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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid42306528,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, P and Wang, Z and Jia, N and Wang, X and Liu, J and Zhu, Y},
title = {Mapping the knowledge landscape of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-mediated drug resistance: a bibliometric analysis and clinical trial landscape overview.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1830404},
pmid = {42306528},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology ; Humans ; Bibliometrics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen whose ability to form biofilms greatly enhances antimicrobial tolerance and contributes to persistent infection. Although increasing attention has been paid to biofilm-mediated drug resistance, the overall knowledge structure and translational development of this field remain unclear.

METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was performed using publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus on December 20, 2025. The search covered the period 2014-2025 and focused on P. aeruginosa, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilms, resulting in 6,537 publications for bibliometric analysis. To complement the bibliometric findings, a supplementary narrative review of published clinical studies and a separate registered trial landscape overview were conducted. After screening, 6 published clinical studies and 18 registered interventional trials were included.

RESULTS: Global research output on P. aeruginosa biofilm-mediated resistance increased steadily from 2014 to 2025. China, the United States, and India were the most productive countries, while the United States showed the leading role in the international collaboration network. Keyword clustering and temporal analyses indicated three major research directions: multidrug resistance evolution and pathogenic synergy, novel antibacterial interventions and functional materials, and clinical translation and efficacy evaluation. The supplementary clinical component showed growing interest in adjunctive and mechanistically targeted strategies, particularly in chronic airway and wound-associated infections, although mature efficacy data remain limited.

CONCLUSIONS: Research on P. aeruginosa biofilm-mediated drug resistance is shifting from mechanistic exploration toward translational application. This study provides a data-driven overview of the field's intellectual structure, research hotspots, and emerging trends, and may help guide future anti-biofilm and anti-resistance research.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects/physiology
Humans
Bibliometrics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Clinical Trials as Topic
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial

@article {pmid42307328,
year = {2026},
author = {Moehammad, KS and Al Zamzami, IM and Pramudia, Z and Susanti, YAD and Faqih, AR and Yahya, and Kurniawan, A},
title = {Probiotic Bacillus spp. modulate biofilm microbial assembly in Litopenaeus vannamei culture water.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia},
volume = {86},
number = {},
pages = {e303812},
doi = {10.1590/1519-6984.303812},
pmid = {42307328},
issn = {1678-4375},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; Animals ; *Penaeidae/microbiology ; *Bacillus/physiology ; *Probiotics/pharmacology ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Aquaculture ; *Water Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Shrimp aquaculture faces persistent challenges arising from microbial imbalances and pathogenic dominance, often linked to biofilm-forming bacterial communities. Probiotics, particularly Bacillus spp., offer a sustainable alternative to antibiotic and chemical management; however, their structural and ecological roles in biofilm modulation remain insufficiently understood. This study applied an integrative approach combining Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and nutrient monitoring to evaluate the influence of Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation on biofilm communities in Litopenaeus vannamei culture water. Amplicon-based analysis revealed a distinct reconfiguration of bacterial assemblages: untreated biofilms were dominated by Vibrio spp., whereas probiotic supplementation reduced their relative abundance and transiently increased marine-associated genera such as Marivita, Pseudoalteromonas, and Marinobacter during early succession. Bacillus exhibited increased relative abundance under probiotic treatment, coinciding with a shift toward a more compositionally balanced community structure. SEM observations corroborated these findings, showing that probiotic application was associated with less compact and more heterogeneous biofilm architecture. Nutrient analyses demonstrated moderately lower concentrations of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in probiotic-treated systems, whereas phosphate concentrations remained consistently low across treatments. Although Bacillus abundance was negatively associated with inorganic nitrogen parameters, functional mechanisms were not directly measured. These findings therefore represent ecological associations rather than mechanistic confirmation of enhanced nutrient turnover. Overall, the results highlight the potential of Bacillus-based probiotics as environmentally compatible biofilm modulators in shrimp aquaculture systems.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
Animals
*Penaeidae/microbiology
*Bacillus/physiology
*Probiotics/pharmacology
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Aquaculture
*Water Microbiology

@article {pmid42308220,
year = {2026},
author = {Arens, DK and Jensen, M and Rose, MA and Zamora, HM and Huh, EY and Hwang, YY},
title = {Phage mediated growth inhibition and biofilm disruption of the endodontic pathogen Enterococcus faecalis.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e0350657},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0350657},
pmid = {42308220},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Enterococcus faecalis/virology/growth & development/physiology ; *Bacteriophages/physiology/isolation & purification ; Humans ; Host Specificity ; },
abstract = {The failure of endodontic procedures such as root canal therapy is primarily indicated by persistent microbial infections. Root canal therapy involves the removal of decaying dental pulp (internal blood vessels and nerves of teeth), sanitizing the canal, and filling the space with biocompatible materials. Improper cleaning or the breakdown of these materials can lead to secondary infections. These infections, if left untreated, can lead to severe pain, bone and tooth loss, and potentially systemic infection. The bacterium Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most commonly associated organisms with failed root canal therapy, in addition to its prevalence in urinary tract infections, endocarditis, wounds, and sepsis. E. faecalis is known to survive in low nutrient environments and produce extensive biofilms, making it difficult to eradicate. In addition to antibiotic treatment, bacteriophages (phages), which are bacteria-specific viruses that kill their host are an interesting companion or alternative to antibiotics. In this study we isolated and characterized 14 E. faecalis phages from wastewater samples by testing their host range, growth inhibition, and biofilm eradication capabilities against several E. faecalis strains including two that were orally derived. Several phages showed broad host ranges (up to 16 strains), strong bacterial growth inhibition even when applied at low concentrations, and significant eradication of mature biofilms (97% reduction). The phages presented here represent a unique repertoire of antibacterial agents for use in treating endodontic infections and add to the growing library of E. faecalis phages to treat diverse infections.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Enterococcus faecalis/virology/growth & development/physiology
*Bacteriophages/physiology/isolation & purification
Humans
Host Specificity

@article {pmid42294728,
year = {2026},
author = {Mao, Z and Jiang, M and Zhao, Z and Xu, S and Wang, H and Chen, K and Duan, J and Chen, Z and He, D and Xing, P and Wu, QL},
title = {Biofilm-forming traits enrich the plasmid diversity and functional potential in particle-attached bacteria in coastal ecosystems.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0046026},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00460-26},
pmid = {42294728},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Planktonic microorganisms play a central role in aquatic biogeochemical processes and are commonly divided into particle-attached (PA) and free-living (FL) fractions. Although these two lifestyles differ in ecological strategy, the contribution of plasmids to their niche differentiation remains poorly resolved. Here, we conducted a plasmid-centric metagenomic analysis of two anthropogenically impacted coastal ecosystems in South China, the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), and Daya Bay (DYB), to determine the environmental and biological drivers of plasmid diversity, and their functional potenitial. We found that plasmid diversity was jointly shaped by different fractions and environmental stressors. The PA fraction contained significantly higher plasmid abundance and richness than the FL fraction, and was enriched in multifunctional and conjugative plasmids. These plasmids were associated with genes adapting to the PA lifestyle or microenvironments, suggesting linkage between particle attachment and plasmid maintenance. Structural equation modeling indicated that different fractions shaped plasmid diversity primarily through biofilm-forming genes. Along an anthropogenic gradient from DYB to PRE, increasing pollution levels were accompanied by higher plasmid diversity and greater abundances of antibiotic and metal resistance genes. Plasmid diversity was strongly correlated with resistance gene abundance. The enrichment of transferable plasmids in the PA fraction, where cell densities are high and intercellular distances are close, suggested that particle-associated habitats favor genetic exchange and the persistence of resistance traits. Together, these results demonstrate that particle-associated microbial communities represent key reservoirs of plasmid diversity and resistance potential in coastal ecosystems and highlight the combined influence of lifestyles and anthropogenic stress on plasmid-mediated microbial adaptation.

IMPORTANCE: Plasmids play an important role in microbial adaptation by mediating horizontal gene transfer, yet the ecological contexts that favor their persistence and diversification in natural environments remain poorly understood. This study showed that particle-attached microbial communities in coastal waters harbored substantially higher plasmid diversity and resistance potential than free-living communities, and that this enrichment is strongly linked to biofilm-associated traits. By demonstrating how particulate habitats and pollution gradients jointly shape plasmid diversity and resistance gene abundance, our findings identify particle-associated microenvironments as critical reservoirs for plasmid-mediated functions in coastal ecosystems. These results advance understanding of how microbial lifestyle and human activities influence microbial evolution and the environmental dissemination of resistance traits.},
}

@article {pmid42294941,
year = {2026},
author = {Friebel, L and Knepper, J-P and Becker, NS and Abbaszade, G and Stückrath, K and Soltwisch, J and Müller, S and Dreisewerd, K and Mascher, T},
title = {Cannibalism shapes biofilm structure and composition in Bacillus subtilis.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0052526},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00525-26},
pmid = {42294941},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: In Bacillus subtilis colony biofilms, phenotypic diversification confers tissue-like properties and enhanced competitive fitness within a structural framework that allows both colony expansion and long-term survival via endospore formation. Cannibalism is a sporulation delay strategy, in which one subpopulation produces the sporulation delay protein SDP, the sporulation killing factor SKF, and the epipeptide EPE. These toxins are thought to lyse susceptible nonproducers, thereby releasing nutrients to prevent premature sporulation. However, the molecular mechanisms orchestrating this bacterial type of programmed cell death during biofilm development are poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively characterized mutants defective in either toxin production or the corresponding autoimmunity by a multiscale approach, combining luminescence reporters, colony biopsy, multi-parameter flow cytometry, and MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging to resolve cannibalism function and distribution. The toxins are produced in distinct, only partially overlapping areas of the colony, and are interdependent in their spatial distribution. Both EPE and SDP, but not SKF, are crucial for delaying sporulation. Loss of EPE or SDP autoimmunity resulted in severe morphological changes and stress-induced occurrence of suppressor mutants. The absence of all three toxins led to small, hyper-sporulating colonies with excessive wrinkle formation, indicating that cannibalism is essential for maintaining biofilm structure and lateral expansion. Our results provide the first evidence for the complex interactions between the three cannibalism toxins that shape biofilm architecture through bacterial programmed cell death. Localized toxin production and its spatial distribution affect the spatiotemporal organization, morphology, and subpopulation dynamics within B. subtilis biofilms.

IMPORTANCE: Programmed cell death (PCD) is a ubiquitous and crucial mechanism to structure eukaryotic multicellular tissues. PCD-like processes have also been described in bacteria, but their contribution to multicellular development is poorly understood. Cannibalism in Bacillus subtilis has been described as a sporulation delay strategy, in which one subpopulation produces antimicrobial peptides that kill susceptible nonproducing siblings. Their lysis is thought to release nutrients that delay the sporulation in the producing subpopulation. This study comprehensively analyses the role of the three cannibalism toxins in shaping colony biofilms. By combining MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging, colony biopsy, flow cytometry, and luminescence reporters, we demonstrate that cannibalism toxins are crucial for biofilm structure. They show a discrete and interdependent localization within the colonies. While cannibalism inhibits sporulation and causes severe envelope stress within biofilms, our data challenge the established role of cannibalism-dependent killing as the mechanism behind this sporulation delay.},
}

@article {pmid42297250,
year = {2026},
author = {He, QP and Gati, G and Wang, J},
title = {Overcoming mass transfer limitations in biological methane removal: a "dry" biofilm approach.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135158},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135158},
pmid = {42297250},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Biological methane (CH4) removal from dilute air streams (200-5,000 ppm) is fundamentally constrained by slow mass transfer, primarily due to CH4's low solubility and diffusivity in water. Conventional biofilters, the current state of technology, suffer from long start-up periods, progressive pore clogging, and high transport energy requirements. This study investigates a "dry" biofilm concept designed to overcome these bottlenecks by minimizing the aqueous boundary layer while maintaining microbial activity via capillary-mediated nutrient delivery. Using concentrated biomass of the methanotroph Methylomicrobium buryatense 5GB1C, three generations of membrane-supported reactor configurations were evaluated. The third-generation (G3) design utilized a cellulose-bead capillary support to maintain a physical gap between the membrane and the liquid surface, enabling continuous drainage of metabolic water. Experimental results demonstrated that the "dry" G3 configuration achieved CH4 removal rate of 148.9 mg·m[-2]·hr[-1] at 4000 ppm, representing a 397% improvement over the first-generation floating mesh configuration. At 500 ppm, G3 design achieved a CH4 removal rate of 18.6 mg·m[-2]·hr[-1], corresponding to an over six-fold improvement over one of the highest reported values. Furthermore, the system enabled immediate start-up post-inoculation and maintained an optimal microenvironment pH (8.8-9.0) even as the bulk medium acidified. These results establish that replacing liquid-phase diffusion with drastically faster gas-phase transport provides a high-efficiency framework for mitigating low-concentration CH4 emissions. With the added benefits of minimal pressure drop and easy biomass harvesting via scraping, this dry biofilm approach offers a scalable and sustainable alternative for atmospheric methane mitigation.},
}

@article {pmid42297329,
year = {2026},
author = {Thibodeau, AJ and Mouchet, F and Nguyen, VX and Moura, T and Vivant, M and Pinelli, E and Barret, M},
title = {Sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics modulate antimicrobial resistance fate in a Biofilm-Grazer system.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {128470},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128470},
pmid = {42297329},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents an escalating global health challenge, primarily driven by the extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture and medicine. Environmental compartments like soil, water, and biofilms contribute to the spread and persistence of resistance genes. Biofilms and wildlife microbiota are recognized as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems. The ecological interactions between biofilms and wildlife gut microbiota, under antibiotic selective pressure, and their implication regarding the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems is poorly understood. This study examined the impact of sub-inhibitory concentrations of sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim (10 μg. L[-1]) on the resistome in a Biofilm-grazer system, using a river biofilm and Xenopus laevis larvae over a 12-day period. The results indicated that antibiotic pressure resulted in notable variations in microbial composition in both biofilms and gut microbiota. Additionally, comparison of bacterial community composition between gut and biofilm compartments indicated increased microbial exchange between these environments, with stronger effects observed under antibiotic exposure. An increase of the resistome was observed only in biofilm especially under antibiotics exposure. Variations in the grazer's bacterial communities appeared to attenuate the increase of ARGs within the gut. However, grazing activity concomitantly enhanced the resistome abundance and diversity within the biofilm. This study presents an original perspective on the understanding of impact of sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentration on ecosystems though a microcosm experiment, highlighting the necessity for environmental monitoring and further studies across diverse and complex ecological settings to mitigate antibiotic resistance dissemination.},
}

@article {pmid42298526,
year = {2026},
author = {Tunç, AK and Gecer, EN and Erenler, R and Marzi, M},
title = {Biofilm inhibition by silver nanoparticles produced from Stachys spectabilis.},
journal = {BMC complementary medicine and therapies},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12906-026-05438-8},
pmid = {42298526},
issn = {2662-7671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has emerged as an environmentally friendly approach for developing novel antimicrobial materials. Although several Stachys species have been investigated for their pharmacological properties, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of AgNPs synthesized from Stachys spectabilis have not previously been evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of Stachys spectabilis-derived AgNPs against clinically relevant biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens.

METHODS: AgNPs were fabricated through an aqueous green synthesis approach and characterized using standard analytical techniques. Antibacterial activity was assessed via liquid microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiofilm activity was quantified using the crystal violet assay in 96-well microplates.

RESULTS: Disc diffusion results revealed measurable inhibition zones only in E. coli and P. aeruginosa (6 mm), corresponding largely to the disc diameter and indicating limited nanoparticle diffusion in agar. In contrast, MIC and MBC analyses demonstrated a clear concentration-dependent antibacterial effect: S. aureus showed the highest susceptibility with a MIC of 1024 µg/mL, while the remaining strains exhibited MICs of 2048 µg/mL. Consistently higher MBC values confirmed the inhibitory-to-bactericidal threshold. AgNPs also displayed substantial antibiofilm activity, achieving biomass reductions of 59.7% in P. aeruginosa, 57.0% in E. coli, 54.9% in S. aureus, and 40.1% in K. pneumoniae. Overall, the results demonstrate that although AgNPs exhibit limited diffusion in solid media, they possess concentration-dependent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity in liquid media.

CONCLUSIONS: The synthesized silver nanoparticles demonstrated substantial antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy despite their limited diffusion in solid media. While disc diffusion assays produced minimal inhibition zones, MIC and MBC analyses revealed concentration-dependent inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with S. aureus showing the greatest susceptibility. Additionally, significant reductions in biofilm biomass across all tested species indicate that AgNPs not only inhibit planktonic bacterial growth but also effectively disrupt established biofilms. These findings suggest that AgNPs hold considerable potential as alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly in applications where both planktonic and biofilm-associated bacterial forms must be controlled. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Stachys spectabilis-derived AgNPs, highlighting their potential as sustainable antimicrobial agents for the control of biofilm-associated bacterial infections.},
}

@article {pmid42298784,
year = {2026},
author = {Zainal, M and Ibrahim, MJ and Mohd Sarmin, N' and Ismail, S and Cirillo, N and Dashper, SG and Arzmi, MH},
title = {Phenotypic switch Candidozyma auris (Candida auris) modulates biofilm formation and virulence genes SAP5 and ALS5 in mono- and co-culture environments with Staphylococcus aureus.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2688203},
pmid = {42298784},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) (C. auris), an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, forms biofilms as a virulence factor. This study aimed to determine the effect of phenotypic switch on C. auris biofilm formation and virulence gene expression in mono- and co-culture with Staphylococcus aureus. Phenotypic switching was induced by prolonged incubation, and biofilms were developed in RPMI-1640, YEPD, SDB, and BHIYE. The biofilm biomass and total cell count were measured. SAP5 and ALS5 gene expression was quantified using qPCR. The 4th switched generation mono-culture biofilm in BHIYE produced the highest biomass (3.34 ± 0.08) and total cell count (5.66 ± 0.03 log10 cells mL[-1]). In addition, SAP5 and ALS5 expression peaked in the 2nd switched generation mono-culture by 10.43 ± 0.44-fold and 4.764 ± 0.01-fold, respectively. Co-culture biofilms exhibited significantly higher ALS5 expression in selected switched generations compared to unswitched C. auris (p < 0.05). In conclusion, phenotypic switching enhanced biofilm formation and modulated the expression of SAP5 and ALS5 in C. auris.},
}

@article {pmid42299093,
year = {2026},
author = {Yüksel Yence, D},
title = {Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, enterotoxin genes, biofilm formation, and agr typing of Staphylococcus aureus from raw milk and cheese.},
journal = {Polish journal of veterinary sciences},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {191-202},
doi = {10.24425/pjvs.2026.1262},
pmid = {42299093},
issn = {2300-2557},
mesh = {*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; Animals ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Enterotoxins/genetics/metabolism ; *Cheese/microbiology ; *Milk/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/physiology ; Trans-Activators ; },
abstract = {In this study, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 46% of raw milk and 10% of cheese samples collected in Edirne, Türkiye. All isolates carried the sec and seg enterotoxin genes, while 39% harbored sed, 7% seh, and only 4% of isolates carried either sea or sei. A total of 25% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. The highest resistance rate was observed against penicillin (39%), followed by kanamycin (18%), tetracycline (14%), clindamycin (11%), chloramphenicol and rifampin (7%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin (4%). Methicillin resistance was found in 11%, and mecA was identified in two isolates. All isolates formed biofilms at 22°C and 37°C, and 82% also at 4°C. Agr typing showed that 21% of isolates belonged to group I, 21% to group II, and 11% to group III, while no group IV isolates were detected. These findings demonstrate that enterotoxigenic, antimicrobial-resistant, and biofilm-forming S. aureus isolates from dairy products may persist along the food chain and represent a potential public health risk, underscoring the importance of continuous microbiological monitoring and preventive strategies within a One Health framework.},
}

*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics/physiology
Animals
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Enterotoxins/genetics/metabolism
*Cheese/microbiology
*Milk/microbiology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/physiology
Trans-Activators

@article {pmid42300347,
year = {2026},
author = {Pongen, YL and Chinnappa, B and Bollapragreate, SK and Punniyakotti, P and Durairaj, T},
title = {Biofilm mediated mineral alteration of limestone by Bacillus cereus and sulphate reducing bacterial consortia: impacts on quality grading, stability, and composition.},
journal = {Environmental science. Processes & impacts},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5em00841g},
pmid = {42300347},
issn = {2050-7895},
abstract = {Microbial mediation of mineral transformation plays a vital role in both geochemical processes and industrial applications. This study investigates native bacterial communities from Upper Cretaceous limestone fossil deposits in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, India, focusing on their role in altering the composition of the limestone. A total of eleven morphologically distinct bacterial isolates and a sulphate-reducing bacterial (SRB) consortium were isolated and screened for urease production and sulphate-reducing ability under site-specific conditions. Biofilm formation, evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), revealed isolate-specific differences in biofilm architecture. The urease-positive isolate (CS4), Bacillus cereus, produced a thick matrix-rich biofilm (81.34 ± 0.84 µm) associated with mineral precipitation. In contrast, the SRB consortia formed a thinner biofilm (42.18 ± 0.87 µm), which promoted mineral dissolution. SEM/EDX and XRD analysis confirmed significant changes in the limestone texture and mineral composition of CS4-treated samples, including increased calcium content (∼6.39%) and reduced phosphorus (∼11.68%), sulphur (∼2.33%), and chlorine (∼3.07%), which are elements detrimental to cement quality. The study also indicates that sulphate reduction may be an important factor in the genesis of microbial-mediated limestone fossil formation. These findings suggest that microbial biofilm dynamics and urease-mediated processes can selectively enhance limestone quality, providing new insights into selective mineral leaching, biocalcification, and microbial-mineral interactions with potential industrial relevance.},
}

@article {pmid42300540,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, X and Zhang, J and Rahimi, S and Kozjek, K and Larsson, L and Mijakovic, I and Pandit, S},
title = {Mechanistic insights into graphene coatings for oral biofilm inhibition and osteoblast compatibility.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d6tb00324a},
pmid = {42300540},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {The initial adhesion of bacterial cells to implant surfaces is a critical step in biofilm formation. Biofilms are complex microbial communities that are much more tolerant to conventional antimicrobial treatments than planktonic cells, often requiring mechanical disruption in addition to antimicrobial treatment. Once established, these biofilms and their self-produced extracellular matrix are difficult to eradicate. As a result, there is growing interest in engineering implant surfaces that can effectively disrupt bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation. Various surface-modification strategies, including antimicrobial agents and nanomaterial-based coatings, have been investigated. Among these, graphene-based coatings have shown promising antimicrobial properties. However, the mechanisms of their bactericidal activity remain insufficiently understood. We evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of vertically aligned graphene (VG) coatings against Streptococcus mutans, employing electron microscopy and transcriptomics analysis to elucidate the mode of action. These coatings inhibited biofilm formation through a multifaceted mechanism: (i) reducing bacterial colonization; (ii) mechanical disruption of bacterial membranes by nanoscale protrusions; (iii) modulating expression of the genes associated with membrane integrity, transport, oxidative stress, and cell division. Importantly, the coatings inhibited bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation without affecting osteoblast growth or proliferation. These results indicate that VG coatings could offer a dual benefit by enhancing antimicrobial activity while being compatible for osseointegration, indicating their potential as candidates for next-generation biomedical implants.},
}

@article {pmid42300809,
year = {2026},
author = {Pan, D and Liu, R and Qiu, J and Wu, Z and Su, N and Shi, J and Cheng, N},
title = {Biofilm-mediated antibiotic cross-protection: Acinetobacter baumannii-driven enhancement of Elizabethkingia anopheles.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0334925},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03349-25},
pmid = {42300809},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Acinetobacter baumannii is a clinically prevalent multidrug-resistant bacterium, while Elizabethkingia, an emerging pathogen, has shown increasing infection and mortality rates in recent years. Although co-infections involving both pathogens have been reported, their interactions remain poorly understood. In this study, clinical data from 15 co-infected patients revealed that such infections were more frequent in elderly individuals with underlying diseases requiring intensive care and prolonged hospitalization. The two isolates exhibited similar antibiotic resistance profiles. In vitro co-culture experiments showed that Elizabethkingia anophelis alone was sensitive to doxycycline, but after co-culturing with A. baumannii, it survived at concentrations over 16 times its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), suggesting that A. baumannii may mediate antibiotic cross-protection. The maximum biomass (OD570) of the co-culture exceeded that of the monoculture under multiple antibiotic conditions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed no significant changes in drug resistance genes in either strain, but A. baumannii showed strong upregulation of the biofilm-associated gene pgaB. GO and KEGG analyses indicated enrichment in biofilm formation, adhesion, and exopolysaccharide synthesis. In contrast, E. anophelis showed reduced expression of its biofilm-related genes. Crystal violet staining, confocal microscopy, and SEM confirmed that co-culturing enhanced and compacted biofilm structure. Moreover, the Galleria mellonella model demonstrated higher virulence in co-infections. These findings suggest that biofilm enhancement mediated by A. baumannii promotes antibiotic tolerance in Elizabethkingia. This study provides new insights into polymicrobial co-infections and supports the development of therapeutic strategies targeting interspecies interactions.

IMPORTANCE: Hospital infections often involve more than one kind of bacterium, making them harder to treat. In this study, we focused on Acinetobacter baumannii, a well-known drug-resistant hospital pathogen, and Elizabethkingia anophelis, an emerging bacterium linked to severe infections. By analyzing patients and conducting laboratory experiments, we found that when these two bacteria grow together, E. anophelis becomes more tolerant to antibiotics and the mixed community forms stronger biofilms-protective layers that help bacteria survive. This cooperation also increased infection severity in an insect model. Our findings suggest that A. baumannii can enhance the persistence and drug resistance of E. anophelis through biofilm-related interactions. Understanding such bacterial partnerships may help develop better ways to control hospital infections and guide new antimicrobial strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42301295,
year = {2026},
author = {Sarkar, R and Agrawal, RK and Bankoti, K and Singh, J and Kumar, K and Saini, M and Roy, D and Sharma, GK and Singh, V and Chandra, M and Singh, BR},
title = {Characterization of Virulence Factors, Biofilm Production, and Antimicrobial Resistance in Mastitis-Associated Staphylococcus aureus Strains by Phenotypic and Genotypic Methods.},
journal = {Foodborne pathogens and disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {15353141261460684},
doi = {10.1177/15353141261460684},
pmid = {42301295},
issn = {1556-7125},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of bovine mastitis, relies on several virulence factors, with biofilm formation being a key contributor to its pathogenicity. The present study investigated the occurrence of S. aureus as etiological agents in bovine mastitis with a focus on the existence of various virulence factors and antibiotic resistance status. Among 120 milk samples collected from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, 36 (30%) S. aureus strains were confirmed by conventional methods and PCR. Phenotypic analysis revealed hemolysin (55.55%) and coagulase production (36.11%), while molecular analysis revealed the presence of leukotoxin (luksF, 19.44%), hemolysin (hlb, 58.33%), coagulase (coa, 63.88%), and toxic shock syndrome toxin (tsst-1, 30.55%) genes. Biofilm production ability was detected in 97.22% (crystal violet assay) and 86.11% (Congo red agar assay) strains. Biofilm-associated genes, namely, icaA (80.55%, 29/36), icaB (75%, 27/36), icaC (69.44%, 25/36), icaD (86.11%, 31/36), and MSCRAMMs genes, namely, clfA (58.33%, 21/36), clfB (75%, 27/36), fnbA (75%, 27/36), fnbB (55.55%, 20/36), bap (38.88%, 14/36), bbp (83.33%, 30/36), ebps (69.44%, 25/36), eno (66.66%, 24/36), fib (41.66%, 15/36), and cna (8.33%, 3/36), were also detected. Antimicrobial resistance was observed in 88.88% isolates, with 72.22% exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). Among the isolates, 83.33% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and mecA, femA, and femB genes were present either singly or in combination in 76.66% of the isolates. Efflux pump protein genes, namely, norA, norB, norC, mdeA, mepA, and sepA, were detected either singly or in combination in S. aureus isolates. 61.53% of MDR-MRSA isolates harbored all six efflux pump genes. According to this study, S. aureus of mastitis origin harbors various virulence, antibiotic resistance, biofilm-forming, and efflux pump genes. Bovine mastitis-derived MDR S. aureus isolates can pose a significant public health risk and need urgent attention to formulate strategies for their control and preventing transfer to the human food chain.},
}

@article {pmid42301356,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, L and Hu, M and Cao, Y and Zhang, J and Gao, Y and Zhu, F},
title = {Inhibition of biofilm formation by Limosilactobacillus fermentum supernatant against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum: an in-vitro study.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42301356},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {(HB2020045)//Wuxi Double Hundred Top Talents Project from Health Committee of Wuxi/ ; (M202240)//General Project of Wuxi Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/genetics ; *Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects/physiology/genetics/growth & development ; Carbon-Sulfur Lyases/genetics/metabolism ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Limosilactobacillus fermentum/metabolism/chemistry ; Homoserine/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/metabolism ; Lactones/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of the supernatant of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CCFM1139 on the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing system in dual-species biofilms of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, and its anti-biofilm formation efficacy.

METHODS: Construct an in vitro dual-species biofilm model of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum; after adding the supernatant of L. fermentum CCFM1139 at four stages of biofilm formation (0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h), the following experiments were conducted: (1) Biofilm mass changes were assessed using crystal violet staining; (2) Morphological changes were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM); (3) Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction(qRT-PCR) was employed to detect luxS gene expression levels in the biofilm; (4) AI-2 signaling molecule activity was quantified using Vibrio harveyi BB170 bioluminescence assay.

RESULTS: The supernatant of L. fermentum CCFM1139 significantly inhibited the formation of the dual-bacterial biofilm in a time-dependent manner: the inhibition rate peaked at 0 h (65.54%), followed by 60.20% at 12 h, decreasing to 47.09% at 24 h and 26.67% at 36 h. The inhibitory effect during the early phase (0-12 h) was significantly superior to that in the late phase (24-36 h) (p < 0.05). SEM observation revealed that the experimental group biofilm exhibited a loose monolayer structure with increased bacterial spacing, whereas the control group displayed a dense multilayer structure with tightly connected bacteria. qRT-PCR results indicated that the supernatant downregulated luxS gene expression in both P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum: inhibition of P. gingivalis was primarily observed between 0 and 24 h, while inhibition of F. nucleatum was stronger and more persistent. The Vibrio harveyi BB170 bioluminescence assay revealed that the supernatant from L. fermentum CCFM1139 significantly reduced the activity of the AI-2 signaling molecule in the dual-bacterial biofilm (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The supernatant of L. fermentum CCFM1139 effectively reduced biofilm formation by suppressing the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing system in P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum, demonstrating its potential as an antimicrobial agent.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects/physiology/growth & development/genetics
*Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects/physiology/genetics/growth & development
Carbon-Sulfur Lyases/genetics/metabolism
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Limosilactobacillus fermentum/metabolism/chemistry
Homoserine/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/metabolism
Lactones/metabolism

@article {pmid42301505,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, X and Du, M and Jiang, Z and Lyu, J and Jiang, W and Zhang, J and Sun, C and Zhang, Y and Wang, J},
title = {Integrated Environmental and Molecular Mechanisms of Navicula sp. Biofilm Induced Settlement and Metamorphosis in Mizuhopecten yessoensis Larvae.},
journal = {Marine biotechnology (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {28},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42301505},
issn = {1436-2236},
mesh = {Animals ; *Metamorphosis, Biological ; Larva/growth & development/physiology ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; Cyclic GMP/metabolism ; *Bivalvia/growth & development/physiology ; },
abstract = {Many marine invertebrate larvae are influenced by environmental factors during development, with diatom biofilms playing a crucial role in the settlement and metamorphosis of bivalve larvae. This study found that Navicula sp. biofilms alter the larval microenvironment by increasing dissolved oxygen levels through photosynthesis and decreasing nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate levels in the surrounding water. Exposure to Navicula sp. biofilms induced directional swimming in larvae and significantly shortened the time required for settlement and metamorphosis. Biofilms formed by Navicula sp. contained effective substances and key infochemicals that promoted the settlement and metamorphosis of Mizuhopecten yessoensis larvae. Soluble polysaccharides containing β-1,4-glycosidic bonds secreted by the biofilm were recognized by the larvae, triggering settlement and metamorphosis signaling. Untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses revealed increased levels of cGMP (Cyclic guanosine monophosphate), and GMP (Guanosine monophosphate), suggesting that larval settlement and metamorphosis may be associated with cGMP regulation. Based on these results, cGMP was selected for subsequent functional analyses. Treatments with the NO donor SNAP, the cGMP analog 8-Br-cGMP, and the sGC activator BAY 41-2272 significantly promoted metamorphosis, whereas the sGC inhibitor ODQ suppressed metamorphosis in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway positively regulates the settlement and metamorphosis of M. yessoensis larvae, with cGMP serving as a key effector. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying larval settlement and metamorphosis in bivalves.},
}

Animals
*Metamorphosis, Biological
Larva/growth & development/physiology
*Biofilms/growth & development
Cyclic GMP/metabolism
*Bivalvia/growth & development/physiology

@article {pmid42282684,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, BS and Godejohann, M and Mishra, R and Gürtler, F and Deloria, AJ and Liu, M and Leitgeb, R and Drexler, W and Thacker, VV and Berney, M and Haindl, R},
title = {A functional amyloid matrix underpins the PDIM-architected corded superstructure of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis biofilm.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.11.07.687260},
pmid = {42282684},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) biofilm formation is associated with antibiotic tolerance, but its architecture remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that these biofilms form highly-organized superstructures of cords, and through their deconstruction, provide a new molecular insight into Mtb biofilms. Using multimodal imaging, we demonstrate that the lipid Phthiocerol Dimycocerosate (PDIM) is required for organizing bacilli into foundational cords and contributes specifically to biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance. In contrast, the ESX-1 secretion system enhances the biochemical complexity of the extracellular matrix. Notably, we identified a functional amyloid matrix that encases bacterial cords or aggregates within the biofilm, likely conferring structural integrity. Together, these findings support a three-component model that distinguishes structural integrity, physical organization, and biochemical maturation, establishing a new architectural framework for Mtb biofilms. Finally, we show that the natural compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) disrupts biofilm formation, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting this architecture to overcome drug tolerance in tuberculosis.},
}

@article {pmid42284502,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, X and Yang, J and An, M and Lin, B and Liu, T and Zhang, L},
title = {Inside-Outside ROS Therapeutic Strategy Based on Piezoelectric Nano-Urchin for Drug-Resistant Bacteria Biofilm Infections.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e76086},
doi = {10.1002/advs.76086},
pmid = {42284502},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {22022402//Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21974051//Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ECNU-SPDH CCTM-202510//East China Normal University-Shanghai Putuo District Central Hospital Collaborative Research Center for Translational Medicine/ ; 2025M771003//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; GZC20240477//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm-associated infections pose a critical clinical challenge due to their inherent antibiotic resistance and limited therapeutic penetrability. Herein, we engineered a mechano-piezoelectric nano-urchin system, NiCo2S4@UiO-66, which utilizes ultrasound to achieve mechanical biofilm disruption and spatially hierarchical reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for synergistic antimicrobial therapy. The spiky architecture of NiCo2S4 nano-urchins acts as physical penetrators, mechanically compromising biofilm integrity. Under ultrasound activation, a graded ROS generation mechanism is greatly enhanced via two distinct pathways. Externally, the NiCo2S4 nanozyme activated by piezoelectric UiO-66 successfully catalyzes pathogenic H2O2 at the biofilm periphery into highly destructive ·OH radicals, which not only degrade the extracellular polymeric matrix, but avoids additional oxidative stress. Internally, the mechanically driven piezoelectric UiO-66 component generates long-diffusing singlet oxygen ([1]O2), capable of targeting and eliminating bacteria embedded deep within the biofilm. Driven by the nano-urchin mechanical action, this hierarchical ROS mechanism integrates intra-biofilm [1]O2 production with peripheral ·OH-mediated decomposition, ensuring robust and comprehensive biofilm eradication. In a murine model of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected wounds, the system achieved rapid biofilm clearance and accelerated tissue repair through immunomodulation and angiogenesis promotion. This strategy addresses key limitations of conventional antimicrobial therapies and offers an effective approach for treating multidrug-resistant biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid42284781,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Huang, X and Ge, Z and Zhao, G and Xie, B and Zhan, M and Zhou, S and Su, Y},
title = {Exogenous quorum sensing signal enhances central energy metabolism to fuel biofilm formation and denitrification on microplastics.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142627},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142627},
pmid = {42284781},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) are known to host dense microbial biofilms and form the plastisphere, which serve as significant sites for various biogeochemical processes, including nitrogen transformation. The communication within these complex microbial communities is facilitated by quorum sensing (QS) signals. However, how this inter-bacteria signal crosstalk impacts the colonization and function of key microbes, such as denitrifiers, remains inadequately elucidated. This research delves into the impact of the external signaling molecule N-3-oxododecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C12-oxo-HSL) on biofilm development and denitrification processes by the model bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans (P. denitrificans) on microplastic surfaces. Treatment with 10 μM C12-oxo-HSL increased biofilm biomass 2.67-fold and nitrate removal rates 2.61-fold relative to controls, while planktonic biomass remained comparable to or lower than untreated samples, refuting the hypothesis that increased biofilm mass merely reflects accelerated planktonic growth. Transcriptomic analysis unveiled a sophisticated regulatory network. C12-oxo-HSL not only stimulated the expression of genes involved in initial adhesion and motility but also orchestrated a substantial upregulation of key energy metabolism pathways, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Metabolic upregulation likely increased ATP availability for the augmented production of extracellular polymeric substances, ultimately leading to the formation of a more resilient and efficient biofilm structure. Our findings suggest a potential energy-centric mechanism where exogenous AHLs prime the cellular bioenergetic status to support the structural and functional demands of plastisphere colonization. This highlights the pivotal role of signal-mediated resource allocation in shaping the biogeochemical impact of microplastic pollution.},
}

@article {pmid42286775,
year = {2026},
author = {Uruén, C and Marín, CM and González-Vázquez, LD and Gottschalk, M and Arenas, M and Arenas, J},
title = {Clinically relevant genomic and phenotypic differences in virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-associated tolerance between Streptococcus suis lineages ST1 and ST123.},
journal = {Veterinary research},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42286775},
issn = {1297-9716},
support = {PID2023-151032NB-C22//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Española de Investigación/ ; PID2020-114617RB-100//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Española de Investigación/ ; PID2023-151032NB-C22//MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ ; LMP58_21//Gobierno de Aragón/ ; LMP58_21//Gobierno de Aragón, Department of I+D+I project in priority lines/ ; },
mesh = {*Streptococcus suis/genetics/physiology/drug effects/pathogenicity ; *Biofilms ; *Streptococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; Animals ; Virulence/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Spain ; *Swine Diseases/microbiology ; Mice ; Swine ; Phenotype ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium and an important pathogen in pigs and humans. It can be classified into more than 3000 sequence types (STs), among which the ST1 and ST123 lineages are highly prevalent in Spain. ST1 is a globally distributed lineage, while ST123 has emerged within the last decade only in Spain. In this study, we compared the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of representative isolates from both lineages to better understand the factors driving the emergence of ST123. Comparative genomic analysis revealed higher genetic variability in ST123 than in ST1. The genomes of both lineages share approximately 1429 genes, representing about 61% of the total genome. Among the lineage-specific genes, we identified 131-143 genes encoding proteins involved in diverse biological functions, including metabolism, regulation, transport, and virulence. Some of these genes were located on genetic islands, encoding for proteins involved in nutrition and catabolism of specific carbohydrates. In mouse infection models, both STs showed a strong capacity to cause systemic infection, although they differed in tissue persistence patterns. In macrophage cultures, ST123 isolates showed reduced adherence and intracellular survival compared with ST1. In contrast, ST123 isolates demonstrated the capacity to acquire ampicillin resistance under laboratory conditions. Moreover, ST123 isolates exhibited increased biofilm formation and enhanced tolerance to β-lactam antibiotics within biofilms compared with ST1. In conclusion, the combination of virulence, increased biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance, and increased propensity to acquire antimicrobial resistance may explain the rising prevalence of ST123 in Spain. Its recent detection in Italy further supports its potential for expansion and establishment across Europe in the coming years.},
}

*Streptococcus suis/genetics/physiology/drug effects/pathogenicity
*Biofilms
*Streptococcal Infections/microbiology/veterinary
Animals
Virulence/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Spain
*Swine Diseases/microbiology
Mice
Swine
Phenotype
Genome, Bacterial

@article {pmid42287196,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Zhang, R and Gao, Z and Liu, X and Pian, Y},
title = {Antimicrobial Peptide SAAP-148 Inhibits Helicobacter pylori and Is Associated with Membrane Disruption, Biofilm Suppression, and Reduced Cell-Associated Urease Activity.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag145},
pmid = {42287196},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: To investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity and related phenotypic effects of the novel antimicrobial peptide SAAP-148 against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SAAP-148 against H. pylori strains, including multidrug-resistant isolates, was determined using the broth microdilution method. Its activity after short-term exposure to pH-adjusted conditions and its cytotoxicity toward gastric epithelial cells were evaluated. The effects of SAAP-148 on cell morphology, membrane permeability, established biofilms, bacterial viability, cell-associated urease activity, and ureA/ureB gene expression were assessed. Antibacterial activity against one four-drug-resistant H. pylori clinical isolate was further evaluated by colony counting and OD600 measurement.

RESULTS: SAAP-148 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against H. pylori strains with different resistance profiles, with MIC values ranging from 16-32 µg/mL. SAAP-148 retained antibacterial activity after short-term exposure to pH-adjusted conditions and showed low cytotoxicity toward gastric epithelial cells. SAAP-148 treatment was associated with bacterial morphological damage, increased inner and outer membrane permeability, reduced biofilm biomass and biofilm-associated protein content, decreased cell-associated urease activity, and reduced ureA/ureB mRNA expression. In the dedicated MDR model, SAAP-148 also reduced viable counts of one four-drug-resistant H. pylori clinical isolate.

CONCLUSION: SAAP-148 demonstrated promising in vitro activity against H. pylori and was associated with membrane disruption, antibiofilm effects, and reduced urease-associated readouts. These findings support further preclinical evaluation of SAAP-148 as a potential antimicrobial strategy against difficult-to-eradicate H. pylori.},
}

@article {pmid42287247,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, D and Luo, L and Zhang, L and Zhang, L and Lu, S and Li, D and Bi, F and Chen, J and Peng, X},
title = {Iron-Hijacking Trojan Horse Nanoplatform Combats Implant-Associated Biofilm Infections Through Immuno-Fibrotic Remodeling.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e73711},
doi = {10.1002/adma.73711},
pmid = {42287247},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {82402838//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82472461//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LHGJ20240264//Henan Provincial Medical Science and Technology Research Joint Venture Project/ ; },
abstract = {Implant-associated biofilm infections persist due to a vicious cycle of biofilm resilience and fibrosis-driven immune exclusion. To break this cycle, we engineered a photothermal nanoplatform (CHPB@H) consisting of curcumin-loaded hollow Prussian blue (CHPB) nanoparticles embedded in an injectable thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel for near-infrared (NIR)-triggered local delivery. Upon NIR irradiation, the platform releases iron ions and curcumin that self-assemble into Fe-curcumin (Fe-Cur) complexes. These complexes act as a molecular "Trojan horse" that hijacks bacterial iron-acquisition pathways to induce ferroptosis. Concurrently, CHPB scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) via its intrinsic nanozyme activity and suppresses oxidative stress-driven fibroblast activation, thereby dismantling the fibrotic barrier that excludes immune effector cells. This dual action eliminates biofilms and restores immune cell infiltration into the infection site. In preclinical animal models, the therapy clears established implant infections, remodels the immune-fibrotic microenvironment, and promotes tissue regeneration. This work establishes a "clear-and-remodel" paradigm that integrates active targeted ferroptosis (via iron hijacking) with immuno-fibrotic remodeling, offering a translatable strategy for complex implant-associated biofilm infections.},
}

@article {pmid42287983,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, P and Zhao, J and Yang, JC and Su, X and Zhang, P and Feng, HT and Tang, BZ},
title = {A membrane-to-nucleus targeting photosensitizer featuring aggregation-induced emission for dual-color imaging-guided antifungal therapy and biofilm disruption.},
journal = {Biomaterials},
volume = {335},
number = {},
pages = {124367},
doi = {10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124367},
pmid = {42287983},
issn = {1878-5905},
abstract = {The management of superficial fungal infections is a major global public health burden, driving the need for precise and resistance-free therapies. While photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by photosensitizers (PSs) offers a promising alternative, the lack of self-reporting capability in antifungal PSs hampers the accurate control of treatment and increases collateral risk from excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) PSs consisting of triphenylamine and 1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione units, and found a versatile PS (named as ITTPM) that not only generates ROS efficiently but also simultaneously discriminates between live and dead fungi via a distinct fluorescence signal switch. In live fungi, ITTPM targets the cell membranes emitting red fluorescence. Upon fungal cell death, it relocates to the nuclei, staining them green. Mechanistic investigations via molecule imaging, lipid membrane mimicking experiment, DNA-responsive experiments and molecular docking revealed that ITTPM interacts with fungal membrane phospholipids via its aryl-substituted indanedione fragment and one pyridinium group in live fungi, versus binding to DNA bases via two cationic pyridinium fragments in dead cells. Furthermore, ITTPM shows potent photodynamic antifungal efficacy against planktonic fungi, effectively inhibits biofilm formation, and eradicates mature biofilms. In vivo studies on fungi-infected mouse wounds demonstrated that ITTPM achieved complete fungal eradication, facilitated wound healing and exhibited excellent biocompatibility. This study provides a promising candidate PS for precise clinical treatment of superficial fungal infections and novel insights into developing multifunctional antifungal PSs.},
}

@article {pmid42289118,
year = {2026},
author = {Rashova, M and Kabduova, A and Sailau, Z and Serikberli, G and Nurmukhamed, K and Munaidarova, A},
title = {COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF BIOFILM FORMATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS IN PURULENT-INFLAMMATORY DISEASES.},
journal = {Georgian medical news},
volume = {},
number = {373},
pages = {98-108},
pmid = {42289118},
issn = {1512-0112},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; Humans ; *Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/isolation & purification/pathogenicity ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Staphylococcus/drug effects ; Staphylococcus epidermidis/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Suppuration/microbiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Treatment of biofilms is a priority in purulent surgery. A biofilm consists of 75-85% extracellular polymeric matrix and 15-20% microbial cells. Polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA within the matrix protect bacteria from adverse environmental factors (pH, antibiotics, phagocytosis). Communication between bacteria occurs through the "quorum sensing" system. Bacteria within biofilms are 100-1000 times more resistant to antibiotics compared to planktonic forms. This is explained by the limited penetration of antibiotics into the matrix and the reduced metabolic activity of the cells. Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are currently recognized as the main causative agents of purulent-inflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: to comprehensively assess the biofilm-forming activity of staphylococcal strains isolated from patients with purulent-inflammatory diseases of soft tissues (PIDs), as well as to determine the characteristics of their sensitivity to the main antimicrobial agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve the objectives of the study, we conducted a research project and examined 80 strains of the genus Staphylococcus isolated from purulent-inflammatory diseases. Of these, 50 belonged to the main group (MG) and 30 to the control group (CG). The identification of species characteristics of the 80 strains from the main and control groups was carried out based on their morphological, cultural, and biochemical properties. In addition, these strains were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: Analysis of the obtained results showed that S. aureus was predominant in both groups. During the study, 50 staphylococcal strains and two species-S. aureus and S. epidermidis-were identified among samples collected from patients with purulent-inflammatory diseases. In the control group, out of 30 strains, only one species-S. aureus-was identified. Biofilm-forming activity was also assessed based on microcolony size, and the morphological and tinctorial properties of isolated biofilm samples were studied. The field of view, number of objects, and their proportion within the field of view were calculated using digital images of the samples. The following microcolony sizes were taken into account: up to 10 µm², from 10 to 100 µm², from 100 to 1000 µm², from 1000 to 10,000 µm², and over 10,000 µm².},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
Humans
*Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/isolation & purification/pathogenicity
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Staphylococcus/drug effects
Staphylococcus epidermidis/drug effects/isolation & purification
Suppuration/microbiology

@article {pmid42289247,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, Y and Nie, B and Liu, X and Zhang, Q},
title = {Mechanistic insights into superior biofilm formation with heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria under polypropylene microplastic stress.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135159},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135159},
pmid = {42289247},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Microplastics may disturb microbial activity and biofilm development in biological wastewater treatment systems, yet the response of three-dimensional rotating biological contactor start-up biofilms to polypropylene microplastic stress remains unclear. This study evaluated a biofilm initiation strategy using heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) bacteria (H-3D-RBCs) and compared it with activated sludge-inoculated systems (A-3D-RBCs) under polypropylene microplastic (PP-MP) exposure. H-3D-RBCs showed superior resistance to PP-MP disturbance, with total nitrogen removal decreasing by only 14 %, compared with an approximately 60 % decline in A-3D-RBCs. Respiratory activity inhibition remained below 15 % in H-3D-RBCs but exceeded 90 % in A-3D-RBCs. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that PP-MP reduced species richness and diversity in A-3D-RBCs and was associated with a > 90 % loss of core denitrifying genera, including Corynebacterium and Pseudoxanthomonas, whereas H-3D-RBCs maintained community stability and enriched Pseudoxanthomonas to 13.8 %. Metagenomic analysis indicated that PP-MP impaired nitrification and denitrification potential in A-3D-RBCs, as reflected by decreased genes encoding AMO and HAO, a 51.78 % decrease in nosZ abundance, and enhanced dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), which likely intensified competition with denitrification and promoted nitrogen conversion to ammonia. In contrast, H-3D-RBCs suppressed DNRA and maintained high nosZ abundance. Untargeted metabolomics further showed that PP-MP was associated with metabolic disorders in A-3D-RBCs, especially disruptions in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism and arginine biosynthesis, whereas H-3D-RBCs preserved these key nitrogen metabolic processes. Overall, this study identifies key vulnerabilities of nitrogen-removal biofilms under PP-MP disturbance and provides multi-omics evidence to support the development of microplastic-resistant biofilm wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid42290085,
year = {2026},
author = {Cruz, AF and Hamann, PRV and Guimaraes, FEG and Dabul, ANG and Mamani, RCC and Pileggi, M and Neto, MO and Sauda, MR and Valente, GT and Matsui, T and Weiss, TM and Araújo, EA and Polikarpov, I},
title = {Biochemical and Structural Characterization of Two-domain Glycoside Hydrolase PgaB from Serratia marcescens and Its Application for S. aureus Biofilm Degradation.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.6c00086},
pmid = {42290085},
issn = {2373-8227},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, with projections estimating up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. One of the strategies for developing bacterial AMR is the formation of microbial biofilms (BFs). Thus, enzymes capable of degrading BF exopolysaccharides represent potential tools for BF disruption. In this work, we characterize β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminidase from Serratia marcescens (SmPgaB), a two-domain enzyme with covalently attached GH153 and CE4 modules. Small-angle scattering data demonstrate that SmPgaB is monomeric in solution. We also demonstrate that SmPgaB degrades Staphylococcus aureus biofilms with up to 92% efficiency and inhibits biofilm formation by over 95%. Furthermore, SmPgaB enhances the effectiveness of gentamicin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol, reducing the viability of planktonic cells by approximately 50% when used in combination with these antibiotics. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed considerable morphological changes in the biofilm post-treatment. These results showcase the potential of β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminidases as adjunct therapies for BF-related infections, particularly when combined with conventional antibiotics.},
}

@article {pmid42291458,
year = {2026},
author = {Dekkerová, J and Walentín, T and Jozefíková, A and Liščáková, J and Bujdáková, H},
title = {Incidence of carbapenemase-resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a regional hospital in Slovakia; contribution of virulence genes and biofilm production to overall pathogenicity.},
journal = {New microbes and new infections},
volume = {72},
number = {},
pages = {101778},
pmid = {42291458},
issn = {2052-2975},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The prevalence of carbapenemase (CPE)-producing K. pneumoniae isolates has increased in hospitals worldwide over the past decade. Resistance is often associated with the ability of clinical isolates to form biofilm. The main objective was to investigate biofilm development in 30 hospital isolates of K. pneumoniae with confirmed CPE production as well as to analyze the distribution of resistance genes, the frequency of virulence genes, and their role in the regulation of biofilm.

METHODS: Selected isolates of K. pneumoniae with CPE production were examined for their ability to form biofilms using crystal violet staining. The presence of resistance genes (blaSHV1, blaTEM1, blaCTXM1) and genes (fimH, mrkD, entB) associated with biofilm formation was confirmed by PCR. Quantitative real-time PCR was then performed to compare the expression of biofilm-associated genes in weak, moderate and strong biofilm formers among K. pneumoniae.

RESULTS: More than 50% of all K. pneumoniae isolates were confirmed to be strong biofilm producers. PCR confirmed the presence of resistance-associated genes and genes important for biofilm development in all clinical isolates tested. Additionally, qPCR showed increased regulation of the adhesion-related genes fimH and mrkD in moderate or strong biofilm formers of K. pneumoniae compared to weak biofilm formers.

CONCLUSIONS: The present results provide valuable information on the relationship between increased CPE resistance, biofilm production, and its genetic regulation in K. pneumoniae hospital isolates.},
}

@article {pmid42291756,
year = {2026},
author = {Reichardt, E and Assar, S and Kristensen, MF and Lund, MB and Schlafer, S},
title = {The effect of probiotic bacteria on community composition, microscale pH and matrix architecture in a saliva-derived model of oral biofilm.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2682457},
pmid = {42291756},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Streptococcus salivarius K12 and M18 have recently gained interest as probiotic organisms for caries control. This study investigated the impact of S. salivarius K12 and M18 supplementation on biofilm virulence in a complex saliva-derived in vitro model compared to treatment with Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 and no treatment.

METHODS: Biofilms were grown under low (0.05%) and high (1%) sucrose conditions and supplemented with S. salivarius K12, S. salivarius M18 or L. reuteri. Microscale pH dynamics were assessed using confocal microscopy-based pH ratiometry. The biofilm matrix composition was analyzed by glucan and extracellular DNA mapping. Microbial community composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS: At 0.05% sucrose, pH was significantly higher in S. salivarius M18 biofilms, but not in S. salivarius K12 biofilms, compared to control. pH in L. reuteri biofilms was significantly lower. At 1% sucrose, no significant effects of probiotic supplementation on biofilm pH were observed. Shifts in the bacterial composition were minor, most notably an increased abundance of lactobacilli in L. reuteri-treated biofilms at 1% sucrose. No significant effects on the biofilm matrix composition were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, probiotic supplementation exerted only minor effects on biofilm composition and virulence.},
}

@article {pmid42291757,
year = {2026},
author = {Oh, H and Kim, J and Bai, J},
title = {Antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of postbiotic mediator derived from Jeotgal isolate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KMC12 against Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2684130},
pmid = {42291757},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is a progressive breakdown of tooth tissues caused by the biofilm-producing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans plays a primary role in the initiation and progression of dental caries by producing a biofilm called dental plaque.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of the neutralized postbiotic mediator (nPM) derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KMC12 and to assess its potential as a therapeutic agent against S. mutans.

METHODS: KMC12 nPM was prepared through centrifugation, filtration and lyophilization. Its antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects were investigated through MIC/MBC assays, membrane permeability tests, biofilm formation quantification, EPS production measurement, RT-qPCR analysis of biofilm-related genes, and cytotoxicity assays using Caco-2 cells.

RESULTS: KMC12 nPM exhibited antibacterial activity with MIC and MBC values of 128 and 256  mg/mL, respectively, and caused approximately 87% membrane damage at 512 mg/mL. Biofilm formation was inhibited by 36% at 256 mg/mL and 83% at 512 mg/mL. Furthermore, KMC12 nPM significantly downregulated gtfB, gtfD, ftf, aguD and atpD gene expression and reduced EPS production without showing cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest KMC12 nPM as a promising, novel therapeutic agent for inhibiting S. mutans biofilm formation and caries prevention.},
}

@article {pmid42291886,
year = {2026},
author = {Bhujugade, SR and Patil, HV and Patil, SR},
title = {Biofilm-Forming Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Comprehensive Phenotypic and Genotypic Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {e108813},
pmid = {42291886},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major global pathogen, capable of forming biofilms that confer enhanced antimicrobial tolerance, virulence, and persistence in both hospital and community settings. Biofilms are structured microbial communities encased in extracellular polymeric substances, composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA. Complex genetic networks, including the ica operon, the agr quorum-sensing system, the sarA regulatory system, and stress-response genes such as sigB, regulate MRSA biofilm formation. Phenotypic methods (Congo red agar, microtiter plate, and tube test) and genotypic assays (PCR-based detection of ica, fnbA/B, clfA/B, sarA, and agr) provide insights into biofilm capacity and virulence potential. Clinically, MRSA biofilms contribute to device-related infections, chronic wounds, and recurrent infections, challenging conventional therapies such as vancomycin, daptomycin, and rifampicin. Emerging strategies, including enzymatic matrix degradation, bacteriophage therapy, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and nanoparticle-based drug delivery, offer potential alternatives. This review synthesizes current knowledge on MRSA biofilm phenotypes and genotypes, highlighting molecular mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic approaches.},
}

@article {pmid42293286,
year = {2026},
author = {Hillman, EBM and Walters, JRF and Carson, D and Rijpkema, S},
title = {Response to Kårhus et al. Regarding "Ruminococcus gnavus and Biofilm Markers in Feces From Primary Bile Acid Diarrhea Patients Indicate New Disease Mechanisms and Potential for Diagnostic Testing".},
journal = {Gastro hep advances},
volume = {5},
number = {7},
pages = {100951},
pmid = {42293286},
issn = {2772-5723},
}