@article {pmid40956701,
year = {2025},
author = {Natarajan, O and Gibboney, SL and Young, MN and Lim, SJ and Nguyen, F and Pluta, N and Atkinson, CGF and Liberti, A and Kees, ED and Leigh, BA and Breitbart, M and Gralnick, JA and Dishaw, LJ},
title = {Prophage regulation of Shewanella fidelis 3313 motility and biofilm formation with implications for gut colonization dynamics in Ciona robusta.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7554/eLife.103107},
pmid = {40956701},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {IOS-1456301//National Science Foundation/ ; MCB-1817308//National Science Foundation/ ; NSF IOS-2226050/51//National Science Foundation/ ; Graduate Research Fellowship Program//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Prophages/physiology/genetics ; *Shewanella/virology/physiology/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Ciona/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Lysogens, bacteria with one or more viruses (prophages) integrated into their genomes, are abundant in the gut of animals. Prophages often influence bacterial traits; however, the influence of prophages on the gut microbiota-host immune axis in animals remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the influence of the prophage SfPat on Shewanella fidelis 3313, a persistent member of the gut microbiome of the model marine tunicate, Ciona robusta. Establishment of a SfPat deletion mutant (ΔSfPat) reveals the influence of this prophage on bacterial physiology in vitro and during colonization of the Ciona gut. In vitro, deletion of SfPat reduces S. fidelis 3313 motility and swimming while increasing biofilm formation. To understand the in vivo impact of these prophage-induced changes in bacterial traits, we exposed metamorphic stage 4 Ciona juveniles to wildtype (WT) and ΔSfPat strains. During colonization, ΔSfPat localizes to overlapping and distinct areas of the gut compared to the WT strain. We examined the differential expression of various regulators of cyclic-di-GMP, a secondary signaling molecule that mediates biofilm formation and motility. The pdeB gene, which encodes a bacterial phosphodiesterase known to influence biofilm formation and motility by degrading cyclic-di-GMP, is upregulated in the WT strain but not in ΔSfPat when examined in vivo. Expression of the Ciona gut immune effector, VCBP-C, is enhanced during colonization by ΔSfPat compared to the WT strain; however, VCBP-C binding to the WT strain does not promote the excision of SfPat in an SOS-dependent pathway. Instead, VCBP-C binding significantly reduces the expression of a phage major capsid protein. Our findings suggest that SfPat influences host perception of this important colonizing commensal and highlights the significance of investigating tripartite dynamics between prophages, bacteria, and their animal hosts to better understand the gut microbiota-host immune axis.},
}

Animals
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Prophages/physiology/genetics
*Shewanella/virology/physiology/genetics
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Ciona/microbiology

@article {pmid40956370,
year = {2025},
author = {Keles, A and Kishen, A},
title = {Evaluating the efficacy of non-activated microbubble emulsions in biofilm removal from 3D-printed root canals.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {29},
number = {10},
pages = {452},
pmid = {40956370},
issn = {1436-3771},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; Emulsions/pharmacology ; *Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects ; *Printing, Three-Dimensional ; *Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology ; *Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology ; Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Microbubbles ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-activated microbubble emulsions in removing biofilms in simulated minimally shaped root canals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were developed over three weeks in various sizes of 3D-printed root canal models. The biofilm removal efficiency of microbubble emulsions (MB) was compared with several irrigants, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), distilled water (DW), and hydrogen peroxide (HP), across different root canal dimensions (20.04, 20.06, 40.04, 40.06). Irrigation was performed using 2.5 mL of each solution for one minute. In the MB groups, the canal was filled with a single emulsion drop and left for one minute. We used confocal laser scanning microscopy and crystal violet colorimetric analysis to assess the effectiveness of biofilm eradication. Bonferroni tests and two-way ANOVA were employed to analyze the data.

RESULTS: In narrow canals, MB emulsions demonstrated biofilm removal efficacy comparable to NaOCl (P > .05). However, NaOCl was the most effective irrigation solution for wider canals (P < .05). Canal size significantly influenced the biofilm removal efficacy in the MB group (P < .05). Overall, both MB emulsions and NaOCl achieved better biofilm removal results than DW and HP (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: The non-activated MBs have shown effective antibiofilm properties in narrow canals, making them suitable for a minimally invasive approach and indicating their potential role in developing improved irrigation protocols.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the potential of microbubble emulsions as effective irrigants for minimally shaped root canals, supporting minimally invasive endodontic strategies.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
Emulsions/pharmacology
*Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects
*Printing, Three-Dimensional
*Root Canal Irrigants/pharmacology
*Dental Pulp Cavity/microbiology
Sodium Hypochlorite/pharmacology
Humans
*Microbubbles
Microscopy, Confocal
Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology

@article {pmid40953128,
year = {2025},
author = {Trebino, MA and Kitts, G and Haycocks, JRJ and Wheat, R and Chaudry, I and Park, JH and Erill, I and Grainger, DC and Yildiz, FH},
title = {Parallel regulatory circuits orchestrate biofilm formation in response to c-di-GMP levels and growth phase.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {21},
number = {9},
pages = {e1011870},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pgen.1011870},
pmid = {40953128},
issn = {1553-7404},
abstract = {Biofilm formation is a highly regulated process that contributes to the environmental fitness of microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria. The second messenger c-di-GMP is a critical regulator of biofilm formation whose cellular levels are tightly regulated by the abundance and activity of diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs). These enzymes synthesize and degrade c-di-GMP, respectively. The Vibrio cholerae VpvABC system encodes a DGC and is critical for biofilm formation; however, much remains unknown about its regulation. Here we demonstrate that the vpvABC system is transcriptionally regulated by c-di-GMP and the master biofilm regulators VpsT and VpsR. However, we also identify the alternative sigma factor RpoS as a positive regulator of vpvABC. RpoS is involved in the regulation of many c-di-GMP metabolism genes and plays a role in biofilm architecture, likely mediated in part through vpvC. In mature biofilms, vpvA transcription was highest near the biofilm substratum and VpsT, VpsR, and RpoS were critical for vpvABC transcription. Overall, our genetic dissection reveals the vpvABC system is regulated by two parallel circuits: a c-di-GMP sensing-circuit acting through VpsT and VpsR and a stationary growth phase circuit via RpoS. These findings underscore the multilayered regulatory mechanisms that precisely govern biofilm formation by a pathogen.},
}

@article {pmid40952940,
year = {2025},
author = {Fukuda de Castilho, P and de Campos, LJ and Matus-Meza, AS and Xing, H and Jimenez Rolão, DL and Galvão, F and Gomes da Silva Dantas, F and Ren, R and Dobrotka, C and Aguiar-Alves, F and Conda-Sheridan, M and Pires de Oliveira, KM},
title = {Biocompatible Guanidine-Functionalized Compounds with Biofilm and Membrane Disruptive Activity Against MRSA.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.5c00642},
pmid = {40952940},
issn = {2373-8227},
abstract = {Three guanidine-functionalized 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-imine compounds (5a, 5b, 5c) were synthesized from 3,5-diaryldiene-4-piperidone and evaluated for antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA. The compounds showed bacteriostatic effects (MICs: 2.34-4.68 μg/mL). In vitro antibiofilm potential was demonstrated by significant reductions in biomass and metabolic activity, and structural analyses via SEM and fluorescence microscopy. Ex vivo antibiofilm activity was confirmed in porcine skin model. RT-qPCR revealed downregulation of biofilm associated virulence genes, indicating a multifactorial mechanism. Confocal microscopy showed increased levels of extracellular DNA and proteins, suggesting disruption of the biofilm matrix. Membrane interaction assays demonstrated time- and dose-dependent effects, suggesting a complementary mechanism of action. Compounds 5a and 5c exhibited synergistic and additive effects with oxacillin. The compounds were stable intracellularly, and resistance studies revealed low induction potential. Biocompatibility was confirmed by lack of mutagenicity, hemolysis, or cytotoxicity. Moreover, in vivo efficacy was demonstrated by survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae infected with S. aureus and treated. These guanidine-based compounds are promising candidates for new MRSA drug development.},
}

@article {pmid40952525,
year = {2025},
author = {Chandra, S and Lahiri, D and Nag, M and Bhattacharya, D and Pandit, C and Pandit, S and Sharma, K and Rajeev, M and Gill, HS and Rustagi, S},
title = {A review on microbial-biofilm mediated mechanisms in marine microplastics degradation.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {118},
number = {10},
pages = {152},
pmid = {40952525},
issn = {1572-9699},
abstract = {Although the buildup of plastic in the marine environment is a long-standing problem, it has only lately been realized how relevant this pollution may be to the ocean. Microplastic fragments are an emerging concern in this field. Due to their small size, they are easily consumed by marine animals and, combined with the poisons and bacteria that colonize the plastic, can accumulate in the food chain. Unlike non-plastic biofilms, plastic biofilms are diverse and driven by a complex web of elements, including seasonal and spatial parameters and substratum characteristics like size, texture, and polymer type. The major topic of the paper is the discussion of preliminary findings and knowledge gaps about microbial biofilm communities connected to microplastics. Additionally, the review addresses microplastic sources, associated toxicity, and the role of both bacterial and fungal communities in their degradation.},
}

@article {pmid40952478,
year = {2025},
author = {Palaniappan, S and Gunasekaran, V and Muthu, T and Venkatesan, LS and Sathishkumar, P},
title = {Prevalence and effective treatment of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm using flavonoid naringin.},
journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40952478},
issn = {1615-7605},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and biofilms are difficult to treat due to their remarkable ability of antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the incidence of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa infection cases is steadily increasing in hospitals worldwide. Herein, the frequency of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa wound infection cases among hospitalized patients is examined. In addition, suitable natural components with potent antibacterial activity against the drug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains are screened. Among 27 specimens, three P. aeruginosa strains (including carbapenem and multidrug-resistant) are isolated. The antibacterial efficacy of natural components, such as curcumin, naringin, quercetin, tannic acid, and rutin, is evaluated against the isolated drug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Comparatively, naringin showed great antibacterial potential against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The zone of inhibition is found between 13 and 16 mm for naringin (20 mM) against P. aeruginosa strains; while, the minimum inhibitory concentration is found between 10 and 14 mM. A complete eradication of bacterial cells in P. aeruginosa mature biofilm is achieved by naringin at 28 mM within 24 h. Naringin interacts with the most important amino acids found in the MexR and RlpA, which confirms its role in the targeted treatment of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Remarkably, naringin is found to be hemocompatible up to 30 mM. Overall, this study suggests that naringin might be an outstanding biocompatible natural component to effectively treat multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections and biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid40951720,
year = {2025},
author = {Armas-Vega, ADC and Rockenbach Binz Ordóñez, MC and Torracchi-Carrasco, E and Vélez-León, E and Parise-Vasco, JM},
title = {Association Between Dental Caries, Dental Biofilm, and Body Mass Index in Indigenous Children from Two Regions of Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study.},
journal = {Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {323-331},
pmid = {40951720},
issn = {2231-0762},
abstract = {AIM: To assess caries prevalence and its association with dental biofilm presence and body mass index (BMI) in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 88 children aged 2-12 years were examined. The presence of dental caries was evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria, with caries prevalence and index (dmft/DMFT) calculated based on established codes equivalent to World Health Organization standards (ICDAS II E-G/4-6). Dental biofilm was assessed using a standardized index, and nutritional status was determined by calculating BMI. To analyze the relationships between caries experience (dmft and DMFT) and the independent variables of weight, height, BMI, and dental biofilm index, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0.

RESULTS: A high prevalence of dental caries was observed in the study population. For primary teeth, caries prevalence (ICDAS 2-6) ranged from 15.9% to 52.3%, with a mean of approximately two affected teeth per child. In permanent teeth, the prevalence for initial caries lesions (ICDAS II code 2) reached 75%, with an average of three affected teeth per child. A statistically significant correlation was identified between BMI, dental biofilm index, and the DMFT score. Notably, a child's weight demonstrated a moderate negative impact on their DMFT score, explaining 45% of the variance (η² = 0.45).

CONCLUSION: The findings reveal a high burden of dental caries among children in the surveyed rural Ecuadorian communities. The significant association between a lower BMI and a higher caries index, alongside the influence of dental biofilm, underscores the intricate relationship between nutritional status, oral hygiene, and oral health. These results highlight the need for integrated public health interventions that address both malnutrition and oral hygiene to mitigate the high prevalence of dental caries in this and similar populations.},
}

@article {pmid40951563,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdalfatah, MF and Hjazi, A and Saravani, K and Hassanshahian, M and Bayat, Z and Soheil Beigie, G},
title = {Screening of Biofilm-Producing Genes from Acinetobacter Isolates Obtained from Covid-19 Patients in ICU Hospital Section.},
journal = {Archives of Razi Institute},
volume = {80},
number = {1},
pages = {147-152},
pmid = {40951563},
issn = {2008-9872},
abstract = {Acinetobacter, recognized as a nosocomial pathogen, undergoes structural changes when exposed to various antibiotics, rendering it relatively resistant and posing challenges in disease treatment. This study aimed to identify two biofilm-related genes and assess the drug resistance profile of clinical strains. Clinical isolates were collected from the ICU of Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman, Iran, and phenotypically identified. Confirmation was achieved for 55 clinical Acinetobacter isolates. Antibiogram testing was conducted for meropenem, amikacin, ampicillin-sulbactam, cefotaxime, levofloxacin, rifampin, and tigecycline antibiotics. Biofilm formation ability was assessed using microtiter plates and crystal violet staining, followed by spectrophotometry at OD 490 nm. PCR was employed to determine the frequency of pslA and pelB genes. Analysis revealed that the highest age group affected was 1 to 15 years (19%), while the lowest was 26 to 35 years (5%). The frequencies of pslA and pelB genes were 34.5% and 65.5%, respectively, and drug resistance ranged from 72% to 100% for the mentioned antibiotics. Given the pelB gene's approximately twofold higher frequency compared to pslA, it suggests that in most studied isolates, Psl may often be disrupted or that intracellular c-di-GMP levels have significantly increased.},
}

@article {pmid40951558,
year = {2025},
author = {Alijani Alijanvand, L and Bonyadian, M and Moshtaghi, H},
title = {The effect of Spearmint, Oregano, and Thyme Extracts on Biofilm Formation by Listeria Monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Salmonella typhimurium.},
journal = {Archives of Razi Institute},
volume = {80},
number = {1},
pages = {201-208},
pmid = {40951558},
issn = {2008-9872},
abstract = {The formation of bacterial biofilm on surfaces associated with food processing is of particular concern. Due to the health concerns associated with the production of biofilm on food-related surfaces and the increase in antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm effects of oregano, spearmint, and thyme extracts against biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Salmonella typhimurium. Spearmint, oregano, and thyme plants were freshly prepared, dried, and ground. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plants were extracted by soaking. The amount of phenolic compound of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts was evaluated by spectrophotometric method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts were determined. The biofilm inhibition and destruction by the extracts were studied using the microdilution method. The results showed that the highest amount of phenolic compounds among ethanolic and aqueous extracts belonged to oregano and thyme extracts, respectively. The results also showed that the lowest effective concentration of the extracts on L. monocytogenes was by thyme aqueous extract with MIC and MBC of 1.8 and 2%, respectively, and for oregano ethanolic extract was 1.2 and 1.4%. The most significant biofilm inhibitory effect on L. monocytogenes, S. typhimurium, and E. coli O157: H7 was observed for thyme aqueous extract and oregano ethanolic extract. The results of the present study indicate that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of spearmint, oregano, and thyme plants have inhibitory and disruptive effects on biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, these natural antimicrobial compounds can be used to control and prevent biofilm formation in the food industry.},
}

@article {pmid40951554,
year = {2025},
author = {Saeedi, N and Vatani, M and Nejat, SH and Omidi, N and Moosavi, M and Soltani Borchaloee, A},
title = {Multiplex PCR Amplification for the Detection of Biofilm and Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase Resistance Genes and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Uropathogenic E. coli.},
journal = {Archives of Razi Institute},
volume = {80},
number = {1},
pages = {125-130},
pmid = {40951554},
issn = {2008-9872},
abstract = {The issue of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly those stemming from Escherichia coli belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, has received considerable critical attention and is evaluated as the second most common infection in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which is virulent, produces extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), as well as being multidrug-resistant (MDR), is considered to be a common growing public health issue worldwide. This phenomenon has been demonstrated to contribute to the escalation of UTIs to more severe states, the diminution in the efficacy of first-line antibiotics, and the consequent escalation in morbidity and mortality rates. The present experiment involved the isolation of 73 Escherichia coli strains from urine specimens, and the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated through the disc agar diffusion method. The resistance patterns exhibited by these isolates collectively constitute the underlying basis for MDR. The evaluation of three significant biofilm genes and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in these isolates was conducted using ten typical antibiotic discs. The data was processed using SPSS statistical software, version 25. The investigation revealed that 73 isolates of E. coli were examined, with the pap gene present in 89% of isolates, the fimH gene present in 86.3% of isolates, and the sfa gene present in 69.9% of isolates. Furthermore, the beta-lactamase gene blaSHV , blaTEM , and blaCTX-M gene frequency was found to be 50.7%, 90.4%, and 79.5%, respectively. The results regarding antibiotic resistance patterns elucidated that a significant number of the isolates were resistant to Imipenem, Amoxicillin, and Ampicillin, respectively. This study posits that the rapid emergence of virulent ESBL-producing E. coli strains in such experiments necessitates the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program, regional surveillance of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms and their associated virulence determinants for the purpose of rational antibiotic selection, or the development of novel UTI treatment strategies that involve the inactivation of essential virulence factors relating to UPECs.},
}

@article {pmid40951312,
year = {2025},
author = {Wasfi, R and Hamed, SM and Elfaky, MA},
title = {Editorial: Controlling biofilm-related infections in healthcare settings.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1679631},
pmid = {40951312},
issn = {2235-2988},
}

@article {pmid40950592,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Z and Zhang, X and Wang, L and Sui, J and Yu, M and Bao, B and Qian, J and Yi, G and Ma, Y and He, X},
title = {Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of essential oils extracted from Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels and their main constituents against Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1612681},
pmid = {40950592},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Streptococcus mutans is one of the most significant pathogens leading to dental caries by producing highly cariogenic biofilms within the oral cavity. However, the increasing antimicrobial resistance brings great difficulties to the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Therefore, it is very important to develop new and effective antimicrobial agents from natural sources. Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, a plant commonly cultivated in Southern China, is rich in various active constituents. In this study, the main constituents of the essential oils extracted from Clausena lansium leaves (EOL), seeds (EOS), peels (EOP) were precisely analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of EOL, EOS, and EOP, along with their main chemical constituents, against Streptococcus mutans were comprehensively evaluated. The primary constituent in EOL was β-caryophyllene, with a content of 112.29 mg/mL. EOS was found to be abundant in sabinene and 4-terpineol, with constituents of 147.21 mg/mL and 54.36 mg/mL, respectively. In EOP, the most predominant constituent was β-phellandrene, with a content of 173.95 mg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of EOL, EOS, and EOP were 0.12, 2.00, and 1.00 mg/mL, respectively. The minimum concentrations of inhibiting at least 90% biofilm formation of EOL, EOS, and EOP was 0.12 mg/mL, 2.00, and 2.00 mg/mL, respectively. Intriguingly, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficacies of the main constituents were significantly lower than those of the essential oils. By observing the dynamic changes of the biofilm formation of S. mutans treated with essential oils, it was found that the process of biofilm formation was greatly delayed. In some cases, there was even no biofilm formation. The results of real-time quantitative PCR indicated that the expression levels of brpA, gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, and luxS genes were down-regulated after treatment with the essential oils. This study reinforces the potential of Clausena lansium as a promising source for developing new antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents. They could inhibit the proliferation and virulence of S. mutans, thereby contributing to the control of dental caries.},
}

@article {pmid40950517,
year = {2025},
author = {Galviz-García, L and Romero-Romero, S and Herrera-Herrera, A and Mercado-Camargo, J and Díaz-Caballero, A and Plazas-Román, J and Ardila, CM},
title = {Nickel Bioaccumulation in Oral Biofilm, Gingival Tissue, and Saliva During Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A 12-Month Prospective Cohort Study on Predictors and Salivary pH Correlation.},
journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental dentistry},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {e920-e928},
pmid = {40950517},
issn = {1989-5488},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nickel-based alloys in fixed orthodontic appliances are susceptible to electrochemical corrosion in the oral environment, releasing ions with cytotoxic and allergenic potential. While previous studies have documented initial nickel release patterns, the longitudinal dynamics of its accumulation across oral biospaces (saliva, biofilm, gingival tissue) and interactions with salivary pH remain poorly characterized. This study investigates nickel accumulation in saliva, oral biofilm, and gingival tissue over 12 months of orthodontic treatment and its association with salivary pH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This 12-month prospective cohort study enrolled 120 participants undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Nickel concentrations were quantified via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry in three biospaces at baseline (T0), 6 months (T1), and 9-12 months (T2). Salivary pH was measured concurrently. Statistical analyses included non-parametric longitudinal comparisons, inter-biospace contrasts, Spearman correlations, and multivariate regression modeling to identify predictors of nickel accumulation.

RESULTS: Nickel exhibited distinct spatiotemporal patterns: progressive accumulation in biofilm (0.0008→21.5833 µg/L, p<0.001) versus biphasic kinetics in gingiva and saliva (peaking at T1 then declining). By T2, biofilm concentrations were 1000× higher than other biospaces (p<0.001). Treatment duration was the strongest predictor across all compartments (β=0.56-0.67, p<0.001), with biofilm accumulation additionally modulated by salivary pH (β=0.22, p=0.027) and age (β=-0.19, p=0.041). A time-dependent correlation emerged between salivary pH and biofilm nickel (T0: r=0.17, p=0.112; T2: r=0.41, p=0.008), suggesting pH-microbiome interactions.

CONCLUSIONS: Oral biofilm serves as the dominant long-term nickel reservoir during orthodontic treatment, with accumulation dynamics influenced by treatment duration, pH, and age. The pH-dependent biofilm-metal interaction highlights its potential as a biomarker for exposure monitoring and a target for preventive strategies. These findings support the development of pH-modulating oral care protocols and corrosion-resistant orthodontic materials to mitigate nickel exposure risks. Key words:Nickel, saliva, Spectrophotometry, Atomic, Orthodontic Appliances, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration.},
}

@article {pmid40950160,
year = {2025},
author = {Pratyush, MR and Prentice, JA and Eutsey, RA and Mikheyeva, I and Hiller, NL and Bridges, AA},
title = {Label-free microscopy enables high-throughput identification of genes controlling biofilm development.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.09.02.673883},
pmid = {40950160},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The biofilm mode of growth plays a critical role in microbial ecology and in the persistence of human pathogens. Yet, much remains unknown regarding the molecular determinants of biofilms in human pathogens. In this study, we present label-free analysis of biofilms (LFAB), an imaging approach that combines time-lapse, low-magnification brightfield microscopy with regional optical density measurements to quantify biofilm biomass. Unlike other approaches to biofilm biomass quantification, LFAB enables real-time, non-perturbative, and high-throughput monitoring of biofilms. We validated LFAB in diverse microbes and found that our measurements strongly correlate with traditional biofilm assays. We then used LFAB to identify and characterize critical factors mediating biofilm formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae , a major human pathogen whose biofilm lifecycle is known to be intimately related to colonization and infection. Initial characterization revealed that S. pneumoniae microcolonies form by radial expansion of attached cells, displaying reproducible morphology and growth dynamics. Screening of a transposon mutant library revealed that genes spanning carbohydrate metabolism, signaling, surface binding, cell wall synthesis, and adhesion impinge on the biofilm lifecycle of S. pneumoniae . We performed follow-up investigations of choline binding protein A (CbpA) and its adjacently encoded two-component system regulator, which we find are critical for the dynamics of microcolony biofilms in S. pneumoniae . Overall, this work establishes LFAB as a powerful approach for identifying and characterizing biofilm determinants across bacteria and uncovers key regulators of the biofilm lifecycle in a major human pathogen.},
}

@article {pmid40949251,
year = {2025},
author = {Venkatachalam, G and Venkatesan, N and Vatsal, S and Chavan, I and Bakshi, A and Doble, M},
title = {Biofilm-Forming Ability of Infectious Organisms on Biomimetic Surfaces(?)An In Vitro and Machine-Learning Analysis.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {35},
pages = {39946-39954},
pmid = {40949251},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {The current study explores the adhesion and biofilm-forming ability of different opportunistic pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus mutans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on lotus leaf (LL) and peepal leaf (PL) inspired biomimetic hydrophobic surfaces. Surface topology that mimics the respective leaves was fabricated using polylactic acid by solvent casting. Water contact-angle measurements revealed varying degrees of material surface hydrophobicity with respect to the varying surface roughness. The biofilm formation was significantly influenced by the type of polymer surface (p < 0.005) and the hydrophobicity of the bacterial surface (p < 0.0001). Multilayer perceptron (MLP), a feed-forward neural network, gave the best results with 5-fold cross-validation and an accuracy of 85%. J48-base model predicted that organisms with a surface hydrophobicity of >57% had higher biofilm-forming ability than others. Similarly, polymers with low surface roughness (roughness < 0.46) had reduced biofilm formation. In conclusion, biomimetic hydrophobic surfaces reduce the biofilm formation on implants.},
}

@article {pmid40948429,
year = {2025},
author = {Ergin, Ç and Özkan, B and Hoşbul, T and Öner, SZ},
title = {Glutaraldehyde fixation is more advantageous for Malassezia furfur biofilm measurements.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2025.2551074},
pmid = {40948429},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {The fixative most commonly used in biofilm measurement studies of pathogenic yeasts is ethanol. However, due to lipid dissolution in ethanol, this method may not be the optimal choice for certain yeasts which have a high lipid content in their cell walls, such as human pathogen Malassezia furfur. We conducted a study to compare the measurement values of 26 clinical strains of Malassezia furfur using glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde instead of ethanol. After the fixation step, standard staining methods were applied for biomass and extracellular polymers. Imaging was performed using scanning electron microscopy and optical coherence tomography. An important result for both biomass and extracellular polymers measurements, was that ethanol fixation group values were lower than other fixation methods (p < 0.001). The morphological formations, which were observed as small cohesive groups with ethanol fixation, were seen as adhesive groups with glutaraldehyde fixation. The application of glutaraldehyde in the fixation of biofilms produced by M. furfur yielded a greater range of absorbances, thus facilitating more comprehensive data evaluation than that achieved with ethanol. In yeasts such as Malassezia with a high lipid content in their cell wall, fixation with glutaraldehyde seems likely to contribute to easier analysis of comparative data in biofilm studies.},
}

@article {pmid40946583,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato, K and Kutsuna, R and Kawamura, Y and Shimazaki, Y},
title = {Bioactive caries-preventing effects of mineral ions released from surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler on oral biofilm.},
journal = {Archives of oral biology},
volume = {179},
number = {},
pages = {106392},
doi = {10.1016/j.archoralbio.2025.106392},
pmid = {40946583},
issn = {1879-1506},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The bioactive caries-preventing effects of mineral ions released from surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler on oral biofilm were estimated by analyzing the depth-specific density of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis.

DESIGN: Ten participants wore in situ plaque-generating enamel slab devices on their upper molars to form biofilm for 5 days. Filtrates were prepared from prophylaxis paste slurries containing S-PRG filler, whereas paste without the filler served as the control. The devices were alternately immersed in sucrose solution three times and in the experimental or control filtrate twice each day. Two biofilm samples taken from each device were separated into 6-9 layered fractions (100 μm each) by serial sectioning. One sample was used for extraction of genomic DNA. The gene sequences encoding D-alanine:D-alanine ligases were amplified using universal and species-specific primers. Borate, aluminum, silicate, and strontium concentrations were determined using thicker sections of the other sample, correcting for biomass volume estimated by the area measurement of stained thinner sections.

RESULTS: The ratios of S. mutans to S. sanguinis in the outer, middle, and inner layers were 0.0359, 0.0254 and 0.0157 for the experimental biofilm and 0.046, 0.0325 and 0.0255 for control biofilm, respectively. The ratio in the whole layer was significantly lower in the experimental biofilm than control biofilm. Strontium and aluminum concentrations in the experimental biofilm were 114- to 146-fold and 2.74- to 4.48-fold higher compared with control biofilm. respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that S-PRG filler has bioactive caries-preventing effects on oral biofilm.},
}

@article {pmid40946061,
year = {2025},
author = {Sahadi, BO and André, CB and Sebold, M and Rifane, TO and Chiari, MDES and Nascimento, FD and Leitune, VCB and Giannini, M},
title = {Strategies for flavonoid application on etched dentin: Bond stability, enzymatic activity, and biofilm inhibition.},
journal = {Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.dental.2025.09.005},
pmid = {40946061},
issn = {1879-0097},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of different flavonoid application strategies either as dentin primers or incorporated into a universal adhesive system (SFA) on microtensile bond strength (μTBS), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition, biofilm formation, and degree of conversion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baicalein, kaempferol, and naringin were tested at 20 mM, either incorporated into a commercial adhesive or dissolved in 50 % ethanol and applied as primers, forming six experimental groups. Three controls were used: Negative (commercial adhesive), Positive (0.2 % chlorhexidine), and Ethanol (50 %). Dentin specimens were analyzed for μTBS (n = 10), dentin-adhesive interface morphology (DAM) (n = 3), and in situ zymography (n = 3). Streptococcus mutans biofilm was grown on adhesive surfaces to assess bacterial viability, and FTIR spectroscopy evaluated the degree of conversion. μTBS data were analyzed using generalized linear models; other data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni or Tukey tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: All flavonoid-treated groups showed significantly higher μTBS than the Negative Control after one year. Adhesives with incorporated flavonoids also outperformed the Positive Control. No adverse effects were observed on DAM, bacterial viability, or degree of conversion. All SFA strategies reduced MMP activity, with complete inhibition seen only in the Baicalein primer group.

RELEVANCE: The use of flavonoids, either as a dentin primer or incorporated into adhesives, offers clinicians a simple and effective strategy to enhance the longevity of adhesive restorations by stabilizing the hybrid layer and reducing collagen degradation without altering application protocols or compromising material performance.},
}

@article {pmid40945846,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, X and Wei, G and Wang, W and Liu, H and Xin, Q and Wang, Z and Sun, P and Ding, T and Li, J and Deng, Y},
title = {Mechanism insights into the regulation of the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing system on the formation of viable but nonculturable state in biofilm cells of beer-spoilage Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2025.09.010},
pmid = {40945846},
issn = {2090-1224},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Beer spoilage Lactiplantibacillus plantarum poses a significant challenge in brewing due to biofilm formation and entry into the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, evading detection and resisting sterilization. The LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system is implicated in stress adaptation, yet its regulatory role in biofilm-associated VBNC transition remains poorly understood OBJECTIVES: This study aims to elucidate how the luxS gene regulates VBNC-state formation in biofilm-embedded L. plantarum under hop-derived iso-α-acid stress and to identify molecular mechanisms underlying QS-mediated adaptation and resuscitation.

METHODS: Wild-type and genetically engineered L. plantarum strains (ΔluxS, luxS-overexpressing) were exposed to iso-α-acids to induce VBNC states. Morphological changes were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Temporal luxS expression and AI-2 levels were quantified using qRT-PCR and bioluminescence assays. Multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, ChIP-seq) and phenotypic analyses assessed metabolic reprogramming, gene regulation, and resuscitation dynamics.

RESULTS: Iso-α-acids (27 mg/L) induced complete VBNC transition in biofilms within 12 h, with cells exhibiting reduced volume and surface polymer deposition. luxS expression and AI-2 levels synchronized during induction, peaking at 4 h. Overexpression of luxS accelerated VBNC entry and enhanced resuscitation (>10[3] CFU/mL recovery), while ΔluxS impaired both processes. Multi-omics revealed luxS activation of carbohydrate metabolism (e.g., pgmB, rbsUDK operon) and stress-response genes (nrdD, pepc). ChIP-seq confirmed direct LuxS binding to promoter regions of these genes, orchestrating energy homeostasis and oxidative defense via pentose phosphate and ABC transporter pathways.

CONCLUSION: The LuxS/AI-2 QS system governs biofilm-to-VBNC transition in L. plantarum by modulating metabolic resilience and stress adaptation. These findings provide a molecular framework for targeting QS pathways to mitigate biofilm persistence and spoilage risks in brewing industries.},
}

@article {pmid40945592,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Y and Zhang, Y and Ni, B and Chang, J and Lu, R and Xu, Q},
title = {GefC, a protein possessing a GGDEF domain, regulates biofilm formation, swimming motility, and pathogenesis in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Research in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104338},
doi = {10.1016/j.resmic.2025.104338},
pmid = {40945592},
issn = {1769-7123},
abstract = {Cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), a bacterial second messenger, regulates diverse key processes including virulence, biofilm formation, and motility. Its synthesis involves diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) with GGDEF domains, while degradation is mediated by phosphodiesterases (PDEs) containing EAL or HD-GYP domains. This study examines the role of GefC (VP0486), a GGDEF domain protein in Vibrio parahaemolyticus, in c-di-GMP signaling, biofilm dynamics, motility, and virulence. Deletion of gefC markedly reduced cellular c-di-GMP, impaired biofilm formation, and reduced matrix components (exopolysaccharides, extracellular proteins, and extracellular DNA). Conversely, the ΔgefC mutant exhibited enhanced swimming motility and increased cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, while zebrafish infection assays revealed attenuated lethality. Transcriptional analysis showed GefC differentially regulates EPS-related gene (cpsA), polar flagellar gene (flgM), type III secretion system 1 (vopN and vp1687), type VI secretion system 2 (hcp2, vpa1043, and vpa1044), and the TDH-encoding tdh2. Genetic evidence confirmed vp0485 and gefC form an operon. These findings establish GefC as a critical regulator of c-di-GMP-dependent biofilm development, motility, and virulence in V. parahaemolyticus, highlighting its multifaceted role in pathogenicity.},
}

@article {pmid40945436,
year = {2025},
author = {Ai, D and Huang, D and Zhang, J and Wang, S and Liu, X},
title = {Carbonaceous materials enhanced algal-bacterial biofilm systems for synergistic redox transformation of Cr(VI) and As(III): ROS-driven mechanism and microbial regulation.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {498},
number = {},
pages = {139827},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139827},
pmid = {40945436},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The roles of carbonaceous materials (CMs) were poorly understood in simultaneously regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) dynamics and microbial redox metabolism for heavy metal detoxification. Herein, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), biochar (BC), and activated carbon (AC) were incorporated into algal-bacterial biofilms to investigate their effects on the synergistic transformations of Cr(VI) and As(III). Through comprehensive analyses of ROS dynamics, transformation kinetics, and multi-omics analyses, the underlying mechanisms of pollutant removal were elucidated. The results revealed that rGO's high conductivity enhanced extracellular electron transfer (EET), leading to elevated O2[•-], •OH and H2O2 production in the biofilm systems. Cr(VI) reduction activated the Cr(V)/H2O2 Fenton-like cycle reactions, leading to •OH formation that further reduced Cr(VI) (contributed 82.33 %). O2[•-] dominated As(III) oxidation (contributed 66.67 %), while coexisting As(III) oxidation supplied electrons and H2O2 to accelerate Cr(VI) reduction via a self-amplifying ROS feedback loop. BC facilitated sustained •OH production through microbially driven Fe[2+]/Fe[3+] cycling, while AC showed limited activity due to poor microbial stimulation. Metatranscriptomics confirmed upregulation of aioA (As(III) oxidase), yieF (Cr(VI) reductase), hydrogenases, and antioxidant genes (peroxiredoxin, thioredoxin reductase), aligning with enrichment of redox-active bacteria such as Hydrogenophaga and Rhodobacter. This work established CMs-biofilm synergy as a potent strategy for aquatic co-contaminant remediation.},
}

@article {pmid40944635,
year = {2025},
author = {Admane, N and Biswas, S},
title = {Staphylococcal Functional Amyloids: Structure, Pathogenic Roles, Biofilm Fortification, and Inhibition Strategies.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.5c00572},
pmid = {40944635},
issn = {2373-8227},
abstract = {Amyloid aggregates, which are hallmarks of various human diseases, show promising roles in almost all life forms. In the past few years, there has been a significant broadening of the diverse roles that bacterial functional amyloids play in nature, expanding the horizons of these fibrillar assemblies. Herein, we provide a review of the current understanding of staphylococcal functional amyloids, their multifaceted roles in pathogenesis, and strengthening biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance. This review aims to explore how staphylococcal biofilm strengthening amyloidogenic proteins and peptides, particularly derived from Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, can act as dual-edged swords supporting pathogenesis in the planktonic stages and triggering infections in biofilms. We outline the different amyloid fibrillar species derived from these proteins/peptides and the molecules that have been discovered to target their amyloid transformation. This review also highlights how the noncanonical structural polymorphisms of these extracellular fibrillar amyloids are responsible for their functional diversity and discusses the techniques that are used recently for exploring staphylococcal amyloid structure assortment.},
}

@article {pmid40944378,
year = {2025},
author = {Ding, Q and Xie, Y and Xiong, K and Jia, H and Chen, L and Li, C and Yi, Q and Zhang, P and Mei, L and Tang, BZ},
title = {From Light to Cure: Precision Phototherapies for Antibiotic-Refractory Biofilm Infections.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202510900},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202510900},
pmid = {40944378},
issn = {1521-3773},
support = {CSC 202106270027//China Scholarship Council/ ; KT2024-002 KT2024-003//Open Subject Funding of Sichuan Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Antiviral Chinese Medicines of Sichuan Guangda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd/ ; ZDSYS20211021111400001//Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Functional Aggregate Materials/ ; KQTD20210811090142053//Shenzhen Science  and Technology Program/ ; KQTD20210811090115019//Shenzhen Science  and Technology Program/ ; E5G106//Shenzhen-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Multi-Organ Metabolic Diagnosis and Treatment Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms serve as formidable barriers in antimicrobial therapy and are central to the emergence and propagation of antimicrobial resistance. Their compact extracellular polymeric matrix, metabolic heterogeneity, and quorum-sensing-mediated resistance gene expression collectively endow biofilms with exceptional defense against conventional antibiotics. This review highlights the structural-functional complexity of biofilms and focuses on emerging phototherapeutic strategies-photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT)-as promising biofilm-targeted approaches. PTT employs near-infrared light to induce localized hyperthermia, disrupting bacterial membranes and enhancing drug penetration. PDT generates reactive oxygen species via photoactivated photosensitizers, leading to oxidative destruction of both cells and extracellular polymeric substances. These strategies offer metabolic independence, precise spatiotemporal control, and efficacy against dormant pathogens. Recent advances in smart nanoplatforms enable the integration of PTT/PDT with responsive drug delivery, imaging guidance, and immune modulation, achieving multimodal, precision antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, synergistic combinations with enzymatic degradation, immune intervention, and antibiotics show promise in treating chronic and biofilm-associated infections. We conclude by outlining translational challenges and strategic directions for clinical application, underscoring the potential of phototherapy to reshape infection management beyond antibiotic dependence.},
}

@article {pmid40944324,
year = {2025},
author = {Palladini, G and Lepera, V and Trubini, S and Tocci, G and Zappavigna, A and Iskandar, E and Ferrari, G and Prigitano, A and Ferraro, N and Schiavo, R and Baldanti, F and Cavanna, C and Lo Cascio, G},
title = {Inter-Hospital Spread of Fluconazole-Resistant C. parapsilosis in Northern Italy: Insights Into Clonal Distribution, Resistance Mechanisms and Biofilm Production.},
journal = {Mycoses},
volume = {68},
number = {9},
pages = {e70111},
doi = {10.1111/myc.70111},
pmid = {40944324},
issn = {1439-0507},
support = {08068122//Ministero della Salute/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Starting from 2018 onwards, several outbreaks of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis have been reported in many countries worldwide.

OBJECTIVES: Here we report a retrospective study on C. parapsilosis blood isolates collected over 7 years (2018-2024) in two hospitals in Northern Italy.

PATIENTS/METHODS: The study involved 169 C. parapsilosis isolates collected from individual hospitalised patients. We assessed the antifungal susceptibility of the isolates, evaluated the presence of mutations in the ERG11 gene and performed multilocus microsatellite typing to highlight the genetic relatedness of the strains. All isolates were also tested for their ability to produce biofilm.

RESULTS: Among the 169 clinical isolates, 124 (73.4%) were classified as fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis (FRCP) and 45 (26.6%) as fluconazole-susceptible (FSCP). ERG11 sequencing highlighted that the most frequent mutation in FRCP is the Y132F (118/124, 95.2%). None of the FSCP carried the Y132F. Microsatellite genotyping showed five major clusters and 13 sub-clusters, formed by isolates sharing identical genotypes. Sub-cluster R1 included 96 FRCP carrying the Y132F substitution, isolated from 2018 to 2024 in both hospitals. Interestingly, 99.1% of the FRCP carrying the Y132F mutation were categorised as low biofilm formers, while FRCP carrying other ERG11 mutations were categorised as medium or high biofilm formers.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that Y132F may be mainly responsible for azole resistance in C. parapsilosis and inter-hospital spread. As we found, recent clinical studies indicate that FRCP isolates responsible for severe outbreaks produce thin biofilms. Mutated and therefore resistant strains may exhibit reduced biofilm production as a protective mechanism.},
}

@article {pmid40943617,
year = {2025},
author = {Pawłuszkiewicz, K and Busłowicz, T and Korgiel, M and Faltus, A and Kucharczyk, E and Porębska, B and Pochciał, P and Kucharczyk, N and Paluch, E},
title = {Bacteriophage-Based Approach Against Biofilm Infections Associated with Medical Devices: A Narrative Review of ESKAPE Pathogens.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26178699},
pmid = {40943617},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {The increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens poses a major clinical challenge. Nearly all medical devices are vulnerable to bacterial biofilm formation, which acts as a protective coating against the host defense systems and antibiotics. The persistence of biofilm infections, accounting for around 65% of all microbial infections, and poor conventional treatment outcomes has driven interest in alternative approaches like bacteriophage therapy. This review encompasses key aspects of biofilm biology, taking into account the clinically significant ESKAPE pathogens, and provides an in-depth analysis of the role of phage agents in biofilm control as a new biofilm control strategy. Diving deeper into the mechanisms of phage-mediated processes, the review examines how bacteriophages penetrate and disrupt biofilm architecture and evaluates current therapeutic strategies that exploit these actions, acknowledging their limitations and considering possible future directions.},
}

@article {pmid40943080,
year = {2025},
author = {Kuo, CS and Lin, CW and Hsu, YM and Tsai, JC and Lin, DJ},
title = {Magnolia figo Extract Induces Enamel Shade Recovery and Inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis Biofilm Formation: An In Vitro, Dual-Action Natural Therapeutic Approach.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26178157},
pmid = {40943080},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {CMU-11242656//China Medical University / Blessing Co.,Ltd./ ; CMU109-MF-88//China Medical University/ ; },
abstract = {Dental enamel discoloration, extrinsic staining, and periodontal biofilms remain persistent challenges in oral health. This study explores the in vitro, dual-functional potential of Magnolia figo flower extract (FMO), a sesquiterpene-rich botanical active phytochemical ingredient (API), for aesthetic and antimicrobial oral applications. FTIR identified characteristic terpenoid and long-chain fatty acid functional groups, including β-elemene, γ-elemene, and caryophyllene oxide. Whitening efficacy on coffee-stained bovine enamel was quantified using CIELAB colorimetry. The 0.5% FMO treatment achieved ΔE* = 8.49, which was within the clinical perceptibility threshold and the optimal biocompatibility balance. SEM confirmed no demineralization on the enamel surface after immersion in 3.0% FMO for 12 h. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis, with MIC and MBC values of 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively. Biofilm formation was reduced by over 50% at a 0.148% concentration. Cytocompatibility assays using HGF-1 cells with various concentrations of FMO showed reduced cell viability at higher concentrations. When exposed for 5 min (simulating daily oral care) or 2 h, 0.5% FMO exhibited greater biocompatibility with L929 cells compared to toothpaste and peroxide-based agents. These findings suggest that FMO may serve as a natural candidate for dual-function oral care; however, further in vivo and clinical investigations are needed to validate its potential use within oral care treatments.},
}

@article {pmid40942094,
year = {2025},
author = {Kowalczyk, P and Klewicka, E and Milala, J and Piekarska-Radzik, L and Karlińska, E and Sójka, M and Klewicki, R},
title = {Hibiscus moscheutos L. Flower Petals Extract Phenolic Profile and In Vitro Antimicrobial, Biofilm Formation, Autoaggregation, Prebiotic, Genotoxicity, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {17},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30173569},
pmid = {40942094},
issn = {1420-3049},
abstract = {The flowers of Hibiscus moscheutos L. are among the largest within the genus, and the plant contains numerous nutrients and phytochemicals that perform various structural and regulatory functions in the human body upon consumption. However, these properties remain insufficiently explored. In this study, the phenolic composition and in vitro biological activity of an ethanolic extract from H. moscheutos petals were investigated. The total phenolic content was 219.52 mg/g (HPLC method), including phenolic acids (5.17 mg/g), flavanols (59.18 mg/g), flavonols (93.09 mg/g), and anthocyanins (62.08 mg/g). Many species of the genus Staphylococcus, as well as two probiotic strains of Lacticaseibacillus spp., were sensitive to the extract's effects (100 mg/mL), which appeared to be strain-dependent. The MIC values for Staphylococcus spp. ranged from 6.25 to 100.00 mg/mL, while for the two probiotic strains, they were 12.50 and 100.00 mg/mL, respectively. The extract did not show prebiotic activity. Nevertheless, it enhanced the biofilm-forming ability of both probiotic and pathogenic microbiota on abiotic (polystyrene) and biotic (mucin and gelatin) surfaces. The stimulation of Staphylococcus spp. biofilms is considered undesirable and may justify limiting the use of the extract, for example, in pharmaceutical or medical applications. At concentrations above 25 mg/mL, the extract reduced bacterial autoaggregation. It also exhibited low genotoxicity in the Ames test and demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity comparable to sodium diclofenac. Hibiscus petal extracts might represent a promising source of bioactive compounds for novel pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food applications; however, their potential requires further in-depth investigation.},
}

@article {pmid40939655,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, F and Qin, J and Yang, H and Al-Dhabi, NA and Dong, Y and Bai, Z and Liu, L and Chai, F and Jin, B and Tang, W and Ji, J},
title = {An effective strategy for restoring the biofilm system of anammox/endogenous partial denitrification combined with continuous-flow partial nitration from deterioration.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {133311},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133311},
pmid = {40939655},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Hydroxylamine supplementation has recently emerged as a potential strategy to persistent sustain partial nitration (PN), but its feasibility in the biofilm system of anammox/endogenous partial denitrification combined with continuous-flow partial nitration (SAEPD-CFPN) systems remains unexplored. Thus, this study assessed the feasibility of hydroxylamine dosing for restoring PN in continuous-flow biofilm reactor and investigated the impact of continuous-flow partial nitration (CFPN) deterioration on biofilm system of SAEPD-CFPN. Results showed that nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) decreased from 88.86 % to 39.56 %, with the nitrite accumulation rate (NAR) dropping from 87.28 % to 34.33 % due to the deterioration of CFPN. After effective hydroxylamine dosing, the average NRE increased to 89.90 %, while the average NAR rose to 83.83 %. The SAEPD biofilm system could handle insufficient NO2[-]-N supply caused by CFPN performance insignificant deterioration; however, its effectiveness diminished when CFPN performance severely deteriorated over the long term due to lower influent COD concentrations. Metagenomic analysis revealed that CFPN recovery was attributed to the effective inhibition of Nitrobacter and NxrAB. The robustness of the SAEPD biofilm reactor against fluctuations in influent NO2[-]-N was attributable to its complex microbial community structure. Additionally, intermittent hydroxylamine dosing was proposed as a sustainable strategy to ensure stable SAEPD-CFPN biofilm process operation.},
}

@article {pmid40938484,
year = {2025},
author = {Paria, S and Shit, B and Kundu, S and Munan, S and Dey, S and Barman, S and Nasrin, A and Ghosh, C and Hossain, M},
title = {Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Meyna Laxiflora: Binding with HSA and Anti-biofilm Potential.},
journal = {Cell biochemistry and biophysics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40938484},
issn = {1559-0283},
}

@article {pmid40934583,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Z and Xi, J and Yang, R and Lu, L and Bao, Y and Pan, Z and Yang, B},
title = {Enhancing biofilm resistance and ATP synthesis accelerates toluene degradation at low temperature via AHLs-mediated quorum sensing.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {498},
number = {},
pages = {139777},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139777},
pmid = {40934583},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) biological purification technology faces the challenge of low performance treating benzene homologues at low temperatures. This study evaluates the strategies that can enhance biofilm low-temperature resistance and microbial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis rate by adjusting N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHLs) mediated quorum sensing (QS) (adding exogenous AHLs and inoculating AHL-producing bacteria), thereby accelerating toluene degradation at low temperature in biofilters. Experiments demonstrated that AHLs mediated QS can accelerate the proliferation of microorganisms, and maintain a higher proportion of live and psychrotolerant bacteria in biofilm, and significantly accelerate microbial ATP synthesis (44 %-92 %) by increasing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2) concentrations, complex Ⅰ and Ⅱ activity in the respiratory chain, and that resulting in toluene degradation (11 %-13 %) acceleration with the toluene dioxygenase activity and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle promotion at low temperature in biofilters. The findings offer insights into developing effective biofilm-based VOCs purification systems for benzene homologues under challenging low-temperature conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40933845,
year = {2025},
author = {Fitri, DK and Tuygunov, N and Wan Harun, WHA and Purwasena, IA and Cahyanto, A and Zakaria, MN},
title = {Key virulence genes associated with Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in oral health},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {1654428},
doi = {10.3389/froh.2025.1654428},
pmid = {40933845},
issn = {2673-4842},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus mutans is central to plaque-induced oral diseases due to its robust biofilm-forming ability. Understanding the genetic and regulatory basis of this process is critical for developing targeted anti-virulence strategies that preserve the balance of the oral microbiome. This systematic review aims to gather and evaluate existing evidence on the virulence genes associated with Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies investigating the genetic and regulatory mechanisms of biofilm formation, as well as the effects of experimental treatments, were included, and the risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN tool.

RESULTS: Key virulence genes were identified, including glucosyltransferases (gtfB, gtfC, gtfD), glucan-binding proteins (gbpB, gbpC), and two-component systems (vicRK, liaSR). These genes contribute to adhesion, extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, and environmental adaptation, processes critical for biofilm development. Various anti-virulence strategies, such as quorum sensing inhibitors and gene-targeted compounds, show promise in controlling biofilm formation without compromising bacterial viability, thereby preserving the homeostasis of the normal oral flora, which is essential for maintaining overall oral health.

CONCLUSION: While key virulence genes have been well characterized, further research is needed to clarify how their regulation is influenced by environmental conditions. Insights from this review may support the development of novel therapeutic approaches that reduce Streptococcus mutans pathogenicity while maintaining oral microbial balance.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024577977, PROSPERO CRD42024577977.},
}

@article {pmid40932559,
year = {2025},
author = {Dey, S and Jana, D and Manna, T and Karmakar, M and Paria, S and Chandra Guchhait, K and Hazra, S and Jana, P and Hossain, M and Kumar Panda, A and Ghosh, C},
title = {Molecular analyses of community-acquired Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm development, molecular virulence, and pattern of antibiotic resistance.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {897},
pmid = {40932559},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {668/(CSIRNETJUNE2019)//University Grants Commission/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Staphylococcus epidermidis/genetics/drug effects/pathogenicity/isolation & purification/physiology ; Humans ; Virulence/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology ; India ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus epidermidis generally causes skin and soft tissue infections. Control and treatment of infections caused by S. epidermidis require in-depth analyses of its genotypic traits and patterns of their antibiotic susceptibility.

METHODS AND RESULTS: 100 S. epidermidis isolates were obtainedfrom community setting in Midnapore, West Bengal, India. Different biochemical and PCR-based analyses could identify the presumed S. epidermidis phenotypically, and subsequently their genotypic makeup. Besides that, the isolates were studied for presence of virulence genes and biofilm formation capabilities. Majority of the isolates (63%) were found as possessing moderate biofilm-forming capabilities; only 23% and 14% had high and low biofilm capacities, respectively. Intercellular adhesion (ica) operon involved in biofilm signalling, screened using PCR, revealed the presence of two most-prevalent icas, accounting 80.7% (icaB) and 86.5% (sarA). Only two isolates were tested positive for all of the six known virulence genes using PCR. Haemolysin-encoding genes had the greatest prevalence rates with 92.3 and 94.2% of isolates to be found positive for the hla and hlb genes, respectively. Two strains (3.8%) could be found with the staphylococcal toxin-encoding genes see, seg, and sei. With multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranging from 0.38 to 0.75, S. epidermidis isolates exhibited low resistance to linezolidand levofloxacin.

CONCLUSION: Conventional antibiotic use was associated with higher percentages of multi-drug resistance outbreaks. The identification of staphylococcal toxin in community has raisedworries about the emergence of new variants. The high frequency of ica operons is believed to drive further research into targeting these genes as alternative therapeutic options.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Staphylococcus epidermidis/genetics/drug effects/pathogenicity/isolation & purification/physiology
Humans
Virulence/genetics
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology
India
Virulence Factors/genetics
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid40932250,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, J and Zhou, Y and Zhang, M and Li, X and Zhang, N and Luo, X and Ni, B and Lu, R and Zhang, Y},
title = {CalR is an activator of biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0072425},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00724-25},
pmid = {40932250},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the leading cause of seafood-associated gastroenteritis, often exists in a biofilm state. Biofilm formation in this bacterium is regulated by a complex network of factors, including the second messenger c-di-GMP. CalR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, has been demonstrated to play a role in regulating the expression of virulence genes and swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus. In this study, we demonstrate that CalR positively regulates biofilm formation by enhancing the production of exopolysaccharides (EPSs), extracellular proteins, extracellular DNA (eDNA), and c-di-GMP. RNA sequencing reveals that CalR regulates the transcription of 167 genes, including those potentially involved in c-di-GMP metabolism (e.g., vpa0184, vpa0198, and vpa1429) and biofilm-associated regulators (e.g., scrP). CalR directly suppresses the transcription of scrP, vpa0184, and vpa0198 while activating vpa1429 transcription in a direct manner. Additionally, CalR directly activates the transcription of cpsA but indirectly activates that of scvE, both of which are involved in EPS production. In summary, these findings elucidate the regulatory mechanisms by which CalR promotes biofilm formation in V. parahaemolyticus and highlight its role in modulating c-di-GMP homeostasis and biofilm matrix production. This work enhances our understanding of the regulatory network governing biofilm formation by V. parahaemolyticus.IMPORTANCEBiofilm formation is a critical survival strategy for V. parahaemolyticus, allowing it to persist in adverse environments. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying biofilm formation is essential for developing strategies to control infections caused by this pathogen. This work demonstrates that CalR positively regulates the production of EPS, extracellular proteins, and eDNA, as well as biofilm formation by V. parahaemolyticus. CalR regulates the global gene expression in V. parahaemolyticus, including genes such as scrP, vpa0184, vpa0198, and vpa1429. ScrP negatively impacts V. parahaemolyticus biofilm formation, whereas vpa0184, vpa0198, and vpa1429 contribute to c-di-GMP metabolism. CalR represses scrP, vpa0184, and vpa0198 while activating vpa1429 and also promotes the production of c-di-GMP. These findings indicate how CalR positively regulates biofilm formation by V. parahaemolyticus.},
}

@article {pmid40931650,
year = {2025},
author = {Savorana, G and Di Claudio, A and Rusconi, R and Secchi, E},
title = {The influence of bodily fluid rheology on biofilm formation: known facts and open questions.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences},
volume = {383},
number = {2304},
pages = {20240267},
doi = {10.1098/rsta.2024.0267},
pmid = {40931650},
issn = {1471-2962},
support = {//MUR PNRR Extended Partnership initiative on Emerging Infectious Diseases/ ; //Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; *Rheology ; *Body Fluids/physiology/microbiology/chemistry ; Models, Biological ; Hydrodynamics ; },
abstract = {Biofilms-microbial communities encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix-pose a significant challenge in clinical settings due to their association with chronic infections and antibiotic resistance. Their formation in the human body is governed by a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors, including the biochemical composition of bodily fluids, fluid dynamics, and cell-cell and cell-surface interactions. Improving therapeutic strategies requires a deeper understanding of how host-specific conditions shape biofilm development. Despite efforts to replicate in vivo conditions, in vitro models are often insufficient for capturing the complex dynamics of biofilm formation within the host. This limitation hinders the translation of experimental findings into clinical applications and slows the development of targeted therapies. In this review, we examine the role of fluid dynamics within the human body, with a particular focus on how the biochemical composition, rheological properties of bodily fluids and local flow conditions influence surface colonization and biofilm formation. We survey the current state of the field and outline key open challenges, intending to inform and inspire the development of next-generation experimental models that more closely reflect physiological reality.This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological fluid dynamics: emerging directions'.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
*Rheology
*Body Fluids/physiology/microbiology/chemistry
Models, Biological
Hydrodynamics

@article {pmid40931368,
year = {2025},
author = {Coelho, MMF and Avelino, BMA and de Oliveira, BA and Rios, MA and do Amaral Gubert, F and Martins, MC and Coutinho, JFV and Nogueira, PSF and Barbosa, RGB and Cavalcante, VMV},
title = {Prevalence of biofilm in chronic wounds: systematic review with meta-analysis.},
journal = {Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice},
volume = {37},
number = {8},
pages = {283-291},
doi = {10.25270/wnds/24124},
pmid = {40931368},
issn = {1943-2704},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Chronic Disease ; *Wound Infection/epidemiology/microbiology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; *Wounds and Injuries/microbiology ; Wound Healing/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: To estimate the prevalence of biofilms in chronic wounds.

METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review of prevalence studies and meta-analysis, structured according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles were searched in Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), MEDLINE/PubMed (National Institutes of Health), and Embase (Elsevier) databases. Data collected included the author and year of publication, total number of lesions evaluated, number of lesions with biofilm, detected bacteria, biofilm levels, country where the research was conducted, and the methodological quality of the studies. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model in R software (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing).

RESULTS: A total of 281 articles were retrieved; after applying the reading and exclusion criteria, 24 studies were included. The meta-analysis incorporated 24 studies from 12 countries, evaluating 2666 lesions with a biofilm prevalence of 68% (95% CI, 58%-79%; I² = 92%). A high prevalence was observed in Asian publications (73%; 95% CI, 62%-84%; I² = 98%), with of Staphylococcus aureus (71%; 95% CI, 51%-90%; I² = 98%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (65%; 95% CI, 47%-82%; I² = 98%) being the most common found in all publications.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the methodological heterogeneity of the studies included in this review, the findings indicate a high prevalence of biofilms in chronic wounds presented in the studies that made up the sample.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Humans
Prevalence
Chronic Disease
*Wound Infection/epidemiology/microbiology
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
*Wounds and Injuries/microbiology
Wound Healing/physiology

@article {pmid40929152,
year = {2025},
author = {Rehman, A and Ismail, F and Safdar, A and Imran, M},
title = {In vitro characterization of Trichophyton rubrum biofilm by combined anti-biofilm enzymes.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e0331291},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0331291},
pmid = {40929152},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Peptide Hydrolases/pharmacology ; *Cellulase/pharmacology ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Amylases/pharmacology ; *Arthrodermataceae/drug effects ; Humans ; *Trichophyton/drug effects/physiology ; },
abstract = {Trichophyton rubrum, a dermatophyte, demonstrates a notable ability to form mature biofilms on skin and associated surfaces, strengthening its resistance to antifungal agents. This characteristic poses intricate challenges in dermatological research and therapeutic strategies, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to effectively manage fungal infections. This work assessed the impact of the anti-biofilm enzymes, i.e., cellulase, protease, and amylase, individually and in combination, on the eradication and inhibition of T. rubrum biofilm. After 168 hours of incubation, T. rubrum biofilm formation matured, and the anti-biofilm enzymes significantly reduced the rate of biofilm development. The rates of biofilm inhibition and eradication for cellulase, protease, and amylase were 64%, 38%, and 28% at 72 hours of incubation, and 47%, 25.87%, and 17%, respectively, at 168 hours. However, the combined anti-biofilm enzymes (cellulase, protease, and amylase) had a 60.62% biofilm suppression rate. SEM analysis revealed marked reductions in T. rubrum conidial density, disrupted hyphal structures, and diminished biofilm adherence in enzyme-treated samples compared to untreated controls, visually supporting the inhibitory effect observed in quantitative assays. These morphological alterations indicate compromised fungal viability and structural disintegration of the biofilm matrix. Collectively, the SEM findings reinforce the therapeutic potential of enzyme-based strategies against dermatophytic biofilms. Additionally, these anti-biofilm enzymes have shown strong efficacy in reducing the exopolysaccharide (EPS) content and degrading the complex EPS matrix network. The T. rubrum biofilm treated with anti-biofilm enzymes, such as cellulase and protease, resulted in EPS degradation by FTIR analysis. The antibiofilm enzyme cellulase showed notable degradation of the beta 1-4 linkage within the glycosidic bond. A significant degradation is observed when T. rubrum biofilm is treated with combined enzymes (cellulase, protease, and amylase). The combined enzymatic treatment disrupted the EPS matrix, indicating its potential as an effective strategy for inhibiting biofilm formation by T. rubrum.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Peptide Hydrolases/pharmacology
*Cellulase/pharmacology
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
Amylases/pharmacology
*Arthrodermataceae/drug effects
Humans
*Trichophyton/drug effects/physiology

@article {pmid40927881,
year = {2025},
author = {Neu, TR and Kuhlicke, U},
title = {Biofilm Analysis by Confocal Microscopy-Basics and Practical Aspects.},
journal = {Microscopy research and technique},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jemt.70064},
pmid = {40927881},
issn = {1097-0029},
support = {//Helmholtz Association/ ; },
abstract = {This review is intended as a guideline for beginners in confocal laser scanning microscopy. It combines basic theoretical concepts, such as fluorescence principles, resolution limits, and imaging parameters with practical guidance on sample preparation, staining strategies, and data acquisition using confocal microscopy. The aim is to combine technical and methodological aspects in order to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction. The main application is in microbiology, with a focus on biofilms and bio-aggregates; although other researchers in biology may benefit from this survey. In this primer, we compiled 25 years of experience with confocal microscopy, four generations of instruments, diverse national and international projects, and many different samples of PhD students, PostDocs, and senior scientists from various countries.},
}

@article {pmid40924671,
year = {2025},
author = {Mayer, C and Soukarieh, F and Simões, M and Flament-Simon, SC and Cámara, M and Romero, M},
title = {AHL-based QS signalling promotes uropathogenic Escherichia coli settlement through the de-repression of biofilm formation by SdiA.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e0328837},
pmid = {40924671},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Uropathogenic Escherichia coli/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Quorum Sensing ; *Escherichia coli Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Acyl-Butyrolactones/metabolism ; *Trans-Activators/metabolism/genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/physiology ; },
abstract = {Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are among the first pathogens to colonise in catheter and non-catheter-associated urinary tract infections. However, these infections are often polymicrobial, resulting in multi-species infections that persist by forming biofilms. Living within these highly antimicrobial tolerant communities, bacteria can establish intra- and inter-specific interactions, including quorum sensing (QS)-mediated signalling mechanisms, which play a key role in biofilm establishment and maturation. Although E. coli does not produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), it possesses an orphan LuxR-type receptor, SdiA, which can bind these QS signals released by other Gram-negative bacteria, modulating several virulence-associated phenotypes including biofilm formation. Despite biofilms being considered a major public health challenge due to their persistence and resilience, the knowledge of the SdiA role in biofilm regulation and UPEC fitness in mixed biofilms is limited compared to enteropathogenic E. coli. We have used a ΔsdiA mutant and phenotypic analysis to investigate the SdiA influence on UPEC single and mixed biofilms with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. SdiA was found to inhibit UPEC biofilm and addition of AHLs enhanced E. coli surface colonisation via SdiA-mediated de-repression of biofilm. We also confirmed the low specificity of SdiA for AHLs, demonstrating the SdiA importance in tightly regulating the UPEC free-living and biofilm-associated lifestyles.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Uropathogenic Escherichia coli/physiology/genetics/metabolism
*Quorum Sensing
*Escherichia coli Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Acyl-Butyrolactones/metabolism
*Trans-Activators/metabolism/genetics
Signal Transduction
Humans
Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/physiology

@article {pmid40924154,
year = {2025},
author = {Nascimben, M and Rimondini, L},
title = {A Scorecard for Information Synthesis in Multiple Experimental Conditions: Application to Bacterial Biofilm Matrix Transcriptomics.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {10},
pages = {497},
pmid = {40924154},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {860462//HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; *Transcriptome ; *Gene Expression Profiling/methods ; *Software ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {A Python-scripted software tool has been developed to help study the heterogeneity of gene changes, markedly or moderately expressed, when several experimental conditions are compared. The analysis workflow encloses a scorecard that groups genes based on relative fold-change and statistical significance, providing additional functions that facilitate knowledge extraction. The scorecard reports highlight unique patterns of gene regulation, such as genes whose expression is consistently up- or down-regulated across experiments, all of which are supported by graphs and summaries to characterize the dataset under investigation. Four GEO datasets related to RNA-seq bacterial biofilm expression levels were independently analyzed for information mining through the functionalities of the software library. The scorecard identified and tracked, over time or experiments, genes meaningful for bacterial metabolism and survival in response to antibiotics, adjuvants, and biocompatible materials. Analyses detected factors and strategies to persist in the environment by bacterial aggregates, such as modifications in the binding affinity of penicillin-related proteins or ribosomal subunits, the development of alternative metabolic pathways, cell wall thickening, intracellular concentration of drugs reduced by efflux pumps, and enzymatic inactivation through hydrolyzation, phosphorylation, or adenylation.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
*Transcriptome
*Gene Expression Profiling/methods
*Software
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid40923908,
year = {2025},
author = {Dreer, M and Pribasnig, T and Hodgskiss, LH and Luo, ZH and Pozaric, F and Schleper, C},
title = {Biofilm lifestyle across different lineages of ammonia-oxidizing archaea.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf182},
pmid = {40923908},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Although ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are globally distributed in nature, growth in biofilms has been relatively little explored. Here we investigated six representatives of three different terrestrial and marine clades of AOA in a longitudinal and quantitative study for their ability to form biofilm, and studied gene expression patterns of three representatives. Although all strains grew on a solid surface, soil strains of the genera Nitrosocosmicus and Nitrososphaera exhibited the highest capacity for biofilm formation. Based on microscopic and gene expression data, two different colonization strategies could be distinguished. S-layer containing AOA (from both soil and marine habitats) initialized attachment as single cells, subsequently forming denser layers, whereas the S-layer free species of the Nitrosocosmicus clade attached as suspended aggregates to the surface and henceforth showed fastest establishment of biofilm. Transcription profiles were significantly different between planktonic and biofilm growth in all strains, and revealed individual transcriptomic responses, albeit fulfilling shared functions. In particular, the strong expression of different types of multicopper oxidases was observed in all strains suggesting modifications of their cell coats. S-layer carrying AOA each additionally expressed a set of adhesion proteins supporting attachment. Detoxification of nitrous compounds, copper acquisition as well as the expression of transcription factor B were also shared responses among biofilm producing strains. However, the majority of differentially expressed protein families was distinct among the three strains, illustrating that individual solutions have evolved for the shared growth mode of biofilm formation in AOA, probably driven by the different ecological niches.},
}

@article {pmid40920766,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarkar, S and Barnaby, R and Nymon, AB and Charpentier, LA and Taub, L and Wargo, MJ and Weiss, DJ and Bonfield, TL and Stanton, BA},
title = {Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Extracellular Vesicles Reduce Pseudomonas Biofilm Formation, and let-7b-5p Loading Confers Additional Anti-Inflammatory Effects.},
journal = {American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1152/ajplung.00187.2025},
pmid = {40920766},
issn = {1522-1504},
support = {STANTO19G0//Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)/ ; P30-DK117469 and R01HL151385//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; 5P30CA023108//HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; DK065988//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; BOUCHE19R0//Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)/ ; F31HL172440//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; },
abstract = {Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a multiorgan disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to chronic pulmonary infections and hyperinflammation. Among pathogens colonizing the CF lung, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is predominant, infecting over 50% of adults with CF, and becoming antibiotic-resistant over time. Current therapies for CF, while providing tremendous benefits, fail to eliminate persistent bacterial infections, chronic inflammation, and irreversible lung damage, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. Our group engineered mesenchymal stromal cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC EVs) to carry the microRNA let-7b-5p as a dual anti-infective and anti-inflammatory treatment. MSC EVs are low-immunogenicity platforms with innate antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, while let-7b-5p reduces inflammation. This study demonstrates that MSC EVs effectively blocked the formation of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa biofilms on primary Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (pHBECs), and let-7b-5p loading into MSC EVs conferred additional anti-inflammatory effects by reducing P. aeruginosa-induced IL-8 secretion by pHBECs. This approach holds promise for improving outcomes for people with CF, and future work will focus on optimizing delivery strategies and expanding the clinical applicability of MSC EVs to target other CF-associated pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid40920556,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, D and Xin, YH and Liu, Q},
title = {Diverse biofilm-forming Sphingomonadaceae represent twelve novel species isolated from glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {40920556},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Tibet ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Ice Cover/microbiology ; *Sphingomonadaceae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Base Composition ; Fatty Acids ; },
abstract = {The family Sphingomonadaceae, encompassing the genus Sphingomonas and related taxa, comprises diverse Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria found in varied habitats, including air, soil, water and glaciers. Recent genomic-based taxonomic revisions have reclassified some Sphingomonas species into new genera, such as Parasphingomonas and Alteristakelama, due to polyphyletic relationships within the family Sphingomonadaceae. Certain Sphingomonadaceae species are known for forming biofilms or functioning as aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria, traits that enhance resilience in extreme environments like the cryosphere. In this study, we isolated 12 novel strains from Tibetan Plateau glaciers, revealing significant phenotypic and genotypic diversity. Based on phylogenomic analyses, six strains were classified within Sphingomonas, five within Parasphingomonas and one within Alteristakelama. These strains exhibit broad pH (4-11), salt tolerance (0-3.0%) and temperature adaptability (0-37 °C), alongside varied metabolic capabilities, including diverse carbon source utilization and enzyme activities. Eleven strains exhibit biofilm formation, and some possess genes for carotenoid biosynthesis and photosynthesis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with their closest relatives ranged from 97.6% to 99.9%, while the average nt identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between these strains and known species with validly published names were below 89.80% and 36.60%, respectively. Polyphasic analyses, encompassing phylogenetic, phenotypic and genotypic analyses, confirm that these strains represent 12 novel species within the family Sphingomonadaceae. We propose the following names: Alteristakelama amylovorans sp. nov., Sphingomonas sorbitolis sp. nov., Sphingomonas fucosidasi sp. nov., Sphingomonas sandaracina sp. nov., Sphingomonas rhamnosi sp. nov., Sphingomonas arabinosi sp. nov., Sphingomonas flavida sp. nov., Parasphingomonas frigoris sp. nov., Parasphingomonas halimpatiens sp. nov., Parasphingomonas zepuensis sp. nov., Parasphingomonas caseinilytica sp. nov. and Parasphingomonas puruogangriensis sp. nov. This study enhances our understanding of Sphingomonadales diversity and its ecological adaptations in extreme environments.},
}

*Phylogeny
*Biofilms/growth & development
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Tibet
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
*Ice Cover/microbiology
*Sphingomonadaceae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
Bacterial Typing Techniques
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Base Composition
Fatty Acids

@article {pmid40918328,
year = {2025},
author = {Sasínová, K and Berčíková, M and Vrchotová, B and Hrádková, I and Šmidrkal, J and Kalenchak, K},
title = {Antimicrobial and Biofilm Inhibition Activity of Novel Biobased Quaternary Ammonium Salts.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {34},
pages = {39236-39249},
pmid = {40918328},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {The growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing public health. As a result, there is an increasing focus on developing new substances with both antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition activities. One such group of compounds is surfactants, particularly quaternary ammonium salts (QASs), which are commonly used as disinfectants in healthcare. In this study, a three-step synthesis was used to prepare a range of QASs, including quaternary esters, hydroxyamides, and dihydroxyamides with alkyl chains of 12-18 carbon atoms. First, the initial step of the synthesis was optimized by testing various catalysts, with CH3OK showing the highest efficiency and proving to be the most suitable choice for further development. Then, the antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis, while biofilm inhibition activity was evaluated only for the bacterial strains (S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa). The results were compared with those obtained for benzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride (BDMDAC), which is a commonly used disinfectant. QASs derived from myristic and palmitic acids showed the highest antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition activities, often higher than BDMDAC. Interestingly, some compounds reached maximum biofilm inhibition activity at the lowest concentration tested(?)particularly stearic acid quaternary hydroxyamide and stearic acid quaternary dihydroxyamide, which reached minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values as low as 0.016 mmol L[-1]. Compounds derived from myristic acid showed higher antimicrobial activity compared with BDMDAC, while both myristic- and palmitic-acid-based compounds demonstrated superior biofilm inhibition activity. These findings highlight the potential of myristic- and palmitic-acid-based QASs as promising candidates for next-generation disinfectant formulations, particularly in applications where strong biofilm inhibition activity is essential.},
}

@article {pmid40916480,
year = {2025},
author = {Pingueiro, JMS and Feres, M and Macedo, TT and Paulo Gomes, APA and Vilela, FMS and Bueno, MR and da Silva, LDA and Silva, APS and Alencar, SM and Rosalen, PL and Bueno-Silva, B},
title = {Combination of neovestitol and vestitol impair the subgingival multispecies biofilm development.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2025.2551066},
pmid = {40916480},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of neovestitol-vestitol fraction (NVF) on an in vitro subgingival multispecies biofilm. The 33-species biofilm was formed for seven days using a Calgary device. Starting on day 3, treatments for applied twice daily for 1 min each: NV (400-1,600 µg[ ]ml[-1]), chlorhexidine 0.12% (CHX; positive control) or vehicle (negative control). After seven days, metabolic activity and microbial composition were accessed through colorimetric reaction and DNA-DNA hybridization, respectively. ANOVA/Tukey's and Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's were performed (p < 0.05). NV1,600 and NV800 and CHX significantly reduced biofilm metabolic activity by 67%, 48% and 64% respectively, compared to vehicle-treatment. NV1,600, NV800 and CHX reduced red complex proportions versus vehicle-treatment. NV1,600 also reduced orange complex and increased healthy-associated purple complex compared to negative control (p < 0.05). NV1,600, NV800 and CHX reduced nine species, including Fusobacterium periodonticum and Porphyromonas gingivalis. NV1,600 also reduced Fusobacterium nucleatum polymorphum. NV seems to be a good candidate to control biofilm formation and pathogenicity in dental practice.},
}

@article {pmid40915262,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, S and Feng, K and Zhang, D and Liu, Y and Wang, J and Lu, B and Xing, D},
title = {Self-regulating adaptability of biofilm microbiomes enhances manganese and ammonia removal in microbial electrochemical filters under dioxane exposure.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {497},
number = {},
pages = {139776},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139776},
pmid = {40915262},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Understanding the stability and assemblage of biofilm microbiomes under oligotrophic conditions is critical for improving groundwater bioremediation. In this study, a novel microbial electrochemical filter (MEF) was developed to explore the impact of weak electrical stimulation on functional adaptability of biofilms under oligotrophic and 1,4-dioxane exposure conditions. Under 20 mg/L 1,4-dioxane stress, the MEF achieved 94.72 % manganese removal and 27.27 % ammonia nitrogen removal, while the conventional biofilter exhibited 88.76 % manganese removal with negligible ammonia nitrogen removal. Metagenomics analyses revealed that dominant populations in the MEF included Nitrospira, Bradyrhizobium, and Nitrosomonas, with relative abundance of 6.23 -10.78 %, 5.81 -6.15 %, and 1.62 -5.58 %, respectively. Weak electrical stimulation enriched the manganese oxidation-associated genes cotA, mnxG, and mcoA, whose total relative abundances being 6.3 times that of the conventional biofilter before dioxane exposure and 2.0 times after exposure. Genes encoding ammonia monooxygenase (amoABC), hydroxylamine dehydrogenase (hao) increased by 2.4- and 1.9-fold, respectively, compared to the conventional biofilter. Additionally, genes involved in the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle and nitrogen fixation were twice as abundant in the MEF than in the conventional biofilter, suggesting enhanced nutrients availability for heterotrophic bacteria during start-up. These findings demonstrated that weak electrical stimulation effectively regulated biofilm microbiomes and enhance pollutant removal in MEF under oligotrophic conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40914365,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Tong, G and Li, J and Jin, Y and Yin, M and Ren, X},
title = {Fabrication of ZIF/SiO2 hybrid particles to prepare cotton-based antibacterial and anti-biofilm composites with high durability.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {147460},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.147460},
pmid = {40914365},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {As living standards continue to rise, the demand for advanced cotton textiles that fulfill enhanced functional requirements has grown significantly. Therefore, the development of multifunctional antibacterial/hydrophobic cotton fabrics holds considerable practical value. In this study, a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) based hybrid material, ZIF/SiO2-LDS (Long-chain derivative of silane), was synthesized via a co-precipitation method using silica, zinc nitrate hexahydrate, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550), 2-methylimidazole and hexadecyltrimethylsilane (HDTMS). The resulting hybrid particles were then applied to cotton fabric through a simple padding process, achieving a loading amount of 2.348 %. This was followed by chlorination treatment with sodium hypochlorite to introduce antibacterial functionality. Hydrophobicity was assessed through contact angle measurements, achieving a maximum contact angle exceeding 145°. Antibacterial efficacy testing revealed complete inactivation of bacteria strains, achieving 100 % effectiveness. Study on the adhesion behavior of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that HZSi/cot-Cl exhibits outstanding antibacterial adhesion resistance, effectively inhibiting bacterial attachment at concentrations up to 10[6] CFU/mL within one hour. The combined antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties significantly mitigate biofilm formation on the HZSi/cot-Cl surface. Notably, the fabric retained its anti-biofilm functionality even after 50 wash cycles. This research provides valuable insights into the development of advanced antibacterial and anti-adhesive treatments for cotton fabrics.},
}

@article {pmid40914064,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, K and Gao, J and Zhang, J and Wang, Y and Wang, H and Guo, Y and Lu, T},
title = {Preservatives induced succession of microbial communities and proliferation of resistance genes within biofilm and plastisphere in sulfur autotrophic denitrification system.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {497},
number = {},
pages = {139750},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139750},
pmid = {40914064},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Methylparaben (MeP), Benzethonium chloride (BZC) and microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants are frequently detected in the environment. Furthermore, MPs can be colonized by microorganisms to form a unique ecological niche known as the "plastisphere". In this study, three biofilm-based sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) reactors were established, which were exposed to 0.5-5 mg/L MeP and BZC individually and in combination, while polyamide 6 bags were added to cultivate plastisphere within the three SAD systems. The results found that BZC had a more serious inhibition effect than MeP. Besides, MeP mitigated the toxicity of BZC on SAD, and the observed inhibition gradually diminished over time. The incorporation of preservatives significantly changed the microbial community structures and induced the proliferation of resistance genes (RGs) in both biofilm and plastisphere. Enrichment of functional bacterium like Thiobacillus and the colonization of pathogenic bacterium like Desulfovibrio were found in plastisphere. The proliferation of intracellular RGs in biofilm might drive the recovery of SAD performance. In addition, mobile genetic elements were recognized as the key drivers of horizontal gene transfer responsible for the dissemination of RGs. This research guided the efforts to control the risks associated with preservatives and MPs in wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid40913539,
year = {2025},
author = {Bilal, Z and Tipping, W and Brown, JL and Faulds, K},
title = {Under the lens: using Raman spectroscopy as a unique system in biofilm analyses.},
journal = {Critical reviews in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-19},
doi = {10.1080/1040841X.2025.2555937},
pmid = {40913539},
issn = {1549-7828},
abstract = {Biofilms are microbial communities that adhere to surfaces and each other, encapsulated in a protective extracellular matrix. These structures enhance resistance to antimicrobials, contributing to 65-80% of human infections. The transition from free-living cells to structured biofilms involves a myriad of molecular and structural adaptations. Raman spectroscopy is an analytical technique that has recently been adapted for biofilm analysis. The ability to operate without interference from water makes Raman spectroscopy a valuable tool for in situ characterization of biofilms, including direct analysis from clinical samples. The technique also offers the advantage of imaging speed and the capacity to generate extensive chemical and molecular data from samples, whilst also being non-destructive. However, Raman spectroscopy is often limited by its low sensitivity, particularly when applied to microbial analysis. This limitation has been addressed with the advent of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and stimulated Raman scattering microscopy. When used in combination with traditional methods, these Raman technologies can be incredibly useful for understanding the mechanisms underlying biofilm development, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and detection and discrimination of microorganisms. In this critical review, the application of Raman spectroscopy and its derivatives as a tool for biofilm characterization is discussed along with its associated advantages and challenges.},
}

@article {pmid40913087,
year = {2025},
author = {Schmidt, WC and Lee, CK and Zheng, X and Chen, JW and Fetah, KL and Popoli, JR and Choi, YS and Young, TD and Weiss, PS and Kasko, AM and O'Toole, GA and Parsek, MR and Wong, GCL},
title = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa senses exopolysaccharide trails using type IV pili and adhesins during biofilm formation.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40913087},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {W911NF-18-1-0254//United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)/ ; W911NF-18-1-0254//United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)/ ; W911NF-18-1-0254//United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)/ ; R01 AI43730//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; T32 AI007323/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI43730//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R01 AI077628/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM008185/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI143916/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI077628/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI43730//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R37 AI83256//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; DGE-1650604//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; DGE-2034835//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; NSF 1821721//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; NSF 1821721//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
abstract = {During early stages of biofilm formation, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) PAO1 can sense exopolysaccharide (EPS) trails of Psl deposited on a surface by previous Pa cells to detect trajectories of other cells and to orchestrate motility. This sensory signal is transduced into cyclic diGMP second messengers, but no known Psl receptors and adhesins participate in signal transduction. Here, using bacteria-secreted Psl trails, glycopolymer-patterned surfaces, longitudinal cell tracking, second messenger dual reporters and genetic mutations targeting EPS binding and surface twitching, we find that Pa is capable of sensing EPS directly through mutually constitutive interactions between type IV pili (T4P)-powered twitching and specific adhesin-EPS bonds. This unanticipated mechanochemical surveillance of the Pa environment, where T4P pull against cell-body localized adhesins interacting with EPS trails, such as mannose-binding CdrA, generates a hybrid, transitional planktonic-to-biofilm population with elevated cyclic diGMP and elevated cyclic AMP, as well as increased motility capable of following EPS trails. These results show a generalizable mechanism of surface chemosensing through mechanosensitive appendages.},
}

@article {pmid40911723,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhuang, H and Li, J and Jiang, H and Liu, W and Ding, Q and Mushtaq, M and Yuan, X and Wei, Q and Wang, Q},
title = {Fabrication of a Superhydrophobic-Photodynamic Dual Antimicrobial Polyester Textile for Inhibiting Biofilm Formation in Medical Applications.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsabm.5c00886},
pmid = {40911723},
issn = {2576-6422},
abstract = {The problem of hospital-acquired infections arising from inadequate antimicrobial and antibiofilm performance in medical textiles is an increasingly urgent threat to public health. The dual strategy combining superhydrophobic surfaces with aPDT exhibits potent antibacterial efficacy and barely triggers the risk of antimicrobial resistance, but still encounters significant challenges, including intricate fabrication methods and narrow spectral absorption of single-photosensitizer (PS) systems. A superhydrophobic-photodynamic dual antimicrobial polyester fabric is developed herein for medical applications to address these challenges. A binary-PS system comprising curcumin (Cur) and methylene blue (MB) was loaded onto polyester fabrics via an integrated dyeing and finishing technology, while dodecyltrichlorosilane (DTCS)-modified silicon dioxide (abbreviated as DSiO2) was spray-coated to construct a robust superhydrophobic surface. The binary-PS (Cur/MB) achieves broad spectral coverage (400-700 nm) and significantly enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under visible light irradiation via a Type II photodynamic mechanism. Benefiting from its strong antiadhesion and dual-photosensitizer enhanced photodynamic bactericidal properties, the superhydrophobic-photodynamic polyester fabrics exhibit 99.99% (4 log units) antibacterial efficiency under visible light irradiation (60,000 lx, 30 min). Remarkable biofilm inhibition of the fabric is also evidenced by the reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilm activity to 0.11 and 0.42, respectively. Moreover, the fabric displays excellent biocompatibility, maintaining the 85.51% viability of L929 cells after 24 h. Overall, this scalable and efficient fabrication strategy for superhydrophobic-photodynamic antibacterial textiles offers significant advantages in combating bacterial infections and suppressing biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid40909929,
year = {2025},
author = {Ni, B and Chang, J and Zhou, Y and Li, W and Tian, Z and Lu, R and Zhang, Y},
title = {The coordinated regulatory impact of AcsS and TpdA on biofilm formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1652011},
pmid = {40909929},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a marine pathogen, employs biofilm formation to enhance environmental persistence and transmission. Biofilm development is intricately regulated by cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), whose levels are controlled by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs). This study elucidates the coordinated regulatory roles of the LysR-type transcriptional regulator AcsS and the PDE TpdA in biofilm formation. Through genetic, transcriptomic, and biochemical analyses, we demonstrate that AcsS promotes biofilm formation by directly activating the exopolysaccharide biosynthesis gene cpsA and indirectly repressing tpdA, a gene encoding a c-di-GMP-degrading enzyme. Conversely, TpdA inhibits acsS expression and antagonizes cpsA transcription. RNA-seq revealed that AcsS globally regulates 235 genes, including those linked to flagella, type IV pili, and capsular polysaccharides. Intracellular c-di-GMP quantification showed that AcsS elevates c-di-GMP levels, while TpdA reduces them, establishing a feedback loop. Phenotypic assays confirmed that AcsS-dependent biofilm enhancement operates independently of TpdA, though TpdA partially suppresses biofilm formation in the absence of AcsS. These findings unveil a regulatory circuit where AcsS and TpdA coordinately modulate c-di-GMP metabolism and biofilm-associated gene expression, highlighting them as promising targets for disrupting biofilm-mediated persistence and transmission of V. parahaemolyticus.},
}

@article {pmid40907234,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, X and Zhang, J and Chen, X and Li, Q and Hui, Y and Han, J and Jin, X and Jin, P},
title = {Impact of bacteriophage MS2 adsorption on biofilm microbial communities, metabolic pathways, and protein expression in sewer systems.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {393},
number = {},
pages = {126998},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126998},
pmid = {40907234},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The stability of microbial communities within sewer systems is essential for maintaining effluent quality and infrastructure longevity. However, the functional consequences of viral interactions with biofilms remain poorly characterised. This study examines the effects of bacteriophage MS2 adsorption on biofilm structure, metabolism, and pathogenic potential in a simulated 1 km sewer pipeline. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) revealed irreversible phage adsorption onto extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), inducing a biphasic viscoelastic response. During the first 24 h, the ΔD/Δf slope increased from 0.204 to 0.420, indicating initial loosening of the EPS matrix. This was followed by a compaction phase, with the slope decreasing to 0.102 by 96 h. Metagenomic profiling indicated a shift in community functionality, with sulphur-metabolising Chlorobium decreasing by 27.8 % and the pathogenic genus Novosphingobium increasing by 4.87 %. Corresponding trends were observed in enzymatic activity: sulphate reduction genes (e.g., EC 2.7.7.4) declined to 10 % of baseline levels at 24 h, before recovering to 14542 annotations at 96 h. Metaproteomic analysis revealed divergent regulatory responses, with acetyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.1) transcriptionally upregulated, while phosphate acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.8) increased independently of gene expression, indicating potential post-translational control. These findings demonstrate that phage adsorption perturbs biofilm integrity and reprogrammes microbial metabolism, underscoring the need for virus-informed strategies in sewer monitoring and pathogen management.},
}

@article {pmid40905934,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Xiang, Q and Zhao, G and Lin, K and Huang, J and Gao, Z and Lu, H and Dong, H},
title = {Dual-Functional Microneedles for In Situ Diagnosis and Biofilm-Targeted Therapy of Diabetic Periodontitis via Biomarker-Responsive Probes and Photothermal NO Nanomotors.},
journal = {Analytical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.5c03316},
pmid = {40905934},
issn = {1520-6882},
abstract = {Chronic periodontitis, a frequent complication of diabetes, is exacerbated by bacterial biofilms that drive progressive periodontal tissue destruction and systemic inflammation. Conventional treatments, utilizing mechanical debridement and systemic antibiotics, often fail to eradicate bacterial biofilms, promote antibiotic resistance, and lack real-time monitoring, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Herein, we report a separable bilayer microneedle (MN) patch that enables localized, antibiotic-free, biofilm-targeted therapy and in situ biomarker-based monitoring for the integrated management of chronic periodontitis. Specifically, the swellable backing layer of the patch incorporates interleukin-6 and miRNA-223 responsive fluorescence probes, enabling visual, real-time assessment of periodontal inflammation and aiding in the diagnosis of chronic periodontitis. Simultaneously, the patch features a soluble MN tip embedded with indocyanine-green-modified asymmetrically gold-decorated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which are loaded with glucose oxidase and l-arginine, forming near-infrared (NIR-) driven nanomotors (JSGAs). Upon NIR irradiation, JSGAs generate local hyperthermia that enhances biofilm penetration and initiates a cascade catalytic reaction to release nitric oxide (NO). In rat models, the system significantly reduced local inflammation and bacterial infiltration while enabling longitudinal monitoring, offering a smart, closed-loop strategy for precise diagnosis and therapy of chronic periodontitis.},
}

@article {pmid40905250,
year = {2025},
author = {Massons, G and Gilabert-Oriol, G and Gomez, V and Arrowood, T and Garcia Molina, V},
title = {Fortilife[™] Director[™] biofouling diagnostic tool developed for biofilm visualisation on reverse osmosis membranes.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2025.2551860},
pmid = {40905250},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {Imaging techniques are important for biofilm studies. Biofilm samples should ideally be visualised with minimal sample preparation so as not to alter their original structure. However, this can be challenging and resource-intensive in most cases. This study details the development of a novel tool (Fortilife[™] Director[™]) to visualise biofouling. The method utilises a microparticle suspension that effectively highlights biofilm boundaries without altering its structure, allowing for high-contrast, in-situ visualisation. Experimental applications across various membrane types, including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, demonstrate the capability of the tool to quantify biofilm surface coverage accurately. Results from studies on different feed waters underline the effectiveness in evaluating biofouling severity and distribution patterns, correlating surface coverage with operational performance metrics such as pressure drop increase. The Fortilife[™] Director[™] represents a promising advancement in the management of biofouling in membrane filtration systems, offering a more reliable means of monitoring and optimising operational efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid40905052,
year = {2025},
author = {Verma, N and Agarwal, V},
title = {Organoid-Based Skin and Lung Biofilm Models, a Cutting-Edge Approach for Anti-Biofilm Research: A Mini Review.},
journal = {Biotechnology journal},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e70109},
doi = {10.1002/biot.70109},
pmid = {40905052},
issn = {1860-7314},
support = {//Ministry of Education, India/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Organoids/microbiology ; Humans ; *Skin/microbiology ; *Lung/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Animals ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Bacterial biofilms contribute to 60%-80% of human infections, exhibiting resistance to traditional antibiotic treatment and contributing to chronic, relapsing diseases, particularly in healthcare settings. Traditional in-vitro and in-vivo models often fail to accurately replicate the human microenvironment. This mini review highlights the emerging use of organoid-based models that are three-dimensional, self-organizing structures derived from stem cells. These biomimetic systems closely resemble native organs, providing a physiologically appropriate platform for anti-biofilm efficacy assessment, especially skin and lung, offering a more accurate environment for assessing microbial colonization, persistence, and therapeutic response. This paper summarizes recent advances in the development of effective antimicrobial testing methods for biofilm organoid models, focusing on human-derived proteins and biopolymers. We have discussed how these organoid models, specifically skin and lung organoids, provide insights into host-pathogen dynamics and antimicrobial responses. By bridging the gap between the clinical phase and classical experimental modeling, the organoid model is a powerful tool for transforming and accelerating translational antimicrobial research.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Organoids/microbiology
Humans
*Skin/microbiology
*Lung/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Animals
Models, Biological

@article {pmid40904684,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, X and Li, Y and Yang, T and Li, W and Dong, X and Huang, A and Shi, Y},
title = {Identification of the malonylation modification in Staphylococcus aureus and insight into the regulators in biofilm formation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1598098},
pmid = {40904684},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical regulators of bacterial biofilm formation, but the role of lysine malonylation (Kmal) in biofilm formation is still poorly understood.

METHODS: In this study, we analyzed the dynamic changes of protein malonylation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) DC15 during biofilm formation based on antibody affinity enrichment combined with quantitative proteomics.

RESULTS: Quantitative profiling identified 2,833 malonylated sites across 788 proteins, with significant enrichment in biofilm-associated proteins. Twelve conserved motifs, including Kmal******R and Kmal****R (* represents any amino acid residue), dominated the malonyl proteome landscape in S. aureus. The combined analysis of modified and quantitative proteomics revealed the quorum-sensing system as a key regulatory hub in S. aureus biofilm formation. In particular, the response regulator, AgrA, showed decreased expression but increased malonylation at the K2, K11, and K216 sites during S. aureus biofilm formation, suggesting functional compensation. Structural and phylogenetic analysis showed that the key malonylation sites (K216) of protein AgrA were evolutionarily conserved in Gram-positive pathogens including Bacillus cereus. Molecular docking analysis found that antimicrobial peptide BCp12 and natural compound chlorogenic acid could bind with the malonylation sites in AgrA (ΔG = -6.888 and -5.302 kcal/mol, respectively).

CONCLUSION: This study provides a new perspective for understanding the general rules of bacterial biofilm formation and developing broad-spectrum anti-biofilm drugs.},
}

@article {pmid40904223,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, C and Zuo, Y and Dong, H and Yuan, T and Yang, W and Cai, K},
title = {A Starch Gum with a Multi-Cascade Enzymatic Reaction Targeting Dental Caries Biofilm Eradication and Enamel Regeneration.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e02346},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.202502346},
pmid = {40904223},
issn = {2192-2659},
support = {2022YFB3804400//State Key Project of Research and Development/ ; 32071334//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52333011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 62303079//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; cstc2021jcyj-cxttX0002//Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing/ ; CSTB2023NSCQ-MSX0074//Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing/ ; },
abstract = {The progression of dental caries is exacerbated by the presence of bacterial biofilms on carious enamel surfaces, which inhibit remineralization and exacerbate caries. Existing caries treatment protocols are often complex and costly. To simultaneously eradicate caries-associated biofilms and repair demineralized enamel, this study develope a starch-based gum containing calcium carbonate nanoparticles loaded with L-arginine (CaCO3@L-Arg) and glucose oxidase (GOx). The gum can absorb water and swell into a gel. Due to the hydrogen bonding and adhesive properties of gelatinized starch, the starch gel can be freely shaped to fill and adhere to irregular carious cavities. In particular, under the weak acid microenvironment of caries biofilms and the enzymatic action of salivary amylase (Amy), the gel degrades within 3-5 hours, releasing GOx and L-Arg. These components trigger a dual enzyme (Amy and GOx) mediated multi-cascade reaction (starch → glucose → H2O2 → NO) that effectively disrupts biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and other cariogenic bacteria. At the same time, calcium and phosphate ions released from the gel use the starch as a template to form calcium phosphate in situ, promoting enamel remineralization. This dual-functional system effectively eradicates interdental biofilms and restores enamel, representing a promising strategy for the treatment of early caries.},
}

@article {pmid40902890,
year = {2025},
author = {Guan, YC and Liang, S and Wang, YD and Bai, SY and Huang, CB and Gong, JZ and Shi, WQ and Kang, YH and Shan, XF and Huang, SY},
title = {The Ferrous Iron Transporter FeoB Mediates Motility, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence in Aeromonas veronii.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108014},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108014},
pmid = {40902890},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) is a widespread pathogen that can affect human, animals, and aquatic. The ferrous iron (Fe[2+]) transport system (Feo system) is essential for bacterial survival and virulence. Within this system, FeoB, a transmembrane NTPase, plays a key role in maintaining iron homeostasis. However, the role of feoB in the A. veronii is still not clear. In this study, a stable A. veronii feoB genetic mutant strain (ΔfeoB) was constructed, and a strain complemented this mutation (C-feoB). Compared to the wild-type A. veronii strain (TH0426), ΔfeoB exhibited reduced gentamicin sensitivity and impaired growth under iron-limited conditions. Additionally, the ΔfeoB mutant exhibited significant reduction in motility, adhesion, and invasion capabilities. In term of virulence, the wild-type strain exhibited a 2.62-fold higher cytotoxicity toward EPC cells than ΔfeoB. And the LD50 of ΔfeoB was 178-fold lower than that of the wild-type strain, indicating a substantial attenuation of virulence. Consistently, Carassius infected with ΔfeoB displayed significantly lower bacterial loads in tissues. Moreover, the ΔfeoB exhibited diminished antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, this study initially revealed the role of feoB gene in A. veronii TH0426, and provided a new insight into reducing bacterial infectivity and virulence by targeting the regulation of Feo systems.},
}

@article {pmid40900405,
year = {2025},
author = {Haq, T and Jaswani, S and Roohi, R},
title = {Nanoflowers: Smart Molecules for Biofilm Management.},
journal = {Applied biochemistry and biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40900405},
issn = {1559-0291},
abstract = {Biofilm formation poses challenges across various sectors, such as healthcare facilities, food safety, and in industrial processes, owing to the resilience of microbial communities encased in protective extracellular matrices. This paper delves into the strategies for biofilm control, highlighting recent/novel chemical, biological, and nanotechnological approaches. Chemical methods exploit the potential of natural compounds, such as phenolic antioxidants and nanoparticles, to disrupt biofilms, thereby boosting the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments. In parallel, biological strategies involve the use of predatory bacteria and biosurfactants and offer eco-friendly alternatives. In nanotechnology, particularly the nanoflowers, due to their unique morphology and high surface area, show greater promise in efficiently targeting biofilms by enabling enhanced bacterial interaction and precise drug delivery. The implications of these approaches are far-reaching, extending to the food industry, where biofilm formation can result in spoilage and foodborne illnesses, as well as in biomedical applications aimed at preventing infections related to medical devices. This paper underscores the potential of integrating these approaches to develop more effective and sustainable solutions for biofilm management, contributing to enhanced health and safety across multiple domains.},
}

@article {pmid40900343,
year = {2025},
author = {Temel, A and Aydın, E and Kocaağa, M},
title = {Associations between carbapenemase genes, biofilm formation, and virulence factors in clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Türkiye.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {863},
pmid = {40900343},
issn = {1573-4978},
}

@article {pmid40900294,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, S and Selvakumar, S and Swaminathan, P},
title = {The Role of Phytosterol Derivatives in Inhibiting LuxS-Mediated Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.},
journal = {Molecular biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40900294},
issn = {1559-0305},
abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a halophilic bacterium of the Vibrionaceae family, is a notable opportunistic pathogen that affects aquatic organisms, such as shrimp and fish. The LuxS enzyme, a Zn[2]-dependent metalloenzyme, governs the synthesis of autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a conserved quorum-sensing molecule that modulates gene expression related to virulence in Vibrio species and Escherichia coli. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of marine algae-derived bioactive compounds against the LuxS/AI-2 quorum-sensing system in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Structural and functional characterization of the LuxS protein was performed using various bioinformatics tools. Virtual screening and molecular docking of 20 selected compounds identified Brassicasterol as having the strongest binding affinity (- 8.1 kcal/mol), while Stigmasterol, with a slightly lower docking score (- 8.0 kcal/mol), showed greater stability in a 300 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Subsequent analyses, including Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), confirmed the sustained interaction of Stigmasterol with the LuxS protein. These findings highlight Stigmasterol as a promising inhibitor of LuxS-mediated quorum sensing and support its potential as a candidate for anti-virulence therapeutic intervention in Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections.},
}

@article {pmid40900213,
year = {2025},
author = {Alarcon Rios, AC and Zwep, LB and Vriesendorp, B and Knibbe, CAJ and Ciofu, O and Liakopoulos, A and Aulin, LBS and Rozen, DE and van Hasselt, JGC},
title = {Colistin resistance dynamics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa under biofilm and planktonic growth.},
journal = {Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0042125},
doi = {10.1128/aac.00421-25},
pmid = {40900213},
issn = {1098-6596},
abstract = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen in chronic biofilm-associated lung infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. Colistin is commonly used to treat these infections, although there is little understanding of how resistance evolves when cells are grown within biofilms. The current study compared the phenotypic dynamics and genetic adaptations of colistin resistance between planktonic and biofilm-grown P. aeruginosa. Using an in vitro experimental evolution approach, we passaged planktonic and biofilm cultures over 10 days under static or progressively increasing colistin concentrations. Population analysis profiling was performed daily to track resistance dynamics and heterogeneity. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on evolved lineages. Biofilm-grown populations exhibited significantly slower resistance rates than planktonic cultures, particularly under treatments above 0.5 mg/L (1×MIC). Despite this initial delay, both biofilm- and planktonic cultures ultimately evolved similar frequencies of resistant subpopulations. Genetically, we observed shared mutations in canonical colistin resistance determinants such as phoQ and qseC. We also identified growth-mode-specific patterns: oprH mutations were primarily found in biofilm-evolved populations, while nfeD mutations were pervasive in planktonic cultures but rare in biofilms. Taken together, our results provide key insights into the role of biofilm in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of colistin resistance evolution in P. aeruginosa.},
}

@article {pmid40897560,
year = {2025},
author = {Sabedra, V and Poker, BC and Oliveira, VC and Macedo, AP and Zeuner, F and Sakly, A and Watanabe, E and Silva-Lovato, CH},
title = {Biofilm control in printed dentures: Effectiveness of hygiene protocols in base and tooth resins.},
journal = {The Journal of prosthetic dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.08.003},
pmid = {40897560},
issn = {1097-6841},
abstract = {STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Despite the importance of denture hygiene, little is known about how different hygiene protocols perform against multispecies biofilms, including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans, on denture surfaces made from conventional versus 3-dimensionally (3D) printed acrylic resins.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of hygiene protocols on a multispecies biofilm (C albicans, S aureus, and S mutans) formed on resin used for denture bases and teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Circular specimens (Ø6×2 mm) were made from 3D printed denture resin (n=77) and heat-polymerized resin (n=77). Specimens with multispecies biofilm were randomly assigned to 3 hygiene protocols combining manual brushing with a soft brush and neutral soap (20 seconds per surface) plus immersion in 3 mL distilled water (control, for 20 minutes), Corega Tabs solution (BCt, for 15 minutes), or Nitradine solution (BNt, for 3 minutes). After rinsing in phosphate-buffered saline, the specimens were transferred to Letheen broth, 0.025 mL of the suspension was seeded on selective media, and the plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37 °C. Microbial load was quantified by CFU/mL count, and data were analyzed by the generalized linear model with the Wald test (α=.05). Biofilm viability was assessed by epifluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS: The BNt protocol eliminated S mutans and C albicans (CFU=0). For S aureus, BNt resulted in no detectable growth on either resin (P<.001). BCt reduced microbial load compared with the control for all species (P<.001) but was less effective than BNt. The 3D printed resin showed lower microbial load than the heat-polymerized resin for both base and tooth materials (P<.001). With BCt, the S aureus load was significantly higher on the heat-polymerized resin than on the 3D printed resin (P<.001). Microscopy images confirmed substantial biofilm reductions after both chemical protocols.

CONCLUSIONS: Brushing followed by immersion in Nitradine was the most effective hygiene protocol for controlling multispecies biofilm. The 3D printed denture resin demonstrated better resistance to microbial colonization than conventional heat-polymerized resin.},
}

@article {pmid40897023,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, S and Gao, J and Yu, C and Song, F and Wu, J and Zhou, L and Wei, S and Wang, A and Zhu, Y},
title = {Effects of the lpfD gene on biofilm formation in Salmonella.},
journal = {Veterinary microbiology},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {110699},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2025.110699},
pmid = {40897023},
issn = {1873-2542},
abstract = {Salmonella biofilm (BF) formation is crucial for persistent infections, with fimbrial adhesion being key. The regulatory role of the lpfD gene, encoding the tip adhesin of long polar fimbriae (LPF), in BF development is not well understood. This study used whole-genome sequencing to identify the lpfD gene difference between high-BF-forming strain DSE06 and low-BF-forming strain DSK01. Molecular biology techniques created the lpfD knockout strain DSE06-ΔlpfD, complemented strain DSE06-CΔlpfD, and recombinant strain DSK01-lpfD(+). Growth curves and BF formation of these strains were analyzed using culturing, crystal violet staining, SEM, and TEM. Adhesion and invasion efficiencies on Caco-2 cells were compared, and mRNA expression of key BF genes csgD, csgA, and csgB was evaluated. Results showed genetic modifications did not influence bacterial growth. Among wild-type, knockout, complemented and recombinant strains, the BF-forming capacity of the DSE06-ΔlpfD was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), whereas the DSK01-lpfD(+) demonstrated a significant enhancement (P < 0.01), the DSE06-CΔlpfD exhibited a partial restoration. BF formed by the DSE06 and the DSK01-lpfD(+) strains displayed dense net structures, in contrast to the dispersed bacterial distribution in DSE06-ΔlpfD. The deletion of lpfD did not alter the ultrastructural morphology of LPF. Compared to the DSE06, DSE06-CΔlpfD, and DSK01-lpfD(+) strains, the DSE06-ΔlpfD strain generated showed significantly reduced adhesion and invasion rates. In the DSE06-ΔlpfD strain, the expression of csgD, csgA, and csgB was significantly reduced compared to the DSE06 strain (P < 0.01). These results highlight the lpfD gene's crucial role in Salmonella BF formation and its potential impact on controlling infections.},
}

@article {pmid40896945,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhai, Q and Liu, Y and Li, M and Li, J and Zhang, H and Wu, X},
title = {The quorum sensing regulator Kj-LuxS modulates biofilm formation for nicosulfuron degradation and rhizosphere colonization in Klebsiella.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {497},
number = {},
pages = {139701},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139701},
pmid = {40896945},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Soil nicosulfuron residues disrupt crop rotation with herbicide-sensitive plants. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the Kj-LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing system in Klebsiella jilinsis 2N3 critically regulates biofilm-mediated nicosulfuron detoxification through multiple mechanisms: (1) Kj-LuxS deletion reduced biofilm biomass by 60.62 % and decreased herbicide biosorption by 72.89 %; (2) The mutant showed impaired motility and chemotaxis toward root exudate components including organic acids, sugars and amino acids, with corresponding downregulation of bsmA, cheY, and pilW genes; (3) The ΔKj-LuxS mutant demonstrated severely impaired rhizosphere colonization, exhibiting a 74.28 % population decline within 14 days and forming structurally compromised root-surface biofilms with significantly reduced integrity; (4) While wild-type 2N3 reduced nicosulfuron residues by 55.07 % and restored Nicotiana benthamiana growth, the mutant only achieved 31.88 % degradation. Complementation experiments confirmed these phenotypes were Kj-LuxS-dependent. Our findings establish a novel mechanistic link between QS-regulated biofilm formation and herbicide degradation, offering new strategies for engineering rhizoremediation consortia.},
}

@article {pmid40896894,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, L and Shewa, WA and Razavi, SAS and Bossy, K and Dagnew, M},
title = {Nitrous oxide emissions and mitigation strategies in a nitrite-accumulating partial denitrification wastewater treatment process using rope type biofilm media.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {393},
number = {},
pages = {126996},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126996},
pmid = {40896894},
issn = {1095-8630},
}

@article {pmid40896802,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, P and Chen, H and Qian, C and Fu, Q and Zhang, S and Huang, Z and Liu, H and Zhou, C and Shen, M and Zhou, T},
title = {Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Dichlorophen-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles Against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae.},
journal = {International journal of nanomedicine},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {10255-10277},
doi = {10.2147/IJN.S532807},
pmid = {40896802},
issn = {1178-2013},
abstract = {PURPOSE: The global emergence and spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) represent a major threat to effective clinical antimicrobial therapy, highlighting the urgent demand for alternative treatment strategies. This study aims to develop dichlorophen-functionalized gold nanoparticles (DDM_Au NPs) as a novel approach to combat CRE and their associated biofilms.

METHODS: Two structurally related antiparasitic compounds, bithionol and dichlorophen, were functionalized with Au NPs using a one-pot synthesis technique and thoroughly characterized. Their antibacterial activity was assessed through standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing and bacterial growth curve analysis. Antibiofilm properties were evaluated using crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The underlying mechanism of action was investigated by measuring reactive oxygen species production and assessing bacterial membrane permeability. Biocompatibility was evaluated via hemolysis assays, in vivo murine studies, and Galleria mellonella infection models. A urinary catheter model contaminated with biofilms, along with murine models of abdominal and pulmonary infection, was employed to assess device-associated applicability and therapeutic efficacy in vivo.

RESULTS: DDM_Au NPs demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against CRE, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 4 to 16 μg/mL. These nanoparticles effectively inhibited biofilm formation and promoted the disruption of mature biofilms, resulting in bacterial load reductions of 2-6  log10 CFU/mL on infected urinary catheters. Mechanistic studies revealed that their antimicrobial activity was primarily driven by disruption of bacterial membrane integrity and induction of intracellular oxidative stress through elevated reactive oxygen species production. Notably, DDM_Au NPs exhibited favorable biocompatibility and significantly reduced bacterial burdens at infection sites by 4-5 log10 CFU/mL, while also alleviating inflammatory responses and limiting tissue damage across multiple animal infection models.

CONCLUSION: This study introduces a streamlined and effective strategy for achieving both antibacterial and antibiofilm effects using antiparasitic drug-functionalized Au NPs. DDM_Au NPs show strong promise as innovative antimicrobial agents for treating clinical CRE infections and reducing environmental contamination in healthcare environments.},
}

@article {pmid40896514,
year = {2025},
author = {Park, J and Baek, J and Choi, E and Kim, D and Lee, A and Kang, SS},
title = {Extracellular vesicles from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inhibit the biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes and reduce bacterial contamination on romaine lettuce.},
journal = {Current research in food science},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {101175},
doi = {10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101175},
pmid = {40896514},
issn = {2665-9271},
abstract = {Biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes pose a serious risk to food safety. Probiotics and their derivatives have been widely explored as alternatives to conventional antimicrobial strategies for biofilm control. In this study, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LpEVs) and characterized, and their antibiofilm activity against L. monocytogenes was investigated. Their inhibitory effects on L. monocytogenes biofilm were evaluated using romaine lettuce as a food model. Results showed that LpEV treatment significantly reduced biofilm formation without affecting bacterial survival. LpEVs suppressed the expression of luxS and the production of autoinducer-2, thereby interfering with quorum sensing (QS) in L. monocytogenes. LpEVs downregulated QS-related genes associated with motility, adhesion, and virulence. They also impaired not only bacterial swimming motility but also adhesion to and invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. The surface application of LpEVs on romaine lettuce leaves markedly reduced L. monocytogenes biofilm formation and bacterial contamination without compromising visual sensory quality. Therefore, LpEVs could be used as natural antimicrobial agents that interfere with QS-mediated biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes and could also be effectively applied to enhance the microbial safety of fresh produce.},
}

@article {pmid40895588,
year = {2025},
author = {Márton, R and Hermann, H and Kiss, VT and Fenyvesi, É and Szente, L and Molnár, M},
title = {Cyclodextrins in action: Modulating candida albicans biofilm formation and morphology.},
journal = {Biotechnology reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {47},
number = {},
pages = {e00912},
doi = {10.1016/j.btre.2025.e00912},
pmid = {40895588},
issn = {2215-017X},
abstract = {The primary objective of this research was to explore the bioactive potential of cyclodextrins in attenuating biofilm formation in C. albicans. The concentration-dependent effects of both native cyclodextrins and specific derivatives were studied at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 12.5 mM, to determine the mechanisms by which the extent of biofilm formation can be reduced. Besides, the efficiency of various combinations of cyclodextrins and farnesol, as an antifungal substance, were examined. The present study revealed both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of cyclodextrins on biofilm formation, depending on the structure and concentration. The bioactive potential of randomly methylated α- and γ-CD showed significant antifungal properties, as evidenced by a reduction in the biofilm formation. In addition, randomly methylated cyclodextrins were found to significantly enhance the antifungal activity of farnesol against C. albicans. Consequently, their synergistic effect may provide an excellent opportunity to produce a lower dose but more effective anticandidal formulation.},
}

@article {pmid40893990,
year = {2025},
author = {Zare Jahromi, M and Baghersad, A and Shirani, AM and Tahmourespour, A and Alipour, E and Mokabberi, A},
title = {Antibacterial Efficiency of three Different Irrigation Methods in Infected Roots Infected with Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilm.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry (Shiraz, Iran)},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {257-265},
doi = {10.30476/dentjods.2025.102497.2365},
pmid = {40893990},
issn = {2345-6485},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The elimination of pathogenic microorganisms is crucial in endodontic treatments, as Enterococcus Faecalis is involved in the majority of endodontic failures. This bacterium is known for its resilience and ability to persist within the root canal system, often leading to treatment complications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial efficiency of three different irrigation methods including passive ultrasonic, XP Endofinisher file, and Laser Diode 810 nm in infected roots with Enterococcus Faecalis (E.faecalis) biofilm.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this experimental study, 48 anterior single-canal teeth were enrolled. After cutting their crowns, the teeth were cultured with E.faecalis and then randomly divided into four groups. Following preparation through the rotary system up to F4 at the working length, passive ultrasonic irrigation (Ultra X) was used inside the root canal in the first group. In the second group of the study, the XP Endofinisher file was applied to activate the irrigation solution, while in the third group, the Laser Diode 810 nm was used. The fourth group served as the control group and did not utilize any irrigation. The irrigation solution employed across all groups consisted of 1ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), followed by a final irrigation with 5ml of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 5ml of 5.25% NaOCl, and 5ml of sterile saline. After canal irrigation and sampling, bacterial colony counting was conducted, and the data were recorded. If the data were normally distributed, a variance test analysis was used; otherwise, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was applied. The tests were performed at a 5% significance level using SPSS software version 24.

RESULTS: The reduction in the number of bacterial colonies was significantly greater in all three methods compared to the control group. The obtained data revealed that the antibacterial effect of Laser 810 nm was considerably (p< 0.05) higher than the other two groups and reduction in the number of colonies in Ultra X group was remarkably (p< 0.05) greater than the XP Endofinisher file group.

CONCLUSION: All three mentioned methods were effective in reducing the number of bacteria in endodontic treatments. Notably, the antibacterial efficiency of the Laser Diode 810 nm was significantly greater than that of the other two methods.},
}

@article {pmid40893976,
year = {2025},
author = {Hong, Y and Qin, J and Totsika, M},
title = {Not too rigid nor too wobbly: Defining an optimal membrane fluidity range essential for biofilm formation in Escherichia coli.},
journal = {mLife},
volume = {4},
number = {4},
pages = {461-464},
doi = {10.1002/mlf2.70024},
pmid = {40893976},
issn = {2770-100X},
abstract = {Membrane fluidity plays a crucial role in bacterial fitness and adaptation to cope with rapid environmental changes. While high membrane fluidity promotes robust biofilm formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae, studies in several other species, including Salmonella enterica, suggest that biofilm formation is associated with reduced fluidity. This paradox may reflect the complex relationship between lipid composition and biofilm formation. Our findings demonstrated that both low and high extremes of lipid fluidity restrict biofilm formation. We propose that the required fluidity for biofilm growth, relative to that required for planktonic growth, may differ between species and is readily adjusted to fall within a "Goldilocks" range during lifestyle transitions.},
}

@article {pmid40893784,
year = {2025},
author = {Ko, YS and Gi, EJ and Lee, S and Kim, HC and Cho, HH},
title = {Dual red and near-infrared LED therapy inhibits MRSA biofilm in otitis media.},
journal = {Biofilm},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100314},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioflm.2025.100314},
pmid = {40893784},
issn = {2590-2075},
abstract = {Otitis media (OM), particularly when caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), can become refractory due to biofilm formation, which contributes to resistance against conventional antimicrobial treatments. Photobiomodulation using light-emitting diode (LED) therapy has recently emerged as a promising non-antibiotic strategy for managing refractory infections by targeting biofilm-associated pathology. However, especially in the context of MRSA-induced OM, its therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, we established a rat model of OM by inoculating MRSA (5 × 10[8] CFUs) into the middle ear via the tympanic membrane. Red and near-infrared (NIR) LED irradiation (655/842 nm; 163.2 W/m[2]; 30 min/day for 5 days) was administered 1 week after infection. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a marked reduction in MRSA biofilm structures, and biofilm biomass was significantly decreased, as assessed by crystal violet staining. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated significant downregulation of fib, icaB, icaC, and icaD, key genes crucial for bacterial adhesion and biofilm development. Histological assessment further showed decreased mucosal thickening and macrophage infiltration, supported by reduced ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) expression. These findings suggest that dual red and NIR LED therapy effectively suppresses MRSA biofilm formation and inflammation in OM, indicating its potential as a novel non-antibiotic therapy for biofilm-associated OM that may help manage persistent or treatment-resistant cases in clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid40893774,
year = {2025},
author = {Šmerdová, L and Füzik, T and Valentová, L and Bárdy, P and Procházková, M and Pařenicová, M and Plevka, P},
title = {Dynamics of bacterial biofilm development imaged using light sheet fluorescence microscopy.},
journal = {Biochemistry and biophysics reports},
volume = {43},
number = {},
pages = {102127},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbrep.2025.102127},
pmid = {40893774},
issn = {2405-5808},
abstract = {Biofilm formation exacerbates bacterial infections and interferes with industrial processes. However, the dynamics of biofilm development, especially if formed by a combination of more than one species, is not entirely understood. Here, we present a microfluidic cultivation system that enables continuous imaging of biofilm growth using light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). We studied the development of biofilms of the human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Multidirectional LSFM imaging enables the calculation of a three-dimensional reconstruction of the biofilm structure with isotropic resolution. Whereas S. aureus forms 50-70-μm-thick mushroom-like structures, a P. aeruginosa biofilm is 10-15 μm thick with cell clusters 25 μm in diameter. A combined biofilm resulted in the formation of large mushroom-like clusters of S. aureus cells that were subsequently dispersed by invading P. aeruginosa. A higher inoculation ratio favoring P. aeruginosa resulted in the formation of small and stable S. aureus clusters overgrown with P. aeruginosa cells. Applying conditioned media from S. aureus and P. aeruginosa coculture to a single-species S. aureus biofilm induced its dispersion. Integrating a microfluidic system into LSFM enables the visualization of biofilm formation dynamics and the effects of compounds on biofilm development.},
}

@article {pmid40893319,
year = {2025},
author = {Abouhagger, A and Andriukonis, E and Grigorianaite, G and da Silva, RR and Kasperaviciute, K and Stirke, A and Ma Melo, WC},
title = {Fabrication and Application of a Microfluidic Chip for Biofilm Cultivation and Analysis under Controlled Flow.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {33},
pages = {37994-38001},
doi = {10.1021/acsomega.5c04643},
pmid = {40893319},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Microbial biofilms present significant challenges in healthcare due to their persistence and resistance to antimicrobial treatments. Microfluidic technologies offer a promising alternative to traditional static systems for studying biofilm dynamics under physiologically relevant conditions. In this study, we present a poly-(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-free microfluidic platform fabricated using off-stoichiometry thiol-ene (OSTE) resin and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) substrates. The device features five independent growth chambers and is designed for compatibility with standard laboratory setups. It enables controlled flow conditions, optical transparency for real-time imaging, and integration with antimicrobial testing protocols. Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were cultivated under dynamic flow and compared to static cultures in tissue culture wells. Confocal microscopy was used to assess structural features, viability, and thickness over time. The dynamic environment supported more uniform and spatially organized biofilm growth, while static conditions led to denser but structurally heterogeneous formations. Treatment with different tetracycline concentrations demonstrated effective biofilm disruption, particularly under flow, confirming the platform's utility for evaluating antimicrobial efficacy. With a fabrication cost below five dollars per chip and potential for cleaning and reuse, the platform offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for biofilm research. This study highlights the advantages of OSTE-COC microfluidics in modeling biofilm-associated infections and provides a practical tool for real-time biofilm analysis and therapeutic screening.},
}

@article {pmid40890180,
year = {2025},
author = {Satala, D and Satala, G and Kulig, K and Karkowska-Kuleta, J and Kozik, A and Rapala-Kozik, M},
title = {Functional roles of purified yapsins from Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabratus) in immune modulation and cross-species biofilm formation.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32115},
pmid = {40890180},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2020/39/D/NZ6/00854//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Candida glabrata/enzymology/immunology/pathogenicity/physiology ; Animals ; *Fungal Proteins/metabolism/isolation & purification/immunology ; *Aspartic Acid Proteases/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Virulence ; Moths/microbiology ; Candida albicans ; Candidiasis/microbiology/immunology ; },
abstract = {Candida glabrata (currently classified as Nakaseomyces glabratus) is an opportunistic yeast-like fungus that causes infections in humans, with limited treatment options due to resistance to antifungal drugs. In contrast to C. albicans, which produces secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) involved in pathogenicity, C. glabrata expresses a distinct group of cell surface-associated aspartic proteases known as yapsins (Yps). While YPS gene deletion mutants have proposed roles in cellular homeostasis, their precise contribution to fungal virulence and host interactions remains unclear. Herein, we present the first detailed biochemical and functional characterization of two native Yps proteins, Yps3 and Yps9, purified from C. glabrata cultures. Both proteases displayed robust activity in a mildly acidic to neutral pH range (5.5-7.0), resistance to the classical aspartic protease inhibitor pepstatin A, and selectively degraded key host antimicrobial peptides, including LL-37 cathelicidin, histatin 5 (Hst5), and kininogen-derived peptide NAT26, by hydrolyzing lysine residues. Additionally, Yps9 promoted C. albicans biofilm dispersal. In a Galleria mellonella infection model, a pre-treatment with each protease enhanced larval survival and increased phenol oxidase activity, implying a role of yapsins in immune priming. Collectively, these findings reveal multifunctional roles for Yps3 and Yps9 in fungal virulence, biofilm modulation, and host immune interactions.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Candida glabrata/enzymology/immunology/pathogenicity/physiology
Animals
*Fungal Proteins/metabolism/isolation & purification/immunology
*Aspartic Acid Proteases/metabolism/isolation & purification
Virulence
Moths/microbiology
Candida albicans
Candidiasis/microbiology/immunology

@article {pmid40889051,
year = {2025},
author = {Tran, MD and Rajan, SM and Ngo, HC and Fawzy, A},
title = {High-intensity focused ultrasound for biofilm debridement, an in vitro proof-of-concept using Ti-attached Streptococcus mutans.},
journal = {International journal of implant dentistry},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {57},
pmid = {40889051},
issn = {2198-4034},
support = {NMHRC, 1188401//Australian National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Streptococcus mutans/physiology/radiation effects ; *Biofilms ; *Titanium ; In Vitro Techniques ; Surface Properties ; *Debridement/methods ; *Dental Implants/microbiology ; Proof of Concept Study ; Peri-Implantitis/therapy/microbiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Peri-implantitis (PI) is a biofilm-related condition driven by bacterial colonization on dental implant surfaces, leading to inflammation of the peri-implant connective tissue and progressive bone loss. Despite advancements, effective strategies for eradicating these biofilms remain elusive. While high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been popularized in medicine, its effects on dental implant-attached biofilms remain unclear. This study presents in vitro findings on the effects of HIFU treatment on titanium (Ti)-attached Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilms and evaluates its impacts on the surface roughness and chemical composition of the Ti disc substrates.

METHODS: To optimise the HIFU parameters, four quadrants of a pair of Ti discs [machined (M) and alumina grit blasted (AB)] were marked using laser etching (MD Waterlase, US). HIFU beams, generated by a 254 kHz transducer and operated at intensities of 0 W, 10 W, 20 W, and 30 W, were applied to each quadrant for 2 min (min) in a water medium. The roughness of the treated surfaces was measured using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and the surface composition was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS). To investigate the biofilm debridement, 10-day-old S. mutans cultures were grown on 20 pairs of similar Ti discs, and then the optimized HIFU intensity of 20W was applied to five test pairs. Qualitative analyses were performed using a Dual Fluorescence/Reflection Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (FRCLSM) and SEM imaging. Quantitative data on cell viability were collected using crystal violet (CV), (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT), and flow cytometry (FCM) assays. Data from these test conditions were analyzed alongside cultures on biofilms that were untreated (control). Statistical data were calculated using ANOVA and appropriate t-tests for repeated measures.

RESULTS: The surface roughness of AB Ti discs showed a highest and significant increase (p < 0.05) following HIFU exposure at 20 W through three roughness parameters (Sa, Sq, and Sdr), compared to the controls (1207 nm, 1455 nm, 62% compared to 842 nm, 1042 nm and 30% respectively). This optimized HIFU treatment not only significantly reduced the bacterial counts of the biofilms (76% of total bacteria from M discs, 59% on AB discs in FCM assays) but also created areas of complete biofilm removal in SEM images.

CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary in vitro evidence that HIFU can remove bacterial biofilms. Further research is required to determine its feasibility as a potential non-surgical approach for the prevention and management of peri-implantitis.},
}

*Streptococcus mutans/physiology/radiation effects
*Biofilms
*Titanium
In Vitro Techniques
Surface Properties
*Debridement/methods
*Dental Implants/microbiology
Proof of Concept Study
Peri-Implantitis/therapy/microbiology

@article {pmid40886794,
year = {2025},
author = {Tan, L and Wang, Z and Wang, H and Zhang, S and Sang, W and Zhang, Q and Tang, X and Dong, Q},
title = {Gradual succession of dominant pathway from autotrophic to heterotrophic metabolism with the increment of C/N in pyrite-based biofilm-electrode reactor (PBER).},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {122651},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.122651},
pmid = {40886794},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {This study evaluated a pyrite-based biofilm-electrode reactor (PBER) for nitrate removal under varying C/N ratios. Optimal performance occurred at a C/N ratio of 3.0, achieving a NO3[-]-N removal efficiency (NRE) of 94.20% (corresponding effluent NO3[-]-N concentration < 0.5 mg/L) with a minimal NH4[+]-N accumulation or effluent COD concentration below discharge standard (< 50 mg/L, GB18918-2002, China). Moreover, EPS production peaked at a C/N ratio of 3, enhancing microbial stability and nitrogen removal. Excessive C/N ratio (> 4.5) reduced EPS secretion and microbial resilience. Microbial analysis revealed that the C/N ratio significantly influenced iron metabolism gene expression, sulfate reduction, and microbial interactions. Functional genes such as korBC and napA were key in nitrogen-sulfur-iron cycling. Increasing C/N enriched more bacteria for heterotrophic denitrification (Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota), sulfate reduction (Desulfobacterota), or iron autotrophic denitrification (Acidobacteriota), and resulted in insignificant NH4[+]-N accumulation. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of optimal nitrate removal in PBER affected by varying C/N.},
}

@article {pmid40886610,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, JT and Wu, T and Wang, JX and Liu, Y and Wang, JH and Chi, ZY and Ren, JG},
title = {Semi-continuously operated single strain microalgal-bacterial biofilm for nutrients removal: microbial succession and performance improvement over extended non-axenic operation.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {287},
number = {Pt B},
pages = {124509},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.124509},
pmid = {40886610},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Microalgal-bacterial biofilm could realize synergistic pollutants removal, CO2 sequestration, and resource transformation from wastewater. Pre-designed biofilm with clear microbial composition would benefit resource transformation, yet little is known about its nutrients removal performance under axenic conditions, not to mention the comparison with non-axenic conditions over extended operation. To fill in this knowledge gap, this study first investigated the growth characteristics and nutrients removal performances of a pre-designed microalgae dominant biofilm. The biofilm was composed of Chlorella sorokiniana and Staphylococcus sp. and was operated under hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 1∼4 days. Optimum HRT of 2 d was selected considering the trade-off between stable biomass composition and efficient nutrients removal. Afterwards, the pre-designed single strain microalgal-bacterial biofilm was operated under axenic and non-axenic conditions for 52 days. Mixed-species community was developed under non-axenic condition, and the microbial succession was tracked. Due to enhanced "cross-feeding" of soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) under increased biodiversity, residual nitrogen, phosphorus, and total organic carbon concentrations under non-axenic conditions were respectively 70.1 %, 50.3 %, and 32.3 % lower than under axenic conditions. Respectively 2.0∼7.2 and 2.5∼5.5 times of nitrogen and phosphorus turnover from loosely-bound EPS to tightly-bound EPS were observed under non-axenic operation. Staphylococcus sp. was soon substituted during non-axenic operation by cyanobacteria (54 %∼80 % relative abundance) and other biofilm-promoting and EPS-utilizing prokaryotes. Chlorella just maintained its dominance as the eukaryotes, and gradually formed a dual eukaryotic microalgae system with halotolerant Halochlorella. Prokaryotic metabolism and biofilm maintenance functions remained stable under non-axenic conditions, and the enrichment of genes associated with N/P/C metabolism favored pollutants removal over axenic operation. The pre-designed biofilm under non-axenic operation realized the trade-off between overall controllable microalgae dominance and easy maintenance, improving pollutants removal via gradually enhanced prokaryotic biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid40886441,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, L and Wang, H and Zhang, X and Xue, T},
title = {The cross-regulation between two-component system BasS/BasR and c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase YfgF in biofilm formation and H2O2 stress response in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Poultry science},
volume = {104},
number = {11},
pages = {105726},
doi = {10.1016/j.psj.2025.105726},
pmid = {40886441},
issn = {1525-3171},
abstract = {Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a widespread bacterial pathogen that poses a significant threat to the poultry industry globally. It is of great significance to control APEC infections by investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate APEC's adaptation to new environments and its survival. APEC possesses a series of regulation systems to sense and quickly and appropriately respond to extracellular environmental changes, and causes the host infection. Two-component system (TCS) and second messenger (SM) are important regulation systems ubiquitous in APEC and play vital roles in regulating a variety of bacterial functions, such as biofilm formation, H2O2 stress response, and virulence. Among them, BasS/BasR is a typical TCS, and c-di-GMP is a widely utilized intracellular SM. The metabolism of c-di-GMP is inversely controlled by diguanylate cyclase (DGC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE). However, the connection between BasS/BasR and c-di-GMP in regulating the biological functions of APEC has not yet been clarified. This study aims to investigate the cross-regulation between BasS/BasR and YfgF in biofilm formation, H2O2 stress response, and APEC virulence, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we first demonstrated that BasS/BasR inhibits the transcription of yfgF (encoding a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase YfgF) by directly binding to its promoter and resulted in increased intracellular c-di-GMP levels in response to extracellular signals. This, in turn, results in increased biofilm formation, promotes APEC adhesion, and reduces resistance to H2O2. Furthermore, BasS/BasR also directly facilitates biofilm formation, enhances APEC virulence, and increases sensitivity to H2O2 by specifically binding to the promoters of csgD, ais, fepA, and yciFE, respectively. Taken together, this study suggests that the cross-regulation between BasS/BasR and c-di-GMP plays important roles in controlling biofilm formation, H2O2 stress response, and APEC virulence, thereby providing valuable insights into bacterial pathogenicity.},
}

@article {pmid40886052,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaturvedi, S and Singh, T and Fatima, H and Maurya, AC and Dutta, T and Khare, SK},
title = {Lactones as promising biofilm inhibitors: disrupting bacterial communication for Next-Gen therapies.},
journal = {Preparative biochemistry & biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/10826068.2025.2551375},
pmid = {40886052},
issn = {1532-2297},
abstract = {The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilm-related infections presents a significant challenge in modern medicine, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Lactones, compounds that can mimic N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), have the potential to disrupt quorum sensing (QS) in pathogenic biofilm-forming bacteria. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of five different lactones-γ-caprolactone, γ-decalactone, δ-decalactone, γ-octalactone, and γ-methyl decalactone-along with a lab-produced lactone from newly isolated strains, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacterial growth was measured at 590 nm, and biofilm formation was quantified using the crystal violet staining method. The results showed that all lactones, except γ-methyl decalactone, significantly inhibited bacterial growth and reduced biofilm formation. δ-decalactone exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with a 74.3% followed by γ-Caprolactone 66.8% inhibition, followed by lab produced mixture of lactone (Lx) with (64%) and γ-octalactone (61.7%) at 600 µg/mL. In terms of antibiofilm activity, lab produced mixture of lactone (Lx) achieved highest inhibition 58% eradication, outpacing γ-decalactone (53.1%) and γ-octalactone (50.8%) at 600 µg/mL. These findings underscore the potential of lactones, particularly δ-decalactone and laboratory produced mixture of lactones Lx, as effective quorum sensing disruptors and biofilm inhibitors. This strategy, utilizing naturally occurring lactones, provides a promising alternative for combating biofilm-related infections, which present a growing threat to public health. These compounds offer a novel approach for the development of therapies targeting bacterial communication pathways and biofilm formation.},
}

@article {pmid40885406,
year = {2025},
author = {Santos, BPD and Gnoatto, A and Heiden, SM and Heimbecker, V and de Carvalho, NS and Marconi, C},
title = {Systematic review of co-culture methods for studying vaginal biofilm formation in bacterial vaginosis.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107243},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2025.107243},
pmid = {40885406},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by depletion of Lactobacillus spp. and increased abundance of facultative and strict anaerobic species. Gardnerella spp. initiates biofilm formation associated with BV pathogenesis. Vaginal biofilms act as virulence factors and reduce the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for BV.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the most commonly used methodologies for studying bacterial biofilms in bacterial vaginosis (BV), and to discuss how standardization can improve future studies.

METHODS: A search was conducted in PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Embase databases for articles addressing BV biofilms in vaginal dysbiosis, resulting in 66 included studies. Non-original studies, those involving bacteria unrelated to the vaginal environment, fungal species, and studies whose methods did not include bacterial biofilm models were excluded. The risk of bias in the selected articles was assessed using the RobDEMAT tool for in vitro studies and the RoB2 tool for in vivo studies.

RESULTS: The most commonly used method for biofilm experiments was the co-culture of Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus spp. Molecular-based studies consistently demonstrate the polymicrobial nature of vaginal biofilms, reinforcing the importance of utilizing co-culture assays with multiple bacterial species related to BV.

CONCLUSIONS: Standardizing bacterial co-culture models will allow that data from future studies to be reproducible and comparable. This will optimize time and resources in the search for novel treatments for BV, including testing for prebiotic and probiotic candidates.},
}

@article {pmid40885272,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, X and Lan, J and Gao, Y and Chen, D and Pan, K and Wang, F and Zhou, X and Shi, X and Cheng, L and Bi, X},
title = {Thermal resilience in pilot-scale anoxic/oxic moving-bed biofilm reactor enables robust removal of pharmaceuticals and antibiotic resistance genes.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {133241},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133241},
pmid = {40885272},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The prevalence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) threatens ecological and public health. This study evaluated a pilot-scale three-stage anoxic/oxic moving-bed biofilm reactor (A/O-MBBR) for municipal wastewater treatment to mitigate this threat. Performance of the reactor was assessed based on the PPCP distribution, removal efficiency, ARG variation, and microbial community dynamics. The results showed that aqueous concentrations of 10 PPCPs ranged from 10[2] to 10[5] ng/L. PPCP and ARG removal remained robust and stable during thermal shifts, and removal of caffeine and acetaminophen was > 85 % even at low temperatures. Microbial abundance was the dominant factor influencing ARGs, with Bacteroidota and Firmicutes serving as key hosts for resistant pathogens. Temperature fluctuations prompted bacterial community restructuring, affecting 41 genera. The A/O-MBBR achieved synchronous control of PPCPs and ARGs via microbial abundance, providing a strategy for concurrent contaminant removal and resistance mitigation under variable temperature conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40885271,
year = {2025},
author = {Xue, Z and Xu, Q and Liu, X and Liu, D and Li, Z and Zhang, C and Liu, P},
title = {Various electron transports involved in nitrate reduction within electrochemically active biofilm with periodic polarity reversal.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {133244},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133244},
pmid = {40885271},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Periodic polarity reversal (PPR) presents an efficient strategy to improve nitrate (NO3[-]-N) reduction in electrochemically active biofilm (EAB), but the involved extracellular electron transfer (EET) processes are still unclear. Here, the contributions of unidirectional/bidirectional EET and electron storage for NO3[-]-N reduction in EABs were quantified with different polarity reversal operations. The NO3[-]-N reduction efficiencies reach 6.5 % for single polarity reversal, 14.7 % for non-polarity reversal, and 28.8 % for PPR, respectively. The percentages were 50.2 % and 21.6 % for NO3[-]-N reduction driven by electron storage and unidirectional EET, which is mediated by outer membrane cytochromes and redox substances. Bidirectional EET contributed 28.2 % to NO3[-]-N reduction, with the ammonia selectivity of 77.3 % under PPR operation. The genus Petrimonas dominated in the EAB, and genes related to nitrogen metabolism were overexpressed under PPR operation. These findings advance our understanding of EET driven NO3[-]-N reduction in EAB and inspire the optimization of the bioelectrochemical systems.},
}

@article {pmid40885184,
year = {2025},
author = {Fisher, OJ and Wang, Y and Ahmed, A},
title = {Making waves: Transforming biofilm-based wastewater treatment using machine learning-driven real-time monitoring.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {287},
number = {Pt B},
pages = {124491},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.124491},
pmid = {40885184},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Biofilm-mediated processes hold significant promise for sustainable and effective wastewater treatment. However, their widespread adoption remains constrained by the complexity of biofilm dynamics and the lack of effective real-time monitoring tools. Existing approaches often rely on indirect measurements or disruptive sampling, offering limited insight into the dynamic nature of these systems. This "Making Waves" article explores a pivotal question: Can real-time monitoring solutions unlock the full potential of biofilm-mediated wastewater treatment? We propose that integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with non-invasive sensors offers a transformative solution. By training ML models on continuous sensor data, key biofilm properties like thickness, density, and structural dynamics can be inferred in real time, enabling more interpretable and biologically informed process control. This approach moves beyond static measurements and opaque "black-box" models, offering transparent, predictive insights into biofilm behaviour. Ultimately, AI-enabled monitoring systems can support adaptive control, enhance operational stability, and improve treatment efficiency. By making biofilm dynamics visible and actionable, this strategy lays the foundation for more intelligent, responsive, and resilient wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid40885126,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, J and Weng, C and Zhu, S and Chen, W and Xiong, X and Wei, X},
title = {Protein Phosphatases 2A Affects Drug Resistance of Candida albicans Biofilm Via ATG Protein Phosphorylation Induction.},
journal = {International dental journal},
volume = {75},
number = {6},
pages = {103873},
doi = {10.1016/j.identj.2025.103873},
pmid = {40885126},
issn = {1875-595X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilms are well-known to be resistantto various antifungal agents. Autophagy is crucial for adapting to changes in nutrition conditions. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is prominent in regulating physiological processes, possibly related to autophagy-related (ATG) protein phosphorylation. This study hypothesizes that PP2A affects biofilm formation and drug resistance of C. albicans via autophagy induction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expressions of PP2A catalytic subunit coding gene PPH21 were compared. The mutant strain (pph21Δ/Δ) was constructed and the biofilm was treated with autophagy activator (rapamycin, Rap). The biofilm formation, drug susceptibility and oxidative stress levels were examined. The autophagic activity was detected, along with the autophagosomes observed. The therapeutic efficacy of the antifungal agents was estimated on the mice model of C. albicans oral infection.

RESULTS: PPH21 was associated with C. albicans biofilm formation and drug resistance. Autophagy activation by rapamycin can induce increased autophagy levels, while it was hindered in pph21Δ/Δ. Besides, the protein levels of Atg13 and Atg1 were significantly down-regulated in pph21Δ/Δ+Rap (P < .01), along with its decreased regulatory capacity to oxidative stress. Autophagy activation can promote biofilm formation and improve drug resistance, while the absence of PPH21 may prevent the enhancement of drug resistance. Autophagy activation reduced the efficacy of antifungal agents in treating oral C. albicans infection in mice, among which pph21Δ/Δ presented better therapeutic effects.

CONCLUSION: PP2A is important in the autophagy induction of C. albicans by participating in Atg13 phosphorylation, followed by Atg1 activation, further affecting its biofilm formation and drug resistance.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PP2A-induced autophagy may be a potential regulatory mechanism of C. albicans drug resistance. This appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for managing C. albicans-related infectious diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40884979,
year = {2025},
author = {Sedenho, GC and Iost, RM and Romano, RL and Souza, ML and de Lima, FHB and Crespilho, FN},
title = {Aerobic mild bioelectrocatalysis: Disentangling dual redox pathways for H2 evolution amidst competing oxygen reduction in S. cerevisiae biofilm.},
journal = {Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {167},
number = {},
pages = {109093},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109093},
pmid = {40884979},
issn = {1878-562X},
abstract = {Microbial H2 production is traditionally restricted by the oxygen sensitivity of hydrogenase enzymes, limiting their effective use to anaerobic environments. In this study, we demonstrate that S. cerevisiae, lacking conventional hydrogenases, exhibits an exceptional ability for H2 evolution in oxygen-rich conditions. At pH 7.2 and 25 °C, S. cerevisiae biofilms catalyze hydrogen production with a near-zero overpotential (40 mV), made possible by a redox-active extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix enriched with flavoproteins. We highlight the potential of S. cerevisiae as an oxygen-resistant biocatalyst for sustainable biohydrogen production and discuss its application in ambient-condition bioelectrochemical systems.},
}

@article {pmid40883727,
year = {2025},
author = {Mustafa, AA and Abo-Kamer, AM and Al-Madboly, LA},
title = {Bacillus cereus-derived α-amylase disrupts biofilm formation and quorum sensing in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {563},
pmid = {40883727},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multidrug-resistant pathogen implicated in severe community- and hospital-acquired infections such as bacteremia, urinary tract infections, sepsis, and pneumonia. Biofilm formation, driven by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), enhances its persistence and resistance to antibiotics. This study evaluated the anti-biofilm, antibacterial, and quorum-quenching activities of a novel α-amylase B. cereus-derived α-amylase against clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae.

METHODS: The anti-biofilm activity of the enzyme was assessed via minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) assays. Biofilm architecture and viability were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with live/dead staining. Antibacterial efficacy was determined through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Quorum-quenching effects were evaluated using qRT-PCR to assess the expression of biofilm-associated genes (fimH and mrkD), normalized to rpoB.

RESULTS: B. cereus-derived α-amylase exhibited MBIC and MBEC values of 64 µg/ml and 128 µg/ml, respectively; MIC and MBC ranged from 32 to 128 µg/ml. The B. cereus-derived α-amylase enzyme inhibited biofilm formation by approximately 79% ± 0.69, compared to 58% ± 2.06 by commercial α-amylase. Biofilm thickness was reduced from 179 μm to ~ 39 μm and ~ 73 μm following treatment with B. cereus-derived and commercial α-amylase, respectively. Live/dead ratios shifted significantly from 97/3% (untreated) to ~ 54/46% and 73/27% after treatment with B. cereus-derived and commercial α-amylase enzymes, respectively. Quorum-sensing gene expression was markedly downregulated following treatment with ½ MIC of B. cereus-derived α-amylase: fimH to 0.247 ± 0.045 (75.3% reduction) and mrkD to 0.187 ± 0.035 (81.3% reduction).

CONCLUSION: B. cereus-derived α-amylase exhibited potent anti-biofilm, antibacterial, and quorum-quenching activities against K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. These findings highlight its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for managing biofilm-associated infections, either alone or as an adjunct to conventional treatments.},
}

@article {pmid40882710,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, M and Duan, Y and Yang, W and Chen, J and Wang, Q and Xu, Y and Li, X and Ran, X and Li, Y},
title = {Role of LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation, intestinal damage and pathogenesis in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus).},
journal = {Fish & shellfish immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {110691},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2025.110691},
pmid = {40882710},
issn = {1095-9947},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus, a prevalent opportunistic pathogen, produces virulence factors that significantly threaten the health of aquatic animals and humans. The quorum sensing (QS) system is crucial for regulating virulence factor expression in pathogenic bacteria. However, the function by which QS regulates S. aureus intestinal colonization in aquatic animals and its subsequent adverse effects on the host have not been fully characterized. Here, we investigated the role of the LuxS/autoinducer-2 (AI-2) QS system in S. aureus strain SA, focusing on its impact on virulence factor expression, intestinal colonization, and host pathology. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we successfully constructed the luxS gene deletion mutant strain SAΔluxS and its corresponding gene complementation strain SAΔluxS (luxS). Strain SAΔluxS exhibited impaired AI-2 synthesis but showed no significant changes in virulence factors such as enterotoxins, bacteriocins, and motility. However, its biofilm formation capacity was enhanced, primarily due to increased extracellular polysaccharide content within the biofilms. Exogenous addition of c-di-AMP led to enhanced biofilm formation in wild-type strain SA, and the elevated c-di-AMP levels in strain SAΔluxS were primarily attributed to reduced gdpP expression. Furthermore, LuxS/AI-2-mediated QS negatively regulated intestinal colonization of S. aureus and mitigated S. aureus-induced intestinal permeability, tissue disruption, and inflammatory response in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of S. aureus pathogenesis and contribute to developing novel strategies to prevent and control S. aureus infections in aquatic animals.},
}

@article {pmid40882594,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, U and Oh, SW},
title = {Freeze-thaw resilience of Shigella flexneri NCCP 10852 in co-culture with Listeria monocytogenes: Implications for biofilm-mediated survival in cold environment.},
journal = {International journal of food microbiology},
volume = {443},
number = {},
pages = {111402},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111402},
pmid = {40882594},
issn = {1879-3460},
abstract = {Shigella flexneri is an enteric pathogen traditionally associated with poor survival under freezing conditions. However, recent studies have reported its persistence even in frozen foods, raising concerns about its environmental resilience. In real-world food processing environments, multiple microbial species frequently coexist, yet the survival dynamics of S. flexneri in dual-species biofilms, particularly with psychrotolerant Listeria monocytogenes, remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate how co-cultivation with L. monocytogenes influences the freeze-thaw (FT) resilience and biofilm formation of S. flexneri under food-relevant conditions. A series of experiments were conducted, including injured rate analysis, membrane permeability assays, extracellular polymeric substances(EPS) quantification, field emission-scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM) imaging, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymeric chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Results showed that dual-species biofilms significantly reduced S. flexneri injured rate under FT conditions and enhanced its biofilm formation at 4 °C. Increased membrane damage, higher EPS production, and upregulation of stress-related genes were observed in co-cultures, suggesting a synergistic survival mechanism. These findings demonstrate that S. flexneri can survive under FT and form biofilms when coexisting with L. monocytogenes, likely through biofilm-mediated protection and interspecies interactions. These findings highlight the importance of understanding multi-species biofilms in frozen food environments.},
}

@article {pmid40882244,
year = {2025},
author = {Tsai, YM and Liu, CM and Chen, HC and Yang, TH and Huang, PS and Hsu, YL and Baranwal, M and Chiang, MH},
title = {Imipenem-induced outer membrane vesicles from Elizabethkingia anophelis inhibit biofilm formation and shift nosocomial pathogen dynamics.},
journal = {International journal of medical microbiology : IJMM},
volume = {320},
number = {},
pages = {151670},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijmm.2025.151670},
pmid = {40882244},
issn = {1618-0607},
abstract = {Elizabethkingia anophelis is an emerging multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogen that can cause severe nosocomial infections. Although multidrug resistance complicates the clinical management of E. anophelis, the ecological impact of stress responses, including antibiotic pressure, is unclear. We demonstrated that exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of imipenem promoted the secretion of antibiotic-induced outer membrane vesicles (iOMVs) by E. anophelis. This study analyzed the physical and functional characteristics of iOMVs produced by a drug-resistant clinical isolate of E. anophelis treated with imipenem and assessed the potential of E. anophelis iOMVs to modulate biofilm formation in other clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria. High-resolution imaging and biofilm assays showed that iOMVs inhibited biofilm formation and reduced biofilm density. The inhibitory effect did not affect other nosocomial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, or Klebsiella pneumoniae. Imipenem-induced vesiculation may inadvertently impair E. anophelis' biofilm resilience while altering microbial competition, reshaping survival dynamics in polymicrobial environments. These results demonstrate the paradoxical effect of antibiotic stress and suggest that vesicle-mediated interactions strongly affect nosocomial pathogen ecology.},
}

@article {pmid40881927,
year = {2025},
author = {Milinkovic Sreckovic, M and Petrovic, J and Ivanov, M and Gasic, U and Milivojevic, M and Stanisavljevic Ninkovic, D and Stojkovic, D},
title = {Unveiling the antimicrobial, biofilm inhibition, and photoprotective potential of Bupleurum falcatum L. for dermatological applications.},
journal = {EXCLI journal},
volume = {24},
number = {},
pages = {779-796},
doi = {10.17179/excli2025-8344},
pmid = {40881927},
issn = {1611-2156},
abstract = {Bupleurum falcatum L. is known for its therapeutic properties, especially in treating fever, inflammation, and infectious diseases. However, its potential for dermatological applications remains mainly unexplored. Thus, the present study explores antimicrobial potential of B. falcatum against biofilm-associated infections, antibiotic-resistant strains, and UV-induced skin damage. This aligns with the growing interest in natural products as sources of bioactive compounds with skin-protecting features. Herein, we employed maceration (M) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (USA) at 50 Hz and 100 Hz (USA 50 and USA 100) to obtain extracts from aerial parts of the plant. Chemical profiling was performed using UHPLC. Antimicrobial activity, biofilm inhibition, EPS and eDNA production were assessed using microdilution test, crystal violet, Congo red, and eDNA assays, respectively. Cytotoxicity and photoprotective effects were evaluated on human keratinocytes using the MTT assay. Chemical analysis identified 64 compounds, including benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, and saikosaponins. Extracts showed strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC as low as 0.5 mg/mL). The M extract displayed moderate biofilm inhibition and reduced eDNA production. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed safety on keratinocytes, while M and USA 100 extracts demonstrated photoprotective effects. B. falcatum extracts showed promising potential in addressing biofilm-associated infections, antibiotic resistance, and UV-induced skin damage. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).},
}

@article {pmid40879668,
year = {2025},
author = {Mendonça, MB and Cabral, AKLF and Arantes, BBA and Dos Santos, RC and Medina-Alarcón, KP and Dos Santos, KS and Gualque, MWDL and Fernandes, LdS and Belizario, JA and Fuzinaga, TYT and Kawakami, CM and Gluzezak, AJP and Martinez, LR and Cordeiro, LRG and Moroz, A and Fusco Almeida, AM and Mendes-Giannini, MJS},
title = {Biofilm development in three-dimensional models infected with Trichophyton rubrum.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0108725},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01087-25},
pmid = {40879668},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Dermatophytes are keratinophilic filamentous fungi that cause dermatophytosis, and the main etiological agents can be anthropophilic and zoophilic. Several virulence factors are involved in the pathogenesis of dermatophytosis, including the formation of fungal biofilms. In this context, three-dimensional (3D) models, such as spheroids and reconstructed human skin (RHS), have gained prominence, as they more accurately emulate fungus-host interactions, closely resembling physiological conditions. Therefore, the present study investigated the biofilm formation of Trichophyton rubrum in these 3D models using confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and relative gene expression analysis via real-time PCR. Microscopic analyses revealed the colonization of the spheroid and 3D skin model surface by T. rubrum, with characteristics indicative of biofilm formation. The gene expression analysis of the infected 3D skin model revealed an exacerbated expression of Mep5, which encodes a metalloprotease in T. rubrum, known for its keratinolytic activity. This study demonstrates biofilm formation and protease gene expression during dermatophyte infections using 3D models that contribute to understanding the mechanisms of T. rubrum infection and support the ongoing search for the development of new drugs to treat dermatophytosis.IMPORTANCEFungal skin infections, particularly those caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum, are widespread and often neglected, resulting in significant health burdens and the development of antifungal resistance due to their virulence factors, such as biofilm formation. Traditional in vitro and ex vivo infection models fail to mimic the human skin environment accurately, lacking key features, such as keratinization and three-dimensional (3D) configuration, which are critical for emulating in vivo infection conditions. The development of alternative 3D models, such as reconstructed human skin and spheroids, presents a transformative opportunity to enhance our understanding of host-parasite interactions. These models more closely replicate the structural and physiological properties of human skin, enabling the observation of fungal invasion and biofilm behavior under more realistic conditions. By supporting complex cellular communication and maintaining tissue architecture, 3D models provide a more accurate platform for studying fungal pathogenesis, ultimately paving the way for identifying new therapeutic targets and improving strategies to combat persistent and drug-resistant infections.},
}

@article {pmid40879342,
year = {2025},
author = {Mokgope, HD and Klink, MJ and Walmsley, TA},
title = {Understanding the dynamics of a microbial consortium prior to and post the introduction of specific antiretroviral compounds in a moving bed biofilm reactor system.},
journal = {Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research},
volume = {92},
number = {4},
pages = {563-576},
pmid = {40879342},
issn = {0273-1223},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Bioreactors/microbiology ; *Microbial Consortia/drug effects ; Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification ; *Anti-Retroviral Agents/pharmacology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sewage/microbiology ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; },
abstract = {The use of moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) systems for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater has been shown to gain more attention, in contrast to activated sludge systems. However, little is known about the effects of pharmaceuticals on constituent microbial communities. This study investigated the shift in microbial community compositions of biofilms in an MBBR due to exposure to specific antiretroviral (ARV) compounds. Microbial diversity (alpha-diversity) of seeded sludge from a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant and biofilm samples from a laboratory-scale MBBR system during pre- and post-introduction of ARV compounds was investigated by Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Microbial diversity results demonstrated that the introduction of ARV drugs affects the bacterial community composition and diversity considerably. For instance, the genus Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, and Alicycliphilus was found to be higher in post-introduction of ARV compounds biofilm samples than in biofilm samples before the introduction of ARV compounds.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Bioreactors/microbiology
*Microbial Consortia/drug effects
Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification
*Anti-Retroviral Agents/pharmacology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Sewage/microbiology
Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods

@article {pmid40877707,
year = {2025},
author = {Sajankila, N and Dumbauld, Z and Wang, Y and Wala, SJ and Ragan, MV and Al-Hadidi, A and Volpe, SG and Wickham, J and Mashburn-Warren, L and Wayne, C and Jacobs, T and Narayanan, S and Bailey, MT and Goodman, SD and Besner, GE and Mihi, B},
title = {Biofilm state Limosilactobacillus reuteri modulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity and suppresses experimental necrotizing enterocolitis.},
journal = {Pediatric research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40877707},
issn = {1530-0447},
support = {NIH T32 AI106704//Advanced Research Training in Immunology for Surgery Trainees/ ; Association for Academic Surgery (AAS)/Association//Trainee Research Fellowship Award for Basic Science/Translational Research/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Decreased Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) signaling pathway activation is implicated in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) pathogenesis. Limosilactobacillus reuteri (Lr) is a probiotic that catabolizes tryptophan into AHR ligands. We have previously shown that Lr in its biofilm state has improved efficacy against NEC. However, the importance of the physiologic state of Lr (planktonic vs. biofilm) on AHR activation remains unknown.

METHODS: In vitro experiments using intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and in vivo experiments in premature rodents were carried out to assess the impact of planktonic- vs. biofilm-state Lr on AHR ligand production, AHR activation, and protection against NEC.

RESULTS: Biofilm-state Lr was found to have increased persistence in the intestine of premature rodent pups compared to planktonic-state Lr. IECs exposed to conditioned media from Lr grown with tryptophan demonstrated increased AHR activation compared to IECs exposed to tryptophan alone. Finally, biofilm-state Lr was associated with increased intestinal AHR ligand production, AHR activation, and protection against NEC in rodent pups.

CONCLUSION: Biofilm-state Lr has increased persistence in the gut and protects against NEC. This protection is associated with increased AHR activation in the intestine. Through improved understanding of the interactions of Lr and AHR signaling, we may be able to further enhance Lr efficacy against NEC.

IMPACT: Limosilactobacillus reuteri in its biofilm state increases AHR activation and reduces intestinal injury during NEC. This is the first study to look at the role of the AHR signaling pathway in Limosilactobacillus reuteri-mediated protection against NEC. Development of an effective therapy to prevent NEC would reduce the morbidity and mortality of this lethal disease.},
}

@article {pmid40876622,
year = {2025},
author = {Pollo, LHD and Ferrari, CR and Francese, MM and Conquista, CM and Braga, AS and Magalhães, AC},
title = {Anti-Caries Potential of Matricaria chamomilla L. Extract Combined or not with Fluoride on Bovine Teeth under Microcosm Biofilm model.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106063},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106063},
pmid = {40876622},
issn = {1879-176X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and anticariogenic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla L., associated or not with fluoride, under a microcosm biofilm model.

METHODS: Bovine enamel were divided into five groups (n=12): (1) Fluoride, (2) M. chamomilla extract, (3) M. chamomilla + fluoride, (4) Periogard, and (5) PBS. Biofilm was produced using human saliva/ McBain artificial saliva, for 5 days, applying the treatments 1x/60s, from the 2[nd] to the 5[th] day. CFU analyses for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. and TMR to quantify demineralization were performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn (p<0.05).

RESULTS: M. chamomilla + fluoride significantly reduced Lactobacillus spp. and S. mutans (Periogard either) load compared to the other groups (p<0.0001, p=0.03, respectively). Fluoride reduced the integrated (p=0.002) and mean (p=0.0001) mineral loss compared to the M. chamomilla and PBS groups. M. chamomilla + fluoride (median 24.8, I.I 2.5 % vol) significantly reduced the mean mineral loss compared to PBS (median 42.2, I.I 9.8 % vol). None of the treatments reduced lesion depth (p>0.05). The superficial layer was observed only in the groups treated with fluoride, M. chamomilla + fluoride, and Periogard, with the thickest layer found in M. chamomilla + fluoride group (p=0.0166).

CONCLUSIONS: The association of M. chamomilla with fluoride reduced cariogenic microorganisms and protected the enamel against demineralization, suggesting its potential as a complementary strategy in caries prevention.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The association of Matricaria chamomilla with fluoride may be more effective than fluoride alone, generating a synergistic effect that could be applicable in clinical practice to control dental caries lesions.},
}

@article {pmid40875659,
year = {2025},
author = {Fahim, RA and Rodriguez, ZED and Oestreicher, Z and Schwab, NR and Young, NE and Shrestha, K and Balish, MF},
title = {Eradication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae biofilm towers by treatment with hydrogen peroxide or antibiotic combinations acting synergistically.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {8},
pages = {e0329571},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0329571},
pmid = {40875659},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development ; *Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Mycoplasma pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology ; Drug Synergism ; Moxifloxacin ; Doxycycline/pharmacology ; Erythromycin/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Humans ; Fluoroquinolones/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important chronic, asthma-associated pathogen that is increasingly antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria have highly reduced genomes and lack a cell wall and numerous other antibiotic targets. They form biofilm towers after prolonged growth both axenically and on tissue culture cells. The biofilm towers have features associated with chronic infection: they are highly resistant to erythromycin and have substantially increased resistance to complement, although they are sensitive to a combination of the two. This work sought to characterize the profile of agents that could eradicate M. pneumoniae biofilm towers. Biofilm towers were found to provide no defense against H2O2, an M. pneumoniae virulence factor whose production is severely attenuated during biofilm tower growth. Checkerboard assays revealed that dual combinations of erythromycin, moxifloxacin, and doxycycline acted synergistically against two strains of M. pneumoniae. Crystal violet assays suggested that pairs of these agents, when used at clinically relevant concentrations, had substantial efficacy against pre-formed biofilm towers, but scanning electron microscopy revealed that the eradication of biofilm towers was even more complete than crystal violet assays indicated. Although the use of fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines in children, who are the most frequently infected population, is not preferred over macrolides due to potential side effects, this work shows that synergistic interactions among therapeutic agents provide potential clinical paths to substantially reducing or eradicating M. pneumoniae biofilms, thereby decreasing morbidity. Furthermore, the sensitivity to H2O2 suggests that small-molecule therapeutics may also be suitable for biofilm clearance.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects/growth & development
*Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Mycoplasma pneumoniae/drug effects/physiology
Drug Synergism
Moxifloxacin
Doxycycline/pharmacology
Erythromycin/pharmacology
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Humans
Fluoroquinolones/pharmacology

@article {pmid40875047,
year = {2025},
author = {Perić, M and Petrović, S and Čairović, A and Vlajić Tovilović, T and Racić, A and Panajotović, R and Živković, R and Miličić, B and Radunović, M},
title = {Influence of ageing on surface properties and biofilm adhesion on denture base resin material fabricated by different manufacturing techniques.},
journal = {Clinical oral investigations},
volume = {29},
number = {9},
pages = {423},
pmid = {40875047},
issn = {1436-3771},
mesh = {*Biofilms ; Surface Properties ; *Denture Bases/microbiology ; Candida albicans ; Materials Testing ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Computer-Aided Design ; Acrylic Resins/chemistry ; *Dental Materials/chemistry ; Bacterial Adhesion ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of hydrothermal ageing on biofilm adhesion and surface properties of denture base resins fabricated via different techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Denture base resin samples were produced using the following manufacturing techniques: conventional cold polymerization (CP), heat polymerization (HP), CAD-CAM milling (CADm) and CAD-CAM printing (3D). The samples were tested before and after hydrothermal ageing (5000 cycles, 5 °C/55°C). The surface roughness was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the hydrophobicity was observed by measuring the water contact angle (WCA). Monomicrobial biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were formed and quantified before and after ageing using colony-forming units (CFUs/ml) and the MTT test. Statistical differences were evaluated using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA showed that ageing significantly influenced the roughness (p = 0.002). The highest roughness values before and after ageing were measured for 3D resin samples. The WCA values of 3D resin samples changed after ageing (p = 0.018). Amount and metabolic activity of monomicrobial biofilms were increased during ageing on all four tested denture base resins.

CONCLUSIONS: Ageing influenced the roughness and microbial adhesion on all tested denture base materials, regardless of the manufacturing method.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Finding support replacing dentures every five years due to increased biofilm adhesion post ageing.},
}

*Biofilms
Surface Properties
*Denture Bases/microbiology
Candida albicans
Materials Testing
Microscopy, Atomic Force
Staphylococcus aureus
Computer-Aided Design
Acrylic Resins/chemistry
*Dental Materials/chemistry
Bacterial Adhesion

@article {pmid40874693,
year = {2025},
author = {Şahin, N and Üstün, E and Tutar, U and Çelik, C},
title = {Analysis of antimicrobial activity and biofilm inhibition of Ag-NHC complexes by in-vitro and molecular docking method.},
journal = {Future medicinal chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-14},
doi = {10.1080/17568919.2025.2552635},
pmid = {40874693},
issn = {1756-8927},
abstract = {AIMS: Metal-N-heterocyclic carben (NHC) complexes have garnered significant attention from synthesis chemistry. Silver is well known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and it exhibits their activities with different mechanisms. In this study, we combined these two important scaffolds, analyzed for possible antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, and evaluated the interactions against DNA Gyrase, SarA, Human Serum Albumin, and DNA for getting insight into the antimicrobial and antibiofilm details.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Four new Ag-NHC complexes (2a-d) were prepared from corresponding benzimidazolium salts (1a-d) and revealed by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR, LC-MS, and HRMS. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of both ligands and complexes were evaluated with in-vitro and molecular docking methods which were performed against DNA Gyrase, SarA, Human Serum Albumin, and DNA.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 1d showed superior activity while 2a and 2d were effective against C. albicans, with activity comparable to fluconazole in the range of 8.6-8.7 µM. The highest binding affinity was recorded for 2a as -7.93 kcal/mol against DNA Gyrase, while 2b has the best interactions with -5.49 kcal/mol against SarA. and -7.74 kcal/mol binding affinity was determined for 2a with molecular docking. All the molecules interacted with the same grove of DNA.},
}

@article {pmid40874562,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Yan, S and Yang, C and Chen, S and Zhang, M and Jiang, L and Song, H and Wu, C and Bi, Y and Yu, J and Li, Y and Gao, X and Li, P and Gu, Q},
title = {Lactobacillus brevis ZFM820 Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation via Biofilm Formation and Metabolic Reprogramming.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c09513},
pmid = {40874562},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Emerging evidence implicates lipopolysaccharide (LPS) embedded in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria as a key mediator of intestinal inflammation. A preliminary study found that a potent Lactobacillus brevis strain named ZFM820 showed remarkable antibacterial activity against LPS-producing Escherichia coli compared to other lactic acid bacteria through an unexplored mechanism. This study systematically investigated the anti-LPS phenotypes, responsive factors, and mechanism of ZFM820. The alleviation activity on LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress was confirmed both in RAW264.7 cells and C. elegans models. The alleviation efficiencies of live bacteria, dead bacteria, and their cell-free fermentation supernatant were compared, and they present 2.68, 1.04, and 1.12-fold reduction of NO levels and 1.79, 1.07, and 1.15-fold reduction of O2[-], respectively, suggesting that the protective effect was achieved via live bacteria. Further mechanical studies revealed that ZFM820 formed a biofilm barrier to physiochemically impede LPS permeation and triggered metabolic reprogramming by suppressing histone synthesis and activating glutathione biosynthesis to biologically enhance epithelial resistance. These findings provide evidence for the anti-LPS activity of ZFM820, offering an innovative horizon to understand the beneficial mechanism of L. brevis.},
}

@article {pmid40873312,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, T and Shu, H and Li, Q and Cui, Z and Li, G and Li, T and Wang, Y and Sun, J},
title = {[Shewanella biofilm formation regulated by acyl-homoserine lactones and its application in UO2[2+] electrosorption].},
journal = {Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {8},
pages = {3081-3097},
doi = {10.13345/j.cjb.250173},
pmid = {40873312},
issn = {1872-2075},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects ; *Acyl-Butyrolactones/pharmacology ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects ; *Uranium/isolation & purification/metabolism ; *Shewanella/physiology/drug effects/metabolism ; Adsorption ; *Uranium Compounds/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Wastewater/chemistry ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a Gram-negative bacterium with a significant role in the adsorption and reduction of uranium in wastewater and a quorum-sensing effect, can be used to remove uranium from wastewater. Exogenous signaling molecules (acyl-homoserine lactones, AHLs) can be added to induce the quorum sensing behavior for rapid biofilm formation, thereby improving the removal efficiency of this bacterium for uranium. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), as the significant components of biofilm, play a key role in biofilm formation. To investigate the quorum sensing behavior induced by AHLs, we systematically investigated the effects of AHLs on the EPS secretion and biofilm properties of S. oneidensis MR-1 by regulating parameters such as AHL species, concentration, addition time point, and contact time. The results showed that the addition of 10 μmol/L N-butyryl-l-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) after 6 h of culture and continued incubation to reach the time point of 72 h significantly promoted the secretion of EPSs, in which the content of extracellular proteins and extracellular polysaccharides was increased by 15.2% and 28.2%, respectively, compared with that of the control group. The biofilm electrodes induced by signaling molecules showed superior properties, which were evidenced by an increase of exceeding 20 μm in biofilm thickness, an increase of 33.9% in the proportion of living cells, enhanced electroactivity, and an increase of 10.7% in the uranium removal rate. The biofilm electrode was confirmed to immobilize uranium in wastewater mainly by electrosorption, physicochemical adsorption, and electro-reduction through characterization means such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This study provides a new technical idea for the efficient recovery of uranium in wastewater and enriches the theoretical system of quorum sensing regulation of electroactive biofilms.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development/drug effects
*Acyl-Butyrolactones/pharmacology
Quorum Sensing/drug effects
*Uranium/isolation & purification/metabolism
*Shewanella/physiology/drug effects/metabolism
Adsorption
*Uranium Compounds/isolation & purification/metabolism
Wastewater/chemistry
Biodegradation, Environmental
Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism