1
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Duncan GA. Mind the gap: Exploring extracellular spaces in the brain with particle tracking and AI. Biophys J 2024; 123:3857-3858. [PMID: 39327733 PMCID: PMC11617623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregg A Duncan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
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2
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Ohmura T, Skinner DJ, Neuhaus K, Choi GPT, Dunkel J, Drescher K. In Vivo Microrheology Reveals Local Elastic and Plastic Responses Inside 3D Bacterial Biofilms. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314059. [PMID: 38511867 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are highly abundant 3D living materials capable of performing complex biomechanical and biochemical functions, including programmable growth, self-repair, filtration, and bioproduction. Methods to measure internal mechanical properties of biofilms in vivo with spatial resolution on the cellular scale have been lacking. Here, thousands of cells are tracked inside living 3D biofilms of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae during and after the application of shear stress, for a wide range of stress amplitudes, periods, and biofilm sizes, which revealed anisotropic elastic and plastic responses of both cell displacements and cell reorientations. Using cellular tracking to infer parameters of a general mechanical model, spatially-resolved measurements of the elastic modulus inside the biofilm are obtained, which correlate with the spatial distribution of the polysaccharides within the biofilm matrix. The noninvasive microrheology and force-inference approach introduced here provides a general framework for studying mechanical properties with high spatial resolution in living materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ohmura
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel, 4056, Switzerland
| | - Dominic J Skinner
- Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA
- NSF-Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
| | - Konstantin Neuhaus
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel, 4056, Switzerland
- Department of Physics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Renthof 5, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Gary P T Choi
- Department of Mathematics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, N.T., Hong Kong
| | - Jörn Dunkel
- Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA
| | - Knut Drescher
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel, 4056, Switzerland
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3
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Sharma DK, Rajpurohit YS. Multitasking functions of bacterial extracellular DNA in biofilms. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0000624. [PMID: 38445859 PMCID: PMC11025335 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00006-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are intricate ecosystems of microbial communities that adhere to various surfaces and are enveloped by an extracellular matrix composed of polymeric substances. Within the context of bacterial biofilms, extracellular DNA (eDNA) originates from cell lysis or is actively secreted, where it exerts a significant influence on the formation, stability, and resistance of biofilms to environmental stressors. The exploration of eDNA within bacterial biofilms holds paramount importance in research, with far-reaching implications for both human health and the environment. An enhanced understanding of the functions of eDNA in biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance could inspire the development of strategies to combat biofilm-related infections and improve the management of antibiotic resistance. This comprehensive review encapsulates the latest discoveries concerning eDNA, encompassing its origins, functions within bacterial biofilms, and significance in bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhirendra Kumar Sharma
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Schools of Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE—Deemed University), Mumbai, India
| | - Yogendra Singh Rajpurohit
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Schools of Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE—Deemed University), Mumbai, India
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4
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Mirzaei R, Campoccia D, Ravaioli S, Arciola CR. Emerging Issues and Initial Insights into Bacterial Biofilms: From Orthopedic Infection to Metabolomics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:184. [PMID: 38391570 PMCID: PMC10885942 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms, enigmatic communities of microorganisms enclosed in an extracellular matrix, still represent an open challenge in many clinical contexts, including orthopedics, where biofilm-associated bone and joint infections remain the main cause of implant failure. This study explores the scenario of biofilm infections, with a focus on those related to orthopedic implants, highlighting recently emerged substantial aspects of the pathogenesis and their potential repercussions on the clinic, as well as the progress and gaps that still exist in the diagnostics and management of these infections. The classic mechanisms through which biofilms form and the more recently proposed new ones are depicted. The ways in which bacteria hide, become impenetrable to antibiotics, and evade the immune defenses, creating reservoirs of bacteria difficult to detect and reach, are delineated, such as bacterial dormancy within biofilms, entry into host cells, and penetration into bone canaliculi. New findings on biofilm formation with host components are presented. The article also delves into the emerging and critical concept of immunometabolism, a key function of immune cells that biofilm interferes with. The growing potential of biofilm metabolomics in the diagnosis and therapy of biofilm infections is highlighted, referring to the latest research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Mirzaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Davide Campoccia
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all'Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ravaioli
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all'Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Laboratory of Immunorheumatology and Tissue Regeneration, Laboratory of Pathology of Implant Infections, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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5
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Wells MJ, Currie H, Gordon VD. Physiological Concentrations of Calcium Interact with Alginate and Extracellular DNA in the Matrices of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms to Impede Phagocytosis by Neutrophils. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:17050-17058. [PMID: 37972353 PMCID: PMC10764079 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of interacting microbes embedded in a matrix of polymer, protein, and other materials. Biofilms develop distinct mechanical characteristics that depend on their predominant matrix components. These matrix components may be produced by microbes themselves or, for infections in vivo, incorporated from the host environment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a human pathogen that forms robust biofilms that extensively tolerate antibiotics and effectively evade clearance by the immune system. Two of the important bacterial-produced polymers in the matrices of P. aeruginosa biofilms are alginate and extracellular DNA (eDNA), both of which are anionic and therefore have the potential to interact electrostatically with cations. Many physiological sites of infection contain significant concentrations of the calcium ion (Ca2+). In this study, we investigate the structural and mechanical impacts of Ca2+ supplementation in alginate-dominated biofilms grown in vitro, and we evaluate the impact of targeted enzyme treatments on clearance by immune cells. We use multiple-particle tracking microrheology to evaluate the changes in biofilm viscoelasticity caused by treatment with alginate lyase or DNase I. For biofilms grown without Ca2+, we correlate a decrease in relative elasticity with increased phagocytic success. However, we find that growth with Ca2+ supplementation disrupts this correlation except in the case where both enzymes are applied. This suggests that the calcium cation may be impacting the microstructure of the biofilm in nontrivial ways. Indeed, confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy reveal unique Ca2+-dependent eDNA and alginate microstructures. Our results suggest that the presence of Ca2+ drives the formation of structurally and compositionally discrete microdomains within the biofilm through electrostatic interactions with the anionic matrix components eDNA and alginate. Further, we observe that these structures serve a protective function as the dissolution of both components is required to render biofilm bacteria vulnerable to phagocytosis by neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn J. Wells
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
| | - Hailey Currie
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
| | - Vernita D. Gordon
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, The University of Texas at Austin, Norman Hackerman Building, 100 East 24th St., NHB 4500, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
- LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Neural Molecular Science Building, 2506 Speedway, Stop A5000, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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6
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Huang S, Wang X, Chen X, Liu X, Xu Q, Zhang L, Huang G, Wu J. Rapid and sensitive detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by isothermal amplification combined with Cas12a-mediated detection. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19199. [PMID: 37932335 PMCID: PMC10628258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR based technologies have been used for fast and sensitive detection of pathogens. To test the possibility of CRISPR based detection strategy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, a combined method of recombinase polymerase amplification followed by Cas12a-mediated detection via fluorescence reader or lateral flow biosensor (named Cas12a-RCFL) has been established in this study. The Cas12a-RCFL can detect as low as 50 CFU/mL Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The whole detection process can be finished within one hour with satisfied detection specificity. Cas12a-RCFL also shows good sensitivity of detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa inStaphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii contaminated samples. For the detection of 22 clinical samples, Cas12a-RCFL matches with PCR sequencing result exactly without DNA purification. This Cas12a-RCFL is rapid and sensitive with low cost, which shows good quality to be adopted as a point-of-care testing method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Huang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xinchong Chen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Qiuqing Xu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Guangtao Huang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
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7
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Zhou X, Wells MJ, Gordon VD. Incorporation of collagen into Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms impedes phagocytosis by neutrophils. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.25.564018. [PMID: 37961328 PMCID: PMC10634824 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.25.564018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of microbes embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Matrix components can be produced by biofilm organisms and can also originate from the environment and then be incorporated into the biofilm. For example, we have recently shown that collagen, a host-produced protein that is abundant in many different infection sites, can be taken up into the biofilm matrix, altering biofilm mechanics. The biofilm matrix protects bacteria from clearance by the immune system, and some of that protection likely arises from the mechanical properties of the biofilm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are common human pathogens notable for forming biofilm infections in anatomical sites rich in collagen. Here, we show that the incorporation of Type I collagen into P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms significantly hinders phagocytosis of biofilm bacteria by human neutrophils. However, enzymatic treatment with collagenase, which breaks down collagen, can partly or entirely negate the protective effect of collagen and restore the ability of neutrophils to engulf biofilm bacteria. From these findings, we suggest that enzymatic degradation of host materials may be a potential way to compromise biofilm infections and enhance the efficacy of the host immune response without promoting antibiotic resistance. Such an approach might be beneficial both in cases where the infecting species is known and also in cases wherein biofilm components are not readily known, such as multispecies infections or infections by unknown species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuening Zhou
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, Norman Hackerman Building, 100 East 24th St., NHB 4500, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Marilyn J Wells
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
| | - Vernita D Gordon
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, Norman Hackerman Building, 100 East 24th St., NHB 4500, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
- LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Neural Molecular Science Building, 2506 Speedway, Stop A5000, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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8
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Wells MJ, Currie H, Gordon VD. Physiological concentrations of calcium interact with alginate and extracellular DNA in the matrices of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms to impede phagocytosis by neutrophils. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563605. [PMID: 37961083 PMCID: PMC10634743 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of interacting microbes embedded in a matrix of polymer, protein, and other materials. Biofilms develop distinct mechanical characteristics that depend on their predominant matrix components. These matrix components may be produced by microbes themselves or, for infections in vivo, incorporated from the host environment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a human pathogen that forms robust biofilms that extensively tolerate antibiotics and effectively evade clearance by the immune system. Two of the important bacterial-produced polymers in the matrices of P. aeruginosa biofilms are alginate and extracellular DNA (eDNA), both of which are anionic and therefore have the potential to interact electrostatically with cations. Many physiological sites of infection contain significant concentrations of the calcium ion (Ca2+). In this study we investigate the structural and mechanical impacts of Ca2+ supplementation in alginate-dominated biofilms grown in vitro and we evaluate the impact of targeted enzyme treatments on clearance by immune cells. We use multiple particle tracking microrheology to evaluate the changes in biofilm viscoelasticity caused by treatment with alginate lyase and/or DNAse I. For biofilms grown without Ca2+, we correlate a decrease in relative elasticity with increased phagocytic success. However, we find that growth with Ca2+ supplementation disrupts this correlation except in the case where both enzymes are applied. This suggests that the calcium cation may be impacting the microstructure of the biofilm in non-trivial ways. Indeed, confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy reveal unique Ca2+-dependent eDNA and alginate microstructures. Our results suggest that the presence of Ca2+ drives the formation of structurally and compositionally discrete microdomains within the biofilm through electrostatic interactions with the anionic matrix components eDNA and alginate. Further, we observe that these structures serve a protective function as the dissolution of both components is required to render biofilm bacteria vulnerable to phagocytosis by neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn J. Wells
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
| | - Hailey Currie
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
| | - Vernita D. Gordon
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, C1600, Austin, Texas 78712-1192, USA
- Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Stop C1610, Austin, Texas 78712-11993, USA
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, The University of Texas at Austin, Norman Hackerman Building, 100 East 24th St., NHB 4500, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
- LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Neural Molecular Science Building, 2506 Speedway, Stop A5000, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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9
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Esfahani MB, Khodavandi A, Alizadeh F, Bahador N. Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Microbial Synthesized Silver and Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2023; 22:956-966. [PMID: 37071524 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2023.3268138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a human bacterial pathogen causing devastating diseases and equipped with various virulence factors like biofilm formation. Common antibiotic treatment has limited efficacy for the P. aeruginosa present in biofilms because of the increased resistance. In this study, we focused our attention on the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of various microbial synthesized silver (nano-Ag) and magnetic iron oxide (nano-Fe3O4) nanoparticles against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa that displayed ceftazidime resistance. The nano-Ag and nano-Fe3O4 represented great antibacterial properties. Nano-Ag and nano-Fe3O4 exhibited a reduction in the biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa reference strain as determined by crystal violet and XTT assays and light microscopy method. Among all, nano-Ag-2 and 7 owing to inherent attributes and mechanisms of resistance in the bacterial biofilm, exhibited anti-biofilm efficacy against ceftazidime resistance clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa. Moreover, nano-Ag and nano-Fe3O4 changed the relative expression of biofilm-associated genes, PELA and PSLA in a concentration dependent manner by P. aeruginosa reference strain. As revealed by qRT-PCR, the expression levels of biofilm-associated genes were downregulated in P. aeruginosa biofilms treated with nano-Ag, while selected biofilm-associated genes were low expressed under treated with nano-Fe3O4. Results of the study demonstrate the potential of microbial synthesized nano-Ag-2 and 7 to act as anti-biofilm agents against ceftazidime resistance clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa. Molecular targeting of biofilm-associated genes by nano-Ag and nano-Fe3O4 may be candidate for new therapeutics against P. aeruginosa diseases.
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Silva A, Silva V, López M, Rojo-Bezares B, Carvalho JA, Castro AP, Sáenz Y, Igrejas G, Poeta P. Antimicrobial Resistance, Genetic Lineages, and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Human Infections: An Emerging One Health Concern. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1248. [PMID: 37627668 PMCID: PMC10451160 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a leading nosocomial pathogen and has great versatility due to a complex interplay between antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors. PA has also turned into one the most relevant model organisms for the study of biofilm-associated infections. The objective of the study focused on analyzing the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, virulence factors, and biofilm formation ability of thirty-two isolates of PA. PA isolates were characterized by the following analyses: susceptibility to 12 antimicrobial agents, the presence of resistance genes and virulence factors in PCR assays, and the quantification of biofilm production as evaluated by two distinct assays. Selected PA isolates were analyzed through multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Thirty PA isolates have a multi-resistant phenotype, and most of the isolates showed high levels of resistance to the tested antibiotics. Carbapenems showed the highest prevalence of resistance. Various virulence factors were detected and, for the quantification of biofilm production, the effectiveness of different methods was assessed. The microtiter plate method showed the highest accuracy and reproducibility for detecting biofilm-producing bacteria. MLST revealed four distinct sequence types (STs) in clinical PA, with three of them considered high-risk clones of PA, namely ST175, ST235, and ST244. These clones are associated with multidrug resistance and are prevalent in hospitals worldwide. Overall, the study highlights the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance, the presence of carbapenemase genes, the diversity of virulence factors, and the importance of biofilm formation in PA clinical isolates. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective infection control measures and the development of targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Silva
- MicroART-Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal (V.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Silva
- MicroART-Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal (V.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - María López
- Área de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Beatriz Rojo-Bezares
- Área de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | | | - Ana Paula Castro
- Medical Center of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro E.P.E., 5000-508 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Yolanda Sáenz
- Área de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Gilberto Igrejas
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Poeta
- MicroART-Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal (V.S.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisboa, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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11
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Wells M, Schneider R, Bhattarai B, Currie H, Chavez B, Christopher G, Rumbaugh K, Gordon V. Perspective: The viscoelastic properties of biofilm infections and mechanical interactions with phagocytic immune cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1102199. [PMID: 36875516 PMCID: PMC9978752 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1102199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are viscoelastic materials that are a prominent public health problem and a cause of most chronic bacterial infections, in large part due to their resistance to clearance by the immune system. Viscoelastic materials combine both solid-like and fluid-like mechanics, and the viscoelastic properties of biofilms are an emergent property of the intercellular cohesion characterizing the biofilm state (planktonic bacteria do not have an equivalent property). However, how the mechanical properties of biofilms are related to the recalcitrant disease that they cause, specifically to their resistance to phagocytic clearance by the immune system, remains almost entirely unstudied. We believe this is an important gap that is ripe for a large range of investigations. Here we present an overview of what is known about biofilm infections and their interactions with the immune system, biofilm mechanics and their potential relationship with phagocytosis, and we give an illustrative example of one important biofilm-pathogen (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) which is the most-studied in this context. We hope to inspire investment and growth in this relatively-untapped field of research, which has the potential to reveal mechanical properties of biofilms as targets for therapeutics meant to enhance the efficacy of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Wells
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Rebecca Schneider
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Bikash Bhattarai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Hailey Currie
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Bella Chavez
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Gordon Christopher
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Kendra Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Vernita Gordon
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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Flemming HC, van Hullebusch ED, Neu TR, Nielsen PH, Seviour T, Stoodley P, Wingender J, Wuertz S. The biofilm matrix: multitasking in a shared space. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:70-86. [PMID: 36127518 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 228.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The biofilm matrix can be considered to be a shared space for the encased microbial cells, comprising a wide variety of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), such as polysaccharides, proteins, amyloids, lipids and extracellular DNA (eDNA), as well as membrane vesicles and humic-like microbially derived refractory substances. EPS are dynamic in space and time and their components interact in complex ways, fulfilling various functions: to stabilize the matrix, acquire nutrients, retain and protect eDNA or exoenzymes, or offer sorption sites for ions and hydrophobic substances. The retention of exoenzymes effectively renders the biofilm matrix an external digestion system influencing the global turnover of biopolymers, considering the ubiquitous relevance of biofilms. Physico-chemical and biological interactions and environmental conditions enable biofilm systems to morph into films, microcolonies and macrocolonies, films, ridges, ripples, columns, pellicles, bubbles, mushrooms and suspended aggregates - in response to the very diverse conditions confronting a particular biofilm community. Assembly and dynamics of the matrix are mostly coordinated by secondary messengers, signalling molecules or small RNAs, in both medically relevant and environmental biofilms. Fully deciphering how bacteria provide structure to the matrix, and thus facilitate and benefit from extracellular reactions, remains the challenge for future biofilm research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Curt Flemming
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | - Thomas R Neu
- Department of River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Per H Nielsen
- Center for Microbial Communities, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Thomas Seviour
- Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jost Wingender
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Biofilm Centre, Department of Aquatic Microbiology, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Diban F, Di Lodovico S, Di Fermo P, D’Ercole S, D’Arcangelo S, Di Giulio M, Cellini L. Biofilms in Chronic Wound Infections: Innovative Antimicrobial Approaches Using the In Vitro Lubbock Chronic Wound Biofilm Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1004. [PMID: 36674518 PMCID: PMC9862456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds have harmful effects on both patients and healthcare systems. Wound chronicity is attributed to an impaired healing process due to several host and local factors that affect healing pathways. The resulting ulcers contain a wide variety of microorganisms that are mostly resistant to antimicrobials and possess the ability to form mono/poly-microbial biofilms. The search for new, effective and safe compounds to handle chronic wounds has come a long way throughout the history of medicine, which has included several studies and trials of conventional treatments. Treatments focus on fighting the microbial colonization that develops in the wound by multidrug resistant pathogens. The development of molecular medicine, especially in antibacterial agents, needs an in vitro model similar to the in vivo chronic wound environment to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. The Lubbock chronic wound biofilm (LCWB) model is an in vitro model developed to mimic the pathogen colonization and the biofilm formation of a real chronic wound, and it is suitable to screen the antibacterial activity of innovative compounds. In this review, we focused on the characteristics of chronic wound biofilms and the contribution of the LCWB model both to the study of wound poly-microbial biofilms and as a model for novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Diban
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Lodovico
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Di Fermo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Simonetta D’Ercole
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara D’Arcangelo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mara Di Giulio
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigina Cellini
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Bano A, Waqar A, Khan A, Tariq H. Phytostimulants in sustainable agriculture. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.801788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The consistent use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals in traditional agriculture has not only compromised the fragile agroecosystems but has also adversely affected human, aquatic, and terrestrial life. The use of phytostimulants is an alternative eco-friendly approach that eliminates ecosystem disruption while maintaining agricultural productivity. Phytostimulants include living entities and materials, such as microorganisms and nanomaterials, which when applied to plants or to the rhizosphere, stimulate plant growth and induce tolerance to plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. In this review, we focus on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), beneficial fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, azolla, and lichens, and their potential benefits in the crop improvement, and mitigation of abiotic and biotic stresses either alone or in combination. PGPR, AMF, and PGPF are plant beneficial microbes that can release phytohormones, such as indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and cytokinins, promoting plant growth and improving soil health, and in addition, they also produce many secondary metabolites, antibiotics, and antioxidant compounds and help to combat biotic and abiotic stresses. Their ability to act as phytostimulator and a supplement of inorganic fertilizers is considered promising in practicing sustainable agriculture and organic farming. Glomalin is a proteinaceous product, produced by AMF, involved in soil aggregation and elevation of soil water holding capacity under stressed and unstressed conditions. The negative effects of continuous cropping can be mitigated by AMF biofertilization. The synergistic effects of PGPR and PGPF may be more effective. The mechanisms of control exercised by PGPF either direct or indirect to suppress plant diseases viz. by competing for space and nutrients, mycoparasitism, antibiosis, mycovirus-mediated cross-protection, and induced systemic resistance (ISR) have been discussed. The emerging role of cyanobacterial metabolites and the implication of nanofertilizers have been highlighted in sustainable agriculture.
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