@article {pmid42446838,
year = {2026},
author = {Dias-Souza, MV and Alves, AL and de Cássia Mourão Silva, U and Júlio, ADL and Veiga, A and Pagnin, S and Dos Santos, VL},
title = {Diversity, biofilm formation and antimicrobial susceptibility of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria isolated from cooling towers.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42446838},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Brazil ; *Bacteria, Aerobic/isolation & purification/classification/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Water Microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Refrigeration ; Biodiversity ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/drug effects/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Cooling towers (CTw) are essential for industrial refrigeration but provide favourable conditions for microbial growth and biofilm formation, potentially facilitating the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB). This study examines bacterial diversity, biofilm potential and antimicrobial susceptibility in two industrial CTw in Brazil using culture-based and metataxonomic (16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) approaches. Fourteen bacterial genera and 22 species were identified, including Bacillus spp. (60% of isolates), Acinetobacter spp. (14%) and others like Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Ochrobactrum, many linked to biofilm formation and ARB. Metataxonomic analysis revealed a broader and more diverse microbial community, comprising families such as Burkholderiaceae, Comamonadaceae, and Sphingomonadaceae, which are known for their biofilm resilience. Pathogens including Legionella were also detected. Bacterial richness was higher in CTw 2, likely due to untreated industrial and domestic effluent inputs, whereas CTw 1, supplied with treated secondary industrial effluent, exhibited lower diversity. Functional predictions indicated genes associated with biofilm formation, quorum-sensing, motility and xenobiotic degradation. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed high resistance to β-lactams and nitrofurantoin, with meropenem being the most effective. Higher resistance rates in CTw 2 suggest selective pressure from industrial contaminants. These findings underscore the complex microbial ecology of CTw and the coexistence of cultivable and non-cultivable bacteria with biofilm-forming capacity and antimicrobial resistance traits in these systems.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Brazil
*Bacteria, Aerobic/isolation & purification/classification/drug effects/genetics/physiology
Phylogeny
*Water Microbiology
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Refrigeration
Biodiversity
*Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/drug effects/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid42447110,
year = {2026},
author = {Elkins, M and Grando, K and Covolo, C and Spencer, D and Maziarz, JF and Vasicek, EM and DeAntoneo, C and Albicoro, FJ and Bessho, S and Reichenbach, ZW and Olubajo, S and Buttaro, B and Balachandran, S and Gunn, JS and Pisetsky, D and Tükel, Ç},
title = {Biofilm-derived curli and Z-DNA shape anti-DNA antibody responses during Salmonella infections.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {22},
number = {7},
pages = {e1014047},
doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1014047},
pmid = {42447110},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; Mice ; *DNA, Z-Form/immunology ; *Antibodies, Antinuclear/immunology ; *Salmonella typhimurium/immunology ; *Salmonella Infections/immunology/microbiology ; Female ; *Bacterial Proteins/immunology/metabolism ; *DNA, Bacterial/immunology ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology ; Antibody Formation/immunology ; },
abstract = {Antibodies to Z-DNA, a non-canonical DNA conformation with a left-handed zigzag backbone, are abundant in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with levels increasing with disease activity and flares. As SLE is associated with bacterial infections, and as extracellular DNA (eDNA) within biofilms of several bacterial species has been shown to adopt the Z-DNA conformation, bacterial Z-DNA may represent a source of immunogenic Z-DNA in SLE and other related autoimmune conditions. In these studies, we investigated whether eDNA in Salmonella biofilms also contained Z-DNA and whether such Z-DNA could elicit an antibody response. Using antibody-based staining approaches, we observed abundant eDNA in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) biofilms in both the Z- and canonical B-DNA configurations, consistent with the highly Z-prone nature of the GC-rich Salmonella genome. To assess the functional contribution of these DNA conformations to biofilm integrity, biofilms were treated with DNase I, which lacks enzymatic activity against Z-DNA, or with benzonase, a nonspecific nuclease that degrades both B- and Z-DNA. DNase I treatment applied after biofilm maturation was less effective at thinning biofilms than treatment during early biofilm formation, a pattern also observed with benzonase treatment. Purified curli:DNA complexes contained Z-DNA and, when administered intraperitoneally to mice, elicited robust anti-Z-DNA antibody responses. Similarly, infection with invasive STm induced the production of anti-Z-DNA antibodies in vivo. Moreover, STm infection in mice fed a diet that promotes biofilm development was associated with increased Z-DNA levels in the cecal lumen and elevated anti-DNA antibody responses. Collectively, these findings suggest that Z-DNA, likely formed by extruded Salmonella genomic DNA, and embedded within curli:DNA complexes of STm biofilms, triggers a host immune response and drives anti-Z-DNA antibody production. This work provides mechanistic insight into how bacterial infections and diet-dependent modulation of biofilm formation may contribute to anti-Z-DNA antibody responses in autoimmune diseases like SLE.},
}

Animals
*Biofilms/growth & development
Mice
*DNA, Z-Form/immunology
*Antibodies, Antinuclear/immunology
*Salmonella typhimurium/immunology
*Salmonella Infections/immunology/microbiology
Female
*Bacterial Proteins/immunology/metabolism
*DNA, Bacterial/immunology
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology
Antibody Formation/immunology

@article {pmid42448417,
year = {2026},
author = {Haryini, S and Gopikrishnan, M and Ramasamy, M and Doss C, GP},
title = {Screening of prospective biofilm-inhibitory drug candidates aimed at the biofilm-associated protein (BAP) in Staphylococcus aureus: An in-silico investigation.},
journal = {Advances in protein chemistry and structural biology},
volume = {153},
number = {},
pages = {485-504},
doi = {10.1016/bs.apcsb.2025.10.010},
pmid = {42448417},
issn = {1876-1631},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Bacterial Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Humans ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is the leading pathogen responsible for hospital- and community-acquired infections. The increasing prevalence of nosocomial infections in healthcare settings presents a significant challenge, particularly due to the strong biofilm-forming capability of clinical strains, which contributes to biofilm-mediated multidrug resistance. The biofilm-associated protein (BAP) plays a pivotal role in the initial adhesion and maturation of biofilms, significantly increasing the likelihood of failure of conventional antimicrobial therapies. Given its crucial function in biofilm formation, BAP represents a promising target for anti-biofilm drug development. A high-throughput virtual screening technique was implemented to identify potent BAP inhibitors, utilizing triple-mode docking with the Glide module of the Schrödinger Maestro suite. About 28,831 compounds from the ENAMINE-targeted antibacterial library were screened against BAP in S. aureus. Among the selected ligands, Z1430813924 and Z1738791774 exhibited the lowest binding energy, demonstrating superior docking scores alongside favorable ADME and physicochemical properties, which suggests an enhanced inhibitory potential. To validate the docking findings, a 100-ns molecular dynamics simulation was employed to assess the stability of the protein-ligand complex within a dynamic environment. The essential dynamics analysis, including free energy landscape (FEL) and principal component analysis (PCA) evaluations, affirmed the stability and efficacy of the top compounds, Z1430813924 and Z1738791774, as promising BAP inhibitors. These insights provide a strong foundation for subsequent experimental validation and the potential development of novel anti-biofilm therapeutics targeting S. aureus infections.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/physiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Bacterial Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Humans
Drug Evaluation, Preclinical

@article {pmid42448561,
year = {2026},
author = {Raman, V and Kuehne, SA and Palin, WM and Camilleri, J},
title = {Model-dependent antimicrobial performance of endodontic sealers: An in vitro comparison of planktonic and multispecies biofilm assays.},
journal = {Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.dental.2026.07.005},
pmid = {42448561},
issn = {1879-0097},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antibacterial effects of tricalcium silicate cement-based sealers and epoxy resin-based sealer with planktonic versus multispecies biofilm assays at 0, 28, and 90 days. The physicochemical properties of the tested sealers were also assessed.

METHODS: Four root canal sealers were investigated: AH Plus Jet and AH Plus Bioceramic (Dentsply Sirona, Tulsa, OK, USA), BioRoot RCS, and BioRoot Flow (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France). Film thickness, flow, radiopacity and solubility were assessed in accordance with ISO 6876:2012. Hydration characteristics and functional groups were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using a direct contact test (DCT) against planktonically grown Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as a multispecies biofilm assay incorporating E. faecalis, F. nucleatum, Streptococcus oralis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Bacterial viability was determined on material aged for 0, 28, and 90 days. Morphological evaluation of sealers and biofilms was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analysed using one-way and two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests.

RESULTS: All sealers met the ISO 6876:2012 requirements for setting time, flow, film thickness and radiopacity, but the hydraulic sealers exhibited higher solubility than AH Plus (P < 0.001). Progressive Ca (OH)₂ formation, particularly in BioRoot RCS, was confirmed by XRD and FT-IR over time. In planktonic assays, tricalcium silicate sealers demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both bacterial species (P < 0.001), whereas AH Plus resin- based sealer showed limited inhibition. However, the multispecies biofilm assay revealed greater bacterial tolerance and reduced antimicrobial effects for all sealers.

CONCLUSION: Tricalcium silicate sealers exhibited strong antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria, however, their antimicrobial effects were diminished against multispecies biofilms. These findings highlight the importance of using biofilm-based assays to evaluate the clinically relevant antimicrobial performance of endodontic sealers, aligning laboratory evaluations with the clinical challenges encountered in root canal infections.},
}

@article {pmid42449561,
year = {2026},
author = {Kamalloo, H and Moeininejad, M and Golshoui, MK and Samadyar, F and Shivaee, A and Kalani, BS},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Chlorhexidine Derivatives and Alternative Agents on Streptococcus mutans Viability, Biofilm Formation, and Gene Expression.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e70360},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70360},
pmid = {42449561},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {//Ilam University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Chlorhexidine/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives ; *Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; Humans ; *Microbial Viability/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Fibroblasts/drug effects ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Biguanides ; },
abstract = {This study evaluates the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of chlorhexidine and related compounds against S. mutans, focusing on bacterial viability, biofilm formation, and expression of key biofilm genes. Eight compounds were tested for their chemical properties, MICs, and interactions via FIC analyses. Time-kill assays assessed bactericidal activity over 24 h, while cytotoxicity was evaluated in human gingival fibroblasts. Gene expression of biofilm-related genes was analyzed to determine transcriptional modulation. Chlorhexidine gluconate and alexidine showed the strongest antimicrobial activity, with MICs of 2 μg/mL against the reference strain and 4 μg/mL for clinical isolates. Time-kill results demonstrated bacterial reductions from ~7.2 to < 1.0 log CFU/mL in the reference strain but less effect in clinical isolates. Chlorhexidine reduced biofilm biomass by nearly 19% at 48 h, whereas amoxicillin increased biofilm formation by over 12%. Cytotoxicity varied, with proguanil showing high cell viability (90%), while chlorhexidine and alexidine reduced viability to 50-70%. Gene expression analyzes revealed significant downregulation of gtfD and brpA by chlorhexidine and analogs, contrasting with mild upregulation by amoxicillin. These findings highlight chlorhexidine compounds as effective anti-biofilm agents, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of alternatives and combination therapies to enhance dental caries treatment.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Chlorhexidine/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives
*Streptococcus mutans/drug effects/physiology/genetics
Humans
*Microbial Viability/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Fibroblasts/drug effects
Gene Expression Profiling
Biguanides

@article {pmid42449969,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, TA and Chuang, YT and Lin, HY and Chang, YF and Hsieh, YH and Chen, CH and Lin, CS and Wang, YJ},
title = {Serratia marcescens in Intensive Care Units: Molecular Epidemiology, Biofilm-Mediated Persistence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Genomic Surveillance.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27135697},
pmid = {42449969},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Serratia marcescens/genetics/drug effects/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Humans ; *Intensive Care Units ; *Serratia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/drug therapy ; Molecular Epidemiology ; *Cross Infection/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Serratia marcescens has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen in intensive care units (ICUs), where critically ill patients, invasive devices, antimicrobial exposure, and complex environmental reservoirs create favorable conditions for colonization, infection, and recurrent outbreaks. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from the past decade regarding the clinical and molecular epidemiology, environmental persistence, device-associated transmission, biofilm-mediated resistance, and infection-control strategies of S. marcescens in ICU settings. The literature was reviewed using an integrative approach informed by Ferrari's narrative review framework, with thematic synthesis across clinical, microbiological, environmental, and genomic domains. Recent evidence indicates that ICU-associated S. marcescens infections frequently involve respiratory tract colonization, ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream infection, urinary tract infection, and device-related transmission. Hospital water systems, sink drains, wet surfaces, ventilator circuits, reusable equipment, and contaminated antiseptic or liquid products may serve as persistent reservoirs, particularly when biofilm formation supports long-term survival and recurrent dissemination. At the molecular level, S. marcescens demonstrates substantial genomic diversity, intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance, inducible AmpC β-lactamase activity, efflux-mediated tolerance, and plasmid-associated resistance gene transfer. This review particularly emphasizes the molecular determinants that enable S. marcescens to persist in ICU ecosystems, including AmpC-mediated β-lactam resistance, efflux-associated tolerance, quorum-sensing-regulated biofilm formation, plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer, and WGS-defined clonal transmission. Whole-genome sequencing, rapid molecular diagnostics, active surveillance, environmental sampling, and integrated infection-control bundles have become increasingly important for distinguishing clonal outbreaks from endemic transmission and guiding timely interventions. Emerging perspectives emphasize the need to combine antimicrobial stewardship, environmental engineering, respiratory-care auditing, anti-biofilm strategies, and AI-assisted real-time surveillance into adaptive ICU infection-control frameworks. Overall, S. marcescens should be regarded not merely as an episodic outbreak organism, but as a highly adaptable ICU-associated pathogen requiring multidisciplinary prevention strategies.},
}

*Serratia marcescens/genetics/drug effects/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Humans
*Intensive Care Units
*Serratia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/drug therapy
Molecular Epidemiology
*Cross Infection/microbiology/epidemiology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Genome, Bacterial

@article {pmid42450022,
year = {2026},
author = {Gong, W and Fadhilatunnur, H and Kanazawa, M and Villena, J and Nishiyama, K and Kitazawa, H},
title = {Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Strategies: Mechanisms, Functional Molecules, and Emerging Biomaterial Applications.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27135749},
pmid = {42450022},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {25K23670//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; *Lactobacillales/metabolism/chemistry ; Humans ; Quorum Sensing ; Bacteriocins/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly members of the genus Lactobacillus, have emerged as promising biological agents with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. While numerous individual studies have reported their inhibitory effects against pathogenic microorganisms, a systematic understanding that integrates their functional components, molecular mechanisms, and material-based applications remains lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and component-oriented overview of LAB-mediated antimicrobial strategies. We first summarize secreted factors, including organic acids, bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, and extracellular vesicles, which collectively contribute to direct pathogen inhibition and environmental modulation. We then discuss cell-associated components such as surface-layer proteins and exopolysaccharides, highlighting their roles in adhesion interference and competitive exclusion. In addition, we examine whole-cell effects, including niche competition, quorum sensing disruption, and host immune modulation. Importantly, we place particular emphasis on the anti-biofilm activity of lactobacilli, detailing mechanisms involved in the prevention of the pathogen initial adhesion, disruption of extracellular polymeric substance matrices, and destabilization of mature biofilms. Finally, we explore emerging strategies that integrate lactobacilli with biomaterials, particularly hydrogel-based systems, to achieve controlled delivery, enhanced stability, and sustained antimicrobial activity. These biohybrid approaches represent a promising direction for the development of next-generation antimicrobial materials. These findings support the concept of LAB-based living antimicrobial materials as a next-generation strategy to combat biofilm-associated infections. Overall, this review aims to bridge the gap between molecular functions and translational applications of lactobacilli, providing new insights into its potential as a versatile platform for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm interventions.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
*Lactobacillales/metabolism/chemistry
Humans
Quorum Sensing
Bacteriocins/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Animals

@article {pmid42450280,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, A and Noda, M and Hayashi, I and Danshiitsoodol, N and Sugiyama, M},
title = {Fermentation-Derived 6-Shogaol from Zingiber officinale Rhizome Extract Inhibits Periodontal Biofilm Formation via Modulation of Quorum Sensing-Related Gene Expression.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27136013},
pmid = {42450280},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {No number//Oshimo Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Zingiber officinale/chemistry ; *Quorum Sensing/drug effects/genetics ; *Catechols/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Fermentation ; *Rhizome/chemistry ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects/physiology ; Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects ; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/drug effects ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Fatty Alcohols/pharmacology ; Carbon-Sulfur Lyases ; },
abstract = {Microbial fermentation of plant-derived materials is increasingly recognized as a strategy to enhance biological activity through phytochemical bioconversion. In this study, we investigated the antibiofilm effects of fermented Zingiber officinale rhizome extract against major periodontal pathogens and examined the underlying mechanisms. Ginger extract fermented with plant-derived lactic acid bacteria showed significantly greater inhibition of biofilm formation by Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans than non-fermented extract. The inhibitory activity increased with fermentation time, resulting in approximately 60-70% reduction in biofilm formation at higher concentrations. Chromatographic analysis revealed decreased 6-gingerol and increased 6-shogaol levels after fermentation, suggesting bioconversion of 6-gingerol to 6-shogaol. Direct treatment with 6-shogaol inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner in all tested pathogens. Quantitative PCR analysis further showed that 6-shogaol significantly downregulated the quorum sensing-related gene luxS and multiple adhesion- and virulence-associated genes, including flp, fimA, mfa1, radD, fadA, ltxA, and rgpB. These findings indicate that lactic acid bacterial fermentation enhances the antibiofilm activity of ginger extract through increased 6-shogaol production, highlighting its potential as a natural anti-biofilm and anti-virulence agent for periodontal disease prevention and management.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Zingiber officinale/chemistry
*Quorum Sensing/drug effects/genetics
*Catechols/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Fermentation
*Rhizome/chemistry
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects/physiology
Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/drug effects
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Fatty Alcohols/pharmacology
Carbon-Sulfur Lyases

@article {pmid42450451,
year = {2026},
author = {Soares, K and Matos, M and Paiva, J and Santos, M and Saraiva, S and García-Díez, J and Esteves, A and Saraiva, C},
title = {Virulence Determinants, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus aureus Recovered from Ready-to-Eat Foods and Food Handlers in University Food Services.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15132331},
pmid = {42450451},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {UID/00772/2025//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0059/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/04033/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0126/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is a major food safety concern because of its ability to produce heat-stable enterotoxins, develop antimicrobial resistance, and express virulence factors associated with persistence and pathogenicity. The present study characterised S. aureus isolates recovered from ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and food handlers' hands in university food service establishment in northern Portugal, focusing on virulence-associated genes, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and biofilm production. A total of 261 samples were analysed, including 156 RTE food samples and 105 hand swabs. Twenty-nine coagulase-positive staphylococci isolates were recovered and confirmed as S. aureus by detection of the nuc gene, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 11.11% (29/261). Of these, 20 isolates were obtained from food handlers' hands and 9 from RTE foods. The hla and sei genes were detected in all isolates, while seg and tst were detected in 93.10%; sed was not detected. Biofilm-forming capacity was identified in 44.83% of isolates, with most strains exhibiting weak to moderate biofilm production. Resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent was observed in 31.0% of isolates, and presumptive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus represented 13.79%, all classified as multidrug-resistant. These findings support the occurrence of handling-related contamination and reinforce the need for strict hygiene practices, temperature control, and continuous monitoring in institutional food service environments.},
}

@article {pmid42450480,
year = {2026},
author = {Makhlouf, A and Elabed, H and Moumni, S and Elaissi, A and Belmamoun, AR and Alarjani, KM and Hila, L and Merghni, A},
title = {Disrupting Pathogenicity in Foodborne Staphylococcus aureus: Biofilm Inhibition and Attenuation of Resistance and Virulence by Tunisian Aromatic Plant Essential Oils.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15132361},
pmid = {42450480},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {The proliferation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in food processing is an escalating public health issue. This circumstance has intensified the quest for ecological alternatives to impede pathogen proliferation and avert food degradation. This study firstly investigated the chemical compositions of three essential oils (EOs) sourced from Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Lavender plants using GC-MS. Subsequently, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the tested EOs were assessed against MRSA strains. The effects of these EOs on the expression of antibiotic resistance-related (mecA), virulence regulatory (agrA and sarA), and enterotoxin (sea) genes in MRSA strains were also evaluated by real-time PCR. Concerning the composition analyses performed on the EOs, our results revealed a total of 82 compounds, which accounted for 99.20, 98.10 and 92.78% of Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Lavender EOs, respectively. The anti-staphylococcal activity showed that Eucalyptus EO had the greatest effect, with diameter of inhibition exceeding 41 mm. Moreover, the association between Rosemary EO and the antibiotic (cefoxitin) highlighted the enhancement of the antibacterial effect against the MRSA reference strain. Additionally, Eucalyptus EO showed the highest inhibitory effect against both strains, with MIC values ranging from 0.781 to 1.563 mg/mL, followed by the Rosemary and Lavender EOs. All the tested EOs displayed a bactericidal effect against the tested MRSA strains. Regarding the antibiofilm activity, Rosemary and Lavender EOs had varying impacts on the pre-formed biofilms, with percentage reduction values ranging from 36% to 73% and 37% to 68%, respectively. Finally, the mRNA expression of the MRSA gene A mecA and virulence genes agrA, sarA and sea declined following EO treatment compared with the control. The findings of this study highlighted the efficacy of locally tested EOs in reducing MRSA biofilm formation and the expression of virulence factors and suggested their potential use in food safety and culinary applications.},
}

@article {pmid42450585,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, L and Lee, CY and Jung, WC and Zheng, Y and Park, KS},
title = {Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Biofilm Pathogenesis, Immune Dysregulation, and Emerging Prosthetic Interface Strategies.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15131037},
pmid = {42450585},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a major clinical challenge after total joint arthroplasty because of its association with prolonged antimicrobial therapy, repeated surgery, implant failure, functional disability, and substantial socioeconomic burden. Current strategies, including systemic antibiotics, debridement with implant retention, staged revision, and antibiotic-loaded cement spacers, remain indispensable but are limited by mature biofilm tolerance, protected microbial reservoirs, insufficient local drug penetration, persistent inflammation, and compromised periprosthetic bone repair. Increasing evidence indicates that PJI is not merely bacterial colonization of an implant surface, but a dynamic prosthetic interface disorder involving biofilm persistence, immune dysregulation, inflammatory osteolysis, and failed osseointegration. This review summarizes recent advances in anti-infective prosthetic interface design, emphasizing the transition from passive antibacterial coatings toward multifunctional immuno-antibacterial osseointegrative systems. The pathogenic basis of PJI is first discussed, including conditioning film formation, bacterial adhesion, biofilm maturation, protected reservoirs, immune evasion, and osteolysis. Current clinical management limitations are then evaluated, followed by emerging biomaterial strategies, including anti-adhesive and contact-killing surfaces, active antimicrobial coatings, mature biofilm disruption, biological antibiofilm therapies, smart infection-responsive delivery systems, and osteoimmunomodulatory interfaces. Particular attention is given to balancing early antibacterial activity with cytocompatibility, immune resolution, angiogenesis, mechanical durability, and long-term osseointegration. Finally, key translational barriers are highlighted, including load-bearing and tribological constraints, insufficiently standardized mature biofilm and animal models, limited clinical evidence for advanced smart materials, manufacturing reproducibility, sterilization compatibility, regulatory complexity, and application-specific clinical readiness. Future anti-PJI interfaces should evolve beyond unidirectional bacterial killing toward stage-specific systems integrating biofilm control, immune restoration, vascularized bone regeneration, and durable mechanical performance.},
}

@article {pmid42450604,
year = {2026},
author = {Grudlewska-Buda, K and Wiktorczyk-Kapischke, N and Sędzicka, A and Soboń, S and Budzyńska, A and Czuba, J and Skowron, K},
title = {Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Freshwater Lakes and Rivers: Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence Determinants and Biofilm Formation.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15131056},
pmid = {42450604},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Enterococci are environmentally persistent bacteria that are relevant to both water quality and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to phenotypically and genotypically characterize Enterococcus spp. isolated from freshwater (lakes and rivers) in north-central Poland, with a focus on antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence genes, and biofilm-forming capacity. Surface water samples were collected during the vegetation seasons of 2022 and 2023. Enterococci were isolated by culture-based methods and confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the disk diffusion method, virulence-associated genes were detected by multiplex PCR, and biofilm formation was evaluated using a crystal violet assay. In total, 96 Enterococcus spp. isolates representing 12 species were identified from 328 freshwater samples, with E. faecalis (24.0%) and E. hirae (21.9%) being the most frequently isolated. Thirty-one isolates (32.3%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and two isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant. The most prevalent virulence genes were gelE, srtA, and hyl. The ace gene was detected exclusively in E. faecalis. Most isolates were non-biofilm producers, while biofilm formation was confirmed in 8 strains (6 weak and 2 moderate producers), with no strong biofilm-forming strains detected. These findings suggest that freshwater ecosystems may constitute important reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant and virulence-associated Enterococcus spp., underscoring the importance of continuous surveillance within the One Health framework.},
}

@article {pmid42451997,
year = {2026},
author = {Lisoń-Kubica, J},
title = {Bacterial Biofilm and Titanium Implants: Mechanisms, Clinical Problems, and Surface Modification Strategies.},
journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {19},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ma19132919},
pmid = {42451997},
issn = {1996-1944},
support = {FESL.10.25-IZ.01-07G5/23//Silesian University of Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms represent a major clinical challenge, being responsible for the majority of chronic infections and significantly reducing the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. Their formation on implant surfaces, particularly those made of titanium and its alloys, is strongly associated not only with antimicrobial tolerance but also with persistent, hard-to-eradicate infections, implant loosening or failure, repeated surgical interventions, prolonged hospitalization, and increased morbidity. These complications contribute substantially to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance and impose significant economic burdens on healthcare systems. This review discusses the mechanisms of biofilm formation, factors influencing bacterial adhesion, and the clinical implications associated with implant-related infections. Special attention is given to titanium-based biomaterials, including conventional Ti-6Al-4V and next-generation alloys such as Ti-13Nb-13Zr, highlighting their advantages and limitations in the context of biocompatibility and susceptibility to biofilm formation. Various strategies for combating biofilms are presented, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches, with emphasis on surface modification techniques. Advanced methods, particularly atomic layer deposition (ALD), are identified as promising solutions for creating uniform, antibacterial coatings, including those based on tin dioxide (SnO2). Such modifications offer potential for reducing bacterial adhesion, improving osseointegration, and enhancing long-term implant performance.},
}

@article {pmid42454684,
year = {2026},
author = {P, D and K, SPK and Narayanasamy, D},
title = {Stimuli-Responsive Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery in Biofilm-Resistant Infections: Advances and Challenges.},
journal = {Drug development and industrial pharmacy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-23},
doi = {10.1080/03639045.2026.2703793},
pmid = {42454684},
issn = {1520-5762},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore the design, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of stimuli-responsive solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for biofilm-targeted drug delivery, highlighting recent advances and future directions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF REVIEW: Biofilm-associated infections present a significant challenge in healthcare owing to the protective extracellular matrix (EPS), which restricts antibiotic penetration and promotes biofilm resistance. SLNs have emerged as promising drug delivery systems owing to their biocompatibility, drug-loading capacity, and controlled release characteristics. Stimuli-responsive SLNs, which release drugs in response to environmental triggers such as pH, enzymes, temperature, and light, offer enhanced targeting and improved drug delivery efficiency to biofilms. Notable preclinical examples include ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, rifampin and tobramycin - all of which have been formulated in SLNs/NLCs with improved antibiofilm activity versus free drug in vitro and in some in vivo models.

KEY FINDINGS: Preclinical studies have demonstrated that SLN-based formulations significantly reduce biofilm biomass and enhance antibiotic efficacy against biofilm-associated infections. Stimuli-responsive SLNs facilitate deeper penetration of biofilms, thereby improving drug retention and therapeutic outcomes. However, challenges such as limited drug-loading capacity, stability, manufacturability, and clinical translation remain significant barriers to the widespread adoption of SLN-based therapies.

CONCLUSIONS: Stimuli-responsive SLNs represent a promising strategy for overcoming biofilm resistance and enhancing antibiotic delivery. Although preclinical data are promising, addressing formulation challenges and improving scalability are essential for successful clinical translation. Further research on optimizing SLN design and understanding biofilm interactions will be critical for advancing SLN-based therapies for biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid42439919,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, B and Liao, G and Xing, G and Wu, Z and Wu, J},
title = {Biological characteristics of a menadione-dependent Staphylococcus aureus small colony variant (SCV) from bovine mastitis and heme promotion of biofilm formation.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42439919},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {ELDC202002//Engineering Laboratory of Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; Animals ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification/growth & development/metabolism ; *Heme/metabolism/pharmacology ; *Vitamin K 3/metabolism/pharmacology ; Female ; *Mastitis, Bovine/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Cattle ; *Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Hemolysis ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Milk/microbiology ; Gentamicins/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {While small colony variants (SCVs) of Staphylococcus aureus have been extensively documented, little is known about the properties of menadione-dependent SCVs from cow raw milk and how heme affects their ability to form biofilms. In this study, gentamicin-induced SCVs were generated from mastitis-derived Staphylococcus aureus, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated through nutrient dependency assays combined with genomic analysis. A comparative assessment of biological characteristics-including physiological and biochemical properties, antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation, and hemolytic activity-was conducted between the SCV and wild-type strains. Additionally, the effects of exogenous heme and menadione on biofilm formation were evaluated. The results revealed a frameshift deletion mutation due to a 95-nucleotide deletion in the menE gene. This mutation altered the corresponding amino acid sequence, correlating with the menadione-dependent SCV phenotype. Contrary to the typical SCV phenotype, the isolated SCV strain not only presented classic traits, such as slow growth and increased resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, but also exhibited atypical characteristics, including significantly decreased biofilm formation capacity and increased hemolytic activity. Exogenous supplementation with menadione or heme markedly promoted biofilm formation in the SCV strain. These results suggest that the reduced biofilm-forming ability of the SCV strain may stem from compromised metabolic activity. Furthermore, the SCV strain may be capable of acquiring exogenous heme via unknown pathways, a hypothesis that warrants further investigation, thereby restoring its biofilm formation capacity. In conclusion, this atypical SCV exhibits reduced biofilm formation and increased hemolytic activity, and heme partially restores biofilm via increased EPS and surface hydrophobicity. These findings are derived from a single SCV-parent pair; further isolates are needed to determine generalizability.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
Animals
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification/growth & development/metabolism
*Heme/metabolism/pharmacology
*Vitamin K 3/metabolism/pharmacology
Female
*Mastitis, Bovine/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Cattle
*Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Hemolysis
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Milk/microbiology
Gentamicins/pharmacology

@article {pmid42440570,
year = {2026},
author = {Gahlot, KD},
title = {Glycyrrhizin (GLY) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as potential multi-target antimicrobials: mechanisms, biofilm disruption, and synergy against drug-resistant pathogens.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1861692},
pmid = {42440570},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge of the 21 [st] century, driven by multidrug-resistant pathogens, persistent biofilm-associated infections, and a dwindling pipeline of new antibiotics. These limitations have renewed interest in natural products with multi-target antimicrobial activity. Glycyrrhiza glabra, a medicinal herb, produces glycyrrhizin (GLY), a triterpenoid saponin, and its active metabolite, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), both of which exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and antibiofilm activity. These compounds act through coordinated mechanisms, including disrupting microbial membranes, inhibiting metabolic pathways, modulating efflux systems, suppressing biofilm structure, and regulating host inflammatory responses. Their ability to enhance antibiotic efficacy further supports their role as adjunctive therapeutic agents. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the chemical properties, molecular mechanisms of action, pathogen-specific activity, biofilm interference, pharmacokinetics, safety considerations, and translational potential of these triterpenoids. Collectively, the available data could position G. glabra-derived triterpenoids as promising adjunctive candidates for next-generation multi-target antimicrobials.},
}

@article {pmid42440678,
year = {2026},
author = {Font-Vizcarra, L and Sobrino-Díaz, B},
title = {Electrolytic cleaning as a biofilm control strategy on medical implants: mechanisms, evidence and translational perspectives.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1867507},
pmid = {42440678},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Biofilm formation on medical devices represents a critical challenge in microbiology and clinical practice, as structured bacterial communities embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix exhibit marked tolerance to antimicrobial agents and host defenses. In orthopedic implant-associated infections, these properties significantly limit the efficacy of conventional strategies based on surgical debridement and systemic antibiotic therapy, particularly when biofilm is established on metallic surfaces. Electrical-based approaches have been investigated as alternative strategies to target biofilm, including the application of electric fields and direct electrical currents. These methods influence bacterial viability and biofilm integrity mainly through electrochemical mechanisms, such as local pH changes and the generation of reactive species. However, their mechanisms remain heterogeneous and clinical translation has been limited. Electrolytic cleaning represents a distinct mechanistic paradigm based on water electrolysis at the solid-liquid interface. Hydrogen evolution at the cathode leads to gas bubble formation, which can exert mechanical forces on the biofilm structure and promote detachment from the underlying surface. This bubble-mediated mechanism provides a complementary physical approach to biofilm disruption. This minireview summarizes the physicochemical basis of water electrolysis and critically analyses the available experimental evidence. Although current data remain largely preclinical, the recent development of medical devices based on this technology suggests that clinical translation may be increasingly feasible. Nevertheless, robust evidence in patients is still lacking, and further studies are required to define safety, efficacy and optimal application parameters in clinically relevant settings.},
}

@article {pmid42442138,
year = {2026},
author = {Mongelli, A and Kruse, JL and Carvalho, T and Subirats, J and Matamoros, V and Bester, K},
title = {Nature-based solution for treating pesticide-contaminated groundwater: performance of a combined two-stage biofilm system.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {305},
number = {},
pages = {126453},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126453},
pmid = {42442138},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Biological treatment represents an alternative to conventional adsorption technologies for the removal of pesticides from contaminated groundwater and landfill leachates. A pilot-scale treatment combining moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) and downstream biofilters was operated for two years to evaluate the removal of the chlorophenoxy herbicides mecoprop (MCPP) and dichlorprop (DCPP) under realistic field conditions. After establishing famine operation and aeration, removals were 78 ± 3% (MCPP) and 73 ± 4% (DCPP) in one treatment line, while the other one achieved lower but consistent removal (47-51%). Mass balance analyses demonstrated that decreases in parent compounds were not due to production of known transformation products, indicating effective sequential biodegradation (mineralisation). The upstream MBBR primarily improved iron and particle management to protect the downstream biofilters from clogging, whereas biofilters accounted for most of the removal of both parents and metabolites. Removal was largely independent of hydraulic retention time when varying this between 10 and 25 h but strongly linked to dissolved oxygen concentrations, highlighting aerobic biofilm activity as the key controlling factor. Microbial community analysis revealed biofilms dominated by Pseudomonadota, with higher abundance of putative phenoxyacid degraders and fewer anaerobic taxa in the better-performing line, supporting an oxygen-driven biodegradation mechanism. An in silico full-scale life-cycle cost analysis indicated substantially lower costs and environmental impacts compared to granular activated carbon treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42445587,
year = {2026},
author = {Cristina, ML and Ottria, G and Schinca, E and Piccinini, C and Schito, AM and Boni, S and Cima, S and Carbone, A and Dupont, C and Pontali, E and Sartini, M},
title = {Persistence of Biofilm-Forming and Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus on High-Touch Hospital Surfaces Despite Routine Cleaning and Disinfection.},
journal = {Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene},
volume = {67},
number = {1},
pages = {E37-E44},
pmid = {42445587},
issn = {2421-4248},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Disinfection/methods ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Cross Infection/prevention & control ; Italy ; Hospitals ; Colony Count, Microbial ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Disinfectants ; Equipment Contamination ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Contaminated hospital surfaces play a key role in the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly those caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Despite routine cleaning and disinfection, high-touch surfaces may remain reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms, including biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus.

METHODS: An environmental surveillance study was conducted in a single-bed room of an Internal Medicine ward in a hospital in Northern Italy. High-touch surfaces in the near-patient area and room furniture were sampled twice daily over one week, before and after routine cleaning/disinfection with chlorine-based agents (0.1-0.5% Cl). Cleaning effectiveness was evaluated using aerobic colony count (ACC) and detection of S. aureus as indicators of environmental hygiene, applying accepted microbiological benchmarks (ACC < 5 CFU/cm[2]; S. aureus < 1 CFU/cm[2]). S. aureus isolates were characterized by PFGE, spa typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biofilm production assays.

RESULTS: Mean ACC decreased significantly after cleaning/disinfection (10.06 ± 15.67 vs 2.89 ± 5.52 CFU/cm[2]; p < 0.001), with a substantial reduction in non-compliant samples. However, residual contamination persisted on high-touch surfaces. S. aureus was detected in 12/238 samples, including post-cleaning samples from the near-patient area. Molecular analysis identified four distinct strains; notably, a spa type t032 (MLST ST22) isolate-methicillin-resistant, multidrug-resistant, and a strong biofilm producer-persisted on the bedside table handle both before and after cleaning.

CONCLUSION: Routine cleaning and disinfection significantly reduce environmental bioburden but may not reliably eliminate biofilm-forming multidrug-resistant S. aureus from critical hand-contact surfaces. These findings highlight the need for continuous microbiological surveillance and targeted IPC interventions to address environmental reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/isolation & purification/physiology
*Disinfection/methods
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Cross Infection/prevention & control
Italy
Hospitals
Colony Count, Microbial
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Disinfectants
Equipment Contamination

@article {pmid42446211,
year = {2026},
author = {Dooda, MK and Potapova, A and Piepoli, S and Vinogradov, E and Yildiz, FH and Troutman, JM},
title = {Ordered assembly of the Vibrio cholerae biofilm exopolysaccharide defined by lipid-linked intermediate profiling.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0109626},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.01096-26},
pmid = {42446211},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Biofilm formation underlies the environmental persistence and transmission of Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of cholera. The Vibrio polysaccharide (VPS) is the principal structural component of the mature biofilm matrix, yet the enzymatic logic governing its assembly has remained incompletely defined. VPS is synthesized as two closely related polymers that share a tetrasaccharide repeat unit but differ at a single monosaccharide position. Here, we systematically define VPS assembly by integrating targeted gene deletions with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling of lipid-linked intermediates, and comparative structural modeling of biosynthetic enzymes. Our results establish that VPS is produced through an ordered Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway. VpsL functions as the initiating phosphoglycosyltransferase, generating bactoprenyl diphosphate-linked glucose. A VpsA/VpsB/VpsK module analogous to the enterobacterial common antigen machinery synthesizes and transfers an N-acetyl-mannosaminuronic acid (ManNAcA)-derived residue, after which VpsJ, which we propose as a new class of epimerase, catalyzes C5 epimerization to generate the rare bacterial sugar L-N-acetyl-gulosaminuronic acid (L-GulNAcA). Additional tailoring reactions mediated by VpsH, a previously unidentified protein with few sequence or structural homologs, and VpsG introduce glycine and acetyl modifications that are dispensable for repeat-unit assembly but influence matrix properties. Subsequently, glycosyltransfer reactions by VpsI and VpsD complete the tetrasaccharide repeat unit, with VpsD exhibiting substrate flexibility that accounts for the formation of both major and minor VPS variants. Downstream, VpsE and VpsF act following repeat-unit assembly, consistent with flippase and polymerase functions, respectively. Together, our findings establish a molecular framework for VPS assembly and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that drive biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae.IMPORTANCEBiofilm formation is an integral part of Vibrio cholerae's infection cycle, requiring production of the exopolysaccharide Vibrio polysaccharide (VPS). Together, these findings define the sequential enzymatic steps of VPS biosynthesis. This molecular map of VPS production identifies multiple enzymatic nodes as potential anti-biofilm targets and provides a mechanistic foundation for understanding how V. cholerae modulates biofilm architecture to enhance environmental survival and transmission.},
}

@article {pmid42446248,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Yang, R and Kim, M and Chan, YHT and Zhong, H and Wang, H and Jing, L and Xu, Y and Qureshi, MA and Liu, H and Lu, X and Chen, S and Jiang, Y and Lei, S and Shen, Y and Gu, H and Jiang, N and Hu, W and Li, MG},
title = {Laser-Guided Self-Rolled Magnetic Microrobots for Targeted Biofilm Eradication in Severely Infected Medical Stents.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e74469},
doi = {10.1002/smll.74469},
pmid = {42446248},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {//Research Physician Scheme of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine/ ; C6001-22Y//Hong Kong Research Grants Council/ ; C6053-23G//Hong Kong Research Grants Council/ ; ECS No.26308524//Hong Kong Research Grants Council/ ; JLFS/P-603/24//Hong Kong Research Grants Council/ ; 82370743//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Pathogenic bacterial biofilms on biological interfaces and implanted medical devices are highly resistant to conventional antimicrobial therapies, leading to persistent infections and device failure. Magnetically driven micro/nanomotors (MNMs) offer a promising platform for localized drug delivery and in situ biofilm eradication in complex anatomical environments. However, current MNMs face critical challenges, including the serious risks of retention in vivo and insufficient propulsion within viscoelastic biofilms. Here, a laser-guided self-assembly strategy is developed to assemble tubular magnetic micromotors from high-entropy alloy/polyimide (HEA/PI) bilayers for hydrogel-based drug delivery and biofilm eradication inside implantable medical tubes. Programmable direct laser writing converts PI into laser-induced graphene (LIG) while simultaneously inducing controlled self-rolling of the HEA/LIG bilayers into mechanically robust micro-rolls. Under rotating gradient magnetic fields, these micro-rolls display controllable oscillatory-spiral propulsion in confined microchannels, enabling fast transport and site-specific drug release. When filled with an antibiotic-loaded hydrogel, the HEA/LIG micro-rolls achieve synergistic mechanical biofilm disruption and localized antibiotic release within E. coli-infected pancreatic duct stents, resulting in a 97% sterilization efficiency, 44% higher than that achieved by standard chemical sterilization. This work establishes an unprecedented laser manufacturing paradigm for medical micromotors, providing a minimally invasive approach for targeted biofilm removal from hard-to-reach anatomical sites.},
}

@article {pmid42436457,
year = {2026},
author = {Hemmati, J and Chegini, Z and Sedighi, I and Azizi, M and Shahraki, RZ and Chiani, M and Arabestani, MR},
title = {Development and in vitro evaluation of teicoplanin PEGylated (TEC-PEGylated) niosomes for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA).},
journal = {BMC biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12896-026-01201-6},
pmid = {42436457},
issn = {1472-6750},
support = {14030204782//The vice chancellor for research and technology, Hamadan university of medical sciences, Hamadan/Iran/ ; },
abstract = {Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) is a prominent pathogen in burn wound infections, mainly known for biofilm formation. Recently, infections associated with antibiotic-resistant VISA isolates have increasingly posed life-threatening risks. Accordingly, there is an urgent necessity to investigate and develop efficient strategies against the rapid spread of VISA strains in the healthcare system. In this research, a niosomal drug delivery system was developed using the thin-film hydration method and then surface‑modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Teicoplanin (TEC) was further incorporated into PEGylated niosome (TEC-PEGylated niosome), and key physicochemical properties, including encapsulation efficiency (EE %), drug release profile, particle size, surface zeta charge, morphology, polydispersity index (PDI), and 30-day stability were measured. The antimicrobial potential of TEC-PEGylated niosome against five VISA strains isolated from burn wounds was investigated by determining the minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC, MBC) and the time-kill assay. Furthermore, the anti-biofilm properties of the synthesized niosomal formulation were evaluated with a microtiter-plate (MTP) method and compared to those of free drug. FE-SEM results revealed that the niosomal formulation had spherical morphology with an approximate size of 250 nm. Hydrodynamic size, surface zeta charge, and EE% of the formulated niosomes were found be 278.8 ± 5.0 nm, + 9.5 ± 3.4 mV, and 65.9% ± 1.6, respectively. Also, TEC-PEGylated niosome demonstrated a significantly improved antibacterial ability compared to free drug. Additionally, TEC-PEGylated niosome effectively inhibited the biofilm formation capacity in all VISA strains. It was concluded that synthesized niosomal system could be an effective drug delivery system owing to several advantageous characteristics, including sustained-release profiles, acceptable stability, and other desirable features. These properties enable PEGylated niosomes to effectively deliver a diverse array of antimicrobial agents, including TEC. This capability could present a promising novel strategy for addressing burn infections, particularly those caused by VISA strains.},
}

@article {pmid42436802,
year = {2026},
author = {Jo, Y and Lee, Y and Bang, S and Son, K and Park, K and Kim, D and Kim, SA and Eom, S and Choi, I and Shin, SJ and Koo, KC and Seo, J},
title = {Lubricious anti-adhesive interface prevents friction, biofilm, and encrustation in long-term indwelling ureteral stents.},
journal = {Materials today. Bio},
volume = {39},
number = {},
pages = {103405},
pmid = {42436802},
issn = {2590-0064},
abstract = {Ureteral stents are essential for relieving urinary obstruction and preserving renal function. However, long-term indwelling often induces friction-mediated urothelial irritation, bacterial colonization, and mineral encrustation, which impair urinary drainage and complicate stent removal. Here, we developed a friction-lowering urinary interface for defense against encrustation (FLUID) by integrating a silicone-based primer and lubricant layer into a fully microporous thermoplastic polyurethane framework. Unlike conventional slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces that retain lubricant primarily within surface microstructures, the fully microporous TPU framework serves as an internal lubricant reservoir throughout the stent wall, replenishing the lubricating interface under dynamic urinary conditions. Under sterile conditions the FLUID coating suppressed planktonic bacterial adhesion (E. coli, B. cereus, S. aureus; 72 h adhesion assay) by more than 94% relative to uncoated substrates. In a P. mirabilis-spiked 14-day mature biofilm model, biofilm-associated bacterial recovery from FLUID was modestly lower than from the commercialized comparators (Log R ≈ 0.10 and 0.14; approximately 21% and 28% reduction). In a porcine model, the coated stent reduced inflammatory activity and attenuated mineral accumulation after 4 weeks, with magnesium and calcium deposition decreased by 84.1% and 45.1%, respectively. After 8 weeks, scanning electron microscopy confirmed clean surfaces with patent side holes and minimal debris accumulation. Overall, the FLUID stent establishes a self-replenishing lubricant interface integrated throughout the microporous stent wall, enabling simultaneous mitigation of friction, early biofouling, and mineral deposition, and providing a clinically relevant proof-of-concept strategy for safer long-term urinary drainage that will require further preclinical validation prior to clinical adoption.},
}

@article {pmid42437417,
year = {2026},
author = {Zemaitis, KJ and Zhou, M and Yannarell, SM and Fulcher, JM and Bhattacharjee, A and Veličković, M and Degnan, DJ and Shank, EA and Anderton, CR and Kew, W and Paša-Tolić, L and Veličković, D},
title = {Characterization of the biofilm landscape of Bacillus subtilis by spatial microproteomics.},
journal = {Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42437417},
issn = {1618-2650},
support = {51159//Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory/ ; },
abstract = {Bulk proteomics has been demonstrated to differentiate subpopulations based on molecular phenotypes within bacterial colonies, yet advanced analyses by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) hold even greater promise for the future. This technology can enable high-throughput spatial phenotyping that can directly visualize distinct components of various biomolecular mechanisms with high mass-resolving power in high spatial resolution analyses. Here, we applied MSI for intact protein imaging directly from thin cross-sections of a biofilm of Bacillus subtilis and after minimal preparation we detected more than 285 unique isotopic envelopes corresponding to unique proteoforms. We paired our MSI analyses with bulk top-down proteomics (TDP) to form extensive experimental libraries, which provided us with high confidence MSI annotations based upon isotopic matching to validated post-translational modifications (PTMs) and truncations. This joint application of MSI and TDP allowed us to describe the microscale spatial proteomic landscape within the B. subtilis biofilm. This study further demonstrated the feasibility of detecting differentiated subpopulations of cells through the identification of proteoforms of cannibalistic protein toxins as well as those involved in active sporulation to highly localized areas within the central and outermost periphery of the biofilm.},
}

@article {pmid42437591,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, J and Wu, W and Feng, B and Ning, M and Cai, Z and Zhang, Q and Du, L and Gao, Y},
title = {Formulation development and optimization of sparfloxacin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles integrated with microneedles for the treatment of biofilm-infected wounds.},
journal = {European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115181},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejpb.2026.115181},
pmid = {42437591},
issn = {1873-3441},
abstract = {The efficient management of infected skin wounds is severely limited by the thick bacterial biofilm within the lesion, the intractable stratum corneum barrier of the perilesional skin, and the high toxicities of potent antibiotics. Sparfloxacin (SPFX) was withdrawn from the market due to its severe systemic side effects and UV-induced phototoxicity, while its severe hydrophobicity causes localized crystalline cytotoxicity upon topical application. To safely rejuvenate this potent drug, an integrated transdermal system combining photoshielding, SPFX-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SPFX-SLNs) with dissolving microneedles (MNs) was developed. This study primarily focuses on the systematic screening, formulation development, and optimization of SPFX-SLNs via Box-Behnken Design-Response Surface Methodology (BBD-RSM). The optimized nanocarriers exhibited a uniform size (86.85 ± 1.89 nm) and a two-fold higher antibacterial potency against Escherichia coli (E. coli) than free SPFX. Mechanistically, the solid lipid core locked SPFX in a safe amorphous state to preclude crystal-induced irritation, while functioning as a physical photoshield against UV activation. By depositing the nanomedicine exclusively into infected dermis, the MN platform minimized systemic drug exposure. In a rat model of E. coli-infected biofilm wounds, the formulated SPFX-SLNs MNs achieved over 50% (58.44%) wound closure within 3 days and near-complete re-epithelialization by day 11, and a 98.61% final closure rate by day 14. Ultimately, this work establishes a comprehensive formulation development strategy for a safety-enhanced, biofilm-penetrable nanomedicine-MN hybrid that successfully repurposes a clinically restricted antibiotic for advanced wound regeneration.},
}

@article {pmid42434857,
year = {2026},
author = {Patil, N},
title = {Mechanical determinants of bacterial collective behavior: from active turbulence to early biofilm organization.},
journal = {Critical reviews in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-19},
doi = {10.1080/1040841X.2026.2698959},
pmid = {42434857},
issn = {1549-7828},
abstract = {During early colonization, motile bacteria can shift from independent swimming to coordinated collective states shaped by environmental mechanics, with consequences for subsequent biofilm development and tolerance. This critical review integrates active matter physics with biofilm microbiology to evaluate a working model in which viscoelasticity, mechanotransduction, and geometric confinement form a synergistic triad of mechanical determinants that may bias communities toward tolerant states before matrix immobilization dominates. Community mechanics remains underexplored because established non-genetic mechanisms explain only part of the striking gap between planktonic killing and biofilm tolerance. Within this model, viscoelasticity of host fluids and nascent matrix, captured by an effective Deborah number, may extend hydrodynamic coupling between cells. Surface mechanotransduction can convert flagellar or pilus load into rapid cyclic di-GMP signaling, while geometric confinement in tissues and device lumens can restrict collective states available to bacteria. Together, these factors motivate testable links among viscoelasticity, bacterial density, and velocity correlation length. Current evidence derives mainly from simplified in vitro systems, and validation in three-dimensional polymicrobial clinical materials remains limited. The review highlights priorities and translational hypotheses, including motion phenotyping, rheology-modifying adjuvants, and geometry-based disruption as complements to antimicrobial therapy.},
}

@article {pmid42434941,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, K and Sun, P and Liu, J and Xu, Y and Lu, W and Wu, Y and Smith, P},
title = {Substrate Carbon Controls Regional Divergence of Wetland Biofilm Carbon Sinks under Climate Warming.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c03534},
pmid = {42434941},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Microbial biofilms at soil-water interfaces mediate carbon exchange between soils and the atmosphere, yet whether substrate state alters their climate sensitivity remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed 1080 rice-paddy sites across 26 regions of China to test whether soil organic carbon (SOC) regulates periphytic biofilm organic carbon (PB-TOC) responses to warming. SOC emerged as the dominant predictor of PB-TOC and showed a statistically supported threshold at ∼20 g kg[-1]. Below this threshold, PB-TOC increased with SOC and was positively associated with mean annual temperature and precipitation, consistent with a substrate-limited compensatory response. Above the threshold, PB-TOC approached saturation, and climate associations became negative, indicating greater vulnerability of carbon-rich interfaces. CMIP6-based projections suggest that under SSP5-8.5, China's paddy-interface biofilm carbon pool could decline by about 0.70 Tg C by 2100, driven mainly by 4.5-6.8% losses in high-SOC regions that are only partly offset by modest gains in low-SOC regions (0.8-1.5%). These findings indicate that wetland climate responses are state-dependent and that substrate thresholds should be incorporated into carbon-climate assessments.},
}

@article {pmid42435688,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Li, C and Luo, X and Gao, X and Liu, S and Li, S and Wang, X and Zhu, M and Li, J and Cavalca, L},
title = {Biofilm mediated arsenic migration and transformation in groundwater under the influence of dissolved organic matter.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142951},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142951},
pmid = {42435688},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Biofilms, ubiquitous in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, strongly regulate arsenic (As) cycle. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can stimulate the development and activity of microbial communities, thus enhancing arsenic biogeochemical processes. However, how DOM regulates groundwater biofilms to drive arsenic migration and transformation remains unclear. Incubation experiments were integrated with biofilm characterizations, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, qPCR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to explore the behaviors and potential mechanisms of arsenic under the mediation of biofilms and fulvic acid (FA), a representative molecule of DOM in groundwater. FA induced a 7.5‑fold increase in EPS secretion, characterized by a marked enrichment of α‑configuration polysaccharides, which provided additional binding sites and steric hindrance, thereby enhancing arsenic adsorption by 21.98%. Biofilms enhanced As(III) oxidation potentially via aoxA/B, regardless of FA presence. Subsequent As(V) reduction was mainly driven by FA‑enriched N and S cycling bacteria in biofilms. The reductive products of these bacteria, especially NH4[+], enhanced arrA, thereby promoting arsenate reduction. FA-Ca-As ternary complexes likely further contributed to arsenic sequestration. Additionally, the electron shuttle function of FA potentially accelerated As(V)/As(III) inter-conversion. To the best of our knowledge, this study initially revealed the importance of DOM and biofilms on groundwater arsenic fate, and provided new insights into environmental arsenic cycles.},
}

@article {pmid42427189,
year = {2026},
author = {Jaber, NA and Ghafil, JA},
title = {Molecular insights into sub-inhibitory ceftriaxone-mediated modulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm architecture, quorum sensing networks, and antibiotic-target docking interactions.},
journal = {Polimery w medycynie},
volume = {56},
number = {1},
pages = {65-74},
doi = {10.17219/pim/224596},
pmid = {42427189},
issn = {0370-0747},
mesh = {*Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology ; *Biofilms/drug effects ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Mice ; Trans-Activators/metabolism/genetics ; *Ceftriaxone/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm polymer matrix formation contributes to antibiotic tolerance. The antibiofilm effects of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ceftriaxone (CTX), the molecular mechanisms by which these sub-MICs modulate biofilm polymer production and quorum sensing (QS), and the binding interactions of CTX with key biofilm regulatory proteins (LasR and RhlR QS receptors) have not been previously investigated.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of sub-MIC CTX in regulating biofilm polymer matrix formation, bacterial adhesion, QS gene expression (rhlR and lasR), and to perform molecular docking analysis of CTX interactions with LasR and RhlR QS receptor proteins and biofilm EPS polymer-associated targets.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: MICs and biofilm formation were determined. The effects of CTX sub-MICs on biofilm formation, adhesion to mouse bladder epithelial cells (BECs), and QS gene expression (rhlR and lasR, by qRT-PCR) were assessed. In silico molecular docking of CTX against the ligand-binding domains of LasR (PDB: 2UV0) and RhlR (PDB: 3T5K) was performed using AutoDock Vina. Interaction fingerprinting with biofilm EPS polymer-associated enzymes (AlgD and PelB) was also performed.

RESULTS: CTX sub-MICs regulated biofilm formation in an isolate-dependent manner, reduced P. aeruginosa adhesion to mouse BECs, and downregulated the rhlR and lasR genes in a concentration-dependent manner. Molecular docking revealed that CTX binds favorably within the ligand-binding pockets of LasR (-8.3 kcal/mol) and RhlR (-7.1 kcal/mol) via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, suggesting competitive interference with QS autoinducer binding. CTX also exhibited affinity for AlgD (-7.6 kcal/mol), a key enzyme in alginate polymer biosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS: CTX sub-MICs modulate biofilm EPS polymer matrix formation and epithelial adhesion by downregulating QS regulatory genes. lasR was more responsive to CTX sub-MIC stress than rhlR. Molecular docking supports a direct molecular interaction mechanism through which CTX may interfere with QS receptor signaling and alginate polymer biosynthesis, providing a structural basis for its antibiofilm activity at sub-inhibitory concentrations.},
}

*Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology
*Biofilms/drug effects
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Animals
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Mice
Trans-Activators/metabolism/genetics
*Ceftriaxone/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects

@article {pmid42429764,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, K and Zhu, C and Li, K and Hao, H and Zhang, K and Li, Y and Andrews, M and Zhang, J},
title = {Deletion of flgL in Mesorhizobium ciceri USDA 3378 weakened competitive nodulation ability by reducing flagellum formation, biofilm formation, and extracellular polysaccharide secretion.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0093126},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00931-26},
pmid = {42429764},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Mesorhizobium ciceri USDA 3378 has a competitive advantage over the indigenous Mesorhizobium muleiense CCBAU 83963 in nodulating chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in newly introduced planting areas in China. The underlying mechanisms for this dominance remain unclear. A comparison of the genomes of USDA 3378 and CCBAU 83963 revealed significantly more genes involved in flagellum production and cell movement in USDA 3378. USDA 3378 produced flagella, but CCBAU 83963 did not and showed lower motility, biofilm production, and extracellular polysaccharide secretion than USDA 3378. Transcriptome analysis of USDA 3378 under simulated symbiotic versus non-symbiotic conditions showed strong induction of nodulation genes and a broader transcriptional response among genes assigned to quorum sensing, chemotaxis, and flagellar assembly, with flgL (encoding a flagellar hook-associated family protein) being the only upregulated flagellar structural gene detected. A flgL mutant strain based on USDA 3378 (ΔflgL-3378) showed similar growth to USDA 3378 but was unable to produce flagella and exhibited concomitant reductions in motility, biofilm production, and extracellular polysaccharide secretion. Nodule occupancy by USDA 3378 was 100% when co-inoculated with CCBAU 83963. In contrast, nodule occupancy by ΔflgL-3378 was significantly reduced to 39.88% when co-inoculated with the wild-type USDA 3378. However, when co-inoculated with the indigenous strain CCBAU 83963, ΔflgL-3378 still showed a dominant occupancy of 82.8%. Transcriptome analysis of ΔflgL-3378 under the same comparison showed continued induction of nodulation genes and several flagellar system genes, an altered quorum-sensing-associated response, and no detectable chemotaxis-related differentially expressed genes. We conclude that flgL and flagella act as important contributors to the superior competitive nodulation ability of M. ciceri USDA 3378 over M. muleiense in chickpea, although other intrinsic genomic advantages likely contribute to its basal competitivenessIMPORTANCEChickpea is an important legume crop that depends on symbiotic rhizobia for biological nitrogen fixation. In newly introduced chickpea-growing regions of China, Mesorhizobium ciceri USDA 3378 shows a strong competitive advantage in nodulating chickpea compared with the indigenous strain Mesorhizobium muleiense CCBAU 83963, but the mechanisms underlying this advantage remain unclear. This study identifies the flagellar hook-associated gene flgL as an important contributor to the competitive nodulation ability of USDA 3378. Deletion of flgL abolished flagellum formation and reduced motility, biofilm formation, extracellular polysaccharide production, and competitive nodulation ability. However, the ΔflgL mutant still retained higher competitiveness than CCBAU 83963, indicating that additional motility-independent traits also contribute to the basal competitiveness of USDA 3378. These findings improve our understanding of the bacterial traits that influence rhizobial competitiveness and may help guide the development of more effective chickpea inoculants for diverse agricultural environments.},
}

@article {pmid42429849,
year = {2026},
author = {Pakhira, P and Ranganathan, S and Parasuraman, P and Lee, JK and Suchiang, K and Ramatchandirane, M and Busi, S},
title = {Gramine disrupts quorum sensing and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An integrated experimental and computational analysis.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42429849},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {Bacterial resistance towards antibiotics has become a major problem worldwide. Bacteria become more resistant towards available antibiotics due to quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Alkaloids exhibited potential anti-bacterial activity. In the present study, the anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm abilities of gramine (GRM) are evaluated. Gramine, an alkaloid already reported for several biological activities includes antiviral, anti-bacterial and antitumor was evaluated for its inhibition of quorum sensing and biofilm mediated virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The anti-infective effect of GRM using Caenorhabditis elegans and Galleria mellonella models was determined. Gramine reduced violacein production by 78% in C. violaceum. GRM inhibit 84% biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Notably, GRM inhibits several virulence factors (Pyocyanin, Pyoverdine, HCN, Alginate and several others) of P. aeruginosa. Further validation by qRT-PCR showed that GRM significantly downregulated several virulence associated genes. In silico studies revealed the GRM interaction with the three main quorum sensing signal receptors (LasR, RhlR and PqsR) of P. aeruginosa. In vivo anti-infective experiments suggested GRM's protective effect in C. elegans and G. mellonella infection models. Our results suggests that GRM as an effective anti-biofilm and anti-infective agent.},
}

@article {pmid42430136,
year = {2026},
author = {Aoki, M and Wakui, N and Hayashi, K and Syutsubo, K},
title = {High-quality metagenome-assembled genome sequences of Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota bacteria, assembled from a manganese(II)-oxidizing biofilm reactor.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0058826},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00588-26},
pmid = {42430136},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We report five high-quality, potentially novel metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from a manganese(II)-oxidizing biofilm reactor. Affiliated with Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota, these MAGs provide a genomic basis for understanding the ecology and metabolic potential of Mn(II)-oxidizing systems and represent a valuable resource for future functional studies of biofilm-mediated metal cycling.},
}

@article {pmid42430968,
year = {2026},
author = {He, J and Xu, D and Zhong, L and Liao, H and Wang, J and Wang, Z and Feng, T and Pan, S and Cui, Z},
title = {Characterization of bacteriophage JD929 targeting Staphylococcus aureus from chronic otitis media and its ability to inhibit biofilm.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {312},
number = {},
pages = {128620},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128620},
pmid = {42430968},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a key pathogen involved in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation complicate CSOM treatment. Therefore, alternative therapies are urgently needed. Bacteriophage therapy, which specifically targets and destroys methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and degrades biofilms, presents a promising option.

METHODS: In this study, a lytic bacteriophage targeting S. aureus was isolated and named JD929. Its biological properties were analyzed, including its stability across different pH levels and temperatures, host range, and growth kinetics. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were performed for taxonomic classification. Additionally, structural prediction and homology analysis of the tail protein (ORF8) were conducted using AlphaFold. The antibiofilm activity of JD929 against CSOM-associated S. aureus was also assessed.

RESULTS: JD929 demonstrated high stability across a broad range of pH levels and temperatures and exhibited a distinct host spectrum from that of phage SLPW. One-step growth analysis showed a latent period of 30 min and a burst size of 156 PFU per cell. Genomic analysis identified JD929 as a member of the Rountreeviridae family. Structural prediction revealed that the tail protein has unique sequence and structural features, indicating a potential role in host recognition. Functionally, JD929 significantly inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted mature biofilms of CSOM-associated S. aureus.

CONCLUSIONS: The newly isolated bacteriophage JD929 exhibits beneficial biological properties and strong, strain-specific antibiofilm activity, highlighting its potential as an alternative treatment for CSOM-associated S. aureus infections.},
}

@article {pmid42431014,
year = {2026},
author = {Sarukhanian, S and Kuttler, C and Maslovskaya, A},
title = {Hybrid cellular automaton-based model for quorum sensing-controlled biofilm evolution.},
journal = {Computers in biology and medicine},
volume = {213},
number = {},
pages = {111852},
doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2026.111852},
pmid = {42431014},
issn = {1879-0534},
abstract = {Computational modeling and in silico studies are critical for understanding how the spatial organization of biofilms contributes to antimicrobial tolerance and persistence. The paper presents a novel hybrid computational framework for the discrete-in-space dynamical modeling of bacterial biofilms. The approach combines a cellular automaton, which generates naturalistic biofilm morphology on a hexagonal lattice, with discrete analogues of reaction-diffusion equations governing the distribution of nutrients and signaling molecules. This design incorporates a quorum sensing feedback mechanism that links local signaling molecule concentration to biofilm spreading. The simulation system was developed in C# on the Unity platform, and the source code together with a Windows executable release was deposited on Zenodo. The biological plausibility of the simulated AHL and population dynamics was assessed through a semi-qualitative comparison with published experimental observations. The results reproduce distinct growth regimes ranging from sparse, branched colonies to compact biofilms with continuous fronts. A two-parameter analysis reveals a curved transition boundary in the nutrient-threshold plane, demonstrating that the effective quorum sensing activation threshold depends on nutrient availability. The qualitative comparison shows that the model can generate a biologically plausible transient AHL profile, including signal accumulation, formation of a maximum, and subsequent decrease, together with saturating population dynamics. This comparison is not intended as quantitative validation of absolute timing, concentration, or the detailed biochemical mechanism of AHL removal. These results support the proposed approach as a mechanistic tool for studying how quorum sensing and nutrient limitation jointly shape biofilm morphology. By providing an interpretable mechanistic simulation framework with explicit state variables, transition operators, and experimentally comparable outputs, the model establishes a basis for future AI-assisted workflows for diffusion-solver acceleration and automated parameter calibration.},
}

@article {pmid42431100,
year = {2026},
author = {Ding, Z and Chen, Z and Wu, J and Jing, Y and Yang, L and Wei, H and Qu, Q and Li, L},
title = {Arginine attenuates microbiologically influenced corrosion of Ti in Candida albicans-Streptococcus oralis cross-kingdom biofilms through pH buffering and biofilm suppression.},
journal = {Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {172},
number = {},
pages = {109378},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109378},
pmid = {42431100},
issn = {1878-562X},
abstract = {This study investigates the effect of arginine on Ti corrosion caused by a Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis) cross-border biofilm. Electrochemical analyses, surface morphologies and corrosion products analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of arginine on biofilm-associated corrosion behavior. The results showed that supplementation with 0.25% arginine significantly reduced microbial colonization and biofilm thickness on Ti surfaces, particularly in the cross-border biofilm system. In situ pH analysis further demonstrated that arginine increased both bulk-solution and localized biofilm pH, partially neutralizing the acidic microenvironment at the biofilm-Ti interface. Overall, these findings suggest that arginine mitigates Ti corrosion primarily through regulating biofilm development and the associated acidic microenvironment, providing new insights into ecological strategies for protection.},
}

@article {pmid42431452,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, C and Kong, F and Li, W and Li, B and Xue, T},
title = {The alternative sigma factor SigH modulates biofilm formation and stress tolerance in a raw milk-derived Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2026-28839},
pmid = {42431452},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is an important raw milk contaminant that can persist in dairy environments through biofilm formation and adaptation to environmental stresses. Although the alternative sigma factor SigH has been described in S. aureus, its role in raw milk-associated strains remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the function of SigH in the raw milk-derived S. aureus strain RMSA24 in biofilm formation, stress tolerance and antibiotic susceptibility. Deletion of sigH did not affect bacterial growth under routine culture conditions but significantly reduced biofilm formation. In contrast, the sigH mutant exhibited enhanced tolerance to osmotic, acid, and heat stresses. Loss of sigH also reduced susceptibility to the glycopeptide antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin and was accompanied by pronounced cell wall thickening. Transcriptomic analysis further supported these phenotypes by revealing differential expression of genes associated with biofilm formation, stress tolerance, and cell wall homeostasis. Overall, these findings indicate that SigH contributes to the regulation of persistence-associated phenotypes in a raw milk-derived S. aureus strain and provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms that may influence survival of this pathogen in dairy-related environments.},
}

@article {pmid42431453,
year = {2026},
author = {He, H and Kong, F and Xuan, X and Shang, F and Xue, T},
title = {The cyclic adenosine monophosphate-ArcRsa signaling axis modulates biofilm formation in dairy-derived Staphylococcus aureus via transcriptional repression of ica operon.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2026-28916},
pmid = {42431453},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus has significantly contributed to the contamination of dairy products and preserved foods, attributed to its ability to colonize a wide range of environments and form biofilms. ArcR, the Crp/Fnr family regulatory protein in S. aureus plays key roles in various biological processes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying biofilm regulation by the cAMP-ArcRsa complex remains poorly defined. In this work, we investigated the biological function of ArcRsa in mediating biofilm formation in dairy-derived S. aureus RMSA49. The results demonstrated that the deletion of arcRsa resulted in a dramatic increase in biofilm formation. An in-depth dissection of the regulatory mechanism of ArcRsa revealed that it negatively regulates the production of the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) by directly binding to the promoter of the gene icaA. Further analysis revealed that cAMP-ArcRsa complex support biofilm maintenance of S. aureus RMSA 49 by strengthening its regulation of genes icaA. ArcRsa controls the transcription of its own gene and icaA by attaching to specific sequences at the site arcRsa (5'-ATCACGCGACAA-3') and site arcRsa2 (5'-ATTAAGTTGCAA-3'). Our results demonstrate functional crosstalk between cAMP and ArcRsa through direct regulation at the gene icaA promoter, supporting an essential regulatory role for the cAMP-ArcRsa signaling module in modulating biofilm formation in S. aureus.},
}

@article {pmid42431552,
year = {2026},
author = {Semeshchenko, D and Farinati, A and Huespe, I and Albani-Forneris, AF and Buttaro, MA and Slullitel, PA and Meller, S and , },
title = {Polymicrobial infection requires higher concentration of irrigation solution than monomicrobial infection to eradicate biofilm grown on titanium surface: an in-vitro analysis.},
journal = {The Journal of hospital infection},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhin.2026.06.026},
pmid = {42431552},
issn = {1532-2939},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Polymicrobial periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is associated with poor outcomes after debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). Although irrigation is a critical component of DAIR, the concentrations required to eradicate polymicrobial biofilms remain unclear.

AIM: To evaluate the in-vitro efficacy of four antiseptic irrigation solutions against mono- and polymicrobial biofilms formed on clinically relevant titanium implant surfaces.

METHODS: Biofilms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans were grown on Ti-6Al-4V screw-hole covers. Povidone iodine (PI), acetic acid (AA), Granudacyn®, and chlorhexidine were tested. Minimal inhibitory, bactericidal, and biofilm eradication concentrations (MIC, MBC, MBEC) were determined. A 3-minute irrigation assay assessed concentrations achieving ≥99.9% biofilm reduction in mono- and polymicrobial models.

FINDINGS: PI demonstrated the greatest relative effectiveness in eradicating both monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms among the tested irrigation solutions. AA and chlorhexidine required substantially higher concentrations than their respective MBEC to achieve 99.9% biofilm eradication, whereas Granudacyn showed limited activity and failed to achieve complete eradication in either condition. Higher irrigation solution concentrations were consistently required to eradicate polymicrobial biofilms compared with monomicrobial biofilms across all agents. In particular, PI and AA required two- to fourfold higher concentrations, and chlorhexidine required approximately 10-fold higher concentrations, for polymicrobial biofilm eradication.

CONCLUSIONS: Polymicrobial biofilms demonstrate significantly increased tolerance to antiseptic irrigation compared with monomicrobial biofilms. Irrigation strategies effective against single-species infections may be inadequate in polymicrobial PJI, supporting the need for higher-concentration or optimized antiseptic protocols during DAIR.},
}

@article {pmid42431584,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, J and Wu, K and He, Y and Xu, Z and Zhu, P and Wang, F and Li, P},
title = {Surface characteristics and initial supragingival biofilm formation on additively manufactured zirconia and resin: An in situ study.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106894},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106894},
pmid = {42431584},
issn = {1879-176X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This in situ study investigated initial supragingival microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on additively manufactured zirconia (AM-ZrO2) and additively manufactured composite resin (AM-RMC) surfaces, using subtractively manufactured zirconia (SM-ZrO2) as a control material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: AM-ZrO₂ and AM-RMC specimens were fabricated, with subtractively manufactured zirconia (SM-ZrO₂) as a control. Surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), profilometric measurements, and water contact angle assessment. Protein adsorption was evaluated in vitro. As for the in situ study, customized intraoral splints were made and worn by 12 volunteers, and the microbial adhesion was assessed. The adherent bacteria were then examined by live/dead staining for viability and SEM for topography.

RESULTS: Different material compositions and manufacturing technologies lead to distinct surface topographies observed across SM-ZrO2, AM-ZrO2, and AM-RMC. AM-ZrO2 possessed the lowest Sa value (0.53 ± 0.08 μm, p < 0.05), whereas SM-ZrO2 revealed the highest wettability (water contact angle = 92.18 ± 4.96°, p < 0.05). In protein adsorption, AM-RMC showed the highest adsorption capacity (0.64 ± 0.04 μg/cm², p < 0.05). AM-ZrO2 demonstrated the highest level of microbial adhesion, which was significantly greater than that on SM-ZrO2 and AM-RMC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Material type and manufacturing technologies significantly affected surface characteristics and early biofilm formation. Specifically, bacterial adhesion was at its highest level on AM-ZrO₂, surpassing that observed on both AM-RMC and SM-ZrO₂.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: AM-RMC demonstrated acceptable antibiofilm performance, positioning it as a potential material for personalized restorations. Furthermore, AM-ZrO2 required post-processing and surface modification to reduce bacterial adhesion.},
}

@article {pmid42431945,
year = {2026},
author = {Hossam, B and Gabre, RM and Amr, D and Saleh, HH},
title = {Exploratory analysis of biofilm formation and virulence gene expression in Acinetobacter baumannii-Candida albicans co-cultured isolates from urinary tract infections.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42431945},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Candida albicans/genetics/isolation & purification/pathogenicity/physiology ; Humans ; *Acinetobacter baumannii/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/pathogenicity ; Coculture Techniques ; *Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology ; Virulence/genetics ; *Virulence Factors/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; Coinfection/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Polymicrobial infections with Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) are increasingly frequent in urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, experimental data describing their interactions in clinical isolates under co-culture conditions remain limited. In this study, three clinical isolates of both A. baumannii and C. albicans were co-isolated from urine samples with UTIs, then mono-cultured and co-cultured at 24, 48, and 72 h for biofilm quantification by crystal violet assay. The expression levels of bacterial (ompA, bap, abaI) and fungal (ALS3, HWP1, ERG11) virulence genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR at 24 and 48 h. Co-culture conditions resulted in increased biofilm biomass compared to monoculture for the tested isolates. In A. baumannii, the virulence genes of bap, abaI, and ompA showed statistically significant increase in expression in co-culture compared to mono-culture after 24 h. In C. albicans, HWP1 is the only virulence gene that shows a statistically significant increase in expression in co-culture compared to monoculture after 48 h. Gene expression patterns varied in patient isolates, suggesting strain heterogeneity. This is an exploratory study that provides evidence of changes in biofilm formation and virulence gene expression in co-culture conditions among clinical isolates of A. baumannii and C. albicans. These findings suggest potential for microbial interactions under polymicrobial conditions, which might affect the diagnosis and treatment of patients with UTIs. Future studies with a larger number of isolates and functional assays are required to clarify the mechanistic regulation and biological relevance of these observations in UTIs.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Candida albicans/genetics/isolation & purification/pathogenicity/physiology
Humans
*Acinetobacter baumannii/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/pathogenicity
Coculture Techniques
*Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology
Virulence/genetics
*Virulence Factors/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
Coinfection/microbiology

@article {pmid42432108,
year = {2026},
author = {Wörner, J and van Leuven, N and Eimler, J and Odefey, U and Bockmühl, DP and Pein-Hackelbusch, M},
title = {Data-driven exploration of electronic nose technology to differentiate bacteria in blood cultures under biofilm-promoting conditions.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42432108},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Electronic Nose ; *Blood Culture/methods ; Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification ; Humans ; *Bacteria/isolation & purification/classification/growth & development ; Machine Learning ; Classification Algorithms ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/isolation & purification ; Staphylococcus epidermidis/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Biofilms are a major cause of delayed wound healing, yet current biofilm identification methods are limited by invasiveness, processing times, or specificity. This study investigates the potential of metal-oxide electronic noses for identifying bacterial cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus epidermidis grown in blood-based growth medium. We conducted in-vitro experiments to capture volatilome signatures from cultures grown under biofilm-promoting conditions and analyzed data using an interpretable machine learning workflow to disentangle algorithmic limitations from biological variability. This workflow incorporated feature extraction and selection, correlation-based clustering, and Shapley analysis. Six classification models were evaluated using cross-validation. Considering all five classes, classification accuracy reached at most 55.6%, which Shapley-based interpretation attributed mainly to biological factors: E. faecium and S. aureus exhibited high signal similarity to control samples and strong inter-day variability. Accuracy increased to 100.0% for species with distinct volatile signatures, and dimensionality reduction resulted in a model using two constructed features. These findings demonstrate that classification performance in biological sensing cannot be explained solely by algorithmic factors. Interpretable machine learning workflows help for distinguishing biological sources of complexity from algorithmic ones. We provide a proof-of-principle for electronic nose-based identification of bacterial growth under biofilm-promoting conditions.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Electronic Nose
*Blood Culture/methods
Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification
Humans
*Bacteria/isolation & purification/classification/growth & development
Machine Learning
Classification Algorithms
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/isolation & purification
Staphylococcus epidermidis/isolation & purification

@article {pmid42432311,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, T and Tabassum, N and Javaid, A and Khan, F},
title = {Gramicidin D as a Multi-Target Antimicrobial Against Staphylococcus aureus: Biofilm Disruption, Virulence Attenuation, Antibiotic Potentiation, and Protein-Peptide Docking Insight.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42432311},
issn = {1867-1314},
support = {RS-2023-00241461//Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea grant funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; },
abstract = {Over the past decades, the threat of Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant S. aureus has escalated, creating an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that possess both bactericidal and antivirulence properties. We focused on gramicidin D, a conventional pore-forming antibiotic derived from Bacillus brevis, as a multi-target agent. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against several Gram-positive pathogens were determined by broth microdilution assay. Furthermore, the combinatorial effect with other conventional antibiotics was also assayed via the checkerboard method. The effects on biofilm formation and mature biofilm were evaluated using the crystal violet staining method, supported by colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. Additionally, inhibition of staphyloxanthin biosynthesis was quantified by methanol extraction, followed by measurement of optical density via a microplate reader. Finally, in silico protein-peptide docking was performed to support and analyze the properties of the peptide. Gramicidin D demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), with corresponding MIC values of 8 and 0.25 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, gramicidin exhibited synergistic effects with oxacillin and gentamicin against S. aureus; however, it showed synergy with oxacillin only against MRSA. It inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation at sub-MICs, especially at 0.125 µg/mL, where 80.0% of biofilm was inhibited. Furthermore, it effectively reduced established biofilm at concentrations ranging from 128 to 4 µg/mL. Additional SEM images showed that membrane pore formation by gramicidin D was supported. It also inhibited staphyloxanthin synthesis at all concentrations ≥ 1 µg/mL. HDOCK server-based protein-peptide docking provided structural support for the in vitro experiments. These findings altogether illustrated the potential of gramicidin D as a multi-target agent against S. aureus.},
}

@article {pmid42419610,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, A and Alzahrani, HA and Alenezi, T and Ali, YH and Saeed, IK and Rehman, ZU and Shakeel, F and Imran, M},
title = {Nanomedicine strategies against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: Delivery, biofilm disruption, and translational considerations.},
journal = {Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102993},
doi = {10.1016/j.nano.2026.102993},
pmid = {42419610},
issn = {1549-9642},
abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii has become a high-priority global problem because it causes hospital-acquired infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia, and multidrug resistance, environmental survivability, and biofilm formation severely restrict therapeutic choices. Antimicrobial nanomedicine has become a major focus as a translational approach. This review critically explores nanotechnology-based interventions for A. baumannii. Multimodal antibacterial and antibiofilm activities have been demonstrated in inorganic nanoparticles, such as silver, gold, and copper-based systems, with an emphasis on their translational therapeutic potential and nano-bio interactions. Polymer- and lipid-based nanocarriers focus on optimising pharmacokinetics, controlled release, and targeted delivery, supporting improved bioavailability and site-specific exposure. Carbon nanomaterials offer alternative antibacterial mechanisms but raise concerns regarding biodegradability and safety. Overall, antimicrobial nanomedicine can be considered an exposure- and delivery-focused system with significant potential for treating persistent drug-resistant A. baumannii infections, highlighting the translational, toxicological, and regulatory challenges relevant to clinical adoption.},
}

@article {pmid42420082,
year = {2026},
author = {Deerberg, J and Sasse, C and Kronz, A and Lindner, AS and Abbasi, A and Huynh, TAJ and Wassmann, T and Kurbad, O and Bürgers, R and Bunz, O},
title = {PEEK containing titanium dioxide fillers promotes biofilm formation.},
journal = {Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.dental.2026.07.002},
pmid = {42420082},
issn = {1879-0097},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) are widely used in dentistry due to their high biocompatibility, while their physical and mechanical properties are frequently modified using fillers and additives. Effects of these modifications on biocompatibility and biofilm formation remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of different PAEK compositions on the quantity and composition of biofilms.

METHODS: Five PAEKs (unfilled PEEK, filled PEEK, pressed PEEK, PEKK, and AKP) and reference materials (titanium, zirconium dioxide, PMMA) were polished to Ra values below 0.2 µm to control for topographical effects. Surface morphology and composition were determined by scanning electron microscopy and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy on an electron microprobe (WD-EPMA). Surface free energy (SFE) was analyzed by contact angle measurement. Custom-made intraoral splints with mounted material specimens were worn by 20 participants for 24 h. Biofilm formation was analyzed using microscopy and qPCR. Two PEEK types (filled and unfilled) underwent additional 24-hour exposures by six participants and were analyzed for microbial differences. Additionally, filled and unfilled PEEK were compared to titanium in CCK-8 assays using human fibroblasts.

RESULTS: All materials exhibited homogeneous surface morphology. SFE was significantly higher (p < 0.0005) for all materials compared to titanium, except for zirconium dioxide. Filled PEEK showed increased biofilm formation compared with unfilled PEEK in vitro and in vivo (p < 0.0001), while biofilm composition remained unchanged. Only PEEK containing TiO₂ was associated with increased biofilm formation, without improving fibroblast viability.

SIGNIFICANCE: TiO₂ in PEEK increased biofilm formation without enhancing fibroblast viability, indicating that material fillers can affect microbial colonization independently of cellular biocompatibility.},
}

@article {pmid42421793,
year = {2026},
author = {Mayta-Tovalino, F and Espinoza-Carhuancho, F and Mauricio-Vilchez, C and Calderon-Cortez, I and Cabanillas-Lazo, M and V Hernandez, A},
title = {Biodegradable vs. conventional toothbrushes for biofilm control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.},
journal = {Frontiers in oral health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1846306},
pmid = {42421793},
issn = {2673-4842},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Due to the immense environmental impact of plastic waste, there has been a significant increase in interest for both biodegradable and natural toothbrushes (BT) as sustainable forms of daily oral care. This includes bamboo toothbrushes, as well as plant-based products (i.e., miswak). As such, these two types of products can be considered similar because they are both renewable and biodegradable in nature. However, their effectiveness when compared to traditional plastic toothbrushes at controlling dental biofilm has not been fully established.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of biodegradable and natural oral hygiene tools compared with conventional plastic toothbrushes for controlling dental plaque in children and adults.

METHODS: This systematic review/meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA guidelines, and its protocol was registered in PROSPERO. All databases were searched using electronic methods from their inception to December 2025: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined biodegradable/natural oral hygiene products compared to conventional plastic toothbrushes and that had plaque index (PI) as outcome were included. The analyses used random effects model, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE methodology.

RESULTS: Five RCTs (n = 408) met the criteria for inclusion. There was no clear difference in plaque index between biodegradable/natural oral hygiene tools and conventional plastic toothbrushes [mean difference (MD): -0.09, 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.29]. However, the pooled estimate was characterized by very high statistical heterogeneity (I [2] = 89%) and the certainty of the evidence was rated as very low, which substantially limits confidence in this result. The results of subgroup analyses according to type of oral hygiene tool and population did not show any meaningful differences from those of the pooled analysis. The overall certainty of evidence was rated as very low and had a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS: Biodegradable and natural oral hygiene products may result in little to no difference in plaque control compared with conventional plastic toothbrushes; however, confidence in this estimate was very low. Well-designed, adequately powered RCTs are required to reduce uncertainty and inform evidence-based clinical and sustainability-related recommendations.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251273997, PROSPERO CRD420251273997.},
}

@article {pmid42425641,
year = {2026},
author = {Régnier, A and Chesnais, V and Dumaire, C and Berdous, C and Briandet, R and Debuiche, S and Guéneau, V and Midelet, G and Gay, M and Brauge, T},
title = {New insights into the resistome-mobilome-biofilm relationship in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Food microbiology},
volume = {140},
number = {},
pages = {105162},
doi = {10.1016/j.fm.2026.105162},
pmid = {42425641},
issn = {1095-9998},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/drug effects/physiology/isolation & purification ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Seafood/microbiology ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Animals ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Phylogeny ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major foodborne pathogen frequently isolated from seafood, notable for its biofilm-forming capacity, which enhances its persistence in environments and increases resistance to disinfection. This study investigated the virulome, the associations between the resistome and mobilome of V. parahaemolyticus and its biofilm forming ability to better understand the genomic determinants of persistence. Among 845 isolates from imported seafood (mainly shrimp), 20.6% showed acquired resistance to at least one clinically important antibiotic class, most commonly tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and streptomycin. Thirty-nine representative strains (resistant and susceptible) were selected for confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation of biofilms and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). CLSM combined with image analysis revealed significant variability in biofilm formation, with no relation with specific phylogenetic lineage. Hybrid WGS (short and long reads) identified 49 distinct antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and 44 highly conserved virulence genes. ARGs were found on both chromosomes and plasmids and were strongly associated with mobile genetic elements (MGEs). dfrA8 and blaCARB-3 and several novel ARG-MGE associations were detected by genomic analysis in V. parahaemolyticus genome, including blaCARB-3-IS6 or dfrA8-IS6. Interestingly, several resistome-mobilome associations, notably dfrA23, blaCTX-M-15-IS6, and floR-IS91, were significantly correlated with variations in biofilm height, roughness, substrate coverage, and volume. Moreover, a particularly strong association was observed for tet(A), whose presence was closely linked to reduced biofilm roughness. However, no association was found between phenotypic antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation metrics, except for a significant link between quinolone resistance and increased biofilm height. These findings provide new insights into the genomic factors underlying biofilm-associated persistence in V. parahaemolyticus.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics/drug effects/physiology/isolation & purification
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Seafood/microbiology
Genome, Bacterial
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Animals
Whole Genome Sequencing
Phylogeny
Virulence Factors/genetics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42418439,
year = {2026},
author = {Cao, Y and Yang, T and Wang, R and Li, HD and Zhang, XY and Cheng, F and Liu, Y and Wang, JH and Yang, T and Mao, C},
title = {Biofilm-Binding Phages Enhance Biofilm Eradication by Synergistic Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e23904},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202523904},
pmid = {42418439},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {22174011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22374014//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22074011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; N2405006//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; N25QNR010//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 2024JH3/10200011//Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province/ ; 2025YFC3408405//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; CRF C4075-24G//Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong/ ; GRF 14208723//Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong/ ; GRF 14210225//Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong/ ; CRS_CUHK401/25//Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilms, a major cause of chronic bacterial infections, present significant treatment challenges due to their protective extracellular matrix that shields bacteria from both antibiotics and host immune defenses. To treat biofilms more effectively, here we discovered a biofilm-binding peptide from a phage library and verified that it selectively bound the polysaccharides on the biofilm. We then engineered M13 phage into trifunctional nanofibers displaying the biofilm-binding peptide at the tip and carrying gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, as photothermal agents) and tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP, as a photosensitizer) on the sidewall for combined phototherapy. This design enhances binding/anchoring and eradication of biofilms by leveraging the unique properties of each component. The phage nanofibers efficiently bound biofilms and promoted the transfer of heat and penetration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) into the biofilm, leading to cell death. Therefore, under light irradiation, the engineered phage nanofibers effectively eradicated the biofilms by AuNP-induced photothermal therapy (PTT) and TCPP-assisted photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a biofilm-associated skin wound model. Transcriptomic profiling suggests stress-response signatures consistent with oxidative/thermal injury. This study presents a promising ternary synergistic strategy for eradicating biofilms, potentially improving clinical outcomes in wound infection management.},
}

@article {pmid42419532,
year = {2026},
author = {Mahindhan, R and Chauhan, TKS and Bishnoi, S and Upreti, S and Kumar, M and Pandey, S and Kanwar, C and Pamei, J and Chandra, D and Irungbam, K and Qureshi, S and Mahawar, M},
title = {Transcriptomics and functional analysis reveal impaired motility, biofilm formation, invasion and intramacrophage survival of pimt gene-deleted strain of Salmonella Typhimurium.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {153378},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153378},
pmid = {42419532},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Inside the host, Salmonella suffers but survives various stresses. Proteins are the prime targets of host inflammatory responses. Salmonella encodes two key protein repair enzymes, methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) and protein isoaspartate methyltransferase (PIMT), that reactivates damaged proteins without their translational synthesis. Under stress, the accumulation of L-isoaspartate (isoAsp) residues causes defects in protein shape and function, which lead to impaired bacterial survival. The PIMT converts the isoAsp residues into Asp residues. Earlier, we observed hypersensitivity of Δpimt mutant strain to various stresses and defective colonisation in mice and poultry. Here, we show that Δpimt mutant strain accumulates about 1.67-fold more intracellular ROS levels and higher protein aggregations. RNA-seq analysis of the pimt gene-deleted strain of S. typhimurium revealed differential expression of 2676 genes. Most of the downregulated genes are related to flagellar assembly, chemotaxis, fimbria formation, Salmonella pathogenicity island encoding type-3 secretion system, mainly implicated in motility, adhesion, invasion and intracellular survival inside intestinal epithelium, phagocytic cells, etc. These factors are known to be the major contributors for the virulence of S. typhimurium inside the host. The functional analysis revealed that the Δpimt mutant strain shows defective motility, reduced biofilm formation, and defective invasion and intramacrophage survival. Transcomplementation resulted in partial phenotype (like defective motility, biofilm formation and invasion and intramacrophage survival) restoration of Δpimt mutant strain. Interestingly, supplementation of Δpimt mutant strain culture with reduced glutathione (GSH) resulted in neutralization of ROS and rescued the defective motility and biofilm formation of the mutant strain.},
}

@article {pmid42413676,
year = {2026},
author = {Cardoso, LT and Nadalon, AC and Til, BB and Visioli, F and Siqueira, FM and Bussamara, R},
title = {Hydrolases enzymes for oral biofilm reduction: Lipase, lysozyme, and amylase as promising candidates for canine oral health applications.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {153398},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153398},
pmid = {42413676},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Oral biofilms are common in dogs and are a major cause of periodontal disease with potential systemic effects, largely due to the limited efficacy of conventional oral antiseptics against the extracellular matrix. Enzymatic degradation has emerged as a promising alternative approach that directly targets this structure. This study evaluated the individual and combined activities of four enzymes, lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (BC lipase), lipase from Candida rugosa (CR lipase), α-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis, and egg white lysozyme, against monospecies biofilms formed by eight oral-associated bacterial species (Corynebacterium amycolatum, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Streptococcus canis, Enterococcus faecalis, Pasteurella multocida, Moraxella bovis, Escherichia coli, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia). Biofilm structural changes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cytotoxicity was assessed in HaCaT keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts. BC lipase (40 U/mL) exhibited the broadest antibiofilm activity among the tested enzymes, achieving up to 96% biofilm reduction in S. maltophilia, 87% in E. faecalis, and over 70% in M. bovis and S. canis. Enzymatic treatments were more effective than chlorhexidine for most species. SEM revealed significant reductions in biofilm density and increased colony dispersion, particularly after treatment with BC lipase (40 U/mL). Enzyme combinations showed species-dependent effects, with additive interactions for lipase and antagonistic effects for amylase-containing mixtures. All enzymes maintained high oral cell viability (>97%), whereas chlorhexidine significantly reduced viability. Overall, the enzymes demonstrated the ability to degrade bacterial biofilms without cytotoxic effects, supporting their potential use as green alternatives for controlling canine oral biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42413869,
year = {2026},
author = {Leepattarakit, T and Tulyaprawat, O and Mongkudkarn, A and Ngamskulrungroj, P},
title = {Impact of biofilm formation on mortality in Candida tropicalis candidaemia: A retrospective study of ICU and Non-ICU patients.},
journal = {Indian journal of medical microbiology},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {101205},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijmmb.2026.101205},
pmid = {42413869},
issn = {1998-3646},
abstract = {PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical factors associated with biofilm formation in Candida tropicalis bloodstream infections and to evaluate its impact on patient mortality in a high-prevalence setting in Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 146 episodes (from 145 patients) of C. tropicalis candidaemia at a Thai referral centre (2015-2019). Biofilm formation was quantified by XTT assay and classified as low, moderate, or high. Clinical predictors of high biofilm formation (HBF) and associations with 30-day mortality were evaluated using regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses.

RESULTS: Forty-nine isolates (33.6%) were HBF. Independent risk factors for HBF included shorter hospital stay prior to candidaemia (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.999; P = 0.037) and recent Clostridioides difficile infection (OR 14.55; 95% CI 1.58-133.75; P = 0.018). Overall 30-day mortality was 74.0% and did not differ between HBF and non-HBF isolates (77.6% vs. 72.2%; P = 0.484). However, in non-ICU episodes, HBF was associated with significantly lower survival, whereas outcomes in ICU episodes were similar regardless of biofilm capacity.

CONCLUSIONS: Biofilm formation in C. tropicalis candidaemia was linked to recent C. difficile infection and earlier onset of bloodstream infection, and predicted poorer survival in non-ICU episodes.},
}

@article {pmid42414432,
year = {2026},
author = {Noumi, E and Alabbosh, KF and Alsenani, Q and Alshammari, N and Alshammari, M and Adnan, M and Ceylan, O and Kadri, A and Snoussi, M and De Feo, V},
title = {Therapeutic potential of Citrus medica L. (cv. 'Liscia' and cv. 'Rugosa') phytocompounds targeting biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and antioxidant defense mechanisms.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-60228-z},
pmid = {42414432},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {<RG-25 095>//This research has been funded by Scientific Research Deanship at University of Ha'il- Saudi Arabia through project number/ ; },
abstract = {Microbial biofilm, quorum sensing (QS)-mediated virulence and oxidative stress-induced inflammation are interrelated pathological processes that play a crucial role in persistent infections and chronic illnesses. Due to the multifactorially of such processes, isolated target-based approaches to therapy usually do not provide long-term effectiveness. A combined network pharmacology and multi-level computational approach was used in order to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the antibiofilm, anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS), and antioxidant activities of thirty-three bioactive compounds found in the essential oils (EOs) of Citrus medica cv. Liscia and cv. Rugosa. Human potential protein targets were predicted and intersected with disease-associated genes, and 317 common targets were obtained, which were further viewed in terms of protein-protein interaction network and hub gene. The analysis of the functional enrichment demonstrated that the targets play a large role in oxidative stress response, homeostasis of inflammatory response, signal transduction, apoptosis, and membrane-related processes. Molecular docking analysis reveals strong and consistent binding affinities of aromadendrene, germacrene D, caryophyllene oxide, and carvacrol to major hub proteins such as HSP90AA1, AKT1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, and STAT3. Principal component and secondary structure analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations were used to further assess the HSP90AA1-aromadendrene complex, which was found to be among the most stable complexes. Analysis based on density functional theory was used to support good electronic properties and chemical stability of the lead compound and ADMET profiling revealed acceptable pharmacokinetics and drug-like properties. All these findings indicate a multi-target, multi-pathway therapeutic paradigm and constitute a powerful computational framework of Citrus-based agents against biofilm-associated infections and oxidative stress-related disorders.},
}

@article {pmid42414588,
year = {2026},
author = {Chou, TK and Dau-Martinez, A and Vicens-Figueres, J and Gouttumukkala, A and Galera-Laporta, L and Garcia-Ojalvo, J and Süel, GM},
title = {Self-generated hydrogel ejects bacterial cells for localized biofilm dispersion.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42414588},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {T32GM127235//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R35GM139645//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; W911NF-22-1-0107 and W911NF-1-0361//United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)/ ; INV-067331//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Bacteria residing in biofilms are embedded in an extracellular matrix. Whereas biofilm formation is well studied, less is known about biofilm dispersion, although enzymatic extracellular matrix degradation is suspected to play a key role. Here we show that Bacillus subtilis biofilms can alternatively eject a specific cell type, locally and anisotropically, using mechanical forces arising from a self-generated hydrogel. Single-cell resolution imaging combined with mathematical modelling, and chemical and genetic perturbations, show that the production of the extracellular poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) polymer is necessary to drive this cell ejection. Specifically, osmotic pressure from the γ-PGA hydrogel propels interior cells through the outer layers to break free from the biofilm. We demonstrate control over this process through γ-PGA modulation such that biofilm dispersion can be either inhibited or promoted. Forceful ejection driven by γ-PGA has so far only been described in marine organisms such as jellyfish. Our discovery of biofilm cell ejection via γ-PGA thus reveals not only a previously uncharacterized biofilm dispersion mechanism but also an unexpected mechanistic parallel to evolutionarily distant Cnidaria.},
}

@article {pmid42416019,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, JH and Yoo, J and Eom, JH and Kim, YY and Kim, HS and Yang, SJ},
title = {Streptococcus thermophilus DM287 and DM294 as candidate oral probiotic strains with anti-biofilm activity against cariogenic pathogens.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1852167},
pmid = {42416019},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are key contributors to dental caries within a broader polymicrobial biofilm community, driving pathogenicity through biofilm and dental plaque formation rather than direct tissue invasion. Probiotic-based strategies that target colonization rather than viability represent a promising non-antibiotic approach to caries prevention. Streptococcus thermophilus is a food-grade organism with established GRAS status and a long history of safe human consumption, yet it remains largely unexplored as an oral care ingredient. In this study, two S. thermophilus strains - DM287, isolated from a commercially available yogurt product, and DM294, isolated from the tongue coat of healthy adults - were characterized for anti-cariogenic activity through mechanisms independent of major pathogen abundance reduction. Both strains reduced plaque mass by approximately 75%-80% in a wire model assay and suppressed S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilm biomass to near-baseline levels, while planktonic growth suggested that the observed effects were not primarily driven by bactericidal activity. Adhesion inhibition assays showed 32%-64% reduction in pathogen adhesion under protection conditions and 72%-76% under displacement conditions. Competitive colonization assays demonstrated that both strains increased surface attachment in pathogen-conditioned environments (fold change > 1.0), consistent with competitive displacement behavior. RT-qPCR analysis of S. mutans biofilms co-cultured with either strain revealed significant downregulation of gtfB and gtfC - key glucosyltransferase genes encoding the EPS synthetic machinery central to biofilm structure - with reductions of approximately 34%-63% depending on the strain and time point, suggesting transcriptional suppression of biofilm-associated virulence as a contributing mechanism. EPS quantification by phenol-sulfuric acid assay further demonstrated that both strains reduced EPS production by 80%-90%, a magnitude comparable to chlorhexidine and substantially exceeding that of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. Taken together, these findings suggest that S. thermophilus DM287 and DM294 are biocompatible candidate strains with promising anti-biofilm potential for oral care applications, pending further validation.},
}

@article {pmid42416706,
year = {2026},
author = {Liao, C and Liao, J and Nie, X and Chang, Q and Chen, K and Zhong, Z and Tang, H and Wang, D},
title = {A biomimetic cascade nanoplatform for synergistic biofilm eradication and immune activation against MRSA.},
journal = {RSC advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42416706},
issn = {2046-2069},
abstract = {Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm-associated infections remain a formidable clinical challenge, owing to limited antibiotic penetration, an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and recurrent biofilm regeneration. Effective long-term immunomodulatory strategies to prevent reinfection are still lacking. To address this issue, we have constructed a biomimetic cascade nanoplatform (MACP@DG@CM) that integrates a photothermal nanozyme core, surface-anchored DNase I-functionalized gold nanoclusters (DNase I-GNCs), and a pre-activated macrophage membrane camouflage. This design enables synergistic biofilm eradication and immune microenvironment modulation. Under an 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the nanoplatform triggers a cascade radical storm, including photothermal hyperthermia, a peroxidase-like hydroxyl radical (·OH) burst, nitric oxide (NO) release, and DNase I-mediated extracellular DNA (eDNA) degradation. Concurrently, it depletes glutathione (GSH), disrupts bacterial redox homeostasis, and causes severe membrane damage. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the nanoplatform perturbs bacterial two-component systems, d-amino acid metabolism, and antimicrobial peptide resistance pathways. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) further confirms up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines, indicating an activated inflammatory response. In an MRSA-infected wound model, it accelerates wound closure, promotes collagen deposition, and modulates inflammation. Collectively, this biomimetic cascade nanoplatform provides a synergistic strategy for biofilm eradication and immune activation against drug-resistant infections.},
}

@article {pmid42406057,
year = {2026},
author = {Panigrahi, S and Roy, DN},
title = {Aloin of Aloe vera disrupts pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation: exploring nutritional therapeutics.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42406057},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/genetics ; *Aloe/chemistry ; *Emodin/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology/chemistry ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; },
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for several infections due to its remarkable antibiotic resistance, facilitated by its ability to form biofilms. In this study, Aloin, an anthraquinone present in the plant Aloe vera, was tested for antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Aloin demonstrated efficient biofilm-inhibiting capacity at a sub-MIC dose of 4.8 mM, along with/without GEN at 0.002 µg/µL (sub-MIC), in an additive manner, determined by the FICI test. Furthermore, it reduced biofilm-associated carbohydrates by 66.9%, proteins by 66.22%, and extracellular DNA by 69.57%. In silico analysis revealed that Aloin interacts with key P. aeruginosa proteins, such as RhlI (Glide Score: -6.035 kcal/mol; Glide e-model score: -60.414 kcal/mol), LasI (Glide Score: -4.407 kcal/mol; Glide e-model score: -35.286 kcal/mol), LasR (chain A) (Glide Score: -3.764 kcal/mol; Glide e-model score: -36.012 kcal/mol), LasR (chain B) (Glide Score: -5.015 kcal/mol; Glide e-model score: -46.672 kcal/mol), PqsR (Glide Score: -4.701 kcal/mol; Glide e-model score: -25.491 kcal/mol), PelA (Glide Score: -6.097 kcal/mol; Glide e-model score: -53.723 kcal/mol), and PelB (Glide Score: -5.043 kcal/mol; Glide e-model score: -53.128 kcal/mol) by forming strong hydrogen bonds. In silico simulation studies also substantiated the Aloin-protein binding results. The production of virulence factors, such as exoprotease and pyocyanin, was reduced by 71% and 74%, respectively. Furthermore, CLSM and SEM analysis showed a decrease in biofilm thickness from 498 μm to 72 μm and a reduced denser structure in the presence of Aloin. These results suggest that Aloin from Aloe vera has the potential to be an effective biofilm inhibitor without toxicity, with broad applicability.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology/genetics
*Aloe/chemistry
*Emodin/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology/chemistry
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Molecular Docking Simulation

@article {pmid42406614,
year = {2026},
author = {Jewth, R and Elgammal, Y and Lee, HH and Martinez, LR},
title = {Methamphetamine promotes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus subcutaneous infection through innate immune dysregulation and altered expression of biofilm-associated genes.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {172},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mic.0.001732},
pmid = {42406614},
issn = {1465-2080},
mesh = {Animals ; *Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/immunology/pathogenicity ; *Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Immunity, Innate/drug effects ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; *Methamphetamine/adverse effects ; Mice ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Staphylococcal Infections/immunology/microbiology ; Abscess/microbiology ; *Staphylococcal Skin Infections/microbiology/immunology ; Female ; },
abstract = {Methamphetamine (METH) use is associated with an elevated risk of skin and soft tissue infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), yet its direct effects on MRSA pathogenesis remain poorly characterized. Using a BALB/c murine subcutaneous infection model, we demonstrate that METH significantly increases abscess area and bacterial burden compared to untreated controls. Histological analysis revealed markedly elevated neutrophil infiltration and a concurrent reduction in macrophage recruitment in METH-treated animals, indicating dysregulation of innate immune coordination at the infection site. METH exposure was also associated with increased expression of fga and col1, which are responsible for fibrinogen and collagen I production, respectively, consistent with profibrotic extracellular matrix remodelling that may scaffold bacterial persistence and impair immune effector access. At the molecular level, METH increased the expression of the icaA locus, which is required for polysaccharide intercellular adhesin synthesis and biofilm formation, compared to untreated MRSA-infected controls. Conversely, METH suppressed the sepA locus, suggesting a shift toward localized MRSA persistence within the abscess environment. Together, these results demonstrate that METH exacerbates MRSA subcutaneous infection in vivo through higher profibrotic host transcript levels, enhanced biofilm gene expression and dysregulated innate immunity. These findings provide a framework for future studies investigating how METH exposure shapes MRSA disease severity.},
}

Animals
*Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology/immunology/pathogenicity
*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Immunity, Innate/drug effects
Mice, Inbred BALB C
*Methamphetamine/adverse effects
Mice
Disease Models, Animal
*Staphylococcal Infections/immunology/microbiology
Abscess/microbiology
*Staphylococcal Skin Infections/microbiology/immunology
Female

@article {pmid42406953,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, S and Mei, Y and Xu, K and Sheng, H and Chen, YA and Teng, M and Xu, B and Jiang, B and Yu, C and Li, H and Zhao, S and Wang, Y and Zhang, X and Zhao, Y and Wang, Y and Wo, Y and Li, Z and Shen, S and Li, Y and Tang, M and Mei, Y and Chen, J and Huang, G and Feng, S},
title = {Magnetically actuated microrobotic system for sequential treatment of biofilm.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {28},
pages = {e2535216123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2535216123},
pmid = {42406953},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; Animals ; Rabbits ; Humans ; Rats ; *Robotics/instrumentation/methods ; *Prosthesis-Related Infections/microbiology/therapy ; Zinc ; Staphylococcal Infections ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Macrophages/immunology ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections present a critical therapeutic challenge due to antibiotic resistance and impaired tissue healing. Here, we present a microrobotic system (MZ-8) that integrates real-time human-steered navigation with autonomous, microenvironment-responsive therapy to actively eradicate biofilms and promote tissue regeneration. This microrobotic system features a spine-inspired structure for mechanical biofilm disruption, a pH-responsive ZIF-8 coating for immunomodulatory Zn[2+] release, and closed-loop actuation under second near-infrared fluorescence guidance. In a rat model of periprosthetic joint infection, MZ-8 achieved effective biofilm removal, induced a pro-regenerative immune response by polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, and significantly enhanced tissue regeneration. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed the activation of immunomodulatory pathways and upregulation of M2-associated genes, confirming the system's sequential shift from eradication to repair. Moreover, validation in a rabbit model and human knee joint confirmed its operational feasibility under clinical imaging guidance and excellent biosafety. This work establishes that integrating physical eradication, biochemical immunomodulation, and interactive control within a single system is essential for advancing from infection clearance to functional tissue restoration. Thus, it provides a therapeutic paradigm for biofilm-associated diseases and lays a foundation for future intelligent, clinically adaptive anti-infective systems.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
Animals
Rabbits
Humans
Rats
*Robotics/instrumentation/methods
*Prosthesis-Related Infections/microbiology/therapy
Zinc
Staphylococcal Infections
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Macrophages/immunology

@article {pmid42410350,
year = {2026},
author = {Moghaddam, AM and Ahmadishoar, S and Aval, SF},
title = {Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their effect on biofilm of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05382-0},
pmid = {42410350},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a growing threat in Iranian healthcare settings, and biofilm formation exacerbates treatment challenges. This study assessed the antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles ZnONPs against 58 clinical MRSA isolates collected from hospitals in Iran.

METHODS: Isolates were identified via microbial and biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR targeting nuc (279 bp) and mecA (310 bp) genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using CLSI disk diffusion guidelines. The ZnONPs were synthesized by chemical precipitation. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ZnONPs were determined by broth microdilution, and biofilm formation/inhibition was quantified using crystal violet staining.

RESULTS: Of 131 S. aureus isolates, 58 (44.3%) were MRSA, exhibiting high resistance to Penicillin (100%), Erythromycin (91.4%), and Ciprofloxacin (74.1%), but full susceptibility to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole. ZnONPs displayed potent activity, with MICs ranging from 8 to 1024 µg/mL (MIC₅₀ = 64 µg/mL; MIC₉₀ = 512 µg/mL); 27.6% of isolates were inhibited at ≤ 16 µg/mL. Among MRSA, 15.5% were strong biofilm producers, and sub-MIC (½ MIC) concentrations of ZnONPs reduced biofilm by 82.3 ± 7.6% (P  < 0.001). Dynamic light scattering confirmed nanoparticle stability (size: 29.4 ± 4.2 nm; PDI: 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight ZnONPs as a promising, low-cost alternative for managing MRSA infections, particularly in biofilm-associated cases, warranting further clinical exploration in resource-limited settings.},
}

@article {pmid42413590,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, N and Liang, D and Zhang, Z and Zhu, Y and He, W and Feng, Y},
title = {Biosynthetic composite iron minerals enhance electroactive biofilm activity and stability by reducing charge transfer resistance and buffering the internal acid inhibition.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135329},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135329},
pmid = {42413590},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Electroactive biofilms (EAB) enable organic degradation and energy recovery in microbial electrochemical systems (MES). Nevertheless, internal proton accumulation during microbial metabolism impairs EAB activity, while slow electron transfer between EAB and electrodes further limits MES performance. Efficient in-situ strategies to mitigate acidification and accelerate electron transfer are critically required to stabilize EAB performance. Biosynthetic composite iron minerals (BCIM) consisting of Fe3O4 and FeCO3 was synthesized via microbial reduction of amorphous Fe(III) oxyhydroxide, integrating electrical conductivity and proton buffering function. BCIM-modified carbon cloth anodes (1 and 4 mg/cm[2], group C1 and group C4) were evaluated against bare controls. Results showed that the carbon cloth anode loaded with 1 mg/cm[2] BCIM achieved a maximum power density of 1166 mW/m[2], 28% higher than the control group, and cut the startup period from 8 days to 1.6 days. BCIM reduced charge transfer resistance, boosted the bioelectrochemical activity and increased electroactive sites of EAB. Meanwhile, BCIM dramatically raised the relative abundance of Geobacter sp. from 31.1% in the control group to 48.8% in Group C1, and also upregulated the abundance of functional genes associated with pili and flagellum. The FeCO3 component provided localized pH regulation to relieve biofilm proton accumulation and enhance cell activity. With dual functions of accelerating electron transfer and alleviating acidification, BCIM presents a promising material to optimize EAB performance.},
}

@article {pmid42401614,
year = {2026},
author = {Hou, P and Li, L and Liu, Z and Tao, J and Muhammad, T and Wang, Y and Hu, H and Zang, C and Xiao, Y and Rittmann, BE},
title = {Shear redistribution in confined biofilm systems: decoupling structure and function in engineered water environments.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-026-01082-9},
pmid = {42401614},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {52339004, 52409074, 52209074//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilms in engineered water systems often develop within confined, tortuous flow paths where shear stress is spatially heterogeneous. However, biofilm responses are commonly evaluated using bulk metrics that treat shear as uniform and externally imposed, overlooking how geometric confinement redistributes shear during biofilm growth. Here, we examined how confinement-driven shear redistribution governs biofilm-hydrodynamic interactions in labyrinth microchannels under constant pressure. By integrating time-resolved biofilm-altered geometries with flow simulations, we show that localized biofilm accumulation reorganizes preferential flow pathways, redistributes wall shear stress, and causes a disproportionate decline in discharge. Hydraulic deterioration was increasingly governed by constriction of the remaining effective flow paths rather than by biomass accumulation alone, revealing nonlinear hydraulic sensitivity to spatially localized growth. Controlled-shear experiments further showed that ATP-based physiological indicators remained comparatively stable and peaked at intermediate shear levels, whereas extracellular polymeric substance composition shifted toward higher protein-to-polysaccharide ratios with increasing shear. Together, these results demonstrate a partial decoupling between biofilm structure and activity-related or matrix-compositional indicators under confinement-generated shear redistribution, highlighting the limitations of bulk structural metrics for predicting biofilm behavior and hydraulic performance.},
}

@article {pmid42402036,
year = {2026},
author = {Katrak, C and Bautista, L and Pepe, L and Fairman, J and Abranches, J},
title = {The Streptococcus mutans collagen-binding protein Cnm enhances early biofilm formation with Candida albicans.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0104626},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01046-26},
pmid = {42402036},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans strains expressing the collagen-binding protein Cnm are strongly associated with severe and recurrent dental caries, yet the mechanistic basis for their clinical enrichment alongside Candida albicans remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether Cnm contributes to early cross-kingdom interactions that promote dual-species biofilm development. Using purified proteins, we found that C. albicans binds robustly to Cnm at levels comparable to those of glucosyltransferase B (GtfB) and higher than those of other S. mutans adhesins tested. Preincubation of collagen with Cnm inhibited fungal binding, indicating that Cnm cannot simultaneously engage collagen and C. albicans, and suggesting competition for the same or adjacent binding regions. Cnm expression significantly enhanced coaggregation with C. albicans in both collagen-free and collagen-rich environments. In early attachment assays, Cnm increased S. mutans adherence to collagen-coated surfaces and promoted C. albicans recruitment on uncoated surfaces, consistent with ligand-dependent binding specificity. Pre-coaggregation in saliva further enhanced the ability of Cnm[+] S. mutans to attach to C. albicans. At 24 h, Cnm expression increased biomass and S. mutans CFUs exclusively on collagen-coated surfaces, regardless of sucrose availability. Together, these findings identify Cnm as a dual-binding adhesin that associates with either collagen or C. albicans, depending on environmental context, thereby accelerating coaggregation, early colonization, and biofilm maturation. This mechanism provides a biological explanation for the co-enrichment of Cbp[+] S. mutans and C. albicans seen in dental caries and highlights Cnm as a key mediator of cross-kingdom synergy in early biofilm formation.IMPORTANCEDental caries is a multifactorial and polymicrobial disease in which the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates favors acidogenic and aciduric microorganisms at the expense of beneficial commensal bacteria, creating a dysbiotic environment. Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans establish a synergistic relationship that exacerbates dysbiosis, thereby promoting caries development and progression. The current paradigm of this cross-kingdom synergism centers on increased extracellular polysaccharide production and enhanced biofilm biomass in the presence of sucrose. Here, we show that the collagen-binding protein Cnm, produced by approximately 20% of S. mutans isolates, promotes interspecies co-aggregation with C. albicans, facilitating interspecies attachment and early biofilm formation. Our findings expand the current paradigm by demonstrating that Cnm recruits C. albicans to the developing biofilm. This interaction may play a crucial role in the stability and virulence of early biofilm communities, particularly under low-sucrose conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42402168,
year = {2026},
author = {Moorthy, RK and Casey, E},
title = {Modeling Multiscale Architecture of Biofilm Extracellular Matrix and Its Role in Oxygen Transport.},
journal = {Biotechnology and bioengineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/bit.70295},
pmid = {42402168},
issn = {1097-0290},
support = {101052376/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
abstract = {The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix of microbial biofilms exhibits a complex structural heterogeneity that profoundly influences mass transport and metabolic activity. Conventional biofilm models typically assume a homogeneous matrix, thereby neglecting the localized transport resistance introduced by the bacterial capsule, a distinct, low-diffusivity polysaccharide layer surrounding individual cells. In this theoretical study, we develop a multiscale "cell-capsule" continuum model that represents the capsule as a concentric shell enveloping each microbial cell core within the bulk EPS. Utilizing a one-dimensional reaction-diffusion framework coupled with a geometric characterization of capsule spacing and thickness, we quantify how microscale architecture modulates oxygen transport in developing biofilms. Model simulations demonstrate that incorporating a discrete capsular phase introduces a pronounced "resistance-in-series" effect, reducing local oxygen availability by up to 70% compared to conventional homogeneous models. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that capsule thickness and matrix compaction jointly control the effective diffusivity and oxygen effectiveness factor within the biofilm. These results provide critical mechanistic insights into how microscale organization governs macroscale biofilm function, offering a new framework for integrating structural heterogeneity into multiscale biofilm simulations.},
}

@article {pmid42402281,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Gao, J and Wang, H and Zhang, K and Lu, T},
title = {Phenacetin inhibited but acetaminophen stabilized partial nitrification/anammox system: Studies on microbial metabolism and resistance genes in biofilm and plastisphere.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135317},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135317},
pmid = {42402281},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Partial nitrification (PN) inhibitors, such as phenacetin (PNCT) and acetaminophen (APAP), ensure a stable nitrite supply for anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox). But the unknown impact of inhibitors on anammox limit the application of inhibitors. In addition to the biofilm carriers used in biological nitrogen removal systems, microplastics (MPs) (a type of emerging contaminants) are the common substrate for microbial colonization, even enriched resistance genes (RGs). This research compared the effects of 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/L PNCT or APAP on partial nitrification-anammox (PN/A) biofilm and plastisphere. 1 mg/L PNCT inhibited the nitrogen removal functional bacteria (Nitrosomonas, Candidatus Kuenenia, Candidatus Brocadia and Nitrospira), resulting in the sharp deteriorated performance of PN/A system. 5 mg/L PNCT inhibited multiple metabolism pathways, resulting in the absence of electrons and energy supply of microorganisms. 0.5-1 mg/L APAP maintained the stable operation of PN/A system. Nitrospira abundances declined from 2.8% to 1.1% after 0.5 mg/L APAP exposure. But 5 mg/L APAP inhibited the abundance of amoA and the production of extracellular polymeric substances, which caused the slight fluctuation of PN/A performance. PN inhibitors did not cause the sharp increase of most RGs in biofilm and water. However, MPs exhibited the huge capacity of enriching RGs, which should be removed. This study proposed that 0.5 mg/L of APAP was suitable for the PN/A system to control dosage for practical application.},
}

@article {pmid42402899,
year = {2026},
author = {Roy, S and Paul, P and Santra, R and Dolui, S and Pramanik, A and Halder, S and Karmakar, S and Biswas, P and Mazumder, K and Biswas, K},
title = {Mechanistic insights into the inhibition of biofilm formation and antibacterial action of endophytic Streptomyces strain KJ7TB2 isolated from the Indian Sundarbans Mangrove estuary.},
journal = {Future microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-19},
doi = {10.1080/17460913.2026.2693388},
pmid = {42402899},
issn = {1746-0921},
abstract = {AIM: To explore the mechanism involved in the inhibition of biofilm formation and antibacterial action of endophytic Streptomyces sp. isolated from the Indian Sundarbans Mangrove Forest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, Streptomyces sp. KJ7TB2 was isolated from the Indian Sundarbans. An ethyl acetate extract was subjected for GC-MS profiling. The mechanisms of antibacterial and antibiofilm action were also explored. In-silico molecular docking and dynamics simulation analyses were performed.

RESULTS: The GC-MS analysis of the extract revealed 14 distinct bioactive secondary metabolites. The extract exhibited potent MIC values of 250 μg/mL and 125 μg/mL against Escherichia coli MTCC 1195 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Antibiofilm investigation further revealed inhibition of biofilm formation in both pathogens especially in E. coli MTCC 1195, likely by disrupting initial surface adhesion and exopolysaccharide synthesis. Also, the extract inhibited swarming motility, suggesting interference with flagella-driven motility and quorum sensing. The brine shrimp lethality assay confirmed a favorable safety profile, recording limited mortality (36.84% at 2×MIC over 24 h). In-silico molecular docking and dynamics simulation analyses exhibited robust affinity for two key biofilm-associated proteins, exhibiting significant binding energy (ΔG).

CONCLUSION: The study highlights Streptomyces sp. KJ7TB2 as a potential source for the discovery of safe, potent therapeutics.},
}

@article {pmid42404778,
year = {2026},
author = {He, J and Zhao, S and Ju, Y},
title = {Capnocytophaga ochracea sialidase drives its biofilm maturation and host cell interactions.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1841812},
pmid = {42404778},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Neuraminidase/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Humans ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Capnocytophaga/enzymology/genetics/physiology ; Epithelial Cells/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Bacterial Adhesion ; Substrate Specificity ; Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Gingiva/microbiology/cytology ; Gene Deletion ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Capnocytophaga ochracea, an early colonizer of oral biofilms associated with gingivitis, plays an incompletely understood role in periodontal pathogenesis. While sialidases are established virulence factors in late-colonizing 'red-complex' pathogens, their function in early colonizers, such as C. ochracea, remains unknown.

METHODS: To address this knowledge gap, we identified and characterized Co-NanH, the sole sialidase of C. ochracea. We performed phylogenetic and structural analyses to compare it with known sialidases. Enzymatic assays were conducted using recombinant Co-NanH to determine its pH optimum, substrate specificity, and kinetic parameters. Furthermore, we utilized sialidase inhibitors (such as DANA) and generated a nanH genetic deletion mutant (ΔnanH) to assess the enzyme's role in planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and interactions with human gingival epithelial cells (adhesion and internalization).

RESULTS: Phylogenetic and structural analyses revealed that Co-NanH shares significant homology with a sialidase from Tannerella forsythia but possesses a distinct Sec/SPI signal peptide and a monomeric structure. Recombinant Co-NanH exhibited optimal activity at pH 5.5 and cleaved both α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids, with kinetic parameters comparable to those of red-complex pathogen sialidases. Inhibitors like DANA potently suppressed its activity and reduced C. ochracea biofilm formation. Crucially, genetic deletion of nanH abolished sialidase activity without affecting planktonic growth. The ΔnanH mutant exhibited severely impaired biofilm formation, characterized by reduced biomass, thickness, and initial attachment. Furthermore, the mutant showed significantly reduced adhesion to and internalization by human gingival epithelial cells compared with wild-type and complemented strains.

DISCUSSION: These findings establish Co-NanH as a key mediator of C. ochracea in biofilm maturation and host cell interactions, revealing a functional parallel between early colonizers and classical periodontal pathogens. This work provides functional evidence that sialidase activity in an early colonizer contributes to oral dysbiosis by facilitating biofilm development and priming the host environment for disease progression.},
}

*Neuraminidase/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Humans
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Capnocytophaga/enzymology/genetics/physiology
Epithelial Cells/microbiology
Phylogeny
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Bacterial Adhesion
Substrate Specificity
Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
Gingiva/microbiology/cytology
Gene Deletion

@article {pmid42404791,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, F and Lu, L and Song, L and Jiao, Y and Sun, D},
title = {Funoran as a marine anti-biofilm polysaccharide for caries prevention: biological basis, current evidence, and translational challenges.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1859856},
pmid = {42404791},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Dental caries is a chronic biofilm-mediated disease that is caused by the interplay of plaque dysbiosis, persistent acid generation by cariogenic bacteria and host-associated environmental influences. Accordingly, current anti-caries measures increasingly focus on broader interventions targeting bacterial adhesion and colonization, biofilm formation, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production, and the local oral microecological equilibrium. Funoran, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from red algae, has become a promising natural marine bioactive, because it has desirable biocompatibility, interfacial activity, and potential anti-adhesive and antibiofilm properties. Current evidence suggests that funoran can reduce the adhesion of oral streptococci to tooth-relevant surfaces and may improve biofilm inhibition when combined with agents such as xylitol. Studies on structurally related algal polysaccharides further support the potential of marine polysaccharides in antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and oral delivery applications. Nevertheless, the development of funoran for caries prevention is still constrained by limited direct evidence, unclear mechanisms, non-standardized evaluation systems, and insufficient clinical research. Future studies should emphasize structural characterization, mechanistic investigation, standardized biological evaluation, and local delivery design to accelerate its translation into precision caries prevention.},
}

@article {pmid42405698,
year = {2026},
author = {Chigama, H and Choquet, T and Vigneron, P and Gordin, D and Michel, A and Chelariu, R and Cimpoeșu, R and Fayeulle, A and Grosset, JF and Pereira, U and Gloriant, T and Abadias, G and Fillon, A and Vayssade, M},
title = {Superelastic Ti-Zr-Nb-Sn Thin Films Fabricated by Magnetron Sputtering: Biocompatibility and Bacterial Biofilm Formation Assessment for Orthopedic Applications.},
journal = {Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A},
volume = {114},
number = {7},
pages = {e70119},
doi = {10.1002/jbm.a.70119},
pmid = {42405698},
issn = {1552-4965},
support = {18-CE08-0017 Super-Rev//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; Mice ; *Titanium/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Staphylococcus epidermidis/physiology/drug effects ; Zirconium/chemistry/pharmacology ; Osteoblasts/cytology/drug effects ; *Materials Testing ; *Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Alloys/chemistry/pharmacology ; Niobium/chemistry/pharmacology ; Elasticity ; Corrosion ; },
abstract = {Nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys are widely used in orthopedics because of their excellent mechanical properties; however, hypersensitivity remains a concern because of Ni ion release during long-term implantation. To address this issue, we manufactured Ti-Zr-xNb-Sn thin films (x = 10, 15, 17, 20 at.%) using magnetron-sputtering, intended as coatings for NiTi devices. Given the superelasticity of Ti-Zr-Nb-Sn alloys, these coatings are expected to not only suppress the Ni ion release from the NiTi substrate but also reduce the formation of cracks in the coating by accommodating the substrate's deformation. The biocompatibility of the coatings was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the potential risk of forming bacterial biofilms. Ti-Zr-xNb-Sn coatings (x = 15, 17 at.%) promoted pre-osteoblast differentiation compared to uncoated NiTi, without increasing the risk of biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis. The coated NiTi wires were implanted subcutaneously in mice for 28 days, and no strong rejection reaction was observed compared to uncoated NiTi. Additionally, the coatings showed superior corrosion resistance, indicating improved long-term stability. The deposition angle during sputtering influenced cell differentiation, suggesting that both chemical composition and surface morphology contribute to osteogenic responses. Overall, Ti-Zr-Nb-Sn coatings are a promising surface modification strategy for NiTi orthopedic implants.},
}

Animals
*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
Mice
*Titanium/chemistry/pharmacology
*Staphylococcus epidermidis/physiology/drug effects
Zirconium/chemistry/pharmacology
Osteoblasts/cytology/drug effects
*Materials Testing
*Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemistry/pharmacology
*Alloys/chemistry/pharmacology
Niobium/chemistry/pharmacology
Elasticity
Corrosion

@article {pmid42397613,
year = {2026},
author = {Al-Zaidi, OSSH and Zwain, LA and Mahmoud, EA},
title = {From adhesion to gene regulation: tea tree essential oil suppresses Uropathogenic Escherichia coli colonization while triggering csgA-mediated biofilm stress paradox.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42397613},
issn = {1573-4978},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Uropathogenic Escherichia coli/drug effects/genetics ; Humans ; *Tea Tree Oil/pharmacology ; Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects ; Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Oils, Volatile/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC) are major causative agents of urinary tract infection (UTIs), they often possess strong biofilm-forming abilities, and capable of resisting many antibiotics, making catheter associated UTIs (CAUTIs) difficult to treat. Essential oils such as tea tree oil (TTO) have emerged as natural alternatives to antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, adhesion, and biofilm-forming efficacy of TTO against UPEC, while analyzing its effect on the gene expression of csgA gene and determining its cytotoxicity.

METHODS: Four UPEC isolates collected from different UTIs patients from Baghdad Province. The Antibacterial activity of TTO evaluated using agar wells diffusion assay and micro dilution using resazurin. Anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm were assessed using silicon Foley catheters. The csgA encode to curli fibers determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene expression measured using qPCR. Cytotoxicity of TTO measured against renal carcinoma (A498) and normal fibroblast (HdFn) cell lines via MTT assay.

RESULTS: TTO inhibited UPEC with inhibition zone diameter of 12-25 mm (p < 0.0001) and MIC value was 0.25%. In Foley catheter model, the concentrated TTO reduced adhesion and biofilm formation (p < 0.0001). csgA harbored within all subjected isolates. Real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed significant (p < 0.0001) upregulation within susceptible isolates (2.2) fold change. Cytotoxicity via MTT assay reveled selective activity of TTO on (A498, IC50= 265.8 µg/mL) over (HdFn, IC50 = 852.5 µg/mL; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: TTO demonstrated potential antibacterial, anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm activity against UPEC along with modulations of csgA gene expression and selective cytotoxicity.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Uropathogenic Escherichia coli/drug effects/genetics
Humans
*Tea Tree Oil/pharmacology
Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/drug effects
Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Oils, Volatile/pharmacology

@article {pmid42398725,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, H and Ma, K and Shen, J and Zhang, B and Zhang, S and Wang, X and Yang, X and Xue, T},
title = {Distinct contributions of the Agr and LuxS quorum-sensing systems to stress tolerance, biofilm formation, and persistence of Staphylococcus aureus in dairy-processing environments.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2026-28632},
pmid = {42398725},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major foodborne pathogen frequently associated with the contamination of milk and dairy products. It persists in dairy-processing environments by tolerating diverse environmental stresses and forming biofilms on equipment surfaces. While quorum-sensing (QS) systems are known to regulate bacterial physiology, their specific contributions to stress adaptation in the context of dairy processing remain poorly understood. In this study, Δagr, ΔluxS, and ΔagrΔluxS mutants were constructed in a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) background to evaluate contributions of the Agr and LuxS QS systems to survive under food-associated stress conditions. Deletion of agr significantly reduced survival under oxidative, acid, heat, and desiccation stresses, while enhancing biofilm formation. In contrast, luxS deletion selectively impaired tolerance to heat and desiccation without affecting biofilm formation. Additionally, the ΔagrΔluxS double mutant largely phenocopied the Δagr mutant, exhibiting a further decrease in heat and desiccation tolerance, suggesting an additive effect between the 2 systems. Furthermore, integrated transcriptomic analysis and RT-qPCR validation not only confirmed the phenotypic observations at the genetic level but also revealed Agr-dominant regulation of stress-response pathways, including molecular chaperones (clpC, clpB, dnaK, groESL), acid-resistance genes (ureABCD), and desiccation-associated genes, whereas LuxS exhibited a more selective effect on heat- and desiccation-related responses. In conclusion, these findings identify Agr as a central regulator of stress adaptation in S. aureus and suggest that targeting QS systems may be a viable strategy to reduce bacterial persistence in dairy production and processing environments.},
}

@article {pmid42401289,
year = {2026},
author = {Bi, Z and Zhu, X and Pan, Y},
title = {New insights into how sludge wasting timing steers microbial community assembly and performance in hybrid PAO biofilm reactors.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125124},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125124},
pmid = {42401289},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {A limited understanding of how suspended sludge wasting timing (SWT) steers microbial community assembly and biofilm performance has hampered the establishment of ecological connections between operational parameters and system function in phosphate-accumulating organism (PAO) enriched biofilm reactors. Four sequencing batch biofilm reactors (SBBRs) were operated with distinct wasting timings (20, 30, 50, and 60 days). The reactor with a 30-day wasting timing achieved the earliest growth inflection point (day 27), the fastest nitrification recovery (80% within 7-10 days post-discharge), and the highest PAO abundance (8.97% by day 73). Early discharge (20 days) reduced initial attached biomass and prolonged subsequent development, while discharging too late (≥50 days) delayed the inflection point by 6-11 days and extended nitrification recovery to 20-26 days. Stochastic processes (ecological drift) dominated community assembly under extended SWT, whereas deterministic processes (heterogeneous selection) progressively dominated under the optimal 30-day regime. This deterministic shift fostered a larger, more modular co-occurrence network and more complex interspecies interactions. Keystone functional guilds, including PAOs (Thiothrix, Azospira, Dechloromonas, total abundance 8.97%), AOB (Ellin6067, norank_f_NS9_marine_group), NOB (Nitrospira), and GAO (Candidatus Competibacter), were enriched to higher levels. The synergistic cooperation among these functional bacteria facilitated simultaneous nitrogen removal and phosphorus enrichment. These results demonstrate that SWT acts as a deterministic filter, which is strongly associated with the transition of community assembly from stochastic colonization to function-oriented selection, providing insights for startup and microbial management of hybrid biofilm reactors.},
}

@article {pmid42396178,
year = {2026},
author = {Orababa, OQ and Cornbill, C and Kade, A and Reddy, N and Gulati, R and Harrison, F},
title = {Low concentrations of tetrasodium EDTA cause significant killing of biofilm-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa in high-validity models of chronic wound and cystic fibrosis lung infections - but not in a model of endotracheal tube colonization.},
journal = {Access microbiology},
volume = {8},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42396178},
issn = {2516-8290},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen notorious for its antimicrobial resistance and is currently classified as a high-priority pathogen for which new drugs are needed. Tetrasodium EDTA (tEDTA) is one of the new antimicrobial compounds that have been shown to have good antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against P. aeruginosa. Due to the diversity and highly drug-tolerant nature of P. aeruginosa biofilms in different infection environments, it is important to carry out pre-clinical testing of new antibiofilm agents against this pathogen in media and models that accurately mimic diverse infection environments. In this study, we used different high-validity media and biofilm models that mimic chronic wounds, endotracheal tubes and cystic fibrosis lung infections to assess the efficacy of tEDTA against P. aeruginosa biofilms. We report that different infection environments influence the susceptibility of both planktonic and biofilm forms of P. aeruginosa to tEDTA. The highest tolerance to tEDTA was observed in the media and biofilm model that mimics the endotracheal tube environment. In conclusion, we show that although different infection environments influence the efficacy of tEDTA against P. aeruginosa biofilms, it has good potential for use as an alternative antimicrobial in treating P. aeruginosa-associated biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid42397073,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, M and Li, Y and Yan, J and Wang, C and Yu, J and Jiang, F and Wang, B and Yang, Y and Ding, D and Tang, J and Han, P and Song, B and Guo, G and Shen, H},
title = {Biomimetic Nanoplatform for Dual Target Nano-Metabolic Therapy in Diabetes-Associated Biofilm Infections.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e76411},
doi = {10.1002/advs.76411},
pmid = {42397073},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {82472465//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82202727//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82272511//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ynyq202301//Excellent Talent Cultivation Project of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital/ ; },
abstract = {Metabolism alterations significantly influence the behavior of both bacteria and immune cells in the microenvironment of diabetes-associated biofilm infections, ultimately determining the outcome of infections. Here, we propose a dual-target nano-metabolic therapy based on a biomimetic nanoplatform to combat these infections. The nanoplatform, coated with cellular membranes from pre-infected macrophages and loaded with glucose oxidase (GOx) and L-arginine (Arg), facilitates targeted drug delivery. Nitric oxide (NO), generated in situ through the catalytic cascade reaction of GOx and Arg, acts as a dual-target metabolic regulator. It disrupts bacterial carbon and nitrogen metabolism, particularly the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and amino acid metabolism, effectively eliminating biofilms. Simultaneously, NO modulates macrophage metabolism, shifting it from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis by suppressing TCA cycle enzymes and electron transport chain complexes, while preserving mitochondrial integrity. This energy metabolism transition reverses macrophage immunosuppression, enhancing their phagocytic and invasive functions to promote infection clearance. Experiments with multiple clinical bacterial strains and various diabetic infection models highlight the therapeutic potential of combining metabolism interference with immune modulation, offering new insights for the treatment of diabetes-associated biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid42389780,
year = {2026},
author = {Naguib, M and Chakraborty, D and Dunne, C and Hiebner, D and Jones, R and Casey, E},
title = {Natural deep eutectic solvents as environmentally compatible agents for biofilm inhibition and disruption.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-18},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2694439},
pmid = {42389780},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have recently emerged as promising 'green' antibiofilm agents due to their ability to solubilize biological macromolecules. In this study, three chemically distinct NADES formulations were evaluated against Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. The tested formulations choline chloride-lactic acid (CCLA), choline chloride-urea (CCU), and choline chloride-xylitol (CCX) were assessed for their effects on planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and mature biofilms. All NADES showed moderate inhibition of planktonic growth, while biofilm formation was significantly reduced in a formulation- and species-dependent manner, with CCLA displaying the strongest activity. Treatment of pre-formed 24 h biofilms resulted in partial but significant biomass reduction, reaching up to ∼69% for P. fluorescens and ∼51% for S. epidermidis. Confocal microscopy confirmed pronounced structural disruption of mature biofilms following NADES exposure, particularly for CCLA. These findings highlight the potential of organic acid-based NADES as biocides, which are more environmentally compatible than conventional biocides.},
}

@article {pmid42390640,
year = {2026},
author = {Williams, S and Cheam, D and Nishiguchi, MK and Sindi, SS and Khatri, S and Rutter, EM},
title = {Identifiability, Sensitivity, and Genetic Algorithms in Bacterial Biofilm Selection Models.},
journal = {Bulletin of mathematical biology},
volume = {88},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42390640},
issn = {1522-9602},
support = {DBI 2214038//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Models, Biological ; Mathematical Concepts ; Genetic Algorithms ; Computer Simulation ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Likelihood Functions ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Bacteria often develop distinct phenotypes to adapt to environmental stress. In particular, they can produce biofilms, dense communities of bacteria that live in a complex extracellular matrix. While previous studies have investigated how bacterial biofilms are regulated under laboratory conditions, they have not considered (1) the data requirements necessary to estimate model parameters and (2) how bacteria respond to recurring stressors in their natural habitats. To address (1), we adapted a mechanistic population model to explore the dynamics of biofilm formation in the presence of predator stress, using synthetic data. We used a Maximum Likelihood Estimation framework to measure crucial parameters underpinning the biofilm formation dynamics. We used genetic algorithms to propose an optimal data collection schedule that minimised parameter identifiability confidence interval widths. Our sensitivity analysis revealed that, within the explored regimes, we could simplify the binding dynamics and eliminate biofilm detachment. To address (2), we proposed a structured version of our model to capture the long-term behaviour and evolutionary selection. In our extended model, the subpopulations feature different maximal rates of biofilm formation. We compared the selection under different predator types and amounts and identified key parameters that affected the speed of selection via sensitivity analysis.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Models, Biological
Mathematical Concepts
Genetic Algorithms
Computer Simulation
*Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
Likelihood Functions
Biological Evolution

@article {pmid42391643,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, F and Yang, R and Chen, Z and Tan, R and Chen, J and Zhu, R and Wang, Y},
title = {K38 Succinylation of CsrA Regulates Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas fluorescens PF08 by Modulating c-di-GMP Levels.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.6c02003},
pmid = {42391643},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Pseudomonas fluorescens PF08 is a significant food spoilage organism belonging to a species widely utilized for agricultural biocontrol, yet the post-translational regulation of its biofilm formation remains poorly understood. This work explored the role of lysine succinylation (Ksucc) in regulating CsrA activity, a global post-transcriptional regulator. NanoHPLC-MS/MS identified Lys38 (K38), a highly conserved residue within the CsrA RNA-binding interface, as a functional succinylation site. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that K38 succinylation significantly inhibits biofilm formation by reducing c-di-GMP levels, exopolysaccharide production, and surface hydrophobicity, while enhancing flagellar-mediated motility. Colonization assays on foods, contact surfaces, and the rhizosphere confirmed that CsrA succinylation restricts biofilm formation across diverse ecological niches. These results identify K38 succinylation of CsrA as a regulatory modification that modulates the transition between motile and sessile lifestyles in P. fluorescens PF08. These findings expand the understanding of post-translational control of biofilm formation in this ecologically versatile bacterium relevant to food spoilage and agricultural environments.},
}

@article {pmid42391941,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, W and Zhang, J and Cheng, Y and Zhai, M and Zhou, J and Qu, J},
title = {Biofilm formation: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {311},
number = {},
pages = {128597},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128597},
pmid = {42391941},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Biofilm formation and development are dynamically regulated processes. The core regulation involves cell-to-cell communication mediated by quorum-sensing (QS) mechanisms and enhanced intrinsic resistance via efflux pumps. These mechanisms establish a robust barrier against antibiotics and host immune responses. In response, strategies for biofilm eradication have evolved from singular antimicrobial interventions to interdisciplinary synergistic approaches. Current research primarily focuses on synergistic combined therapies that integrate advanced nanoplatforms with physical field interventions. This review has refined an integrated intervention strategy of internal and external collaboration, using internal molecular targeting for precise localization and external physical fields for powerful disintegration, thereby achieving synergistic effects of physical structure destruction, signal pathway interference, and precise drug release. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of biofilm formation and regulation, integrates the bidirectional interactive regulatory network of QS and c-di-GMP, and clarifies the dual roles of efflux pumps in biofilms-direct resistance and indirect regulation. With a particular emphasis on the latest advancements, synergistic mechanisms, and prevailing challenges associated with multimodal eradication strategies, proposes a future research roadmap that progresses from omics and in situ imaging to the identification of new targets and ultimately to the development of intelligent responsive systems. It aims to provide a theoretical reference and insights for developing the next generation of efficient and precise therapies for biofilm-associated infections.},
}

@article {pmid42395168,
year = {2026},
author = {Taddei, SM and Deka, N and Marin, A and Hunt, BC and Guterman, LB and Ma, M and Qu, J and Armbruster, CE},
title = {L-fucose-dependent biofilm formation by Escherichia coli enhances polymicrobial interactions and antibiotic tolerance on urinary catheters.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100378},
pmid = {42395168},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Urinary tract infections are common healthcare associated infections, a large subset of which are caused by indwelling catheters. Long term catheterization causes persistent, asymptomatic, polymicrobial colonization despite catheters changes and antibiotic usage. In these polymicrobial populations, P. mirabilis, E. faecalis, and E. coli were found as the most common co-colonizing species. We investigated how interactions between P. mirabilis, E. coli, and E. faecalis contribute to biofilm formation and colonization of urinary catheters. Our results show that the interaction between these three species leads to enhanced biofilm biomass driven by an increase in total protein content of the biofilm. Biofilm enhancement required all three species and was also media-dependent, especially for dual-species combinations. Importantly, triple species biofilms also demonstrate biofilm enhancement when established under flow conditions in a biofilm reactor model using silicone urinary catheters. Additionally, triple species biofilm enhancement occurred in co-colonizing isolates from catheterized patients and was found to be specific to interactions between these three species. Triple species biofilms also demonstrated a species-dependent resistance to two commonly used antibiotics, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin. By examining priority effects, E. coli was found to be the main facilitator of biofilm enhancement in a flow model. Finally, proteomics revealed that an L-fucose utilization pathway in E. coli was a key contributor to triple species biofilm enhancement. Overall, our results demonstrate the significant impact of polymicrobial interactions on biofilm formation in the catheterized environment and highlight ways in which complex microbial interplay and priority effects can shape the establishment of persistent colonization.},
}

@article {pmid42395518,
year = {2026},
author = {Churaman, CN and Angelica, B and Thompson, AW and Koestler, BJ},
title = {Shigella's c-di-GMP specific PDEs Modulate Biofilm and Virulence Phenotypes.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.06.22.733758},
pmid = {42395518},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {To establish infection and cause disease, the intracellular pathogen Shigella must successfully navigate a series of host defenses and distinct microenvironments within the human body. One way Shigella navigates these environments is by using the secondary messenger c-di-GMP, which regulates many different bacterial behaviours. C-di-GMP is synthesized by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and broken down by c-di-GMP specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs). In this study, we investigated how Shigellas c-di-GMP specific PDEs impact c-di-GMP turn-over and subsequently biofilm and virulence phenotypes. We knocked out each of Shigellas six c-di-GMP specific PDEs to determine how these PDEs impact biofilm, virulence and c-di-GMP levels within the bacterial cell. We found that these PDEs negatively regulate c-di-GMP levels while modulating Shigellas virulence and biofilm behaviour. We also noted that altering expression of these Shigella PDEs changes bacterial cell size. Transcriptome analysis revealed that a Shigella Δ pdeB strain showed reduced expression of many genes, including the virulence genes ipgD and ipgE , as well as genes associated with lipid metabolism. We confirmed that a Shigella Δ pdeB strain had altered levels of stearic acid, and expression of pdeB alters Shigella antibiotic susceptibility. This study highlights the complexities of c-di-GMP signaling in regulating numerous Shigella pathways.},
}

@article {pmid42381774,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wang, Z and Wei, L and Wang, D and Qu, D and Xie, Y and Wu, Y},
title = {Loss of the type VII secretion ATPase EssC promotes biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus under acidic stress.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100376},
pmid = {42381774},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus adapts to hostile host-associated niches by dynamically switching between planktonic growth and biofilm lifestyles. Acidic environments, such as the skin surface and intracellular compartments, impose substantial stress on bacterial survival; however, the contribution of the type VII secretion system (T7SS) to biofilm adaptation under acidic conditions remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of the T7SS ATPase EssC in regulating S. aureus biofilm formation under acidic stress. Using an essC deletion mutant in the USA300 background, we demonstrate that loss of EssC markedly enhances biofilm biomass and thickness at pH 5.0, despite reducing bacterial viability within mature biofilms. Mechanistically, essC deletion reprograms multiple stages of biofilm development, including enhanced initial adhesion mediated by upregulated fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPA and FnBPB), increased intercellular aggregation driven by elevated polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) production, and biofilm stabilization through augmented autolysis-dependent extracellular DNA release. These phenotypic changes are accompanied by coordinated transcriptional remodeling, characterized by downregulation of the biofilm repressor agr and activation of the arlS-icaA and sigB-icaA regulatory axis. Collectively, our findings uncover an unrecognized link between the T7SS core component EssC and biofilm regulation under acidic stress, highlighting EssC as a potential modulator of S. aureus survival strategies in hostile host microenvironments.},
}

@article {pmid42383450,
year = {2026},
author = {Rojas, EM and Govindan, A and Babu, P and Joseph, S and Zhang, H and Zhu, Y and Boddie, T and Lee, HT and Wu, H and Velu, SE},
title = {Coumarin-Mediated Inhibition of Diadenylate Cyclase Correlates with Impaired Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.5c00767},
pmid = {42383450},
issn = {2373-8227},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans diadenylate cyclase (SmDAC) catalyzes the cyclization of two ATP molecules into cyclic di-AMP, a second messenger that regulates many cellular processes including biofilm formation. Aided by structure-based drug design and subsequent structure-activity relationship studies, we identified a coumarin chemotype as low-micromolar inhibitors of SmDAC. Optimized lead compounds inhibited both biofilm formation and planktonic growth of S. mutans. Biofilm inhibition marginally exceeded growth inhibition at tested doses, indicating relative selectivity toward biofilm inhibition. Additionally, the lead inhibitor did not significantly affect the growth and biofilm of representative commensal streptococci in a mixed-species community consisting of S. mutans, S. gordonii, and S. sanguinis at 10 μM, though this selectivity was lower when tested in single-species growth and biofilm conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates that the inhibition of S. mutans' DAC and biofilm by small molecules is a potential strategy for the treatment and prevention of dental caries.},
}

@article {pmid42384304,
year = {2026},
author = {da Silva, CR and Sá, LGDAV and da Silva, LJ and Martins, MSM and Silveira, MJCB and da Costa, ÉRM and de Farias Cabral, VP and Rodrigues, DS and Moreira, LEA and Matos, VM and Dos Santos, VG and Nobre, HV and de Andrade Neto, JB},
title = {Preventive action of ketamine alone and in combination with antifungals on Candida biofilm formation in catheters.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42384304},
issn = {1618-1905},
abstract = {PURPOSE: This study investigates the repurposing potential of the anesthetic ketamine (KET) as a preventive agent, both alone and in combination with the azoles fluconazole (FLC) and itraconazole (ITR), against Candida spp. biofilms adhering to fragments of peripheral venous catheters.

METHODS: The activity was assessed in vitro through cell viability and colonization assays of impregnated catheter segments, while morphological alterations were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS: KET, both alone and in association with ITR, significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the adherence of C. albicans to the impregnated fragments. Furthermore, the combinations KET + FLC and KET + ITR frequently exhibited greater efficacy in reducing biofilm viability than the agents used individually, suggesting additive/synergistic interactions. SEM revealed structural damage to the treated fungal cells.

CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that KET exhibits preventive activity against Candida spp. biofilms, including on catheter surfaces, and may enhance the activity of azoles, positioning it as a promising candidate for repurposing in the treatment of biofilm-associated fungal infections.},
}

@article {pmid42386076,
year = {2026},
author = {Iriya, S and Takata, M and Yano, T},
title = {Anti-biofilm activity of coated zinc oxide nanoparticles in a water-in-oil formulation against Cutibacterium acnes.},
journal = {Anaerobe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103059},
doi = {10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103059},
pmid = {42386076},
issn = {1095-8274},
abstract = {Coated ZnO-NPs demonstrated antibacterial and biofilm-disrupting activities against Cutibacterium acnes in a high-viscosity, skincare-mimicking water-in-oil formulation. They reduced viable biofilm-embedded cell count by more than 100-fold compared to the control formulation. The sebum-exposed in vitro biofilm model provides a practical platform for evaluating anti-biofilm skincare products.},
}

@article {pmid42388939,
year = {2026},
author = {Bhati, DG and Patil, HV and Patil, SR},
title = {Clinical Impact of Biofilm-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {e110019},
pmid = {42388939},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has emerged as a major nosocomial pathogen associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. Its remarkable ability to survive in adverse environments, persist on medical devices, and rapidly acquire multidrug resistance has made it a critical global healthcare concern. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and pathogenicity of CRAB, with a special emphasis on the role of biofilm formation. CRAB infections are strongly associated with prolonged hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, previous antibiotic exposure, and invasive procedures. The organism exhibits multiple resistance mechanisms, including carbapenemase production, efflux pumps, porin modifications, and horizontal gene transfer, which significantly limit therapeutic options. A key virulence factor is its capacity to form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, enhancing bacterial survival, immune evasion, and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Biofilm-associated infections are often chronic, recurrent, and difficult to eradicate, particularly in device-related infections. The interplay between biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance further complicates treatment outcomes. Current management strategies rely on last-resort antibiotics, combination therapy, antimicrobial stewardship, and strict infection control practices, while emerging therapies targeting biofilms offer promising alternatives. Understanding these complex mechanisms is essential for developing effective therapeutic and preventive strategies against CRAB infections.},
}

@article {pmid42389493,
year = {2026},
author = {Sendekie, AZ and Nyerere, KA and Kaaria, PK},
title = {Assessment of antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of marine fungal epiphytes associated with red and green algae of the Kenyan coast.},
journal = {Biotechnology notes (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {120-141},
pmid = {42389493},
issn = {2665-9069},
abstract = {Marine-derived fungal epiphytes represent an important yet largely unexplored source of bioactive compounds. This study investigates the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of cultivable fungal epiphytes associated with red and green algae collected from a single coastal site in Kenya. A total of 330 fungal isolates were initially identified based on their morphological characteristics. Following agar-plug screening, nine active isolates have been identified through ITS-rDNA sequencing. Ethyl acetate and methanolic fungal extracts were evaluated against six multidrug-resistant microorganisms using disc diffusion, MIC, MBC, and microtiter biofilm disruption assays. The five best-performing extracts were subjected to SEM imaging, with two (Cer sp-2 and Ulr-1) further analyzed via GC-MS. Extracts from both solvents showed remarkable antibacterial effects, producing zones of inhibition that spanned between 10.00 ± 0.00 and 29.00 ± 0.00 mm. Furthermore, MIC and MBC assays revealed strong activity, with the lowest recorded values being 0.039 mg/mL and 0.156 mg/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis displayed structural changes in bacterial cells, supporting a membrane-targeting mechanism of action. They also exhibited significant anti-biofilm properties (P < 0.05-0.0001) compared to the PBS-treated control. Although most biofilm reduction percentages were relatively low, the extracts displayed measurable activity in disrupting pre-formed biofilms. GC-MS identified a diverse profile of bioactive metabolites in the two representative extracts. Overall, Kenyan coastal algae harbor bioactive fungal epiphytes with promising potential to combat multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming pathogens. Comprehensive studies are needed to discover novel therapeutic candidates in the future.},
}

@article {pmid42389512,
year = {2026},
author = {Díaz-Velis, L and Salvador-Sagüez, F and Roach, F and Mancilla, E and Campos, MA and Ruiz-Gil, T and López-Moral, M and Lázaro-Martínez, JL},
title = {Correction: Metagenomic and ribosomal transcript profiles of diabetic foot osteomyelitis in Hispanic patients: underestimated bacteria in biofilm persistence.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1902309},
doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2026.1902309},
pmid = {42389512},
issn = {2235-2988},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1729196.].},
}

@article {pmid42389745,
year = {2026},
author = {Ota, Y and Nukui, Y and Gu, Y and Saito, R},
title = {Genomic insights into activated antimicrobial resistance of in situ hospital-wastewater biofilm.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100377},
pmid = {42389745},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly among carbapenemase-producing organisms, poses a major global health threat. Although hospital wastewater is considered an AMR hotspot, its functional contribution to resistance dynamics remains poorly defined. We developed in situ biofilms in hospital wastewater and applied integrated metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and culture-based analyses to characterize community structure and gene expression. Biofilms exhibited greater biomass and higher contamination with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli than planktonic wastewater. Biofilms were enriched in surface-adapted Flavobacteriaceae species and a broader array of carbapenemase genes, whereas wastewater showed higher abundance of gut-associated Bacteroidaceae species and virulence factors. Mobile genetic elements linked multiple AMR genes and showed increased expression in biofilms, including bla IMP family carbapenemases. Culture confirmed bla IMP-1 in four biofilm isolates and one wastewater isolate. These findings indicate that hospital-wastewater biofilms can serve as important reservoirs that promote the persistence and potential dissemination of clinically relevant carbapenem resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42379258,
year = {2026},
author = {Valeriani, L and Liguori, MG and Giovannini, A and Montevecchi, M and Covelli, V},
title = {The Influence of Psychological Factors on Biofilm-Related Oral Outcomes in Adults: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106869},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106869},
pmid = {42379258},
issn = {1879-176X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review aimed to determine whether psychological factors are associated with subsequent biofilm-related oral health outcomes in adults.

DATA: The review followed PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251119213). Risk of bias was assessed using the NHLBI tool.

SOURCES: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched through May 2026.

STUDY SELECTION: Eligible prospective longitudinal studies in adults assessed a broad range of psychological exposures (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, self-efficacy, health beliefs, personality traits, and sense of coherence) before oral outcomes. Outcomes included periodontal parameters, dental caries, tooth loss, and oral-hygiene behaviours.

RESULTS: Ten prospective studies of fair-to-good quality were included. Findings for cognitive constructs were mixed: self-efficacy was associated with subsequent self-reported oral hygiene behaviours and, following motivation and oral hygiene instruction, clinically assessed plaque control, but not consistently across studies or outcomes; perceived treatment benefits, particularly when combined with perceived susceptibility, and Theory of Reasoned Action variables were associated with subsequent gingival or plaque outcomes. Data on psychopathology were sparse but suggested associations of depression and stress with poorer oral self-care and periodontal outcomes. A small number of studies also indicated possible relationships between personality traits and periodontal and caries outcomes, whereas the only study assessing sense of coherence found no association.

CONCLUSIONS: Prospective associations with oral health behaviours or clinical outcomes were observed for several of the psychological constructs examined, although the evidence base remains limited and heterogeneous. More robust longitudinal studies are needed to clarify these relationships across different oral diseases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Available prospective evidence suggests that psychological factors may play a role in subsequent oral hygiene behaviours, periodontal outcomes, and treatment response. These findings may inform future research on risk assessment and personalised preventive care.},
}

@article {pmid42379307,
year = {2026},
author = {Chowdhury, D and Tahir, S and Legge, M and Wang, M and Deva, AK and Vickery, K and Hu, H},
title = {Transmission of Dry Surface Biofilm Via and Through Cotton Bedsheets: Implications for Hospital Infection Control.},
journal = {The Journal of hospital infection},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhin.2026.06.019},
pmid = {42379307},
issn = {1532-2939},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dry surface biofilms (DSB) have been found to persist on hospital beds and pillows.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate whether cotton bedsheets prevent transmission of DSB-related pathogens to patients.

METHODS: Staphylococcus aureus DSB was cultured on polycarbonate coupons. DSB transmission was simulated via 150 or 250 threads/in[2] cotton bedsheets directly onto surfaces, or through cotton sheets onto hands and then onto surfaces, both before and after neutral detergent treatment by CFU counts. qPCR and SEM were used to evaluate bacterial biofilm contamination on hospital mattresses and pillow covers.

FINDINGS: Lab simulations: Bacterial transfer counts (CFU) differed significantly across all experimental conditions. Specifically, bacterial transmission was significantly higher for cotton sheets with a thread count of 150 threads/in[2] compared to those with 250 threads/in[2] (p < 0.001). Additionally, transmission was significantly greater for wet sheets (post-detergent treatment) than for dry sheets (p < 0.001), and significantly higher for direct touch than for contact through the sheets (p < 0.001). CLINICAL SAMPLES: qPCR detected 1.1×10[5]±6.8×10[4] bacteria/cm[2] on mattress covers and 7.5±3.7×10[4] bacteria/cm[2] on pillow covers; SEM directly visualized DSB embedded in surface pits of mattress covers, confirming real-world clinical contamination.

CONCLUSION: Cotton bedsheets show high transmissibility for DSB, especially when wet. DSB can persist on mattresses and could be transmitted through bedsheets, highlighting the need for rigorous cleaning, frequent sheet changes, and higher-thread-count sheets to reduce pathogen transmission and hospital-acquired infections.},
}

@article {pmid42379479,
year = {2026},
author = {Khanh, LN and Anh, NTL and Quynh, NTN and Nguyen, TT and Ho, DV and Hoai, NT and Huong, PT and Nguyen, TK},
title = {2H-Chromen-2-one Disrupts the Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Matrix and Potentiates Moxifloxacin Activity: In Vitro and In Silico Analyses.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108666},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108666},
pmid = {42379479},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus aureus biofilms contribute to antimicrobial tolerance and treatment failure, motivating the search for antibiofilm adjuvants that restore antibiotic activity. In this study, we evaluated 2H-chromen-2-one isolated from Aspidistra letrea for its antibiofilm activity and its ability to potentiate moxifloxacin (MXF) against S. aureus biofilms.

METHODS: Established biofilms were quantified by total biomass (crystal violet staining) and viable bacteria (CFU enumeration) following exposure to 2H-chromen-2-one alone or in combination with MXF, including testing MXF at a clinically relevant peak concentration (Cmax). Molecular docking was performed against proteins encoded by the ica locus to explore potential molecular targets.

RESULTS: 2H-chromen-2-one reduced biofilm biomass by approximately 50% at 1-2 mg/mL and markedly increased MXF antibiofilm killing in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, MXF alone showed minimal killing at Cmax, whereas co-treatment achieved a reduction of up to approximately 1.6 log10 CFU/mL (>97% killing) and reduced the bactericidal concentration requirement from >1.5 to 0.032 mg/L. Moreover, the maximal reduction efficacy of MXF increased from approximately -2 log10 CFU/mL when MXF was used alone to approximately -3 log10 CFU/mL when combined with 2H-chromen-2-one. Docking suggested a putative interaction between 2H-chromen-2-one and IcaC, consistent with interference in poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG)-associated matrix biology.

CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data indicate that 2H-chromen-2-one is a promising antibiofilm adjuvant that can sensitize S. aureus biofilms to moxifloxacin, supporting its further validation in clinical isolates and in vivo models.},
}

@article {pmid42380207,
year = {2026},
author = {Shobana, R and Sivaprakash, S and Amali, AJ and Solomon, AP and Suresh, D},
title = {Palladium(II) complexes suppress biofilm formation and virulence in multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-59550-3},
pmid = {42380207},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) and its ability to form biofilms on host tissues and indwelling devices necessitate the development of alternative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional bactericidal approaches. Two series of palladium(II) metal complexes, derived from α-picolinic acid and substituted anilines, namely QSL_Pd[1A] to QSL_Pd[6A] and QSL_Pd[1B] to QSL_Pd[6B], were tested for their efficacy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of S.aureus, SA P1966 and SA 2040, and their mechanism of action was elucidated. Among the complexes, QSL_Pd[4A] emerged as a potent lead, effectively suppressing biofilm formation with an MBIC50 of 6.26-0.74 µg/mL across both isolates in association with reduced extracellular polymeric substance production and lower cell surface hydrophobicity, without inducing reactive oxygen species. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of sarA and icaA, while the agr system remained unaffected. Notably, combinatorial therapy demonstrated a synergistic interaction with commercially available antibiotics, resensitizing the strains. Together, these findings highlight QSL_Pd[4A] as a promising antivirulence and antibiofilm agent that attenuates virulence factors, offering a viable strategy to combat MDRSA without exhibiting cytotoxicity.},
}

@article {pmid42380509,
year = {2026},
author = {Okła, S and Kaliniak, S and Spałek, J and Piotrowska, K and Łysik, D and Deptuła, P and Żochowski, K and Dutkiewicz, M and Mystkowska, J and Wnorowska, U and Bucki, R and Durnaś, B and Madej, M and Maciejewski, H and Góźdź, S},
title = {Inhibiting biofilm growth on ammonium salt-functionalized or fluorinated voice prostheses silicone.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00253-026-13904-z},
pmid = {42380509},
issn = {1432-0614},
abstract = {Voice prostheses (VPs) are largely limited by their relatively short functional lifespans, mainly due to colonization by heterogeneous fungal-bacterial biofilms. This biofilm-mediated degradation is a major contributor to VP failure and is associated with clinically significant complications such as impaired phonation, leakage through the tracheoesophageal fistula, and an increased risk of pneumonia. We performed a series of in vitro experiments to assess the antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of VPs constructed from quaternary ammonium salt-functionalized or fluorinated silicone. Biofilm development on each prosthesis was quantified by measuring crystal violet-stained biomass, and surface coverage was visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, biofilm morphology and material adhesion characteristics were examined by atomic force microscopy. To evaluate cytocompatibility, fibroblasts were exposed to extracts obtained after 24 h incubation of each material in culture medium. This was followed by analysis of cell area, circularity index, haemolytic activity and cytokine secretion. Mechanical testing was performed to determine the physiochemical performance of the tested silicone materials. Crystal violet staining demonstrated substantial biofilm accumulation on VPs retrieved from patients after three months of use. In contrast, the modified silicone materials exhibited markedly reduced biofilm coverage. All tested materials supported normal fibroblast proliferation and showed minimal hemolytic activity, although they differed in their capacity to induce cytokine expression. Incorporation of ammonium salt-functionalised or fluorinated silicone in VP design may substantially reduce surface biofilm formation. Thereby, improving device longevity and decreasing the risk of use-related complications. Key points• Fluorinated and quaternary ammonium salt-modified silicones exhibit significant biofilm resistance.• The modified materials demonstrate established biocompatibility with human cells.• These findings suggest the potential for developing new, extended-lifespan voice prostheses.},
}

@article {pmid42380527,
year = {2026},
author = {Pimenta, ALA and de Sousa, LA and Martins, CHG and de Carvalho Panzeri, F},
title = {Effect of a cannabidiol-based mouthwash on dental enamel properties and biofilm control: an In situ study.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {30},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42380527},
issn = {1436-3771},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Mouthwashes/pharmacology ; *Dental Enamel/drug effects ; Animals ; Cattle ; Cross-Over Studies ; Humans ; Chlorhexidine/pharmacology ; *Cannabidiol/pharmacology ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Surface Properties ; Hardness ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the antibiofilm activity of experimental mouthwash containing different concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) and the in situ effects on the physical and mechanical properties of dental enamel.

METHODS: Bovine enamel fragments (6 × 6 × 2 mm) were mounted in intraoral appliances worn by 14 participants in a crossover design. Mouthwash containing CBD (0%, 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%) and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) were tested. Each experimental phase lasted 7 days, separated by washout periods. One side of the appliance was exposed to a cariogenic challenge (20% sucrose) prior to treatment. Surface roughness (Ra), microhardness (%KHN), and color change (ΔE00) were measured before and after treatments. Biofilm and yeast counts (log10 CFU) were quantified, and enamel surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests and Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS: Sucrose did not significantly affect Ra (P > 0.05), although CBD 0.1% showed higher roughness than CHX under sucrose exposure (P < 0.05). No significant differences in %KHN were observed among treatments; however, sucrose reduced microhardness in the placebo and CBD 0.01% groups (P < 0.05). CHX exhibited the highest ΔE00 values (P < 0.05). Biofilm formation was similar among CHX, CBD 0.05%, and CBD 0.1% (P > 0.05), while CHX showed lower yeast counts than CBD 0.01% and CBD 0.1% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: CBD 0.05% demonstrated potential for biofilm control without adversely affecting enamel properties.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides evidence supporting a natural compound-based mouthwash as a clinically viable alternative to chlorhexidine, showing similar efficacy and no associated adverse effects under the conditions tested.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Mouthwashes/pharmacology
*Dental Enamel/drug effects
Animals
Cattle
Cross-Over Studies
Humans
Chlorhexidine/pharmacology
*Cannabidiol/pharmacology
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Surface Properties
Hardness

@article {pmid42381365,
year = {2026},
author = {Pandiangan, M and Gaffar, M and Djamin, R and Zainuddin, AA and Sjahril, R and Akil, MA},
title = {Exploring the Link Between Bacterial Biofilm and Disease Severity in Cholesteatoma-Associated CSOM.},
journal = {Medeniyet medical journal},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {125-133},
doi = {10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2026.88555},
pmid = {42381365},
issn = {2149-2042},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with cholesteatoma is a potentially dangerous condition that can lead to extracranial and intracranial complications. Bacteria associated with CSOM cholesteatoma frequently produce biofilms, which contribute to antibiotic resistance and accelerate disease progression.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the tertiary teaching hospital of Hasanuddin University, its affiliated hospitals, and the Hasanuddin University Medical Research Center (HUM-RC) between March 2024 and April 2025. Patients diagnosed with CSOM cholesteatoma who underwent mastoidectomy were enrolled. Bacterial isolates obtained from cholesteatoma tissue were evaluated for biofilm formation using crystal violet staining. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included: 46.9% male and 53.1% female; age range 9-66 years. Of the bacterial isolates, 40 demonstrated biofilm formation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently identified species (42.5%), followed by 12 other species, all of which exhibited weak to moderate biofilm production. Based on the Telmesani grading system, 47% of patients presented with severe disease. However, the limited sample size restricted the ability to establish a statistically significant correlation between biofilm presence and clinical severity.

CONCLUSIONS: Biofilm formation was detected in the majority of bacterial isolates, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa emerging as the predominant species. Although nearly half of the patients presented with severe disease, most isolates demonstrated only weak to moderate biofilm production. The limited sample size restricted the ability to establish a statistically significant correlation between biofilm presence and clinical severity. Nevertheless, these findings highlight the importance of biofilm in the pathogenesis of CSOM and underscore the need for larger multicenter studies to clarify its role and inform the development of biofilm-targeted therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42381547,
year = {2026},
author = {Maji, S and M N, S and Paramasivam, S and Rajaramon, S and Sujith, S and Solomon, AP and Pasupuleti, M},
title = {Mechanism-guided metal complex therapeutics for biofilm-driven wound infections and transdermal delivery.},
journal = {Expert opinion on drug delivery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1080/17425247.2026.2697993},
pmid = {42381547},
issn = {1744-7593},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Chronic wound infections remain a major healthcare challenge due to persistent polymicrobial biofilms and the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Conventional antimicrobial therapies often fail to eradicate biofilms, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Metal complexes have emerged as promising candidates owing to their multitarget antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities and potential for localize wound treatment.

AREAS COVERED: This review examines the role of metal complexes in combating biofilm-associated wound infections. Their mechanisms of action, including membrane disruption, redox imbalance, quorum-sensing inhibition, metabolic interference, and biofilm matrix destabilization, are discussed. The review further explores the integration of metal complexes into advanced transdermal and wound patch platforms, including polymeric matrices, nanocomposite systems and stimuli-responsive delivery systems designed to enhance localized drug release, improve wound retention, and minimize systemic toxicity. Current preclinical and translational developments are also highlighted.

EXPERT OPINION: Metal-complex-based transdermal therapeutics represent a promising next-generation approach for managing chronic biofilm-mediated wound infections and overcoming antimicrobial resistance. However, successful clinical translation requires addressing challenges related to toxicity, formulation stability, manufacturing scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term safety. Future interdisciplinary efforts integrating microbiology, materials science, and clinical research will be essential to advance these technologies from laboratory to clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid42381592,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction to ''Clinical Efficacy of Interventions Based on Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal in the Treatment of Dental Biofilm-Induced Gingivitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis''.},
journal = {Journal of clinical periodontology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jcpe.70149},
pmid = {42381592},
issn = {1600-051X},
}

@article {pmid42372892,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, Z and Kok, NWH and Wong, ASW and Nataño, JHJ and Nolan, LM and Loo, SCJ},
title = {Alginate-based biofilm-assisted encapsulation of a Co-culture of Bifidobacterium longum DSM20219 and Bacillus subtilis SOM8 enhances resistance to gastrointestinal stress.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {373},
number = {},
pages = {153262},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153262},
pmid = {42372892},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Oral probiotic formulations are increasingly explored for supporting gastrointestinal health, restoring gut microbiome balance, and providing non-invasive alternatives to injections or transplants. However, delivering oxygen-sensitive probiotics orally remains challenging because gastric acidity, bile salts, digestive enzymes, and aerobic storage can substantially reduce bacterial viability. Sodium alginate is widely used for probiotic encapsulation because it forms mild, cell-compatible hydrogel beads, but alginate-only matrices often provide limited protection for highly sensitive anaerobes due to their hydrated and permeable network structure. Here, we developed an alginate-based, biofilm-assisted encapsulation system for the co-culture and co-delivery of Bacillus subtilis SOM8 and Bifidobacterium longum DSM20219. This strategy enhanced probiotic tolerance to simulated gastric fluids (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluids (SIF), and extended shelf life under aerobic conditions. Biofilm-assisted encapsulation improved B. longum DSM20219 viability, maintaining survival above 7-log CFU/g after 2 h in SGF and SIF, representing an approximately 3-log improvement over alginate-only encapsulation. It also maintained over 6-log CFU/g after 28 days of aerobic storage. Imaging and time-resolved co-culture analyses suggested that the enhanced protection was associated with biofilm formation, cell aggregation, extracellular matrix development, and dynamic interspecies interactions within the alginate system. While further in vivo and omics-based validation will be required, these findings support biofilm-assisted co-encapsulation as a promising biologically integrated strategy for polymer-based probiotic delivery.},
}

@article {pmid42373407,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, W and Chua, SL},
title = {Engineering a capture-bioremediate-release microbial biofilm for simultaneous bioremediation of microplastics and adsorbed heavy metals.},
journal = {Trends in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tibtech.2026.06.004},
pmid = {42373407},
issn = {1879-3096},
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) pose escalating environmental and human health risks, particularly when they adsorb heavy metals and form complex, co-contaminated pollutants. Furthermore, when MPs are removed and sent to landfills or incineration, the adsorbed heavy metals often persist and re-enter the environment. However, most existing remediation strategies remove only single pollutants, which fail to address complex pollution. In this research article, we engineered an environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain with three programmable functions: (i) enhanced biofilm formation for efficient aggregation and capture of MPs, (ii) increased pyoverdine production for bioremediation of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) adsorbed on MPs, and (iii) subsequent arabinose-inducible biofilm dispersal to release decontaminated MPs for convenient recovery. Our proof of concept was validated in a pilot trial with polluted Hong Kong seawater, demonstrating efficient dual-pollutant removal in environmentally relevant conditions. Hence, our work highlights the promise of biotechnology in advancing multi-pollutant environmental remediation.},
}

@article {pmid42373704,
year = {2026},
author = {Kashi, M and Alshemri, ABS and Alimardan, Z and Arjomandzadegan, M and Hariri, Y and Chegini, Z and Shariati, A},
title = {Antibacterial and anti-biofilm mechanisms of 1,8-cineole against colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: an integrated in vitro, gene expression, and in silico study.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-60309-z},
pmid = {42373704},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The rise of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (ColR Ab) poses a major clinical challenge, underscoring the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm mechanisms of 1,8-cineole against ColR Ab using in vitro, transcriptional, and in silico approaches. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and anti-biofilm activities were determined against three ColR Ab isolates. Membrane integrity was assessed via protein and nucleic acid leakage assays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed bacterial morphology and biofilm structure, and expression of biofilm-associated genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was employed to evaluate the binding affinity of 1,8-cineole against key target proteins of A. baumannii. The inhibition zone in the disk diffusion method and MIC were 10.3 ± 0.8 mm and 3.6 mg/mL, respectively. 1,8-cineole also caused significant protein and nucleic acid leakage and, at 4× MIC, significantly disrupted the mature biofilm structure. SEM confirmed bacterial cell membrane rupture, intracellular content leakage, and ultrastructural damage following treatment. qRT-PCR validation demonstrated that 1,8-cineole significantly downregulated the expression of the bfmR, bap, csuE, ompA, and pgaB, while abaI expression was not significantly affected. Molecular docking simulations predicted favorable binding of 1,8-cineole to quorum-sensing regulators AbaR and LasR. 1,8-cineole exhibits significant bactericidal and anti-biofilm activity against ColR Ab. Its mechanism of action may involve disruption of cell membrane integrity and potential interference with bacterial key quorum-sensing regulators. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing 1,8-cineole as a potential therapeutic strategy against ColR Ab infections.},
}

@article {pmid42374468,
year = {2026},
author = {Alabssawy, AN and Abu-Elghait, M and Azab, AM and Khalaf-Allah, HMM and Ashry, AS and Ali, AOM and Sabra, AAA and Salem, SS},
title = {Editorial Expression of Concern: Hindering the biofilm of microbial pathogens and cancer cell lines development using silver nanoparticles synthesized by epidermal mucus proteins from Clarias gariepinus.},
journal = {BMC biotechnology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42374468},
issn = {1472-6750},
}

@article {pmid42375183,
year = {2026},
author = {Xi, D and Jiang, W and Li, M and Guo, J and Wang, P and Yin, F and Fan, X and Wang, KR and Sun, W and Peng, X},
title = {In situ glycosylation-directed H-aggregation of Type I photosensitizers for synergistic biofilm eradication and promoting diabetic wound healing.},
journal = {Chemical science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42375183},
issn = {2041-6520},
abstract = {Biofilm-associated diabetic wound infections pose a major therapeutic challenge. Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers an alternative antibacterial strategy, conventional photosensitizers are often limited by inadequate biofilm penetration and poor activity under hypoxic conditions. In this study, we report glycosylated photosensitizers (NBS-Gal and NBS-Lac) that spontaneously form H-aggregates in aqueous media via π-stacking. This self-assembly integrates molecular function with nanostructure without requiring auxiliary components and enables robust Type I photodynamic activity. Notably, NBS-Lac exhibits superior H-aggregation, resulting in 2.2-fold and 1.8-fold higher O2 [˙-] generation (after 4 min irradiation) than NBS-NH2 and NBS-Gal, respectively. The glycosyl moieties enable targeted bacterial recognition through carbohydrate-lectin interactions, while the positive charge on NBS facilitates biofilm penetration via electrostatic interactions. NBS-Lac achieves 100% bactericidal efficacy against P. aeruginosa, along with high biofilm inhibition (∼87%) and eradication (∼80%). In a murine diabetic wound model, NBS-Lac mediates complete healing (100%) under light irradiation, significantly outperforming the controls. This work establishes carbohydrate-directed self-assembly as a novel paradigm for designing targeted, hypoxia-tolerant Type I PDT agents.},
}