Biofilm formation of meat-borne Salmonella enterica and inhibition by the cell-free supernatant from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The aprD-mutated strain modulates the development of Pseudomonas fragi population but has limited effects on the spoilage profiles of native residents

Extracellular enzymes produced by predominant bacteria exert important roles in inducing and accelerating spoilage, with their secretion regulated by specific genes. In Pseudomonas fragi, the aprD gene is a recognized regulator for secreting an alkaline extracellular protease. However, limited studies have focused on this gene in P. fragi population and its impact on meat microbial community structure and function. This study addressed this gap by monitoring the changes in biological properties of P. fragi populations and analyzing the discrepancies in spoilage phenotypes and microbial community structures of chilled chicken among groups differentiated by the initial prevalence of aprD-positive strains. The results showed that aprD-positive strains were disseminated in P. fragi populations, and its prevalence was associated with significant increases in swimming motility and biofilm formation capacities in specific groups. In situ contamination experiments revealed varying spoilage characteristics and community compositions among groups by day 3 of storage. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong association between spoilage phenotypes and certain bacterial genera, such as Pseudomonadaceae_Pseudomonas and Carnobacterium. However, the microbial community structure and spoilage characteristics of samples from each group were not significantly different on the 5th day of storage. These findings suggest that even a small number of aprD mutants can significantly affect the assembly of the chilled meat microbial community. Nonetheless, the regulatory effect of aprD on spoilage at the strain and population levels of P. fragi is negligible in the context of complex natural microbiota. This work underscores the complex interactions between specific bacterial genes and the broader microbial ecology in refrigerated meat environments, providing deeper insights into the meat spoilage mechanisms.

Integrated in-package treatment of hydrogen peroxide and cold plasma for microbial inactivation of cabbage slices

The efficacy of an in-package microbial inactivation method, combining H2O2 and atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (ADCP) treatments (H2O2-ADCP), in reducing contamination of Brassica oleracea (cabbage) slices was investigated. Cabbage slices were placed in a polyethylene terephthalate container with a H2O2-soaked polypropylene pad attached to the inside of the lid, followed by subjecting the closed container to ADCP treatment. The H2O2-ADCP treatment inactivated Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes, resulting in reductions of 1.8 and 2.0 log CFU/g, respectively, which were greater than the sum of the inactivation effects observed with each individual treatment. The combined treatment decreased the count of Bacillus cereus spores and indigenous bacteria by 1.0 log spores/g and 1.3 log CFU/g, respectively. Moreover, the in-package method did not alter the moisture content or texture of cabbage slices. These results demonstrate the potential of H2O2-ADCP as a microbial decontamination method for packaged cabbage slices.

Genomic and phenotypic characterisation of Enterococcus mundtii AM_AQ_BC8 for its anti-biofilm, antimicrobial and probiotic potential

Enterococcus mundtii AM_AQ_BC8 isolated from biofouled filtration membrane was characterised as a potential probiotic bacterium showing strong L-lactic acid-producing capability. Experimental studies revealed that E. mundtii AM_AQ_BC8 possess antibiofilm and antimicrobial ability too, as tested against strong biofilm-forming bacteria like Pseudomonas spp. The present study has evaluated the genetic potential of E. mundtii AM_AQ_BC8 through genome sequencing. Whole genome analysis revealed the presence of key genes like ldh_1 and ldh_2 responsible for lactic acid production along with genes encoding probiotic features such as acid and bile salt resistance (dnaK, dnaJ, argS), fatty acid synthesis (fabD, fabE) and lactose utilisation (lacG, lacD). The phylogenomic analysis based on OrthoANI (99.85%) and dDDH (96.8%) values revealed that the strain AM_AQ_BC8 shared the highest homology with E. mundtii. The genome sequence of strain AM_AQ_BC8 has been deposited to NCBI and released with GenBank accession no. SAMN32531201. The study primarily demonstrated the probiotic potential of E. mundtii AM_AQ_BC8 isolate, for L-lactate synthesis in high concentration (8.98 g/L/day), which also showed anti-biofilm and antimicrobial activities.

Regulation of the Gene for Alanine Racemase Modulates Amino Acid Metabolism with Consequent Alterations in Cell Wall Properties and Adhesive Capability in Brucella spp

Brucella, a zoonotic facultative intracellular pathogenic bacterium, poses a significant threat both to human health and to the development of the livestock industry. Alanine racemase (Alr), the enzyme responsible for alanine racemization, plays a pivotal role in regulating virulence in this bacterium. Moreover, Brucella mutants with alr gene deletions (Δalr) exhibit potential as vaccine candidates. However, the mechanisms that underlie the detrimental effects of alr knockouts on Brucella pathogenicity remain elusive. Here, initially, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis of Alr, which demonstrated a high degree of conservation of the protein within Brucella spp. Subsequent metabolomics studies unveiled alterations in amino acid pathways following deletion of the alr gene. Furthermore, alr deletion in Brucella suis S2 induced decreased resistance to stress, antibiotics, and other factors. Transmission electron microscopy of simulated macrophage intracellular infection revealed damage to the cell wall in the Δalr strain, whereas propidium iodide staining and alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase assays demonstrated alterations in cell membrane permeability. Changes in cell wall properties were revealed by measurements of cell surface hydrophobicity and zeta potential. Finally, the diminished adhesion capacity of the Δalr strain was shown by immunofluorescence and bacterial enumeration assays. In summary, our findings indicate that the alr gene that regulates amino acid metabolism in Brucella influences the properties of the cell wall, which modulates bacterial adherence capability. This study is the first demonstration that Alr impacts virulence by modulating bacterial metabolism, thereby providing novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of Brucella spp.

Application of encapsulated and dry-plated food acidulants to control Salmonella enterica in raw meat-based diets for dogs

There is an increasing demand for raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for dogs, but these foods cannot be heat-pasteurized. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of encapsulated and dry-plated glucono delta lactone (GDL), citric acid (CA), and lactic acid (LA) when challenged against Salmonella enterica inoculated in a model raw meat-based diet (RMBDs) for dogs. Nutritionally complete, raw diets were formulated with different levels (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% (w/w)) of both encapsulated and dry-plated GDL, CA, and LA with both the positive (PC) and the negative controls (NC) without acidulants. The diets were formed into patties of ∼100 g and inoculated with 3-cocktail mixtures of Salmonella enterica serovars, excluding the NC to achieve a final concentration of ∼6.0 Log CFU/patty. Microbial analyses were performed on the inoculated diets and survivors of S. enterica enumerated. Both encapsulated and dry-plated CA and LA had higher log reductions compared to GDL (P < 0.05). However, encapsulated CA and LA at 1.0% (w/w) exhibited higher log reductions (P > 0.05) and preserved product quality compared to the dry-plated acidulants at 1.0%. We concluded that 1.0% (w/w) of encapsulated citric or lactic acids could be successfully applied as an antimicrobial intervention in raw diets for dogs.

Ethanol at Subinhibitory Concentrations Enhances Biofilm Formation in Salmonella Enteritidis

The survival of Salmonella Enteritidis in the food chain is relevant to its biofilm formation capacity, which is influenced by suboptimal environmental conditions. Here, biofilm formation pattern of this bacterium was assessed in the presence of ethanol at sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) by microtiter plate assays, cell characteristic analyses, and gene expression tests. It was observed that ethanol at subinhibitory concentrations (1/4 MIC, 2.5%; 1/2 MIC, 5.0%) was able to stimulate biofilm formation in S. Enteritidis. The OD₅₉₅ value (optical density at 595 nm) used to quantify biofilm production was increased from 0.14 in control groups to 0.36 and 0.63 under 2.5% and 5.0% ethanol stresses, respectively. Ethanol was also shown to reduce bacterial swimming motility and enhance cell auto-aggregation ability. However, other cell characteristics such as swarming activity, initial attachment and cell surface hydrophobicity were not remarkedly impacted by ethanol. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis further revealed that the luxS gene belonging to a quorum-sensing system was upregulated by 2.49- and 10.08-fold in the presence of 2.5% and 5.0% ethanol, respectively. The relative expression level of other biofilm-related genes (adrA, csgB, csgD, and sdiA) and sRNAs (ArcZ, CsrB, OxyS, and SroC) did not obviously change. Taken together, these findings suggest that decrease in swimming motility and increase in cell auto-aggregation and quorum sensing may result in the enhancement of biofilm formation by S. Enteritidis under sublethal ethanol stress.

Formation and Transfer of Multi-Species Biofilms Containing E. coli O103:H2 on Food Contact Surfaces to Beef

Interactions of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC; O103:H2) with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or spoilage bacteria (SP) multispecies biofilms on polyurethane (TPU) and stainless-steel (SS) were assessed at 10 and 25°C under wet and dry conditions after 6, 30, and 60 days of storage. One LAB T1: Carnobacterium piscicola + Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and two SP T2: Comamonas koreensis + Raoultella terrigena; T3: Pseudomonas aeruginosa + C. koreensis were assessed for their ability to form multispecies biofilms with O103:H2. O103:H2 single-species biofilms served as a control positive (T4). Coupons were stored dry (20–50% relative humidity; RH) or moist (60–90% RH) for up to 60 days, at which point O103:H2 transfer to beef and survival was evaluated. At 25°C, T3 decreased beef contamination with O103:H2 by 2.54 log₁₀ CFU/g (P < 0.001). Overall, at 25°C contamination of beef with O103:H2 decreased (P < 0.001) from 3.17 log₁₀ CFU/g on Day 6 to 0.62 log₁₀ CFU/g on Day 60. With 60 days dry biofilms on TPU, an antagonistic interaction was observed among O103:H2 and multispecies biofilm T1 and T3. E. coli O103:H2 was not recovered from T1 and T3 after 60 days but it was recovered (33%) from T2 and T4 dry biofilms. At 10°C, contamination of beef with O103:H2 decreased (P < 0.001) from 1.38 log₁₀ CFU/g after 6 days to 0.47 log₁₀ CFU/g after 60 days. At 10°C, recovery of O103:H2 from 60 days dry biofilms could only be detected after enrichment and was always higher for T2 than T4 biofilms. Regardless of temperature, the transfer of O103:H2 to beef from the biofilm on TPU was greater (P < 0.001) than SS. Moist biofilms also resulted in greater (P < 0.001) cell transfer to beef than dry biofilms at 10 and 25°C. Development of SP or LAB multispecies biofilms with O103:H2 can either increase or diminish the likelihood of beef contamination. Environmental conditions such as humidity, contact surface type, as well as biofilm aging all can influence the risk of beef being contaminated by STEC within multi-species biofilms attached to food contact surfaces.

Disrupting Irreversible Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation with an Engineered Enzyme

Biofilm formation is often attributed to postharvest bacterial persistence on fresh produce and food handling surfaces. In this study, a predicted glycosyl hydrolase enzyme was expressed, purified, and validated for the removal of microbial biofilms from biotic and abiotic surfaces under conditions used for chemical cleaning agents. Crystal violet biofilm staining assays revealed that 0.1 mg/ml of enzyme inhibited up to 41% of biofilm formation by Escherichia coli O157:H7, E. coli 25922, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore, the enzyme was effective at removing mature biofilms, providing a 35% improvement over rinsing with a saline solution alone. Additionally, a parallel-plate flow cell was used to directly observe and quantify the impact of enzyme rinses on E. coli O157:H7 cells adhering to spinach leaf surfaces. The presence of 1 mg/liter enzyme resulted in nearly 6-times-higher detachment rate coefficients than a deionized (DI) water rinse, while the total cells removed from the surface increased from 10% to 25% over the 30-min rinse time, reversing the initial phases of biofilm formation. Enzyme treatment of all 4 cell types resulted in significantly reduced cell surface hydrophobicity and collapse of negatively stained E. coli 25922 cells imaged by electron microscopy, suggesting potential polysaccharide surface modification of enzyme-treated bacteria. Collectively, these results point to the broad substrate specificity and robustness of the enzyme for different types of biofilm stages, solution conditions, and pathogen biofilm types and may be useful as a method for the removal or inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation. IMPORTANCE In this study, the ability of an engineered enzyme to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation of several foodborne pathogens was demonstrated, representing a promising option for enhancing or replacing chlorine and other chemical sanitizers in food processing applications. Specifically, significant reductions of biofilms of the pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes are observed, as are reductions in initial adhesion. Enzymes have the added benefits of being green, sustainable alternatives to chemical sanitizers, as well as having a minimal impact on food properties, in contrast to many alternative antimicrobial options such as bleach that aim to minimize food safety risks.

Bacteriocin of Pediococcus acidilactici HW01 Inhibits Biofilm Formation and Virulence Factor Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a potential source of food contamination that leads to food spoilage and infections as a result of the generation of biofilm and virulence factors. In the present study, we demonstrate that bacteriocin produced by Pediococcus acidilactici HW01 (HW01 bacteriocin) effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of Ps. aeruginosa (66.41, 45.77, and 21.73% of biofilm formation at 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL of HW01 bacteriocin, respectively) as well as the production of virulence factors. By means of a microtiter plate method and scanning electron microscopy, HW01 bacteriocin inhibited biofilm formation by Ps. aeruginosa in a dose-dependent manner. Although the viability of biofilm cells of Ps. aeruginosa was reduced in the presence of HW01 bacteriocin, the viability of planktonic cells of Ps. aeruginosa was not affected by HW01 bacteriocin (2.0 × 10⁹ CFU/mL vs. 2.4 × 10⁹ CFU/mL in the absence and the presence of HW01 bacteriocin, respectively). Additionally, HW01 bacteriocin decreased the twitching motility of Ps. aeruginosa as well as the production of virulence factors, such as pyocyanin, protease, and rhamnolipid. Furthermore, HW01 bacteriocin significantly inhibited Ps. aeruginosa biofilm formation on the surface of stainless steel (57% reduction at 24 h and 83% reduction at 72 h). These results indicate that HW01 bacteriocin is an effective antagonist of Ps. aeruginosa as a result of its ability to inhibit biofilm formation and the production of virulence factors.

We Are One: Multispecies Metabolism of a Biofilm Consortium and Their Treatment Strategies

The ecological and medical significance of bacterial biofilms have been well recognized. Biofilms are harder to control than their planktonic free-living counterparts and quite recently, the focus of the study has shifted to the multispecies consortia, which represent the vast majority of real-case infection scenarios. Studies have begun to explore the complex interspecies interactions within these biofilms. However, only little attention is currently given to the role of cellular metabolites in the cell-to-cell communication. The concentration gradients of metabolic substrates and products affect the spatial growth of bacteria in multispecies biofilm. This, if looked into more deeply, can lead to identification of potential therapies targeting the specific metabolites and hence the coordinated protection in the bacterial community. Herein, we review the interspecies communications, including their metabolic cross-talking, in multispecies biofilm, to signify the importance of such interactions on the initial formation and subsequent growth of these biofilms. Multispecies biofilms with their species heterogeneity are more resilient to antimicrobial agents than their single species biofilm counterparts and this characteristic is of particular interest when dealing with pathogenic bacteria. In this Review, we also discuss the treatment options available, to include current and emerging avenues to combat pathogenic multispecies biofilms in the clinical, environmental, as well as industrial settings.

Pseudomonas putida as a potential biocontrol agent against Salmonella Java biofilm formation in the drinking water system of broiler houses

Background

Environmental biofilms can induce attachment and protection of other microorganisms including pathogens, but can also prevent them from invasion and colonization. This opens the possibility for so-called biocontrol strategies, wherein microorganisms are applied to control the presence of other microbes. The potential for both positive and negative interactions between microbes, however, raises the need for in depth characterization of the sociobiology of candidate biocontrol agents (BCAs). The inside of the drinking water system (DWS) of broiler houses is an interesting niche to apply BCAs, because contamination of these systems with pathogens plays an important role in the infection of broiler chickens and consequently humans. In this study, Pseudomonas putida, which is part of the natural microbiota in the DWS of broiler houses, was evaluated as BCA against the broiler pathogen Salmonella Java.

Results

To study the interaction between these species, an in vitro model was developed simulating biofilm formation in the drinking water system of broilers. Dual-species biofilms of P. putida strains P1, P2, and P3 with S. Java were characterized by competitive interactions, independent of P. putida strain, S. Java inoculum density and application order. When equal inocula of S. Java and P. putida strains P1 or P3 were simultaneously applied, the interaction was characterized by mutual inhibition, whereas P. putida strain P2 showed an exploitation of S. Java. Lowering the inoculum density of S. Java changed the interaction with P. putida strain P3 also into an exploitation of S. Java. A further increase in S. Java inhibition was established by P. putida strain P3 forming a mature biofilm before applying S. Java.

Conclusions

This study provides the first results showing the potential of P. putida as BCA against S. Java in the broiler environment. Future work should include more complex microbial communities residing in the DWS, additional Salmonella strains as well as chemicals typically used to clean and disinfect the system.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-020-02046-5.

Ethanol Extract of Campsis grandiflora Flower and Its Organic Acid Components Have Inhibitory Effects on Autoinducer Type 1 Quorum Sensing

Chinese herbs are a useful resource bank for natural drug development, and have attracted considerable attention to exploit quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). This study was designed to screen QSIs from raw Chinese herb materials. Of the 38 common herbs examined, the ethanol extract of Campsis grandiflora flower had the strongest QSI activity. The C. grandiflora flower ethanol extract (CFEE) was purified by HPD600, and the QSI activities were examined in further detail. CFEE inhibited violacein production of Chromobacterium violaceum 026 in a dose-dependent manner, and inhibit the swarming abilities of Escherichia coli K-12 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Furthermore, CFEE could inhibited biofilm formation and destroyed mature biofilms of E. coli K-12 and P. aeruginosa PAO1. The composition of CFEE was determined by UPLC-MS/MS to distinguish active QSI compounds, and 21 compounds were identified. In addition to gallic acid and caffeic acid, two organic acids, malic acid and succinic acid, were confirmed for the first time to have autoinducer type 1 QSI activities. Therefore, CFEE is a potential QSI that could be used as a novel antimicrobial agent and should be considered for medicinal development.

Comparative proteomics reveals stress responses of Vibrio parahaemolyticus biofilm on different surfaces: Internal adaptation and external adjustment

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a kind of gram-negative marine pathogen, which usually adheres to stainless steel (SS), glass (GS) and other abiotic surfaces in aquaculture and food processing in the form of biofilm and causes the spread of gastrointestinal illness. However, the deeply survival adaptation mechanism of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm cells on these contact surface remained unclear. Here, proteomics was used to investigated the physiological response of the V. parahaemolyticus biofilms cells to different abiotic surfaces (SS, GS and polystyrene (PS)). In addition, the effect of contact materials on the physical-chemical properties of biofilms are also characterized. Results showed that the expression of proteins of biofilm cells established on the SS surface were mainly related to the alleviation of metal ion stress and toxicity. The up-regulated proteins in the biofilm cells formed on the GS surface were mainly involved in the biological processes of sugar uptake, protein synthesis and bacterial chemotaxis. Meanwhile, the significantly expressed proteins in the biofilm cells formed on the PS surface were mainly involved in the cellular physiological activity of aromatic compound metabolism, osmotic stress and nutrient transport. All functional proteins mentioned above were closely related to the interaction characteristics of the contact surface and biofilm. This study provided an in-depth comparison of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm formation on these three abiotic surfaces, and presented a model in first time for the adaptation behavior of biofilm cells on different surfaces as affected by metal ion stress, nutrition, osmotic stress, and sugar utilization, which could facilitate an efficient control strategy for biofilm formation in industrial field.

Enterococcus faecalis inhibits Klebsiella pneumoniae growth in polymicrobial biofilms in a glucose-enriched medium

Catheter-related urinary tract infections are one of the most common biofilm-associated diseases. Within biofilms, bacteria cooperate, compete, or have neutral interactions. This study aimed to investigate the interactions in polymicrobial biofilms of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis, two of the most common uropathogens. Although K. pneumoniae was the most adherent strain, it could not maintain dominance in the polymicrobial biofilm due to the lactic acid produced by E. faecalis in a glucose-enriched medium. This result was supported by the use of E. faecalis V583 ldh-1/ldh-2 double mutant (non-producer of lactic acid), which did not inhibit the growth of K. pneumoniae. Lyophilized cell-free supernatants obtained from E. faecalis biofilms also showed antimicrobial/anti-biofilm activity against K. pneumoniae. Conversely, there were no significant differences in planktonic polymicrobial cultures. In summary, E. faecalis modifies the pH by lactic acid production in polymicrobial biofilms, which impairs the growth of K. pneumoniae.

Grapefruit essential oils inhibit quorum sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Citrus essential oils are used in food to confer flavor and aromas. The citrus essential oils have been granted as GRAS and could be used as antimicrobial additives to control bacterial quorum sensing from potential food bacterial pathogens. The chemical composition and inhibitory activity of Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) essential oils obtained by cold-pressed method (EOP) and cold-pressed method followed by steam distillation, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined. The GC-MS analyses of the oil indicated the amount of the essential oil components was highest with D-limonene in both cases. However, the extraction method modified the chemical composition. EOP had higher amount of coumarins and flavonoid as well as less oxygenated terpenoids. At 0.1 mg/mL essential oils were not able to modify the bacterial development but inhibited the P. aeruginosa biofilm production between 52% and 55%, sessile viability between 45% and 48%, autoinducer production and elastase activity between 30% and 56%. Limonene was less effective at inhibiting P. aeruginosa than the essential oils, suggesting a synergistic effect of the minor components. According to our results, grapefruit essential oils could be used as a food preservative to control P. aeruginosa virulence.

Occurrence and characterisation of biofilms in drinking water systems of broiler houses

Background

Water quality in the drinking water system (DWS) plays an important role in the general health and performance of broiler chickens. Conditions in the DWS of broilers are ideal for microbial biofilm formation. Since pathogens might reside within these biofilms, they serve as potential source of waterborne transmission of pathogens to livestock and humans. Knowledge about the presence, importance and composition of biofilms in the DWS of broilers is largely missing. In this study, we therefore aim to monitor the occurrence, and chemically and microbiologically characterise biofilms in the DWS of five broiler farms.

Results

The bacterial load after disinfection in DWSs was assessed by sampling with a flocked swab followed by enumerations of total aerobic flora (TAC) and Pseudomonas spp. The dominant flora was identified and their biofilm-forming capacity was evaluated. Also, proteins, carbohydrates and uronic acids were quantified to analyse the presence of extracellular polymeric substances of biofilms. Despite disinfection of the water and the DWS, average TAC was 6.03 ± 1.53 log CFU/20cm². Enumerations for Pseudomonas spp. were on average 0.88 log CFU/20cm² lower. The most identified dominant species from TAC were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas geniculata and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However at species level, most of the identified microorganisms were farm specific. Almost all the isolates belonging to the three most abundant species were strong biofilm producers. Overall, 92% of all tested microorganisms were able to form biofilm under lab conditions. Furthermore, 63% of the DWS surfaces appeared to be contaminated with microorganisms combined with at least one of the analysed chemical components, which is indicative for the presence of biofilm.

Conclusions

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas geniculata and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are considered as opportunistic pathogens and could consequently be a potential risk for animal health. Additionally, the biofilm-forming capacity of these organisms could promote attachment of other pathogens such as Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-019-1451-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aeromonas hydrophila biofilm, exoprotease, and quorum sensing responses to co-cultivation with diverse foodborne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria on crab surfaces

The effects of dual species interactions on biofilm formation by Aeromonas hydrophila in the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes were examined. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry were performed to identify N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules secreted by monocultures and dual cultures grown in crab broth. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was performed to observe attachment and biofilm formation. P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescens inhibited biofilm formation by A. hydrophila on the crab surface, without affecting their own biofilm-forming abilities. Dual biofilms of S. Typhimurium, L. monocytogenes, or P. carotovorum did not affect A. hydrophila biofilm formation. Exoprotease, AHL, and AI-2 levels were significantly reduced in dual cultures of P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescens with A. hydrophila, supporting the relationship between quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Dual-species biofilms were studied in their natural environment and in the laboratory.

N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone influences the levels of thiol and proteins related to oxidation-reduction process in Salmonella

Quorum sensing is a cell-cell communication mechanism mediated by chemical signals that leads to differential gene expression in response to high population density. Salmonella is unable to synthesize the autoinducer-1 (AI-1), N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), but is able to recognize AHLs produced by other microorganisms through SdiA protein. This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid and protein profiles of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis PT4 578 throughout time of cultivation in the presence of AHL. The presence of N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL) altered the fatty acid and protein profiles of Salmonella cultivated during 4, 6, 7, 12 and 36 h in anaerobic condition. The profiles of Salmonella Enteritidis at logarithmic phase of growth (4 h of cultivation), in the presence of C12-HSL, were similar to those of cells at late stationary phase (36 h). In addition, there was less variation in both protein and fatty acid profiles along growth, suggesting that this quorum sensing signal anticipated a stationary phase response. The presence of C12-HSL increased the abundance of thiol related proteins such as Tpx, Q7CR42, Q8ZP25, YfgD, AhpC, NfsB, YdhD and TrxA, as well as the levels of free cellular thiol after 6 h of cultivation, suggesting that these cells have greater potential to resist oxidative stress. Additionally, the LuxS protein which synthesizes the AI-2 signaling molecule was differentially abundant in the presence of C12-HSL. The NfsB protein had its abundance increased in the presence of C12-HSL at all evaluated times, which is a suggestion that the cells may be susceptible to the action of nitrofurans or that AHLs present some toxicity. Overall, the presence of C12-HSL altered important pathways related to oxidative stress and stationary phase response in Salmonella.

Quorum sensing system and influence on food spoilage in Pseudomonas fluorescens from turbot

The spoilage of aquatic products is mainly caused by the bacterial growth, and the specific spoilage organism (SSO) plays an important role. Quorum sensing (QS) is a microbial cell-cell communication system which is coordinated with the population density, and is controlled by N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHLs) as the Gram-negative bacteria communication signals. In this study, the SSO was Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF-04), isolated from the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) during aerobically refrigerated storage. The supernatant extract of PF-04 tested the AHLs activities utilizing biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. AHL production was influenced by the environment temperature, and AHL production reduced obviously at 10 °C compare with 25 °C. In Luria-Bertani (LB) supplemented with 0.5-1.0% NaCl, AHL production reached the maximum. The AHL production was also regulated by pH of culture medium, acidic condition was conducive to persistent existence of the AHL molecules, but the alkaline environment would cause chemically unstable of AHL molecules. QS system in P. flurosecens played an imperative role in biofilm formation, protease and siderophore production. AHLs could regulate above three factors in PF-04. In summary, this study showed that (1) the influence of different environmental conditions (temperature, NaCl and pH) on AHL production revealed the correlation of QS in foods and (2) that proved the effect of external AHLs to regulate the biofilm formation, protease and siderophore production in PF-04.

Phytochemicals from Camellia nitidissima Chi Flowers Reduce the Pyocyanin Production and Motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

Camellia nitidissima Chi, known as a medicinal and edible plant in China, exhibits multiple bioactivities, especially antibacterial activity. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of the dichloromethane fraction (DF) of C. nitidissima Chi flowers on the pyocyanin production, swarming motility, and swimming motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations. Results showed that the DF had a remarkable inhibitory effect on pyocyanin production without influencing P. aeruginosa PAO1 growth, and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on swarming and swimming motility. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 0.158 ± 0.009, 0.139 ± 0.004, and 0.334 ± 0.049 mg/mL for pyocyanin production, swarming motility, and swimming motility, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR showed that the DF significantly down-regulated the expressions of lasR (p < 0.05) and rhlR (p < 0.01). In addition, gallic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol were identified in the DF by HPLC Triple TOF MS/MS analysis. All six identified compounds showed inhibitory effects on pyocyanin production, swarming motility, and swimming motility, though ellagic acid showed the strongest effects, with IC50 values of 0.067 ± 0.002, 0.024 ± 0.008, and 0.020 ± 0.003 mg/mL, respectively. Thus, the inhibitory effects on P. aeruginosa PAO1 virulence factors might be attributable to these six and/or other compounds in the DF of C. nitidissima Chi flowers. Consequently, the C. nitidissima Chi flower, especially the DF, might be a potential quorum sensing inhibitor of P. aeruginosa PAO1.

Plasma-treated poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibers containing tea tree oil/beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex for antibacterial packaging

This work describes the effect of cold nitrogen plasma to enhance the antibacterial activity of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanofibers containing antibacterial agent. Beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and tea tree oil (TTO) were used as a host-guest to form water-soluble inclusion complex. The encapsulation efficiency of TTO in inclusion complex could reach 73.23% at 60°C. As antibacterial agent, the inclusion complex was encapsulated into PEO matrix by electrospun. After plasma treatment, the release efficiency of antibacterial agent from PEO nanofibers was improved. As a result, the antibacterial activity of PEO nanofibers was enhanced accordingly. The plasma-treated nanofiber membranes achieved the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7, which was tested on the beef for 7d, with inhibition efficiently of 99.99% whether at 4°C or 12°C. The plasma-treated PEO nanofiber membranes containing TTO/β-CD inclusion complex (TTO/β-CD-IC) can prolong the shelf-life of beef, suggesting it has potential application in active food packaging.

Acyl homoserine lactone-based quorum sensing stimulates biofilm formation by Salmonella Enteritidis in anaerobic conditions

Quorum sensing regulates a variety of phenotypes in bacteria including the production of virulence factors. Salmonella spp. have quorum sensing systems mediated by three autoinducers (AI-1, AI-2, and AI-3). The AI-1-mediated system is incomplete in that the bacterium relies on the synthesis of signaling molecules by other microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the AI-1 N-dodecanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL) on the growth, motility, adhesion, and biofilm formation of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis PT4 578 on a polystyrene surface. Experiments were conducted at 37 °C in anaerobic tryptone soy broth supplemented with C12-HSL and/or a mixture of four synthetic furanones, at the concentration of 50 nM each. The planktonic growth, adhesion, swarming, and twitching motility were not altered in the presence of C12-HSL and/or furanones under anaerobic conditions. However, C12-HSL induced biofilm formation after 36 h of cultivation as determined by quantification of biofilm formation, by enumeration of adhered cells to polystyrene coupons, and finally by imaging the presence of multilayered cells on an epifluorescence microscope. When furanones were present in the medium, an antagonistic effect against C12-HSL on the biofilm development was observed. The results demonstrate an induction of biofilm formation in Salmonella Enteritidis by AI-1 under anaerobic conditions. Considering that Salmonella does not produce AI-1 but respond to it, C12-HSL synthesized by other bacterial species could trigger biofilm formation by this pathogen in conditions that are relevant for its pathogenesis.

Involvement of Acylated Homoserine Lactones (AHLs) of Aeromonas sobria in Spoilage of Refrigerated Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

One quorum sensing strain was isolated from spoiled turbot. The species was determined by 16S rRNA gene analysis and classical tests, named Aeromonas sobria AS7. Quorum-sensing (QS) signals (N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs)) were detected by report strains and their structures were further determined by GC-MS. The activity changes of AHLs on strain growth stage as well as the influence of different culture conditions on secretion activity of AHLs were studied by the punch method. The result indicated that strain AS7 could induce report strains to produce typical phenotypic response. N-butanoyl-dl-homoserine lactone (C₄-HSL), N-hexanoyl-dl-homoserine lactone (C₆-HSL), N-octanoyl-dl-homoserine lactone (C₈-HSL), N-decanoyl-dl-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL), N-dodecanoyl-dl-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL) could be detected. The activities of AHLs were density-dependent and the max secretion level was at pH 8, sucrose culture, 1% NaCl and 32 h, respectively. The production of siderophore in strain AS7 was regulated by exogenous C₈-HSL, rather than C₆-HSL. Exogenous C₄-HSL and C₈-HSL accelerated the growth rate and population density of AS7 in turbot samples under refrigerated storage. However, according to the total viable counts and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values of the fish samples, exogenous C₆-HSL did not cause spoilage of the turbot fillets. In conclusion, our results suggested that QS was involved in the spoilage of refrigerated turbot.

Inhibition of biofilm development and spoilage potential of Shewanella baltica by quorum sensing signal in cell-free supernatant from Pseudomonas fluorescens

The objective of this study was to in vitro evaluate the effect of a cell-free supernatant (CFS) containing quorum sensing (QS) signal of Pseudomonas fluorescens on the growth, biofilm development and spoilage potential of Shewanella baltica, and preliminarily assess the interactive influences of various chemically synthesized autoinducers on spoilage phenotypes of S. baltica. PF01 strain isolated from spoiled Pseudosciaen crocea was identified P. fluorescens. The addition of 25% and 50% CFS to S. baltica culture had no effect on the growth rate during the lag and exponential phase, however, caused cell decline during the stationary phase. The presence of CFS from P. fluorescens significantly inhibited biofilm development, and greatly decreased the production of trimethylamine (TMA) and biogenic amino in S. baltica. Various signal molecules of QS in the CFS of P. fluorescens culture were detected, including seven N-acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs), autoinducer-2 (AI-2) and two diketopiperazines (DKPs). Exogenous supplement of synthesized seven AHLs containing in the CFS decreased biofilm formation and TMA production in S. baltica, while exposure to exogenous cyclo-(l-Pro-l-Leu) was showed to promote spoilage potential, which revealed that S. baltica also sense the two QS molecules. Furthermore, the stimulating effect of cyclo-(l-Pro-l-Leu) was affected when AHL was simultaneously added, suggesting that the inhibitory activity of spoilage phenotypes in S. baltica might be attributed to a competitive effect of these QS compounds in the CFS of P. fluorescens. The present studies provide a good basis for future research on the role of QS in the regulation of spoilage microbial flora.

Porous surface structure fabricated by breath figures that suppresses Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation

As colonizers of medical-device surfaces, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains present a serious source of infection and are of major concern. In this study, we fabricated films with porous surfaces by breath figures that disturb mergence by bacterial attachment, thereby impeding biofilm development. Previous studies have shown that microtopography prevents the development of P. aeruginosa biofilms. Accordingly we indented surfaces with patterns of micrometer-sized pores using breath figures at ordinary temperatures and pressures. The antimicrobial effect of surface figures was experimentally investigated by controlling the surface structure. The results suggested that pores of 5-11 μm in diameter effectively inhibit bacterial activity. It appears that biofilm development is precluded by the decreased contact area between the films and bacteria.