Photodynamic Action of Tri-meso (N-methylpyridyl), meso (N-tetradecyl-pyridyl) Porphine on Staphylococcus Epidermidis Biofilms Grown on Ti6Al4V Alloy

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, and its virulence is attributable to formation of biofilm, especially on implanted devices. Photodynamic treatment (PDT) has been actively investigated for the eradication of bacterial biofilm growing on dental plaques and oral implants. In this study, we used Tri-meso (N-methyl-pyridyl), meso (N-tetradecyl-pyridyl) porphine (C14) for inactivation of two structurally distinct S. epidermidis biofilms grown on Ti6Al4V alloy and compared its photosensitizing efficiency with that of the parent molecule, tetra-substituted N-methylpyridyl-porphine (C1). A more significant reduction in bacterial survival was observed when both bacterial biofilms were exposed to a lower dose of C14, and simultaneously to visible light in comparison with C1. The different responses of both staphylococcal biofilms to C1- or C14-treatment appeared to depend on photosensitizer endocellular concentration. C14 bound to both biofilms to a greater extent than C1. Moreover, C14 penetrates deeper into the bacterial membranes, as determined by fluorescence quenching experiments with methylviologen, allowing for better bacterial killing photoefficiency. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis indicated damage to bacterial cell membranes in both photodynamically treated biofilms, while disruption of PDT-treated biofilm was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In summary, C14 may be a potential photosensitizer for the inactivation of staphylococcal biofilms for many device-related infections which are accessible to visible light.

The Alpha-Like Surface Proteins: An Example of an Expanding Family of Adhesins

The Alpha-like protein (Alp) family, repeat-containing surface proteins once thought to be important adhesion factors confined to pathogenic streptococci and enterococci, is broader than previously known. Analysis of the annotated microbial genomes has identified new potential members of the Alp family not only in other Gram- positive opportunistic pathogens but also in commensal microflora of the human gut and the skin. This finding has highlighted the importance of genome sequencing projects for unraveling in greater detail lateral gene transfer events involving virulence factors between pathogens and commensals. These should receive constant attention not only as part of infectious disease prevention programs, but also in the food and biotechnology industries. (Int J Artif Organs 2008; 31: 834–40)

Photodynamic action of merocyanine 540 on Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms

Photodynamic treatment (PDT) has been proposed as a new approach for inactivation of biofilms associated with medical devices that are resistant to chemical additives or biocides. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of merocyanine 540 (MC 540), a photosensitizing dye that is used for purging malignant cells from autologous bone marrow grafts, against Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Effect of the combined photodynamic action of MC 540 and 532 nm laser was investigated on the viability and structure of biofilms of two Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, RP62A and 1457. Significant inactivation of cells was observed when biofilms were exposed to MC 540 and laser simultaneously. The effect was found to be light dose-dependent but S. epidermidis 1457 biofilm proved to be slightly more susceptible than S. epidermidis RP62A biofilm. Furthermore, significant killing of both types of cells was attained even when a fixed light dose was delivered to the biofilms. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis indicated damage to bacterial cell membranes in photodynamically treated biofilms, while disruption of PDT-treated biofilm was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).