Therapeutic Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides in Polymicrobial Biofilm-Associated Infections

Strategies for controlling polymicrobial biofilms: a focus on antibiofilm agents

Polymicrobial biofilms are among the leading causes of antimicrobial treatment failure. In these biofilms, bacterial and fungal pathogens interact synergistically at the interspecies, intraspecies, and interkingdom levels. Consequently, combating polymicrobial biofilms is substantially more difficult compared to single-species biofilms due to their distinct properties and the resulting potential variation in antimicrobial drug efficiency. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on developing alternative strategies for controlling polymicrobial biofilms formed by bacterial and fungal pathogens. Current approaches for controlling polymicrobial biofilms include monotherapy (using either natural or synthetic compounds), combination treatments, and nanomaterials. Here, a comprehensive review of different types of polymicrobial interactions between pathogenic bacterial species or bacteria and fungi is provided along with a discussion of their relevance. The mechanisms of action of individual compounds, combination treatments, and nanomaterials against polymicrobial biofilms are thoroughly explored. This review provides various future perspectives that can advance the strategies used to control polymicrobial biofilms and their likely modes of action. Since the majority of research on combating polymicrobial biofilms has been conducted in vitro, it would be an essential step in performing in vivo tests to determine the clinical effectiveness of different treatments against polymicrobial biofilms.

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) and the Microbiome in Preterm Infants: Consequences and Opportunities for Future Therapeutics

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of the innate immune system in various organisms, including humans. Beyond their direct antimicrobial effects, AMPs play essential roles in various physiological processes. They induce angiogenesis, promote wound healing, modulate immune responses, and serve as chemoattractants for immune cells. AMPs regulate the microbiome and combat microbial infections on the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Produced in response to microbial signals, AMPs help maintain a balanced microbial community and provide a first line of defense against infection. In preterm infants, alterations in microbiome composition have been linked to various health outcomes, including sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, atopic dermatitis, and respiratory infections. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiome, can alter AMP profiles and potentially lead to inflammation-mediated diseases such as chronic lung disease and obesity. In the following review, we summarize what is known about the vital role of AMPs as multifunctional peptides in protecting newborn infants against infections and modulating the microbiome and immune response. Understanding their roles in preterm infants and high-risk populations offers the potential for innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment.

Evaluating the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of three synthetic antimicrobial Citropin analogs and their ability to fight against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

AIMS

We developed three new analogs of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Citropin 1.1: DAN-1-13, AJP-1-1, and HHX-2-28, and tested their potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against Staphylococcus aureus and S. pseudintermedius. Potential cytotoxic or hemolytic effects were determined using cultured human keratinocytes and erythrocytes to determine their safety.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To assess the antimicrobial activity of each compound, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined against methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius. Activity against newly formed and mature biofilms was determined in two clinical isolates using spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All three compounds exhibited antimicrobial and bactericidal activity against all studied S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius strains, with MICs ranging from 4-32 μg ml-1 and MBCs ranging from 8-128 μg ml-1. Subinhibitory concentrations of all compounds also showed ant-biofilm activity in the two tested isolates. All compounds exhibited limited cytotoxic and hemolytic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel analogs of Citropin 1.1 exhibit antimicrobial and bactericidal activities against S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius isolates and inhibit the biofilm formation of these bacteria.

A Comprehensive Review of Recent Research into the Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides on Biofilms-January 2020 to September 2023

Microbial biofilm formation creates a persistent and resistant environment in which microorganisms can survive, contributing to antibiotic resistance and chronic inflammatory diseases. Increasingly, biofilms are caused by multi-drug resistant microorganisms, which, coupled with a diminishing supply of effective antibiotics, is driving the search for new antibiotic therapies. In this respect, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, hydrophobic, and amphipathic peptides that show activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm formation. They also possess broad-spectrum activity and diverse mechanisms of action. In this comprehensive review, 150 publications (from January 2020 to September 2023) were collected and categorized using the search terms 'polypeptide antibiotic agent', 'antimicrobial peptide', and 'biofilm'. During this period, a wide range of natural and synthetic AMPs were studied, of which LL-37, polymyxin B, GH12, and Nisin were the most frequently cited. Furthermore, although many microbes were studied, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most popular. Publications also considered AMP combinations and the potential role of AMP delivery systems in increasing the efficacy of AMPs, including nanoparticle delivery. Relatively few publications focused on AMP resistance. This comprehensive review informs and guides researchers about the latest developments in AMP research, presenting promising evidence of the role of AMPs as effective antimicrobial agents.

Proteomic analysis of anti-MRSA activity of caerin 1.1/1.9 in a murine skin infection model and their in vitro anti-biofilm effects against Acinetobacter baumannii

IMPORTANCE

Caerin 1.1 and caerin 1.9, natural antimicrobial peptides derived from tree frogs, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, comparable to certain widely used antibiotics. Additionally, these peptides exhibit the capacity to prevent or treat biofilms formed by bacteria in conjunction with bodily components. The mechanisms underlying their antibacterial effects were investigated through a mouse model of bacterial skin infection, utilizing proteomic analysis as a technological approach.

Solving polymicrobial puzzles: evolutionary dynamics and future directions

Polymicrobial infections include various microorganisms, often necessitating different treatment methods than a monomicrobial infection. Scientists have been puzzled by the complex interactions within these communities for generations. The presence of specific microorganisms warrants a chronic infection and impacts crucial factors such as virulence and antibiotic susceptibility. Game theory is valuable for scenarios involving multiple decision-makers, but its relevance to polymicrobial infections is limited. Eco-evolutionary dynamics introduce causation for multiple proteomic interactions like metabolic syntropy and niche segregation. The review culminates both these giants to form evolutionary dynamics (ED). There is a significant amount of literature on inter-bacterial interactions that remain unsynchronised. Such raw data can only be moulded by analysing the ED involved. The review culminates the inter-bacterial interactions in multiple clinically relevant polymicrobial infections like chronic wounds, CAUTI, otitis media and dental carries. The data is further moulded with ED to analyse the niche colonisation of two notoriously competitive bacteria: S.aureus and P.aeruginosa. The review attempts to develop a future trajectory for polymicrobial research by following recent innovative strategies incorporating ED to curb polymicrobial infections.

Biomaterial therapeutic strategies for treatment of bacterial lung infections

Bacterial infections of the lung frequently occur as a secondary infection to many respiratory viral infections and conditions, including influenza, COVID-19, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF). Currently, clinical standard treats bacterial infections of the lung with antibiotic drugs. However, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt host microbiomes, lead to patient discomfort, and current clinical settings face the constantly increasing threat of drug-resistant bacteria. Biofilms further obstruct effective treatment due to their protective matrix layer, which shields bacteria from both the host immune system and antimicrobial drugs and subsequently promotes drug resistance. Alternative antimicrobial agents, including bacteriophages and antimicrobial peptides, have been utilized to treat drug-resistant bacteria. However, these antimicrobial agents have significant limitations pertaining to their ability to arrive at infection sites without compromised function and ability to persist over an extended period to fully treat infections. Enhanced delivery strategies present great promise in addressing these issues by using micro/nanoparticle carriers that shield antimicrobial agents in transit and result in sustained release, enhancing subsequent therapeutic effect and can even be modulated to be multi-functional to further improve recovery following bacterial infection.

Comparative evaluation of effect of nisin-incorporated ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and MTAD on endodontic biofilm eradication, smear layer removal, and depth of sealer penetration

OBJECTIVES

To comparatively evaluate the nisin-incorporated ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (N-EDTA) and MTAD on cytotoxicity, endodontic biofilm eradication potential, smear layer removal ability, and sealer penetration depth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

N-EDTA was prepared and characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal, and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBC, MIC, and MBIC) were determined on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) strain. The cytocompatibility of N-EDTA and MTAD was evaluated using 3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-based colorimetric assay. Dentin specimens (n = 88 for antibacterial analysis, n = 170 for sealer penetration depth) were prepared and subjected to the classical irrigating strategy and obturation, respectively. The scanning electron microscopic evaluation (SEM) was done for the evaluation of biofilm disruption and smear layer removal. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) evaluation was done for determining percentage of bacterial viability and sealer penetration depth. Statistical analysis of one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc tests for bacterial viability and Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test for smear layer removal and depth of penetration were done with the significance level set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

MTAD and N-EDTA showed cytocompatibility without any statistical differences from each other. For N-EDTA, the MIC and MBC values were 12.5 μg/ml (1:8), and MBIC values were 36 μg/ml. Biofilm disruption and killed bacterial percentage of N-EDTA was statistically higher than MTAD, whereas both the materials showed similar efficacy in the removal of the smear layer and sealer penetration depth.

CONCLUSION

N-EDTA had negligible cytotoxicity with similar smear layer removal ability, sealer penetration, and better antibiofilm potential than MTAD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

N-EDTA can serve as a viable alternative endodontic irrigant.

Effect of Camel Peptide on the Biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus Formed on Orthopedic Implants

The increasing bacterial drug resistance and the associated challenges in the treatment of infections warrant the search for alternative therapeutic methods. Hope is placed in antimicrobial peptides, which have a broad spectrum of action and are effective against strains which are resistant to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are also tested for their efficacy in the treatment of infections associated with the formation of biofilm. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of Camel peptide on S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus adhesion to and formation of biofilm on steel cortical bone screws and also on the process of reducing mature biofilm in orthopedic implants. The tests were performed on steel implants for osteosynthesis. The MIC value and MBEC values of the peptide were determined using the microdilution method in microtiter plates. The effect of the peptide on adhesion and biofilm formation, as well as on the activity on the preformed biofilm, was evaluated using quantitative methods and confocal microscopy. The presented research results indicate that the peptide exhibits very good antimicrobial properties against the analyzed strains. Concentrations above MIC reduced biofilm in the range of 90-99%.

Surface adherence and vacuolar internalization of bacterial pathogens to the Candida spp. cells: Mechanism of persistence and propagation

BACKGROUND

The co-existence of Candida albicans with the bacteria in the host tissues and organs displays interactions at competitive, antagonistic, and synergistic levels. Several pathogenic bacteria take advantage of such types of interaction for their survival and proliferation. The chemical interaction involves the signaling molecules produced by the bacteria or Candida spp., whereas the physical attachment occurs by involving the surface proteins of the bacteria and Candida. In addition, bacterial pathogens have emerged to internalize inside the C. albicans vacuole, which is one of the inherent properties of the endosymbiotic relationship between the bacteria and the eukaryotic host.

AIM OF REVIEW

The interaction occurring by the involvement of surface protein from diverse bacterial species with Candida species has been discussed in detail in this paper. An in silico molecular docking study was performed between the surface proteins of different bacterial species and Als3P of C. albicans to explain the molecular mechanism involved in the Als3P-dependent interaction. Furthermore, in order to understand the specificity of C. albicans interaction with Als3P, the evolutionary relatedness of several bacterial surface proteins has been investigated. Furthermore, the environmental factors that influence bacterial pathogen internalization into the Candida vacuole have been addressed. Moreover, the review presented future perspectives for disrupting the cross-kingdom interaction and eradicating the endosymbiotic bacterial pathogens.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

With the involvement of cross-kingdom interactions and endosymbiotic relationships, the bacterial pathogens escape from the environmental stresses and the antimicrobial activity of the host immune system. Thus, the study of interactions between Candida and bacterial pathogens is of high clinical significance.

Recent Progress in the Characterization, Synthesis, Delivery Procedures, Treatment Strategies, and Precision of Antimicrobial Peptides

Infectious diseases are constantly evolving to bypass antibiotics or create resistance against them. There is a piercing alarm for the need to improve the design of new effective antimicrobial agents such as antimicrobial peptides which are less prone to resistance and possess high sensitivity. This would guard public health in combating and overcoming stubborn pathogens and mitigate incurable diseases; however, the emergence of antimicrobial peptides' shortcomings ranging from untimely degradation by enzymes to difficulty in the design against specific targets is a major bottleneck in achieving these objectives. This review is aimed at highlighting the recent progress in antimicrobial peptide development in the area of nanotechnology-based delivery, selectivity indices, synthesis and characterization, their doping and coating, and the shortfall of these approaches. This review will raise awareness of antimicrobial peptides as prospective therapeutic agents in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, such as the sensitive treatment of diseases and their utilization. The knowledge from this development would guide the future design of these novel peptides and allow the development of highly specific, sensitive, and accurate antimicrobial peptides to initiate treatment regimens in patients to enable them to have accommodating lifestyles.

Silkworm model of biofilm formation: In vivo evaluation of antimicrobial tolerance of a cross-kingdom dual-species (Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) biofilm on catheter material

Biofilms are formed by microorganisms and their products on the surface of materials such as medical devices. Biofilm formation protects microorganisms from antimicrobial agents. Bacteria and fungi often form dual-species biofilms on the surfaces of medical devices in clinical settings. An experimental system to evaluate in vivo biofilm formation by the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans was established using silkworms inserted with polyurethane fiber (PF), a catheter material. In the present study, we established an in vivo experimental system using silkworms to evaluate the antimicrobial tolerance of Escherichia coli in single- and dual-species biofilms formed on the surface of the PF. The injection of E. coli into the PF-inserted silkworms led to the formation of a biofilm by E. coli on the surface of the PF. E. coli in the biofilm exhibited tolerance to meropenem (MEPM). Furthermore, when E. coli and C. albicans were co-inoculated into the PF-inserted silkworms, a dual-species biofilm formed on the surface of the PF. E. coli in the dual-species biofilm with C. albicans was more tolerant to MEPM than E. coli in the single-species biofilm. These findings suggest the usefulness of an in vivo experimental system using PF-inserted silkworms to investigate the mechanisms of MEPM tolerance in E. coli in single- and dual-species biofilms.

Alterations in Antibiotic Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Dual Species Biofilms

In the last decades, it has been shown that biofilm-associated infections in most cases are caused by rather two or even more pathogens than by single microorganisms. Due to intermicrobial interactions in mixed communities, bacteria change their gene expression profile, in turn leading to alterations in the biofilm structure and properties, as well as susceptibility to antimicrobials. Here, we report the alterations of antimicrobials efficiency in mixed biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus-Klebsiella pneumoniae in comparison with mono-species biofilms of each counterpart and discuss possible mechanisms of these alterations. In cell clumps detached from dual-species biofilms, S. aureus became insensitive to vancomycin, ampicillin, and ceftazidime compared to solely S. aureus cell clumps. In turn, the increased efficiency of amikacin and ciprofloxacin against both bacteria could be observed, compared to mono-species biofilms of each counterpart. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy indicate the porous structure of the dual-species biofilm, and differential fluorescent staining revealed an increased number of polysaccharides in the matrix, in turn leading to more loose structure and thus apparently providing increased permeability of the dual-species biofilm to antimicrobials. The qRT-PCR showed that ica operon in S. aureus became repressed in mixed communities, and polysaccharides are produced mainly by K. pneumoniae. While the molecular trigger of these changes remains undiscovered, detailed knowledge of the alterations in antibiotic susceptibility to given drugs opens doors for treatment correction options for S. aureus-K. pneumoniae biofilm-associated infections.

Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles with an Emergent Class of Azoimidazoles

The combination of two or more agents capable of acting in synergy has been reported as a valuable tool to fight against pathogens. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) present a strong antimicrobial action, although their cytotoxicity for healthy cells at active concentrations is a major concern. Azoimidazole moieties exhibit interesting bioactivities, including antimicrobial activity. In this work, a class of recently described azoimidazoles with strong antifungal activity was conjugated with citrate or polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized AgNPs. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance was used to confirm the purity of the compounds before further tests and atomic absorption spectroscopy to verify the concentration of silver in the prepared dispersions. Other analytical techniques elucidate the morphology and stability of AgNPs and corresponding conjugates, namely ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, scanning transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis. The synergistic antimicrobial activity of the conjugates was assessed through a checkerboard assay against yeasts (Candida albicans and Candida krusei) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The conjugates showed improved antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms, in particular towards bacteria, with concentrations below their individual minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Furthermore, some combinations were found to be non-cytotoxic towards human HaCaT cells.

The anti-platelet drug ticlopidine inhibits FapC fibrillation and biofilm production: Highlighting its antibiotic activity

Multidrug resistance of bacteria and persistent infections related to biofilms, as well as the low availability of new antibacterial drugs, make it urgent to develop new antibiotics. Here, we evaluate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of ticlopidine (TP), an anti-platelet aggregation drug, TP showed antibacterial activity against both gram-positive (MRSA) and gram-negative (E. coli, and P. aeruginosa) bacteria over a long treatment period. TP significantly reduced the survival of gram-negative bacteria in human blood though impact on gram-positives was more limited. TP may cause death in MRSA by inhibiting staphyloxanthin pigment synthesis, leading to oxidative stress, while scanning electron microscopy imaging indicate a loss of membrane integrity, damage, and consequent death due to lysis in gram-negative bacteria. TP showed good anti-biofilm activity against P. aeruginosa and MRSA, and a stronger biofilm degradation activity on P. aeruginosa compared to MRSA. Measuring fluorescence of the amyloid-reporter Thioflavin T (ThT) in biofilm implicated inhibition of amyloid formation as part of TP activity. This was confirmed by assays on the purified protein in P. aeruginosa, FapC, whose fibrillation kinetics was inhibited by TP. TP prolonged the lag phase of aggregation and reduced the subsequent growth rate and prolonging the lag phase to very long times provides ample opportunity to exert TP's antibacterial effect. We conclude that TP shows activity as an antibiotic against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria thanks to a broad range of activities, targeting bacterial metabolic processes, cellular structures and the biofilm matrix.

Biofilms in Chronic Wound Infections: Innovative Antimicrobial Approaches Using the In Vitro Lubbock Chronic Wound Biofilm Model

Chronic wounds have harmful effects on both patients and healthcare systems. Wound chronicity is attributed to an impaired healing process due to several host and local factors that affect healing pathways. The resulting ulcers contain a wide variety of microorganisms that are mostly resistant to antimicrobials and possess the ability to form mono/poly-microbial biofilms. The search for new, effective and safe compounds to handle chronic wounds has come a long way throughout the history of medicine, which has included several studies and trials of conventional treatments. Treatments focus on fighting the microbial colonization that develops in the wound by multidrug resistant pathogens. The development of molecular medicine, especially in antibacterial agents, needs an in vitro model similar to the in vivo chronic wound environment to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. The Lubbock chronic wound biofilm (LCWB) model is an in vitro model developed to mimic the pathogen colonization and the biofilm formation of a real chronic wound, and it is suitable to screen the antibacterial activity of innovative compounds. In this review, we focused on the characteristics of chronic wound biofilms and the contribution of the LCWB model both to the study of wound poly-microbial biofilms and as a model for novel treatment strategies.

Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus aureus in the Specific Context of Cystic Fibrosis

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen whose characteristics support its success in various clinical settings including Cystic Fibrosis (CF). In CF, S. aureus is indeed the most commonly identified opportunistic pathogen in children and the overall population. S. aureus colonization/infection, either by methicillin-susceptible or methicillin-resistant strains, will become chronic in about one third of CF patients. The persistence of S. aureus in CF patients' lungs, despite various eradication strategies, is favored by several traits in both host and pathogen. Among the latter, living in biofilm is a highly protective way to survive despite deleterious environmental conditions, and is a common characteristic shared by the main pathogens identified in CF. This is why CF has earned the status of a biofilm-associated disease for several years now. Biofilm formation by S. aureus, and the molecular mechanisms governing and regulating it, have been extensively studied but have received less attention in the specific context of CF lungs. Here, we review the current knowledge on S. aureus biofilm in this very context, i.e., the importance, study methods, molecular data published on mono- and multi-species biofilm and anti-biofilm strategies. This focus on studies including clinical isolates from CF patients shows that they are still under-represented in the literature compared with studies based on reference strains, and underlines the need for such studies. Indeed, CF clinical strains display specific characteristics that may not be extrapolated from results obtained on laboratory strains.

Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms: Clinical Significance and Eradication Strategies

Biofilms are population of cells growing in a coordinated manner and exhibiting resistance towards hostile environments. The infections associated with biofilms are difficult to control owing to the chronicity of infections and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Most microbial infections are contributed by polymicrobial or mixed species interactions, such as those observed in chronic wound infections, otitis media, dental caries, and cystic fibrosis. This review focuses on the polymicrobial interactions among bacterial-bacterial, bacterial-fungal, and fungal-fungal aggregations based on in vitro and in vivo models and different therapeutic interventions available for polymicrobial biofilms. Deciphering the mechanisms of polymicrobial interactions and microbial diversity in chronic infections is very helpful in anti-microbial research. Together, we have discussed the role of metagenomic approaches in studying polymicrobial biofilms. The outstanding progress made in polymicrobial research, especially the model systems and application of metagenomics for detecting, preventing, and controlling infections, are reviewed.

Fast killing kinetics, significant therapeutic index, and high stability of melittin-derived antimicrobial peptide

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a major challenge for antimicrobial chemotherapy. Concerning this issue, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been presented as novel promising antibiotics. Our previous de novo designed melittin-derived peptides (MDP1 and MDP2) indicated their potential as peptide drug leads. Accordingly, this study was aimed to evaluate the kinetics of activity, toxicity, and stability of MDP1 and MDP2 as well as determination of their structures. The killing kinetics of MDP1 and MDP2 demonstrate that all bacterial strains were rapidly killed. MDP1 and MDP2 were ca. 100- and 26.6-fold less hemolytic than melittin and found to be respectively 72.9- and 41.6-fold less cytotoxic than melittin on the HEK293 cell line. MDP1 and MDP2 showed 252- and 132-fold improvement in their therapeutic index in comparison to melittin. MDP1 and MDP2 sustained their activities in the presence of human plasma and were found to be ca. four to eightfold more stable than melittin. Spectropolarimetry analysis of MDP1 and MDP2 indicates that the peptides adopt an alpha-helical structure predominantly. According to the fast killing kinetics, significant therapeutic index, and high stability of MDP1, it could be considered as a drug lead in a mouse model of septicemia infections.

New insights into the inhibitory roles and mechanisms of D-amino acids in bacterial biofilms in medicine, industry, and agriculture

Biofilms are complex aggregates of microbes that are tightly protected by an extracellular matrix (ECM) and may attach to a surface or adhere together. A higher persistence of bacteria on biofilms makes them resistant not only to harsh conditions but also to various antibiotics which led to the emergence of problems in different applications. Recently, it has been discovered that many bacteria produce and release various D-amino acids (D-AAs) to inhibit biofilm formation, which made a great deal of interest in research into the control of bacterial biofilms in diverse fields, such as human health, industrial settings, and medical devices. D-AAs have various mechanisms to inhibit bacterial biofilms such as: (i) interfering with protein synthesis (ii) Inhibition of extracellular polymeric materials (EPS) productions (protein, eDNA, and polysaccharide) (iii) Inhibition of quorum sensing (autoinducers), and (iv) interfere with peptidoglycan synthesis, these various modes of action, enables these small molecules to inhibit both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial biofilms. Since most biofilms are multi-species, D-AAs in combination with other antimicrobial agents are good choices to combat a variety of bacterial biofilms without displaying toxicity on human cells. This review article addressed the role of D-AAs in controlling several bacterial biofilms and described the possible or definite mechanisms involved in this process.

Antimicrobial Combined Action of Graphene Oxide and Light Emitting Diodes for Chronic Wound Management

Innovative non-antibiotic compounds such as graphene oxide (GO) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may represent a valid strategy for managing chronic wound infections related to resistant pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate 630 nm LED and 880 nm LED ability to enhance the GO antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus- and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-resistant strains in a dual-species biofilm in the Lubbock chronic wound biofilm (LCWB) model. The effect of a 630 nm LED, alone or plus 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALAD)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) (ALAD-PDT), or an 880 nm LED on the GO (50 mg/l) action was evaluated by determining the CFU/mg reductions, live/dead analysis, scanning electron microscope observation, and reactive oxygen species assay. Among the LCWBs, the best effect was obtained with GO irradiated with ALAD-PDT, with percentages of CFU/mg reduction up to 78.96% ± 0.21 and 95.17% ± 2.56 for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The microscope images showed a reduction in the cell number and viability when treated with GO + ALAD-PDT. In addition, increased ROS production was detected. No differences were recorded when GO was irradiated with an 880 nm LED versus GO alone. The obtained results suggest that treatment with GO irradiated with ALAD-PDT represents a valid, sustainable strategy to counteract the polymicrobial colonization of chronic wounds.

Efficacy and safety of ALA-PDT in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer with infection

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with infection is a major clinical issue, as the infection not only potentially devastate the wound healing, but also is the factor that most often leads to amputation. Nevertheless, traditional antibiotic treatment is often insufficient to clear the infection, which could lead to side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has broad-spectral antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, it is difficult to induce antibiotic resistance. Here, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in the treatment of DFUs with infection.

METHODS

In our study, 5 diabetic patients with infectious DFUs were diagnosed by pathological examination and the depth of wound was examined by X-Ray. All patients' wounds were firstly irradiated with 20% ALA-PDT (635 nm, 100 J/cm², 80 mW/cm²) using the red LED to control the infection. Treatment will be combined with debridement if there is granulation necrosis or secretion on the wound surface. PDT sessions were performed weekly in all patients until healing was achieved. All patients were followed up for 0.6-1.2 years after treatment.

RESULTS

In 5 patients, the DFUs with infection was completely controlled by ALA-PDT. There was no recurrence of DFUs in the follow-up of 0.9 years (range, 0.6-1.2 years) after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

ALA-PDT treatment for DFUs with infection show successful outcomes and might ultimately avoid amputation.

Rescuing humanity by antimicrobial peptides against colistin-resistant bacteria

Abstract

It has been about a century since the discovery of the first antibiotic, and during this period, several antibiotics were produced and marketed. The production of high-potency antibiotics against infections led to victories, but these victories were temporary. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have continued to the point that humanity today is almost helpless in the fight against infection. Researchers have predicted that by the middle of the new century, there will be a dark period after the production of antibiotics that doctors will encounter antibiotic-resistant infections for which there is no cure. Accordingly, researchers are looking for new materials with antimicrobial properties that will strengthen their ammunition to fight antibiotic-resistant infections. One of the most important alternatives to antibiotics introduced in the last three decades is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which affect a wide range of microbes. Due to their different antimicrobial properties from antibiotics, AMPs can fight and kill MDR, XDR, and colistin-resistant bacteria through a variety of mechanisms. Therefore, in this study, we intend to use the latest studies to give a complete description of AMPs, the importance of colistin-resistant bacteria, and their resistance mechanisms, and represent impact of AMPs on colistin-resistant bacteria.

Key points

• AMPs as limited options to kill colistin-resistant bacteria.

• Challenge of antibiotics resistance, colistin resistance, and mechanisms.

• What is AMPs in the war with colistin-resistant bacteria?

Emerging Concern with Imminent Therapeutic Strategies for Treating Resistance in Biofilm

Biofilm production by bacteria is presumed to be a survival strategy in natural environments. The production of biofilms is known to be influenced by a number of factors. This paper has precisely elaborated on the different factors that directly influence the formation of biofilm. Biofilm has serious consequences for human health, and a variety of infections linked to biofilm have emerged, rapidly increasing the statistics of antimicrobial resistance, which is a global threat. Additionally, to combat resistance in biofilm, various approaches have been developed. Surface modifications, physical removal, and the use of nanoparticles are the recent advances that have enabled drug discovery for treating various biofilm-associated infections. Progress in nanoparticle production has led to the development of a variety of biofilm-fighting strategies. We focus on the present and future therapeutic options that target the critical structural and functional characteristics of microbial biofilms, as well as drug tolerance mechanisms, such as the extracellular matrix, in this review.

Therapeutic Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Diabetes Mellitus

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently become widely publicized because they have the potential to function in alternative therapies as “natural” antibiotics, with their main advantage being a broad spectrum of activity. The potential for antimicrobial peptides to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported. In diabetes mellitus type I (T1D), cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) and mouse-β- defensin 14 (mBD14) are positively affected. Decreased levels of LL-37 and human neutrophil peptide 1-3 (HNP1-3) have been reported in diabetes mellitus type II (T2D) relative to healthy patients. Moreover, AMPs from amphibians and social wasps have antidiabetic effects. In infections occurring in patients with tuberculosis-diabetes or diabetic foot, granulysin, HNP1, HNP2, HNP3, human beta-defensin 2 (HBD2), and cathelicidins are responsible for pathogen clearance. An interesting alternative is also the use of modified M13 bacteriophages containing encapsulated AMPs genes or phagemids.

NMR Structure and Localization of the Host Defense Peptide ThanatinM21F in Zwitterionic Dodecylphosphocholine Micelle: Implications in Antimicrobial and Hemolytic Activity

Non-hemolytic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are vital lead molecules for the designing and development of peptide-based antibiotics. Thanatin a 21-amino acid long single disulfide bonded AMP is known to be highly non-hemolytic with a limited toxicity to human cells and model animals. Thanatin demonstrates a potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. A single mutated variant of thanatin replaced last residue Met21 to Phe or thanatin M21F has recently been found to be more active compared to the native peptide. In order to gain mechanistic insights toward bacterial cell lysis versus non-hemolysis, here, we report atomic resolution structure and mode insertion of thanatinM21F reconstituted into zwitterionic detergent micelle by use of solution NMR spectroscopy. The 3D structure of thanatinM21F in DPC micelle is defined by an anti-parallel β-sheet between residues I9-F21 with a central cationic loop, residues N12-R14. PRE NMR studies revealed hydrophobic core residues of thanatinM21F are deeply inserted in the DPC micelle, while residues at the extended N-terminal half of the peptide are appeared to be mostly surface localized. Marked structural differences of thanatin and thanatinM21F in negatively charged LPS and DPC micelle could be correlated with non-hemolytic and antibacterial activity.

A Review of Antimicrobial Activity of Dental Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Is There Any Potential?

Antimicrobial defense is an essential component of host-microbial homeostasis and contributes substantially to oral health maintenance. Dental mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess multilineage differentiation potential, immunomodulatory properties and play an important role in various processes like regeneration and disease progression. Recent studies show that dental MSCs might also be involved in antibacterial defense. This occurs by producing antimicrobial peptides or attracting professional phagocytic immune cells and modulating their activity. The production of antimicrobial peptides and immunomodulatory abilities of dental MSCs are enhanced by an inflammatory environment and influenced by vitamin D3. Antimicrobial peptides also have anti-inflammatory effects in dental MSCs and improve their differentiation potential. Augmentation of antibacterial efficiency of dental MSCs could broaden their clinical application in dentistry.

Antimicrobial peptides, conventional antibiotics, and their synergistic utility for the treatment of drug-resistant infections

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are important effector immune defense molecules in multicellular organisms. AMPs exert their antimicrobial activities through several mechanisms; thus far, induction of drug resistance through AMPs has been regarded as unlikely. Therefore, they have great potential as new generation antimicrobial agents. To date, more than 30 AMP-related drugs are in the clinical trial phase. In recent years, studies show that some AMPs and conventional antibiotics have synergistic effects. The combined use of AMPs and antibiotics can kill drug-resistant pathogens, prevent drug resistance, and significantly improve the therapeutic effects of antibiotics. In this review, we discuss the progress in synergistic studies on AMPs and conventional antibiotics. An overview of the current understanding of the functional scope of AMPs, ongoing clinical trials, and challenges in the development processes are also presented.

Multiple Antimicrobial Effects of Hybrid Peptides Synthesized Based on the Sequence of Ribosomal S1 Protein from Staphylococcus aureus

The need to develop new antimicrobial peptides is due to the high resistance of pathogenic bacteria to traditional antibiotics now and in the future. The creation of synthetic peptide constructs is a common and successful approach to the development of new antimicrobial peptides. In this work, we use a simple, flexible, and scalable technique to create hybrid antimicrobial peptides containing amyloidogenic regions of the ribosomal S1 protein from Staphylococcus aureus. While the cell-penetrating peptide allows the peptide to enter the bacterial cell, the amyloidogenic site provides an antimicrobial effect by coaggregating with functional bacterial proteins. We have demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of the R23F, R23DI, and R23EI hybrid peptides against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus. R23F, R23DI, and R23EI can be used as antimicrobial peptides against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria resistant to traditional antibiotics.

Bioactive cationic peptides as potential agents for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer continues to affect millions of women worldwide, and the number of new cases dramatically increases every year. The physiological causes behind the disease are still not fully understood. One in every 100 cases can occur in men, and although the frequency is lower than among women, men tend to have a worse prognosis of the disease. Various therapeutic alternatives to combat the disease are available. These depend on the type and progress of the disease, and include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several well-reported side effects of these treatments that have a significant impact on life quality, and patients either relapse or are refractory to treatment. This makes it necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. One promising initiative are bioactive peptides, which have emerged in recent years as a family of compounds with an enormous number of clinical applications due to their broad spectrum of activity. They are widely distributed in several organisms as part of their immune system. The antitumoral activity of these peptides lies in a nonspecific mechanism of action associated with their interaction with cancer cell membranes, inducing, through several routes, bilayer destabilization and cell death. This review provides an overview of the literature on the evaluation of cationic peptides as potential agents against breast cancer under different study phases. First, physicochemical characteristics such as the primary structure and charge are presented. Secondly, information about dosage, the experimental model used, and the mechanism of action proposed for the peptides are discussed.

Antimicrobial Activity of a Vaginal Gel Formulation: Considerations Related to Vaginal Infection and Dysbiosis

Many non-prescription preparations intended to treat or alleviate symptoms of vaginal infection are available in American and European markets, but many have scant preclinical or clinical research underpinning. Respecta^®Balance Gel (RBG) is marketed as an adjunct to probiotic treatment and its relevant antimicrobial properties were studied. Key findings with the manufacturer-supplied gel showed reduced turbidity in broth-dilution tests by 50% against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata at RBG concentrations 0.2-0.4% of neat product, respectively. A 50% reduction in turbidity of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis ranged from 1.6-2.2% and Gardnerella vaginalis was shown by flow cytometry counts to undergo a 50% reduction at 0.3% RBG. Propidium iodide staining indicated a rapid reduction of cell integrity of G. vaginalis almost immediately while after 4 h 45% of E. coli cells were stained. The lactic acid in BHI inhibited bacteria and yeast at concentrations ranging from 0.2-1.8% but inhibition was not solely due to pH since a 1:4 dilution of RBG resulted in a pH near neutral (6.75). Other findings showed biofilm accumulation assessed after 10-days exposure of Candida spp. to RBG and was reduced by an average of one-third (community strains) to one-half (drug-resistant strains). One excipient of the RBG, disodium EDTA, inhibited the growth of bacteria and yeast at concentrations below those present in RBG and may accentuate the activity of the host defense factor, lactoferrin. We conclude that RBG is a potent inhibitor of vaginal microorganisms relevant to vaginitis or intrapartum infections and contains excipients that may contribute to its antimicrobial activity.

Innate Immunity in the Middle Ear Mucosa

Otitis media (OM) encompasses a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from the readily identifiable Acute OM (AOM), which is characterised by otalgia and fever, to chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) where impaired hearing due to middle ear effusion may be the only clinical symptom. Chronic suppurative OM (CSOM) presents as a more severe form of OM, involving perforation of the tympanic membrane. The pathogenesis of OM in these varied clinical presentations is unclear but activation of the innate inflammatory responses to viral and/or bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract performs an integral role. This localised inflammatory response can persist even after pathogens are cleared from the middle ear, eustachian tubes and, in the case of respiratory viruses, even the nasal compartment. Children prone to OM may experience an over exuberant inflammatory response that underlies the development of chronic forms of OM and their sequelae, including hearing impairment. Treatments for chronic effusive forms of OM are limited, with current therapeutic guidelines recommending a "watch and wait" strategy rather than active treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Overall, there is a clear need for more targeted and effective treatments that either prevent or reduce the hyper-inflammatory response associated with chronic forms of OM. Improved treatment options rely upon an in-depth understanding of OM pathogenesis, particularly the role of the host innate immune response during acute OM. In this paper, we review the current literature regarding the innate immune response within the middle ear to bacterial and viral otopathogens alone, and as co-infections. This is an important consideration, as the role of respiratory viruses as primary pathogens in OM is not yet fully understood. Furthermore, increased reporting from PCR-based diagnostics, indicates that viral/bacterial co-infections in the middle ear are more common than bacterial infections alone. Increasingly, the mechanisms by which viral/bacterial co-infections may drive or maintain complex innate immune responses and inflammation during OM as a chronic response require investigation. Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic OM, including host innate immune response within the middle ear is vital for development of improved diagnostic and treatment options for our children.

Antimicrobial activity of synthetic antimicrobial peptides loaded in poly-Ɛ-caprolactone nanoparticles against mycobacteria and their functional synergy with rifampicin

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment has become a challenge because of the natural presence of multilayered cell wall rich in lipids which restrict antibiotic permeability within the bacteria. The development of mutations conferring resistance has aggravated the situation. Consequently, maximum pharmaceutical efforts are required to improve the treatment, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with antimycobacterial activity can be exploited as a new treatment strategy against TB. The synergistic interaction between conventional antibiotics and AMPs has broadened its application landscape. To overcome peptide instability and bioavailability issues, encapsulation of these bioactive in biocompatible polymers was adopted. In this study, the effect of synthetic AMPs HHC-8 [KIWWWWRKR] and MM-10 [MLLKKLLKKM] encapsulated in poly (ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (PCL-NPs) was evaluated against mycobacteria using REMA (Resazurin Microtiter Assay Plate) technique. PCL encapsulation allowed us to load the required amount of peptides, i.e. HHC-8 and MM-10, with an efficiency of ∼ 18.9 ± 5.24 and ∼ 21.1 ± 6.19 % respectively, and sphere size was around 376.5 ± 14.9 nm and 289.87 ± 17.98 nm for PCL-HHC-8-NPs and PCL-MM-10-NPs, respectively. Minimal degradation and sustained release of peptides from nanoparticles improved antimicrobial activity, decreasing the MIC₅₀ from 75 µg/ml to 18.75 µg/ml against M. smegmatis and from 75 µg/ml to 9 µg/ml against M. tuberculosis, respectively. The combinatorial MIC assays of encapsulated AMP with rifampicin antibiotics against M. smegmatis showed synergism between AMP-PCL-NPs and antibiotics with fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) around ∼ 0.09. The combinations of AMP NPs also demonstrated synergy against the mycobacteria. Our findings suggest that enhanced efficacy is due to protection offered by AMPs encapsulation resulting in augmentation of membrane permeation by AMPs and enhanced accumulation of antibiotics within mycobacteria resulting in synergy. The study findings might assist in the preclinical development of AMP for the fight against TB.

Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity of Analogs of Wasp Venom EMP Peptides. Potential Influence of Oxidized Methionine

The antibiotic and toxic properties for four synthetic analogs of eumenine mastoparan peptides (EMP) have been tested. These properties were compared to two natural peptides found in the venom of solitary wasps Anterhynchium flavomarginatum micado (natural peptide EMP-AF) and Eumenes rubrofemoratus (natural peptide EMP-ER), respectively. Only EMP-AF-OR showed concentration-dependent growth inhibition against all bacterial species tested. Gram positive species had MIC values of 10 μg/mL for B. subtilis and 25 μg/mL for S. aureus. Gram negative species had MIC values of 25 μg/mL for E. coli and 200 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa. Of the other tested peptides, EMP-ER-D2K2 also showed activity and inhibited growth of Bacillus subtilis in a concentration-dependent manner at 200 μg/mL. Peptide EMP-ER-OR reduced the final density of Escherichia coli and B. subtilis cultures but did not impact their growth kinetics. Peptides EMP-AF-OR, EMP-ER-OR, and EMP-ER-D2K2 showed limited antifungal activity against Candida albicans or Histoplasma capsulatum. The hemolytic activity of the analogs were moderated though reports of the natural peptides, especially EMP-AF-OR, already showed low toxicity against erythrocytes. These results are discussed in the context of the potential influence of oxidized methionine on EMP activity.

Pentadecanoic acid against Candida albicans-Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm: towards the development of an anti-biofilm coating to prevent polymicrobial infections

The ability to form biofilms is a common feature of microorganisms, which can colonize a variety of surfaces, such as host tissues and medical devices, resulting in infections highly resistant to conventional drugs. This aspect is particularly critical in polymicrobial biofilms involving both fungi and bacteria, therefore, to eradicate such severe infections, new and effective anti-biofilm strategies are needed. The efficacy of pentadecanal and pentadecanoic acid as anti-biofilm agents has been recently reported against different bacterial strains. Their chemical similarity with diffusible signal factors (DSFs), plus the already known ability of fatty acids to act as anti-biofilm agents, suggested to explore their use against Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae mixed biofilm. In this work, we demonstrated the ability of both molecules to prevent the formation and destabilize the structure of the dual-species biofilm. Moreover, the pentadecanoic acid anti-biofilm coating, previously developed through the adsorption of the fatty acid on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), was proved to prevent the polymicrobial biofilm formation in dynamic conditions by confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. Finally, the evaluation of the expression levels of some biofilm-related genes of C. albicans and K. pneumoniae treated with pentadecanoic acid provided some insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning its anti-biofilm effect.

Caerin 1.1 and 1.9 Peptides from Australian Tree Frog Inhibit Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Growth in a Murine Skin Infection Model

The host defense peptide caerin 1.9 was originally isolated from skin secretions of an Australian tree frog and inhibits the growth of a wide range of bacteria in vitro. In this study, we demonstrated that caerin 1.9 shows high bioactivity against several bacteria strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Streptococcus haemolyticus in vitro. Importantly, unlike the antibiotic Tazocin, caerin 1.9 does not induce bacterial resistance after 30 rounds of in vitro culture. Moreover, caerin 1.1, another peptide of the caerin family, has an additive antibacterial effect when used together with caerin 1.9. Furthermore, caerin 1.1 and 1.9 prepared in the form of a temperature-sensitive gel inhibit MRSA growth in a skin bacterial infection model of two murine strains. These results indicate that caerin 1.1 and 1.9 peptides could be considered an alternative for conventional antibiotics. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause severe problems in the clinic. We show in our paper that two short peptides isolated from an Australian frog and prepared in the form of a gel are able to inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in mice, and, unlike antibiotics, these peptides do not lead to the development of peptide-resistant bacteria strains.

Evaluation of Short-Chain Antimicrobial Peptides With Combined Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Bioactivities for the Treatment of Zoonotic Skin Pathogens From Canines

The incidence of zoonotic Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Microsporum canis infections is rapidly growing worldwide in the context of an increasing frequency of close contact between animals and humans, presenting challenges in both human and veterinary medicine. Moreover, the development of microbial resistance and emergence of recalcitrant biofilms, accompanied by the insufficiency of new antimicrobial agents, have become major obstacles in treating superficial skin infections caused by various microbes including S. pseudintermedius and M. canis. Over recent years, the prospects of antimicrobial peptides as emerging antimicrobials to combat microbial infections have been demonstrated. In our study, two novel short-chain peptides, namely, allomyrinasin and andricin B, produced by Allomyrina dichotoma and Andrias davidianus, were revealed to exhibit potent antimicrobial efficacy against clinical isolates of S. pseudintermedius and M. canis with remarkable and rapid fungicidal and bactericidal effects, while allomyrinasin exhibited inhibition of biofilm formation and eradication of mature biofilm. These peptides displayed synergistic activity when combined with amoxicillin and terbinafine against S. pseudintermedius and M. canis. Cytoplasmic leakage via cytomembrane permeabilization serves as a mechanism of action. Extremely low hemolytic activity and serum stability in vitro, as well as superior anti-infective efficacy in reducing bacterial counts and relieving the inflammatory response in vivo, were detected. The potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities of allomyrinasin and andricin B might indicate promising anti-infective alternatives for the treatment of S. pseudintermedius and M. canis infections in the context of human and veterinary medicine.

Improved eradication efficacy of a combination of newly identified antimicrobial agents in C. albicans and S. aureus mixed-species biofilm

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are common human pathogens, frequently isolated independently or co-isolated from bloodstream infections, and able to form dense polymicrobial biofilms on various medical devices resulting in strong resistance to conventionally used antimicrobials. New and innovative approaches are therefore needed to ensure the successful management of biofilm related infections. In this study, a chalcone-based derivative and a polycyclic anthracene-maleimide adduct, previously ascertained by us as inhibitors of C. albicans and S. aureus growths, respectively, were reconsidered in a new perspective by evaluating the efficacy of a combined treatment against a polymicrobial biofilm. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out to delve into their inhibitory potential on the polymicrobial population. Our results indicate that these newly identified antimicrobials are effective in reducing the biomass of the mixed C. albicans-S. aureus biofilm and the viability of fungal-bacterial cells within the polymicrobial community; in addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrate that compounds 1 and 2 treatment thoroughly modifies the architecture of the dual-species biofilm.

Identification of Amyloidogenic Regions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ribosomal S1 Protein

Bacterial S1 protein is a functionally important ribosomal protein. It is a part of the 30S ribosomal subunit and is also able to interact with mRNA and tmRNA. An important feature of the S1 protein family is a strong tendency towards aggregation. To study the amyloidogenic properties of S1, we isolated and purified the recombinant ribosomal S1 protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using the FoldAmyloid, Waltz, Pasta 2.0, and AGGRESCAN programs, amyloidogenic regions of the protein were predicted, which play a key role in its aggregation. The method of limited proteolysis in combination with high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis of the products, made it possible to identify regions of the S1 protein from P. aeruginosa that are protected from the action of proteinase K, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Sequences of theoretically predicted and experimentally identified amyloidogenic regions were used to synthesize four peptides, three of which demonstrated the ability to form amyloid-like fibrils, as shown by electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The identified amyloidogenic sites can further serve as a basis for the development of new antibacterial peptides against the pathogenic microorganism P. aeruginosa.

Bioactive coatings for dental implants: A review of alternative strategies to prevent peri-implantitis induced by anaerobic bacteria

Members of oral bacterial communities form biofilms not only on tooth surfaces but also on the surface of dental implants that replace natural teeth. Prolonged interaction of host cells with biofilm-forming anaerobes frequently elicits peri-implantitis, a destructive inflammatory disease accompanied by alveolar bone loss leading to implant failure. Here we wish to overview how the deposition of bioactive peptides to dental implant surfaces could potentially inhibit bacterial colonization and the development of peri-implantisis. One preventive strategy is based on natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) immobilized on titanium surfaces. AMPs are capable to destroy both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria directly. An alternative strategy aims at coating implant surfaces - especially the transmucosal part - with peptides facilitating the attachment of gingival epithelial cells and connective tissue cells. These cells produce AMPs and may form a soft tissue seal that prevents oral bacteria from accessing the apical part of the osseointegrated implant. Because a wide variety of titanium-bound peptides were studied in vitro, we wish to concentrate on bioactive peptides of human origin and some of their derivatives. Furthermore, special attention will be given to peptides effective under in vivo test conditions.

Selective Antimicrobial Therapies for Periodontitis: Win the "Battle and the War"

Traditional antimicrobial therapies for periodontitis (PD) have long focused on non-selective and direct approaches. Professional cleaning of the subgingival biofilm by instrumentation of dental root surfaces, known as scaling and root planning (SRP), is the mainstay of periodontal therapy and is indisputably effective. Non-physical approaches used as adjuncts to SRP, such as chemical and biological agents, will be the focus of this review. In this regard, traditional agents such as oral antiseptics and antibiotics, delivered either locally or systemically, were briefly reviewed as a backdrop. While generally effective in winning the “battle” against PD in the short term, by reducing its signs and symptoms, patients receiving such therapies are more susceptible to recurrence of PD. Moreover, the long-term consequences of such therapies are still in question. In particular, concern about chronic use of systemic antibiotics and their influence on the oral and gut microbiota is warranted, considering antibiotic resistance plasmids, and potential transfer between oral and non-oral microbes. In the interest of winning the “battle and the war”, new more selective and targeted antimicrobials and biologics for PD are being studied. These are principally indirect, blocking pathways involved in bacterial colonization, nutrient acquisition, inflammation or cellular invasion without directly killing the pathogens. This review will focus on current and prospective antimicrobial therapies for PD, emphasizing therapies that act indirectly on the microbiota, with clearly defined cellular and molecular targets.