Antibiofilm surface functionalization of catheters by magnesium fluoride nanoparticles

The ability of bacteria to colonize catheters is a major cause of infection. In the current study, catheters were surface-modified with MgF2 nanoparticles (NPs) using a sonochemical synthesis protocol described previously. The one-step synthesis and coating procedure yielded a homogenous MgF2 NP layer on both the inside and outside of the catheter, as analyzed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The coating thickness varied from approximately 750 nm to 1000 nm on the inner walls and from approximately 450 nm to approximately 580 nm for the outer wall. The coating consisted of spherical MgF2 NPs with an average diameter of approximately 25 nm. These MgF2 NP-modified catheters were investigated for their ability to restrict bacterial biofilm formation. Two bacterial strains most commonly associated with catheter infections, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, were cultured in tryptic soy broth, artificial urine and human plasma on the modified catheters. The MgF2 NP-coated catheters were able to significantly reduce bacterial colonization for a period of 1 week compared to the uncoated control. Finally, the potential cytotoxicity of MgF2 NPs was also evaluated using human and mammalian cell lines and no significant reduction in the mitochondrial metabolism was observed. Taken together, our results indicate that the surface modification of catheters with MgF2 NPs can be effective in preventing bacterial colonization and can provide catheters with long-lasting self-sterilizing properties

Antibacterial properties and mechanisms of action of sonoenzymatically synthesized lignin-based nanoparticles

In recent years, lignin has drawn increasing attention for different applications due to its intrinsic antibacterial and antioxidant properties, coupled with biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, chemical modification or combination with metals is usually required to increase its antimicrobial functionality and produce biobased added-value materials for applications wherein bacterial growth should be avoided, such as biomedical and food industries. In this work, a sonoenzymatic approach for the simultaneous functionalization and nanotransformation of lignin to prepare metal-free antibacterial phenolated lignin nanoparticles (PheLigNPs) is developed. The grafting of tannic acid, a natural phenolic compound, onto lignin was achieved by an environmentally friendly approach using laccase oxidation upon the application of high-intensity ultrasound to rearrange lignin into NPs. PheLigNPs presented higher antibacterial activity than nonfunctionalized LigNPs and phenolated lignin in the bulk form, indicating the contribution of both the phenolic content and the nanosize to the antibacterial activity. Studies on the antibacterial mode of action showed that bacteria in contact with the functionalized NPs presented decreased metabolic activity and high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, PheLigNPs demonstrated affinity to the bacterial surface and the ability to cause membrane destabilization. Antimicrobial resistance studies showed that the NPs did not induce resistance in pathogenic bacteria, unlike traditional antibiotics.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antiviral farnesol-containing nanoparticles prevent Staphylococcus aureus from drug resistance development

Multidrug antimicrobial resistance is a constantly growing health care issue associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and huge financial burden. Bacteria frequently form biofilm communities responsible for numerous persistent infections resistant to conventional antibiotics. Herein, novel nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with the natural bactericide farnesol (FSL NPs) are generated using high-intensity ultrasound. The nanoformulation of farnesol improved its antibacterial properties and demonstrated complete eradication of Staphylococcus aureus within less than 3 h, without inducing resistance development, and was able to 100% inhibit the establishment of a drug-resistant S. aureus biofilm. These antibiotic-free nano-antimicrobials also reduced the mature biofilm at a very low concentration of the active agent. In addition to the outstanding antibacterial properties, the engineered nano-entities demonstrated strong antiviral properties and inhibited the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 by up to 83%. The novel FSL NPs did not cause skin tissue irritation and did not induce the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines in a 3D skin tissue model. These results support the potential of these bio-based nano-actives to replace the existing antibiotics and they may be used for the development of topical pharmaceutic products for controlling microbial skin infections, without inducing resistance development.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Chelator-Induced Dispersal and Killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cells in a Biofilm

Biofilms consist of groups of bacteria attached to surfaces and encased in a hydrated polymeric matrix. Bacteria in biofilms are more resistant to the immune system and to antibiotics than their free-living planktonic counterparts. Thus, biofilm-related infections are persistent and often show recurrent symptoms. The metal chelator EDTA is known to have activity against biofilms of gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. EDTA can also kill planktonic cells of Proteobacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study we demonstrate that EDTA is a potent P. aeruginosa biofilm disrupter. In Tris buffer, EDTA treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilms results in 1,000-fold greater killing than treatment with the P. aeruginosa antibiotic gentamicin. Furthermore, a combination of EDTA and gentamicin results in complete killing of biofilm cells. P. aeruginosa biofilms can form structured mushroom-like entities when grown under flow on a glass surface. Time lapse confocal scanning laser microscopy shows that EDTA causes a dispersal of P. aeruginosa cells from biofilms and killing of biofilm cells within the mushroom-like structures. An examination of the influence of several divalent cations on the antibiofilm activity of EDTA indicates that magnesium, calcium, and iron protect P. aeruginosa biofilms against EDTA treatment. Our results are consistent with a mechanism whereby EDTA causes detachment and killing of biofilm cells

Structural and functional characterization of PL28 family ulvan lyase NLR48 from Nonlabens ulvanivorans

International audienc

Structure–function analyses of a PL24 family ulvan lyase reveal key features and suggest its catalytic mechanism

International audienc

The Effect of <i>pstS</i> and <i>phoB</i> on Quorum Sensing and Swarming Motility in <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>

<div><p><i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause a wide range of infections and inflammations in a variety of hosts, such as chronic biofilm associated lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. Phosphate, an essential nutrient, has been recognized as an important signal that affects virulence in <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. In the current study we examined the connection between phosphate regulation and surface motility in <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. We focused on two important genes, <i>pstS</i>, which is involved in phosphate uptake, and <i>phoB</i>, a central regulator that responds to phosphate starvation. We found that a mutant lacking <i>pstS</i> is constantly starved for phosphate and has a hyper swarming phenotype. Phosphate starvation also induced swarming in the wild type. The <i>phoB</i> mutant, on the other hand, did not express phosphate starvation even when phosphate was limited and showed no swarming. A double mutant lacking both genes (<i>pstS</i> and <i>phoB</i>) showed a similar phenotype to the <i>phoB</i> mutant (i.e. no swarming). This highlights the role of <i>phoB</i> in controlling swarming motility under phosphate-depleted conditions. Finally, we were able to demonstrate that PhoB controls swarming by up-regulating the Rhl quorum sensing system in <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, which resulted in hyper production of rhamonlipids: biosurfactants that are known to induce swarming motility.</p></div