Inhibition of Bacterial Biofilm Formation by Phytotherapeutics with Focus on Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

: Bacteria within biofilms are more resistant to antibiotics and chemical agents than planktonic bacteria in suspension. Treatment of biofilm-associated infections inevitably involves high dosages and prolonged courses of antimicrobial agents; therefore, there is a potential risk of the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Due to the high prevalence of AMR and its association with biofilm formation, investigation of more effective anti-biofilm agents is required. : From ancient times, herbs and spices have been used to preserve foods, and their antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing properties are well known. Moreover, phytochemicals exert their anti-biofilm properties at sub-inhibitory concentrations without providing the opportunity for the emergence of resistant bacteria or harming the host microbiota. : With increasing scientific attention to natural phytotherapeutic agents, numerous experimental investigations have been conducted in recent years. The present paper aims to review the articles published in the last decade in order to summarize a) our current understanding of AMR in correlation with biofilm formation and b) the evidence of phytotherapeutic agents against bacterial biofilms and their mechanisms of action. The main focus has been put on herbal anti-biofilm compounds tested to date in association with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and food-borne pathogens (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli).

Evaluation of the antibacterial effects and mechanism of Plantaricin 149 from Lactobacillus plantarum NRIC 149 on the peri-implantitis pathogens

“…However, eighty percent of bacterial infections are related to the formation of bacterial biofilm, traditional antibacterial drugs could not permeate into the bacterial biofilm. Compared with planktonic bacteria, bacterial biofilm is 10–1000 times more resistant to antibiotics, which is the main cause of current bacterial drug resistance 32 . Metabolic regulation between distant bacteria in biofilms may involve electrochemical communication 33 .…”

Relapsing cellulitis associated with Campylobacter coli bacteremia in a Good’s syndrome patient: a case report

“…Azithromycin used in our patient failed to eradicate C. coli in the blood. Inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation may be helpful for overcoming antimicrobial resistance and eliminating C. coli in the body [ 17 ]. Carbapenem is recommended for empirical treatment of Campylobacter bacteremia, however, C. coli has been shown elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations to meropenem in a patient with XLA due to overuse [ 12 ].…”

Mechanism of Eucalyptus Volatile Oil Application for Preventing and Treating Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection in Vitro

“…Furthermore, SEM results revealed that bacterial bio lm formation can be delayed after exposing the PA to the eucalyptus volatile oil. Bio lm formation is closely related to bacterial resistance (17)(18)(19)(20). Hence, destroying drug resistance is one of the mechanisms of the eucalyptus volatile oil that can be used in clinical bacterial treatment.…”