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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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2
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Greenwald MA, Meinig SL, Plott LM, Roca C, Higgs MG, Vitko NP, Markovetz MR, Rouillard KR, Carpenter J, Kesimer M, Hill DB, Schisler JC, Wolfgang MC. Mucus polymer concentration and in vivo adaptation converge to define the antibiotic response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic lung infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0345123. [PMID: 38651896 PMCID: PMC11237767 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03451-23] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The airway milieu of individuals with muco-obstructive airway diseases (MADs) is defined by the accumulation of dehydrated mucus due to hyperabsorption of airway surface liquid and defective mucociliary clearance. Pathological mucus becomes progressively more viscous with age and disease severity due to the concentration and overproduction of mucin and accumulation of host-derived extracellular DNA (eDNA). Respiratory mucus of MADs provides a niche for recurrent and persistent colonization by respiratory pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is responsible for the majority of morbidity and mortality in MADs. Despite high concentration inhaled antibiotic therapies and the absence of antibiotic resistance, antipseudomonal treatment failure in MADs remains a significant clinical challenge. Understanding the drivers of antibiotic tolerance is essential for developing more effective treatments that eradicate persistent infections. The complex and dynamic environment of diseased airways makes it difficult to model antibiotic efficacy in vitro. We aimed to understand how mucin and eDNA concentrations, the two dominant polymers in respiratory mucus, alter the antibiotic tolerance of P. aeruginosa. Our results demonstrate that polymer concentration and molecular weight affect P. aeruginosa survival post antibiotic challenge. Polymer-driven antibiotic tolerance was not explicitly associated with reduced antibiotic diffusion. Lastly, we established a robust and standardized in vitro model for recapitulating the ex vivo antibiotic tolerance of P. aeruginosa observed in expectorated sputum across age, underlying MAD etiology, and disease severity, which revealed the inherent variability in intrinsic antibiotic tolerance of host-evolved P. aeruginosa populations. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic treatment failure in Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronic lung infections is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, illustrating the clinical challenge of bacterial infection control. Understanding the underlying infection environment, as well as the host and bacterial factors driving antibiotic tolerance and the ability to accurately recapitulate these factors in vitro, is crucial for improving antibiotic treatment outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that increasing concentration and molecular weight of mucin and host eDNA drive increased antibiotic tolerance to tobramycin. Through systematic testing and modeling, we identified a biologically relevant in vitro condition that recapitulates antibiotic tolerance observed in ex vivo treated sputum. Ultimately, this study revealed a dominant effect of in vivo evolved bacterial populations in defining inter-subject ex vivo antibiotic tolerance and establishes a robust and translatable in vitro model for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Greenwald
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suzanne L Meinig
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lucas M Plott
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cristian Roca
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew G Higgs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas P Vitko
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew R Markovetz
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kaitlyn R Rouillard
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jerome Carpenter
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mehmet Kesimer
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David B Hill
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan C Schisler
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew C Wolfgang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Bowden LC, Finlinson J, Jones B, Berges BK. Beyond the double helix: the multifaceted landscape of extracellular DNA in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1400648. [PMID: 38903938 PMCID: PMC11188362 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1400648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus forms biofilms consisting of cells embedded in a matrix made of proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and extracellular DNA (eDNA). Biofilm-associated infections are difficult to treat and can promote antibiotic resistance, resulting in negative healthcare outcomes. eDNA within the matrix contributes to the stability, growth, and immune-evasive properties of S. aureus biofilms. eDNA is released by autolysis, which is mediated by murein hydrolases that access the cell wall via membrane pores formed by holin-like proteins. The eDNA content of S. aureus biofilms varies among individual strains and is influenced by environmental conditions, including the presence of antibiotics. eDNA plays an important role in biofilm development and structure by acting as an electrostatic net that facilitates protein-cell and cell-cell interactions. Because of eDNA's structural importance in biofilms and its ubiquitous presence among S. aureus isolates, it is a potential target for therapeutics. Treatment of biofilms with DNase can eradicate or drastically reduce them in size. Additionally, antibodies that target DNABII proteins, which bind to and stabilize eDNA, can also disperse biofilms. This review discusses the recent literature on the release, structure, and function of eDNA in S. aureus biofilms, in addition to a discussion of potential avenues for targeting eDNA for biofilm eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bradford K. Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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4
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Romeu MJ, Miranda JM, de Jong ED, Morais J, Vasconcelos V, Sjollema J, Mergulhão FJ. Understanding the flow behavior around marine biofilms. Biofilm 2024; 7:100204. [PMID: 38948680 PMCID: PMC11214183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro platforms capable of mimicking the hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in natural aquatic environments have been previously validated and used to predict the fouling behavior on different surfaces. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used to predict the shear forces occurring in these platforms. In general, these predictions are made for the initial stages of biofilm formation, where the amount of biofilm does not affect the flow behavior, enabling the estimation of the shear forces that initial adhering organisms have to withstand. In this work, we go a step further in understanding the flow behavior when a mature biofilm is present in such platforms to better understand the shear rate distribution affecting marine biofilms. Using 3D images obtained by Optical Coherence Tomography, a mesh was produced and used in CFD simulations. Biofilms of two different marine cyanobacteria were developed in agitated microtiter plates incubated at two different shaking frequencies for 7 weeks. The biofilm-flow interactions were characterized in terms of the velocity field and shear rate distribution. Results show that global hydrodynamics imposed by the different shaking frequencies affect biofilm architecture and also that this architecture affects local hydrodynamics, causing a large heterogeneity in the shear rate field. Biofilm cells located in the streamers of the biofilm are subjected to much higher shear values than those located on the bottom of the streamers and this dispersion in shear rate values increases at lower bulk fluid velocities. This heterogeneity in the shear force field may be a contributing factor for the heterogeneous behavior in metabolic activity, growth status, gene expression pattern, and antibiotic resistance often associated with nutrient availability within the biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Romeu
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - João M. Miranda
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ed. D. de Jong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 97 13 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jelmer Sjollema
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 97 13 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Filipe J. Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
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5
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Aonofriesei F. Surfactants' Interplay with Biofilm Development in Staphylococcus and Candida. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:657. [PMID: 38794319 PMCID: PMC11125353 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The capacity of micro-organisms to form biofilms is a pervasive trait in the microbial realm. For pathogens, biofilm formation serves as a virulence factor facilitating successful host colonization. Simultaneously, infections stemming from biofilm-forming micro-organisms pose significant treatment challenges due to their heightened resistance to antimicrobial agents. Hence, the quest for active compounds capable of impeding microbial biofilm development stands as a pivotal pursuit in biomedical research. This study presents findings concerning the impact of three surfactants, namely, polysorbate 20 (T20), polysorbate 80 (T80), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), on the initial stage of biofilm development in both Staphylococcus aureus and Candida dubliniensis. In contrast to previous investigations, we conducted a comparative assessment of the biofilm development capacity of these two taxonomically distant groups, predicated on their shared ability to reduce TTC. The common metabolic trait shared by S. aureus and C. dubliniensis in reducing TTC to formazan facilitated a simultaneous evaluation of biofilm development under the influence of surfactants across both groups. Our results revealed that surfactants could impede the development of biofilms in both species by disrupting the initial cell attachment step. The observed effect was contingent upon the concentration and type of compound, with a higher inhibition observed in culture media supplemented with SDS. At maximum concentrations (5%), T20 and T80 significantly curtailed the formation and viability of S. aureus and C. dubliniensis biofilms. Specifically, T20 inhibited biofilm development by 75.36% in S. aureus and 71.18% in C. dubliniensis, while T80 exhibited a slightly lower inhibitory effect, with values ranging between 66.68% (C. dubliniensis) and 65.54% (S. aureus) compared to the controls. Incorporating these two non-toxic surfactants into pharmaceutical formulations could potentially enhance the inhibitory efficacy of selected antimicrobial agents, particularly in external topical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin Aonofriesei
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University of Constanta, 1, University Street, 900470 Constanța, Romania
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6
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Li Z, Wang D, Li J, Liu H, Nie L, Li C. Bone Regeneration Facilitated by Autologous Bioscaffold Material: Liquid Phase of Concentrated Growth Factor with Dental Follicle Stem Cell Loading. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3173-3187. [PMID: 38605468 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The application of bioengineering techniques for achieving bone regeneration in the oral environment is an increasingly prominent field. However, the clinical use of synthetic materials carries certain risks. The liquid phase of concentrated growth factor (LPCGF), as a biologically derived material, exhibits superior biocompatibility. In this study, LPCGF was employed as a tissue engineering scaffold, hosting dental follicle cells (DFCs) to facilitate bone regeneration. Both in vivo and in vitro experimental results demonstrate that this platform significantly enhances the expression of osteogenic markers in DFCs, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and type I collagen (Col1a1). Simultaneously, it reduces the expression of inflammation-related genes, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), thereby alleviating the negative impact of the inflammatory microenvironment on DFCs. Further investigation into potential mechanisms reveals that this process is regulated over time by the WNT pathway. Our research results demonstrate that LPCGF, with its favorable physical characteristics, holds great potential as a scaffold. It can effectively carry DFCs, thereby providing an optimal initial environment for bone regeneration. Furthermore, LPCGF endeavors to closely mimic the mechanisms of bone healing post-trauma to facilitate bone formation. This offers new perspectives and insights into bone regeneration engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Li
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Di Wang
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, No. 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Li Nie
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Conghua Li
- Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 426 Songshi North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, China
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7
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Castagnini D, Palma K, Jara-Wilde J, Navarro N, González MJ, Toledo J, Canales-Huerta N, Scavone P, Härtel S. Proteus mirabilis biofilm expansion microscopy yields over 4-fold magnification for super-resolution of biofilm structure and subcellular DNA organization. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 220:106927. [PMID: 38561125 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms form when bacteria attach to surfaces and generate an extracellular matrix that embeds and stabilizes a growing community. Detailed visualization and quantitative analysis of biofilm architecture by optical microscopy are limited by the law of diffraction. Expansion Microscopy (ExM) is a novel Super-Resolution technique where specimens are physically enlarged by a factor of ∼4, prior to observation by conventional fluorescence microscopy. ExM requires homogenization of rigid constituents of biological components by enzymatic digestion. We developed an ExM approach capable of expanding 48-h old Proteus mirabilis biofilms 4.3-fold (termed PmbExM), close to the theoretic maximum expansion factor without gross shape distortions. Our protocol, based on lytic and glycoside-hydrolase enzymatic treatments, degrades rigid components in bacteria and extracellular matrix. Our results prove PmbExM to be a versatile and easy-to-use Super-Resolution approach for enabling studies of P. mirabilis biofilm architecture, assembly, and even intracellular features, such as DNA organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Castagnini
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis SCIAN-Lab, Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute BNI, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karina Palma
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis SCIAN-Lab, Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute BNI, Independencia, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Informática Médica y Telemedicina CIMT, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Jara-Wilde
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis SCIAN-Lab, Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute BNI, Independencia, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Informática Médica y Telemedicina CIMT, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Navarro
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases ACCDiS, Santiago, Chile.; Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María José González
- Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jorge Toledo
- Red de Equipamiento Científico Avanzado REDECA, Institute of Biomedical Sciences ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Canales-Huerta
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis SCIAN-Lab, Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute BNI, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Scavone
- Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis SCIAN-Lab, Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute BNI, Independencia, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Informática Médica y Telemedicina CIMT, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; National Center for Health Information Systems CENS, Santiago, Chile.; Red de Equipamiento Científico Avanzado REDECA, Institute of Biomedical Sciences ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Modelamiento Matemático, Universidad de Chile, Beauchef 851, Casilla 170-3, Santiago, Chile.
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8
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Li C, Nijjer J, Feng L, Zhang Q, Yan J, Zhang S. Agent-based modeling of stress anisotropy driven nematic ordering in growing biofilms. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:3401-3410. [PMID: 38563244 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01535a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Living active collectives have evolved with remarkable self-patterning capabilities to adapt to the physical and biological constraints crucial for their growth and survival. However, the intricate process by which complex multicellular patterns emerge from a single founder cell remains elusive. In this study, we utilize an agent-based model, validated through single-cell microscopy imaging, to track the three-dimensional (3D) morphodynamics of cells within growing bacterial biofilms encased by agarose gels. The confined growth conditions give rise to a spatiotemporally heterogeneous stress landscape within the biofilm. In the core of the biofilm, where high hydrostatic and low shear stresses prevail, cell packing appears disordered. In contrast, near the gel-cell interface, a state of high shear stress and low hydrostatic stress emerges, driving nematic ordering, albeit with a time delay inherent to shear stress relaxation. Strikingly, we observe a robust spatiotemporal correlation between stress anisotropy and nematic ordering within these confined biofilms. This correlation suggests a mechanism whereby stress anisotropy plays a pivotal role in governing the spatial organization of cells. The reciprocity between stress anisotropy and cell ordering in confined biofilms opens new avenues for innovative 3D mechanically guided patterning techniques for living active collectives, which hold significant promise for a wide array of environmental and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Li
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Japinder Nijjer
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Luyi Feng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Qiuting Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Quantitative Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sulin Zhang
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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9
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Chepchumba B, Asudi GO, Katana J, Ngayo MO, Khayeli JA. Isolation of phages against Streptococcus species in the oral cavity for potential control of dental diseases and associated systemic complications. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:175. [PMID: 38493441 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03897-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Dental infections and systemic complications caused by Streptococcus species in the oral cavity are increasingly exhibiting resistance to commonly used antibiotics, posing a potential threat to global public health. Phage therapy may offer a superior alternative, given that bacteriophages can be easily isolated and rapidly replicate in large numbers. In this study, six Streptococcus species from the oral cavity were characterized. Bacteriophages isolated from wastewater using five of these species as hosts produced plaques ranging from 0.2 to 2.4 mm in size. The phages demonstrated stability within a temperature range of 4 ℃ to 37 ℃. However, at temperatures exceeding 45 ℃, a noticeable reduction in bacteriophage titer was observed. Similarly, the phages showed greater stability within a pH range of 5 to 10. The isolated phages exhibited latency periods ranging from 15 to 20 min and had burst sizes varying from 10 to 200 viral particles. This study supports the potential use of bacteriophages in controlling infections caused by Streptococcus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Chepchumba
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - George O Asudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Japhet Katana
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Musa O Ngayo
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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10
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Filipić B, Ušjak D, Rambaher MH, Oljacic S, Milenković MT. Evaluation of novel compounds as anti-bacterial or anti-virulence agents. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1370062. [PMID: 38510964 PMCID: PMC10951914 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1370062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, leading to an alarming increase in the prevalence of bacterial infections that can no longer be treated with available antibiotics. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050 up to 10 million deaths per year could be associated with antimicrobial resistance, which would equal the annual number of cancer deaths worldwide. To overcome this emerging crisis, novel anti-bacterial compounds are urgently needed. There are two possible approaches in the fight against bacterial infections: a) targeting structures within bacterial cells, similar to existing antibiotics; and/or b) targeting virulence factors rather than bacterial growth. Here, for the first time, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key steps in the evaluation of potential new anti-bacterial and/or anti-virulence compounds. The methods described in this review include: a) in silico methods for the evaluation of novel compounds; b) anti-bacterial assays (MIC, MBC, Time-kill); b) anti-virulence assays (anti-biofilm, anti-quorum sensing, anti-adhesion); and c) evaluation of safety aspects (cytotoxicity assay and Ames test). Overall, we provide a detailed description of the methods that are an essential tool for chemists, computational chemists, microbiologists, and toxicologists in the evaluation of potential novel antimicrobial compounds. These methods are cost-effective and have high predictive value. They are widely used in preclinical studies to identify new molecular candidates, for further investigation in animal and human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brankica Filipić
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dušan Ušjak
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Martina Hrast Rambaher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Slavica Oljacic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina T. Milenković
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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11
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Rouillard KR, Esther CP, Kissner WJ, Plott LM, Bowman DW, Markovetz MR, Hill DB. Combination treatment to improve mucociliary transport of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294120. [PMID: 38394229 PMCID: PMC10890754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
People with muco-obstructive pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have acute or chronic respiratory infections that are difficult to treat due in part to the accumulation of hyperconcentrated mucus within the airway. Mucus accumulation and obstruction promote chronic inflammation and infection and reduce therapeutic efficacy. Bacterial aggregates in the form of biofilms exhibit increased resistance to mechanical stressors from the immune response (e.g., phagocytosis) and chemical treatments including antibiotics. Herein, combination treatments designed to disrupt the mechanical properties of biofilms and potentiate antibiotic efficacy are investigated against mucus-grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and optimized to 1) alter biofilm viscoelastic properties, 2) increase mucociliary transport rates, and 3) reduce bacterial viability. A disulfide bond reducing agent (tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine, TCEP), a surfactant (NP40), a biopolymer (hyaluronic acid, HA), a DNA degradation enzyme (DNase), and an antibiotic (tobramycin) are tested in various combinations to maximize biofilm disruption. The viscoelastic properties of biofilms are quantified with particle tracking microrheology and transport rates are quantified in a mucociliary transport device comprised of fully differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells. The combination of the NP40 with hyaluronic acid and tobramycin was the most effective at increasing mucociliary transport rates, decreasing the viscoelastic properties of mucus, and reducing bacterial viability. Multimechanistic targeting of biofilm infections may ultimately result in improved clinical outcomes, and the results of this study may be translated into future in vivo infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn R. Rouillard
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | | | - William J. Kissner
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Lucas M. Plott
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Dean W. Bowman
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Markovetz
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - David B. Hill
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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12
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Wnorowska U, Łysik D, Piktel E, Zakrzewska M, Okła S, Lesiak A, Spałek J, Mystkowska J, Savage PB, Janmey P, Fiedoruk K, Bucki R. Ceragenin-mediated disruption of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298112. [PMID: 38346040 PMCID: PMC10861078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial biofilms, as a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and other chronic infections, remain a desirable target for antimicrobial therapy. These biopolymer-based viscoelastic structures protect pathogenic organisms from immune responses and antibiotics. Consequently, treatments directed at disrupting biofilms represent a promising strategy for combating biofilm-associated infections. In CF patients, the viscoelasticity of biofilms is determined mainly by their polymicrobial nature and species-specific traits, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa filamentous (Pf) bacteriophages. Therefore, we examined the impact of microbicidal ceragenins (CSAs) supported by mucolytic agents-DNase I and poly-aspartic acid (pASP), on the viability and viscoelasticity of mono- and bispecies biofilms formed by Pf-positive and Pf-negative P. aeruginosa strains co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans. METHODS The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ceragenins against P. aeruginosa in mono- and dual-species cultures was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC). Inhibition of P. aeruginosa mono- and dual-species biofilms formation by ceragenins alone and in combination with DNase I or poly-aspartic acid (pASP) was estimated by the crystal violet assay. Additionally, the viability of the biofilms was measured by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. Finally, the biofilms' viscoelastic properties characterized by shear storage (G') and loss moduli (G"), were analyzed with a rotational rheometer. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that ceragenin CSA-13 inhibits biofilm formation and increases its fluidity regardless of the Pf-profile and species composition; however, the Pf-positive biofilms are characterized by elevated viscosity and elasticity parameters. CONCLUSION Due to its microbicidal and viscoelasticity-modifying properties, CSA-13 displays therapeutic potential in biofilm-associated infections, especially when combined with mucolytic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Dawid Łysik
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zakrzewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Okła
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Agata Lesiak
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Jakub Spałek
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Joanna Mystkowska
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Paul B. Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Paul Janmey
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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13
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Kochanowski JA, Carroll B, Asp ME, Kaputa EC, Patteson AE. Bacteria Colonies Modify Their Shear and Compressive Mechanical Properties in Response to Different Growth Substrates. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024. [PMID: 38193703 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria build multicellular communities termed biofilms, which are often encased in a self-secreted extracellular matrix that gives the community mechanical strength and protection against harsh chemicals. How bacteria assemble distinct multicellular structures in response to different environmental conditions remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the connection between bacteria colony mechanics and the colony growth substrate by measuring the oscillatory shear and compressive rheology of bacteria colonies grown on agar substrates. We found that bacteria colonies modify their own mechanical properties in response to shear and uniaxial compression in a manner that depends on the concentration of agar in their growth substrate. These findings highlight that mechanical interactions between bacteria and their microenvironments are an important element in bacteria colony development, which can aid in developing strategies to disrupt or reduce biofilm growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub A Kochanowski
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Bobby Carroll
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Merrill E Asp
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Emma C Kaputa
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Alison E Patteson
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
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14
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Baxter KJ, Sargison FA, Fitzgerald JR, McConnell G, Hoskisson PA. Time-lapse mesoscopy of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus dual-species biofilms reveals a structural role for the hyphae of C. albicans in biofilm formation. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001426. [PMID: 38261525 PMCID: PMC10866020 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Polymicrobial infection with Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus may result in a concomitant increase in virulence and resistance to antimicrobial drugs. This enhanced pathogenicity phenotype is mediated by numerous factors, including metabolic processes and direct interaction of S. aureus with C. albicans hyphae. The overall structure of biofilms is known to contribute to their recalcitrance to treatment, although the dynamics of direct interaction between species and how it contributes to pathogenicity is poorly understood. To address this, a novel time-lapse mesoscopic optical imaging method was developed to enable the formation of C. albicans/S. aureus whole dual-species biofilms to be followed. It was found that yeast-form or hyphal-form C. albicans in the biofilm founder population profoundly affects the structure of the biofilm as it matures. Different sub-populations of C. albicans and S. aureus arise within each biofilm as a result of the different C. albicans morphotypes, resulting in distinct sub-regions. These data reveal that C. albicans cell morphology is pivotal in the development of global biofilm architecture and the emergence of colony macrostructures and may temporally influence synergy in infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J. Baxter
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Fiona A. Sargison
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - J. Ross Fitzgerald
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Gail McConnell
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Paul A. Hoskisson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
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15
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Greenwald MA, Meinig SL, Plott LM, Roca C, Higgs MG, Vitko NP, Markovetz MR, Rouillard KR, Carpenter J, Kesimer M, Hill DB, Schisler JC, Wolfgang MC. Mucus polymer concentration and in vivo adaptation converge to define the antibiotic response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic lung infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572620. [PMID: 38187602 PMCID: PMC10769284 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The airway milieu of individuals with muco-obstructive airway diseases (MADs) is defined by the accumulation of dehydrated mucus due to hyperabsorption of airway surface liquid and defective mucociliary clearance. Pathological mucus becomes progressively more viscous with age and disease severity due to the concentration and overproduction of mucin and accumulation of host-derived extracellular DNA (eDNA). Respiratory mucus of MADs provides a niche for recurrent and persistent colonization by respiratory pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa , which is responsible for the majority of morbidity and mortality in MADs. Despite high concentration inhaled antibiotic therapies and the absence of antibiotic resistance, antipseudomonal treatment failure in MADs remains a significant clinical challenge. Understanding the drivers of antibiotic recalcitrance is essential for developing more effective treatments that eradicate persistent infections. The complex and dynamic environment of diseased airways makes it difficult to model antibiotic efficacy in vitro . We aimed to understand how mucin and eDNA concentrations, the two dominant polymers in respiratory mucus, alter the antibiotic tolerance of P. aeruginosa . Our results demonstrate that polymer concentration and molecular weight affect P. aeruginosa survival post antibiotic challenge. Polymer-driven antibiotic tolerance was not explicitly associated with reduced antibiotic diffusion. Lastly, we established a robust and standardized in vitro model for recapitulating the ex vivo antibiotic tolerance of P. aeruginosa observed in expectorated sputum across age, underlying MAD etiology, and disease severity, which revealed the inherent variability in intrinsic antibiotic tolerance of host-evolved P. aeruginosa populations. Importance Antibiotic treatment failure in Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronic lung infections is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, illustrating the clinical challenge of bacterial infection control. Understanding the underlying infection environment, as well as the host and bacterial factors driving antibiotic tolerance and the ability to accurately recapitulate these factors in vitro , is crucial for improving antibiotic treatment outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that increasing concentration and molecular weight of mucin and host eDNA drive increased antibiotic tolerance to tobramycin. Through systematic testing and modeling, we identified a biologically relevant in vitro condition that recapitulates antibiotic tolerance observed in ex vivo treated sputum. Ultimately, this study revealed a dominant effect of in vivo evolved bacterial populations in defining inter-subject ex vivo antibiotic tolerance and establishes a robust and translatable in vitro model for therapeutic development.
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16
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Nooranidoost M, Cogan N, Stoodley P, Gloag ES, Hussaini MY. Bayesian estimation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa viscoelastic properties based on creep responses of wild type, rugose, and mucoid variant biofilms. Biofilm 2023; 5:100133. [PMID: 37396464 PMCID: PMC10313507 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are relevant for a variety of disease settings, including pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Biofilms are initiated by individual bacteria that undergo a phenotypic switch and produce an extracellular polymeric slime (EPS). However, the viscoelastic characteristics of biofilms at different stages of formation and the contributions of different EPS constituents have not been fully explored. For this purpose, we develop and parameterize a mathematical model to study the rheological behavior of three biofilms - P. aeruginosa wild type PAO1, isogenic rugose small colony variant (RSCV), and mucoid variant biofilms against a range of experimental data. Using Bayesian inference to estimate these viscoelastic properties, we quantify the rheological characteristics of the biofilm EPS. We employ a Monte Carlo Markov Chain algorithm to estimate these properties of P. aeruginosa variant biofilms in comparison to those of wild type. This information helps us understand the rheological behavior of biofilms at different stages of their development. The mechanical properties of wild type biofilms change significantly over time and are more sensitive to small changes in their composition than the other two mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N.G. Cogan
- Department of Mathematics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - 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
- National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Erin S. Gloag
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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17
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Mugunthan S, Wong LL, Winnerdy FR, Summers S, Bin Ismail MH, Foo YH, Jaggi TK, Meldrum OW, Tiew PY, Chotirmall SH, Rice SA, Phan AT, Kjelleberg S, Seviour T. RNA is a key component of extracellular DNA networks in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7772. [PMID: 38012164 PMCID: PMC10682433 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix of bacterial biofilms consists of diverse components including polysaccharides, proteins and DNA. Extracellular RNA (eRNA) can also be present, contributing to the structural integrity of biofilms. However, technical difficulties related to the low stability of RNA make it difficult to understand the precise roles of eRNA in biofilms. Here, we show that eRNA associates with extracellular DNA (eDNA) to form matrix fibres in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, and the eRNA is enriched in certain bacterial RNA transcripts. Degradation of eRNA associated with eDNA led to a loss of eDNA fibres and biofilm viscoelasticity. Compared with planktonic and biofilm cells, the biofilm matrix was enriched in specific mRNA transcripts, including lasB (encoding elastase). The mRNA transcripts colocalised with eDNA fibres in the biofilm matrix, as shown by single molecule inexpensive FISH microscopy (smiFISH). The lasB mRNA was also observed in eDNA fibres in a clinical sputum sample positive for P. aeruginosa. Thus, our results indicate that the interaction of specific mRNAs with eDNA facilitates the formation of viscoelastic networks in the matrix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarsan Mugunthan
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Lan Li Wong
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | | | - Stephen Summers
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- St John's Island National Marine Laboratory c/o Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 119227, Singapore
| | | | - Yong Hwee Foo
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Tavleen Kaur Jaggi
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Oliver W Meldrum
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Pei Yee Tiew
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjay H Chotirmall
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Scott A Rice
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- The iThree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, Australia
- CSIRO, Agriculture and Food, Westmead and Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Canberra, Australia
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Thomas Seviour
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
- Centre for Water Technology (WATEC), Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
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18
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Zhang Y, Young P, Traini D, Li M, Ong HX, Cheng S. Challenges and current advances in in vitro biofilm characterization. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300074. [PMID: 37477959 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300074] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are structured communities of bacterial cells encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix, which develop over time and exhibit temporal responses to stimuli from internal biological processes or external environmental changes. They can be detrimental, threatening public health and causing economic loss, while they also play beneficial roles in ecosystem health, biotechnology processes, and industrial settings. Biofilms express extreme heterogeneity in their physical properties and structural composition, resulting in critical challenges in understanding them comprehensively. The lack of detailed knowledge of biofilms and their phenotypes has deterred significant progress in developing strategies to control their negative impacts and take advantage of their beneficial applications. A range of in vitro models and characterization tools have been developed and used to study biofilm growth and, specifically, to investigate the impact of environmental and growth factors on their development. This review article discusses the existing knowledge of biofilm properties and explains how external factors, such as flow condition, surface, interface, and host factor, may impact biofilm growth. The limitations of current tools, techniques, and in vitro models that are currently used for biofilms are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Young
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Marketing, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniela Traini
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaokoon Cheng
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Niño-Padilla EI, Espitia C, Velazquez C, Alday E, Silva-Campa E, Burgara-Estrella A, Enciso-Moreno JA, Valenzuela O, Astiazarán-García H, Garibay-Escobar A. Antimycobacterial Precatorin A Flavonoid Displays Antibiofilm Activity against Mycobacterium bovis BCG. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40665-40676. [PMID: 37929145 PMCID: PMC10621015 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antibiofilm activity of Rhynchosia precatoria (R. precatoria) compounds over Mycobacterium bovis BCG (M. bovis BCG) as a model for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We evaluated the antibiofilm activity as the ability to both inhibit biofilm formation and disrupt preformed biofilms (bactericidal) of R. precatoria compounds, which have been previously described as being antimycobacterials against Mtb. M. bovis BCG developed air-liquid interface biofilms with surface attachment ability and drug tolerance. Of the R. precatoria extracts and compounds that were tested, precatorin A (PreA) displayed the best biofilm inhibitory activity, as evaluated by biofilm biomass quantification, viable cell count, and confocal and atomic force microscopy procedures. Furthermore, its combination with isoniazid at subinhibitory concentrations inhibited M. bovis BCG biofilm formation. Nonetheless, neither PreA nor the extract showed bactericidal effects. PreA is the R. precatoria compound responsible for biofilm inhibitory activity against M. bovis BCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Ivonne Niño-Padilla
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
| | - Clara Espitia
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos Velazquez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
| | - Efrain Alday
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
| | - Erika Silva-Campa
- Departamento de Investigación en Física, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
| | - Alexel Burgara-Estrella
- Departamento de Investigación en Física, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
| | - José Antonio Enciso-Moreno
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario s/n, Cerro de las Campanas, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Querétaro, México
| | - Olivia Valenzuela
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
| | - Humberto Astiazarán-García
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
| | - Adriana Garibay-Escobar
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Luis Encinas s/n, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, México
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20
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Grayton QE, Nguyen HK, Broberg CA, Ocampo J, Nagy SG, Schoenfisch MH. Biofilm Dispersal, Reduced Viscoelasticity, and Antibiotic Sensitization via Nitric Oxide-Releasing Biopolymers. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1730-1741. [PMID: 37566512 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Compared to planktonic bacteria, biofilms are notoriously difficult to eradicate due to their inherent protection against the immune response and antimicrobial agents. Inducing biofilm dispersal to improve susceptibility to antibiotics is an attractive therapeutic avenue for eradicating biofilms. Nitric oxide (NO), an endogenous antibacterial agent, has previously been shown to induce biofilm dispersal, but with limited understanding of the effects of NO-release properties. Herein, the antibiofilm effects of five promising NO-releasing biopolymer candidates were studied by assessing dispersal, changes in biofilm viscoelasticity, and increased sensitization to tobramycin after treatment with NO. A threshold level of NO was needed to achieve biofilm dispersal, with longer-releasing systems requiring lower concentrations. The most positively charged NO-release systems (from the presence of primary amines) led to the greatest reduction in viscoelasticity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Co-treatment of tobramycin with the NO-releasing biopolymer greatly decreased the dose of tobramycin required to eradicate tobramycin-susceptible and -resistant biofilms in both cellular and tissue models.
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21
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Charlton SG, Bible AN, Secchi E, Morrell‐Falvey JL, Retterer ST, Curtis TP, Chen J, Jana S. Microstructural and Rheological Transitions in Bacterial Biofilms. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207373. [PMID: 37522628 PMCID: PMC10520682 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are aggregated bacterial communities structured within an extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM controls biofilm architecture and confers mechanical resistance against shear forces. From a physical perspective, biofilms can be described as colloidal gels, where bacterial cells are analogous to colloidal particles distributed in the polymeric ECM. However, the influence of the ECM in altering the cellular packing fraction (ϕ) and the resulting viscoelastic behavior of biofilm remains unexplored. Using biofilms of Pantoea sp. (WT) and its mutant (ΔUDP), the correlation between biofilm structure and its viscoelastic response is investigated. Experiments show that the reduction of exopolysaccharide production in ΔUDP biofilms corresponds with a seven-fold increase in ϕ, resulting in a colloidal glass-like structure. Consequently, the rheological signatures become altered, with the WT behaving like a weak gel, whilst the ΔUDP displayed a glass-like rheological signature. By co-culturing the two strains, biofilm ϕ is modulated which allows us to explore the structural changes and capture a change in viscoelastic response from a weak to a strong gel, and to a colloidal glass-like state. The results reveal the role of exopolysaccharide in mediating a structural transition in biofilms and demonstrate a correlation between biofilm structure and viscoelastic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G.V. Charlton
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringInstitute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZurichZurich8049Switzerland
- School of EngineeringNewcastle UniversityNewcastle Upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Amber N. Bible
- Biosciences DivisionOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37830USA
| | - Eleonora Secchi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringInstitute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZurichZurich8049Switzerland
| | | | - Scott T. Retterer
- Biosciences DivisionOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37830USA
- Center for Nanophase Material SciencesOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37830USA
| | - Thomas P. Curtis
- School of EngineeringNewcastle UniversityNewcastle Upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Jinju Chen
- School of EngineeringNewcastle UniversityNewcastle Upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
| | - Saikat Jana
- School of EngineeringNewcastle UniversityNewcastle Upon TyneNE1 7RUUK
- School of EngineeringUlster UniversityBelfastBT15 1APUK
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22
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Rouillard KR, Esther CP, Kissner WJ, Plott LM, Bowman DW, Markovetz MR, Hill DB. Combination Treatment to Improve Mucociliary Transport of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.14.553173. [PMID: 37645913 PMCID: PMC10461968 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.14.553173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
People with muco-obstructive pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have acute or chronic respiratory infections that are difficult to treat due in part to the accumulation of hyperconcentrated mucus within the airway. Mucus accumulation and obstruction promote chronic inflammation and infection and reduce therapeutic efficacy. Bacterial aggregates in the form of biofilms exhibit increased resistance to mechanical stressors from the immune response (e.g., phagocytosis) and chemical treatments including antibiotics. Herein, combination treatments designed to disrupt the mechanical properties of biofilms and potentiate antibiotic efficacy are investigated against mucus-grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and optimized to 1) alter biofilm viscoelastic properties, 2) increase mucociliary transport rates, and 3) reduce bacterial viability. A disulfide bond reducing agent (tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine, TCEP), a surfactant (NP40), a biopolymer (hyaluronic acid, HA), a DNA degradation enzyme (DNase), and an antibiotic (tobramycin) are tested in various combinations to maximize biofilm disruption. The viscoelastic properties of biofilms are quantified with particle tracking microrheology and transport rates are quantified in a mucociliary transport device comprised of fully differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells. The combination of the NP40 with hyaluronic acid and tobramycin was the most effective at increasing mucociliary transport rates, decreasing the viscoelastic properties of mucus, and reducing bacterial viability. Multimechanistic targeting of biofilm infections may ultimately result in improved clinical outcomes, and the results of this study may be translated into future in vivo infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucas M Plott
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Dean W Bowman
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | | | - David B Hill
- Marsico Lung Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNC Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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23
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Lin F, Yuan S, Ji P, Xu W. Regulation of Bacterial Biofilm Formation by Ultrasound: Role of Autoinducer-2 and Finite-Element Analysis of Acoustic Streaming. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023:S0301-5629(23)00210-7. [PMID: 37438162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The formation of bacterial biofilm regulated by quorum sensing (QS) is a critical factor that contributes to infections of indwelling medical devices. Autoinducer-2 (AI-2), as a signal molecule in QS, plays a crucial role in mediating bacterial signaling and regulating their biological behavior. This study investigated the impact of ultrasonic vibration at varying frequencies on biofilm formation in a mixture of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. METHODS By exciting ultrasound at different frequencies (20, 100 and 200 kHz), a vibration with an amplitude of 100 nm was generated on the material surface located at the bottom of the petri dish containing mixed bacteria. We measured the content of AI-2 and bacteria in the mixed bacterial solution and bioburden on material surfaces at different time points during culture. In addition, the relationships among AI-2 content, bacterial concentration and distribution were assessed through finite-element analysis of acoustic streaming under ultrasonic vibration. RESULTS The AI-2 gradient is influenced by the diversity of acoustic streaming patterns on the material surface and in the mixed bacterial solution caused by ultrasonic vibration at different frequencies, thereby regulating biofilm formation. The experimental results showed that the optimal inhibition effect on AI-2 and minimal bacterial adhesion degree was achieved when applying an ultrasonic frequency of 100 kHz with a power intensity of 46.1 mW/cm2 under an amplitude of 100 nm. CONCLUSION Ultrasound can affect the QS system of bacteria, leading to alterations in their biological behavior. Different species of bacteria exhibit varying degrees of chemotaxis toward different frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfei Lin
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, China; Ningbo Institute of Technology, Beihang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Songmei Yuan
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, China; Ningbo Institute of Technology, Beihang University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Pengzhen Ji
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, China; Ningbo Institute of Technology, Beihang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Weixian Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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24
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Lee SH, Secchi E, Kang PK. Rapid formation of bioaggregates and morphology transition to biofilm streamers induced by pore-throat flows. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2204466120. [PMID: 36989304 PMCID: PMC10083537 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204466120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioaggregates are condensed porous materials comprising microbes, organic and inorganic matters, and water. They are commonly found in natural and engineered porous media and often cause clogging. Despite their importance, the formation mechanism of bioaggregates in porous media systems is largely unknown. Through microfluidic experiments and direct numerical simulations of fluid flow, we show that the rapid bioaggregation is driven by the interplay of the viscoelastic nature of biomass and hydrodynamic conditions at pore throats. At an early stage, unique flow structures around a pore throat promote the biomass attachment at the throat. Then, the attached biomass fluidizes when the shear stress at the partially clogged pore throat reaches a critical value. After the fluidization, the biomass is displaced and accumulated in the expansion region of throats forming bioaggregates. We further find that such criticality in shear stress triggers morphological changes in bioaggregates from rounded- to streamer-like shapes. This knowledge was used to control the clogging of throats by tuning the flow conditions: When the shear stress at the throat exceeded the critical value, clogging was prevented. The bioaggregation process did not depend on the detailed pore-throat geometry, as we reproduced the same dynamics in various pore-throat geometries. This study demonstrates that pore-throat structures, which are ubiquitous in porous media systems, induce bioaggregation and can lead to abrupt disruptions in flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Lee
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Eleonora Secchi
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich8093, Switzerland
| | - Peter K. Kang
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
- Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
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25
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Gonçalves ASC, Leitão MM, Simões M, Borges A. The action of phytochemicals in biofilm control. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:595-627. [PMID: 36537821 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00053a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2009 to 2021Antimicrobial resistance is now rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world, threatening the treatment of an ever-increasing range of infectious diseases. This has becoming a serious public health problem, especially due to the emergence of multidrug-resistance among clinically important bacterial species and their ability to form biofilms. In addition, current anti-infective therapies have low efficacy in the treatment of biofilm-related infections, leading to recurrence, chronicity, and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to search for innovative strategies/antibacterial agents capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional antibiotics. Natural compounds, in particular those obtained from plants, have been exhibiting promising properties in this field. Plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) can act as antibiofilm agents through different mechanisms of action from the available antibiotics (inhibition of quorum-sensing, motility, adhesion, and reactive oxygen species production, among others). The combination of different phytochemicals and antibiotics have revealed synergistic or additive effects in biofilm control. This review aims to bring together the most relevant reports on the antibiofilm properties of phytochemicals, as well as insights into their structure and mechanistic action against bacterial pathogens, spanning December 2008 to December 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana S C Gonçalves
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Leitão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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26
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Luo S, Liu Y, Luo H, Jing G. Glycerol Droplet Spreading on Growing Bacillus Subtilis Biofilms. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:599. [PMID: 36985005 PMCID: PMC10055872 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm is a three-dimensional matrix composed of a large number of living bacterial individuals. The strong bio-interaction between the bacteria and its self-secreted matrix environment strengthens the mechanical integrity of the biofilm and the sustainable resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. As a soft surface, the biofilm is expected to present different dynamical wetting behavior in response to shear stress, which is, however, less known. Here, the spreading of liquid droplet on Bacillus subtilis biofilm at its different growing phases was experimentally investigated. Due to the viscoelastic response of the biofilm to fast spreading of the droplet, three stages were identified as inertial, viscous stages, and a longer transition in between. The physical heterogeneity of growing biofilm correlates with the spreading scaling within the inertial stage, followed by the possible chemical variation after a critical growing time. By using the duration of inertial spreading, the characteristic time scale was successfully linked to the shear modulus of the elastic dissipation of the biofilm. This measurement suggests a facile, non-destructive and in vivo method to understand the mechanical instability of this living matter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hao Luo
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.L.)
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27
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Martín-Roca J, Bianco V, Alarcón F, Monnappa AK, Natale P, Monroy F, Orgaz B, López-Montero I, Valeriani C. Rheology of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms: From experiments to predictive DPD mesoscopic modeling. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:074902. [PMID: 36813707 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms mechanically behave as viscoelastic media consisting of micron-sized bacteria cross-linked to a self-produced network of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) embedded in water. Structural principles for numerical modeling aim at describing mesoscopic viscoelasticity without losing details on the underlying interactions existing in wide regimes of deformation under hydrodynamic stress. Here, we approach the computational challenge to model bacterial biofilms for predictive mechanics in silico under variable stress conditions. Up-to-date models are not entirely satisfactory due to the plethora of parameters required to make them functioning under the effects of stress. As guided by the structural depiction gained in a previous work with Pseudomonas fluorescens [Jara et al., Front. Microbiol. 11, 588884 (2021)], we propose a mechanical modeling by means of Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD), which captures the essentials of topological and compositional interactions between bacterial particles and cross-linked EPS-embedding under imposed shear. The P. fluorescens biofilms have been modeled under mechanical stress mimicking shear stresses as undergone in vitro. The predictive capacity for mechanical features in DPD-simulated biofilms has been investigated by varying the externally imposed field of shear strain at variable amplitude and frequency. The parametric map of essential biofilm ingredients has been explored by making the rheological responses to emerge among conservative mesoscopic interactions and frictional dissipation in the underlying microscale. The proposed coarse grained DPD simulation qualitatively catches the rheology of the P. fluorescens biofilm over several decades of dynamic scaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Martín-Roca
- Departamento de Estructrura de la Materia, Física Térmica y Electrónica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentino Bianco
- Departamento de Quimica Fisica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Alarcón
- Departamento de Ingeniería Física, División de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guanajuato, Loma del Bosque 103, 37150 León, Mexico
| | - Ajay K Monnappa
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Hospital Doce de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paolo Natale
- Departamento de Quimica Fisica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Monroy
- Translational Biophysics. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Doce de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Belen Orgaz
- Sección Departamental de Farmacia Galénica y Tecnología Alimentaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan López-Montero
- Departamento de Quimica Fisica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Chantal Valeriani
- Departamento de Estructrura de la Materia, Física Térmica y Electrónica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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28
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McGlennen M, Dieser M, Foreman CM, Warnat S. Monitoring biofilm growth and dispersal in real-time with impedance biosensors. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 50:kuad022. [PMID: 37653441 PMCID: PMC10485796 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuad022] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Microbial biofilm contamination is a widespread problem that requires precise and prompt detection techniques to effectively control its growth. Microfabricated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) biosensors offer promise as a tool for early biofilm detection and monitoring of elimination. This study utilized a custom flow cell system with integrated sensors to make real-time impedance measurements of biofilm growth under flow conditions, which were correlated with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging. Biofilm growth on EIS biosensors in basic aqueous growth media (tryptic soy broth, TSB) and an oil-water emulsion (metalworking fluid, MWF) attenuated in a sigmoidal decay pattern, which lead to an ∼22-25% decrease in impedance after 24 Hrs. Subsequent treatment of established biofilms increased the impedance by ∼14% and ∼41% in TSB and MWF, respectively. In the presence of furanone C-30, a quorum-sensing inhibitor (QSI), impedance remained unchanged from the initial time point for 18 Hrs in TSB and 72 Hrs in MWF. Biofilm changes enumerated from CLSM imaging corroborated impedance measurements, with treatment significantly reducing biofilm. Overall, these results support the application of microfabricated EIS biosensors for evaluating the growth and dispersal of biofilm in situ and demonstrate potential for use in industrial settings. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY This study demonstrates the use of microfabricated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) biosensors for real-time monitoring and treatment evaluation of biofilm growth, offering valuable insights for biofilm control in industrial settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew McGlennen
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Markus Dieser
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Christine M Foreman
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Stephan Warnat
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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29
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Razgaleh SA, Wrench A, Jones AAD. Surface Energy and Viscoelastic Characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes Biofilm on Commercial Skin Constructs versus agar. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.10.527933. [PMID: 36798165 PMCID: PMC9934662 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.10.527933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are recalcitrant to both study and infectious disease treatment as it requires not only the study or management of single organism behavior, but also many dynamical interactions including but not limited to bacteria-bacteria, bacteria-host, bacteria-nutrients, and bacteria-material across multiple time scales. This study performs comparative and quantitative research of two materials used in biofilm research, TSA agar and skin epidermal, to reveal how adhesion effects viscoelastic properties of biofilms at long time scales. We show that the host surface stressors, such as wettability and surface energy, impact the biofilm's mechanical integrity and viscoelastic properties. While it is known that the bacteria-material interface influences initial biofilm formation and external stress influences mature biofilm function, this study examines the influence of the bacteria-material interface on mature biofilms. These mechanical viscoelastic properties have the potential to determine metabolite and pathogenesis pathways which means that the platform researchers use to study impacts the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Razgaleh
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
| | - Andrew Wrench
- Duke University Program in Environmental Health
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
| | - A-Andrew D Jones
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
- Duke University Program in Environmental Health
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University
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30
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Razvi E, Whitfield GB, Reichhardt C, Dreifus JE, Willis AR, Gluscencova OB, Gloag ES, Awad TS, Rich JD, da Silva DP, Bond W, Le Mauff F, Sheppard DC, Hatton BD, Stoodley P, Reinke AW, Boulianne GL, Wozniak DJ, Harrison JJ, Parsek MR, Howell PL. Glycoside hydrolase processing of the Pel polysaccharide alters biofilm biomechanics and Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36732330 PMCID: PMC9894940 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00375-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pel exopolysaccharide biosynthetic loci are phylogenetically widespread biofilm matrix determinants in bacteria. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pel is crucial for cell-to-cell interactions and reducing susceptibility to antibiotic and mucolytic treatments. While genes encoding glycoside hydrolases have long been linked to biofilm exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, their physiological role in biofilm development is unclear. Here we demonstrate that the glycoside hydrolase activity of P. aeruginosa PelA decreases adherent biofilm biomass and is responsible for generating the low molecular weight secreted form of the Pel exopolysaccharide. We show that the generation of secreted Pel contributes to the biomechanical properties of the biofilm and decreases the virulence of P. aeruginosa in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Our results reveal that glycoside hydrolases found in exopolysaccharide biosynthetic systems can help shape the soft matter attributes of a biofilm and propose that secreted matrix components be referred to as matrix associated to better reflect their influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erum Razvi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Whitfield
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie, et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julia E Dreifus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexandra R Willis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Oxana B Gluscencova
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin S Gloag
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Tarek S Awad
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn D Rich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Passos da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- BioVectra Inc. 11 Aviation, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Whitney Bond
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - François Le Mauff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin D Hatton
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC) and National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabrielle L Boulianne
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Joe J Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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31
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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: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 135.0] [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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32
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Rouillard KR, Markovetz MR, Kissner WJ, Boone WL, Plott LM, Hill DB. Altering the viscoelastic properties of mucus-grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms affects antibiotic susceptibility. Biofilm 2023; 5:100104. [PMID: 36711323 PMCID: PMC9880403 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The viscoelastic properties of biofilms are correlated with their susceptibility to mechanical and chemical stress, and the airway environment in muco-obstructive pulmonary diseases (MOPD) facilitates robust biofilm formation. Hyperconcentrated, viscoelastic mucus promotes chronic inflammation and infection, resulting in increased mucin and DNA concentrations. The viscoelastic properties of biofilms are regulated by biopolymers, including polysaccharides and DNA, and influence responses to antibiotics and phagocytosis. We hypothesize that targeted modulation of biofilm rheology will compromise structural integrity and increase antibiotic susceptibility and mucociliary transport. We evaluate biofilm rheology on the macro, micro, and nano scale as a function of treatment with a reducing agent, a biopolymer, and/or tobramycin to define the relationship between the viscoelastic properties of biofilms and susceptibility. Disruption of the biofilm architecture is associated with altered macroscopic and microscopic moduli, rapid vector permeability, increased antibiotic susceptibility, and improved mucociliary transport, suggesting that biofilm modulating therapeutics will improve the treatment of chronic respiratory infections in MOPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn R. Rouillard
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Matthew R. Markovetz
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - William J. Kissner
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - William L. Boone
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lucas M. Plott
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - David B. Hill
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA,Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA,Corresponding author. Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Huang C, Clark GG, Zaki FR, Won J, Ning R, Boppart SA, Elbanna AE, Nguyen TH. Effects of phosphate and silicate on stiffness and viscoelasticity of mature biofilms developed with simulated drinking water. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:36-46. [PMID: 36847486 PMCID: PMC10065970 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2177538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms, a porous matrix of cells aggregated with extracellular polymeric substances under the influence of chemical constituents in the feed water, can develop a viscoelastic response to mechanical stresses. In this study, the roles of phosphate and silicate, common additives in corrosion control and meat processing, on the stiffness, viscoelasticity, porous structure networks, and chemical properties of biofilm were investigated. Three-year biofilms on PVC coupons were grown from sand-filtered groundwater with or without one of the non-nutrient (silicate) or nutrient additives (phosphate or phosphate blends). Compared with non-nutrient additives, the phosphate and phosphate-blend additives led to a biofilm with the lowest stiffness, most viscoelastic, and more porous structure, including more connecting throats with greater equivalent radii. The phosphate-based additives also led to more organic species in the biofilm matrix than the silicate additive did. This work demonstrated that nutrient additives could promote biomass accumulation but also reduce mechanical stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Gemma G. Clark
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Farzana R. Zaki
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Jungeun Won
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 1304 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Runsen Ning
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Stephen A. Boppart
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 506 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 1304 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 306 North Wright Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Ahmed E. Elbanna
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Thanh H. Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 506 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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Optical Tracking of Surfactant-Tuned Bacterial Adhesion: a Single-Cell Imaging Study. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0162622. [PMID: 36374031 PMCID: PMC9746325 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01626-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Probing the interfacial dynamics of single bacterial cells in complex environments is crucial for understanding the microbial biofilm formation process and developing antifouling materials, but it remains a challenge. Here, we studied single bacterial interfacial behaviors modulated by surfactants via a plasmonic imaging technique. We quantified the adhesion strength of single bacterial cells by plasmonic measurement of potential energy profiles and dissected the mechanism of surfactant-tuned single bacterial adhesion. The presence of surfactant tuned single bacterial adhesion by increasing the thickness of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and reducing the degree of EPS cross-linking. The adhesion kinetics and equilibrium state of bacteria attached to the surface confirmed the decrease in adhesion strength tuned by surfactants. The information obtained is valuable for understanding the interaction mechanism between a single bacterial cell and surface, developing new biofilm control strategies, and designing anticontamination materials. IMPORTANCE Studying the interfacial dynamic of single bacteria in complex environments is crucial for understanding the microbial biofilm formation process and developing antifouling materials. However, quantifying the interactions between microorganisms and surfaces in the presence of pollution at the single-cell level remains a great challenge. This paper presents the analysis of single bacterial interfacial behaviors modulated by surfactants and quantification of the adhesion strength via a plasmonic imaging technique. Our study provided insights into the mechanism of initial bacterial adhesion, facilitating our understanding of the adhesion process at the microscopic scale, and is of great value for controlling membrane fouling biofilm formation.
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Geisel S, Secchi E, Vermant J. Experimental challenges in determining the rheological properties of bacterial biofilms. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20220032. [PMID: 36330324 PMCID: PMC9560794 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2022.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are communities living in a matrix consisting of self-produced, hydrated extracellular polymeric substances. Most microorganisms adopt the biofilm lifestyle since it protects by conferring resistance to antibiotics and physico-chemical stress factors. Consequently, mechanical removal is often necessary but rendered difficult by the biofilm's complex, viscoelastic response, and adhesive properties. Overall, the mechanical behaviour of biofilms also plays a role in the spreading, dispersal and subsequent colonization of new surfaces. Therefore, the characterization of the mechanical properties of biofilms plays a crucial role in controlling and combating biofilms in industrial and medical environments. We performed in situ shear rheological measurements of Bacillus subtilis biofilms grown between the plates of a rotational rheometer under well-controlled conditions relevant to many biofilm habitats. We investigated how the mechanical history preceding rheological measurements influenced biofilm mechanics and compared these results to the techniques commonly used in the literature. We also compare our results to measurements using interfacial rheology on bacterial pellicles formed at the air-water interface. This work aims to help understand how different growth and measurement conditions contribute to the large variability of mechanical properties reported in the literature and provide a new tool for the rigorous characterization of matrix components and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Geisel
- Laboratory for Soft Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Secchi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Vermant
- Laboratory for Soft Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Gierl L, Horn H, Wagner M. Impact of Fe 2+ and Shear Stress on the Development and Mesoscopic Structure of Biofilms-A Bacillus subtilis Case Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2234. [PMID: 36422304 PMCID: PMC9699539 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bivalent cations are known to affect the structural and mechanical properties of biofilms. In order to reveal the impact of Fe2+ ions within the cultivation medium on biofilm development, structure and stability, Bacillus subtilis biofilms were cultivated in mini-fluidic flow cells. Two different Fe2+ inflow concentrations (0.25 and 2.5 mg/L, respectively) and wall shear stress levels (0.05 and 0.27 Pa, respectively) were tested. Mesoscopic biofilm structure was determined daily in situ and non-invasively by means of optical coherence tomography. A set of ten structural parameters was used to quantify biofilm structure, its development and change. The study focused on characterizing biofilm structure and development at the mesoscale (mm-range). Therefore, biofilm replicates (n = 10) were cultivated and analyzed. Three hypotheses were defined in order to estimate the effect of Fe2+ inflow concentration and/or wall shear stress on biofilm development and structure, respectively. It was not the intention to investigate and describe the underlying mechanisms of iron incorporation as this would require a different set of tools applied at microscopic levels as well as the use of, i.e., omic approaches. Fe2+ addition influenced biofilm development (e.g., biofilm accumulation) and structure markedly. Experiments revealed the accumulation of FeO(OH) within the biofilm matrix and a positive correlation of Fe2+ inflow concentration and biofilm accumulation. In more detail, independent of the wall shear stress applied during cultivation, biofilms grew approximately four times thicker at 2.5 mg Fe2+/L (44.8 µmol/L; high inflow concentration) compared to the low Fe2+ inflow concentration of 0.25 mg Fe2+/L (4.48 µmol/L). This finding was statistically verified (Scheirer-Ray-Hare test, ANOVA) and hints at a higher stability of Bacillus subtilis biofilms (e.g., elevated cohesive and adhesive strength) when grown at elevated Fe2+ inflow concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gierl
- Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Harald Horn
- Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) Research Site at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Michael Wagner
- Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-1), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Romeu MJ, Lima M, Gomes LC, de Jong ED, Morais J, Vasconcelos V, Pereira MFR, Soares OSGP, Sjollema J, Mergulhão FJ. The Use of 3D Optical Coherence Tomography to Analyze the Architecture of Cyanobacterial Biofilms Formed on a Carbon Nanotube Composite. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14204410. [PMID: 36297988 PMCID: PMC9607013 DOI: 10.3390/polym14204410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of environmentally friendly antifouling strategies for marine applications is of paramount importance, and the fabrication of innovative nanocomposite coatings is a promising approach. Moreover, since Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a powerful imaging technique in biofilm science, the improvement of its analytical power is required to better evaluate the biofilm structure under different scenarios. In this study, the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified surfaces in cyanobacterial biofilm development was assessed over a long-term assay under controlled hydrodynamic conditions. Their impact on the cyanobacterial biofilm architecture was evaluated by novel parameters obtained from three-dimensional (3D) OCT analysis, such as the contour coefficient, total biofilm volume, biovolume, volume of non-connected pores, and the average size of non-connected pores. The results showed that CNTs incorporated into a commercially used epoxy resin (CNT composite) had a higher antifouling effect at the biofilm maturation stage compared to pristine epoxy resin. Along with a delay in biofilm development, a decrease in biofilm wet weight, thickness, and biovolume was also achieved with the CNT composite compared to epoxy resin and glass (control surfaces). Additionally, biofilms developed on the CNT composite were smoother and presented a lower porosity and a strictly packed structure when compared with those formed on the control surfaces. The novel biofilm parameters obtained from 3D OCT imaging are extremely important when evaluating the biofilm architecture and behavior under different scenarios beyond marine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Romeu
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Lima
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana C. Gomes
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ed. D. de Jong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel F. R. Pereira
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE–LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering–Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Olívia S. G. P. Soares
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE–LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering–Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jelmer Sjollema
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Filipe J. Mergulhão
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225081668
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Hall-Stoodley L, McCoy KS. Biofilm aggregates and the host airway-microbial interface. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:969326. [PMID: 36081767 PMCID: PMC9445362 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.969326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are multicellular microbial aggregates that can be associated with host mucosal epithelia in the airway, gut, and genitourinary tract. The host environment plays a critical role in the establishment of these microbial communities in both health and disease. These host mucosal microenvironments however are distinct histologically, functionally, and regarding nutrient availability. This review discusses the specific mucosal epithelial microenvironments lining the airway, focusing on: i) biofilms in the human respiratory tract and the unique airway microenvironments that make it exquisitely suited to defend against infection, and ii) how airway pathophysiology and dysfunctional barrier/clearance mechanisms due to genetic mutations, damage, and inflammation contribute to biofilm infections. The host cellular responses to infection that contribute to resolution or exacerbation, and insights about evaluating and therapeutically targeting airway-associated biofilm infections are briefly discussed. Since so many studies have focused on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF) or on Haemophilus influenzae in the context of upper and lower respiratory diseases, these bacteria are used as examples. However, there are notable differences in diseased airway microenvironments and the unique pathophysiology specific to the bacterial pathogens themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luanne Hall-Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Luanne Hall-Stoodley,
| | - Karen S. McCoy
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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Abstract
The pathological properties of airway mucus in cystic fibrosis (CF) are dictated by mucus concentration and composition, with mucins and DNA being responsible for mucus viscoelastic properties. As CF pulmonary disease progresses, the concentrations of mucins and DNA increase and are associated with increased mucus viscoelasticity and decreased transport. Similarly, the biophysical properties of bacterial biofilms are heavily influenced by the composition of their extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). While the roles of polymer concentration and composition in mucus and biofilm mechanical properties have been evaluated independently, the relationship between mucus concentration and composition and the biophysical properties of biofilms grown therein remains unknown. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms were grown in airway mucus as a function of overall concentration and DNA concentration to mimic healthy, and CF pathophysiology and biophysical properties were evaluated with macro- and microrheology. Biofilms were also characterized after exposure to DNase or DTT to examine the effects of DNA and mucin degradation, respectively. Identifying critical targets in biofilms for disrupting mechanical stability in highly concentrated mucus may lead to the development of efficacious biofilm therapies and ultimately improve CF patient outcomes. Overall mucus concentration was the predominant contributor to biofilm viscoelasticity and both DNA degradation and mucin reduction resulted in compromised biofilm mechanical strength. IMPORTANCE Pathological mucus in cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly concentrated and insufficiently cleared from the airway, causing chronic inflammation and infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa establishes chronic infection in the form of biofilms within mucus, and this study determined that biofilms formed in more concentrated mucus were more robust and less susceptible to mechanical and chemical challenges compared to biofilms grown in lower concentrated mucus. Neither DNA degradation nor disulfide bond reduction was sufficient to fully degrade biofilms. Mucus rehydration should remain a priority for treating CF pulmonary disease with concomitant multimechanistic biofilm degradation agents and antibiotics to clear chronic infection.
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40
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Contemporary Tools for the Cure against Pernicious Microorganisms: Micro-/Nanorobots. PROSTHESIS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/prosthesis4030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the most pressing concerns to global public health is the emergence of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms due to increased unconscious antibiotic usage. With the rising antibiotic resistance, existing antimicrobial agents lose their effectiveness over time. This indicates that newer and more effective antimicrobial agents and methods should be investigated. Many studies have shown that micro-/nanorobots exhibit promise in the treatment of microbial infections with their great properties, such as the intrinsic antimicrobial activities owing to their oxidative stress induction and metal ion release capabilities, and effective and autonomous delivery of antibiotics to the target area. In addition, they have multiple simultaneous mechanisms of action against microbes, which makes them remarkable in antimicrobial activity. This review focuses on the antimicrobial micro-/nanorobots and their strategies to impede biofilm formation, following a brief introduction of the latest advancements in micro-/nanorobots, and their implementations against various bacteria, and other microorganisms.
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Goh GS, Parvizi J. Diagnosis and Treatment of Culture-Negative Periprosthetic Joint Infection. J Arthroplasty 2022; 37:1488-1493. [PMID: 35101593 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2022.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of the causative organism(s) in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging task. The shortcomings of traditional cultures have been emphasized in recent literature, culminating in a clinical entity known as "culture-negative PJI." Amidst the growing burden of biofilm infections that are inherently difficult to culture, the field of clinical microbiology has seen a paradigm shift from culture-based to molecular-based methods. These novel techniques hold much promise in the demystification of culture-negative PJI and revolutionization of the microbiology laboratory. This article outlines the clinical implications of culture-negative PJI, common causes of this diagnostic conundrum, established strategies to improve culture yield, and newer molecular techniques to detect infectious organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham S Goh
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Javad Parvizi
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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Special Issue: Biofilm Composition and Applications. COATINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings12071026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms can be formed on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, including on living tissues, indwelling medical devices, industrial or portable water system piping, and natural aquatic systems [...]
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AI-2/LuxS Quorum Sensing System Promotes Biofilm Formation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Enhances the Resistance to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in Germ-Free Zebrafish. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0061022. [PMID: 35700135 PMCID: PMC9430243 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00610-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The LuxS enzyme plays a key role in both quorum sensing (QS) and the regulation of bacterial growth. It catalyzes the production of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling molecule, which is a component of the methyl cycle and methionine metabolism. This study aimed at investigating the differences between the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) wild-type strain (WT) and its luxS mutant (ΔluxS) during biofilm formation and when resisting to inflammation caused by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) in germ-free zebrafish. Our results suggest that in the absence of luxS when LGG was knocked out, biofilm formation, extracellular polysaccharide secretion and adhesion were all compromised. Addition of synthetic AI-2 indeed rescued, at least partially, the deficiencies observed in the mutant strain. The colonizing and immunomodulatory function in WT versus ΔluxS mutants were further studied in a germ-free zebrafish model. The concentration of AI-2 signaling molecules decreased sharply in zebrafish infected with the ΔluxS. At the same time, compared with the ΔluxS, the wild-type strain could colonize the germ-free zebrafish more effectively. Our transcriptome results suggest that genes involved in immunity, signal transduction, and cell adhesion were downregulated in zebrafish infected with ΔluxS and WT. In the WT, the immune system of germ-free zebrafish was activated more effectively through the MAPK and NF-κB pathway, and its ability to fight the infection against ETEC was increased. Together, our results demonstrate that the AI-2/LuxS system plays an important role in biofilm formation to improve LGG and alleviate inflammation caused by ETEC in germ-free zebrafish. IMPORTANCELactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a widely used probiotic to improve host intestinal health, promote growth, reduce diarrhea, and modulate immunity. In recent years, the bacterial quorum sensing system has attracted much attention; however, there has not been much research on the effect of the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing system of Lactobacillus on bacteriostasis, microbial ecology balance, and immune regulation in intestine. In this study, we used germ-free zebrafish as an animal model to compare the differences between wild-type and luxS mutant strains. We showed how AI-2/LuxS QS affects the release of AI-2 and how QS regulates the colonization, EPS synthesis and biofilm formation of LGG. This study provides an idea for the targeted regulation of animal intestinal health with probiotics by controlling bacteria quorum sensing system.
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Day TC, Márquez-Zacarías P, Bravo P, Pokhrel AR, MacGillivray KA, Ratcliff WC, Yunker PJ. Varied solutions to multicellularity: The biophysical and evolutionary consequences of diverse intercellular bonds. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:021305. [PMID: 35673523 PMCID: PMC9164275 DOI: 10.1063/5.0080845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of multicellular organisms is, in large part, due to the fact that multicellularity has independently evolved many times. Nonetheless, multicellular organisms all share a universal biophysical trait: cells are attached to each other. All mechanisms of cellular attachment belong to one of two broad classes; intercellular bonds are either reformable or they are not. Both classes of multicellular assembly are common in nature, having independently evolved dozens of times. In this review, we detail these varied mechanisms as they exist in multicellular organisms. We also discuss the evolutionary implications of different intercellular attachment mechanisms on nascent multicellular organisms. The type of intercellular bond present during early steps in the transition to multicellularity constrains future evolutionary and biophysical dynamics for the lineage, affecting the origin of multicellular life cycles, cell-cell communication, cellular differentiation, and multicellular morphogenesis. The types of intercellular bonds used by multicellular organisms may thus result in some of the most impactful historical constraints on the evolution of multicellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. Day
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | | | | | - Aawaz R. Pokhrel
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | | | - William C. Ratcliff
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Peter J. Yunker
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
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Savorana G, Słomka J, Stocker R, Rusconi R, Secchi E. A microfluidic platform for characterizing the structure and rheology of biofilm streamers. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3878-3890. [PMID: 35535650 PMCID: PMC9131465 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00258b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation is the most successful survival strategy for bacterial communities. In the biofilm lifestyle, bacteria embed themselves in a self-secreted matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which acts as a shield against mechanical and chemical insults. When ambient flow is present, this viscoelastic scaffold can take a streamlined shape, forming biofilm filaments suspended in flow, called streamers. Streamers significantly disrupt the fluid flow by causing rapid clogging and affect transport in aquatic environments. Despite their relevance, the structural and rheological characterization of biofilm streamers is still at an early stage. In this work, we present a microfluidic platform that allows the reproducible growth of biofilm streamers in controlled physico-chemical conditions and the characterization of their biochemical composition, morphology, and rheology in situ. We employed isolated micropillars as nucleation sites for the growth of single biofilm streamers under the continuous flow of a diluted bacterial suspension. By combining fluorescent staining of the EPS components and epifluorescence microscopy, we were able to characterize the biochemical composition and morphology of the streamers. Additionally, we optimized a protocol to perform hydrodynamic stress tests in situ, by inducing controlled variations of the fluid shear stress exerted on the streamers by the flow. Thus, the reproducibility of the formation process and the testing protocol make it possible to perform several consistent experimental replicates that provide statistically significant information. By allowing the systematic investigation of the role of biochemical composition on the structure and rheology of streamers, this platform will advance our understanding of biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Savorana
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Jonasz Słomka
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Roman Stocker
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Roberto Rusconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Eleonora Secchi
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Costa RC, Bertolini M, Costa Oliveira BE, Nagay BE, Dini C, Benso B, Klein MI, Barāo VAR, Souza JGS. Polymicrobial biofilms related to dental implant diseases: unravelling the critical role of extracellular biofilm matrix. Crit Rev Microbiol 2022; 49:370-390. [PMID: 35584310 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2062219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex tri-dimensional structures that encase microbial cells in an extracellular matrix comprising self-produced polymeric substances. The matrix rich in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) contributes to the unique features of biofilm lifestyle and structure, enhancing microbial accretion, biofilm virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. The role of the EPS matrix of biofilms growing on biotic surfaces, especially dental surfaces, is largely unravelled. To date, there is a lack of a broad overview of existing literature concerning the relationship between the EPS matrix and the dental implant environment and its role in implant-related infections. Here, we discuss recent advances in the critical role of the EPS matrix on biofilm growth and virulence on the dental implant surface and its effect on the etiopathogenesis and progression of implant-related infections. Similar to other biofilms associated with human diseases/conditions, EPS-enriched biofilms on implant surfaces promote microbial accumulation, microbiological shift, cross-kingdom interaction, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm virulence, and, consequently, peri-implant tissue damage. But intriguingly, the protagonism of EPS role on implant-related infections and the development of matrix-target therapeutic strategies has been neglected. Finally, we highlight the need for more in-depth analyses of polymicrobial interactions within EPS matrix and EPS-targeting technologies' rationale for disrupting the complex biofilm microenvironment with more outstanding translation to implant applications in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael C Costa
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Martinna Bertolini
- Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Bruna E Nagay
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Caroline Dini
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Bruna Benso
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, CA, Chile
| | - Marlise I Klein
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valentim A R Barāo
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Joāo Gabriel S Souza
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil.,Dental Science School (Faculdade de Ciências Odontológicas - FCO), Montes Claros, Brazil.,Dental Research Division, Guarulhos University, Sāo Paulo, Brazil
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47
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Borges MMB, Dijkstra RJB, Andrade FB, Duarte MAH, Versluis M, van der Sluis LWM, Petridis X. The response of dual-species bacterial biofilm to 2% and 5% NaOCl mixed with etidronic acid: a laboratory real-time evaluation using optical coherence tomography. Int Endod J 2022; 55:758-771. [PMID: 35470434 PMCID: PMC9325035 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim The addition of etidronic acid (HEDP) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) could increase the antibiofilm potency of the irrigant, whilst maintaining the benefits of continuous chelation. Studies conducted so far have shown that mixing HEDP with NaOCl solutions of relatively low concentration does not compromise the antibiofilm efficacy of the irrigant. However, the working lifespan of NaOCl may decrease resulting in a reduction of its antibiofilm efficacy over time (efficiency). In this regard, continuous irrigant replenishment needs to be examined. This study investigated the response of a dual‐species biofilm when challenged with 2% and 5% NaOCl mixed with HEDP for a prolonged timespan and under steady laminar flow. Methodology Dual‐species biofilms comprised of Streptococcus oralis J22 and Actinomyces naeslundii T14V‐J1 were grown on human dentine discs in a constant depth film fermenter (CDFF) for 96 h. Biofilms were treated with 2% and 5% NaOCl, alone or mixed with HEDP. Irrigants were applied under steady laminar flow for 8 min. Biofilm response was evaluated by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Biofilm removal, biofilm disruption, rate of biofilm loss and disruption as well as bubble formation were assessed. One‐way anova, Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were performed for statistical analysis of the data. The level of significance was set at a ≤.05. Results Increasing NaOCl concentration resulted in increased biofilm removal and disruption, higher rate of biofilm loss and disruption and increased bubble formation. Mixing HEDP with NaOCl caused a delay in the antibiofilm action of the latter, without compromising its antibiofilm efficacy. Conclusions NaOCl concentration dictates the biofilm response irrespective of the presence of HEDP. The addition of HEDP resulted in a delay in the antibiofilm action of NaOCl. This delay affects the efficiency, but not the efficacy of the irrigant over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M B Borges
- Department of Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - R J B Dijkstra
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Center for Dentistry and Oral Hygiene, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - F B Andrade
- Department of Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - M A H Duarte
- Department of Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | - M Versluis
- Physics of Fluids group, Technical Medical (TechMed) Center and MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede
| | - L W M van der Sluis
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Center for Dentistry and Oral Hygiene, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - X Petridis
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Center for Dentistry and Oral Hygiene, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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48
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Systems view of Bacillus subtilis pellicle development. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:25. [PMID: 35414070 PMCID: PMC9005697 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00293-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we link pellicle development at the water-air interface with the vertical distribution and viability of the individual B. subtilis PS-216 cells throughout the water column. Real-time interfacial rheology and time-lapse confocal laser scanning microscopy were combined to correlate mechanical properties with morphological changes (aggregation status, filament formation, pellicle thickness, spore formation) of the growing pellicle. Six key events were identified in B. subtilis pellicle formation that are accompanied by a major change in viscoelastic and morphology behaviour of the pellicle. The results imply that pellicle development is a multifaceted response to a changing environment induced by bacterial growth that causes population redistribution within the model system, reduction of the viable habitat to the water-air interface, cell development, and morphogenesis. The outcome is a build-up of mechanical stress supporting structure that eventually, due to nutrient deprivation, reaches the finite thickness. After prolonged incubation, the formed pellicle collapses, which correlates with the spore releasing process. The pellicle loses the ability to support mechanical stress, which marks the end of the pellicle life cycle and entry of the system into the dormant state.
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Sriubas M, Bockute K, Palevicius P, Kaminskas M, Rinkevicius Z, Ragulskis M, Simonyte S, Ruzauskas M, Laukaitis G. Antibacterial Activity of Silver and Gold Particles Formed on Titania Thin Films. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:1190. [PMID: 35407308 PMCID: PMC9000426 DOI: 10.3390/nano12071190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metal-based nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity are gaining a lot of attention in recent years due to the increased antibiotics resistance. The development and the pathogenesis of oral diseases are usually associated with the formation of bacteria biofilms on the surfaces; therefore, it is crucial to investigate the materials and their properties that would reduce bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. This work provides a systematic investigation of the physical-chemical properties and the antibacterial activity of TiO2 thin films decorated by Ag and Au nanoparticles (NP) against Veillonella parvula and Neisseria sicca species associated with oral diseases. TiO2 thin films were formed using reactive magnetron sputtering by obtaining as-deposited amorphous and crystalline TiO2 thin films after annealing. Au and Ag NP were formed using a two-step process: magnetron sputtering of thin metal films and solid-state dewetting. The surface properties and crystallographic nature of TiO2/NP structures were investigated by SEM, XPS, XRD, and optical microscopy. It was found that the higher thickness of Au and Ag thin films results in the formation of the enlarged NPs and increased distance between them, influencing the antibacterial activity of the formed structures. TiO2 surface with AgNP exhibited higher antibacterial efficiency than Au nanostructured titania surfaces and effectively reduced the concentration of the bacteria. The process of the observation and identification of the presence of bacteria using the deep learning technique was realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mantas Sriubas
- Physics Department, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 50, LT-51368 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.S.); (M.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Kristina Bockute
- Physics Department, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 50, LT-51368 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.S.); (M.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Paulius Palevicius
- Department of Mathematical Modeling, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 50, LT-51368 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Marius Kaminskas
- Physics Department, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 50, LT-51368 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.S.); (M.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Zilvinas Rinkevicius
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry & Biology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Biotechnology, 109 61 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Minvydas Ragulskis
- Department of Mathematical Modeling, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 50, LT-51368 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Sandrita Simonyte
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (S.S.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Cardiology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave. 15, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Modestas Ruzauskas
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (S.S.); (M.R.)
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Giedrius Laukaitis
- Physics Department, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 50, LT-51368 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.S.); (M.K.); (G.L.)
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50
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Ivo Ganchev. Role of Multispecies Biofilms with a Dominance of Bacillus subtilis in the Rhizosphere. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021150061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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