Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is of great concern to global health. Biofilm formation is usually involved in increasing bacterial resistance. With regard to this, the development of new antimicrobial and anti-biofilm molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), is of pivotal importance. AMPs are effector molecules of the innate immune system of Mammalia that present biocidal activity. Because of their properties (e.g., low propensity for developing bacterial resistance, broad antimicrobial spectrum activity, synergy with common antimicrobials) are emerging tools to contrast antimicrobial resistance and to control microbial biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus is an ubiquitous worldwide-distributed pathogen responsible for both nosocomial infections and food poisoning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial action of HCAT, a novel AMP obtained by modifying the cathelicidin-derived peptide IDR-1018, against biofilms of S. aureus. S. aureus ATCC 35556 (a well-known strong biofilm producer) was used in this study. The antimicrobial activity of HCAT (80 ?mol/L) was measured with Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) assay at different treatment time-points (24, 48, and 72 H) against 24 hours-old biofilms, obtained using two different initial inoculum concentrations (105 and 103 cfu/ml). Results showed anti-biofilm activity of HCAT against S. aureus. In details, 6.14±0.17 Log10 cfu/peg, and 5.57±0.23 Log10 cfu/peg reductions were observed following treatment at different time-points against staphylococcal biofilms grown starting from 105 and 103 cfu/ml initial inoculum concentration, respectively. Interestingly, the characterization of HCAT showed a remarkable stability under a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. Although further studies are necessary to confirm these initial findings, our results suggest that HCAT might represent a useful alternative to commonly used antimicrobials to contrast biofilms. Furthermore, because of its properties, HCAT might be involved in a wide range of applications in both food and healthcare industries.
EVALUATION OF THE ACTIVITY OF A NOVEL ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BIOFILMS
Marco Balestrieri;Gianna Palmieri
2018
Abstract
Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is of great concern to global health. Biofilm formation is usually involved in increasing bacterial resistance. With regard to this, the development of new antimicrobial and anti-biofilm molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), is of pivotal importance. AMPs are effector molecules of the innate immune system of Mammalia that present biocidal activity. Because of their properties (e.g., low propensity for developing bacterial resistance, broad antimicrobial spectrum activity, synergy with common antimicrobials) are emerging tools to contrast antimicrobial resistance and to control microbial biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus is an ubiquitous worldwide-distributed pathogen responsible for both nosocomial infections and food poisoning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial action of HCAT, a novel AMP obtained by modifying the cathelicidin-derived peptide IDR-1018, against biofilms of S. aureus. S. aureus ATCC 35556 (a well-known strong biofilm producer) was used in this study. The antimicrobial activity of HCAT (80 ?mol/L) was measured with Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) assay at different treatment time-points (24, 48, and 72 H) against 24 hours-old biofilms, obtained using two different initial inoculum concentrations (105 and 103 cfu/ml). Results showed anti-biofilm activity of HCAT against S. aureus. In details, 6.14±0.17 Log10 cfu/peg, and 5.57±0.23 Log10 cfu/peg reductions were observed following treatment at different time-points against staphylococcal biofilms grown starting from 105 and 103 cfu/ml initial inoculum concentration, respectively. Interestingly, the characterization of HCAT showed a remarkable stability under a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. Although further studies are necessary to confirm these initial findings, our results suggest that HCAT might represent a useful alternative to commonly used antimicrobials to contrast biofilms. Furthermore, because of its properties, HCAT might be involved in a wide range of applications in both food and healthcare industries.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
