Inhibition of Candida albicans CC biofilms formation in polystyrene plate surfaces by biosurfactant produced by Trichosporon montevideense CLOA72

Yeast biofilms on abiotic surfaces: Adhesion factors and control methods

Biofilms are highly resistant to antimicrobials and are a common problem in many industries, including pharmaceutical, food and beverage. Yeast biofilms can be formed by various yeast species, including Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Yeast biofilm formation is a complex process that involves several stages, including reversible adhesion, followed by irreversible adhesion, colonization, exopolysaccharide matrix formation, maturation and dispersion. Intercellular communication in yeast biofilms (quorum-sensing mechanism), environmental factors (pH, temperature, composition of the culture medium), and physicochemical factors (hydrophobicity, Lifshitz-van der Waals and Lewis acid-base properties, and electrostatic interactions) are essential to the adhesion process. Studies on the adhesion of yeast to abiotic surfaces such as stainless steel, wood, plastic polymers, and glass are still scarce, representing a gap in the field. The biofilm control formation can be a challenging task for food industry. However, some strategies can help to reduce biofilm formation, such as good hygiene practices, including regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. The use of antimicrobials and alternative methods to remove the yeast biofilms may also be helpful to ensure food safety. Furthermore, physical control measures such as biosensors and advanced identification techniques are promising for yeast biofilms control. However, there is a gap in understanding why some yeast strains are more tolerant or resistant to sanitization methods. A better understanding of tolerance and resistance mechanisms can help researchers and industry professionals to develop more effective and targeted sanitization strategies to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure product quality. This review aimed to identify the most important information about yeast biofilms in the food industry, followed by the removal of these biofilms by antimicrobial agents. In addition, the review summarizes the alternative sanitizing methods and future perspectives for controlling yeast biofilm formation by biosensors.

Counter-Acting Candida albicans-Staphylococcus aureus Mixed Biofilm on Titanium Implants Using Microbial Biosurfactants

This study aimed to grow a fungal-bacterial mixed biofilm on medical-grade titanium and assess the ability of the biosurfactant R89 (R89BS) coating to inhibit biofilm formation. Coated titanium discs (TDs) were obtained by physical absorption of R89BS. Candida albicans-Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on TDs was grown in Yeast Nitrogen Base, supplemented with dextrose and fetal bovine serum, renewing growth medium every 24 h and incubating at 37 °C under agitation. The anti-biofilm activity was evaluated by quantifying total biomass, microbial metabolic activity and microbial viability at 24, 48, and 72 h on coated and uncoated TDs. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate biofilm architecture. R89BS cytotoxicity on human primary osteoblasts was assayed on solutions at concentrations from 0 to 200 μg/mL and using eluates from coated TDs. Mixed biofilm was significantly inhibited by R89BS coating, with similar effects on biofilm biomass, cell metabolic activity and cell viability. A biofilm inhibition >90% was observed at 24 h. A lower but significant inhibition was still present at 48 h of incubation. Viability tests on primary osteoblasts showed no cytotoxicity of coated TDs. R89BS coating was effective in reducing C. albicans-S. aureus mixed biofilm on titanium surfaces and is a promising strategy to prevent dental implants microbial colonization.

Evaluation of in vitro Antifungal Activity of Xylosma prockia (Turcz.) Turcz. (Salicaceae) Leaves Against Cryptococcus spp

Cryptococcus species are responsible for important systemic mycosis and are estimated to cause millions of new cases annually. The available therapy is limited due to the high toxicity and the increasing rates of yeast resistance to antifungal drugs. Popularly known as “sucará,” Xylosma prockia (Turcz.) Turcz. (Salicaceae) is a native plant from Brazil with little information on its pharmacological potential. In this work, we evaluated in vitro anticryptococcal effects of the leaf ethanolic extract of X. prockia and its fractions against Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans. We also evaluated phenotypic alterations caused by ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) (chosen according to its biological results). The liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of EAF demonstrated the presence of phenolic metabolites that belong to three structurally related groups as majority compounds: caffeoylquinic acid, coumaroyl-glucoside, and caffeoyl-glucoside/deoxyhexosyl-caffeoyl glucoside derivatives. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against C. gattii and C. neoformans ranged from 8 to 64 mg/L and from 0.5 to 8 mg/L, for ethanolic extract and EAF, respectively. The EAF triggered an oxidative burst and promoted lipid peroxidation. EAF also induced a reduction of ergosterol content in the pathogen cell membrane. These effects were not associated with alterations in the cell surface charge or in the thermodynamic fingerprint of the molecular interaction between EAF and the yeasts evaluated. Cytotoxic experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) demonstrated that EAF was more selective for yeasts than was PBMCs. The results may provide evidence that X. prockia leaf extract might indeed be a potential source of antifungal agents.

Antifungal and Antivirulence Activity of Vaginal Lactobacillus Spp. Products against Candida Vaginal Isolates

Candida yeasts are generally found in the vaginal microbiota; however, disruption of the balance maintained by host factors and microorganisms results in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). This study evaluated the antagonistic activity of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. on Candida albicans to verify whether active compounds of Lactobacillus spp. had antifungal and antivirulence activity. The antagonism assay showed that 15 out of 20 Lactobacillus strains had an inhibitory effect on C. albicans. Biosurfactants displayed surface-tension-reducing activity, with the best value obtained for Lactobacillus gasseri 1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356, and Lactobacillus paracasei 11 produced biosurfactants that decreased C. albicans adhesion and disrupted biofilm formation. The best results were obtained in the pre-incubation assay for L. gasseri 1 and L. paracasei 11. Overall, Lactobacillus strains showed significant anti-Candida activity, and their biosurfactants exhibited considerable anti-adhesion and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. To be considered safe for use in vivo, the safety of biosurfactant (BS) should be investigated using cytotoxicity assays.

Biological and physicochemical properties of biosurfactants produced by Lactobacillus jensenii P6A and Lactobacillus gasseri P65

Background

Lactobacillus species produce biosurfactants that can contribute to the bacteria’s ability to prevent microbial infections associated with urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts and the skin. Here, we described the biological and physicochemical properties of biosurfactants produced by Lactobacillus jensenii P_6A and Lactobacillus gasseri P₆₅.

Results

The biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P_6A and L. gasseri P₆₅ reduced the water surface tension from 72 to 43.2 mN m⁻¹ and 42.5 mN m⁻¹ as their concentration increased up to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of 7.1 and 8.58 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. Maximum emulsifying activity was obtained at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg mL⁻¹ for the P_6A and P₆₅ strains, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data revealed that the biomolecules consist of a mixture of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis of L. jensenii P_6A biosurfactant showed a major peak for 14-methypentadecanoic acid, which was the main fatty acid present in the biomolecule; conversely, eicosanoic acid dominated the biosurfactant produced by L. gasseri P₆₅. Although both biosurfactants contain different percentages of the sugars galactose, glucose and ribose; rhamnose was only detected in the biomolecule produced by L. jensenii P_6A. Emulsifying activities were stable after a 60-min incubation at 100 °C, at pH 2–10, and after the addition of potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, but not in the presence of sodium chloride. The biomolecules showed antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, with MIC values of 16 µg mL⁻¹, and against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae at 128 µg mL⁻¹. The biosurfactants also disrupted preformed biofilms of microorganisms at varying concentrations, being more efficient against E. aerogenes (64%) (P_6A biosurfactant), and E. coli (46.4%) and S. saprophyticus (39%) (P₆₅ biosurfactant). Both strains of lactobacilli could also co-aggregate pathogens.

Conclusions

This report presents the first characterization of biosurfactants produced by L. jensenii P_6A and L. gasseri P₆₅. The antimicrobial properties and stability of these biomolecules indicate their potential use as alternative antimicrobial agents in the medical field for applications against pathogens that are responsible for infections in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and the skin.

Diverse effects of a biosurfactant from Rhodococcus ruber IEGM 231 on the adhesion of resting and growing bacteria to polystyrene

This study evaluated the effects of a trehalolipid biosurfactant produced by Rhodococcus ruber IEGM 231 on the bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the surface of polystyrene microplates. The adhesion of Gram-positive (Arthrobacter simplex, Bacillus subtilis, Brevibacterium linens, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Micrococcus luteus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescencens) bacteria correlated differently with the cell hydrophobicity and surface charge. In particular, exponentially growing bacterial cells with increased hydrophobicities adhered stronger to polystyrene compared to more hydrophilic stationary phase cells. Also, a moderate correlation (0.56) was found between zeta potential and adhesion values of actively growing bacteria, suggesting that less negatively charged cells adhered stronger to polystyrene. Efficient biosurfactant concentrations (10-100 mg/L) were determined, which selectively inhibited (up to 76 %) the adhesion of tested bacterial cultures, however without inhibiting their growth. The biosurfactant was more active against growing bacteria rather than resting cells, thus showing high biofilm-preventing properties. Contact angle measurements revealed more hydrophilic surface of the biosurfactant-covered polystyrene compared to bare polystyrene, which allowed less adhesion of hydrophobic bacteria. Furthermore, surface free-energy calculations showed a decrease in the Wan der Waals (γ(LW)) component and an increase in the acid-based (γ(AB)) component caused by the biosurfactant coating of polysterene. However, our results suggested that the biosurfactant inhibited the adhesion of bacteria independently on their surface charges. AFM scanning revealed three-type biosurfactant structures (micelles, cord-like assemblies and large vesicles) formed on glass, depending on concentrations used, that could lead to diverse anti-adhesive effects against different bacterial species.

Natural Sources as Innovative Solutions Against Fungal Biofilms

Fungal cells are capable of adhering to biotic and abiotic surfaces and form biofilms containing one or more microbial species that are microbial reservoirs. These biofilms may cause chronic and acute infections. Fungal biofilms related to medical devices are particularly responsible for serious infections such as candidemia. Nowadays, only a few therapeutic agents have demonstrated activities against fungal biofilms in vitro and/or in vivo. So the discovery of new anti-biofilm molecules is definitely needed. In this context, biodiversity is a large source of original active compounds including some that have already proven effective in therapies such as antimicrobial compounds (antibacterial or antifungal agents). Bioactive metabolites from natural sources, useful for developing new anti-biofilm drugs, are of interest. In this chapter, the role of molecules isolated from plants, lichens, algae, microorganisms, or from animal or human origin in inhibition and/or dispersion of fungal biofilms (especially Candida and Aspergillus biofilms) is discussed. Some essential oils, phenolic compounds, saponins, peptides and proteins and alkaloids could be of particular interest in fighting fungal biofilms.

Isolation and functional characterization of novel biosurfactant produced by Enterococcus faecium

The objective of the present study was to isolate the biosurfactant (BS) producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from traditional fermented food (buttermilk) and its functional and structural characterization. BS isolated from strain MRTL9 reduced surface tension from 72.0 to 40.2 mN m(-1). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of BS was 2.25 mg ml(-1) with emulsification efficiency (E24) after 24 h of 64% against kerosene oil. The cell bound BS was partially purified by silica gel column chromatography and found as glycolipid. The gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy data revealed the fatty acid as hexadecanoic acid. Xylose was determined as hydrophilic moiety. The BS was found to be stable to pH changes over a range of 4.0-12.0, being most effective at pH 7 and showed no apparent loss of surface tension and emulsification efficiency after heat treatment at 120°C for 15 min. The outcomes of cellular toxicity showed lower toxicity of BS in comparison to SDS and rhamnolipids. Current study confirmed the preventive anti-adhesion activity of BS. These amphiphilic molecules, interferes with the microbial adhesion and found to be least cytotoxic with cellular compatibility with mouse fibroblasts cells.

Assessing Bacillus subtilis biosurfactant effects on the biodegradation of petroleum products

Microbial pollutant removal capabilities can be determined and exploited to accomplish bioremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted environments. Thus, increasing knowledge on environmental behavior of different petroleum products can lead to better bioremediation strategies. Biodegradation can be enhanced by adding biosurfactants to hydrocarbon-degrading microorganism consortia. This work aimed to improve petroleum products biodegradation by using a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis. The produced biosurfactant was added to biodegradation assays containing crude oil, diesel, and kerosene. Biodegradation was monitored by a respirometric technique capable of evaluating CO₂ production in an aerobic simulated wastewater environment. The biosurfactant yielded optimal surface tension reduction (30.9 mN m(-1)) and emulsification results (46.90% with kerosene). Biodegradation successfully occurred and different profiles were observed for each substance. Precise mathematical modeling of biosurfactant effects on petroleum degradation profile was designed, hence allowing long-term kinetics prediction. Assays containing biosurfactant yielded a higher overall CO₂ output. Higher emulsification and an enhanced CO2 production dataset on assays containing biosurfactants was observed, especially in crude oil and kerosene.

Structural and thermodynamic characterization of doxycycline/β-cyclodextrin supramolecular complex and its bacterial membrane interactions

Doxycycline is a semi-synthetic antibiotic commonly used for the treatment of many aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and affects cell proliferation. In this study, the structural and thermodynamic parameters of free DOX and a DOX/βCD complex were investigated, as well as their interactions and effects on Staphylococcus aureus cells and cellular cytotoxicity. Complexation of DOX and βCD was confirmed to be an enthalpy- and entropy-driven process, and a low equilibrium constant was obtained. Treatment of S. aureus with higher concentrations of DOX or DOX/βCD resulted in an exponential decrease in S. aureus cell size, as well as a gradual neutralization of zeta potential. These thermodynamic profiles suggest that ion-pairing and hydrogen bonding interactions occur between DOX and the membrane of S. aureus. In addition, the adhesion of βCD to the cell membrane via hydrogen bonding is hypothesized to mediate a synergistic effect which accounts for the higher activity of DOX/βCD against S. aureus compared to pure DOX. Lower cytotoxicity and induction of osteoblast proliferation was also associated with DOX/βCD compared with free DOX. These promising findings demonstrate the potential for DOX/βCD to mediate antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations, and provides a strategy for the development of other antimicrobial formulations.

Cell aggregations in yeasts and their applications

Yeasts can display four types of cellular aggregation: sexual, flocculation, biofilm formation, and filamentous growth. These cell aggregations arise, in some yeast strains, as a response to environmental or physiological changes. Sexual aggregation is part of the yeast mating process, representing the first step of meiotic recombination. The flocculation phenomenon is a calcium-dependent asexual reversible cellular aggregation that allows the yeast to withstand adverse conditions. Biofilm formation consists of multicellular aggregates that adhere to solid surfaces and are embedded in a protein matrix; this gives the yeast strain either the ability to colonize new environments or to survive harsh environmental conditions. Finally, the filamentous growth is the ability of some yeast strains to grow in filament forms. Filamentous growth can be attained by two different means, with the formation of either hyphae or pseudohyphae. Both hyphae and pseudohyphae arise when the yeast strain is under nutrient starvation conditions and they represent a means for the microbial strain to spread over a wide area to survey for food sources, without increasing its biomass. Additionally, this filamentous growth is also responsible for the invasive growth of some yeast.

Variation in adhesion and germ tube formation of oral Candida using Egyptian propolis

Adhesion of Candida cells to surfaces is considered the first step in colonization. Some natural products, such as propolis, could be used to block cell adhesion and therefore preventing colonization. In this study, Egyptian propolis ethanol extract concentrations in the range of 25 to 125 ng/μL were used to inhibit the adhesion of oral Candida. The exopolysaccharides showed a 2.5-fold decrease, while the surface-bound exopolysaccharides showed only about 1.15-fold decrease. On the other hand, surface-bound proteins decreased by 7.5-fold upon the addition of 75 ng/μL propolis. The inhibition of adhesion was detected by scanning electron microscopy. The non-slip incubation assay showed a significant decrease in germ tube formation (GTF) compared with an increase upon the addition of fetal bovine serum and corn meal, both of which had a positive effect on GTF compared with a negative GTF effect when using propolis, suggesting that propolis could be considered a quorum-sensing molecule. The use of propolis would help in maintaining the cleanliness of dental fixtures and (or) treating recurrent candidiasis as a complementary and alternative treatment, especially in elders and immunocompromised patients.