Validation of respirometry as a short-term method to assess the efficacy of biocides

Chlorination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in potable water

The present study examined the effects of chlorine (NaOCl) disinfection on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in potable water. The adhesion of the bacteria on glass surfaces and the growth of the adherent cells were measured after treatment with chlorine (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/L). Adhesion was assessed by optical microscopy, and cultivability of the adherent cells was estimated by counting the bacteria on solid medium after being recovered from the support surface. Regardless of the concentration applied, P. aeruginosa did not lose the ability to adhere or grow after adhesion. However, the two factors were influenced by the chlorine treatments. The results showed that the adhesive capacity and cultivability of adherent cells were linked. The maximum inhibition of adherence and cultivability was observed in the 0.25 and 0.5 mg/L treatments. At 0.75 and 1 mg/L, the adhesive capability and post-adhesive cultivability were slightly increased. The results suggest that residual concentrations of sodium hypochlorite fixed by standards (less than 1 mg/L) may be ineffective against P. aeruginosa, and thus could have an impact on consumers.

Far-UV-C irradiation promotes synergistic bactericidal action against adhered cells of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis

The contamination of indoor areas is a global health problem that can cause the dispersion of infectious diseases. In that sense, it is urgent to find new strategies applying a lower concentration of the traditional chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Ultraviolet radiation (UV), in particular far-UV-C (200-225 nm), has emerged as a successful, powerful, easy-to-apply, and inexpensive approach for bacterial eradication that still requires scientific assessment. This study investigated new strategies for disinfection based on far-UV-C (222 nm) combined with chlorine and mechanical cleaning, providing an innovative solution using low doses. The bactericidal activity of far-UV-C (222 nm) was tested at an intensity of irradiation from 78.4 μW/cm2 to 597.7 μW/cm2 (for 1 min) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis adhered on polystyrene microtiter plates. It was further tested in combination with mechanical cleaning (ultrasounds for 1 min) and free chlorine (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/L for 5 min). The triple combination consisting of mechanical cleaning + free chlorine (0.5 mg/L) + far-UV-C (54 mJ/cm2) was tested against cells adhered to materials found in hospital settings and other public spaces: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stainless steel (SS), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Disinfection with far-UV-C (54 mJ/cm2) and free chlorine at 0.5 mg/L for 5 min allowed a total reduction of culturable E. coli cells and a logarithmic reduction of 2.98 ± 0.03 for S. epidermidis. The triple combination of far-UV-C, free chlorine, and mechanical cleaning resulted in a total reduction of culturable cells for both adhered bacteria. Bacterial adhesion to PVC, SS, and PEEK occurred at distinct extents and influenced the bactericidal activity of the triple combination, with logarithmic reductions of up to three. The overall results highlight that, based on culturability assessment, far-UV-C (54 mJ/cm2) with chlorine (0.5 mg/L; 5 min) and mechanical cleaning (1 min) as an efficient disinfection strategy using mild conditions. The combination of culturability and viability assessment of disinfection is recommended to detect regrowth events and increase the effectiveness in microbial growth control.

New Functionalized Macroparticles for Environmentally Sustainable Biofilm Control in Water Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) depends on biocidal agents to control the operating costs associated to biofouling, although this implies the discharge of undesired chemicals into the aquatic environment. Therefore, a system providing pre-treated water free of biocides arises as an interesting solution to minimize the discharge of chemicals while enhancing RO filtration performance by inactivating bacteria that could form biofilms on the membrane system. This work proposes a pretreatment approach based on the immobilization of an industrially used antimicrobial agent (benzalkonium chloride—BAC) into millimetric aluminum oxide particles with prior surface activation with DA—dopamine. The antimicrobial efficacy of the functionalized particles was assessed against Escherichia coli planktonic cells through culturability and cell membrane integrity analysis. The results showed total inactivation of bacterial cells within five min for the highest particle concentration and 100% of cell membrane damage after 15 min for all concentrations. When reusing the same particles, a higher contact time was needed to reach the total inactivation, possibly due to partial blocking of immobilized biocide by dead bacteria adhering to the particles and to the residual leaching of biocide. The overall results support the use of Al₂O₃-DA-BAC particles as antimicrobial agents for sustainable biocidal applications in continuous water treatment systems.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation Mediated by Rose Bengal and Erythrosine Is Effective in the Control of Food-Related Bacteria in Planktonic and Biofilm States

The thermal and chemical-based methods applied for microbial control in the food industry are not always environmentally friendly and may change the nutritional and organoleptic characteristics of the final products. Moreover, the efficacy of sanitizing agents may be reduced when microbial cells are enclosed in biofilms. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of photodynamic inactivation, using two xanthene dyes (rose bengal and erythrosine) as photosensitizing agents and green LED as a light source, against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Enterococcus hirae and Escherichia coli in both planktonic and biofilm states. Both photosensitizing agents were able to control planktonic cells of all bacteria tested. The treatments altered the physicochemical properties of cells surface and also induced potassium leakage, indicating damage of cell membranes. Although higher concentrations of the photosensitizing agents (ranging from 0.01 to 50.0 μmol/L) were needed to be applied, the culturability of biofilm cells was reduced to undetectable levels. This finding was confirmed by the live/dead staining, where propidium iodide-labeled bacteria numbers reached up to 100%. The overall results demonstrated that photoinactivation by rose bengal and erythrosine may be a powerful candidate for the control of planktonic cells and biofilms in the food sector.

Enhanced killing of Escherichia coli using a combination of polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride and 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5- dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione

The bactericidal activities of polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (BCDMH) and the combination of the two (designated as PB) were compared using Escherichia coli as the test organism. PB exhibited strong bactericidal activity: 10 mg/L PHMB combined with 8 mg/L BCDMH resulted in approximately 5.74 log10 reduction (LR), whereas 320 mg/L PHMB or 20 mg/L BCDMH was about 5.53 and 6.56 LR, respectively. Analyses using scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated that PB, PHMB and BCDMH disrupted cell membranes and changed membrane structure and permeability, resulting in the leakage of intracellular soluble proteins and ions. PB exerted stronger effects on potassium and magnesium leakage, membrane potential and permeability than BCDMH did. PB caused less protein leakage than PHMB did. These results suggest that at a relatively low concentration, PB exhibited good bactericidal activity and physiological effect on E. coli.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite on typical biofilms formed in drinking water distribution systems

Human health and biological safety problems resulting from urban drinking water pipe network biofilms pollution have attracted wide concern. Despite the inclusion of residual chlorine in drinking water distribution systems supplies, the bacterium is a recalcitrant human pathogen capable of forming biofilms on pipe walls and causing health risks. Typical drinking water bacterial biofilms and their response to different concentrations of chlorination was monitored. The results showed that the four bacteria all formed single biofilms susceptible to sodium hypochlorite. After 30 min disinfection, biomass and cultivability decreased with increasing concentration of disinfectant but then increased in high disinfectant doses. PMA-qPCR results indicated that it resulted in little cellular damage. Flow cytometry analysis showed that with increasing doses of disinfectant, the numbers of clusters increased and the sizes of clusters decreased. Under high disinfectant treatment, EPS was depleted by disinfectant and about 0.5-1 mg/L of residual chlorine seemed to be appropriate for drinking water treatment. This research provides an insight into the EPS protection to biofilms. Resistance of biofilms against high levels of chlorine has implications for the delivery of drinking water.

Antibacterial activity and mode of action of selected glucosinolate hydrolysis products against bacterial pathogens

Plants contain numerous components that are important sources of new bioactive molecules with antimicrobial properties. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are plant secondary metabolites found in cruciferous vegetables that are arising as promising antimicrobial agents in food industry. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of two isothiocyanates (ITCs), allylisothiocyanate (AITC) and 2-phenylethylisothiocyanate (PEITC) against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The antibacterial mode of action was also characterized by the assessment of different physiological indices: membrane integrity, intracellular potassium release, physicochemical surface properties and surface charge. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AITC and PEITC was 100 μg/mL for all bacteria. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the ITCs was at least 10 times higher than the MIC. Both AITC and PEITC changed the membrane properties of the bacteria decreasing their surface charge and compromising the integrity of the cytoplasmatic membrane with consequent potassium leakage and propidium iodide uptake. The surface hydrophobicity was also non-specifically altered (E. coli and L. monocytogenes become less hydrophilic; P. aeruginosa and S. aureus become more hydrophilic). This study shows that AITC and PEITC have strong antimicrobial potential against the bacteria tested, through the disruption of the bacterial cell membranes. Moreover, phytochemicals are highlighted as a valuable sustainable source of new bioactive products.

Antibacterial Effects and Mode of Action of Selected Essential Oils Components against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial resistance has been increasingly reported worldwide and is one of the major causes of failure in the treatment of infectious diseases. Natural-based products, including plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals), may be used to surpass or reduce this problem. The objective of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect and mode of action of selected essential oils (EOs) components: carveol, carvone, citronellol, and citronellal, against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were assessed for the selected EOs components. Moreover, physicochemical bacterial surface characterization, bacterial surface charge, membrane integrity, and K (+) leakage assays were carried out to investigate the antimicrobial mode of action of EOs components. Citronellol was the most effective molecule against both pathogens, followed by citronellal, carveol, and carvone. Changes in the hydrophobicity, surface charge, and membrane integrity with the subsequent K (+) leakage from E. coli and S. aureus were observed after exposure to EOs. This study demonstrates that the selected EOs have significant antimicrobial activity against the bacteria tested, acting on the cell surface and causing the disruption of the bacterial membrane. Moreover, these molecules are interesting alternatives to conventional antimicrobials for the control of microbial infections.

Escherichia coli adhesion, biofilm development and antibiotic susceptibility on biomedical materials

The aim of this work was to test materials typically used in the construction of medical devices regarding their influence in the initial adhesion, biofilm development and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli biofilms. Adhesion and biofilm development was monitored in 12-well microtiter plates containing coupons of different biomedical materials--silicone (SIL), stainless steel (SS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)--and glass (GLA) as control. The susceptibility of biofilms to ciprofloxacin and ampicillin was assessed, and the antibiotic effect in cell morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The surface hydrophobicity of the bacterial strain and materials was also evaluated from contact angle measurements. Surface hydrophobicity was related with initial E. coli adhesion and subsequent biofilm development. Hydrophobic materials, such as SIL, SS, and PVC, showed higher bacterial colonization than the hydrophilic GLA. Silicone was the surface with the greatest number of adhered cells and the biofilms formed on this material were also less susceptible to both antibiotics. It was found that different antibiotics induced different levels of elongation on E. coli sessile cells. Results revealed that, by affecting the initial adhesion, the surface properties of a given material can modulate biofilm buildup and interfere with the outcome of antimicrobial therapy. These findings raise the possibility of fine-tuning surface properties as a strategy to reach higher therapeutic efficacy.

The ability of an antimicrobial agent to penetrate a biofilm is not correlated with its killing or removal efficiency

The penetration ability of 12 antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics and biocides, was determined against biofilms of B. cereus and P. fluorescens using a colony biofilm assay. The surfactants benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and the antibiotics ciprofloxacin and streptomycin were of interest due to their distinct activities. Erythromycin and CTAB were retarded by the presence of biofilms, whereas ciprofloxacin and BAC were not. The removal and killing efficacies of these four agents was additionally evaluated against biofilms formed in microtiter plates. The most efficient biocide was CTAB for both bacterial biofilms. Ciprofloxacin was the best antibiotic although none of the selected antimicrobial agents led to total biofilm removal and/or killing. Comparative analysis of the results obtained with colony biofilms and microtiter plate biofilms show that although extracellular polymeric substances and the biofilm structure are considered a determining factor in biofilm resistance, the ability of an antimicrobial agent to penetrate a biofilm is not correlated with its killing or removal efficiency. Also, the results reinforce the role of an appropriate antimicrobial selection as a key step in the design of disinfection processes for biofilm control.

96-well microtiter plates for biofouling simulation in biomedical settings

Microtiter plates with 96 wells are routinely used in biofilm research mainly because they enable high-throughput assays. These platforms are used in a variety of conditions ranging from static to dynamic operation using different shaking frequencies and orbital diameters. The main goals of this work were to assess the influence of nutrient concentration and flow conditions on biofilm formation by Escherichia coli in microtiter plates and to define the operational conditions to be used in order to simulate relevant biomedical scenarios. Assays were performed in static mode and in incubators with distinct orbital diameters using different concentrations of glucose, peptone and yeast extract. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the flow inside the wells for shaking frequencies ranging from 50 to 200 rpm and orbital diameters from 25 to 100 mm. Higher glucose concentrations enhanced adhesion of E. coli in the first 24 h, but variation in peptone and yeast extract concentration had no significant impact on biofilm formation. Numerical simulations indicate that 96-well microtiter plates can be used to simulate a variety of biomedical scenarios if the operating conditions are carefully set.

The Influence of Interfering Substances on the Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Standard cleaning processes may not remove all the soiling typically found in food industry, such as carbohydrates, fats, or proteins. Contaminants have a high impact in disinfection as their presence may reduce the activity of disinfectants. The influence of alginic acid, bovine serum albumin, yeast extract, and humic acids was assessed on the antimicrobial activities of benzalkonium chloride and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide against Bacillus cereus vegetative cells and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The bacteria (single and consortium) were exposed to surfactants (single and combined) in the absence and presence of potential disinfection interfering substances. The antimicrobial effects of the surfactants were assessed based on the bacterial respiratory activity measured by oxygen uptake rate due to glucose oxidation. The tested surfactants were efficient against both bacteria (single and consortium) with minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 3 to 35 mg·L(-1). The strongest effect was caused by humic acids that severely quenched antimicrobial action, increasing the minimum bactericidal concentration of the surfactants on P. fluorescens and the consortium. The inclusion of the other interfering substances resulted in mild interferences in the antibacterial activity. This study clearly demonstrates that humic acids should be considered as an antimicrobial interfering substance in the development of disinfection strategies.

Antibacterial activity and mode of action of ferulic and gallic acids against pathogenic bacteria

The increased resistance of pathogenic microorganisms is frequently attributed to the extreme and inadequate use of antibiotics and transmission of resistance within and between individuals. To counter the emergence of resistant microorganisms, considerable resources have been invested in the search for new antimicrobials. Plants synthesize a diverse array of secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) known to be involved in defense mechanisms, and in the last few years it is recognized that some of these molecules have health beneficial effects, including antimicrobial properties. In this study, the mechanism of action of gallic (GA) and ferulic (FA) acids, a hydroxybenzoic acid and a hydroxycinnamic acid, was assessed on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. The targets of antimicrobial action were studied using different bacterial physiological indices: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), membrane permeabilization, intracellular potassium release, physicochemical surface properties, and surface charge. It was found that FA and GA had antimicrobial activity against the bacteria tested with MIC of 500 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa, 1500 μg/mL for E. coli, 1750 μg/mL for S. aureus, and 2000 μg/mL for L. monocytogenes with GA; 100 μg/mL for E. coli and P. aeruginosa, 1100 μg/mL and 1250 μg/mL for S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, respectively, with FA. The MBC for E. coli was 2500 μg/mL (FA) and 5000 (GA), for S. aureus was 5000 μg/mL (FA) and 5250 μg/mL (GA), for L. monocytogenes was 5300 μg/mL (FA) and 5500 μg/mL (GA), and 500 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa, with both phytochemicals. GA and FA led to irreversible changes in membrane properties (charge, intra and extracellular permeability, and physicochemical properties) through hydrophobicity changes, decrease of negative surface charge, and occurrence of local rupture or pore formation in the cell membranes with consequent leakage of essential intracellular constituents. The overall study emphasizes the potential of plant-derived molecules as a green and sustainable source of new broad spectrum antimicrobial products.

Persister cells in a biofilm treated with a biocide

This study investigated the physiology and behaviour following treatment with ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), of Pseudomonas fluorescens in both the planktonic and sessile states. Steady-state biofilms and planktonic cells were collected from a bioreactor and their extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were extracted using a method that did not destroy the cells. Cell structure and physiology after EPS extraction were compared in terms of respiratory activity, morphology, cell protein and polysaccharide content, and expression of the outer membrane proteins (OMP). Significant differences were found between the physiological parameters analysed. Planktonic cells were more metabolically active, and contained greater amounts of proteins and polysaccharides than biofilm cells. Moreover, biofilm formation promoted the expression of distinct OMP. Additional experiments were performed with cells after EPS extraction in order to compare the susceptibility of planktonic and biofilm cells to OPA. Cells were completely inactivated after exposure to the biocide (minimum bactericidal concentration, MBC = 0.55 ± 0.20 mM for planktonic cells; MBC = 1.7 ± 0.30 mM for biofilm cells). After treatment, the potential of inactivated cells to recover from antimicrobial exposure was evaluated over time. Planktonic cells remained inactive over 48 h while cells from biofilms recovered 24 h after exposure to OPA, and the number of viable and culturable cells increased over time. The MBC of the recovered biofilm cells after a second exposure to OPA was 0.58 ± 0.40 mM, a concentration similar to the MBC of planktonic cells. This study demonstrates that persister cells may survive in biocide-treated biofilms, even in the absence of EPS.

Influence of the diversity of bacterial isolates from drinking water on resistance of biofilms to disinfection

Single- and multispecies biofilms formed by six drinking water-isolated bacterial species were used to assess their susceptibilities to sodium hypochlorite (SHC). In general, multispecies biofilms were more resistant to inactivation and removal than single biofilms. Total biofilm inactivation was achieved only for Acinetobacter calcoaceticus single-species biofilms and for those multispecies biofilms without A. calcoaceticus. Biofilms with all bacteria had the highest resistance to SHC, while those without A. calcoaceticus were the most susceptible. A. calcoaceticus formed single biofilms susceptible to SHC; however, its presence in multispecies biofilms increased their resistance to disinfection.

Species association increases biofilm resistance to chemical and mechanical treatments

The study of biofilm ecology and interactions might help to improve our understanding of their resistance mechanisms to control strategies. Concerns that the diversity of the biofilm communities can affect disinfection efficacy have led us to examine the effect of two antimicrobial agents on two important spoilage bacteria. Studies were conducted on single and dual species biofilms of Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Biofilms were formed on a stainless steel rotating device, in a bioreactor, at a constant Reynolds number of agitation (Re(A)). Biofilm phenotypic characterization showed significant differences, mainly in the metabolic activity and both extracellular proteins and polysaccharides content. Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and glutaraldehyde (GLUT) solutions in conjunction with increasing Re(A) were used to treat biofilms in order to assess their ability to kill and remove biofilms. B. cereus and P. fluorescens biofilms were stratified in a layered structure with each layer having differential tolerance to chemical and mechanical stresses. Dual species biofilms and P. fluorescens single biofilms had both the highest resistance to removal when pre-treated with CTAB and GLUT, respectively. B. cereus biofilms were the most affected by hydrodynamic disturbance and the most susceptible to antimicrobials. Dual biofilms were more resistant to antimicrobials than each single species biofilm, with a significant proportion of the population remaining in a viable state after exposure to CTAB or GLUT. Moreover, the species association increased the proportion of viable cells of both bacteria, comparatively to the single species scenarios, enhancing each other's survival to antimicrobials and the biofilm shear stress stability.

Physiology and behavior of Pseudomonas fluorescens single and dual strain biofilms under diverse hydrodynamics stresses

Three selected Pseudomonas fluorescens strains (the type strain and two strains originally isolated from a dairy processing plant - D3-348 and D3-350) were used to form turbulent and laminar flow-generated biofilms under laboratorial conditions using flow cell reactors with stainless steel substrata. The D3-348 and D3-350 strains were also used to form dual biofilms. Biofilm phenotypic characteristics, such as respiratory activity, total and culturable cells, biomass, total and matrix proteins and polysaccharides were compared. Biofilm mechanical stability, as a major feature involved in biofilm persistence, was also assessed using a rotating device system. The results indicate that hydrodynamic conditions have a remarkable impact on biofilm phenotype. Turbulent biofilms were more active, had more mass per adhesion surface area, a higher number of total and culturable cells, a higher amount of total proteins per gram of biofilm, similar matrix proteins and identical (D3-348 and D3-350 single and dual biofilms) or smaller (type strain) total and matrix polysaccharides content than their laminar counterparts. Biofilms formed by the type strain revealed a considerable higher amount of total and culturable cells and a higher amount of total proteins (turbulent biofilms) and total and matrix polysaccharides per gram of biofilm than single and dual biofilms formed by the other strains. Mechanical stability assays disclosed that biofilms formed by both type and D3-348 strains had the highest resistance to removal when exposed to mechanical stress. Dual strain biofilms population analysis revealed an apparent co-existence, evidencing neutral interactions. The overall results provided useful information regarding a broad spectrum of P. fluorescens biofilm phenotypic parameters, which can contribute to control and model biofilm processes in food industry.

Bacterial tolerances to metals and antibiotics in metal-contaminated and reference streams

Anthropogenic-derived sources of selection are typically implicated as mechanisms for maintaining antibiotic resistance in the environment. Here we report an additional mechanism for maintaining antibiotic resistance in the environment through bacterial exposure to metals. Using a culture-independent approach, bacteria sampled along a gradient of metal contamination were more tolerant of antibiotics and metals compared to bacteria from a reference site. This evidence supports the hypothesis that metal contamination directly selects for metal tolerant bacteria while co-selecting for antibiotic tolerant bacteria. Additionally, to assess how antibiotic and metal tolerance may be transported through a stream network, we studied antibiotic and metal tolerance patterns over three months in bacteria collected from multiple stream microhabitats including the water column, biofilm, sediment and Corbicula fluminea (Asiatic clam) digestive tracts. Sediment bacteria were the most tolerant to antibiotics and metals, while bacteria from Corbicula were the least tolerant. Differences between microhabitats may be important for identifying reservoirs of resistance and for predicting how these genes are transferred and transported in metal-contaminated streams. Temporal dynamics were not directly correlated to a suite of physicochemical parameters, suggesting that tolerance patterns within microhabitats are linked to a complex interaction of the physicochemical characteristics of the stream.

Enhanced cellular uptake of a glutathione selective fluorogenic probe encapsulated in nanoparticles

Selective fluorogenic probes for the labelling of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), i.e. ortho-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) and naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA), have been encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and the ability of the NPs to enhance uptake of the probe by microbial cells has been evaluated. Preparation of the probe-loaded NPs composed of Eudragit(®) E was based on an oil-in-water emulsification solvent evaporation method using an ultrasonic probe and polyvinyl alcohol as the surfactant. The encapsulation efficiency of the probes in lyophilized NPs was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A higher encapsulation rate of NDA than OPA was found: 47.6 ± 9.9 (n = 6) and 2.1 ± 0.2% (n = 3), respectively. The NDA-loaded particle diameter and zeta potential were 224.6 ± 14.7 nm and +40.9 ± 6.5 mV, respectively. After 20 min incubation of cultured Candida albicans yeast cells with either free NDA or NDA-loaded NPs (final NDA concentration 100 µM), cells were harvested and corresponding lysates were analysed using HPLC coupled with spectrofluorimetric detection. Incubation of cells with NDA-loaded NPs increased intracellular levels of NDA-GSH adduct by about nine-fold in comparison with the free probe. Adhesion on the cells and the penetration behaviour of NPs loaded with either NDA or fluorescent label (Nile Red) were characterized qualitatively by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Comparative antibacterial potential of selected aldehyde-based biocides and surfactants against planktonic Pseudomonas fluorescens

The antimicrobial efficacy of two aldehyde-based biocides (glutaraldehyde, GTA, and ortho-phthalaldehyde, OPA) and two surfactants (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, CTAB, and sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) was tested against planktonic Pseudomonas fluorescens. The antimicrobial effects were evaluated by respiratory activity as a measure of the oxygen uptake rate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, outer membrane proteins (OMP) expression and cellular colour changes. The results were compared with the bacterial characteristics without chemical treatment. Tests in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), in order to mimic a disinfection process in the real situation under dirty conditions, were performed according to the European Standard EN-1276. P. fluorescens was completely inactivated with OPA (minimum bactericidal concentration, MBC = 0.5 mM) and CTAB (MBC = 5 mM) and was resistant to GTA and SDS. Only CTAB promoted cellular disruption and consequent ATP release. The antimicrobial action of the chemicals tested was significantly reduced when BSA was introduced into the bacterial cultures, increasing markedly the MBC values. Additionally, the presence of BSA acted as a disruption protective agent when CTAB was applied and stimulated the bacterial respiratory activity when lower concentrations of SDS were tested. The OMP of the bacterial cells was affected by the application of both surfactants. OMP expression remained unaltered after biocide treatment. Bacterial colour change was noticed after treatment with biocides and surfactants. In summary, P. fluorescens was extremely resistant to GTA and SDS, with antimicrobial action being quenched markedly by the reaction with BSA.

Effect of mechanical stress on biofilms challenged by different chemicals

In this study a methodology was applied in order to ascertain the mechanical stability of biofilms, by using a stainless-steel (SS) rotating device immersed in a biological reactor where biofilms formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens were allowed to grow for 7 days at a Reynolds number of agitation of 2400. The biofilms developed with this system were characterised in terms of amount of total, extracellular and intracellular proteins and polysaccharides, amount of mass, metabolic activity and mechanical stability, showing that the biofilms were active, had a high content of extracellular constituents and an inherent mechanical stability. In order to assess the role of chemical agents on the mechanical stability, the biofilms were exposed to chemical agents followed by mechanical treatments by submission to increase Reynolds number of agitation. Seven different chemical agents were tested (two non-oxidising biocides, three surfactants and two oxidising biocides) and their effects on the biofilm mechanical stability were evaluated. The increase in the Reynolds number increased the biofilm removal, but total biofilm removal was not found for all the conditions tested. For the experiment without chemical addition (only mechanical treatment), the biofilm remaining on the surface was about 76%. The chemical treatment followed by the subsequent mechanical treatment did not remove all the biofilms from the surface. The biofilm remaining on the SS cylinder ranged from 3% to 62%, depending on the chemical treatment, showing that the chemical treatment is far from being a cause that induces massive biofilm detachment and even the synergistic chemical and mechanical treatments did not promote biofilm removal. Some chemical agents promoted an increase in the biofilm mechanical stability such as glutaraldehyde (GTA), benzalkonium chloride (BC), except for the lower concentration tested, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), except for the higher concentration tested. Treatments that promoted biofilm removal, to an extent similar to the control experiment (without chemical treatment), were BC, for the lower and the higher concentration of SDS. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium hypochlorite (SHC) promoted the weakening of the biofilm mechanical stability.