@article {pmid42350146,
year = {2026},
author = {Cao, YQ and Chen, XY and Kong, LT and Deng, DG and Shi, JH and Fang, WJ},
title = {Research progress on biofilm-driven microplastic sedimentation.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {37},
number = {5},
pages = {1717-1730},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202605.031},
pmid = {42350146},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Microplastics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Biofilms play a crucial role in regulating the behavior of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments, yet their dynamic mechanisms have often been overlooked in traditional models. We reviewed the formation mechanism of biofilm and its impact on the sedimentation behavior of MPs. Upon entering water, MPs are rapidly colonized by microorganisms, forming biofilm structures composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and microbial communities. This process is influenced by exposure time, environmental conditions, and the intrinsic properties of MPs. Biofilms significantly affect MPs sedimentation and vertical distribution by increasing their effective density, promoting aggregation, and altering surface properties, challenging the applicability of prediction models based solely on physical attributes. Microorganisms (particularly microalgae) and their EPS secretions are key factors driving sedimentation differences. We further summarized current research progress on biofilm-MPs interactions, their applications, and limitations. Future research should focus on the following areas. Mechanistically, we should develop multiscale models that integrate biofilm dynamics with hydraulic conditions. Methodologically, we should advance in-situ observation techniques to quantitatively characterize biofilm properties such as EPS composition and community function. From an application perspective, we should explore bioremediation strategies that use functional microorganisms, such as specific algae or bacteria, to control MPs sedimentation.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Microplastics/metabolism/isolation & purification
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix
*Water Pollutants, Chemical
Biodegradation, Environmental
Bacteria

@article {pmid42350196,
year = {2026},
author = {De Grandi, D and LuTheryn, G and Stoffels, M and Born, M and Gottenbos, B and Carugo, D and Stride, E},
title = {Effects of Ultrasound-Mediated Treatments on Dental Biofilm Attachment and Viability.},
journal = {Ultrasound in medicine & biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2026.05.008},
pmid = {42350196},
issn = {1879-291X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Dental biofilms are responsible for the majority of oral cavity diseases (e.g., caries, periodontitis and gingivitis). In this work, we evaluate the effects of therapeutic ultrasound on a Streptococcus mutans biofilm model. The research aim is to assess whether therapeutic ultrasound can be implemented in standard practice for the treatment and prevention of oral infections.

METHODS: Streptococcus mutans biofilms were grown on a tooth-mimicking substrate and subsequently exposed to chlorhexidine (CHX) and therapeutic ultrasound treatments. We examined the effects of low duty cycle (1%) 0.5 MHz ultrasound treatment at varying peak negative pressures (0.75-3.00 MPa) and CHX concentrations (0.025, 0.050 and 0.100 % w/V), both in the presence and absence of lipid-coated gas microbubbles.

RESULTS: Ultrasound treatment was effective at removing biofilm, particularly at peak negative pressures exceeding 2.25 MPa and in the presence of lipid-coated microbubbles as cavitation nuclei. Ultrasound exposure also resulted in improved bactericidal action of low-concentration CHX (0.050% w/V).

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that 0.5 MHz therapeutic ultrasound treatment can be used for the mechanical removal of a fully formed and mechanically robust Streptococcus biofilm model. Although the ultrasound treatment alone did not reduce bacterial cell viability, its combination with low concentrations of CHX improved the antimicrobial treatment outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid42350556,
year = {2026},
author = {Subhadra, B and Gandhi, N and Cao, D and Lee, YJ and Rajagopalan, P and Inzana, TJ},
title = {Biofilm formation by Histophilus somni on 3D bovine respiratory tissue cultures.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-57784-9},
pmid = {42350556},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2200045, 24112389//National Science Foundation/ ; 2019-67015-29916//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {The development of bacterial biofilms following infection involves bacterial attachment to tissues and maturation of the biofilm matrix (BM). However, studying the development of bacterial biofilms in vivo is difficult to follow. An established example of biofilm formation during host infection is bovine respiratory disease (BRD) due to Histophilus somni. To more accurately investigate in vivo biofilm development, three-dimensional bovine airway organoids comprised of bovine turbinate epithelial (BE) and pulmonary artery endothelial (BAE) cells embedded in type I collagen were developed. Cell-free concentrated culture supernatant (CCS) from biofilm-grown H. somni suppressed proliferation of epithelial cells more than endothelial cells, affected epithelial barrier integrity by disrupting ZO-1 localization, and induced robust IL-6 secretion in epithelial cells. The organoids were inoculated with H. somni to establish biofilms, which were examined by confocal laser-scanning microscopy of fluorescein-conjugated Moringa M lectin (specific for the exopolysaccharide of H. somni BM). Biofilm development progressed from attachment at day 3 to extracellular matrix elaboration enveloping BE and BAE by day 5. This organoid recapitulates key features of H. somni pathogenesis, such as barrier disruption, inflammatory signaling, and mature biofilm formation in relevant tissues. Thus, organoids provide a biologically relevant platform for mechanistic BRD studies and for evaluating vaccines or antimicrobials targeting biofilm-associated disease.},
}

@article {pmid42351101,
year = {2026},
author = {Partoazar, A and Shahabi, S and Afrasiabi, S},
title = {Ethosomal nanocarrier encapsulating curcumin for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: efficacy analysis against mature Streptococcus mutans biofilm.},
journal = {BMC oral health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12903-026-09022-x},
pmid = {42351101},
issn = {1472-6831},
support = {1403-3- 234-74454//Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biofilms contribute to the dental calculus formation, which in turn deteriorates oral and systemic health. The use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be limited by problems with photosensitizer penetration. In addition, toxicity issues severely limit the potential of PDT. In this study, the selected photosensitizer, curcumin (Cur), was loaded into ethosome (Eth) nanocarriers to enhance the effect of Cur for potential PDT against the mature Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

METHODS: The Cur-Eth formulation was characterized and evaluated for its PDT efficacy in destroying the mature S. mutans biofilm. Colorimetric and confocal microscopy assay were used for this purpose. Cur in free and ethosomal form was also evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity study on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) by MTT assay.

RESULTS: The formulation has spherical structures with a mean vesicle size of 191.3 ± 6.5 nm and an EE of 87.32 ± 1.43%. Cur-Eth showed good biocompatibility, which was confirmed by the cellular viability of HGFs. Photoactivated Cur-Eth showed 39.62 ± 8.50% reduction in mature S. mutans biofilm (P < 0.001), which was not a significant difference compared to 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with 49.52 ± 0.23% reduction (P = 0.608). In addition, confocal microscopy showed cell disintegration of Cur-Eth after LED irradiation.

CONCLUSION: The present study provides a strong rationale and motivation for further investigation of Eth as a potential therapeutic strategy, especially in the case of older biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42352242,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, J and Zhang, Z and Zhou, Y and Zhang, H and Shang, Z and Dai, G and Wang, W and Li, B and Bai, Y and Zhang, J},
title = {Clove Oil Enhances Fosfomycin Efficacy Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 via Biofilm Disruption.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom16060773},
pmid = {42352242},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {24JRRA028//Science and Technology Plan Project of Gansu Province/ ; 1610322026005//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund/ ; 1610322026017//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund/ ; 25-LZIHPS-05//Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; CARS-37//China Agriculture Research System/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Escherichia coli O157/drug effects/physiology ; Animals ; *Fosfomycin/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Clove Oil/pharmacology ; Mice ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; *Escherichia coli Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Carbon-Sulfur Lyases/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation constitutes a major factor in antibiotic treatment failure, shielding bacteria from drugs and promoting persistence. This study demonstrates that the anti-biofilm action of clove oil enhances the efficacy of fosfomycin against Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157). Using a luxS-eGFP reporter system, it was found that clove oil inhibited E. coli O157 biofilm formation by up to 80% via suppression of the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system and bacterial motility. Crucially, this disruption was shown to correlate with a strong synergistic effect when combined with fosfomycin in vitro. In a murine peritoneal infection model, the combination therapy demonstrated superior efficacy compared to monotherapy. Specifically, bacterial loads in the liver, spleen, and small intestine were significantly reduced, and histopathological damage was alleviated. Mechanistically, these effects were linked to the downregulation of the QS. These findings indicate that clove oil acts as a potent adjuvant to fosfomycin by disrupting biofilms, offering a promising strategy against systemic infections caused by E. coli O157.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Escherichia coli O157/drug effects/physiology
Animals
*Fosfomycin/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Clove Oil/pharmacology
Mice
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
Drug Synergism
*Escherichia coli Infections/drug therapy/microbiology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Carbon-Sulfur Lyases/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid42352353,
year = {2026},
author = {Costea, DA and Badaluta, VA and Zachia-Zlatea, I and Holban, AM and Ditu, LM and Lazar, V},
title = {Innovative Strategies to Abolish Microbial Persistence in Biofilm Fortresses.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom16060887},
pmid = {42352353},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; Humans ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Bacteria/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, whose development significantly enhances microbial resistance to antibiotics, disinfectants, and host immune defenses, posing major challenges in clinical, industrial, and environmental settings. Compared with planktonic cells, biofilm-associated microorganisms can exhibit up to 10- to 1000-fold increased tolerance to antimicrobial agents, contributing to the persistence of biofilm-associated infections (BAIs). These infections remain difficult to eradicate due to reduced penetration, altered metabolic states, and the presence of dormant or persister cells. Anti-biofilm strategies can be broadly classified into physical approaches (e.g., ultrasound, mechanical stress, and light-based approaches) that target biofilm structure; chemical and enzymatic methods (e.g., EPS-degrading enzymes) that destabilize the matrix; and biological and molecular strategies (e.g., quorum-sensing (QS) inhibitors, anti-virulence agents, bacteriophages, phage-derived antimicrobial molecules, antimicrobial peptides, and natural bioactive compounds) that modulate biofilm development and integrity by targeting regulatory pathways and matrix stability through distinct mechanisms of action. Natural compounds, including lactoferrin, lactoferrin-derived peptides, and probiotic and postbiotic fractions of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), as well as plant-derived metabolites, have shown promising anti-biofilm effects, with efficacy often enhanced through complementary or potentially synergistic interactions. However, despite these advancements, clinical translation remains limited. For example, BAIs account for approximately 80% of chronic infections, with high recurrence rates and therapeutic failure reported in device-associated infections and chronic wounds. These limitations highlight the need for clinically translatable, multimodal approaches that integrate structural biofilm disruption, antimicrobial targeting, and host response modulation to design more effective and sustainable anti-biofilm strategies.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/drug effects/metabolism
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
Humans
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
Bacteria/drug effects

@article {pmid42353086,
year = {2026},
author = {Adamski, P and Zakrzewski, AJ and Zadernowska, A and Chajęcka-Wierzchowska, W},
title = {High-Pressure Processing Alters Biofilm Persistence and Virulence Gene Expression in Listeria monocytogenes Strains.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27125366},
pmid = {42353086},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Listeria monocytogenes/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Pressure ; Virulence/genetics ; Stainless Steel ; Food Microbiology ; *Virulence Factors/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Listeria monocytogenes is a persistent foodborne pathogen capable of forming biofilms and surviving in food-processing environments. This study investigated the impact of high-pressure processing (HPP) at 200 and 400 MPa/5 min on biofilm viability, biomass, and expression of nine virulence-associated genes in L. monocytogenes strains (n = 6) belonging to the serogroups IIa (LM8, LM40, LM41) and IVb (LM14, LM47, LM48). The pressure levels applied were selected to represent sublethal HPP conditions (below 600 MPa) that allowed the survival of the strains and thus enabled the investigation of adaptive responses in cells that escape complete inactivation. Biofilms were cultivated on stainless-steel 304, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene coupons under static conditions at 25 °C for 72 h and 168 h. Biofilm viability [log10(CFU/cm[2])] was assessed by plate count method and biomass quantified via the biofilm production index (BPI). The cultures were subjected to HPP treatment and their ability to form biofilms was re-evaluated. HPP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced biofilm viability and biomass on all types of surfaces tested. Gene expression analysis revealed a pressure-dependent (p < 0.05) modulation of flaA and sigB, while other virulence genes (agrA, agrC, actA, prfA, hly, inlB, and degU) were generally downregulated (gene expression ratio values below 1). Serogroup IVb strains exhibited enhanced stress responses and lower biofilm survival on polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene surfaces. These findings demonstrate that HPP modulates both phenotypic and genotypic traits linked to L. monocytogenes persistence, emphasizing the need to optimize pressure parameters and surface materials to prevent biofilm formation in HPP-treated food systems.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Listeria monocytogenes/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Pressure
Virulence/genetics
Stainless Steel
Food Microbiology
*Virulence Factors/genetics
Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid42353125,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohamed, SH and Reda, A and Yousef, TA and Nada, MG and Wizrah, MSI and Mandour, SA},
title = {Integrative Systems-Level Transcriptomic Network Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Associated with Biofilm Formation and Virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27125407},
pmid = {42353125},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Gene Regulatory Networks ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Virulence/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Protein Interaction Maps ; },
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen that causes both acute and chronic infections and is known for its ability to form biofilms. In the current study, we applied a hypothesis-generating framework primarily based on integrating four different datasets and applying batch correction. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed in parallel with differential expression analysis using limma. Therefore, we aimed to identify potential biofilm-associated gene candidates. Significant candidate genes were subjected to functional analysis and gene ontology, followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction network using STRING. The Pseudomonas Genome Database was used to highlight the candidate genes. A total of 271, 687, 533, and 277 significantly up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), as well as 306, 985, 472, and 312 significantly down-regulated DEGs, resulted from the exploratory analysis. Through WGCNA/limma integration, 223 common significantly up-regulated/positively correlated gene candidates were identified. Functional analysis results showed significant enrichment in virulence-related pathways, such as biofilm formation (PA0083, PA0084, hcp1, hcpC, pilH, pilI, pilJ, vfr, pqsA, pqsB, pqsC, pqsE, PA1657, and PA1658). In addition, other virulence-related pathways, such as quorum sensing, phenazine biosynthesis, the bacterial secretion system, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, were enriched. In conclusion, our hypothesis-generating integrative analysis identifies candidate genes and potential pathways associated with biofilm formation, virulence, and other processes in P. aeruginosa. In light of this, we point out that all candidate genes presented in this study remain hypothesis-generating. Further validation is recommended, including large-scale in silico analyses and in vitro experimental studies.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Gene Regulatory Networks
Gene Expression Profiling
Virulence/genetics
*Transcriptome
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Protein Interaction Maps

@article {pmid42353665,
year = {2026},
author = {Zepeda-Gutiérrez, LA and Ramírez-Ochoa, S and Ambriz-Alarcón, MA and Cervantes-Pérez, E and Castillo-Romero, A and Licona-Lasteros, KC and Cortés-Zárate, R},
title = {Antimicrobial Resistance, Biofilm Formation, and Phylogenetic Distribution of Escherichia coli in Hospitalized Patients with Community-Onset Urinary Tract Infections in Western Mexico.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15060541},
pmid = {42353665},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Escherichia coli is the predominant pathogen in community-onset urinary tract infections (UTIs) requiring hospitalization. This study characterized antimicrobial resistance profiles, biofilm formation, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene distribution, and phylogenetic background of E. coli isolates from hospitalized UTI patients in Western Mexico.

METHODS: Seventy isolates (September 2023-September 2024) underwent susceptibility testing (CLSI M100, 35th edition), multiplex PCR for blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes, crystal violet biofilm quantification, and Clermont quadruplex PCR phylotyping. Associations were evaluated by Fisher's exact test with Benjamini-Hochberg FDR (BH-FDR) correction.

RESULTS: ESBL phenotype and MDR were detected in 57.1% and 58.6% of isolates. After BH-FDR correction, ESBL production was significantly associated with amikacin (OR = 5.55; 95% CI: 1.80-18.74; q = 0.002) and TMP-SMX non-susceptibility (OR = 3.00; 95% CI: 1.02-9.23; q = 0.036); ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility was linked to MDR status (OR = 7.21; 95% CI: 1.28-75.66; q = 0.017) but not ESBL phenotype. Biofilm was detected in 77.1% of isolates. blaTEM predominated among ESBL producers (85.0%). Phylogroup B2 (51.4%) was inversely associated with recurrent UTI on both univariate (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03-0.73; p = 0.008) and adjusted analysis (adjusted OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05-0.81; p = 0.025). Phylogroup C (22.9%) exhibited the highest MDR prevalence (81.3%) and the highest biofilm formation rate among phylogroups (87.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of ESBL-producing and MDR E. coli, combined with an unexpected predominance of blaTEM, reveals a distinctive local resistance landscape diverging from regional trends. The inverse association of phylogroup B2 with recurrence and TMP-SMX resistance reinforces the clinical value of phylogenetic surveillance in guiding UTI management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42353689,
year = {2026},
author = {Pereira, AR and Simões, M and Gomes, IB},
title = {Parabens at Environmental Levels Modulate Virulence and Antimicrobial Tolerance of Exposed Biofilm Cells.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15060565},
pmid = {42353689},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {UIDB/00511/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; UIDP/00511/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0045/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; 10.54499/2024.16468.PEX//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; COMPETE2030-FEDER-00752300//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; 10.54499/2021.06226.BD//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; 10.54499/2022.06488.CEECIND/CP1733/ CT0008//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Parabens are widely used preservatives detected at trace levels in drinking water. Although their endocrine-disrupting effects are well established, their long-term impact on environmental bacteria remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of parabens on changes in bacterial phenotypic virulence traits and antimicrobial tolerance of bacteria within drinking water biofilms. Methods: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia biofilms were grown on polyvinyl chloride coupons for 26 days under exposure to methyl- (MP), propyl- (PP), butyl-paraben (BP), or a paraben mixture (MIX) at 0.15 µg/L. Biofilm regrowth and virulence-associated traits, including motility (swimming, swarming, and twitching), extracellular enzymes (gelatinase, protease, and lipase), and siderophore production, were evaluated. The effect of prolonged MP exposure (10 weeks) on antimicrobial tolerance was assessed. Results: In A. calcoaceticus, MP reduced biofilm biomass by 32%, whereas MIX increased biomass by 25% and culturability (1.1-fold). S. maltophilia showed increased biofilm culturability with PP (50%), and increased biomass of 2.6-, 2.4-, and 1.8-fold for PP, BP, and MIX, respectively. Biofilm cells exhibited higher virulence factor production than planktonic counterparts. S. maltophilia biofilm cells exposed to BP and MIX showed enhanced swimming and swarming motility, with halo diameters up to fivefold larger than controls. Lipase production increased under BP and MIX exposure, whereas MP exposure reduced it. A MP-induced reduction in motility was observed for A. calcoaceticus and S. maltophilia. Long-term MP exposure results in reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime and minocycline in A. calcoaceticus. Conclusions: Environmentally relevant concentrations of parabens can modulate bacterial virulence traits, increasing biofilm formation, motility and lipase production, and antimicrobial tolerance.},
}

@article {pmid42353701,
year = {2026},
author = {Karamani, EA and Kerousi, E and Adosidi, M and Vafeiadis, G and Boziaris, IS and Giaouris, E and Parlapani, FF},
title = {Phenotypic Profiling of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Poultry-Derived Listeria monocytogenes Isolates.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15060577},
pmid = {42353701},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {16591//European Union - NextGenerationEU/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Listeria monocytogenes is a critical foodborne pathogen, with poultry products serving as a potential reservoir. Its ability to form biofilms may aid in its persistence on processing equipment and food-contact surfaces, while antibiotic resistance complicates efforts to control and treat infections. This study aimed to characterize, in parallel, the biofilm-forming capacity and antibiotic susceptibility of a large collection of poultry-derived L. monocytogenes isolates (n = 93) to better understand their potential for persistence and to clarify how the biofilm phenotype may relate to the bacterial antibiotic response and to inform risk assessment and targeted control strategies along poultry processing and supply chains. Methods: Biofilms were evaluated on polystyrene microtiter plates at 12 and 30 °C in a nutrient-rich laboratory medium. Susceptibility to eight clinically and food-relevant antibiotics was tested using disk diffusion and interpreted according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints when available. Results: At 30 °C for 48 h, 69.9% of isolates were classified as weak biofilm formers and 30.1% as non-biofilm formers, whereas at 12 °C for 120 h, 55.9% were weak, 16.1% moderate, and 28.0% non-biofilm formers, with no strong biofilm producers identified under either condition. Overall, the isolates remained largely susceptible to ampicillin, penicillin G, vancomycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol, with 87.3% of inhibition zones across all drugs falling within the 20-29 mm and 30-39 mm categories, while small subpopulations showed reduced susceptibility or resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and, particularly, erythromycin and streptomycin. No consistent correlation was found between biofilm-forming ability and antibiotic susceptibility, indicating that these phenotypic traits are largely independent in this collection. Conclusions: These findings reveal that poultry-derived L. monocytogenes isolates can form weak to moderate biofilms under the tested monoculture conditions while generally maintaining susceptibility to first-line antibiotics. However, the development of macrolide- and aminoglycoside-resistant subpopulations, along with the potential for increased colonization within complex multispecies biofilms in real processing environments, emphasizes the importance of ongoing integrated surveillance across animal food systems.},
}

@article {pmid42353722,
year = {2026},
author = {Schillaci, D and Plescia, F and Scianò, F and Parisi, F and Catania, V and Manachini, B and Indelicato, S and Ciaglia, T and Di Dio, A and Cascioferro, S},
title = {Imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines as Inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15060598},
pmid = {42353722},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Biofilm-related infections represent a major concern in clinical practice because of their poor responsiveness to standard antimicrobial treatments. Over the past decade, many efforts have been made to identify new compounds capable of inhibiting this particularly resistant form of bacterial life. Although several compounds have shown interesting anti-biofilm properties, none have reached the clinic. Methods: In the present work, we describe the synthesis and biological assessment as anti-biofilm agents, of a novel library of twenty-one imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines. Results: The newly synthesized compounds were in vitro evaluated for their ability to prevent biofilm formation and to eradicate established biofilms in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442. Additionally, the most potent compounds, 9g and 9u, were in vivo assayed for their safety profile and the anti-infective effect in a Galleria mellonella model. Conclusions: Derivatives 9g, 9i, 9n, 9q and 9u proved to be potent inhibitors of S. aureus biofilm showing BIC50 values lower than 15 µg/mL. Noteworthy, the in vivo results revealed the promising protective properties of compound 9u in the early stage of staphylococcal infection.},
}

@article {pmid42353746,
year = {2026},
author = {Rasamiravaka, T and Mol, A and Duez, P and El Jaziri, M and Baucher, M},
title = {Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Acids Inhibit the Expression of Quorum Sensing-Related Virulence Factors and the Formation of Biofilm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15060623},
pmid = {42353746},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {PRD-TRADIMAD 2022-2027//Académie de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Numerous natural compounds have been reported to exhibit anti-virulence properties against pathogenic bacteria. Particularly, plants constitute a rich source of anti-quorum-sensing (QS) and anti-biofilm compounds with highly diverse chemical structures. Notably, several studies reported that plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoids exert anti-biofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa without affecting bacterial viability, suggesting that this class of naturally occurring chemical compounds may represent a source of potent and clinically relevant anti-biofilm agents. Methods: To further investigate this hypothesis, we evaluated several commercially available pentacyclic triterpenoid acids of the oleanane, ursane and lupane types for their potential impact on QS mechanisms and biofilm formation in the P. aeruginosa PAO1 model strain. Results: Oleanane-type (oleanolic acid and maslinic acid), ursane-type (ursolic acid and corosolic acid) and lupane-type (betulinic acid) triterpenoids inhibited the expression of the QS-regulated lasB and rhlA genes as well as biofilm formation, without affecting bacterial growth. Among tested compounds, oleanolic and ursolic acids, at 400 µM, exhibited the strongest anti-biofilm activities, with 45% and 40% inhibition, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy revealed a marked disorganization of biofilm architectures, with bacterial communities failing to establish compact cell-to-cell attachment and confluent microcolonies. Further analyses indicated that these triterpenoid acids did not affect the expression of QS-regulator genes (lasR/I and rhlR/I), suggesting that their impact on lasB and rhlA expression and biofilm formation is independent of the las and rhl systems. Conclusions: These findings suggest that oleanane and ursane triterpenoid acids represent promising chemical backbones for the development of strategies aimed at inhibiting P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid42353750,
year = {2026},
author = {Prieto-Rodriguez, JA and Hernández-Moreno, LV and Pabón-Baquero, LC and Patiño-Ladino, OJ and Cuca-Suárez, LE},
title = {Inhibition of Quorum Sensing-Controlled Virulence Factors and Biofilm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Piper Species.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15060627},
pmid = {42353750},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {ID 20050//Pontificia Universidad Javeriana/ ; 835-2017//Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología/ ; },
abstract = {Background: The World Health Organization has identified the growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics against resistant pathogens as a global threat to public health, linked to increased morbidity and mortality. In this context, Pseudomonas aeruginosa stands out as a multidrug-resistant, biofilm-forming pathogen whose biofilm formation increases its tolerance to antimicrobials, which has driven the development of anti-virulence strategies as a therapeutic alternative. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate extracts and compounds from Piper species in assays targeting the inhibition of biofilm and virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as their anti-quorum sensing activity using Chromobacterium violaceum as a biosensor model. Methods: For this purpose, quorum sensing interference was first assessed through inhibition of violacein production using C. violaceum ATCC 12472 as a biosensor model. The modulation of virulence-associated phenotypes in P. aeruginosa ATCC BAA-47 was subsequently examined through inhibition of biofilm formation by crystal violet staining and spectrophotometric quantification of elastase, protease and pyocyanin production. Results: It was found that extracts from P. aduncum, P. sucrense, P. grande, and P. cumanense inhibited biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa and showed potential activity against quorum sensing in the C. violaceum model, while P. ceanothifolium exhibited only antibiofilm activity. Furthermore, hydroquinone-type compounds and benzoic acid derivatives reduced biofilm formation and virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: The results obtained demonstrate antibiofilm and anti-virulence activity, as well as a possible modulation of quorum sensing in model systems, suggesting that Piper species represent a promising source of bioactive compounds.},
}

@article {pmid42354820,
year = {2026},
author = {Eguizábal, P and Lopéz-Saenz de Navarrete, R and Fernández-Fernández, R and González-Azcona, C and Campaña-Burguet, A and Marañón-Clemente, I and Álvarez-Gómez, T and Corral-Zorzano, P and Benito, D and Torres, C and Lozano, C},
title = {Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm Formation in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus and Mammaliicoccus spp. from Poultry Meat in Spain.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061195},
pmid = {42354820},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {PID2022-139591OB-I00//Agencia Estatal de Investigación MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and ERDF/EU/ ; },
abstract = {Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and mammaliicocci (MA) are common in food-derived samples and may act as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reservoirs. A previous study reported a high S. aureus prevalence in poultry meat. The objective of this study was to characterize the species diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-forming capacity of CoNS/MA from the same food samples. Species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, resistance gene detection, molecular typing, and biofilm formation assays were performed. One hundred and forty-eight non-repetitive CoNS/MA isolates were detected in 85% of samples, and 14 species were identified. The most prevalent species were S. epidermidis (18.2%), S. simulans (12.8%), S. saprophyticus (12.2%), S. warneri (11.5%), and M. lentus (10.1%). Most samples harbored one or two different species, although some showed higher diversity. Although 27.0% of isolates were pan-susceptible, 22.3% were multidrug-resistant (MDR), significantly associated with M. lentus and S. epidermidis. Methicillin resistance was found in 10 isolates, mainly in S. epidermidis (lineages ST9, ST59, ST88 and ST640). Biofilm formation was observed in 24.3% of isolates (some of them MDR) and was significantly associated with S. pasteuri and S. xylosus and with samples from supermarkets. No methicillin-resistant isolates were biofilm producers. These findings highlight the diversity of CoNS/MA in poultry meat and their role as AMR reservoirs and persistence factors, emphasizing their relevance in food safety.},
}

@article {pmid42354863,
year = {2026},
author = {Masterson, K and Lynch, M and Major, I and Rowan, N},
title = {A Standardised Combinational Method for Evaluating Antimicrobial Compounds Against Biofilm Attachment, Development and Eradication.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061238},
pmid = {42354863},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {AIT-2017-008//Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Midwest (Athlone)/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance remains a significant challenge for healthcare and patient safety. Currently, there are gaps in standardised methods for assessing antimicrobials against biofilm formations such as (1) assessment of initial bacterial attachment inhibition, as well as (2) assessment of antimicrobial compounds against both the external biofilm mass and biofilm-embedded metabolically active bacteria. The aim of this study is to address these gaps by combining several anti-biofilm techniques. In the procedure96-well anti-biofilm assessments were performed using plate well and lid peg growth surfaces so as to determine the effects of bioactive compounds (silver nitrate (AgNO3), nisin, chitosan and zinc oxide nanopowder (ZnO)) on biofilm growth inhibition, formed biofilm reduction and bacterial attachment inhibition. These studies focused on the initial attachment stage against in vitro biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Effects were measured against biofilm mass using Crystal Violet (CV) staining, while embedded bacteria metabolic activity was measured using Resazurin. AgNO3 exhibited significant inhibition and reduction against P. aeruginosa at all stages of biofilm development (p < 0.0001). AgNO3 showed significant results against S. aureus during biofilm development and against the embedded, metabolically active population of established biofilms (p < 0.0001). Nisin showed significant inhibition against S. aureus biofilm populations (p < 0.0001). Chitosan showed significant increases in S. aureus biofilm formations following exposure, during initial attachment (p < 0.02), during biofilm growth (p < 0.0001) and against formed biofilm populations (p < 0.0001). ZnO showed significant increases during initial attachment exposure (p < 0.0001), but also exhibited growth inhibition (p < 0.0001) and biofilm reduction (p < 0.0001). Although variance in anti-biofilm efficacy was evident depending upon treatment used, Gram-staining phenotype and test growth surfaces, this combinational method offers potential for high throughput screening and for evaluating pipeline bioactives isolated from different environments for biofilm prevention, inhibition and removal. Additionally, this approach will help elucidate the relationship between bacteria of interest and biofilm mitigation.},
}

@article {pmid42354866,
year = {2026},
author = {Choori, M and Rahimi, F and Qasemi, A and Katouli, M},
title = {Biofilm Formation, Virulence-Associated Genes, and Antimicrobial Resistance in Proteus mirabilis Isolates from Urinary Tract Infections in Iran.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061242},
pmid = {42354866},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {Not applicable//Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology, University of Isfahan/ ; },
abstract = {Proteus mirabilis is a frequent cause of complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), in which biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance contribute to persistence and therapeutic failure. This study investigated the biofilm-forming capacity, antimicrobial resistance profiles, virulence-associated genes, and genetic diversity of P. mirabilis isolates recovered from UTI patients in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 104 non-duplicate clinical isolates were analyzed. Biofilm formation was quantified using a microtiter plate crystal violet assay, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI guidelines. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production and extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance (ESCR) were assessed phenotypically and by PCR. Selected virulence- and biofilm-associated genes were detected by PCR, and clonal relatedness was evaluated using ERIC-PCR. Most isolates were capable of biofilm formation, with 51% classified as strong and 45.2% as moderate producers. High carriage rates of virulence- and biofilm-associated genes, including zapA, zapD, ureC, ureR, luxS, rsbA, and acrA, were observed. ESBL production and ESCR phenotypes were detected in 6.7% and 12.5% of isolates, respectively, while multidrug resistance was observed in 30.4% of isolates. ERIC-PCR analysis identified predominant clonal clusters among isolates exhibiting strong biofilm production. These findings highlight the coexistence of biofilm formation, virulence determinants, antimicrobial resistance, and clonal diversity in uropathogenic P. mirabilis in this region.},
}

@article {pmid42354883,
year = {2026},
author = {Jeeny, L and Ran, L and Chibuikem, CK and Hong, W and Ding, Y and Wang, Y and Liu, Y and Zhang, XH and Wang, X},
title = {Preliminary Insights into the Seasonal Variation, Phylogenetic Diversity, and Biofilm-Forming Capacity of Cultivable Vibrionaceae in Coastal Biofilms of Qingdao, China.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061259},
pmid = {42354883},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {LSKJ202203206; 2022QNLM030004-3//Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of Laoshan Laboratory/ ; 202172002; 202312034//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; ZR2025MS679//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation enables marine Vibrionaceae spp. to survive and adapt in dynamic coastal environments, yet their seasonal and substrate-related biofilm dynamics remain poorly understood. Our study investigated the seasonal distribution, biofilm-forming capacity, and phylogenetic diversity of cultivable Vibrionaceae isolated across four seasons from multiple marine substrates (sand, rocks, algae, and glass plate-associated biofilms) at Huiquan Beach, Qingdao. Biofilm formation was evaluated using a crystal violet microtiter plate assay, and taxonomic identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 176 Vibrionaceae isolates were identified, representing the Splendidus and Harveyi clades and a distinct Photobacterium lineage. Biofilm formation varied significantly with season and substrate type, with spring and summer isolates generally exhibiting stronger biofilm-forming capacity than the autumn and winter isolates. Stable substrates, such as algae and rocks, supported more consistent biofilm development than sand and glass plate-associated biofilms. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that biofilm-forming capacity was distributed across multiple clades, indicating strain-level variability. Notably, Vibrio echinoideorum was detected across all seasons and substrates, indicating ecological generalism. These findings provide insights into seasonal and substrate-associated patterns of cultivable Vibrionaceae in coastal biofilms. However, because environmental parameters were not directly measured, interpretations of environmental influences remain correlative.},
}

@article {pmid42354900,
year = {2026},
author = {Esteban, J and Berberich, C},
title = {Editorial for the Special Issue "Challenges of Biofilm-Associated Bone and Joint Infections".},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061276},
pmid = {42354900},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Prosthetic joint infections (PJI), although a relatively uncommon event in orthopedic surgery, are a devastating problem that implies high morbidity, mortality, and economic costs for the Healthcare System [...].},
}

@article {pmid42354910,
year = {2026},
author = {Bermudez-Aguirre, D and Uknalis, J and Counihan, KL},
title = {Quantification of Extracellular-Polymeric Substances (EPS) Excreted by Foodborne Pathogen Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 During Biofilm Formation on Stainless Steel at Two Different Temperatures.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061286},
pmid = {42354910},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {8072-41420-025//Agricultural Research Service/ ; 0500-00093-001-00-D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
abstract = {Salmonella spp. is a pathogen of concern in the food industry. This study evaluated the effect of temperature (10 °C and 37 °C) on the biofilm formation of S. Enteritidis PT30 on stainless steel up to 50 h, assessing the biofilm index (BI). The main extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as carbohydrates, proteins and eDNA were quantified. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the biofilm formation. Results showed the effect of temperature on biofilm formation and EPS production. After 5 h at 37 °C the growth of planktonic and biofilm cells considerably increased (~7 log); however, the BI was higher for biofilms at 10 °C. Carbohydrates reached a maximum concentration after 15 h at 37 °C (65.49 μg/mL). The protein concentration reached a peak after 24 h regardless of the temperature. eDNA production was similar between the two temperatures (α = 0.05) and through the incubation time, ranging from 1.65 to 2.21 ng/μL. SEM images showed three-dimensional structures of the biofilm formed at 37 °C composed of cells, filaments, excreted EPS and a network of fibers. These results can help to understand the biofilm formation from this pathogen and develop effective interventions to break down these complex structures and effectively sanitize food contact surfaces.},
}

@article {pmid42354911,
year = {2026},
author = {Stanga, L and Rosca, O and Bogdan, IG and Roșca, CI and Branea, HS and Gurban, CV},
title = {Phenotypic Resistance Profiles, Biofilm Formation, and In Vitro Carbapenem-Sparing Antimicrobial Activity in Enterobacterales Causing Acute Pyelonephritis.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061287},
pmid = {42354911},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Empirical management of acute pyelonephritis in Eastern Europe is increasingly constrained by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales and by uropathogen phenotypes-such as strong biofilm formation-which may further blunt antimicrobial activity. We aimed to characterise resistance mechanisms, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions, biofilm-forming capacity, and the in vitro performance of carbapenem-sparing agents and to test whether these microbiological features improve prediction of clinical failure beyond standard bedside risk scores. We retrospectively analysed 102 Enterobacterales isolates recovered from 129 consecutive culture-confirmed adult pyelonephritis admissions at "Victor Babeș" University Hospital, Timișoara (March 2022-March 2025). MIC values were determined by Vitek 2 and interpreted using EUCAST v13 breakpoints; ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase phenotypes were confirmed by combination disk and modified carbapenem inactivation methods. Biofilm formation was quantified by the microtiter-plate crystal-violet assay. Mediation, Restricted Mean Survival Time (RMST), and decision-curve analyses were used to assess added clinical value. ESBL was confirmed in 30/102 (29.4%) isolates, AmpC in 9 (8.8%), and carbapenemase in 4 (3.9%). ESBL+ isolates were more often strong biofilm formers (33.3% vs. 12.5%; p = 0.014) and showed a 4- to 16-fold rightward MIC shift for cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ciprofloxacin. Among carbapenem-sparing agents, ceftazidime-avibactam (96.7% S), fosfomycin (80.0% S), and amikacin (73.3% S) retained the highest activity against ESBL+ isolates. Strong biofilm formation and the ESBL phenotype were independently associated with worse outcomes (adjusted OR 3.5 and 4.7); an exploratory mediation analysis suggested that biofilm formation may explain part of the observed association between the ESBL phenotype and treatment failure and that delayed effective therapy may account for a further portion of this association. A microbiology-enhanced model that added the ESBL phenotype, biofilm strength, and acquisition setting to routine clinical variables improved discrimination over a clinical-only baseline (AUC 0.89 vs. 0.71) and showed a higher net benefit on exploratory decision-curve analysis across the 10-40% threshold range. These predictive findings derive from a single-centre cohort with a small number of events and were only internally validated; they require validation in independent cohorts before any clinical application can be considered. The ESBL phenotype and strong biofilm formation were each independently associated with worse outcomes in pyelonephritis and may help identify candidate isolates for carbapenem-sparing strategies anchored on ceftazidime-avibactam, fosfomycin, and amikacin; given the observational, single-centre design, these associations should be regarded as hypothesis-generating.},
}

@article {pmid42354917,
year = {2026},
author = {AlHussaini, KI and Anwer, R},
title = {Capsaicin Inhibits Biofilm and Its Related Functions in Helicobacter pylori.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061293},
pmid = {42354917},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {IMSIU-DDRSP2601//Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a globally prevalent gastric pathogen associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Its persistence within the gastric niche is strongly linked to biofilm formation, contributing to immune evasion and antibiotic therapy resistance.

METHODOLOGY: In the present study, we investigated the antibiofilm potential of capsaicin, a natural phytochemical derived from Capsicum species, against H. pylori using experimental and computational approaches.

RESULTS: Capsaicin treatment significantly reduced biofilm biomass (up to 75.66 ± 4.00%), metabolic activity (up to 61.23 ± 6.88%), and cell surface hydrophobicity in a dose-dependent manner. Microscopic analyses revealed disrupted biofilm architecture and diminished extracellular polymeric substance at higher concentrations. Molecular docking analysis revealed that capsaicin interacts with target H. pylori proteins (GTP cyclohydrolase II, α-carbonic anhydrase, and urease) through stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Molecular dynamics simulations further supported the stability of these complexes and demonstrated reduced structural fluctuations upon ligand binding. Free energy landscape analysis suggested ligand-induced conformational alterations in α-carbonic anhydrase, indicating possible structural effects associated with capsaicin interaction.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings provide insight into the antibiofilm activity of capsaicin against H. pylori and highlight its potential as a natural adjunct strategy for combating biofilm-associated persistence and antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42356448,
year = {2026},
author = {Alfei, S and Piatti, G and Zuccari, G and Reggio, C and Schito, AM},
title = {Non-Cytotoxic Benzyl Triphenyl Phosphonium Bromide Is Bactericidal on MRSA and Fully Inhibits Biofilm Formation by MRSA and MRSE.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ph19060829},
pmid = {42356448},
issn = {1424-8247},
abstract = {Background. Positively charged quaternary phosphonium salts (QPSs) represent new potent weapons to selectively counteract critical superbugs, regardless of their profile of resistance, acting as membrane disruptors. QPSs 1, 3 and 4, and not cationic phosphine 2, recently synthesized, characterized and evaluated for anticancer and cytotoxic effects, were morphologically and microbiologically evaluated. Methods. DLS analysis, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) measurements, time-kill experiments and tests to evaluate biofilm (BF) formation inhibition, on Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical superbugs, were carried out. Results and Discussion. All compounds demonstrated positive ζ-p = +4.2-+38.1 mV, while 2, 3 and 4 showed nanovesicles of 140, 157, and 605 nm, in water solution. Interesting microbiologic results were obtained for compound 1. Despite not being active against Gram-negative MDR isolates, 1 displayed MICs = 16-32 µg/mL and 16-64 µg/mL against methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and S. epidermidis (MRSE) respectively, while MICs = 32-64 µg/mL were observed against teicoplanin- and vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium, thus overturning MICs previously reported for 1. Novel time-kill experiments established the bactericidal effects of 1 against MRSA within 11 h, without no regrowth in the subsequent 24 h. Further, 1 inhibits up to 100% BF formation by the strongest BF-producers, S. epidermidis and S. aureus isolates, of our collection. Conclusions. All these antibacterial properties and low cytotoxicity on both fibroblasts (3T3) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells make 1 appear as a potential new weapon to treat infections no longer affordable with current antibiotics; it is also thinkable for future use in vivo experiments and clinical development.},
}

@article {pmid42357384,
year = {2026},
author = {Tegegne, DT and Banaszkiewicz, S and Bania, J and Poźniak, B},
title = {Sub-Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Amoxicillin Modulate Biofilm Formation and the Expression of Biofilm-Associated Genes in Enterococcus faecalis.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules31121986},
pmid = {42357384},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {No. N070/0011/24//Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Amoxicillin/pharmacology ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology ; Nitrofurantoin/pharmacology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Background:Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most frequent causes of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, largely due to its ability to form biofilms on indwelling urinary catheter surfaces, which enhance bacterial persistence and antimicrobial tolerance. Sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antimicrobials frequently occur in clinical settings, and growing evidence suggests that such suboptimal exposures can induce bacterial biofilm formation. We hypothesized that exposure to sub-MICs of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin, antimicrobials commonly employed in the treatment of urinary tract infections, would enhance the biofilm-forming capacity of E. faecalis strains. Objective: To investigate the effects of sub-MICs of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin on biofilm formation and biofilm-associated gene expression. The study focused on key biofilm-related genes, including those encoding aggregation substance protein (asa1), collagen adhesin (ace), E. faecalis surface protein (esp), gelatinase (gelE), cytolysin activator A (cylA), endocarditis antigen A (efaA), and the endocarditis- and biofilm-associated pili subunit A (ebpA) in E. faecalis. Methods: Two strains, E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and strain 54, were exposed to 1/8× and 1/4× MIC of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin in either artificial urine medium (AUM) or tryptone soya broth (TSB). Bacterial growth kinetics were monitored by optical density measurements, while biofilm formation was quantified using a microtiter plate biofilm assay. The expression of biofilm-associated genes was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) at 24 and 48 h following exposure to sub-MICs of amoxicillin under flow conditions mimicking the urinary tract milieu. Results: Exposure to sub-MICs of the three antimicrobials did not significantly affect bacterial growth in either strain or culture medium. Sub-MICs of amoxicillin significantly enhanced biofilm formation, with the most pronounced effect observed at 1/4× MIC in both AUM and TSB. In contrast, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin exerted inhibitory effects on biofilm formation across both media. Gene expression analysis demonstrated time- and strain-dependent responses to amoxicillin exposure. E. faecalis ATCC 29212 exhibited a moderate, coordinated upregulation of adhesion- and biofilm-associated genes, particularly at 48 h. By comparison, E. faecalis strain 54 showed a stronger and more dynamic transcriptional response, characterized by early and sustained induction of key biofilm-related genes, including esp and gelE, as well as a pronounced late upregulation of ebpA. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining therapeutically effective antimicrobial concentrations, as sub-inhibitory amoxicillin exposure may promote biofilm-associated persistence and potentially compromise treatment efficacy.},
}

*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects/genetics/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Amoxicillin/pharmacology
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology
Nitrofurantoin/pharmacology
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Humans

@article {pmid42357519,
year = {2026},
author = {Yoon, JH and Kim, YJ and Kim, KY},
title = {Gastrodin Inhibits Bacterial Biofilm Formation, Thereby Activating the Antibacterial Activity of Antibiotics.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules31122123},
pmid = {42357519},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {RS-2025-02216619//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/Republic of Korea ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Glucosides/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Benzyl Alcohols/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Bacteria/drug effects ; },
abstract = {(1) Background: The increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogens is necessitating new therapies that target virulence factors. Virulence factors include biofilm formation, which is a key pathogenic factor involved in bacterial pathogenicity and resistance. (2) Methods: Initially, biofilm formation assays were performed to screen the biofilm formation inhibition effects of gastrodin. A bacterial growth assay was performed to examine the synergistic effects and qRT-PCR was performed to identify the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. (3) Results: Gastrodin inhibits biofilm formation by bacteria such as E. faecalis (IC50 = 1.56 μg/mL), E. faecium (IC50 = 0.19 μg/mL), S. aureus (IC50 = 6.25 μg/mL), C. acnes (IC50 = 0.78 μg/mL), S. sobrinus (IC50 = 12.5 μg/mL), P. aeruginosa (IC50 = 25.00 μg/mL), and E. coli (IC50 = 25. 10 μg/mL) without directly affecting bacterial growth, as shown by bacterial growth assay. Gastrodin also reduced the expression of cytolysin genes (cylLS, cylR2, and cylM), quorum sensing genes (fsrB, fsrC, gelE, ebpA, ebpB, acm, scm, and bps) and biofilm virulence genes (esp) as shown by qRT-PCR analysis and exhibited dramatic synergistic antibacterial effects in the growth assay. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that gastrodin may be a promising novel antibacterial adjuvant for biofilm-related bacterial infections, but further experiments, including in vivo assays, are still needed.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Glucosides/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Benzyl Alcohols/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Bacteria/drug effects

@article {pmid42357557,
year = {2026},
author = {Braga, MT and Cartaxo, GNJ and Passos, JCDS and Moraes, DN and Alberto-Silva, C and Costa, MS},
title = {Voriconazole Activity Against Pichia kudriavzevii: Influence of Glucose Availability and Culture Medium on Growth, Biofilm Formation, and Antifungal Susceptibility.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules31122161},
pmid = {42357557},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {001//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Glucose/metabolism ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; *Voriconazole/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Culture Media/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Pichia/drug effects/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Invasive candidiasis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increasing relevance of non-Candida albicans species, particularly Pichia kudriavzevii, which is associated with high mortality and intrinsic resistance to fluconazole. This study evaluated the effect of voriconazole (VRC) on P. kudriavzevii growth, biofilm formation, and metabolic activity under different nutritional conditions. Planktonic growth and biofilm development were analyzed in Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB), RPMI-1640, and RPMI-1640 supplemented with glucose (20 g·L[-1]). Antifungal activity was assessed by optical density (OD570) and XTT reduction assays, and biofilm morphology was examined by light microscopy. Glucose consumption was also determined during growth. VRC showed dose-dependent inhibition in SDB, reducing growth and biofilm metabolic activity by up to 94% and 98%, respectively. In contrast, in RPMI-1640, inhibition was significantly lower (≤27% growth and ≤77% biofilm reduction). Glucose supplementation partially restored antifungal susceptibility and increased biofilm metabolic activity. Growth kinetics confirmed VRC-induced delays in proliferation and impaired glucose utilization. These results demonstrate that VRC activity against P. kudriavzevii is strongly dependent on environmental nutrient availability, particularly glucose, which modulates fungal metabolism, biofilm development, and antifungal susceptibility, highlighting the importance of standardized antifungal susceptibility testing conditions and the role of metabolic state in azole efficacy.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Glucose/metabolism
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
*Voriconazole/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Culture Media/chemistry/pharmacology
*Pichia/drug effects/growth & development

@article {pmid42357664,
year = {2026},
author = {Golosova, NN and Khlusevich, YA and Kravchuk, BI and Emelyanova, LA and Sushko, AV and Kozlova, YN and Tikunova, NV and Matveev, AL},
title = {Cloning and Characterization of an Endolysin LysSA120 as a Potential Staphylococcus Biofilm-Removing Agent.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v18060654},
pmid = {42357664},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {23-74-10105//Russian Science Foundation/ ; 125041005114-8//The Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Endopeptidases/genetics/pharmacology/metabolism/chemistry ; Cloning, Molecular ; *Staphylococcus/drug effects/virology/physiology ; *Staphylococcus Phages/genetics/enzymology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/virology ; *Viral Proteins/genetics/pharmacology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant variants (MRSA, VRSA), causes infections that are increasingly difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. One of the approaches to developing new therapeutics to treat staphylococcal infections is the use of bacteriophages specific to these bacteria or the lytic enzymes of such bacteriophages, which are capable of hydrolyzing the cell walls of these bacteria. Phage-encoded endolysins offer an alternative promising class of antimicrobial agents. In this study, LysSA120, a 250-amino-acid endolysin encoded by the S. aureus podophage vB_SauP_120, was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, and characterized. The domain organization and tertiary structure of LysSA120 were predicted. Recombinant LysSA120 hydrolyzed cell walls were obtained from S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. warneri, S. auricularis and S. saprophyticus. It was shown that treatment of S. aureus planktonic cells with endolysin LysSA120 led to reduced viability. Furthermore, LysSA120 could hydrolyze mature biofilm formed by VRSA. The lytic spectrum and antibiofilm activity of LysSA120 warrant its further evaluation as an enzybiotic against drug-resistant staphylococcal infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Endopeptidases/genetics/pharmacology/metabolism/chemistry
Cloning, Molecular
*Staphylococcus/drug effects/virology/physiology
*Staphylococcus Phages/genetics/enzymology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Escherichia coli/genetics
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/virology
*Viral Proteins/genetics/pharmacology/metabolism

@article {pmid42358246,
year = {2026},
author = {Ates, A and Aydemir, S and Ermertcan, S},
title = {Targeting biofilm-related genes in a clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolate using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1843899},
pmid = {42358246},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major clinical challenge due to its biofilm-forming ability. Innovative therapeutic strategies are essential to prevent bacterial attachment and disrupt biofilm structures. This study investigates the potential of CRISPR technology as a tool to combat resistance by targeting the biofilm-associated genes icaA, icaD, and bap in MRSA.

METHODS: Specific guide RNAs were cloned into pCasSA plasmids to target the icaA, icaD, and bap genes. Gene expression changes were quantified using quantitative PCR (qPCR), and mutations were confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Biofilm formation was assessed by crystal violet assay, and antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by broth microdilution and disk diffusion methods.

RESULTS: qPCR analyses confirmed significant reductions in gene expression: 3.3-fold for icaA, 2.3-fold for icaD, and 1.7-fold for bap. Sanger sequencing confirmed point mutations and indels within the target regions of genes. Biofilm formation decreased markedly, with 6-fold in icaA-mutant, 5.6-fold in icaD-mutant, and threefold in bap-mutant strains. MIC values were substantially reduced in all mutant strains: oxacillin MIC decreased 64-fold, 16-fold, and 4-fold in icaA-, icaD-, and bap-mutants, respectively, and ciprofloxacin MIC decreased 64-128-fold. Zone diameters for cefoxitin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin increased up to twofold across all mutant strains. All strains remained resistant according to EUCAST clinical breakpoints.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption of biofilm-associated genes is an effective strategy for inhibiting biofilm formation in MRSA. Targeted disruption of icaA, icaD, and bap significantly reduced biofilm formation and partially attenuated antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. These findings highlight the potential of pathogen-specific CRISPR-based anti-virulence strategies as complementary approaches for the treatment of biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid42358622,
year = {2026},
author = {Jean-Pierre, V and Sorlin, P and Dunyach-Remy, C and Salipante, F and Chiron, R and Lavigne, JP and Pouget, C and Marchandin, H},
title = {Early and mature Achromobacter xylosoxidans biofilm in cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis isolates: dynamics and response to clinically relevant antibiotics.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100375},
pmid = {42358622},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an opportunistic pathogen in both cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF patients, in whom biofilm formation contributes to bacterial persistence and antibiotic tolerance. This study aimed to characterize early and mature biofilm formation in 57 clinical A. xylosoxidans isolates using complementary and physiologically relevant approaches and to compare biofilm phenotypes according to isolate origin (CF/non-CF). Early adhesion was assessed using the Biofilm Ring Test®, mature biofilm viable biomass was quantified under static conditions by colony-forming units counts, and biofilm dynamics were analyzed in a continuous-flow microfluidic system. The effects of five clinically relevant antibiotics (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, imipenem, and cefiderocol) were evaluated under dynamic conditions at sub-inhibitory concentrations (0.5 × Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)) and on preformed biofilm at inhibitory concentrations (10 × MIC). Non-CF isolates displayed faster early adhesion than CF isolates, whereas mature biofilm biomass was comparable between groups. If early adhesion did not predict mature biofilm biomass, dynamic biofilm coverage under flow conditions correlated with static mature biofilm levels. Sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations failed to prevent initial adhesion and elicited three distinct responses: biofilm formation enhancement (piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, imipenem), no effect (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), or biofilm reduction (cefiderocol). Exposing mature biofilm to 10 × MIC identified trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and cefiderocol as the most effective agents in biofilm biomass reduction, whereas carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam were less effective. These findings provide new insights into A. xylosoxidans biofilm biology and may help guide therapeutic strategies for infections caused by this emerging, increasingly drug-resistant pathogen.},
}

@article {pmid42360133,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, J and Song, Y and Huang, X and Li, X and Gao, L and Wang, Y and Zhu, T and Li, X and Wang, S and Zhao, T and Zhao, D},
title = {Mesoporous Catalytic-Adsorptive Nanoregulator Orchestrates Biofilm eDNA/LPS Disassembly and TLR9/TLR4 Immune Reprogramming to Resolve Diabetic Foot Infections.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e76300},
doi = {10.1002/advs.76300},
pmid = {42360133},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {22305042//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22475048//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22175039//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22088101//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22425303//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52225606//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22JC1410200//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality/ ; 25PY2600100//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality/ ; //Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by CCS, Fudan-Xiaomi Young Talents Program/ ; },
abstract = {Chronic diabetic foot infections are severely hindered by tough biofilms and a self-fueling hyperinflammatory microenvironment, primarily orchestrated by the synergistic interplay between extracellular DNA (eDNA) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which facilitates the assembly of impenetrable biofilm architectures while inducing cross-inflammatory activation through the TLR4/9 axis. Conventional therapies often fail to resolve these "dual traps" of structural resistance and immunological interference. Herein, we developed a multifunctional mesoporous nano-regulator composed of Colistin (CT) and m-aminophenol formaldehyde (mAPF) framework, hence termed CT/mAPF to implement a "triad-strategy": biofilm disruption, bacterial eradication, and debris neutralization. The CT/mAPF nano-regulator achieves potent bactericidal activity (99.99%) and initiates ROS-mediated oxidative fragmentation of eDNA to destroy the biofilm scaffold. Crucially, the platform effectively neutralizes LPS and degrades eDNA, leading to the simultaneous silencing of TLR4 and TLR9 signaling pathways. This dual-targeting approach weakens the eDNA/LPS-mediated synergistic inflammatory response, and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α). In diabetic mouse models, CT/mAPF significantly accelerated bacterial clearance and wound closure through enhanced angiogenesis and collagen maturation. This integrated strategy resolves the cycle of chronic infection and inflammation, offering a robust strategy for Gram-negative bacteria-infected diabetic wound management.},
}

@article {pmid42360515,
year = {2026},
author = {İnce, İ and Yıldırım, Y and Emingil, G and Gümüştaş, B and Yakar, N and Özdemir, G and Kantarcı, A},
title = {Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Quercetin and Chlorhexidine-loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Oral Biofilm-Associated Pathologies.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {30},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42360515},
issn = {1436-3771},
mesh = {*Quercetin/pharmacology/chemistry/administration & dosage ; *Chlorhexidine/pharmacology/chemistry/administration & dosage ; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer/chemistry ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Polyglycolic Acid/chemistry ; Particle Size ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; *Lactic Acid/chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Escherichia coli/drug effects ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a dual-drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticle system incorporating quercetin (QUE) and chlorhexidine (CHX) for localized, sustained delivery, with potential application in biofilm-associated pathologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single- and dual-drug systems containing CHX and QUE at different concentrations (1.5%, 5%, and 15%) were successfully loaded into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) with high encapsulation efficiency. Physicochemical characterization was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, SEM-EDX, FTIR, and thermal analysis (DSC and TGA). Release kinetics of QUE- and CHX-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated in an artificial saliva environment, and the amounts of CHX and QUE released were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the disc diffusion method.

RESULTS: The prepared nanoparticles displayed spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 54.08 to 356.1 nm and zeta potentials from - 2.11 to -12.46 mV, indicating colloidal stability. FTIR and thermal analysis confirmed molecular dispersion of drugs and polymer-drug interactions. QUE showed complete release within 168 h in the single-drug system, whereas co-loading with CHX extended QUE retention, with 20% remaining after 240 h. CHX release reached ∼80% in both formulations. CHX/QUE nanoparticles demonstrated superior antibacterial activity compared to QUE-only systems, effectively inhibiting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

CONCLUSION: These compounds and formulations are designed for clinical applications due to their slow, controlled release of the dual-active PLGA NP system.},
}

*Quercetin/pharmacology/chemistry/administration & dosage
*Chlorhexidine/pharmacology/chemistry/administration & dosage
Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer/chemistry
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Polyglycolic Acid/chemistry
Particle Size
Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
*Lactic Acid/chemistry
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Escherichia coli/drug effects
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Calorimetry, Differential Scanning

@article {pmid42338295,
year = {2026},
author = {Snigdha, NT and Alamoudi, RA and Alghamdi, NS and Kader, MA and Basheer, SN and Mulla, M and Mulla, M and Mathur, A and Karobari, MI},
title = {Molecular Regulation of Virulence and Dental Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus mutans: Unravelling the Crosstalk Between the VicRK and LiaSR Two-Component Systems.},
journal = {Molecular oral microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/omi.70035},
pmid = {42338295},
issn = {2041-1014},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans is one of the primary causes of dental caries and is often found in persistent endodontic infections, primarily due to its ability to form acidogenic, aciduric and therapeutically recalcitrant biofilms. The VicRK and LiaSR two-component signal transduction systems (TCS) are particularly important regulators of virulence, envelope integrity and stress response. This paper will provide an updated synthesis of the evidence, at the molecular, genetic and systems levels, regarding the architecture, regulation and integration of VicRK and LiaSR in the control of S. mutans pathogenicity. VicRK helps synthesise essential molecules for biofilm formation and reduces the negative impact of environmental stress on microbes. At the same time, LiaSR responds to antimicrobial peptides, oxidative stress, detergents and root canal irrigants by activating membrane repair and protective stress pathways. Structural, transcriptomic and proteomic studies now indicate extensive regulatory overlap, including overlapping promoter targets, cross-phosphorylation and coordinate regulation of autolysins, cell wall biosynthetic enzymes and extracellular DNA (eDNA) release. These systems all work together as part of the signalling. The ability of S. mutans to survive different pHs, oxidative bursts, lack of nutrients and chemical disinfection in and outside the mouth. According to mutant, knockout and multi-omics studies, these TCSs are critical for biofilm formation, EPS structures, antimicrobial tolerance and interspecies interactions, including synergistic virulence in mixed-species biofilms. As interest in anti-virulence therapeutics grows, drug targets VicRK and LiaSR have emerged. Potential candidates for the selective disruption of TCS signalling that are unlikely to induce resistance include small-molecule inhibitors, marine-derived bioactive compounds and computationally designed ligands. The review also highlights translational gaps and stresses the need for advanced delivery platforms, clinical validation and sustainable production of natural inhibitors. By integrating knowledge of the mechanisms underlying TCS-mediated virulence with available strategies to address it, this review offers a comprehensive overview of this topic.},
}

@article {pmid42338687,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramalingam, C and Ansbro, K and Pratten, J and Bradshaw, D and Stafford, GP},
title = {Effect of sialidase inhibitors on a plaque community biofilm model.},
journal = {Access microbiology},
volume = {8},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42338687},
issn = {2516-8290},
abstract = {The oral microbiome is a diverse ecosystem that plays a critical role in health and disease and contains numerous bacterial species capable of metabolizing host-derived glycans, particularly sialic acids. Sialidase enzymes can be produced by both commensal and pathogenic bacteria influencing biofilm formation and host interactions. To investigate how sialidase activity might influence the oral microbiome, we conducted a series of in vitro polymicrobial biofilm experiments and assessed community composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. As a first step, we tested modified Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) primers using an in-house sequencing workflow and compared them to the standard Illumina MiSeq primers. Through in silico and in vitro assessments, we identified primer bias in the standard ONT 16S primers and designed human oral microbiome (HOM) modified primers (HOM_27F-YM/1492R-D) to improve taxonomic resolution, achieving results comparable to the gold-standard Illumina 16S primers particularly for key oral genera. These HOM-optimized primers had an overall lower error rate (3.4%) and generated community profiles that closely matched those produced by Illumina. We then used the same ONT workflow and modified 16S primers to evaluate the effects of the sialidase inhibitors oseltamivir and 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid on hydroxyapatite-coated minimum biofilm eradication concentration assay plate-derived plaque biofilms from a whole-plaque community model. Inhibitor-treated biofilms exhibited differences in relative abundance depending on the inhibitor combination used, with increased abundance of Streptococcus with oseltamivir alone and Fusobacterium with both inhibitors combined (Kruskal-Wallis cutoff=0.05, LDA>2). These findings demonstrate that ONT-based 16S sequencing with HOM-modified primers suggests that sialidase activity can modulate microbial community structure in plaque biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42339047,
year = {2026},
author = {Goladze, S and de Oliveira Patricio, D and Allen, E and Penttinen, R and Tuomala, H and Patpatia, S and Ylänne, M and Petersen, B and Skurnik, M and Almeida, GMF and Sundberg, LR},
title = {Mucin modulates phage infection dynamics and biofilm formation in enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica.},
journal = {Current research in microbial sciences},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100618},
pmid = {42339047},
issn = {2666-5174},
abstract = {Mucosal barriers serve as a multifunctional interface and nutrient-rich habitat for diverse microbes, including bacteria and bacteriophages. Some phages can bind to mucin glycoproteins via carbohydrate-interacting modules and provide an additional layer of mucosal immunity by shielding the underlying epithelium from invading bacteria. However, the role of mucins in shaping phage-bacterium interactions remains poorly understood. We investigated dynamics between highly pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 and its mucus-adherent phage fMtkYen801 under the in vitro mucosal environment. We assessed how mucin supplementation, varying phage doses, nutrient and temperature conditions influence phage-bacterium dynamics and biofilm development. We found that bacterial pre-exposure to mucins led to enhanced phage replication, with a 2-log increase in phage titers. Mucins also modulated post-infection growth dynamics and reduced biofilm formation in the host bacteria. Genomic analysis of phage resistant bacterial variants revealed mutations in virulence, quorum sensing and antibiotic resistance genes in both mucin enrichment and control groups, suggesting potential fitness tradeoffs during resistance evolution. These findings highlight the role of mucosal environments in shaping phage-host interactions in Y. enterocolitica, a significant enteric pathogen, and emphasize the need for investigating these dynamics under complex, physiologically relevant systems to inform better phage therapy strategies against mucosal bacterial infections.},
}

@article {pmid42341685,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, Y and Tian, S and Chen, Y and Zhu, X and Feng, L and Ye, J and Zhu, H},
title = {An ultrahighly alkali-adaptive haloperoxidase mimic for phenolic pollutant discrimination and biofilm inhibition in harsh alkaline environments.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {304},
number = {},
pages = {126303},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126303},
pmid = {42341685},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Toxic organic pollutants (e.g., phenols) and biofouling represent two major threats to aquatic ecosystems. Nanozymes have emerged as promising agents to mitigate these threats, capable of generating effective antibacterial oxidants as well as monitoring and degrading organic pollutants. However, the practical deployment of many functional nanozymes is severely constrained by their stringent dependence on acidic conditions, rendering them ineffective in prevalent alkaline water systems such as seawater (pH 8.1) and industrial wastewater (pH≥9). Here, we report a facilely synthesized copper phosphonate nanoflower (CPN) as a highly alkali-adaptive haloperoxidase (HPO) mimic to overcome this limitation. CPN maintains efficient and stable catalytic activity across a broad pH range of 7-10 and retains its original efficiency even after 50-day exposure at pH9 and pH10, demonstrating unparalleled alkali tolerance. This exceptional stability originates from a "dynamic surface transformation-activity retention" mechanism, wherein CPN in situ transforms into an equally active copper hydroxide phase, thereby self-adaptively preserving catalytic activity. Leveraging this robust activity, we constructed a multi-channel sensor array capable of discriminating six phenolic compounds over a wide concentration range (40-400 μM) under alkaline conditions. Moreover, the discrimination of the same phenols with different concentrations and phenols mixtures have been achieved. Simultaneously, CPN exhibits excellent bactericidal and anti-biofilm capabilities and can inhibit bacterial adhesion on plastic surfaces under alkaline conditions. This work establishes a versatile nanozyme platform for tackling both chemical and biological hazards in alkaline water environments and proposes a novel strategy for designing alkali-tolerant nanozymes.},
}

@article {pmid42345289,
year = {2026},
author = {Altın, B and Günay, ET and Yaman, İY and Ünlü, A and Gediz, Y and Gedik, N and Karataş, B and Başaran, M and Kocabaş, C and Özdemir, ŞK and Kocabas, A},
title = {Controlling the synchronization and symmetry breaking of coupled bacterial pili on active biofilm carpets.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42345289},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {FA9550-22-1-0431//United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research/ ; 121C159//Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey/ ; FA9550-21-1-0202//United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research/ ; 123C580//Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Fimbriae, Bacterial/physiology ; *Pseudomonas/physiology ; },
abstract = {In the low Reynolds number regime, active biological systems utilize nonreciprocal cyclic activities to achieve motility, as seen in the spinning of bacterial flagella and the beating of cilia. Coupling among these active mechanical components leads to synchronization and emergence of metachronal waves. Here, we report that biofilms of Pseudomonas nitroreducens form active carpet-like surfaces textured with diverse topological defects, generating Mexican-wave-like collective behavior in which bacteria periodically lift up. On these active surfaces, non-reciprocally coupled extension and retraction activities of bacterial pili drive these collective oscillations. Surprisingly, this collective behavior exhibits left-right asymmetry across the biofilm driving unidirectionally propagating waves. We discover that this directionality is primarily governed by an aging-related frequency gradient across the biofilm. Leveraging these insights, we further demonstrate the ability to control the collective dynamics of these waves, including symmetry breaking, transitions from spiral waves into target and propagating plane waves by manipulating the elastic properties of biofilms. Overall, our findings illuminate the fundamental role of nonreciprocally interacting active components in regulating synchronization, collective dynamics, and symmetry-breaking phenomena in biological systems.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Fimbriae, Bacterial/physiology
*Pseudomonas/physiology

@article {pmid42345951,
year = {2026},
author = {Abdulkareem, EH and Al-Meani, SAL and Ahmed, MM and Abdulkareem, AH and Al-Janaby, MS and Awad, SA and Ezzat, MO and Abduljaleel, SS and Khaleel, ZM},
title = {Integrative Analysis of ENAM rs3796704 Polymorphism and Eugenol-Cinnamic Acid Docking/ADMET Against Biofilm-Forming Streptococcus Mutans: Genetic-Phytochemical Links to Oral Dysbiosis.},
journal = {Dentistry journal},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42345951},
issn = {2304-6767},
abstract = {Background: Dental caries is a chronic disease mediated by biofilm, which is caused by Streptococcus mutans, and enamel genetics modulates susceptibility. The variants of ENAM might alter the adhesion of enamel and bacteria. One important anti-viral target is sortase A (SrtA), which restricts colonization but does not have an impact on bacterial survival. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the relationship between ENAM rs3796704 and dental caries vulnerability among adult Iraqi Arab females and to assess the antibiofilm capacity of eugenol and cinnamic acid against S. mutans SrtA using molecular docking, ADMET prediction, and molecular dynamics modeling. Methods: A case-control study was done on 240 women (aged 25-30 years; 120 caries, 120 controls). HRM real-time PCR was done to genotype ENAM rs3796704. An analysis of allelic and genotypic distributions was done using chi-square tests and odds ratios (p < 0.05). An in silico docking analysis aimed at SrtA (PDB: 4TQX) was performed in AutoDock Vina, and this was followed by ADMET profiling and a 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation (OPLS4/TIP3P, NPT 300 K/1 atm). Results: The level of the G allele was found to be lower in the cases than in the controls (60% vs. 70; OR = 0.6429; p = 0.02), but the level of the A allele was found to be higher in the cases (40% vs. 30; OR = 1.5556; p = 0.02). Docking showed a minor difference in binding affinities with eugenol (-4.961 kcal/mol) and cinnamic acid (-4.939 kcal/mol) as compared with chlorhexidine (-4.692 kcal/mol). Both compounds showed stable binding for more than 50 ns as well as desirable predicted pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: The caries vulnerability in this sample was associated with ENAM rs3796704. Eugenol and cinnamic acid undergo stable dissociative interactions with SrtA and were found to have favorable safety profiles in silico. Therefore, they may be considered as adjunctive anti-virulence agents in the prevention of caries.},
}

@article {pmid42347215,
year = {2026},
author = {Dewitte, A and Dégardin, M and Nemazanyy, I and Sebbane, F and Bontemps-Gallo, S},
title = {Distinct Roles of Transketolase (TktA) and Transaldolase (talB) in Metabolism, Biofilm Formation, and Flea Colonization in Yersinia pestis.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15060603},
pmid = {42347215},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {ANR-15-CE39-0017//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-21-CE15-0047//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANRS-23-PEPR-MIE 0002//Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le Sida et les Hépatites Virales/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Transketolase/metabolism/genetics ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Yersinia pestis/physiology/metabolism/genetics/enzymology/growth & development ; *Transaldolase/metabolism/genetics ; Pentose Phosphate Pathway ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Glycolysis ; },
abstract = {The flea-borne transmission of Yersinia pestis relies on biofilm formation and metabolic adaptation within the insect gut. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is central to these processes, yet the contribution of its non-oxidative branch remains poorly defined. Here, we investigated the roles of transketolase (TktA) and transaldolase (TalB) in plague bacillus physiology, metabolism, and flea colonization. TktA was essential for growth, preventing assessment of its role in biofilm formation and in vivo colonization. In contrast, TalB was dispensable for growth but required for optimal biofilm formation. In fleas, the ΔtalB mutant colonized the proventriculus but displayed a lower bacterial load than the wild-type strain at later time points, indicating a defect in sustained colonization. Metabolomic analyses revealed that disruption of tktA severely impairs PPP-associated metabolism, whereas loss of talB is associated with disruption of nucleotide homeostasis, carbon redistribution toward glycolysis, and a redox imbalance. These findings demonstrate a functional partitioning of the non-oxidative PPP and identify it as a key metabolic control node linking metabolism to colonization dynamics in Y. pestis.},
}

Animals
*Transketolase/metabolism/genetics
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Yersinia pestis/physiology/metabolism/genetics/enzymology/growth & development
*Transaldolase/metabolism/genetics
Pentose Phosphate Pathway
*Siphonaptera/microbiology
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Glycolysis

@article {pmid42348301,
year = {2026},
author = {De la Vega-Camarillo, E and Ortíz-Álvarez, J and Hernández-García, JA and Villa-Tanaca, L and Hernández-Rodríguez, C},
title = {A maize-associated Rhizobium miluonense fixes nitrogen in free-living conditions through an exopolysaccharide-dependent biofilm mechanism.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mgen.0.001765},
pmid = {42348301},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {*Zea mays/microbiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; *Polysaccharides, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics ; *Rhizobium/genetics/metabolism/physiology/isolation & purification/classification ; Symbiosis ; Genome, Bacterial ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Rhizosphere ; },
abstract = {Rhizobium miluonense WD29, isolated from the rhizosphere of Jala landrace maize (Mexico), demonstrates FLNF, an unusual trait for this typically symbiotic genus. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a 6.8 Mb genome (59.7% GC) with 6,908 protein-coding genes, including a complete repABC plasmid replication system and type IV secretion genes. The strain exhibits plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate solubilization (26.1±1.9 µg ml[-1]), indolic compound production (19.7±2.5 µg ml[-1]) and metallophore production. Acetylene reduction assays demonstrated nitrogen fixation rates up to 21.7±2.3 nmol C2H4 h[-1], which correlated strongly (r=0.973) with exopolysaccharide production (0.8±0.08 g l[-1]), suggesting that biofilm formation creates microaerobic conditions protecting nitrogenase. Genomic analysis identified 12 exo-cluster genes and 98 total polysaccharide biosynthesis genes that support this phenotype. Additionally, R. miluonense WD29 exhibits remarkable environmental adaptability, harbouring genes for heavy-metal resistance and diverse stress-response pathways. These findings highlight the potential of R. miluonense WD29 as a valuable biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture, particularly for non-leguminous crops such as maize, and underscore the importance of studying nitrogen-fixing bacteria isolated from traditional agricultural systems.},
}

*Zea mays/microbiology
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Nitrogen Fixation
*Polysaccharides, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics
*Rhizobium/genetics/metabolism/physiology/isolation & purification/classification
Symbiosis
Genome, Bacterial
Whole Genome Sequencing
Nitrogen/metabolism
Rhizosphere

@article {pmid42348587,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, X and He, Q and Rao, Y and Wang, Y and Gu, H and Jin, C and Huang, S and Sun, Z and Guo, J and Yan, F},
title = {Biofilm-Activated Enzymatic Biofuel Cell-Based Self-Powered Wound Dressing.},
journal = {ACS nano},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsnano.6c04362},
pmid = {42348587},
issn = {1936-086X},
abstract = {Chronic biofilm infections present a significant threat to human health and survival. Herein, a biofilm-activated enzymatic biofuel cell-based self-powered dressing (EBFC) was constructed for electrotherapy of infected diabetic wounds. The EBFC consisted of a flexible carbonized nonwoven fabric immobilized with lactate oxidase as the bioanode and bilirubin oxidase as the biocathode, respectively, along with a Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LG)-loaded sodium alginate hydrogel as an electrolyte layer. Particularly, the EBFC consumes biofilm extracellular polymeric substances to disrupt biofilm and produce lactate as an endogenous fuel to power electricity generation. Simultaneously, bactericidal metabolites secreted by LG combined in the EBFC endow it with the ability to kill the bacteria within the biofilm. Collectively, the EBFC exhibits strong antibiofilm activity and sustains continuous and compensating electric field generation (approximately 240 mV for over 30 h). By synergizing the antibacterial and electricity generation activity, the EBFC expedites biofilm-infected chronic diabetic wound healing in vivo by enabling sterilization to suppress inflammation and by remodeling the endogenous electric field to enhance collagen deposition and angiogenesis. This dressing represents a facile and promising self-powered electrotherapy strategy that harnesses biofilm-derived components as an energy source for autonomous operation while exerting synergistic antibacterial effects.},
}

@article {pmid42349155,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, YY and Lin, L and Wen, L and Li, XY},
title = {Rapid adaptation and enrichment of salt-tolerant anammox via dosing of chemical enhancers in packed-bed biofilm reactor.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {304},
number = {},
pages = {126343},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126343},
pmid = {42349155},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {The application of anammox-based processes for saline wastewater treatment is constrained by the scarcity of salt-tolerant seed sludge and the lengthy adaptation periods. To overcome this challenge, exogenous chemical enhancers, hydrazine (N2H4, 5 mg/L) and glycine betaine (GB, 30 mg/L), were introduced and evaluated for their roles in facilitating salt-adapted anammox biofilms enrichment from freshwater seed in packed-bed biofilm reactors. Hydrazine addition for 15 days increased the nitrogen removal rate from approximately 50 to 441.1 mg N/(L·d) within 70 days, which was substantially higher than that achieved through natural acclimation (192.2 mg N/(L·d)). When GB was subsequently supplemented for 30 days to the naturally acclimated reactor, its nitrogen removal rate rapidly increased to 1000 mg N/(L·d) within 30 days and further to 3000 mg N/(L·d) within 60 days, catching up the reactor receiving N2H4 from the outset. According to community analysis, performance recovery coincided with immediate shift from Ca. Brocadia to Ca. Kuenenia, with its relative abundance surged ∼15-fold within 20 days, highlighting the remarkable stimulatory effect of enhancers on Ca. Kuenenia's proliferation. Inferred from KEGG pathway studies, N2H4 primarily enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis, providing energetic support for early recovery of the proton motive force and osmotic balance. In contrast, GB stabilized cellular osmotic conditions and membrane structures, enabling reallocation of metabolic resources toward antioxidant defense, cellular repair, and folate biosynthesis under saline stress. This alleviated the energetic burden associated with ion transport and lipid remodeling, thereby promoting sustained recovery of the anammox community.},
}

@article {pmid42335349,
year = {2026},
author = {Spindler, M and Becker, T and Rues, S and Richter, K and Rammelsberg, P and Zenthöfer, A and Wolff, D and Bartha, V},
title = {Efficacy of 3D-Printed Cleaning Splints for Approximal Dental Biofilm Removal-A Randomized Clinical Crossover Pilot Study.},
journal = {Clinical and experimental dental research},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {e70392},
pmid = {42335349},
issn = {2057-4347},
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms ; Pilot Projects ; Cross-Over Studies ; Adult ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; *Dental Plaque/prevention & control/therapy/microbiology ; *Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Young Adult ; Dental Plaque Index ; Aged, 80 and over ; Toothbrushing/instrumentation ; *Oral Hygiene/instrumentation ; Treatment Outcome ; *Splints ; Periodontal Index ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effectiveness of biofilm removal using individually customized cleaning splints (CS) as an aid for interdental brushes (IDBs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical crossover study, the effect of IDBs in combination with CS on plaque reduction and periodontal parameters was examined. Periodontitis patients received an intraoral scan to produce a 3D-printed CS. Following a 2-week interdental hygiene pause, they were divided into two groups: Group A: CS+IDBs, Group B: IDBs. Participants performed daily interdental cleaning at home for 2 weeks following standardized professional instruction. After another 2-week interdental hygiene pause, the groups switched methods. Additionally, motor skills, stress levels, and nutritional quality were assessed.

RESULTS: Thirty participants (age range 21-82 years) completed the study. CS+IDBs led to a significantly greater plaque reduction (change in Quigley-Hein plaque index, ∆QHI) compared to IDBs alone (ΔQHI = -1.38 vs. -0.23, p < 0.001). The impact on reducing gingival inflammation (GI) was limited to younger participants with no effect on bleeding on probing (BOP). Random effects ANCOVA confirmed the significant effect of CS on ∆QHI (p < 0.001). An interaction between perceived stress and CS use on BOP indicated that stress may influence the effectiveness of CS supported plaque removal.

CONCLUSIONS: Cleaning splints are a promising approach to enhance the effectiveness of IDBs in reducing interdental biofilm.},
}

Humans
*Biofilms
Pilot Projects
Cross-Over Studies
Adult
Female
Aged
Middle Aged
*Dental Plaque/prevention & control/therapy/microbiology
*Printing, Three-Dimensional
Male
Young Adult
Dental Plaque Index
Aged, 80 and over
Toothbrushing/instrumentation
*Oral Hygiene/instrumentation
Treatment Outcome
*Splints
Periodontal Index

@article {pmid42335542,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, W and Lan, YL and Zhang, X and Luo, YH and Zhao, YX and Lei, JY and Liu, YD and Rittmann, BE},
title = {Embedding bio-Fenton in a hybrid membrane biofilm reactor enhances the treatment of antibiotic-contaminated saline water.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {304},
number = {},
pages = {126327},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126327},
pmid = {42335542},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs) provide efficient oxygen transfer and support high biomass retention, making them promising for treating saline wastewater. However, the presence of antibiotics can severely inhibit microbial metabolism, leading to deterioration of reactor performance. In this study, we developed a hybrid MBfR by embedding an Fe-based catalyst (NC/Fe-MIL) within the biofilm and bioaugmenting the halotolerant Martelella sp. AD-3, which produces high levels of extracellular H2O2. The hybrid biofilm created a self-sustaining bio-Fenton reaction in which microbial metabolism continuously generated extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) while the Fe-catalyst converted it into hydroxyl radical (•OH) and singlet oxygen ([1]O2). As a result, long-term continuous-flow reactor maintained high COD removal of >90% by achieving efficient degradation of antibiotics (mixture of chlortetracycline (CTC), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and norfloxacin (NOR)) about 85% under saline stress. Moreover, the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was significantly reduced by approximately 70%, indicating a substantial decrease in antibiotic resistance risk. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel hybrid MBfR process that sustains high treatment performance despite salinity and antibiotic stresses. More broadly, it establishes a design framework for resilient microbe-material hybrid bioreactors, in which halotolerant biofilms are deliberately coupled with biocompatible heterogeneous bio-Fenton catalysts and ROS-producing bacteria for simultaneous saline wastewater detoxification and ARG control.},
}

@article {pmid42336110,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, HF and Yan, CH and Chen, FH and Wang, D and Tan, M and Xu, Y and Herman, RA and Wang, J},
title = {Adhesin gene overexpression stimulates biofilm formation and catalytic performance in recombinant Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135231},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135231},
pmid = {42336110},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Biofilms catalysis has broad application prospects in the biocatalysis due to its high cellular stability, strong reusability, and operational simplicity. However, the naturally limited biofilm-forming ability of Escherichia coli restricts its performance in catalytic processes. In this study, we developed a rational engineering strategy to enhance E. coli-based biofilms catalysis by overexpressing adhesion-related genes in combination with carrier materials. Specifically, adhesin gene overexpression enhances cell adhesion and biofilm formation while decreasing planktonic cell number. Furthermore, biofilm biomass in the ecpA- and proQ-overexpressing strains increased by 563.88% and 550.36%, respectively (p < 0.001). In addition, after the addition of hydrophilic polyurethane fiber carriers, rutin conversion rate of 97.81% and isoquercitrin yield of 90.11% were achieved using biofilms catalysts formed by the ecpA-overexpressing strain (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that adhesin gene overexpression combined with hydrophilic polyurethane fibers as carriers is an effective strategy for constructing robust E. coli biofilms catalysts and enhancing biofilm-mediated biocatalysis.},
}

@article {pmid42336123,
year = {2026},
author = {Kong, X and Liu, W and Ding, Y and Zhu, Y and Zhao, J and Yu, E},
title = {Accurate and in situ monitoring of ammonia nitrogen in high-salinity waters by a halophilic Halomonas biofilm-powered biosensor.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {306},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {125096},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125096},
pmid = {42336123},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Monitoring ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) in high-salinity waters remains a great challenge for conventional methods due to the interference of salt ions. Here, we developed a self-powered microbial fuel cell-based biosensor for accurate and in situ detection of NH3-N in such environments. The biosensor utilizes an anode biofilm comprising the moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas venusta DSM 4743 as the key sensing element. The biosensor exhibited satisfactory electrical signal output across a salinity range of 10-35 g/L NaCl. At a high salinity of 30 g/L NaCl, it demonstrated excellent analytical performance towards NH3-N: a wide linear range (0-1000 mg/L NH3-N), high sensitivities (0.20 and 0.056 mV/(mg/L)), a low detection limit (2.73 mg/L), a rapid response (<30 min), and good reproducibility and accuracy. Furthermore, it showed strong robustness against pH fluctuations, metal ion interferences, and the presence of organic carbon or dissolved oxygen. Mechanism studies revealed that H. venusta oxidized NH3-N via simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, during which NH3-N served as an electron donor for the generation of extracellular electrons for the bioanode. Increased NH3-N levels upregulated the activity of key enzymes like succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), boosting the NH3-N oxidation and extracellular electron transfer (EET) efficiencies, which directly enhanced the bioelectric signal output. This work provides a robust, energy-autonomous platform for reliable and in situ monitoring of NH3-N in challenging saline matrices.},
}

@article {pmid42337578,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, X and Hong, J and Yang, L and Nanda, S and Yu, Y and Wang, Y and Kamonsuangkasem, K and Chang, M and Mohotti, J and Hao, G and Wang, P and Zhang, L},
title = {Metal-driven nanoassembly of hexahistidine-tagged melittin enables superior phytopathogen biofilm degradation with attenuated toxicity.},
journal = {Journal of nanobiotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12951-026-04732-4},
pmid = {42337578},
issn = {1477-3155},
support = {2024YFE0214300//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms formed by phytopathogens confer formidable resistance to chemical pesticides, underscoring an urgent need for innovative antimicrobial solutions. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), exemplified by the potent bee venom derivative melittin, offer a promising alternative owing to their broad-spectrum activity and intrinsic biofilm-disrupting capacity. However, the agricultural application of melittin is severely hindered by rapid environmental degradation, susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, and non-selective cytotoxicity. Here, we report a metal-coordination-driven nanoassembly strategy to enhance the stability and efficacy of melittin. Engineering an N-terminal hexahistidine tag enabled a one-step assembly of melittin into uniform nanoparticles (NanoMel) via Zn[2+] coordination. This nanoformulation improved the antibacterial potency, lowering the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) to 3.795 µg/mL and 3.202 µg/mL, representing a 1.59- and 1.38-fold enhancement over its linear counterpart. Furthermore, NanoMel demonstrated superior biofilm eradication, degrading 86.9% of mature Xoo biofilms at 24 µg/mL, significantly outperforming the free peptide. In planta assays revealed that NanoMel provided 68.2% curative and 65.9% protective efficacy against rice bacterial leaf blight at 200 µg/mL, surpassing the commercial bactericide thiodiazole-copper 20% suspension concentrate (TC-20% SC). Furthermore, the nanoassemblies effectively attenuated the inherent toxicity of melittin, as evidenced by significantly improved safety profiles in the zebrafish model. Collectively, these findings establish the metal-coordination-driven nanoassembly as a platform for constructing effective and eco-friendly AMP-based bionanobactericides, demonstrating a potent and practical strategy for sustainable plant protection.},
}

@article {pmid42337713,
year = {2026},
author = {Karanbash, S and Daou, C and Iskandar, CF},
title = {Co-occurrence of biofilm formation, acid tolerance, and antibiotic resistance in environmental Escherichia coli associated with lettuce.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05311-1},
pmid = {42337713},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Environmental niches represent important reservoirs of Escherichia coli with stress-adaptation traits that support persistence outside the host. Contaminated irrigation water and soils can facilitate transfer to fresh produce, where bacterial survival may reduce the effectiveness of downstream control measures. This study investigated the co-occurrence of biofilm formation, acid tolerance, and antibiotic resistance (AR) in environmental E. coli and their contribution to persistence along the farm-to-produce continuum.

RESULTS: Eighteen E. coli isolates recovered from irrigation water, soil, and lettuce were characterized using phenotypic assays and genome-based analyses. Most isolates remained susceptible to the majority of tested antibiotics, with multidrug resistance observed in only 11.1% of isolates. In contrast, moderate-to-strong biofilm formation was widespread (83.3%), and several isolates exhibited reduced susceptibility to acetic acid at concentrations relevant to household washing practices. Genotypic screening revealed a broad distribution of adhesion, iron acquisition, biofilm-associated, and plasmid-borne resistance determinants, indicating substantial functional diversity. Significant positive associations were observed between acid tolerance, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance, suggesting co-occurrence of stress-adaptation phenotypes rather than definitive evolutionary convergence. While antibiotic resistance phenotypes showed strong concordance with corresponding resistance genes, biofilm formation and acid tolerance were not associated with specific genetic determinants, supporting a multifactorial basis of these traits.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that environmental E. coli can combine multiple stress-adaptation mechanisms that enhance persistence across agricultural and food-associated environments, even in the absence of high-risk resistance profiles. The observed co-occurrence of phenotypic traits highlights the potential for co-selection under environmental pressures and underscores the limitations of relying solely on downstream decontamination strategies. Effective risk mitigation requires integrated, preventive approaches targeting pre-harvest contamination and environmental reservoirs.},
}

@article {pmid42329470,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, X and Cooksley, CM and Awad, M and Barry, EF and Psaltis, AJ and Wormald, PJ and Vreugde, S},
title = {Reciprocal adaptation is critical in enhancing S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilm biomass.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42329470},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/isolation & purification ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/isolation & purification ; Humans ; Rhinosinusitis/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Coculture Techniques ; Biomass ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Amikacin/pharmacology ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Polymicrobial communities impose a great challenge for clinical management of chronic infections. It is a consensus now that microbes exist as aggregated colonies shielded within polymeric matrix. Within this matrix more than one bacterial species can exist either in symbiotic or rival relationships. Herein, we investigated the host-specific interspecies interactions between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The indirect interaction between the two species was assessed using Transwell co-culture chambers, where S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (n = 3 each) derived from CRS patients were cultured in separate chambers that allowed exchange of soluble factors. Later the biofilm biomass of each species was evaluated and compared to single species biofilm. Further, the influence of the co-culture conditions on antibiotic tolerance was evaluated. When derived from the same patient, co-cultured bacteria increased the biofilm biomass of each other significantly by 3.0-4.9 fold (p < 0.01) and exhibited higher tolerance to amikacin compared to co-cultures of isolates from two different patients and monocultured biofilms. Moreover, the incubation of one bacterial protein-enriched secreted fractions (PESF) with alternative species form same patient significantly increased biomass by 1.5-4.8 fold (p < 0.01), while similar trend was not observed among randomly cultured species. These data underscore the synergistic growth pattern between different bacterial species growing in the same niche and highlight the importance of further studies to aid the selection of antibiotics targeting polymicrobial biofilms.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/isolation & purification
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/isolation & purification
Humans
Rhinosinusitis/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Coculture Techniques
Biomass
Adaptation, Physiological
Amikacin/pharmacology
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology

@article {pmid42329783,
year = {2026},
author = {Carrillo-Barragán, P and Ballesté, E and Sauer, M and Christie-Oleza, J},
title = {The Plastisphere: not a unique biofilm but a unifying concept for the interdisciplinary plastic biofilm research community.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiag055},
pmid = {42329783},
issn = {1574-6941},
abstract = {Plastic has introduced a novel and persistent substrate into natural ecosystems, rapidly colonised by microbial biofilms collectively termed the plastisphere. Since its introduction, the concept has catalysed interdisciplinary research and shaped scientific and public discourse on plastic pollution. Yet, a central question remains unresolved: do plastisphere communities represent a fundamentally distinct ecological entity, or are they conventional biofilms forming on an unconventional material? Here, we synthesise current evidence across marine and terrestrial systems to argue that plastisphere communities are not consistently taxonomically or functionally unique. Instead, they largely reflect established biofilm assembly processes governed by environmental conditions, source communities, and successional dynamics. Claims of plastic biodegradation, pathogen enrichment, or antimicrobial resistance hotspots remain context-dependent and often lack robust comparative frameworks. We propose that the ecological significance of the plastisphere lies not in microbial novelty, but in the properties of the substrate itself. Plastics are uniquely persistent and, in many environments, highly mobile, enabling microbial communities to disperse across ecosystems and extend residence times beyond those of natural particles. By reframing the plastisphere as a condition of microbial life on durable, mobile substrates, we retain its conceptual value while aligning it with ecological theory and advancing a more precise research agenda.},
}

@article {pmid42331178,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, X and Ren, X and Zhang, H and Liu, Y and Sun, Z},
title = {Repurposing nifedipine as a dual-function adjuvant: potentiating gentamicin activity and disrupting biofilm formation in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Biochimie},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.biochi.2026.06.012},
pmid = {42331178},
issn = {1638-6183},
abstract = {The diminishing efficacy of gentamicin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) necessitates novel adjuvant strategies, prompting our investigation into repurposing the calcium channel blocker nifedipine. Here, we demonstrate that a sub-inhibitory concentration of nifedipine synergizes with gentamicin against MRSA T144, achieving rapid bactericidal killing within 2 hours. Mechanistic studies reveal that nifedipine functions as a bacterial ion modulator, inhibiting Ca[2+]/Cl[-] influx and increasing membrane fluidity, which leads to membrane hyperpolarization, cytoplasmic acidification, and a significant enhancement of gentamicin uptake. Furthermore, nifedipine exhibits direct anti-virulence activity by enhancing membrane permeability, suppressing amyloid fibril formation, and potently inhibiting biofilm development. Collectively, our findings highlights the promising potential of nifedipine as a repurposed adjuvant against resilient MRSA infections.},
}

@article {pmid42331894,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmed, NK and Hamza, D and Awaad, SS and Abdel-Salam, AB and Sallam, SS},
title = {Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cheese production systems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42331894},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Cheese/microbiology ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/genetics/isolation & purification ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Food Microbiology ; Animals ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {The emergence of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an increasing global concern affecting human and animal health, food production systems, and environmental safety. This study investigated its occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-forming ability using phenotypic assays, and identify the biofilm-associated genetic markers in 120 cheese samples including 30 samples each of (Kariesh, Tallaga, Processed, and Romy) collected from various retail sources in Cairo and Giza, Egypt. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were identified using both biochemical tests and molecular confirmation using 16 S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Biofilm formation was assessed phenotypically through the microtiter plate and tube assays, while the biofilm-associated genes pelA and pslA were detected using PCR. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 18 samples (15%), and identification was confirmed through biochemical and molecular methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 55% of isolates were extensively drug-resistant, while 45% exhibited multidrug resistance, with MAR indices ≥ 0.2 and an average MAR index of 0.68, indicating exposure to high-risk environments with frequent antibiotic use. Phenotypic assays showed strong biofilm-forming capabilities among isolates, with 100% positive by microtiter plate and 95% by tube method. Molecular screening further confirmed the prevalence of biofilm-associated genes, detecting pelA in 72% and pslA in 61% of isolates. Overall, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cheese samples exhibited substantial antimicrobial resistance and robust biofilm-forming ability, posing significant concerns to cheese quality and consumer health. These findings highlight the urgent need for continuous surveillance, improved dairy hygiene, effective sanitation, responsible antimicrobial practices, and alternative control strategies within the dairy sector to reduce potential public health hazards.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Cheese/microbiology
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/genetics/isolation & purification
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Food Microbiology
Animals
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial

@article {pmid42332877,
year = {2026},
author = {Lunder, M and Ghassani Shabrina, S and Krištof, R and Šunta, U and Oder, M and Fink, R},
title = {Chemical fingerprints of Lamiaceae essential oils: targeting biofilm viability, biomass, metabolic activity, and membrane integrity.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-20},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2689190},
pmid = {42332877},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {This study examines the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of essential oils from Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Lavandula angustifolia. Chemical analysis identified carvacrol, linalool, and camphor as key constituents contributing to activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. T. vulgaris oil, rich in phenolic and flavonoid content, showed the strongest efficacy. R. officinalis and L. angustifolia oils also demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects, reducing bacterial viability, biofilm biomass, and metabolic activity, although effectiveness varied with species and biofilm structure. T. vulgaris oil effectively removed E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilms at 2 × MIC (log reduction 7) but was less effective against S. aureus (log reduction 1.7) at 2 × MIC. The activity of these oils may be associated with disruption of bacterial membranes, biofilm architecture, and induction of oxidative stress. Mammalian toxicity at 3 × MIC shows a low toxic profile for T. vulgaris and R. officinalis, but a high toxic profile for L. angustifolia. These findings highlight T. vulgaris and R. officinalis essential oils as promising antibacterial agents in terms of both efficacy and safety.},
}

@article {pmid42333110,
year = {2026},
author = {Ning, Z and Rao, W and Shao, L and Dong, Y and Liu, S and Yang, X and Xu, X and Wang, H},
title = {Characterization of high-purity Aeromonas salmonicida extracellular vesicles and their inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm formation.},
journal = {Food science and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {8},
pages = {2283-2297},
pmid = {42333110},
issn = {2092-6456},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important mediators of bacterial interspecies interactions and may play critical roles in food spoilage dynamics, but co-isolated contaminants hinder their accurate characterization. To address this, we compared conventional ultracentrifugation (UC) and two combined methods for isolating Aeromonas salmonicida EVs (ASEVs). The ultrafiltration-UC-density gradient centrifugation (FCD) method achieved a 6.9-fold purity increase over UC. Comparative proteomics revealed that contaminants mainly originated from cytoplasm, and flagellum-, pili-, and phage-associated proteins were identified as purity markers. The ASEVs proteins are primarily located in membrane structures and mainly implicated in metabolic and membrane transport pathways. Functional assays demonstrated that ASEVs inhibited planktonic growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens and reduced biofilm formation by 40.48%. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for elucidating the characteristics of food spoilage bacteria EVs and their roles in bacterial interspecies interactions.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-026-02188-8.},
}

@article {pmid42333880,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Qian, L and Zhang, C and Cheng, K and Mu, W and Zuilhof, H and Wang, X},
title = {Bimetallic-Node-Occupied MOF With Glycoside Hydrolase Activity for Efficient Bacterial Biofilm Hydrolysis.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e9481237},
doi = {10.1002/anie.9481237},
pmid = {42333880},
issn = {1521-3773},
support = {42277473//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22502235//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2023QC222//National Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 1610232023015//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Artificial synthesis of compounds to mimic the catalytic functions of natural enzymes and investigate their underlying mechanisms is challenging work. The development of glycoside hydrolase mimics encounters significant obstacles due to the complex stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms involved. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have become promising candidates for artificial enzymes due to their ordered structure and ability to precisely control the active sites. Herein, a bimetallic MOF (CZPDC) containing bimetallic nodes is synthesized as an enzyme mimic to hydrolyze glycosidic molecules. X-ray absorption near-edge structure confirms the coexistence of Ce and Zr in the metal cluster nodes. DFT calculations reveal the unique adsorption behavior of CZPDC toward the negatively charged functional group connected to the C atom at the C2 position on the Ce site, thereby avoiding the stereoisomerism-induced selectivity between glycoside atoms and heteroatom carbons, making it suitable for the degradation of more complex polysaccharide systems. The catalytic behavior enables efficient hydrolysis of complex biological tissues containing multiple chemical bonds, disrupts bacterial biofilms, and kills internal bacteria. These characteristics endow CZPDC with strong potential for application in areas such as glycoside-catalyzed hydrolysis and bacterial biofilm removal.},
}

@article {pmid42334552,
year = {2026},
author = {Guesmi, M and Mnif, S and Aifa, S and Frikha, F},
title = {Drug repositioning as an antivirulence strategy: Ketoprofen targets quorum sensing and biofilm in Serratia sp.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42334552},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique//Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique/ ; },
mesh = {*Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; *Ketoprofen/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Serratia/drug effects/physiology/genetics/pathogenicity ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Drug Repositioning ; Virulence/drug effects ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {Serratia sp. are opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria capable of forming robust biofilms and expressing a wide range of quorum sensing (QS)-regulated virulence factors, including motility, protease secretion, and prodigiosin production. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains has emphasized the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies targeting bacterial virulence rather than viability. In this context, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ketoprofen have emerged as potential quorum-quenching agents. This study explores the antivirulence activity of ketoprofen against Serratia sp. through a combination of in-vitro phenotypic assays and an advanced in-silico framework. In-vitro assays demonstrated that sub-inhibitory concentrations of ketoprofen significantly impair key virulence traits. Ketoprofen exhibited up to 90.68% inhibition of initial bacterial adhesion and disrupted mature biofilms, reducing biomass by up to 79.1%. Furthermore, motility assays revealed profound inhibition of both swimming and swarming behaviors, alongside a 100% suppression of protease activity and a 60.4% reduction in prodigiosin production, without exerting direct bactericidal effects. To elucidate the molecular basis of this competitive antagonism, an integrative computational approach was deployed. Deep learning-driven molecular docking (GNINA) revealed that ketoprofen targets the LuxR-type QS receptor SmaR with exceptional and reproducible affinity (mean Vina affinity of -9.51 kcal/mol), vastly outperforming natural acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) autoinducers. Kinetic stability was validated through 5 ns vacuum molecular dynamics (MD), followed by 100 ns explicit solvent MD simulations in independent replicates. The trajectories confirmed remarkable positional retention of the ligand (Ligand RMSD ~ 0.08-0.16 nm) within the binding pocket. Rigorous MM/PBSA free energy calculations on the equilibrated trajectories yielded highly favorable binding free energies (ΔG ranging from - 19.90 to -30.11 kcal/mol), driven by massive enthalpic contributions (ΔH up to -34.20 kcal/mol) and a persistent network engaging 10 to 14 key interacting residues. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ketoprofen acts as a highly stable "molecular plug", effectively outcompeting endogenous AHL signals to lock the SmaR receptor in an inactive state. This highlights ketoprofen's immense potential as a repurposed antivirulence agent for combating biofilm-associated and multidrug-resistant Serratia infections.},
}

*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Biofilms/drug effects
*Ketoprofen/pharmacology/chemistry
*Serratia/drug effects/physiology/genetics/pathogenicity
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Drug Repositioning
Virulence/drug effects
Molecular Docking Simulation
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid42322458,
year = {2026},
author = {Behera, S and Das, S},
title = {Biofilm formation in Streptomyces nigra strain KDS4 and characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) for biomaterial development.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42322458},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Streptomyces/metabolism/physiology/genetics/growth & development ; *Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/chemistry/metabolism ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Biocompatible Materials/chemistry ; Hydrogels/chemistry ; Polypropylenes ; Spores, Bacterial/growth & development ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Biosurfactants ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation in marine Streptomyces is a dynamic yet poorly understood process, that limits their functional exploitation. This study investigated the biofilm development and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) synthesis by Streptomyces nigra strain KDS4, a promising marine Actinobacterium, aiming to optimize EPS yield and characterize its bio-functional properties. Biofilm and EPS formation began with spore germination and hyphal growth, maturing by 60 h with dense hyphal intertwining, sporulation, and EPS secretion, followed by dispersal at 84 h. The bacterium showed the highest biofilm height (~ 2.35 μm) over the polypropylene substrate. Upregulated expression of the cslA gene, associated with biofilm matrix production, was confirmed during biofilm development. Structural analysis of EPS revealed α- and β-glycosidic linkages, hydroxyl, and alkyne groups, along with an amorphous morphology and diverse elemental composition. EPS exhibited thermal transition up to 300 °C and antioxidant and emulsifying properties. Notably, EPS demonstrated hydrogel-forming capability, with 5% (wt/wt) EPS-based hydrogel exhibiting rapid gelation (73 s), high porosity and pore size (31.66 μm), excellent swelling (53.54%), and strong viscoelasticity (G' > G''). At 20% (wt/wt) EPS, the hydrogel achieved a compressive strength of 36.83 kPa, demonstrating its mechanical robustness. These findings highlight S. nigra strain KDS4 as a promising source of multifunctional EPS for sustainable environmental and biomedical applications. While the study provides detailed in vitro insights, evaluation of EPS functionality and biocompatibility remain to be explored. Future work should focus on scale-up production, structural-functional correlations, and validation of EPS-based hydrogels in environmental remediation and biomedical models.},
}

*Streptomyces/metabolism/physiology/genetics/growth & development
*Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/chemistry/metabolism
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Biocompatible Materials/chemistry
Hydrogels/chemistry
Polypropylenes
Spores, Bacterial/growth & development
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Biosurfactants

@article {pmid42322466,
year = {2026},
author = {da Silva, JSSC and da Mata, LC and Monteiro, VN and Ribeiro, EL and Dias, LD and Naves, PLF},
title = {Curcumin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy prevents Candida biofilm formation in a species-dependent manner.},
journal = {Lasers in medical science},
volume = {41},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42322466},
issn = {1435-604X},
mesh = {*Curcumin/pharmacology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/radiation effects/growth & development ; *Photochemotherapy/methods ; *Candida/drug effects/physiology ; *Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to systematically evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of curcumin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) activated by 450 nm LED light against biofilm formation and mature biofilms of clinically relevant Candida species, with particular emphasis on preventive potential and species-dependent susceptibility; Biofilm formation and maturation were investigated in five standard Candida strains. Biofilm formation (preventive approach) and established biofilms were treated with curcumin followed by irradiation with 450 nm LED light. Biofilm biomass was quantitatively assessed using the crystal violet assay. Comparative analyses were performed to determine species-dependent responses to aPDT. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc test when appropriate. All Candida strains demonstrated a pronounced ability to form biofilms, being classified as strong biofilm producers, except Candida dubliniensis, which exhibited moderate biofilm formation. Curcumin-mediated aPDT significantly inhibited biofilm development across all tested species (p < 0.05), achieving reductions of 86.82% for C. metapsilosis, 85.05% for C. orthopsilosis, 83.33% for C. parapsilosis, 75.34% for C. dubliniensis, and 68.19% for C. albicans. This preventive antibiofilm effect is likely associated with reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in oxidative damage to essential cellular structures and impairment of early extracellular matrix establishment. In contrast, aPDT activity against mature biofilms was significantly attenuated and highly species-dependent, with reductions ranging from 49.63% (C. parapsilosis) to 0.64% (C. dubliniensis); however, these reductions were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Curcumin-mediated aPDT exerted a significant preventive antibiofilm effect against Candida biofilm formation but showed limited and non-significant activity against mature biofilms. These findings position curcumin-mediated aPDT as a promising strategy for preventing Candida biofilm establishment, while indicating that improved photosensitizer delivery and optimized irradiation protocols are required to enhance activity against established biofilms.},
}

*Curcumin/pharmacology
*Biofilms/drug effects/radiation effects/growth & development
*Photochemotherapy/methods
*Candida/drug effects/physiology
*Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology
Humans

@article {pmid42323344,
year = {2026},
author = {Ledger, EVK and Horgan, NE and Lynch, D and Bateman, LM and Massey, RC},
title = {Human serum triglycerides promote Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and antibiotic tolerance.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-026-01064-x},
pmid = {42323344},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {GA004851//Microbiology Society/ ; 21/FFP-A/9704//Research Ireland/ ; 212258/Z/18/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation and antibiotic tolerance are major contributors to the persistence of Staphylococcus aureus infections, yet how the host environment affects these phenotypes remains poorly understood. Here, we show that incubation in human serum primes S. aureus to form robust biofilms and tolerate vancomycin and daptomycin, last resort antibiotics for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant staphylococcal infections. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the staphylococcal Geh lipase is essential for serum-induced biofilm formation by liberating glycerol from host lipids, which is then used to promote increased synthesis of D-alanylated wall teichoic acids, driving biofilm development. Inhibition of the Geh lipase or wall teichoic acid synthesis markedly reduces biofilm formation and restores antibiotic susceptibility, highlighting clinically achievable strategies to inhibit host-induced biofilm formation and prevent the associated antibiotic tolerance. Together, our findings reveal a host-driven mechanism of biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance in S. aureus and provide rational targets for therapeutic intervention.},
}

@article {pmid42324599,
year = {2026},
author = {Kunyeit, L and Rao, R},
title = {Biofilm overproduction enhances gastrointestinal stress tolerance and intestinal fitness in Bacillus subtilis.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2684066},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2026.2684066},
pmid = {42324599},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {*Bacillus subtilis/physiology/genetics/growth & development ; Animals ; Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Stress, Physiological ; Probiotics ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; *Intestines/microbiology ; Microbial Viability ; Saccharomyces boulardii/physiology/growth & development ; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus/physiology ; },
abstract = {Microorganisms with health-promoting potential often experience substantial losses in viability and function due to stresses encountered during manufacturing and gastrointestinal transit. In this study, we investigate whether biofilm can be leveraged to enhance microbial resilience and functional performance. Using Bacillus subtilis as a model biofilm-forming bacterium, we examined strains with defined biofilm phenotypes: a biofilm-deficient mutant (tasA eps), a biofilm-overproducing mutant (sinR), and an isogenic wild-type control. These strains were evaluated across multiple functional benchmarks, including survival in simulated gastric and bile juices, thermotolerance, and intestinal bacterial colonization in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. Commercially available strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii were included as reference comparators. The biofilm-overproducing B. subtilis sinR strain demonstrated markedly enhanced survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and showed increased colonization within the C. elegans intestine. In contrast, the biofilm-deficient tasA eps mutant exhibited severe sensitivity to gastric stress and reduced the intestinal bacterial load. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cell-free B. subtilis biofilm can function as an effective bioencapsulation matrix. When used to encapsulate multiple probiotic strains, the biofilm matrix significantly improved their survival under acidic gastric conditions by neutralizing the environmental pH, indicating its broad potential for probiotic formulations and targeted gastrointestinal delivery. Overall, biofilms are traditionally studied for their roles in infection and antimicrobial resistance; however, their protective and adaptive traits may be repurposed for beneficial use. As an example of this concept, our findings show that B. subtilis biofilms enhance multiple functional and technological traits and highlight biofilm-based strategies as a promising platform for improving beneficial microbial robustness and the delivery of live biotherapeutics.},
}

*Bacillus subtilis/physiology/genetics/growth & development
Animals
Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Stress, Physiological
Probiotics
*Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
*Intestines/microbiology
Microbial Viability
Saccharomyces boulardii/physiology/growth & development
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus/physiology

@article {pmid42325454,
year = {2026},
author = {Alsuwat, MA and Shah, AA and Ullah, S and Khan, RU and Alissa, M and Khan, MS},
title = {Microbial Biofilm Formation to Mitigate Foodborne Pathogens Strategies and Control Measures.},
journal = {Indian journal of microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {3},
pages = {496-511},
pmid = {42325454},
issn = {0046-8991},
abstract = {Foodborne pathogens pose a serious public health threat, causing widespread illness and severe consequences. A major challenge in their control is the formation of biofilms on surfaces in food production environments, enhancing bacterial survival, antimicrobial resistance, and persistence. This review investigates biofilm formation strategies employed by key pathogens like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, emphasizing the pivotal role of biofilm management in addressing food safety concerns. The study explores the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors influencing biofilm development, which are crucial for devising effective control measures. Strategies employed by bacteria, such as quorum sensing, adhesion mechanisms, and extracellular polymeric substance production, are detailed. This review also discusses current control measures, including chemical and physical interventions, novel approaches like bacteriophages and biofilm-disrupting enzymes, and considerations in surface material design to minimize biofilm formation. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of biofilm formation strategies and effective control measures is essential for ensuring food safety. This review provides insights into managing biofilm-associated risks in the food industry, contributing to innovative and sustainable approaches for mitigating the impact of foodborne pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid42325458,
year = {2026},
author = {Dixit, S and Rai, S and Gupta, D and Sharma, S},
title = {Biofilm Formation on Different Fabrics in the Presence of Sweat.},
journal = {Indian journal of microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {3},
pages = {587-595},
pmid = {42325458},
issn = {0046-8991},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The colonization of textiles by axillary skin bacteria produces an unpleasant odour due to the rapid growth of a selective community of bacteria. Such colonized textiles subsequently act as vectors for transmitting nosocomial infections among healthcare workers and patients. An in-depth understanding of bacterial behaviour on soft surfaces like fabrics is necessary to mitigate the transmission of infections. This study examined the effect of artificial human sweat on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, on three fabrics, viz. polyester, cotton, and polyester-cotton (70:30) blend. Artificial sweat was constituted to replicate the natural human sweat on textiles. Using atomic force microscopy, the three-dimensional topography of the biofilm was determined, and scanning electron microscopy was employed to visualise the biofilm that had developed on the fabrics. All bacterial strains showed maximum growth on polyester fabric in the presence of sweat. P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were found to be strong biofilm producers, whereas E. coli and E. faecalis were moderate producers. The ability of the four bacterial strains to form biofilm was related to their production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). P. aeruginosa produced viscous EPS in contrast to the EPS produced by other bacterial strains. In conclusion, this study corroborates that sweat plays a major role in the colonization of textiles by bacteria. Regular practice of fabric hygiene, and the development of modified fabrics with anti-pathogen properties, could potentially reduce the prevalence of nosocomial infections in healthcare settings.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-024-01409-0.},
}

@article {pmid42325464,
year = {2026},
author = {Subramanian, A},
title = {Molecular Characterization of Cariogenic, Biofilm-forming, Multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Detection of NDM-1 and blaVIM-1 Genes.},
journal = {Indian journal of microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {3},
pages = {782-792},
pmid = {42325464},
issn = {0046-8991},
abstract = {The prevalence of cariogenic bacteria in dental caries is attributed to acidification of the oral microenvironment. Cariogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were isolated from dental caries. A total of 101 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from 55 samples (n = 55). The isolates were classified based on their acid tolerance and acidogenic properties. The isolated bacterial strains were cultured in soy peptone (2%) and maintained in a simulated oral environment. The survival rate of the isolates varied from 40.2 ± 2.1 to 74.7 ± 1.8%, and only 11 strains had a significant survival rate (> 60%). Among these DS47 strain exhibited strong biofilm production, with an optical density value significantly higher than that of the other isolates (p < 0.01). This strain was further tested to determine its demineralization effect on teeth. The biofilm-forming bacteria DS47 released Ca[2+] ions in a time-dependent manner (p < 0.01), indicating its potential role in enamel demineralization. Additionally, the DS47 isolate was found to be multidrug-resistant, showing resistance to tobramycin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, amoxicillin, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, amikacin, ceftazidime, cefoxitin, and gentamicin. The New Delhi metallo β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) gene and blaVIM-1 genes were detected in the drug-resistant P. aeruginosa DS47. The biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa showed cariogenicity and contributed to dental caries. These findings suggest that biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa plays a significant role in cariogenicity and contributes to dental caries.},
}

@article {pmid42328219,
year = {2026},
author = {Baidya, D and Pathivada, L and Garg, N and Karthik, KM and Jain, AK and Bhyri, P},
title = {Effect of Three Different Topical Fluoride Varnishes on Streptococcus mutans Count in Biofilm Samples of Children Aged 6-10 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial.},
journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {343-349},
pmid = {42328219},
issn = {0974-7052},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aims to check how well three fluoride varnishes work. The varnishes are GC MI Varnish, Ultradent Enamelast, and Ivoclar Fluor Protector. They are tested to see if they can lower Streptococcus mutans levels in biofilm samples from children aged 6-10 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 144 children divided into three groups. Samples of plaque were gathered initially and then again at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months following the application of fluoride varnish. The levels of S. mutans were measured using culture methods and reported as colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL).

RESULTS: All three fluoride varnishes significantly reduced S. mutans counts over the 6-month period. GC MI Varnish showed the greatest reduction, particularly at 1 and 3 months (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01, respectively). The mean CFU/mL for GC MI Varnish decreased from 7.64 ± 0.18 at baseline to 5.76 ± 2.05 at 6 months. Ultradent Enamelast and Fluor Protector S also demonstrated significant reductions but to a lesser extent than GC MI Varnish.

CONCLUSION: GC MI Varnish containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) demonstrated superior antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans compared to Ultradent Enamelast and Fluor Protector S. All three fluoride varnishes were effective in reducing S. mutans counts, with GC MI Varnish showing the most significant and consistent reductions over time.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Baidya D, Pathivada L, Garg N, et al. Effect of Three Different Topical Fluoride Varnishes on Streptococcus mutans Count in Biofilm Samples of Children Aged 6-10 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(3):343-349.},
}

@article {pmid42328873,
year = {2026},
author = {Solano Morales, AK and Cazano, E and Pirani, C and Jones, G and Goode, A and Walker, AR and Sperduto, A and Dwivedi, B and Bantha, P and Peter, SD and McLellan, LK and Alam, MA and Shields, RC},
title = {Genomic instability and biofilm determinants in Streptococcus mutans: insights from a sequence-defined arrayed transposon library.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0017426},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00174-26},
pmid = {42328873},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Streptococcus mutans is a primary architect of dental caries, utilizing complex genetic networks to build resilient, acid-producing biofilms. While pooled screens (Tn-seq) have identified important fitness factors, they often fail to capture extracellular or moderate-effect determinants due to community-level masking. Therefore, to study biofilm phenotypes, we constructed a comprehensive arrayed library of 9,216 mutants and used Cartesian Pooling-Coordinate Sequencing (CP-CSeq) to establish a sequence-defined resource covering 51% of non-essential genes. By screening the entire collection in isolation, we identified several novel biofilm determinants, including the putative metal transporter SMU_635 and the glycosylation-associated protein SMU_2160. However, systematic whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of our hits revealed an interesting level of genomic instability: 25% of biofilm-defective mutants had undergone spontaneous recombination at the gtfBC locus, while 7% had lost the TnSmu1 element, an excision rate 1,000-fold higher than previously reported. While targeted mutagenesis confirmed that TnSmu1 loss does not impact biofilm integrity, the gtfBC deletions directly accounted for the most severe phenotypes, highlighting a systemic risk of misattributing gene functions to primary transposon insertions. Our findings provide a powerful new genetic resource for the S. mutans community while establishing a critical new standard: an arrayed library is only as defined as its underlying genome, making systematic genomic verification an essential prerequisite for accurate functional genomics.

IMPORTANCE: Streptococcus mutans causes dental caries through resilient, acidogenic biofilm formation. While pooled screens often overlook extracellular or moderate-effect determinants due to community masking, this study presents a sequence-defined arrayed mutant library to dissect individual gene functions in isolation. Beyond known machinery, we identified novel biofilm determinants, including metal transporter SMU_635 and glycosylation-associated protein SMU_2160. Crucially, we uncovered pervasive genomic instability at the gtfBC and TnSmu1 loci. This reveals a systemic functional genomics risk: misattributing phenotypes to primary mutations when backgrounds undergo large-scale rearrangements. By establishing whole-genome verification as a necessary standard, this research ensures that future therapeutic target identification is built upon a verified genetic foundation.},
}

@article {pmid42328874,
year = {2026},
author = {Meyer, MD and Bergkessel, M and DePas, WH},
title = {Activation of the antibiotic resistance factor WhiB7 can stimulate aggregate biofilm formation in stationary phase Mycobacterium smegmatis by reinitiating translation.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0007626},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00076-26},
pmid = {42328874},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {There is a growing understanding that slow growth and dormancy due to nutrient deprivation are very common physiological states exhibited by bacterial communities in a myriad of environments. However, very little is known about the role of slow growth and dormancy in biofilm regulation. Here, we utilize tractable dormancy and aggregation assays in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) to ask the fundamental question of how growth arrest impacts the processes of aggregation and dispersal. First, we show that the well-conserved dormancy regulator DosSR affects biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis, as a dosR deletion mutant undergoes spurious re-aggregation and dispersal during aerobic late stationary phase. Identification of a suppressor mutation blocking re-aggregation in the ΔdosR mutant allowed us to determine a role for the antibiotic resistance factor WhiB7 in driving re-aggregation in M. smegmatis. We utilized BioOrthogonal NonCanonical Amino acid Tagging (BONCAT), qPCR, and quantitative aggregation assays to build a model wherein reductive stress in ΔdosR potentiates stationary phase translation in a WhiB7-dependent manner, permitting aggregation in dormant stationary phase cells. In addition, during stationary phase, WhiB7-activating reducing agents and antibiotics could trigger re-aggregation in both wild-type M. smegmatis and clinical isolates of the opportunistic NTM pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus. Finally, we determined that, in contrast to aerobic stationary phase, M. smegmatis does not aggregate or disperse in response to chemical cues or antibiotics under the Wayne model of hypoxic dormancy. Our work reveals a regulatory interaction between dormancy and aggregation that could have broad implications for treating and preventing NTM biofilms.IMPORTANCEMycobacteria aggregate to form multicellular biofilms that provide protection from external stressors and increase antibiotic tolerance. Understanding the pathways regulating biofilm formation can aid the identification of useful targets for developing new drugs. With a growing appreciation that pathogens are often in a slow growth/dormant state during infection, we investigate how dormancy affects biofilm formation and dispersal in two nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species: Mycobacterium smegmatis and the opportunistic pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus. We find that activation of the WhiB7-mediated antibiotic response permits biofilm formation in aerobic stationary phase by reinitiating protein synthesis; however, cells under hypoxic dormancy are unresponsive. Our work provides important context to combatting biofilm formation in infection sites, informing future studies and aiding design of biofilm dispersal agents.},
}

@article {pmid42329318,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiao, Z and Luo, S and Mao, Y and Wang, H and Huang, J},
title = {Genomic, Probiotic, and Safety Characterization of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum L-1 and the Anti-Biofilm Activity of its Bacteriocin Against Listeria Monocytogenes.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42329318},
issn = {1867-1314},
support = {262300422148//Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province/ ; QNZX202501//Zhumadian City Science and Technology Innovation Youth Special Project/ ; XKPY-2022005//Science and technology incubation fund of Huanghuai University/ ; 501621701002//Youth Backbone Teacher Project of Huanghuai University/ ; },
abstract = {Listeria monocytogenes biofilms persist in food processing environments and pose a serious threat to food safety. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-1, a strain isolated from traditional Chinese Jiangshui, and to evaluate the anti-biofilm activity of its crude bacteriocin against L. monocytogenes. The strain exhibited promising probiotic attributes, including high survival rates under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (68.9% at pH 2.0, 85.0% in the presence of 0.3% bile salts) and a satisfactory safety profile (antibiotic susceptibility, γ-hemolysis, and no toxicity in mice). Whole-genome sequencing identified genetic determinants for stress tolerance and a gene cluster encoding multiple bacteriocins, including pln EF, pln J, pln N, and a putative bacteriocin. LC-MS identified three expressed bacteriocins: Plantaricin E, F, and N. The crude bacteriocin showed high stability under a range of temperatures (60-121 °C) and pH (2.0-12.0), with a MIC of 2.2 mg/mL against L. monocytogenes. At sub-inhibitory concentrations that did not affect planktonic growth (1/32×, 1/16×, 1/8× MIC), it significantly inhibited biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner, achieving 89.5% inhibition at 1/4 × MIC. The bacteriocin suppressed metabolic activity, reduced exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, and inhibit the integrity of biofilm structure, and downregulated the expression of key biofilm-related genes without affecting bacterial growth. These findings highlight the potential of L. plantarum L-1 as a dual-functional probiotic and a natural biocontrol agent against L. monocytogenes biofilms in the food industry.},
}

@article {pmid42320152,
year = {2026},
author = {Bell, A and Ergas, SJ and Main, K and Rhody, N and Guttman, L},
title = {Performance of moving bed biofilm, periphyton, and halophyte biofilters in marine multi-trophic aquaculture systems.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1045},
number = {},
pages = {181943},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181943},
pmid = {42320152},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Combining multi-trophic recirculating aquaculture system (MT-RAS) biofilter types leverages the strengths of different ecological biomes, benefits water treatment, resource recovery, economics, and environmental sustainability. The overall goal of this study was to determine the effects of different aquaculture biofilter combinations on MT-RAS. Three duplicate biofilter combinations were tested in a pilot scale MT-RAS with red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus): 1) periphyton with halophytes (P + H), 2) periphyton with moving bed biofilm reactors (P + M), and 3) periphyton only (P[2]). Experiments were performed in two trials (spring and summer) with four replicates. Water quality tests validated that NH3/NH4[+], NO2[-], NO3[-], and CO2 were below fish toxic limits for all biofilter combinations. Fish mortalities were low, with food conversion ratios between 1.1 and 2.0. In all trials, periphyton added dissolved oxygen (DO) to the water (at an average of +3.95 ± 6.52 mg/(L*d)), thus reducing energy costs. Periphyton was also found to include valuable lipid content (4.55 ± 2.24% of dry weight) with the detection of Ω-3 fatty acids. The P[2] trials maintained a stable alkalinity and pH balance. The M + P trials removed NH3/NH4[+] at a high rate; however, they also required more energy for DO. Edible sea purslane growth rates (1.0431 ± 0.3361 g/day/plant) were efficient in all P + H trials. The microbiome revealed abundance of Ignavibacterium bacteria, Navicula and Chlorella algae, Nitrospira, Nitrospirae, Nitrosospharota, and Nitrosoarchaeum nitrogen cyclers. Overall, periphyton biofilter combinations nitrify, denitrify, stabilize pH, photosynthesize, and produce oxygen and a value-added product.},
}

@article {pmid42320320,
year = {2026},
author = {Vargová, M and Bujňáková, D and Galambošiová, T and Zigo, F and Zahumenská, J and Hisira, V},
title = {Biofilm production, molecular attributes and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine milk.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {210},
number = {},
pages = {106303},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106303},
pmid = {42320320},
issn = {1532-2661},
abstract = {The formation of biofilm and resistance to certain antibiotics by staphylococci are acknowledged as a significant virulence factors. We focused on monitoring phenotype antibiotic resistance and biofilm production, including some genes encoding for cell wall-anchored surface proteins of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) from bovine milk with subclinical mastitis. A total of 230 lactating cows were selected for the detection of mastitis. Of the tested dairy cows, 82 (35.7%) were positive on the California Mastitis Test (CMT). From a total of 105 CMT-positive quarter milk samples, 87 cases were identified as bacterial pathogens of the mammary gland. The most common udder pathogens among all infected quarters were coagulase-negative staphylococci (50.6%) and S. aureus (20.7%). Of all isolates of S. aureus (18), 10 isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, followed by resistance to erythromycin (10/18), to piperacillin + tazobactam, clindamycin (9/18), to oxacillin, ampicillin + sulbactam and to cefoxitin (8/18). One strain was resistant to chloramphenicol. Strong biofilm production was detected in 5 S. aureus; half of the strains were weak producers of biofilm, and 4 isolates had moderate formation capacity. The genes isdA, isdB and agrI were detected in all examined isolates from cows with subclinical mastitis. In our study, fnbpA was present in 17 isolates. The majority of S. aureus exhibited antibiotic resistance, biofilm production and the presence of virulence genes, hence constituting a potential public health threat.},
}

@article {pmid42320403,
year = {2026},
author = {Kigo, Y and Furuno, S and Miura, H and Kobayashi, M and Takahashi, S and Terada, A},
title = {Enhanced oxygen transfer, stable nitrifying biofilm, and low N2O emissions in a pilot-scale hybrid MABR incorporating gear-structured gas-permeable membranes.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {304},
number = {},
pages = {126260},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126260},
pmid = {42320403},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {This study demonstrates the feasibility and performance of a pilot-scale hybrid membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) equipped with an innovative gear-structured polyethylene membrane. Over 210 days of continuous operation, the integrated system-comprising an anaerobic tank, a hybrid MABR tank, containing 2-16 cassettes within a membrane module, and an aerobic tank-achieved removal efficiencies of 88 ± 12% for BOD, 40 ± 14% for total nitrogen, and 90 ± 14% for ammonia. The total sludge yield was 0.20 kg-TSS/kg-CODMn, significantly lower than that of conventional activated sludge systems. Spatial and temporal variations in oxygen transfer rate (OTR) and efficiency (OTE) were observed across membrane cassettes. The average OTR ranged from 3.51 to 9.63 g-O2/(m[2]·day) and was influenced by operating time and membrane surface area, with lower surface areas enhancing OTR. These results highlight the importance of hydrodynamics and cassette configuration in optimizing oxygen supply. Campaign-based assessments revealed low N2O emission factors of 0.058% on day 100 (29.2 °C) and 0.074% on day 190 (18.5 °C). At 18.5 °C, N2O emissions were primarily attributed to the aerobic tank, while contributions from the MABR tank decreased over time, likely due to biofilm maturation. Combined microbial analyses revealed dense populations of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria within the membrane biofilm, dominated by comammox Nitrospira, which likely contributed to the observed low N2O emissions. Overall, gear-structured membranes promoted resilient biofilm formation, reduced sludge production, and minimized N2O emissions. These findings provide important insights into the design and operation of sustainable and energy-efficient MABR systems for wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42321540,
year = {2026},
author = {Olorunshola, MM and Oladosu, VI},
title = {Evolved phage cocktails outsmart biofilm defences.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42321540},
issn = {2058-5276},
}

@article {pmid42312298,
year = {2026},
author = {Steffen, K and Bitter, K and Schlafer, S and Paris, S and Bauer, M},
title = {Combined treatment with bacteriophages and sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis biofilm in an in vitro root canal model with evaluation of bacterial resistance.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2687225},
pmid = {42312298},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {AIM: To assess the time-dependent antimicrobial activity of a newly isolated bacteriophage against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in two in vitro models, aloneand combinedwith sodium hypochlorite, followed by the evaluation of potential resistance development.

METHODOLOGY: Bacteriophage CUB_EF02 was isolated from sewage water using E. faecalis ATCC 29212 as host, visualized by TEM, and sequenced. Its antimicrobial effect against biofilms grown on porous glass beads was assessed in a time-killing assay. Additionally, 10-day-old biofilms were established in 36 extracted single-rooted human teeth and treated with 0.9% NaCl, 1% NaOCl, phages, or their combination. Dentine-adherent biofilm was quantified by plate counts at baseline, after treatment, and after 48 h re-incubation. Logarithmic reduction factors were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD. Phage resistance was evaluated by Top-Agar overlay spot assay.

RESULTS: Phage treatment reduced biofilm by 1.35 ± 0.2 SD-log after 6 h compared to control. Irrigation of the root canals using NaOCl achieved a significantly higher reduction (LRFred. = 2.98 ± 0.77 SD) than phages alone(LRFred. = 1.50 ± 0.23 SD). Combined treatment showed the strongest antimicrobial effect (LRFred. = 4.05 ± 1.17 SD). Bacterial regrowth occurred in all groups. Resistance developed after phage incubationfor ≥6 h.

CONCLUSION: Bacteriophages represent a promising adjunctive in root canal disinfection, but remain less effective than NaOCl and may inducebacterial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42312514,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh, T and Singh, RP and Jain, M and Muthukumaran, J and Singh, AK},
title = {Targeting Biofilm Formation in Acinetobacter baumannii: In Silico Discovery of Novel Candidate Inhibitors for Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Synthase.},
journal = {Current drug discovery technologies},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0115701638450698260520051756},
pmid = {42312514},
issn = {1875-6220},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative member of the ESKAPE pathogens, has emerged as a pivotal cause of multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired or nosocomial infections worldwide. Its ability to regulate virulence and biofilm formation through quorum sensing (QS) significantly contributes to its virulence and pathogenicity. Acyl-homoserine lactone synthase (AHLS) from the A. baumannii AYE strain plays a key role in the QS pathway and represents a promising druggable target for the development of anti-bacterial strategies.

METHODOLOGY: A homology-modeled three-dimensional structure of AHLS (AYE strain) was predicted, optimized, and validated. High-throughput virtual screening of 975 natural antimicrobial compounds was performed, followed by Lipinski's and ADMET profiling to assess drug-likeness and safety. Promising drug candidates were further evaluated using 100ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify putative AHLS inhibitors.

RESULTS: MM/PBSA based binding free energy calculations revealed favorable interactions for CID_291096 (-14.74 ± 2.20 kcal/mol), CID_155586 (-15.26 ± 2.27 kcal/mol), and MSID_001127 (-28.44 ± 3.32 kcal/mol). Among these, MSID_001127 (Lovastatin) demonstrated superior structural stability and sustained intermolecular non-covalent interactions throughout the 100ns MD simulation. Structural stability was further supported by RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, PCA, and hydrogen-bonding analyses.

DISCUSSION: Through virtual screening, three phytochemical lead compounds targeting AHLs with high negative binding free energies were identified. Stable protein-ligand interactions and favourable binding energetics were identified by molecular docking, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, and MM/PBSA analyses. Based on the results, ligand MSID_001127 was the most promising lead candidate compared with cipargamin. However, additional experimental validation is required to verify its therapeutic potential and biological activity.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Lovastatin may be a promising drug candidate for AHLS targeting the QS pathway of A. baumannii. The results warrant further experimental validation to explore its potential as an anti-bacterial therapeutic agent.},
}

@article {pmid42313510,
year = {2026},
author = {Hatem, ZA and Kafe, FN and Musa, FH and Al-Taie, SF and Ateya, NH and Aziz, LM and Rajabi, E and Hasan, RN},
title = {Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Gene Distribution in Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e70332},
pmid = {42313510},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/classification ; *Colistin/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Humans ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology ; Tigecycline ; Iran ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Minocycline/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii, a multidrug-resistant opportunistic bacterium, poses a substantial hazard in hospital settings. The emergence of colistin- and tigecycline-resistant strains further limits treatment options and necessitates detailed investigation of resistance mechanisms. A total of 144 clinical A. baumannii isolates from multiple hospitals in Iran were identified using standard microbiological and molecular techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using both disk diffusion and broth microdilution techniques. Biofilm formation was quantified by crystal violet staining. Resistance and biofilm-related genes were detected by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of key resistance genes (pmrA, pmrB, adeB, adeJ, and adeG) was evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in resistant isolates, and MLST was performed to determine the genetic relatedness among tigecycline- and colistin-resistant isolates. Resistance to colistin and tigecycline was observed in 3 (2.08%) and 2 (1.4%) isolates, respectively, and 90.9% of the isolates were biofilm producers, with higher odds of strong biofilm formation significantly correlating with the presence of blaPER1. All isolates carried pmrA and pmrB, but only colistin-resistant isolates showed overexpression of these genes compared to susceptible ones. MLST revealed diverse sequence types among resistant isolates, including ST188, ST138, ST387, ST2288, and ST3337. This study highlights the complex interplay between the presence of genes, their expression, and the resistance phenotype in A. baumannii and underscores the importance of monitoring chromosomal resistance determinants for effective control and treatment strategies.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/classification
*Colistin/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Humans
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Acinetobacter Infections/microbiology
Tigecycline
Iran
Multilocus Sequence Typing
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Minocycline/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology

@article {pmid42314591,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, M and Xu, L and Du, X and Wan, J and Pei, W and Yun, J and Liu, X and Feng, M and Wei, T and Xu, K and Ge, F and Wang, X and Zhu, N},
title = {Mineral-biofilm interaction controls trophic transfer of PFAS along a biofilm-snail food chain.},
journal = {Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {298},
number = {},
pages = {107904},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107904},
pmid = {42314591},
issn = {1879-1514},
abstract = {Natural biofilms developing on mineral substrates at the soil-water interface in freshwater ecosystems are important sinks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, the role of mineral-biofilm interactions in regulating their trophic transfer remains poorly understood. This study investigates how Fe2O3 is associated with changes in the distribution of PFAS within the biofilm matrix in a carbon chain length-dependent manner, which may further affect PFAS trophic transfer to snails. Fe2O3 preferentially localizes within the tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) layer, coincides with stimulated EPS production and altering PFAS partitioning within biofilms, and correlates with the redistribution of long-chain PFAS (e.g., PFNA) from loosely bound to tightly bound EPS fractions. In addition, Fe2O3 alleviates PFNA-induced toxicity and reshapes microbial community composition, increasing the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and improving biofilm nutritional quality, which in turn may enhance snail grazing. Consequently, Fe2O3 is associated with a significant increase in the trophic transfer factor of PFNA from biofilms to snails (approximately 35%), while showing negligible effects on short-chain PFAS. Overall, these results suggest that Fe2O3 may enhance the trophic transfer of long-chain PFAS through combined effects on contaminant partitioning and biofilm quality, highlighting the important role of mineral-associated biofilms in PFAS bioaccumulation and providing new insights for ecological risk assessment in freshwater ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42316807,
year = {2026},
author = {Chowdhury, MAH and Reem, CSA and Ashrafudoulla, M and Yoon, HJ and Ha, SD},
title = {Biofilm Formation and Spore-Mediated Persistence of Clostridium perfringens in Meat and Poultry Processing Environments and Their Implications for Control Strategies.},
journal = {Journal of food science},
volume = {91},
number = {6},
pages = {e71193},
doi = {10.1111/1750-3841.71193},
pmid = {42316807},
issn = {1750-3841},
support = {//Chung-Ang University Young Scientist Scholarship in 2024/ ; //Chung-Ang University research grant in 2025/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Clostridium perfringens/physiology/drug effects ; Animals ; *Spores, Bacterial/physiology ; *Meat/microbiology ; Poultry/microbiology ; *Food Handling ; Food Microbiology ; Food Contamination/prevention & control ; Food, Processed ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Quorum Sensing ; },
abstract = {Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) biofilms pose a persistent challenge in meat and poultry processing environments due to their structural resilience, spore-mediated survival and toxin-associated virulence. These biofilms readily develop on food-contact surfaces under typical processing conditions including organic residue accumulation, temperature fluctuations, and localized anaerobic niches, leading to increased tolerance to sanitation and thermal treatments. Mechanistically, biofilm resilience in C. perfringens is governed by the integration of sporulation processes, quorum sensing-regulated gene expression and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix formation, which collectively enhance stress tolerance, limit antimicrobial penetration, and facilitate persistence under fluctuating environmental conditions. The interaction between spore formation and EPS architecture further promotes survival during thermal processing and enables rapid re-establishment of biofilms following sanitation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the formation and persistence of C. perfringens biofilms, key environmental drivers in meat and poultry processing systems and the mechanistic basis of their stress resistance and survival strategies. It also critically examines how these mechanisms influence the efficacy of existing intervention strategies. It further evaluates the limitations of conventional control strategies and highlights emerging approaches for biofilm prevention and control, including food-grade antimicrobials, surface engineering, enzymatic disruption, and microbiome-based interventions, with emphasis on their modes of action and applicability in industrial settings. Overall, this review provides a mechanistic and systems-level perspective to support the development of more effective biofilm control strategies in meat processing environments.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Clostridium perfringens/physiology/drug effects
Animals
*Spores, Bacterial/physiology
*Meat/microbiology
Poultry/microbiology
*Food Handling
Food Microbiology
Food Contamination/prevention & control
Food, Processed
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Quorum Sensing

@article {pmid42316914,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, B and Wang, C and Tian, L and Li, R and Lv, S and Sun, Z and Xiao, M and Zheng, Q and Shi, L and Zhu, C},
title = {Acid-Triggered, Enzyme-Enabled EPS-Degrading Nanoplatform With Enhanced In Situ Retention for Intravenous Biofilm Therapy.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e73749},
doi = {10.1002/adma.73749},
pmid = {42316914},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {2024YFC2418700//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 23JCZDJC00860//Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin/ ; BNLMS202308//Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences/ ; 63251169//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 63253194//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms present a major challenge to antibacterial therapy due to their dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, which limits nanoparticle penetration and reduces drug efficacy. Here, we report a pH-responsive, surface charge-adaptive multifunctional nanosystem (DA-L@DTTB/Bro) for efficient in vivo treatment of biofilm-associated infections. The nanosystem integrates pH-triggered charge adaptation, in situ self-aggregation, photothermal responsiveness, enzymatic EPS degradation, and NIR-II imaging. Cationic phospholipid AGPDP, together with cholesterol and thermosensitive DPPC, self-assembled into liposomes encapsulating bromelain in the hydrophilic core and an NIR-II-emissive photothermal agent (DTTB) in the hydrophobic layer. Surface modification with DA-functionalized chitosan (CS-DA) generates negatively charged nanoparticles for prolonged circulation. At acidic infection sites, DA hydrolysis restores the cationic surface, enhancing biofilm penetration, while residual CS-DA induces self-aggregation to improve retention. NIR irradiation triggers DTTB-mediated hyperthermia, directly killing bacteria and disassembling liposomes to release bromelain, which degrades EPSs and facilitates biofilm dispersion. The nanosystem eradicates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in vitro with 99.99% efficiency, enables high-contrast NIR-II imaging, persists at abscess sites in vivo, and accelerates wound healing. Furthermore, it demonstrates effective therapeutic activity against biofilm-associated infections in deep pulmonary tissues. This study presents a versatile intravenous strategy for targeted, synergistic therapy against biofilm-associated infections in vivo.},
}

@article {pmid42317001,
year = {2026},
author = {Yunus, J and Jemon, K and Mohamad, SE and Jonet, MA and Jamaluddin, H and Wan Dagang, WRZ},
title = {Protease-driven approaches for wound eschar debridement and biofilm disruption: current advances, future prospects, and limitations.},
journal = {Critical reviews in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1080/1040841X.2026.2688093},
pmid = {42317001},
issn = {1549-7828},
abstract = {Chronic wounds frequently develop eschar, a dense layer of necrotic tissue that impedes healing and fosters bacterial biofilm formation. Biofilms, protected within an extracellular polymeric substance, show high resistance to antimicrobial agents, making wound management challenging. Conventional surgical debridement, though effective, is invasive, painful, and damages healthy tissue. Enzymatic debridement using proteolytic enzymes provides a less invasive, selective alternative. This review summarizes advances in protease-based therapies from plant, bacterial, and recombinant sources, focusing on their dual role in degrading eschar proteins and disrupting biofilm architecture. By elucidating the mechanisms through which proteases hydrolyze structural proteins and dismantle biofilms, we highlight their potential as minimally invasive interventions that enhance healing, reduce infection, and improve patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid42317929,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh, U and Jain, P and Singhai, A and Rashmi, and Verma, S and Kalyan, R and Venkatesh, V},
title = {Exploring the Genetic and Morphological Basis of Biofilm-Linked Drug Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {e108958},
pmid = {42317929},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Background Acinetobacter baumannii is a major nosocomial pathogen combining multidrug resistance (MDR) with strong biofilm-forming ability, enabling persistence on medical devices. Studying the correlation between biofilm-related genes and antibiotic resistance is critical for successful infection management. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, phenotypic biofilm formation (by Congo red agar (CRA) and tissue culture plate (TCP) methods), and selected biofilm-associated genes (bap, csuD, ompA, blaper-1) in 153 clinical A. baumannii isolates from respiratory specimens, which were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the association between these genes, biofilm strength, and drug resistance patterns. Methodology In this study, an investigation was performed on 153 respiratory isolates from the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary care hospital (2022-2024). The Kirby-Bauer method was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing and minimum inhibitory concentration for colistin following the 2022 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute norms. Biofilm testing was performed using the CRA and TCP methods and validated by SEM and genetic analysis of biofilm association genes such as bap, csuD, ompA, and blaPER-1. Results The present study demonstrated an extremely high rate of antibiotic resistance, with meropenem resistance observed in 152 (99.3%) isolates and ceftriaxone resistance in 148 (96.7%) isolates. Regarding biofilm formation, the TCP method identified 85 (55.6%) isolates as biofilm producers, whereas the CRA method detected 57 (37.3%) isolates. Strong biofilm-producing isolates identified by the TCP method were confirmed by SEM to exhibit dense, mature biofilm structures. Genotypic analysis revealed csuD (99, 64.7%)and bap (82, 53.6%) as the most prevalent genes, both significantly associated with strong biofilm formation (p < 0.05). The combined presence of bap + csuD (51, 33.3%) showed a strong correlation with enhanced biofilm strength in the TCP assay (p < 0.05). Conclusions High MDR and strong biofilm formation were observed in A. baumannii, with a significant association between biofilm and antibiotic resistance. The csuD gene and bap + csuD combination correlated with increased resistance and biofilm production. SEM confirmed dense biofilm architecture, highlighting their role in virulence and persistence.},
}

@article {pmid42318050,
year = {2026},
author = {Marimuthu, AK and Gopi, RR and Sridhar, JP and Ravi, K and Roy, A and Ramaiah, S and Anbarasu, A},
title = {Copper-coated carbon nanotube surfaces for inhibiting biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Cell surface (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {100176},
pmid = {42318050},
issn = {2468-2330},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections caused by clinically important pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) remain a major challenge in healthcare settings due to enhanced antimicrobial resistance and persistence. In recent years, copper-coated carbon nanotubes (Cu-CNTs) have gained considerable attention as promising antimicrobial nanomaterials for preventing biofilm formation on medical devices and hospital-associated surfaces. This review summarizes recent advances in the development and application of Cu-CNT-based antimicrobial coatings, with an emphasis on their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The synergistic combination of the high surface-area-to-volume ratio of CNTs and the potent antimicrobial properties of copper (Cu) ions enhances microbial inhibition. Previous studies suggest that Cu-CNTs interfere with initial bacterial adhesion, inhibit biofilm maturation, and disrupt established biofilms through mechanisms involving oxidative stress generation, membrane destabilization, and cellular damage. Furthermore, the review discusses the physicochemical characteristics, antimicrobial mechanisms, biomedical applications, and potential challenges associated with Cu-CNT coatings, including toxicity and biocompatibility concerns. Overall, Cu-CNT-based coatings represent a promising strategy for developing durable antimicrobial surfaces to control chronic biofilm-associated infections and reduce healthcare-associated contamination.},
}

@article {pmid42318084,
year = {2026},
author = {Williamson, KS and Franklin, MJ},
title = {An optimized mung bean seedling model for characterizing virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {100363},
pmid = {42318084},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Plant-based infection models provide cost effective and biologically relevant systems for investigating bacterial pathogenesis and virulence in living hosts. The mung bean seedling model enables the study of bacterial biofilms on living surfaces by allowing attachment and biofilm development on plants, but its broader use has been limited by methodological complexity and variability in experimental outcomes. Here, we present a modified mung bean seedling biofilm infection model for assessing Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence that improves both consistency and practicality. The assay incorporates a bleach-based seed sterilization protocol that effectively reduces surface associated contaminants while maintaining high seed germination percentages. Additional refinements, including dehulling germinated seedlings, a shortened bacterial inoculation period, and plate-based incubation of seedlings at 37 °C, minimize variability in plant health outcomes while supporting development of gnotobiotic plants. Plant mortality, cotyledon emergence, and root branching were identified as rapid and quantitative measures of biofilm associated disease. Using this modified assay, reproducible differences in virulence were detected among P. aeruginosa strains, including reduced pathogenicity in a pqsR quorum sensing mutant. This simplified mung bean seedling model provides an accessible platform for studying biofilm associated virulence and screening genes involved in biofilm-mediated pathogenicity on a biotic surface.},
}

@article {pmid42319152,
year = {2026},
author = {Attia, RG and Rizk, SA and Maamoun, SAM},
title = {Polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan biofilm incorporated with moringa oil nanoparticles: a sustainable and ecofriendly packaging strategy for managing Tribolium confusum infestation.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag174},
pmid = {42319152},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {The development of a novel anti-stored grain pest membrane film of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan-moringa nanoemulsion (PVA/CS-MNE) biofilm offers a promising alternative to conventional cereal packaging materials. The efficacy of different packaging films and thicknesses: polyethelene, cellophane, polypropylene, paper bags, and a prepared PVA/chitosan biofilm was evaluated for the control of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults. The estimated LC50 values for surface-treated PVA/chitosan biofilm, cellophane, polyethelene, paper bag, and polypropylene with moringa oil against T. confusum were 38.48%, 48.94%, 57.59%, 79.94%, and 125.06%, respectively. The most effective materials (PVA/chitosan biofilm, cellophane, polyethelene) were selected, and MNE was subsequently applied to these selected material types, resulting in LC50 values of 0.15%, 0.28%, and 0.47%, respectively. The results revealed that packaging materials treated with MNE exhibited higher toxicity compared to those exposed to moringa oil. Particle size and morphology of MNE, as measured by transmission electron microscope, confirmed the formation of spherical shape and uniform size with an average particle size around 90 nm. The zeta potential of -18 mV confirmed the formation of moderate stability colloidal system. Morphological changes were observed in a PVA/chitosan biofilm after moringa oil incorporation, as revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. A series of penetration tests conducted over 2 mo indicated that PVA/chitosan-MNE biofilm exhibited the highest protective efficacy. The numbers of exuviae, larvae, pupae, adults, and the percentage weight loss in packed wheat flour were 0.33%, 0.33%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0%, respectively.},
}

@article {pmid42319510,
year = {2026},
author = {Marin-Dett, FH and Grejo, MP and Valente, V and Palaçon, MP and Bufalino, A and Peters, BM and Barbugli, PA},
title = {Candida albicans hyphae modulate Staphylococcus aureus cell-free supernatant during dual biofilm growth to drive molecular signatures of oral dysplasia.},
journal = {Medical microbiology and immunology},
volume = {215},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42319510},
issn = {1432-1831},
mesh = {Humans ; *Candida albicans/physiology/growth & development/genetics ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/growth & development ; *Hyphae/growth & development ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Monocytes/immunology/drug effects ; Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Microbial Interactions ; Epithelial Cells/microbiology ; Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Coculture Techniques ; THP-1 Cells ; },
abstract = {Microbes frequently exist as biofilm-embedded multi-species communities where their interactions may establish or exacerbate chronic infection. Recently, fungi and bacteria have been associated with various human tumor microenvironments, suggesting that dynamic cross-kingdom interactions may directly or indirectly contribute to tumor-associated processes. Here, we aimed to investigate whether cell-free supernatants from mono- and dual-species biofilms of the commonly associated fungus Candida albicans and bacterium Staphylococcus aureus could alter human monocyte responses that promote a tumor-related genetic signature in dysplastic oral epithelial (DOK) cells. Treatment of THP-1 monocytes with S. aureus cell-free supernatant increased the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF) and CD86 expression. However, exposure to cell-free supernatants from dual-species biofilm suppressed these responses. To determine the fungal virulence factors responsible, C. albicans mutants deleted for genes involved in adhesion (als3Δ/Δ), hyphal growth (efg1Δ/Δ cph1Δ/Δ), or candidalysin production (ece1Δ/Δ) were assessed during co-culture. While candidalysin was dispensable, loss of hyphal growth or the adhesin Als3p phenocopied effects of S. aureus mono-culture treatment. Conditioned medium from THP-1 cells initially challenged with mono- or dual-biofilm cell-free supernatants was applied to DOK cells to assess TP53 and BCL2 gene expression. Conditioned medium from S. aureus treated THP-1 cells led to decreased epithelial TP53, but increased BCL2 expression, which was reversed by the presence of wild-type C. albicans. These phenotypes were similarly dependent on C. albicans hyphal growth during dual-biofilm co-culture. Collectively, our results reveal that fungal-bacterial interactions may shape the monocyte-epithelial axis by orchestrating immune responses that enhance tumor-associated gene expression in dysplastic oral epithelial cells.},
}

Humans
*Candida albicans/physiology/growth & development/genetics
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/growth & development
*Hyphae/growth & development
Cytokines/metabolism
Monocytes/immunology/drug effects
Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Microbial Interactions
Epithelial Cells/microbiology
Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
Coculture Techniques
THP-1 Cells

@article {pmid42319514,
year = {2026},
author = {Ståhle, M and Johnson, A and Turner, S and Mårtensson, P and Kalinowski, B and Dopson, M},
title = {Multi-Year Biofilm Formation on Granitic Surfaces Reveals Dynamic Microbial Communities in Fennoscandian Shield Deep Groundwaters.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02812-4},
pmid = {42319514},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {The deep terrestrial biosphere is the vast biome beneath the soil layer that contains the majority of the Earth's prokaryotic biomass, yet it is one of the least investigated communities. Although, estimates of deep biosphere biomass suggest biofilm cells outnumber the planktonic biomass by several orders of magnitude, most investigations target planktonic communities captured from groundwaters. This multi-year study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to compare planktonic and biofilm communities attached to natural granitic rock, demonstrating that biofilm formation selected for taxa with distinct relative abundances and exhibited temporal development. The biofilm communities also showed a decreasing influence of introduced populations on the natural rock surfaces (macadam) present at the onset of the incubations. After two- and four-years of biofilm incubation, a community developed that was dominated by sulfur/sulfate reducing Desulfocapsaceae, Desulfobacteraceae, and BM004 along with the families UBA5619, Rhodocyclaceae, Profunditerraquicolaceae, and UBA2206. This long-term community included populations predicted to be host-associated ultra-small cells. This contrasted with previous studies of early biofilm development in deep Fennoscandian Shield groundwaters that suggested biofilm initiation was mediated by lithotrophic carbon and nitrogen fixing populations. However, metabolic predictions based upon the 16S rRNA gene-based communities also showed an autotrophic and diazotrophic community including sulfur cycling in line with the previous studies. In conclusion, this study showed long-term biofilm composition to be dissimilar to the planktonic communities with a consistent strategy for energy conservation similar to previous studies of early biofilm formation from these groundwaters.},
}

@article {pmid42308838,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, H and Liang, X and Li, B and Dong, X and Li, H and Ma, Y and Li, J and Shilin, MB and Leonteva, EO},
title = {Effects of biofilm-coated microplastics on the biological functions of RNA viruses in Mytilus coruscus.},
journal = {Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {298},
number = {},
pages = {107873},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107873},
pmid = {42308838},
issn = {1879-1514},
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) pollution poses emerging ecological risks through physical stress and its potential role in altering microbial and viral communities. Here, we investigated the effects of biofilm-associated polyethylene (PE) MPs exposure on RNA viral communities in the digestive glands of Mytilus coruscus (M. coruscus) during a 21-day in situ experiment. Metatranscriptomic analyzes revealed that lysogenic viruses were predominant in all samples (> 99%), while biofilm-associated MPs exposure was associated with increased viral richness and diversity in the digestive glands of M. coruscus (P < 0.05). Viral composition in MPs-exposed M. coruscus became more similar to that of MPs biofilms, with relative enrichment of Uroviricota and decreased relative abundance of Kitrinoviricota and Picornavirales. Functional annotation analysis showed higher abundances of annotations related to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factor genes (VFGs), and metal resistance genes (MRGs) in MPs-exposed digestive glands, while virus-bacteria co-occurrence networks exhibited reduced connectivity. Histopathological analysis further showed tissue-level alterations in digestive gland, gill, and mantle tissues following MPs exposure. These findings suggest that MPs exposure may alter host-associated microenvironments and contribute to changes in RNA virome composition, functional profiles, and virus-bacteria interactions. Overall, this study highlights the potential influence of MPs exposure on host-associated RNA viromes and its ecological implications in marine ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42310079,
year = {2026},
author = {Nouraei, H and Amirzadeh, N and Shabanzadeh, S and Zareshahrabadi, Z and Shamsdin, N and Nouraei, M and Naeimi, B and Pakshir, K},
title = {Effect of subsequent passages on biofilm formation intensity, ALS genes expression, and cell surface hydrophobicity variability in clinical Candida albicans isolates.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-58680-y},
pmid = {42310079},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {32536//Vice-Chancellor for Research, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast pathogen that have several virulence factors included biofilm formation, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and the expression of adhesion genes. Concerns exist that serial laboratory subculturing may diminish these traits, leading to inaccurate research findings. Aim of this study was evaluated the effect of subsequently subcultures on biofilm formation intensity, ALS gene expression, and surface hydrophobicity properties in clinical C. albicans isolates. Ten clinical C. albicans isolates were serially subcultured up to 20 passages (P). We used qPCR to quantify ALS1 and ALS3 gene expression, the Crystal Violet assay to measure biofilm formation intensity (P1, P5, P10, P15, P20), and a water-octane partitioning assay for CSH variability at different passages. Serial subculturing caused gradual downregulation of gene expression for both ALS1 and ALS3 (p < 0.001). This condition was accompanied by a biofilm-forming capacity that became progressively reduced in 90% of isolates, whereas 60% at P20 were already biofilm-negative (vs. 10% at P1). Cell surface hydrophobicity also decreased progressively, with 100% of isolates displaying low CSH at P15, compared with 40% in the initial P1 state. Serial subculturing leads to a rapid reduction of C. albicans pathogenic fitness with decreased expression of certain key adhesion genes, diminished biofilm formation, and lower CSH. These results highlight the plasticity of the organism and thus strongly suggest that low-passage clinical isolates should be used in studies to reflect true pathogenicity in vivo accurately.},
}

@article {pmid42310175,
year = {2026},
author = {Komatsu, K and Kim, J and Her, N and Alpers, R and Saito, N and Shibata, R and Fedorowicz, I and Kim, SJ and Kim, N and Lu, T and Tran, A and Lim, J and Sakaguchi, W and Sato, T and Haga, S and Matsuura, T and Park, W and Ogawa, T},
title = {The surface-agnostic advantage for peri-implant health: UV photofunctionalization as a positive-sum strategy for biofilm suppression and soft-tissue barrier-a systematic review with qualitative synthesis.},
journal = {International journal of implant dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40729-026-00695-1},
pmid = {42310175},
issn = {2198-4034},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Long-term dental implant success depends on a biologic "race to the surface," in which osteogenic cells, peri-implant soft-tissue cells, and bacterial pathogens compete for early dominance at the implant-tissue interface. Because implant surface design is often optimized for one objective at the expense of another (e.g., micro-roughness to accelerate osteoconductivity but with increased plaque-retention risk; relatively smooth transmucosal surfaces to discourage bacterial attachment despite uncertainty regarding optimal soft-tissue integration), strategies that enhance peri-implant health without forcing topographical trade-offs are needed. Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization-by removing storage-acquired hydrocarbons ("biological aging") and converting surfaces to a high-energy, superhydrophilic state-has been proposed as a chairside, topography-preserving approach to improve interfacial biology. This systematic review evaluates whether UV photofunctionalization of titanium and zirconia surfaces provides clinically relevant advantages for (1) reduction of bacterial attachment and biofilm formation, (2) peri-implant soft-tissue responses relevant to mucosal sealing, and (3) human clinical outcomes.

METHODS: After systematic literature search, screening and full-text evaluation, a total of 34 articles, including 9 bacterial/biofilm, 13 soft-tissue (1 overlapping between bacterial and soft-tissue), and 13 clinical studies were selected. Findings were synthesized qualitatively with attention to protocol heterogeneity (UV wavelength band, exposure duration, device configuration, and material and surface types).

RESULTS: Across experimental models, UV photofunctionalization most consistently reduced early bacterial attachment and/or early biofilm accumulation across several titanium surface topographies, supporting an early anti-adhesive and biofilm-suppressive phenotype. Soft-tissue studies generally demonstrated enhanced fibroblast/epithelial attachment, spreading, and functional behaviors relevant to sealing on both titanium and zirconia, although the optimal underlying topography for soft-tissue integration remains unresolved. Clinically, the most consistent signal was accelerated and enhanced implant stability development, while selected studies also suggested favorable trends in peri-implant soft-tissue parameters and/or crestal bone maintenance. However, clinical outcomes remained variable and were limited by heterogeneity in UV protocols, surface systems, endpoints, and follow-up duration.

CONCLUSIONS: UV photofunctionalization can be conceptualized as a surface-agnostic physicochemical reactivation technology: a topography-preserving enhancement that restores high surface energy and favorable surface chemistry without altering the underlying surface architecture. Current evidence for this concept is strongest for titanium, whereas supportive evidence for zirconia is emerging primarily from soft-tissue and interface-focused models. This interface-first, positive-sum strategy may allow clinicians to select zone-specific topographies (e.g., smooth transmucosal regions and rough endosteal regions) while maximizing soft-tissue affinity and suppressing early colonization. Although current clinical evidence most strongly supports accelerated osseointegration/stability development, further longitudinal studies with standardized peri-implant health, microbiologic, and mucosal inflammatory endpoints are needed to clarify the long-term translational impact of UV photofunctionalization on peri-implant disease prevention.},
}

@article {pmid42310482,
year = {2026},
author = {Zaylaa, M and Farha, R and Taleb, J and Saad, A and Gharbawy, OE and Sarraf, R and Kassam, I and Hamdach, C and Bissar, N},
title = {Interplay Between Virulence Genes, Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles, and Biofilm Formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Urinary Tract Infections in North Lebanon.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e70336},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70336},
pmid = {42310482},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Lebanon/epidemiology ; *Klebsiella pneumoniae/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology/pathogenicity ; *Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Klebsiella Infections/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Virulence Factors/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Virulence/genetics ; beta-Lactamases/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology ; Cross Infection/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and poses a growing public health concern due to multidrug resistance and virulence potential. This study aimed to characterize antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence gene distribution among urinary K. pneumoniae isolates from North Lebanon and to explore correlations between these factors. A total of 153 non-duplicate isolates from hospital and community settings were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility, hypermucoviscosity, biofilm formation, and presence of key virulence (fimH, mrkD, magA, rmpA, entB, iucA, iroN, kfu) and β-lactamase (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M) genes. Adhesion-associated genes fimH and mrkD were highly prevalent, particularly in hospital-acquired and strong biofilm-producing isolates. Capsular and regulatory genes (magA) was more frequent in putative hypervirulent and community-acquired strains, while siderophore genes entB and iucA were strongly associated with biofilm formation and hospital-acquired infections. A significantly higher resistance to cephalosporins, along with an increased frequency of multidrug-resistant phenotypes, was detected in hospital-acquired, classical, and strong biofilm-forming isolates. ESBL production was significantly more common in hospital-acquired and biofilm-forming isolates. Strong biofilm formation was largely associated with classical K. pneumoniae and hospital-acquired infections, whereas putative hypervirulent strains were primarily weak biofilm producers and community-acquired. These findings highlight the interplay between virulence determinants, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the need for targeted infection control and treatment strategies in North Lebanon.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Lebanon/epidemiology
*Klebsiella pneumoniae/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology/pathogenicity
*Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/epidemiology
Humans
*Klebsiella Infections/microbiology/epidemiology
*Virulence Factors/genetics
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Virulence/genetics
beta-Lactamases/genetics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology
Cross Infection/microbiology

@article {pmid42311309,
year = {2026},
author = {Loaiza-Toscuento, DI and Perez-Corona, CE and Spezzia-Mazzocco, T and Peregrina-Barreto, H and Ramos-Garcia, R and Padilla-Martinez, JP and Ramirez-San-Juan, JC},
title = {Laser speckle imaging for biofilm viability assessment: a noninvasive alternative to the MTT assay.},
journal = {Biomedical optics express},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {3167-3179},
pmid = {42311309},
issn = {2156-7085},
abstract = {Accurate measurement of cell viability in biofilms is critical in biology and medicine. We propose two laser speckle-based methods to assess the viability of Candida tropicalis biofilms. Time-varying speckle images were processed using temporal correlation analysis and frequent-motion imaging, and the resulting metrics were compared against the standard MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. A high Pearson correlation coefficient (>0.99) was observed between both speckle-based metrics and MTT. For C. tropicalis biofilms in microplates, the proposed approach provides a rapid, low-cost, and non-destructive proxy for cell viability and is expected to be transferable to other fungal and bacterial biofilms and other cell-based systems.},
}

@article {pmid42311376,
year = {2026},
author = {Bachir, A and Altaie, AM and Bendardaf, R and Talaat, IM and Hamoudi, R},
title = {Microbial dysbiosis drives colorectal carcinogenesis via integrated inflammatory, metabolic, and biofilm pathways.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1795882},
pmid = {42311376},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises from a multifaceted interplay among the intestinal microbiota, chronic inflammation, and host genomic instability, with microbial dysbiosis serving as an active driver rather than a by-product of malignant transformation. Genotoxic Escherichia coli (colibactin-positive), enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum contribute to distinct stages of CRC progression by engaging the DNA-damage response and activating β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling and NF-κB/STAT3 transcriptional programs controlling pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-8), pro-survival (BCL-2, BCL-XL), and proliferative (MYC, CCND1) gene expression.. Here, we propose a tri-axial pathogenic framework in which (i) cyclic dinucleotide-mediated activation of the cGAS-STING pathway engages TBK1-IRF3 and NF-κB signaling, driving type I interferons (IFN-β) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) that couple microbial genotoxic stress to innate inflammation; (ii) altered microbial metabolites, including indoles and bile acids, reprogram AhR and FXR/TGR5 signaling; and (iii) crypt-anchored biofilms spatially amplify IL-6 leading to activation of STAT3, epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors, and immune evasion. This review critically synthesizes current evidence supporting these axes and maps them onto CRC molecular subsets and tumor location. Recognition of these integrated microbial-host circuits identifies mechanistically grounded candidates for biomarker development, microbiome-based diagnostics, and targeted interventions to restore microbial and immune equilibrium, thereby providing a refined framework for the molecular classification and precision management of CRC.},
}

@article {pmid42311500,
year = {2026},
author = {Shambhavi, K and Singh, DV},
title = {Outer membrane vesicles in Vibrio species: Roles in biofilm formation and pathogenesis.},
journal = {Microbial cell (Graz, Austria)},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {198-217},
pmid = {42311500},
issn = {2311-2638},
abstract = {Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been increasingly recognized as common mediators of bacterial physiology in Gram-negative bacteria, including Vibrio species. The degree and function of OMV production can differ among strains and even within a single species. The secretion of OMVs is a prevalent trait among many Vibrio species, particularly in pathogenic organisms such as Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The OMVs released by these organisms are often associated with infection, transport of virulence factors into host cells, defense against stress, biofilm formation, flagella rotation, transportation of active enzymes, signaling molecules in the surrounding environment, and facilitating bacterial translocation. All of these are advantageous to the bacteria. These OMVs also possess immunogenic properties that regulate the innate and adaptive immune responses, which are beneficial to host cells. Few species, such as Vibrio ordalii, Vibrio coralliilyticus, Vibrio natriegens Vibrio alginolyticus, and Vibrio europaeus, have been recently studied for the first time that secrete OMVs; future research is necessary to determine any other activities that these vesicles may possess beyond those that are now documented.},
}

@article {pmid42311627,
year = {2026},
author = {Northage, N and Gomilšek, M and Modic, M and Vengust, D and Zorko, A and Cvelbar, U and Walsh, JL},
title = {Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Nanobubbles Reveals Physical Disruption is the Primary Mode of Biofilm Inactivation.},
journal = {ACS ES&T water},
volume = {6},
number = {6},
pages = {3852-3863},
pmid = {42311627},
issn = {2690-0637},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated contamination represents a persistent and costly challenge across environmental systems, causing reduced efficacy of disinfectants. Recently, nanobubbles (NBs) have shown promise for biofilm decontamination; yet, their underpinning mode of action remains a topic of debate. In this study, the interaction of air-generated NBs with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was investigated. NBs were generated using a venturi nozzle and characterized using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, revealing a NB density of 5.66 × 10[8] particles/mL and a mean diameter of 84 nm. Application of NB solution to microbial biofilms resulted in a 2.16 log reduction for E. coli and 1.52 log reduction for S. aureus, along with visible morphological changes such as cell collapse, wrinkling, and matrix disruption. ESR spin trapping confirmed hydroxyl radical formation, but intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation levels were minimal and, in some cases, not significantly different from Milli-Q water controls. After 28 days, NBs remained present and continued to demonstrate antimicrobial activity, biofilm disruption, and some ROS activity. These findings indicate that although hydroxyl radicals are generated, oxidative stress is not the dominant antimicrobial mechanism under the examined conditions, suggesting physical biofilm disruption is the primary mode of action.},
}

@article {pmid42312039,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Gao, P and Kao, RY and Li, H and Sun, H},
title = {Bismuth drug as an antibiotic adjuvant to inhibit biofilm formation via a dual mechanism.},
journal = {RSC medicinal chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42312039},
issn = {2632-8682},
abstract = {Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) exhibits intrinsic resistance to many conventional antibiotics. A key factor contributing to this resistance is its ability to form biofilms, which hinder antibiotic penetration and make this bacterial infection very difficult to treat. Developing novel biofilm inhibitors to restore antibiotic efficacy is a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here, we show the combination of a bismuth drug, e.g., colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), with antibiotics potently inhibits biofilm formation in B. cepacia. Mechanistic studies reveal that CBS promotes the degradation of cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) by inducing accumulation of the biofilm signalling molecule, nitric oxide (NO), driven by bindings of bismuth(iii) to cytochrome bo 3 ubiquinol oxidase (CyoC) and cytochrome bd-I ubiquinol oxidase subunit 1 (CydA). Furthermore, CBS reduces the cAMP level, downregulates crp, (encoding the cAMP receptor protein), and disrupts the formation of cAMP-CRP complex, leading to upregulation of rpoS, which further suppresses biofilm formation. These two bismuth-mediated pathways, i.e., NO-mediated c-di-GMP degradation and cAMP-CRP-regulated rpoS expression, work cooperatively to inhibit biofilm formation. Additionally, bismuth-antibiotic combinations effectively inhibit biofilm formation across a diverse range of bacteria. These findings emphasise the great potential of bismuth drugs as antibiotic adjuvants to tackle antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42302871,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, J and Dang, J and Zhang, H and Zhu, J and Hu, J and Xu, J and Zhang, X and Zhang, H and Zeng, W},
title = {Quantifying the combined effects of substrate microstructure and environmental factors on microalgal biofilm growth: a novel kinetic modeling approach.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135187},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135187},
pmid = {42302871},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Microalgal biofilm cultivation is a promising strategy for achieving efficient carbon sequestration and biomass production. However, existing growth kinetics models predominantly focus on environmental stimuli, neglecting the decisive roles of substrate microstructure in mass transfer and cell attachment. In this study, a multi-factor growth kinetics model was developed for non-submerged microalgal biofilm systems. A substrate structural term of cotton fabric substrate (porosity, tortuosity, thickness, and average pore diameter) was formulated and multiplicatively coupled with light intensity, CO2, and nitrate concentrations. The model showed good agreement with experimental μ under the tested conditions (R[2] > 0.9389) for Chlorella vulgaris biofilms cultivated on cotton fabrics, forecasting a maximum μ of 1.33 d[-1] in the integrated model. Sobol global sensitivity analysis showed that nitrogen supply and light irradiance were the dominant contributors to the specific growth rate (μ). Notably, within the investigated parameter range, the model suggested an attachment response associated with pore size, with a fitted pore-suitability diameter of approximately 2.04 μm. This may indicate a potential trade-off between cell attachment stability and substrate-mediated nitrate diffusion in the tested non-submerged cotton-based biofilm system. This framework describes the combined effects of substrate structural factors and environmental parameters on microalgal biofilm growth and may be useful for substrate design under similar non-submerged biofilm cultivation configurations.},
}

@article {pmid42303231,
year = {2026},
author = {Slate, AJ and Lawler, CRE and Clarke, OE and Jones, BV},
title = {Drug Repurposing as an approach to control biofilm formation and encrustation of urinary catheters: Preclinical evidence and future challenges.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag139},
pmid = {42303231},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {Indwelling urethral catheters are the most widely used medical devices across the world, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common type of healthcare acquired infection. For many patients, urinary catheter blockage is a common and recurring problem, which can have considerable negative impact on patient health and well-being. Blockage primarily stems from the formation of crystalline bacterial biofilms on catheter surfaces, which can lead to upper urinary tract infection (UTI) and the onset of serious clinical complications. Potential solutions to this important clinical problem include the development of novel antibiofilm agents that can prevent formation of these communities on urinary catheters. However, traditional de novo methods of drug discovery are laborious, expensive, have long lead times and carry a high risk of failure in the clinical trial stages. One potential approach to mitigate this risk and cost, is the evaluation of pre-existing licensed drugs for those with useful antibiofilm or antimicrobial activity. Here we review current preclinical evidence for antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities in licensed drugs from a range of classes, such as urease inhibitors, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), phenothiazines, oncology therapeutics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In doing so, we consider the application of the repurposing approach to control CAUTI and catheter blockage, and identify key challenges and opportunities related to delivery of repurposed drugs to the catheterised urinary tract.},
}

@article {pmid42304081,
year = {2026},
author = {Shabiya, MA and Ranjani, S and Hemalatha, S},
title = {Microfluidics-based engineered silver nanoparticles to control growth and biofilm formation in bacterial pathogens causing dental infection.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-58510-1},
pmid = {42304081},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Dental infections caused by Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis are major contributors to dental caries and root canal infections due to their strong biofilm forming ability across all age groups. This present study aimed to develop a microfluidics-assisted green synthesis approach for the fabrication of Clitoria ternatea-derived silver nanoparticles (CtAgNPs) and to evaluate their antibacterial and antibiofilm potential in dental pathogens. The bioactive compounds present in Clitoria ternatea floral extract act as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent within a microfluidics system. The synthesized CtAgNPs were characterized to confirm their physicochemical properties. UV-Visible spectroscopy reveals the surface plasmon resonance peak at 423 nm, FESEM imaging showed the spherical morphology with an average particle size of 151.6 nm, and a zeta potential of - 26.1 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of phytochemical-derived functional groups on the surface of CtAgNPs. Toxicity assessment using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos confirmed the biocompatibility and non-toxic nature of CtAgNPs. CtAgNPs demonstrated strong antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 3.125 to 6.25 µg/mL and exhibited more than 75% inhibition of biofilm formation in both S. mutans and E. faecalis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the nanoparticles induced oxidative stress, characterized by increased lipid peroxidation (MDA), reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and SOD), and leakage of intracellular proteins and sugars, indicating membrane damage. Overall findings demonstrate that microfluidics-assisted green-synthesized CtAgNPs effectively inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of dental pathogens, highlighting their potential as an eco-friendly nanotherapeutic strategy for the prevention and management of dental biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid42304178,
year = {2026},
author = {Poddar, K and Tripathi, G and Khairnar, SV and Srivastav, S and Anand, A},
title = {Enhanced Respiratory Electron Dissipation by Immunometabolites Promotes Mycobacterial Biofilm Longevity.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.6c00483},
pmid = {42304178},
issn = {2373-8227},
abstract = {Mycobacterial species inhabit diverse ecological niches and frequently adopt a biofilm lifestyle, including within host environments, where this organization critically influences the persistence and pathophysiological outcomes. Here, using Mycobacterium smegmatis, we demonstrate that nitrate, a host-derived immunometabolite, markedly extends the biofilm lifespan. Mechanistically, nitrate sustains respiratory activity and suppresses the induction of the dormancy response. This effect is accompanied by the maintenance of intracellular redox balance, consistent with enhanced electron dissipation. Importantly, fumarate, a distinct host-relevant metabolite capable of facilitating electron dissipation, recapitulates this phenotype, indicating that the observed biofilm longevity is not limited to nitrate but instead is linked to the availability of alternative electron sinks. Together, our findings establish that the electron dissipation capacity is a key determinant of respiratory homeostasis and biofilm persistence in mycobacteria. We report a similar phenotype for M. abscessus, a nontuberculous opportunistic pathogen. These results highlight respiratory flexibility as a central adaptive axis through which mycobacteria exploit host metabolic cues to prolong survival.},
}

@article {pmid42304237,
year = {2026},
author = {Nasher, AA and Assayaghi, RM and Al-Shamahy, HA and Al-Jaufy, AY and Othman, AM and Al-Shawkany, AM and Al-Shamahi, EH},
title = {Vulvovaginal candidiasis among Yemeni women: prevalence of Candida species, biofilm formation rates, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and biofilm-associated genes ALS1 and HWP1.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05241-y},
pmid = {42304237},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection in women, primarily caused by Candida species. Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor contributing to pathogenicity and antifungal resistance. This study aimed to identify Candida species, evaluate antifungal susceptibility, quantify biofilm formation, and detect virulence gene markers (ALS1 and HWP1) in vaginal isolates from women with VVC.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2024 among 400 women attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Sana'a City. Vaginal swabs were collected and cultured in a microbiology laboratory. Antifungal susceptibility of isolates to nystatin, voriconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B was assessed using the disk diffusion method. Biofilm formation was measured using the microtiter plate assay. The presence of ALS1 and HWP1 genes was determined by PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and associations were evaluated with the Chi-square test; P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: C. albicans was identified in 367 (91.8%) isolates, while non-albicans species accounted for 33 (8.2%). Of the 367 C. albicans isolates, 174 (47.4%) formed biofilms: 32 (8%) strong, 72 (18%) moderate, and 70 (17.5%) weak. Biofilm- forming isolates were associated with higher antifungal resistance, with amphotericin B (113; 64.9%) and itraconazole (108; 62.1%) showing the highest resistance, and nystatin the lowest (23; 13.2%). The ALS1 gene was detected in all biofilm- forming C. albicans isolates (174; 100%), while HWP1 was present in 82 (47.1%). Non-biofilm-forming isolates demonstrated lower resistance rates across all drugs.

CONCLUSIONS: VVC remains highly prevalent in Sana'a, Yemen, with C. albicans as the dominant pathogen. These findings suggest a potential association between biofilm formation and increased antifungal resistance also the presence of key virulence genes-particularly ALS1 and HWP1. However, due to the study's cross-sectional design, a definitive causal relationship cannot be inferred. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating phenotypic and molecular characterization into routine diagnostics and surveillance to improve the management of resistant Candida infections. Continuous monitoring of species distribution is also warranted to detect emerging non-albicans species.},
}

@article {pmid42304313,
year = {2026},
author = {Arafa, AM and Yahya, G and Abdel-Halim, MS and Osman, A and Nazeih, SI and Abbas, HA and Mostafa, I},
title = {Chemical profile, anti-biofilm and antioxidant activities of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf essential oil.},
journal = {BMC complementary medicine and therapies},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12906-026-05431-1},
pmid = {42304313},
issn = {2662-7671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents arises from the escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Tackling the resistance mechanisms through the application of resistance modifying agents in combination to antimicrobials represents an effective strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance and to enhance the antimicrobial activity. Screening of plant extracts, essential oils and their active compounds for potential resistance modifying properties has proven effective on both a small and large scale. In this study, we define the metabolomic profile of essential oils extracted from different parts of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (lemongrass), and characterize their antioxidant and virulence attenuating activities.

METHODS: The major active ingredients of essential oils extracted from different parts of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) were identified by GC-MS analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oils against P. aeruginosa PAO1, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and Candida albicans ATCC 10,261 was determined using the broth microdilution assay. Antibiofilm and antiprotease activities were phenotypically evaluated for the extracted lemongrass essential oils for the same standard strains and clinical isolates for the same microbes. Also, the effects on microbial virulence were validated by RT-qPCR against a subset of genes regulating biofilm, quorum sensing, and stress response in P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the different essential oils extracted were evaluated using DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid and FRAP methods.

RESULTS: GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus revealed the presence of 47 different compounds distributed in the different plant organs. Active constituents such as geranial, neral, myrcene, nerolic acid, linalool, iso-citral, trans iso-citral, and neryl acetate were more abundant in the essential oil extracted from leaves (89.77%), followed by stems (82.92%) and finally roots (52.02%). S. aureus, and C. albicans were more sensitive to C. citratus essential oils than Gram negative P. aeruginosa. Incorporation of sub-MIC doses of essential oils into the culture media was sufficient to disrupt the formation of microbial biofilms in P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and C. albicans, and to inactivate the proteolytic activities of microbial proteases. The essential oils of C. citratus showed promising and broad-spectrum biofilm eradicating activity. Sub-MIC doses of lemongrass oil dramatically reduced the expression of relA, pslA, and spoT in P. aeruginosa, and agrA, icaA, and sigB in S. aureus indicating a broad-spectrum anti-virulence activity.

CONCLUSION: Our study identifies C. citratus essential oils as potential virulence-attenuating agents. Essential oils extracted from the leaves, stems, and roots of C. citratus exhibited significant antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, anti-virulence, and antioxidant activities, effectively combating microbial resistance. These findings suggest that C. citratus essential oils could be a valuable natural alternative in the fight against resistant pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid42305672,
year = {2026},
author = {Liang, J and Chen, W and Wang, C and Wang, M and Wei, P and Xu, Z},
title = {The EnvZ/OmpR two-component regulatory system regulates biofilm formation in Salmonella pullorum via interaction with the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing system and activation of the SoxR-AcrAB-TolC pathway.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1817019},
pmid = {42305672},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {To investigate the mechanisms of biofilm (BF) formation in Salmonella pullorum (SP), a strong BF-forming strain designated 1904D10 was selected. Differential proteomics based on tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling was performed to compare the whole bacterial proteome between planktonic and biofilm states. A total of 219 differentially expressed proteins were identified (96 up-regulated, 123 down-regulated in biofilm state). Key up-regulated proteins included those involved in the EnvZ/OmpR two-component system (TCS), LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system, and AcrAB-TolC efflux pump. An ompR deletion mutant was constructed using Red homologous recombination. Deletion of ompR significantly reduced biofilm formation and significantly increased susceptibility to all tested antibiotics. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) demonstrated that OmpR protein directly binds to the promoter region of soxR (a transcriptional activator of AcrAB-TolC), but not to soxS. Molecular docking predicted a potential interaction between the AI-2 QS signaling molecule and EnvZ protein (binding energy: -23.99 kJ/mol), with hydrogen bonds forming at five amino acid residues. This study provides evidence that OmpR directly binds to the soxR promoter and that AI-2 potentially interacts with EnvZ. These findings offer new mechanistic insights specific to Salmonella pullorum-biofilm (SP-BF) regulation and provide potential targets for biofilm control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42305676,
year = {2026},
author = {Bai, Y and Zhang, Z and Xu, J and Hu, R and Shang, Z and Wei, X and Wang, W and Li, B and Zhu, Z and Zhang, J},
title = {Isoferulic acid suppresses Escherichia coli biofilm formation via LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing inhibition and synergizes with fosfomycin.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1837128},
pmid = {42305676},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, a highly virulent foodborne pathogen, poses a substantial threat to public and veterinary health. Its ability to form robust biofilms significantly amplifies virulence and confers resistance to conventional antibiotics, often leading to therapeutic failure. In this study, we employed a genetically engineered LuxS-eGFP reporter strain to screen for compounds targeting the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system-a key regulator of biofilm formation. Our investigation identified Isoferulic Acid (IFA) as a potent inhibitor of this pathway. IFA effectively suppressed de novo biofilm formation in E. coli O157:H7 without exerting bactericidal effects or impairing general metabolic activity, and it also demonstrated efficacy in dispersing pre-established mature biofilms. Furthermore, we established a novel combinatorial therapeutic strategy by integrating IFA with the antibiotic sodium fosfomycin. This combination exhibited a marked synergistic effect, significantly enhancing antibacterial efficacy against E. coli both in vitro and in vivo. These results substantiate that IFA possesses significant antibiofilm activity and a unique capacity to potentiate antibiotic action, thereby offering a promising new avenue for combating recalcitrant E. coli infections.},
}