Merle, G and Hart, A and Tanzer, M and Barralet, J},
title = {Rapid Biofilm Disruption by Ionic Buffers Enables Calcium Phosphate Cement Functionalization.},
journal = {Acta biomaterialia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.034},
pmid = {42617778},
issn = {1878-7568},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated infections continue to undermine standard antibiotic therapies, prompting the need for physicochemical adjuvant strategies. In this study, we evaluated the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activity of 7 biological buffer systems including citrate, acetate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, borate, carbonate, and Tris-buffered saline against methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA). Using a range of biofilm, metabolic, and cytotoxicity assays coupled with bioluminescence imaging, we demonstrate that low-concentration (20 mM) buffers significantly disrupted metabolic activity and biofilm structure within minutes of exposure as indicated by rapid functional perturbations observed via bioluminescence and without cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblasts. Among the tested solutions, citrate emerged as the most potent antibiofilm agent (>50% reduction), while acetate, borate, and phosphate systems also demonstrated significant antibiofilm activity (25-50% reduction). MRSA exhibited reduced sensitivity to buffer treatment, consistent with known stress-response adaptations. Biofilm reduction >50% was recapitulated in three functionalized brushite cement formulations prepared with selected buffer systems, supporting the feasibility of incorporating chemically active ionic additives into calcium phosphate biomaterials. These findings highlight the potential of ionic systems as non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents and therapeutic adjuvants. Strategic integration into biomaterial design or wound irrigation strategies carries significant promise as a non-antibiotic strategy to combat infection. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biofilm-associated infections remain difficult to treat because bacteria in biofilms are far less responsive to antibiotics. This study shows that several simple biological buffer systems, especially citrate, can rapidly disrupt Staphylococcus aureus biofilms at low concentrations without harming human dermal fibroblasts. Beyond identifying these ionic solutions as non-antibiotic antibiofilm agents, the work also shows that their activity can be translated to calcium phosphate cements, creating biomaterials with infection-modulating properties. This is significant because it introduces a simple and scalable strategy to design antimicrobial biomaterials without relying on conventional antibiotics, metallic agents, or toxic additives, which is of broad interest to researchers developing safer materials for infection control and regenerative medicine.},
}

@article {pmid42617936,
year = {2026},
author = {Sj, AJM and Petchimuthu, M and Deepika, S and Ferolin Jessina, G and Balasundari, S},
title = {Molecular Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant, Biofilm-Producing Vibrio parahaemolyticus from a Brackish water Aquaculture-Estuarine Interface.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {128990},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128990},
pmid = {42617936},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus represents a contaminant of emerging concern in coastal aquaculture ecosystems, where antibiotic residues associated with intensive shrimp farming can drive the co-selection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence, and environmental persistence. The Vedaranyam Canal in Tamil Nadu, India, forms a critical interface linking estuarine ecology, brackishwater aquaculture, and seafood supply chains. In this study, 356 confirmed V. parahaemolyticus isolates recovered from canal water (n = 165), shrimp farm pond shrimp (n = 102), and retail seafood shrimp (n = 89) were subjected to comprehensive phenotypic and molecular characterization. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a high prevalence of multidrug resistance (80.6%), with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices ranging from 0.16 to 0.96; pond shrimp isolates exhibited the greatest resistance burden. Elevated resistance frequencies were observed against penicillin (97%), methicillin (91%), erythromycin (84%), and norfloxacin (82%). Virulence gene screening showed universal detection of toxR and tlh, whereas tdh and trh were detected in 15.2% and 7.3% of isolates, respectively. Among AMR determinants, tetA (41.6%), blaTEM (39.6%), and sul1 (34.3%) predominated. Biofilm formation was detected in 77.0% of isolates, including 12.6% strong biofilm producers, while efflux pump activity was observed in 41.0%. Significant associations were identified between strong biofilm formation and MDR phenotype (OR = 6.2, p < 0.001), and between efflux pump activity and MDR (OR = 4.8, p < 0.001). Seasonal prevalence increased during summer and monsoon periods and showed a positive correlation with temperature (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). These findings identify the Vedaranyam canal-aquaculture continuum as a hotspot for AMR dissemination and persistence, highlighting the need for integrated One Health surveillance.},
}

@article {pmid42619865,
year = {2026},
author = {Mataczynski, C and Glaser, M and Huntley, S and Higgs, PI},
title = {The orphan histidine kinase TodK controls Myxococcus xanthus biofilm development by inactivating the CRP/Fnr homolog, MrpC.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.07.28.741289},
pmid = {42619865},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Environmental bacteria have abundant signaling systems wired into complex gene regulatory networks to adapt to fluctuating conditions. In Myxococcus xanthus , starvation triggers a developmental program (specialized biofilm) that produces spore-filled multicellular fruiting bodies surrounded by a distinct quiescent state termed peripheral rods. Fruiting body structure as well as the proportion of cells following each fate can be tuned by a large repertoire of signaling proteins, including numerous orphan histidine kinases. Here, we focus on the histidine kinase TodK which was previously demonstrated to influence developmental progression. We find that loss of TodK produces distinct developmental phenotypes that vary with environmental conditions. To quantify these effects, we developed an image-analysis pipeline that measures aggregation and fruiting body patterning during development on nutrient-limited agar. These analyses revealed the todK mutant precociously aggregates particularly at the peripheries of the colony. Under submerged-culture conditions, initial production of aggregates was not accelerated but aggregates exhibited accelerated progression to mature fruiting bodies. Overexpression of active TodK completely blocked fruiting body formation. Molecular analyses demonstrated that TodK overproduction suppressed expression of core developmental regulators including FruA and CsgA (C-signal). Interestingly, protein accumulation of MrpC, necessary for expression of both FruA and the C-signal was not significantly perturbed suggesting TodK silences MrpC transcriptional activity. Together, these findings establish TodK as a modulator of developmental progression and demonstrate how quantitative phenotyping approaches can reveal biologically meaningful functions for orphan histidine kinases whose mutant phenotypes might otherwise appear subtle.

SUMMARY STATEMENT: Quantitative analysis of multicellular development reveals previously hidden functions of an orphan histidine kinase, highlighting the importance of robust phenotyping approaches for understanding bacterial signaling networks.},
}

@article {pmid42620296,
year = {2026},
author = {Belvin, BR and Lewis, JP},
title = {Nitrate-Reducing Commensals Reshape Oral Biofilm Ecology and Reveal Hcp as a Critical Determinant of Porphyromonas gingivalis Persistence.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.08.06.743060},
pmid = {42620296},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Dietary nitrate (NO3[-]) supplementation is emerging as a promising strategy for suppressing oral pathobionts through microbial generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), including nitrite (NO2[-]) and nitric oxide (NO). However, the mechanisms that enable periodontal pathogens to survive nitrate-derived nitrosative stress within polymicrobial communities remain poorly understood. Previously, we identified the hybrid cluster protein (Hcp) as a major nitrosative stress defense factor in Porphyromonas gingivalis demonstrating ∼170-fold induction of hcp expression following nitrite exposure and as a requirement for survival at physiologically relevant nitrite concentrations. Here we investigated the role of Hcp in promoting P. gingivalis persistence within nitrate-reducing biofilms. Using human ex vivo plaque biofilms, we found that Hcp is essential for P. gingivalis survival under both basal and nitrate-supplemented conditions. In a defined nine-species biofilm model, nitrate reduction suppressed wild-type P. gingivalis , whereas deletion of hcp (Δhcp) resulted in complete population clearance. Metatranscriptomics revealed that nitrate-induced hcp expression was not restricted to P. gingivalis but was part of a coordinated nitrosative stress response shared among oral anaerobes, including Prevotella intermedia , Fusobacterium nucleatum , and Veillonella atypica . Moreover, nitrate reduction disrupted a previously synergistic interaction between Veillonella spp. and P. gingivalis , converting a supportive relationship into an inhibitory microenvironment that constrained pathogen survival. Collectively, these findings identify Hcp-mediated nitrosative stress resistance as a major determinant of fitness within nitrate-reducing biofilms and reveal RNS as key ecological force shaping interactions between commensal nitrate reducers and periodontal pathogens. These results provide a mechanistic framework linking dietary nitrate metabolism to oral microbiome homeostasis.},
}

@article {pmid42620381,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, X and Liszczyk, E and Prasad, R and Mitchell, ME and Wang, Z and Liu, Y and Saluja, S and Wang, M and Jackson, RA and Dahl, P and Andresen Eguiluz, R and Malvankar, N and Yan, ECY and Olson, R and Zhou, HX and Yan, J},
title = {A biofilm-derived peptide as an underwater adhesive.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.08.05.742774},
pmid = {42620381},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Wet adhesives that perform under water have broad applications in industrial and biomedical settings. To date, molecular designs for underwater adhesives have largely been inspired by marine animals including mussels and barnacles. Here, we propose bacterial biofilms as an alternative source of inspiration for underwater adhesives. Specifically, we demonstrate the application potential of a peptide derived from biofilms formed by the notorious pathogen Vibrio cholerae . We characterize the ability of this biofilm-derived peptide to adsorb onto various surfaces and to glue wet surfaces, by using a combination of confocal microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, atomic force microscopy, lap shear tests, and spectroscopic tools. We further show that the peptide can co-aggregate with microspheres acting as an effective flocculant. Finally, we succeeded in purifying this peptide from E. coli in a functional form, setting the stage for large-scale production. Our results open new design possibilities for underwater adhesives inspired by natural biofilms.

TEASER: A peptide derived from biofilms adheres to diverse surfaces and shows promising potential as a wet adhesive and flocculant.},
}

@article {pmid42620617,
year = {2026},
author = {Rao, P and Aswathanarayan, JB and Madhunapantula, SV and Vittal, RR},
title = {Therapeutic strategies against biofilm-associated multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii in ventilator-associated pneumonia.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1904655},
pmid = {42620617},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Ventilator-associated pneumonia remains one of the most common and severe healthcare associated infections in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Among the predominant causative pathogens, multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii pose a major clinical challenge due to their extensive antimicrobial resistance, environmental persistence, and ability to form biofilms on endotracheal tubes and other medical devices. Biofilm formation is central to VAP pathogenesis, facilitating bacterial adhesion, immune evasion, reduced antimicrobial penetration, and protective niches that support metabolic dormancy, persister-cell formation, and horizontal gene transfer. These mechanisms promote bacterial survival, recurrent infection, prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and mortality. Resistance in K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii is mediated by multiple mechanisms, including β-lactamase production, efflux pump overexpression, reduced outer membrane permeability, target-site modification, and acquisition of mobile resistance determinants. The interaction between AMR and biofilm- associated persistence substantially compromises antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against carbapenem-resistant strains. Although recent advances have expanded treatment options, outcomes remain suboptimal in established biofilm-associated infections. This review examines the epidemiology, clinical burden, resistance mechanisms, biofilm mediated persistence, and host-pathogen interactions underlying MDR K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii associated VAP. Particular emphasis is placed on current therapeutic approaches and emerging anti-biofilm strategies, including antimicrobial-coated devices, nanotechnology-based interventions, matrix-disrupting enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and anti-virulence approaches targeting quorum sensing and biofilm maturation. Understanding the interplay between AMR, biofilm persistence, and therapeutic failure is critical for developing more effective strategies to prevent and manage MDR-VAP.},
}

@article {pmid42607990,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Z and Wang, X and Zhu, DZ and Qian, Y},
title = {Biofilm-constrained sulfidogenesis: mechanisms, inhibition strategies, and a framework for sustainable control.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125503},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125503},
pmid = {42607990},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Sulfidogenesis by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) causes odor emissions, microbiologically influenced corrosion, and operational failures in wastewater, petroleum, and other anaerobic engineered systems. Although numerous chemical and biological strategies have been developed to suppress sulfide production, their effectiveness in field applications often remains inconsistent. This review argues that the long-recognized discrepancy between laboratory inhibition and field-scale control originates fundamentally from biofilm-imposed transport limitation, metabolic stratification, and ecological resilience rather than insufficient inhibitor potency alone. We first summarize how biofilm architecture reshapes the metabolic vulnerability of sulfate reduction by regulating sulfate accessibility, electron transfer, metabolic stratification, and microbial interactions. Existing inhibition strategies are subsequently reorganized into four complementary control layers comprising metabolic inhibition, redox-mediated competition, biocidal disruption of cellular integrity, and physicochemical stress induced by pH shock. The limitations of these strategies are further discussed in the context of mature biofilms, where transport resistance, extracellular polymeric substances, physiological heterogeneity, and ecological resilience collectively limit inhibitor accessibility and reduce long-term inhibition efficiency. Based on this synthesis, a biofilm-integrated framework is proposed that combines biofilm destabilization, multi-node metabolic inhibition, and ecological restructuring to achieve sustainable sulfidogenesis control. Future research priorities include identifying new metabolic vulnerability nodes, quantifying reactive transport within biofilms, understanding microbial resilience and recovery, and developing predictive biofilm management strategies. This review provides a conceptual foundation for translating laboratory inhibition into durable field-scale sulfidogenesis control.},
}

@article {pmid42611076,
year = {2026},
author = {Irbaz, M and Hamood, Z and Shahid, S and Ghufran, A and Ajmal, A and Rafiq, I},
title = {Bacteriophage therapy for antimicrobial-resistant, biofilm‑associated diabetic foot infection: delivery routes, phage antibiotic synergy, and practical wound‑care integration.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42611076},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Phage Therapy/methods ; *Diabetic Foot/therapy/microbiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Humans ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Bacteriophages/physiology ; *Bacterial Infections/therapy/microbiology ; Animals ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/virology ; Bacteria/drug effects/virology ; },
abstract = {Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are a significant public health problem, associated with a delayed healing process and high rates of recurrence, which culminates in amputation. Two main factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm formation, are responsible for the persistence and therapeutic failure of DFIs, resulting in extended healing time, infection recurrence, and an increased risk of amputation. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has made traditional antibiotic treatment less effective, necessitating alternative or adjunctive therapy. Phage therapy is an alternative approach to treat biofilm-associated and antimicrobial-resistant DFIs. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are highly specific to their bacterial hosts, can disrupt biofilms, and increase the activity of antimicrobial drugs used alone or in combination. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of phage-based interventions for AMR and biofilm-related DFIs, highlighting delivery methods, phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS), incorporation into wound care regimens, and novel translational potential. Further interest in phage-based therapeutics has grown with recent advances in engineered phages, phage-derived enzymes, and precision diagnostics. Clinical and preclinical data indicate that phage therapy may be a promising strategy to improve bacterial control in specific DFI applications. Experimental studies have shown activity against MDR pathogens and biofilm-associated infections, and early clinical reports show potential for therapeutic benefit. The evidence base is currently small and is skewed towards in vitro studies, animal models, case reports, and small clinical trials. However, significant clinical evidenceis still needed before they can be widely adopted. There are several important barriers, such as the absence of large-scale randomized controlled trials, standardized treatment protocols, manufacturing consistency, and harmonized regulatory frameworks. Rigorous clinical evaluation, enhanced diagnostics (e.g., metagenomics profiling), delivery optimization, and regulatory coordination will be the key factors for further progress. Together, these advances could facilitate the integration of phage therapy into a multidisciplinary approach to DFI treatment and improve outcomes for patients with complex biofilm-related and AMR infections.},
}

*Phage Therapy/methods
*Diabetic Foot/therapy/microbiology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Humans
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Bacteriophages/physiology
*Bacterial Infections/therapy/microbiology
Animals
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/virology
Bacteria/drug effects/virology

@article {pmid42605307,
year = {2026},
author = {Perucchini, M and Vigani, B and Valentino, C and Ruggeri, M and Sandri, G and Rossi, S},
title = {Inhalable Nanosystems for Bacterial Respiratory Infections: Addressing Pulmonary Barriers and Biofilm-Associated Challenges.},
journal = {International journal of nanomedicine},
volume = {21},
number = {},
pages = {599438},
pmid = {42605307},
issn = {1178-2013},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; Humans ; Administration, Inhalation ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage/chemistry ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Animals ; *Bacterial Infections/drug therapy ; *Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry/administration & dosage ; Lung/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Bacterial lower respiratory tract infections remain difficult to treat because effective antimicrobial concentrations must be achieved within complex and heterogeneous pulmonary microenvironments while minimizing systemic toxicity and addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. These difficulties are further amplified by impaired mucociliary clearance, mucus hypersecretion, biofilm-associated tolerance, intracellular pathogen persistence, and non-uniform aerosol deposition. Inhalable nanosystems have therefore emerged as promising platforms to improve the local delivery of antibiotics and antibiofilm agents by prolonging pulmonary residence, modulating drug release, and enhancing interactions with specific biological barriers. This review provides a critical overview of the main classes of inhalable nanosystems investigated for bacterial respiratory infections, including natural and synthetic polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nano-embedded inhalable formulations. Nanosystem composition, surface properties, drug-loading strategy, release behavior, and aerodynamic performance are discussed in relation to the biological niche of infection, including mucus-rich airways, extracellular biofilm-associated infections, and intracellular pathogens residing within macrophages. Particular attention is given to how these systems interact with pulmonary barriers and infection-related microenvironments, including mucus, biofilms, and intracellular bacterial niches. Selected emerging antimicrobial and antibiofilm approaches that may be integrated into inhalable nanosystems are also discussed. The main advantages and limitations of each platform are compared in terms of formulation performance, biological barrier interaction, pulmonary safety, manufacturability. Despite encouraging preclinical evidence, the clinical translation of inhalable nanosystems remains limited by formulation complexity, scale-up challenges, device compatibility, incomplete understanding of nanosystem-lung barrier interactions, and the lack of standardized infection and biofilm models predictive of clinical outcomes. Overall, this review highlights the need for a niche-guided and translationally oriented development of inhalable nanosystems, integrating antibacterial efficacy, pulmonary barrier interactions, inhalable formulation requirements, and manufacturability.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
Humans
Administration, Inhalation
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage/chemistry
*Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy/microbiology
Animals
*Bacterial Infections/drug therapy
*Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
*Nanoparticles/chemistry/administration & dosage
Lung/microbiology

@article {pmid42606049,
year = {2026},
author = {Pekgenc, E and Mumcu, H and Gül Karagüler, N and Yavuztürk Gül, B and Koyuncu, I},
title = {YtnP Lactonase: Expression, Characterization, and Potential for Biofilm Control in Membrane Systems.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {9},
number = {16},
pages = {7357-7371},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.6c00285},
pmid = {42606049},
issn = {2576-6422},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Membranes, Artificial ; Pseudomonas/drug effects/physiology ; Materials Testing ; *Bacillus/enzymology ; *Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases/metabolism/chemistry/pharmacology/genetics ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; Particle Size ; Surface Properties ; },
abstract = {Membrane biofouling remains a major bottleneck in filtration systems due to the limitations of conventional mitigation strategies. Quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes provide an eco-friendly alternative by disrupting bacterial communication required for biofilm development. YtnP lactonase from Bacillus luti T5 was cloned, expressed, and biochemically characterized. Sequence analysis and structural modeling confirmed its placement in the metallo-β-lactamase superfamily through the conserved HXHXDH motif. The enzyme's activity was further evaluated on nanofiltration membranes against a dual-species biofilm of Pseudomonas mandelii and Staphylococcus aureus. Biofilm formation inhibition on membrane surfaces was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), while extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). YtnP exhibited remarkable cold-active properties, maintaining catalytic efficiency even at 10 °C. When applied at 120 μg/mL, the enzyme inhibited over 90% of biofilm formation, as confirmed by CLSM. This study provides the evidence of the antibiofouling potential of YtnP in membrane systems, emphasizing its suitability for mild, energy-efficient filtration conditions.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Membranes, Artificial
Pseudomonas/drug effects/physiology
Materials Testing
*Bacillus/enzymology
*Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases/metabolism/chemistry/pharmacology/genetics
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
Particle Size
Surface Properties

@article {pmid42606381,
year = {2026},
author = {Juliet, R and Irulappan, M and Veeraraghavan, B and Nachimuthu, R},
title = {Evaluation of Sequential Phage-Antibiotic Therapy Reveals Enhanced Biofilm Control with Meropenem and Colistin in Clinical MDR Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag204},
pmid = {42606381},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: The convergence of multidrug resistance and hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-HvKp) has narrowed treatment options. Despite growing interest in phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS), this study evaluates the underexplored combinatorial effects of phage and antibiotics, including drug-specific interactions and sequence dependency, against the biofilm-forming MDR-HvKp clinical strain.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A T5-like Klebsiella bacteriophage, Round, within the genus Webervirus, was therapeutically and genomically characterized. A biofilm-forming clinical strain, Kleb_134, was used to evaluate in vitro phage-antibiotic interactions with meropenem, colistin, and tigecycline in planktonic and biofilm models.In planktonic assays, phage combinations with meropenem and colistin resulted in a multi-log CFU reduction compared to monotherapies, whereas reduced efficacy was observed with tigecycline. In biofilm assays, pre-phage treatment followed by antibiotic exposure demonstrated the strongest biofilm reduction. Drug-specific and sequence-dependent effects were evident. Meropenem-phage combinations reduced biofilm biomass by 2.85-fold (high phage titre) and 3.8-fold (low phage titre), while colistin-phage combinations achieved reductions of 8.4-fold (high phage titre) and 2.8-fold (low phage titre).

CONCLUSIONS: Sequential phage-antibiotic treatment was effective against MDR-HvKp biofilms, with pre-phage exposure enhancing antibiotic access through biofilm disruption. The bacteriostatic nature of tigecycline reduced efficacy by affecting phage replication. These findings highlight the importance of treatment sequence and antibiotic selection, and extend existing knowledge in optimizing therapeutic outcomes in MDR-HvKp infections.},
}

@article {pmid42603693,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Lin, Y and Ma, S and Shu, J and Ren, H and Xu, K},
title = {Algal-Bacterial Biofilm Reactors for Petrochemical Wastewater: Matrix-Dependent DOM Transformation and Stage-Specific Applicability.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125459},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125459},
pmid = {42603693},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Petrochemical wastewater (PCW) treatment remains challenging because residual dissolved organic matter (DOM) after conventional treatment still contains complex, refractory, and heteroatom-rich molecular components. Algal-bacterial biofilm (AB) systems have potential for both secondary and advanced treatment; however, their stage-dependent applicability within PCW treatment trains remains unclear. In this study, three AB reactors were fed with dissolved air flotation effluent (DAFE), secondary biological treatment effluent (SBTE), and effluent from a high-activity sludge carbon-capture reactor (ASCE). The three wastewater matrices resulted in distinct patterns of treatment performance, DOM transformation, and biofilm response. After PCW feeding began, all reactors showed short-term inhibition followed by gradual recovery, with the SBTE-fed reactor showing comparatively higher total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal after recovery. Excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry further showed that the SBTE-fed reactor achieved greater attenuation of fluorescent DOM, a decrease in molecular diversity, reduced DOM unsaturation, and removal of nitrogen- and sulfur-containing molecular components. In contrast, low-unsaturation formulas were preferentially removed in the DAFE-fed reactor, whereas the ASCE-fed AB reactor produced more extracellular polymeric substances and soluble microbial products and exhibited stronger antioxidant responses but showed limited DOM attenuation. Microbial community and metatranscriptomic analyses indicated that the SBTE-fed reactor was characterized by functional assemblages and expression patterns related to organic matter transformation, aromatic degradation, energy metabolism, and nitrogen/sulfur transformation. These results suggest that AB reactors may be more suitable as an advanced treatment step following conventional biological treatment in PCW treatment trains.},
}

@article {pmid42603884,
year = {2026},
author = {Goveas, LC and Khanapur, P and Chetan, DM and Nannuri, K and Shishir, RK and Murugesan, G and Rao, RN and Selvaraj, R and Vinayagam, R and Vidya, SM},
title = {Anti-biofilm and anti-cancer effects of biosurfactant from Lactobacillus plantarum SVP2 in fermented milk whey beverage.},
journal = {Journal of food science and technology},
volume = {63},
number = {9},
pages = {1664-1672},
pmid = {42603884},
issn = {0022-1155},
abstract = {The present work reports the secretion of biosurfactant by probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum SVP2 (SVP2-BS) in a previously formulated fermented EPS rich milk whey beverage. The cell-free BS-SVP2 was extracted from the fermented milk whey beverage by acid precipitation giving yield of 9.62 g/L. The surface of SVP2-BS was fibrous network-like with presence of elemental carbon, oxygen and nitrogen in high amounts, as analysed by SEM-EDAX. SVP2-BS was confirmed as a lipoprotein by quantitative analysis and FT-IR characterization which revealed the presence of N-H, C = C, C-H2, C-O-C, C-O and C-H functional groups. The biofilm development of P. aeruginosa and E. coli was hindered by 96 ± 1.92% and 57 ± 1.14% on Ti-6Al-4 V alloy plates treated with 1.0 g/L SVP2-BS in comparison with untreated control plates. Additionally, SVP2-BS exhibited anti-cancer effects against HCT 116 colorectal cell lines (IC50:20 µg/mL), whereas exposure at 1000 µg/mL on IEC 6 mouse non-tumor epithelial cell lines, a viability of 60.2% was retained. The novelty of this study is that it reports the production of a bio-active biosurfactant with potent anti-biofilm and anti-cancer activity in a probiotic fermented bioactive EPS rich milk why based beverage, offering the consumer triple benefits of probiotic L. plantarum SVP2, its bioactive EPS and biosurfactant.},
}

@article {pmid42604162,
year = {2026},
author = {Jia, P and Zhang, W and Zhang, G and Pei, W and Wu, F and He, Z and Chen, T and Liu, G},
title = {Environmental selection shapes the ecological cascade of biofilm assembly and functional gene abundance in sandstone weathering.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100388},
pmid = {42604162},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Microorganisms are pivotal agents in the process of sandstone weathering; nevertheless, the ecological mechanisms that govern their transition from mere colonization to sustained weathering activity remain ambiguous. This study systematically elucidated microbe-mediated weathering mechanisms through amplicon and metagenomic sequencing of bacteria, fungi, and archaea across a sandstone weathering sequence-from original unweathered sandstone (OS), biofilm-covered sandstone (BS), to weathered sandstone (WS). The findings indicate that microbial communities undergo associations across a weathering gradient, with biofilms constituting a unique transitional state. Community assembly mechanisms undergo a transition from stochastic processes in original sandstone to deterministic processes during the processes of biofilm formation and weathering. Biofilm communities formed modular, tightly interconnected putative association networks enriched with keystone taxa. Metagenomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of functional pathways related to iron acquisition, organic acid metabolism, and sulfur cycling during weathering, with functional annotation directly linking these traits to pivotal microbial groups. The findings of this study, as suggested by partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM), indicate that environmental changes are associated with deterministic processes and with increased microbial richness. These factors are further linked to the composition of putative keystone taxa along the weathering gradient. These pivotal groups subsequently influence the abundance of weathering-related functional genes, directly accelerating weathering processes. This finding unveils a distinct ecological cascade pathway, commencing with environmental selection and culminating in the enrichment of functional gene potentials. The present study proposes a universal framework demonstrating that sandstone weathering is associated with deterministic processes, putative keystone taxa, and synergistic gene networks. This mechanism is not only applicable to sandstone systems, but also offers novel insights into the understanding of microbially mediated mineral weathering in terrestrial environments. This process is fundamental in influencing global biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, and the preservation of geological and cultural heritage.},
}

@article {pmid42604696,
year = {2026},
author = {Chirabandhu, N and Ilmi, AFN and Rotcheewaphan, S},
title = {Genomic determinants of morphotype transition and biofilm formation in clinical Mycobacterium abscessus isolates.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106007},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2026.106007},
pmid = {42604696},
issn = {1567-7257},
abstract = {Mycobacterium abscessus is a nontuberculous mycobacterium recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen that poses a growing clinical challenge worldwide. It causes recalcitrant pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections and is characterized by morphotype switching and biofilm-forming capacity. These phenotypic features are considered important virulence determinants; however, the genetic factors underlying phenotypic variability remain poorly understood. The biofilm-forming capacity, mutations associated with morphotype variation, and genetic determinants linked to deficient biofilm formation were investigated in 58 clinical Mycobacterium abscessus isolates recovered from non-cystic fibrosis patients. For biofilm-forming capability, 41.4% (n = 24) of isolates were categorized as strong producers, 51.7% (n = 30) as moderate producers, and 6.9% (n = 4) as weak producers. Smooth morphotype isolates produced significantly greater biofilm biomass than rough isolates (p = 0.006). Genomic analysis demonstrated that the rough morphotype was significantly associated with genetic alterations, including point mutations, insertions/deletions (indels), and large genomic deletions disrupting genes involved in glycopeptidolipid (GPL) biosynthesis, particularly mps1 and mps2. Longitudinal analysis of serial isolates obtained from a single patient revealed a massive 37.6-kb deletion and loss-of-function mutations in genes associated with stress response (lat), metabolism (atsA), and transport (mspA) among weak biofilm-forming isolates. Notably, the mutations potentially contributing to morphotype switching and altered biofilm-forming capacity occur spontaneously across these clinical isolates. Collectively, these findings identify genomic determinants associated with morphotype transition and biofilm attenuation in M. abscessus, highlighting potential targets for strategies aimed at disrupting biofilm formation and improving the management of M. abscessus infections.},
}

@article {pmid42600860,
year = {2026},
author = {Dey, M and Kundu, S and Saha, S and Chowdhury, AA and Mukherjee, A and Maji, P and Roy, B and Ghosh, S},
title = {Antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using Crossostephium chinense (L.) Makino aqueous leaf extract.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108776},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108776},
pmid = {42600860},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The increasing burden of infectious diseases, driven by microbial pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance, necessitates the development of effective and sustainable antimicrobial strategies. In that context, this study reports, for the first time, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Crossostephium chinense (L.) Makino (CC) leaves, wherein plant-derived phytochemicals act as natural reducing and capping agents. Mass spectrometric analyses of CC aqueous leaf extract identified 62 possible metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids, that possibly facilitate nanoparticle synthesis. The synthesized C. chinense-derived silver nanoparticles (CC-AgNPs) were characterized as moderately stable, crystalline, spherical with sizes ranging from 20-80 nm. CC-AgNPs displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, showing the greatest susceptibility in Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6 μg/mL, while electron microscopy confirmed severe structural damage to bacterial membranes. Furthermore, CC-AgNPs displayed strong antibiofilm activity, achieving up to 92% biofilm inhibition in B. subtilis at 12 μg/mL. The anticancer potential of CC-AgNPs was evaluated against breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), chronic myelogenous leukemia (K562), and hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cell lines. Among these, MDA-MB-231 cells were the most sensitive, exhibiting the lowest IC50 value. Further mechanistic investigations in MDA-MB-231 cells demonstrated apoptosis induction, as evidenced by nuclear fragmentation, Annexin V/PI staining and activation of caspases. In conclusion, these findings highlight CC-AgNPs as promising candidates for antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anticancer applications.},
}

@article {pmid42603304,
year = {2026},
author = {Juma, NA and Bukhari, AG and Alharthi, TM and Abu, I and Ahmed, K and Albar, MH and Allehebi, ZO and Asiri, T and Agabawi, S and Almuhayya, S and Alkuwaity, K and Attallah, D and Mokhtar, JA and Ekhmimi, T and Alfadil, A and Saleh, BH and Alqarni, M and Daffa, N and Ibrahem, K},
title = {Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections - Biofilm-mediated virulence, multidrug resistance, clinical impact, and emerging treatment strategies: A review.},
journal = {Biomolecules & biomedicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.17305/bb.2026.14293},
pmid = {42603304},
issn = {2831-090X},
abstract = {Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic, multidrug-resistant (MDR), Gram-negative bacterium that has emerged as an important cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised, critically ill, and hospitalized patients. Its increasing clinical relevance is driven by extensive virulence determinants, biofilm formation, intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance, and persistence within healthcare-associated environmental reservoirs. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, antimicrobial resistance, and therapeutic management of S. maltophilia, with a particular focus on emerging treatment strategies. A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed to identify relevant studies published between 1997 and 2026. The available evidence demonstrates that biofilm formation, quorum sensing, adhesion factors, secretion of extracellular enzymes, and multiple resistance mechanisms-including β-lactamases, multidrug efflux pumps, and horizontally acquired resistance genes-substantially contribute to persistent infections and therapeutic failure. Hospital outbreaks are frequently associated with contaminated water systems, sinks, and medical devices, emphasizing the importance of environmental surveillance and infection control. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) remains the recommended first-line therapy, whereas minocycline, tigecycline, fluoroquinolones, and cefiderocol represent important alternatives for selected patients. Emerging approaches, including novel tetracyclines, bacteriophages, bacteriocins, ceragenins, anti-biofilm agents, and plant-derived compounds, have demonstrated promising preclinical activity against MDR and biofilm-associated infections, although robust clinical evidence remains limited. Continued surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic-guided therapy, and well-designed prospective clinical studies are essential to optimize the management of S. maltophilia infections and facilitate the translation of emerging therapeutic strategies into clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid42603427,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Sun, X and Zhou, J and Shi, Y and Liu, C and Chen, C and Li, M and Bo, M and Wang, L and Wu, Z and Bai, X and Xie, J},
title = {A proton-gated gold nanocluster platform for disrupting biofilm bioenergetics and suppressing virulence in bacterial infections.},
journal = {Biomaterials},
volume = {337},
number = {},
pages = {124542},
doi = {10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124542},
pmid = {42603427},
issn = {1878-5905},
abstract = {Current clinical management of periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease driven by dysbiotic biofilms, faces a persistent challenge: biofilm-associated infections remain difficult to eradicate owing to the resilient energy metabolism and high virulence of key pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. To address this challenge, we developed ultrasmall AHMP-stabilized gold nanoclusters (AHMP@AuNCs) based on a bioenergetics-centered "Metabolic Trap" paradigm. Their sub-2-nm architecture supports bacterial-interior access, while preferential bacterial accumulation may be facilitated by the pyrimidine-mimetic ligand environment, potentially through pyrimidine-associated recognition or uptake processes. A proton-responsive Au-ligand interface undergoes reversible electronic-state modulation, with near-neutral to weakly alkaline intracellular conditions favoring a charge-transfer-associated state. Following bacterial accumulation, AHMP@AuNCs disrupt proton homeostasis and energetic coupling, leading to ATP and NAD depletion, nucleotide metabolic imbalance, secondary oxidative stress, and suppression of T9SS-dependent virulence. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal coordinated rewiring of energy, nucleotide, and virulence networks, supporting the "Metabolic Trap" concept. Across oral biofilm models, AHMP@AuNCs inhibit biofilm formation and access internal regions of mature biofilms, disrupting established architecture while showing limited cytotoxicity in the evaluated host-cell models. In experimental periodontitis, local administration preserved epithelial barrier integrity, attenuated inflammation, reduced the P. gingivalis-associated burden, and limited periodontal tissue destruction, with favorable short-term tolerability. This strategy demonstrates that targeting intracellular energy vulnerabilities can achieve antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence effects against persistent infections.},
}

@article {pmid42599453,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Yi, Z and Gao, S and Song, S and An, Q and Wang, Y and Liu, B and Yi, L},
title = {Ginkgolide B drives TCA cycle to accelerate Streptococcus suis biofilm dissociation.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42599453},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {32573360//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Ginkgolides/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Lactones/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Streptococcus suis/drug effects/metabolism/physiology ; *Citric Acid Cycle/drug effects ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Isoflavones/pharmacology ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important zoonotic pathogen that often forms biofilm, leading to persistent clinical infections and exacerbation of antibiotic resistance. There is an urgent need to develop novel antibiofilm strategies. In this study, for the first time, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was targeted with the aim of reactivating the metabolic activity of bacteria embedded in biofilm using natural product molecules, thereby disrupting mature biofilm. Through virtual screening based on the TCMSP database, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, two potential molecules, ginkgolide B and daidzein were identified. The results showed that ginkgolide B significantly eradicated mature biofilm of S. suis at 160 µg/mL, whereas daidzein did not exhibit such an effect. Ginkgolide B treatment led to a marked accumulation of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates (pyruvate, malate, fumarate, and isocitrate), a substantial downregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway product ribose-5-phosphate, and a global upregulation of NADH as well as various high energy phosphate compounds and amino acids. These findings suggest that ginkgolide B may interfere with TCA cycle, leading to reduced lactate fermentation, enhanced accumulation of TCA cycle-related metabolites, and broader metabolic changes in biofilm-associated S. suis. This metabolic disturbance may contribute to the disruption of mature biofilm. This study validates the feasibility of a 'metabolic activation' strategy in eradicating mature biofilm of S. suis and provides ginkgolide B as a candidate molecule for the development of novel antibiofilm agents.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Ginkgolides/pharmacology/chemistry
*Lactones/pharmacology/chemistry
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
*Streptococcus suis/drug effects/metabolism/physiology
*Citric Acid Cycle/drug effects
Molecular Docking Simulation
Isoflavones/pharmacology
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism

@article {pmid42600526,
year = {2026},
author = {Olivan-Muro, I and Esteras-Saz, J and Coronas, J and Sevilla, E and Fillat, MF},
title = {Repurposing metal-responsive regulators: The FUR family as a regulatory hub for lifestyle adaptation and biofilm architecture in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {313},
number = {},
pages = {128680},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128680},
pmid = {42600526},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Cyanobacterial biofilms play a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem stability. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing the transition from planktonic growth to a sessile state remain poorly characterized. This lifestyle shift entails extensive transcriptional reprogramming. In Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 the three Ferric Uptake Regulator (FUR) paralogs FurA, Zur and PerR play key roles in coordinating this process. Although these proteins are established regulators of metal and redox homeostasis, their contribution to orchestrating multicellular behaviour has yet to be defined. In this study, we combined computational, biochemical, and surface characterization approaches to evaluate the influence of FUR proteins on biofilm architecture and to map the FUR-mediated regulatory network underlying its development. Our results identified Zur as a major regulator of extracellular matrix formation, directly controlling genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and trehalose biosynthesis (alr1718, alr0894), thereby promoting structural maturation and desiccation tolerance. In contrast, PerR functioned as a developmental gatekeeper, as its deregulation led to elongated cells with impaired septation associated with the misregulation of the septal-junction regulator sjdR and the fatty acid biosynthesis gene lpxC. FurA maintained cellular homeostasis by regulating α-trehalase (all0166), thereby influencing extracellular matrix turnover. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that FUR deregulation markedly altered biofilm architecture, whereas environmental stressors such as nitrogen deficiency activated compensatory pathways that partially bypassed these regulatory constraints. Together, these findings demonstrate that metal-responsive regulators are repurposed to integrate environmental signals into the control of prokaryotic multicellularity, positioning the FUR family as a central regulatory hub for lifestyle adaptation in Anabaena.},
}

@article {pmid42600851,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, H and Tang, X and Gu, S and Yang, R and Li, J},
title = {Electric field-regulated extracellular polymeric substances enhance extracellular electron transfer at the biofilm-electrode interface.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135618},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135618},
pmid = {42600851},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {To address the bottleneck imposed by low rates of extracellular electron transfer (EET), which limits the efficiency of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), an electric field-coupled microbial fuel cell was developed using an auxiliary electrode. The electric field was employed as an intervention factor targeting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are a key component of biofilms, to propose a strategy of enhancing EET by modulating EPS properties. Focusing on biofilms, this study investigated their formation and EET behavior. By integrating the electric field response characteristics of EPS, the intrinsic relationships among biofilm performance, EPS, and electric field were examined. The results demonstrated that the electric field promoted microbial accumulation on the electrode and enhanced metabolic activity, thereby increasing biofilm density and electron transfer system activity. Furthermore, the electric field improved the electronic conduction environment within the biofilm, reduced resistance to EET, and generated highly active EET functional microzones on the biofilm surface. Consequently, the maximum reaction rate and EET rate constant increased by 60.3% and 53.9%, respectively. The transformation of EPS properties under electric field intervention was identified as the primary mechanism underlying improved biofilm formation and EET performance. The electric field promoted biofilm development by increasing the ratio of protein components within the EPS and reducing the electrostatic repulsion between EPS particles. Furthermore, it enhanced EET by upregulating electrochemically active components. These findings indicate that modulation of EPS characteristics is a key strategy for promoting biofilm formation and EET in BESs, offering new opportunities for improving EET efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid42594427,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmed Hatib, B and Bayrakdar, A and Attar, A and Sahinkaya, E},
title = {Performance of two-step moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) process for the treatment of P-nitrophenol.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {415},
number = {},
pages = {130693},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130693},
pmid = {42594427},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {P-nitrophenol, a significant pollutant used in industry for various purposes, negatively impacts biomass growth as it is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, properly treating PNP and rendering it environmentally harmless are crucial. While studies on its treatment using suspended biomass or certain biofilm reactors have been conducted in the literature, studies using serially-connected moving-bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) are extremely limited. In the present study, PNP treatment up to an influent concentration of 100 mg/L was investigated using two serially-connected MBBR processes, and the effects of PNP on COD removal, nitrification performance, and biofilm density were also thoroughly investigated. The study determined that at a PNP loading of 50 mg/(L·d), PNP removal reached up to 100%; the first reactor was primarily responsible for organic matter removal, and the second reactor acted as a polishing step. PNP removal decreased as the PNP loading rate was increased from 50 to 100 mg/(L·d); in parallel with this, a decline in nitrification performance was observed, ammonium accumulation occurred, particularly in MBBR-1, and an increase in COD concentrations in the system effluent was noted. The study demonstrated effective biological removal of PNP, with negligible contribution from adsorption. The MBBR process successfully treated PNP up to a concentration of 50 mg/L (loading up to 50 mg/(L·d)) without any by-product accumulation.},
}

@article {pmid42594453,
year = {2026},
author = {K, V and Jang, JH and Wang, CT},
title = {Chemical perturbation in wastewater-fed microbial fuel cells: biofilm reconfiguration, electron redistribution, and electrochemical signatures.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {126659},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126659},
pmid = {42594453},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) couple wastewater treatment with energy recovery, but their practical application is constrained by electrochemical instability when complex influents decouple substrate removal from electrode recovery. This review proposes a measurement-guided diagnostic framework integrating the Electron Redistribution Mechanism (ERM), the electron-recovery deficit ratio (De), and Electrochemical Perturbation Signatures (EPSig). Redox-active perturbations, including metals, nitrate, nitrite, sulfur species, and soluble redox mediators, are evaluated alongside non-redox perturbations, such as pH fluctuations, salinity, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN)/free ammonia stress, and organic overloading. Redox-active perturbations may establish competing electron-transfer pathways or redox cycling when the corresponding reactions are biologically and kinetically accessible. Non-redox perturbations alter microbial metabolism, the organization of biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), substrate and ion transport, electrolyte conductivity, and biofilm-electrode charge transfer, and may impose matrix-dependent transport limitations rather than serving as additional terminal electron acceptors. ERM provides an electron-equivalent accounting structure for quantifying removal-recovery divergence, whereas De expresses unrecovered electron equivalents relative to electrode recovery without identifying a specific sink. EPSig supports localization of charge-transfer, ohmic, mass-transfer, anodic, and cathodic limitations through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), polarization analysis, electrode-resolved potentials, and time-resolved electrical responses. Application to published tofu-processing wastewater data indicates marked removal-recovery decoupling, but the absence of pathway-resolved measurements and resistance- and electrode-resolved electrochemical diagnostics prevents allocation of the recovery deficit and localization of the associated electrochemical limitation. The integrated ERM-EPSig framework provides a structured basis for distinguishing measured allocation to non-electrode pools from electrochemical limitations and for informing matrix-specific operational responses.},
}

@article {pmid42594676,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, L and Feng, X and Gao, Y and Wu, J and Liu, A and Lin, L},
title = {Quaternary ammonium-functionalized carbon quantum dots with low drug resistance inhibit biofilm formation and accelerate infected wound healing.},
journal = {European journal of medicinal chemistry},
volume = {319},
number = {},
pages = {119205},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejmech.2026.119205},
pmid = {42594676},
issn = {1768-3254},
abstract = {The growing threat of bacterial adaptive resistance against nanomaterials necessitates an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying nano-bactericidal effects. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising functional nanomaterials for bioimaging, biosensing and biomedical detection, whereas high-performance CQDs eliminating drug-resistant bacterial infections remain greatly limited. Herein, quaternized tartaric acid-based carbon quantum dots (TDAQDs) with prominent antibacterial potency and strong ability to restrict bacterial drug resistance were synthesized using tartaric acid and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DDA). The average particle diameter (1.21 nm), zeta potential measurement (+35.5 mV), and the MIC (at 5 μg/mL for S. aureus and clinical multidrug-resistant MRSA, and 15 μg/mL for E. coli) were the core quantitative physicochemical and biological parameters of TDAQDs. TDAQDs bind to bacteria through electrostatic interaction and induce reactive oxygen species overproduction, which disrupts bacterial membrane structure and triggers massive cytoplasmic leakage. TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that TDAQDs markedly disturbed core biological pathways of S. aureus, including ribosome function, RNA degradation and substance metabolism, while suppressing ABC transporter-associated bacterial pathogenic processes. In vivo wound healing quantification illustrated superior therapeutic performance (91.35% and 88.88% for S. aureus and E. coli-infected wounds), confirming prominent infection elimination and accelerated skin regeneration in TDAQDs-treated groups. In vitro and in vivo biosafety tests verified the good biocompatibility of TDAQDs with negligible cytotoxicity to H9C2 cells, erythrocytes and major mouse organs. Collectively, these findings establish TDAQDs as a robust, biocompatible nanoplatform that simultaneously combats drug-resistant bacteria and mitigates resistance evolution, representing a meaningful step toward developing next-generation antimicrobial strategies to address the global crisis of antibiotic failure.},
}

@article {pmid42595545,
year = {2026},
author = {Ding, WJ and Zhou, AQ and Qu, W},
title = {[Integrated analysis of molecular docking and metabolomics on the anti-candida albicans biofilm mechanism of proanthocyanidins].},
journal = {Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine]},
volume = {60},
number = {8},
pages = {1350-1356},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112150-20250814-00793},
pmid = {42595545},
issn = {0253-9624},
mesh = {*Candida albicans/drug effects ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Proanthocyanidins/pharmacology ; Metabolomics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Fungal Proteins ; },
abstract = {To screen out potential ligands of Agglutinin-like sequence protein 3 (ALS3) with anti-adhesion from the candidate drug library. To clarify the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of proanthocyanidins (PAC) and conduct a preliminary exploration of their metabolomics mechanisms. From January to December in 2023, at the Laboratory Department of Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital,using ALS3 as the target protein, the molecular docking virtual screening method was adopted to screen out ALS3 inhibitors with potential resistance to biofilm formation. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of PAC for Candida albicans were determined by the micro-liquid-based dilution method, and the time-growth curve was plotted to explore the antibacterial activity of PAC for Candida albicans. The XTT[2, 3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] staining method was used to explore the formation of Candida albicans biofilms by PAC and its dispersal effect on the formation of mature biofilms within 24 hours. The metabolites of Candida albicans after the action of PAC were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate analysis (principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis) and univariate analysis (t-test) were used to screen differential metabolites to preliminarily explore the anti-biofilm mechanism of PAC. The results showed that a total of 69 compounds were obtained through Glide's three-level screening (SP, XP, HTVS). Based on the criteria of (1) docking scores better than diazepam and (2) excluding antibiotics, PAC compounds with excellent scores and relatively promising pattern binding were obtained. The MIC of PAC is 256 μg/ml, and the MFC is 1 024 μg/ml, showing a time-dose dependence. The concentration of PAC with a 50% inhibition rate on Candida albicans biofilm is 256 μg/ml(one-way analysis of variance, F=15.92,P<0.001). When the concentration reaches 1 024 μg/ml, PAC can inhibit 80% of Candida albicans biofilm formation(One-way analysis of variance, F=15.92,P<0.001).For mature Candida albicans biofilms, when the PAC concentration reaches 1 024 μg/ml, it exhibits a dispersal effect on approximately 40% of the biofilm.(One-way analysis of variance, F=5.01,P=0.002). The results of non-targeted metabolomics indicated that compared with the untreated control group, the total number of differential metabolites of Candida albicans under the action of PAC was 350, among which 119 were up-regulated and 231 were down-regulated. The significantly changed differential metabolites include: 5-hydroxypiperidinic acid, Rhodamine 123, allantoin, indolebutyric acid, thiamine, etc.The main metabolic pathways enriched by differential metabolites are: global and overview maps, carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport systems, lipid metabolism, cofactor and vitamin metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion,it is feasible to use ALS3 as the target and a virtual screening method to search for the hit compounds of anti-Candida albicans biofilms. PAC was revealed to be an inhibitor targeting ALS3 in Candida albicans, and its anti-biofilm mechanism is associated with disturbances in energy metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis, membrane structure disruption, and enhanced oxidative stress.},
}

*Candida albicans/drug effects
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Molecular Docking Simulation
*Proanthocyanidins/pharmacology
Metabolomics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
Fungal Proteins

@article {pmid42597385,
year = {2026},
author = {Mainardes, CC and Amri, O and Palomari Spolidorio, DM and Rouabhia, M},
title = {Cannabidiol (CBD) Inhibits Streptococcus oralis Growth and Biofilm Formation, While Maintaining Human Gingival Epithelial Cell Viability: An In Vitro Study.},
journal = {International journal of dentistry},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {4609857},
pmid = {42597385},
issn = {1687-8728},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The oral ecosystem harbors multiple microorganisms, including Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis), which contributes to biofilm formation and microbial virulence. To eliminate oral biofilms, mechanical intervention is combined with antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine, but these have limited effects. Such intervention could benefit natural antimicrobial compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD).

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the effect of CBD on reducing S. oralis growth and decreasing its biofilm-forming capacity, as well as its interaction with human gingival epithelial cells, to explore its potential application as an oral antimicrobial agent.

METHODOLOGY: S. oralis was cultured in the presence of different concentrations of CBD. Bacterial growth was evaluated at different time points postexposure to CBD. Bacterial biofilm formation was investigated after 3 days of exposure to CBD using histological and quantitative analyses. The interaction between CBD and gingival epithelial cells was assessed using cell morphology, cell adhesion, and cell viability/proliferation assays.

RESULTS: CBD inhibited planktonic growth of S. oralis in a concentration-dependent manner with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 μg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25 μg/mL. CBD also significantly (p  < 0.01) decreased S. oralis biofilm by disrupting its architecture. The effect on the bacterial growth and its capacity to form biofilms was observed even with a low concentration (3.12 μg/mL) of CBD. Given that antimicrobial molecules should be effective against biofilm-associated bacteria while maintaining compatibility with host tissues, this study showed that concentrations (3.12, 6.25, and 12.5 μg/mL) of CBD we tested have anti-S. oralis effect maintained human gingival epithelial cell viability.

CONCLUSION: CBD exhibited a significant antimicrobial effect against S. oralis. Although the bactericidal concentration was higher than the range tested in gingival epithelial cells, low and intermediate CBD concentrations inhibited S. oralis growth and biofilm formation while maintaining cell viability after 24 h of exposure. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting further investigation of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of CBD in oral health contexts.},
}

@article {pmid42597810,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, U and Enc, ME},
title = {Biofilm-disrupting irrigation in established hip & knee prosthetic joint infection: a scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of clinical orthopaedics and trauma},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {103579},
pmid = {42597810},
issn = {0976-5662},
abstract = {Biofilm formation on prosthetic joint surfaces is a key mechanism causing treatment failure in prosthetic joint infection, and intraoperative irrigation is routinely used during debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention and revision surgery. Clinical evidence directly supporting biofilm-disrupting irrigation solutions in established PJI is limited and unclear. This scoping review mapped clinical evidence evaluating defined biofilm-disrupting irrigation strategies used during surgery for established hip and knee prosthetic joint infection and identified existing evidence gaps. A scoping review was structured in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidance. PubMed, Scopus and Embase were searched. Clinical studies in adults undergoing surgery for established PJI that reported clinical outcomes associated with a defined irrigation solution with intended biofilm-disrupting activity beyond normal saline were eligible. Prevention-only arthroplasty studies were charted separately for context. Data were recorded on study design, population, causative organisms, surgical procedure, irrigant protocol, comparators, follow-up, outcome definitions and adverse events. Semi-quantitative descriptive analysis and MINORS risk of bias assessment was undertaken. Four clinical studies met inclusion criteria, all retrospective observational or comparative cohorts. The available evidence primarily involved povidone-iodine & hydrogen peroxide sequences, vancomycin-povidone iodine protocolised irrigation, and Bactisure® based irrigation during debridement, antibiotics and implant retention. Comparative studies reported variable findings: protocolised povidone-iodine/hydrogen peroxide and vancomycin-povidone iodine approaches were associated with lower failure in selected cohorts, whereas Bactisure® did not significantly reduce DAIR failure compared with standard DAIR in the largest comparative cohort. Interpretation is limited by small study numbers, retrospective design, heterogeneous infection timing, organism profiles, host factors, component exchange practices, antimicrobial regimens, and inconsistent outcome definitions. Prevention-only arthroplasty lavage studies were considered contextual evidence only and should not be extrapolated directly to established PJI. Current evidence does not identify a superior irrigant or justify treatment recommendations. Future multicentre prospective trials should evaluate standardised irrigation protocols within standardised treatment bundles, use musculoskeletal infection society definitions, report adverse events and cytotoxicity, and include patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness analysis.},
}

@article {pmid42597923,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, J and Huang, Y and Chen, H and Xia, Z and Wang, L and Yu, X and Yang, J and Xu, J and Fan, H and Zheng, J},
title = {Raphani Semen Extract Targets the las Quorum Sensing System to Suppress Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm and Signal Molecule Production.},
journal = {Food science & nutrition},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {e72034},
pmid = {42597923},
issn = {2048-7177},
abstract = {Raphanus sativus L. seeds (Raphani Semen, RS) are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P . aeruginosa) biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS)-regulated behaviors contribute significantly to its persistence and resistance, highlighting the need for novel QS-targeting agents. This study aimed to investigate whether RS extract (RSE) and its characteristic constituents sulforaphane (SFA) and sulforaphene (SFE) inhibit P. aeruginosa biofilm and virulence by targeting specific QS pathways. Using sub-inhibitory concentrations of RSE (≤ 256 μg/mL), SFA and SFE (12.5-100 μM), we evaluated their effects on biofilm formation, bacterial motility, virulence factor production, and signal molecule levels, combined with fluorescent reporter assays, qRT-PCR, and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS for mechanistic and phytochemical analysis. Results showed that RSE suppressed biofilm formation by 50.93%, impaired motility, and reduced 3-oxo-C12-HSL production. It downregulated key QS genes (lasR, lasA, lasB, pqsA, and pqsR) and inhibited lasB/pqsA reporter activity. Phytochemical analysis identified 71 components, and subsequent validation showed that SFA and SFE replicated these effects and exhibited broader QS inhibition across the las, pqs, and rhl systems. SFA (100 μM) demonstrated particularly strong efficacy, suppressing 3-oxo-C12-HSL by 74.29%. Molecular docking indicated that SFA and SFE can bind to LasB, RhlA, and PqsA, albeit with modest affinities. These findings demonstrate that RSE and its active components, SFA and SFE, are potent QS inhibitors that attenuate P. aeruginosa pathogenicity primarily by disrupting the las system, suggesting their potential as natural anti-biofilm agents that may target multiple components of the QS system.},
}

@article {pmid42598504,
year = {2026},
author = {Pitak-Arnnop, P},
title = {Insufficient exclusion of infectious and biofilm-related complications in reported tirzepatide-associated filler nodules.},
journal = {JAAD case reports},
volume = {75},
number = {},
pages = {216},
pmid = {42598504},
issn = {2352-5126},
}