Biofilm Inhibitory Effect of Spirulina platensis Extracts on Bacteria of Clinical Significance

Abstract

Spirulina platensis is one of the most potential microalgae explored for antibacterial, antiviral and anticancerous properties. However, its antibiofilm potential has not been studied. Biofilms are of significant interest as they confer resistance towards antimicrobials and host immunity both in diverse group of bacteria. Exploring Spirulina towards the biofilm would give an easy way of treatment against bacterial pathogens. In this milieu, the antibiofilm potentials of organic extracts prepared from S. platensis was revealed. The results clearly showed that methanolic extract of S. platensis at a concentration of 100 ng mL -1 efficiently inhibited the biofilms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC17802), Chromobacterium violaceum (ATCC 12742) and Vibrio alginolyticus (ATCC17749) about 90, 89 and 88 % respectively. Significant reduction in cell surface hydrophobicity was documented for Aeromonas hydrophila (MTCC1739), Escherichia coli (MTCC 739) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96 and 2940). Besides the inhibition of extracellular polymeric substances in A. hydrophila (MTCC1739) and S. aureus (MTCC2940) was about 88 and 71 % respectively. The availability of Spirulina as nutritious food makes it as a foremost contender against bacterial biofilm. The present study reveals the antibiofilm potential of S. platensis against a broad spectrum of both Gram Positive and Gram Negative bacteria. S. platensis effectively inhibited the biofilm of Vibro spp., a major menace in aquaculture industries. Further characterization and purification of the active compounds could be a major remedy against biofilm forming bacteria.

Edible Seaweeds and Spirulina Extracts for Food Application: In Vitro and In Situ Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity towards Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria

“…These results confirm those from other studies, in which the highest antimicrobial activity of seaweed extracts is found against Gram positive bacteria [ 43 , 57 ]. A. platensis has been studied as a valuable source of antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant compounds but its activity is variable and dependent on the extractive solvent [ 58 , 59 , 60 ]. This cyanobacterium, commercially known as Spirulina, is used in food formulations or as a food supplement [ 6 , 61 ] and in health products [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ], because of its composition rich in proteins and small peptides.…”

Spirulina platensis sustainable lipid extracts in alginate-based nanocarriers: An algal approach against biofilms

“…Marangoni et al [11] recently investigated the in vitro antifungal activity of a water-extract of S. platensis against 11 strains of C. albicans and reported minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC50) ranging from 0.125 to 0.5 mg/mL. Lewis Oscar et al [12] recently investigated the anti-biofilm effect of S. platensis methanol extract against numerous bacteria of clinical importance, including S. aureus and Escherichia coli and reported promising results. To our knowledge, no data is available regarding the anti-biofilm interest of S. platensis against C. albicans or S. platensis lipid extract as anti-adhesion agent.…”

Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Application of Silver Nanoparticles

“…LewisOscar et al [343] demonstrated in vitro study of AgNPs synthesized by Spirulina platensis tested against biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. The authors reported that 100 µg/mL showed the maximum inhibition, 85.63% of biofilm formation and can be a potential coating medical device such as urinary catheter.…”