Abstract Membrane bioreactors are powerful systems for wastewater treatment and the removal of toxic compounds. However, membrane biofouling stands in the way of their widespread usage. In this study, the saprophytic fungus Trichocladium canadense was used as the bioaugmentor in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) and its impact on membrane biofouling, biogas production, the microbial communities

Abstract The global rise in antimicrobial resistance and lack of discovery of new antimicrobials have created serious concerns. Targeting quorum sensing (QS) and biofilms of pathogenic bacteria is considered a promising approach in antimicrobial drug discovery. This study explored the inhibitory effect of plumbagin against biofilms and QS of Chromobacterium violaceum, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas

Abstract The impact of concrete composition and roughness on the formation of microalgal biofilms and their photobiology were studied on marine infrastructures presenting four different compositions combined with two degrees of roughness (rough and smooth). The structures were first inoculated with a natural microphytobenthic biofilm and immersed in sterilised seawater with a controlled photoperiod

Abstract Surface treatments are designed to promote modified implant surfaces with positive interactions with the surrounding living tissues. However, the inadvertent early contact of these surfaces with oral fluids during surgery may lead to undesired conditions affecting osseointegration. This study aimed to investigate the possible alterations in the physico-chemical properties of modified-surfaces

Abstract Candida albicans causes candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Streptococcus salivarius K12 (K12) is a probiotic isolated from a healthy oral cavity. The study aimed to determine the effect of K12 on C. albicans aggregation, biofilm formation and dimorphism. C. albicans ATCC MYA-4901, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) isolate (ALC2), and oral cancer isolate (ALC3)

Abstract Adsorption of conditioning films on a solid surface is the first step in the development of biofilms. With the goal of understanding the preliminary adhesion mechanisms of cyanobacteria on photobioreactor (PBR) materials to prevent biofouling, the physical changes occurring on PBR materials were investigated during the initial adhesion and biofilm formation by Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, a cyanobacterium

Abstract Antibacterial screenings are most commonly targeted at planktonic bacteria but less effort is dedicated to the exploration of agents acting on biofilms. Here, a natural compounds library was screened against Staphylococcus aureus using a 384-well plate platform to identify compounds preventing biofilm formation. Five structurally diverse hits were selected for follow-up studies: honokiol,

Abstract In this study, the effects of agitation, temperature, and pH on biofilm formation by Mycobacterium fortuitum were studied and quantified through response surface modeling. The microtiter plate assay was optimized to achieve conditions favoring maximum mycobacterial biofilm quantification. Optical density (OD) measurement using a crystal violet assay was performed to estimate the amount of

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and effect of curcumin-cinnamaldehyde hybrids (CCHs) on the biofilm of oral pathogens. Of the 18 hybrids tested, nine had an inhibitory effect on at least one of the bacterial species tested, with minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations ranging from 9 to 625 μg ml−1. CCH 7 promoted a potent inhibitory effect against all

Abstract The goal was to identify the biofilm-forming ability of Cronobacter sakazakii on surfaces of stainless steel (SS) and silicone rubber (SR) in contact with infant formula milk. Two representative bacteriophages (PBES04 and PBES19) were used to control the growth of C. sakazakii as well as its biofilm forming ability on either SS or SR surfaces. Bacterial growth was confirmed at 20 °C when PBES04

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. The glucose levels found in the blood of diabetic patients can be reflected in the saliva, which can favor biofilm growth and predispose denture wearers to oral candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different salivary glucose concentrations on dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans

Abstract Candida albicans undergoes a morphological yeast-to-hyphal transition during infection, which plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. The filamentous morphology of the hyphal form has been identified as a virulence factor as it facilitates surface adherence, intertwining with biofilm, invasion, and damage to host tissues and organs. Hence, inhibition of filamentation in addition to biofilm

Abstract Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been considered as a potential alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of biofilm infections. There is evidence that an additional H2O2 enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of aPDT. However, the minimum H2O2 concentration to achieve this synergistic effect is unclear. A saliva-derived multi-species biofilm was treated with the photosensitizer

Abstract Paeonol, the active ingredient of Paeonia lactiflora root bark, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Few studies have reported the antibacterial activity of paeonol against bacterial pathogens. In this study, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm performance of paeonol against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae was investigated as well as its mechanisms of action. Paeonol

Abstract The formation of biofilms is a survival strategy employed by bacteria to help protect them from changing or unfavourable environments. In this research, 319 genes which govern biofilm formation in V. parahaemolyticus, as reported in 1,625 publications, were analysed using protein-protein-interaction (PPI) network analysis. CsrA was identified as a motility-sessility switch and biofilm formation

Abstract Microbial biofilms are difficult to control due to the limited accessibility that antimicrobial drugs and chemicals have to the entrapped inner cells. The extracellular matrix, binds water, contributes to altered cell physiology within biofilms and act as a barrier for most antiproliferative molecules. Thus, new strategies need to be developed to overcome biofilm vitality. In this review,

Abstract Liquid wastes (LW) disposed in hospital handwashing sinks may affect colonization of sink P-traps by carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKP), causing CPKP dispersal into the patient care environment. This study aimed to determine the effect of LW on biofilm formation and CPKP colonization in a P-Trap model (PTM). PTMs containing polymicrobial biofilms grown in autoclaved municipal

Abstract Biofilms are an important medical burden, notably for patients with orthopaedic device-related infections. When polymicrobial, these infections are more lethal and recalcitrant. Inter-kingdom biofilm infections are poorly understood and challenging to treat. Here, an in vitro three-species model including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans was developed, to represent

Abstract Biofouling, or the build-up of microorganisms in a biofilm at the solid-water or water-air interface, is an interdisciplinary problem. Biofouling causes various issues including clogging systems, contaminating devices, and creating infections that are extremely difficult to treat, to name but a few. Therefore, engineers, pharmacologists, microbiologists, wastewater treatment operators, chemists

Abstract Marine biogrowth infestation of a seawater intake system was investigated. A digital camera fixed onto a skid was used to record the biogrowth at intervals of 5 m up to a depth of 55 m. Divers inspected the intake shaft and collected the biogrowth samples for biomass estimation. A biomass density of 7.5 kg m−2 and 28.2 kg m−2 was recorded at 5 and 30 m depths respectively. Inspection by the

Abstract The incidence of biofilm-linked catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) is increasing across the world. However, there is no clinical evidence to support the modifications of biomaterials, such as antimicrobial agent-coated catheters, that are known to reduce the risk of bacterial colonization and resistance development. The present study developed and tested silicone segments

Abstract Surface modification is an emerging strategy for the design of contact materials. Fabricated alumina discs were functionalized by deposition of biogenic silver nanoparticles. The surfaces were characterized for physico-chemical, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against microbial pathogens. The surface demonstrated improved hydrophobicity and a surface silver nanoparticle content of

Abstract Microbial infections caused by sessile microorganisms are known to be a more challenging issue than infections caused by the same microorganisms in the planktonic state. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and biofilm-forming agent. This species presents intense cellular communication mediated by signaling molecules. This process is known as quorum sensing (QS) and induces

Abstract Understanding the interaction between oral keratinocytes (NOK-si) and Candida albicans is fundamental for the development of prevention strategies and new therapies for oral candidiasis. This study evaluated the dynamics and metabolic profile of these cells growing in co-culture by means of cell metabolism, number of CFU ml−1, and production of enzymes, cytokines, and metabolites. The data

Abstract The oral cavity is an environment that allows for the development of complex ecosystems; the placement of prosthetic devices as a consequence of partial or total tooth loss may alter the diversity of microbial communities. Biofilms on the surface of materials used in dental prostheses can promote important changes in the mechanic and aesthetic properties of the material itself and may cause

Abstract Although the hull of a recently dry-docked large ship is expected to be relatively smooth, surface scanning and experimentation reveal that it can exhibit an “orange-peel” roughness pattern with an equivalent sand-grain roughness height ks = 0. 101 mm. Using the known ks value and integral boundary layer evolution, a recently cleaned and coated full-scale ship was predicted to experience a

Abstract Details of the design and implementation of an open-source platform for studying the adhesion of cells attached to solid substrata are provided. The hardware is based on a laser-cut flow channel connected to a programmable syringe pump. The software automates all aspects of the flow rate profile, data acquisition and image analysis. An example of the pelagic diatom Thalassiosira rotula adhered

Abstract A herbal mouthwash containing essential oils of holy basil and mountain tea, extracts of St John’s wort and European goldenrod (Bucovia™) and cetylpyridinium chloride, was developed and in vitro tested for its efficiency against biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans, together with its eradicating activity against already preformed (48 h with saccharose) streptococcal biofilm. The minimum

Abstract The role of biofilms in pathogenicity and treatment strategies is often neglected in mycobacterial infections. In recent years, the emergence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections has necessitated the development of novel prophylactic strategies and elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the establishment of chronic infections. More importantly, the question arises whether members of

Abstract A novel system was developed to deploy settlement panels to monitor biofouling growth in situ and evaluate antifouling coatings at depths representative of operational conditions of full-scale marine renewable energy devices. Biofouling loading, species diversity, and succession were assessed at depths ranging from 25-40 m at four tests sites in Orkney (UK) featuring extreme wave and tidal

Abstract A rapid benchtop method to measure the torque associated with minidiscs rotating in water using a sensitive analytical rheometer has been used to monitor the drag caused by marine fouling on coated discs. The method was calibrated using sandpaper surfaces of known roughness. Minidiscs coated with commercial fouling control coatings, plus an inactive control, were exposed in an estuarine harbour

Abstract Biofouling is a widespread phenomenon in oceans worldwide. With increasing human development and activities in open and coastal waters, and due to the environmental impact of AF organotins and copper-based paint, the demand for nontoxic antifouling (AF) paints is increasing. Various bioassays for antimicrobial activity, anti-biofilm formation and anti-barnacle settlement were established to

Abstract Salmonella biofilm prevention and control is of great importance. This study, investigated the use of the isolated phage KM16 belonging to the family Myoviridae in the order Caudovirales. The phage genome size was 170,126 bp. Almost all phages were adsorbed to the host within 20 min. KM16 had a latent period of 70 min followed by a rise period of 40 min. Phage KM16 had the ability to lytically

Abstract It is well-established that hydrodynamics affect the settlement of biofouling organisms. Laboratory studies have demonstrated a connection between larval attachment rates and the prevalence of time windows that satisfy certain instantaneous flow conditions. However, it is unclear whether a link exists between short-term hydrodynamics and long-term macrofouling survival and growth, or if it

Abstract Byssuses, which are proteinaceous fibers secreted by mollusks, are remarkable underwater adhesives. Although mussel adhesives are well known, much less is known about the byssal proteins of pearl oysters especially in the adhesive regions. In this study, adhesive proteins from the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata were studied in depth by transcriptomics and proteomics approaches. In total, 16

Abstract In this work, surface-modifying amphiphilic additives (SMAAs) were synthesized via hydrosilylation using various polymethylhydrosiloxanes (PMHS) and allyl-terminated polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers (APEG) of varying molecular weights. The additives synthesized were incorporated into a hydrophobic, self-stratifying siloxane-polyurethane (SiPU) coating system to produce an amphiphilic

Abstract Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus lugdunensis involves formation of an extracellular matrix; however, the identity of the constituents responsible for the structure of biofilms fabricated by different clinical strains is largely unclear. Here, biofilms produced by 24 clinical isolates of S. lugdunensis were characterized. The optimal medium for S. lugdunensis was selected, and the biofilm-forming

Abstract Sanguinarine, a plant-derived benzophenanthridine alkaloid, was studied in terms of its anti-biofilm effects against carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens (CRSM). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and cell membrane integrity were measured to investigate the antimicrobial mechanism of sanguinarine. Additionally, the extent of biofilm formation by CRSM exposed to sanguinarine was measured

(2021). Correction. Biofouling: Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. I-I.

Abstract Amphiphilic gels consisting of acrylamide (AAM)/2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA) and non-isocyanate urethane dimethacrylate (NIUDMA) of varying molecular weights were compared. A three-level Taguchi analysis was performed using the amount of AAM/HEMA, HFBMA, NIUDMA and reaction time as dependent variables to determine the optimal formulation of the gels

Abstract Serratia marcescens NJ01, a Gram-negative bacterium, can infect tomato leaves and cause chlorosis and wilting. The present study evaluated the quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm inhibitory effects of seven carboline compounds against S. marcescens NJ01 at 20 μg ml−1, and subsequently focused the study on norharmane as this had the best inhibitory activity. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain

Abstract The persistence of Salmonella enterica on abiotic surfaces in hospitals and the agri-food industries leads to several infections worldwide. In this context, this work aimed to study the adhesion of S. Enteritidis on plasma-modified stainless steel to prevent biofilm-associated-infections. Surface modification was achieved by the elaboration of organosilicon coatings from the monomer 1,1,3

Abstract Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli E2346/69 (EPEC) has caused foodborne outbreaks worldwide and the bacterium forms antimicrobial-tolerant biofilms. The anti-biofilm formation of various components of essential oils extracted from selected medicinal plants were investigated and tested on EPEC and wild strains of E. coli. Oils extracted from the family Asteraceae and their major common constituents

Abstract In this in vitro study the effect of XZ.700, a new endolysin, on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms grown on titanium was evaluated. Biofilms of S. aureus USA300 were grown statically and under flow, and treatment with XZ.700 was compared with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and gentamicin. To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of XZ.700 and derived biofilm lysates, human osteocyte-like

Abstract This study first examines the minimum power requirements of a tanker according to the IMO 2013 IMO. 2013. Interim guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power to maintain the maneuverability in adverse conditions. London: International Maritime Organization. [Google Scholar] Interim Guideline (IMO 2013 IMO. 2013. Interim guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power to maintain

Abstract 3-D printing allows for rapid prototyping and manufacture of components in a cost effective and timely manner, becoming a popular technology for oceanographic and maritime engineering applications. However, 3-D printed components are at risk of accumulating marine biofouling. This study examined the antifouling (AF) performance of three Cu-containing 3-D printing polymer filaments for potential

Abstract Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms are implicated in the pathology of peri-implantitis and periodontitis. In this study, D-arginine (R), D-methionine (M), D-histidine (H), and a mixture of these D-amino acids (D-AAs) were investigated as an effective therapeutic strategy against P. gingivalis biofilms. The bacterial growth activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for each

Abstract Adhesion capacity on biological surfaces and biofilm formation is considered an important step in the infection process by Candida albicans. The ability of (PhSe)2 and (pCl-PhSe)2, two synthetic organic selenium (organochalcogen) compounds, to act on C. albicans virulence factors related to adhesion to human endocervical (HeLa) cell surfaces and their anti-biofilm activities was analyzed.

Abstract Microfouling, ie biofilm formation on surfaces, can have an economic impact and requires costly maintenance in water-powered energy generation systems. In this study, the microbiota of a cooling system (filter and heat exchanger) in the Irapé hydroelectric power plant in Brazil was examined. The goal was to identify bacteria that could be targeted to more efficiently reduce biofilm formation

Abstract Plant-derived molecules are excellent alternatives to antibiotics as anti-infective agents owing to their minimal cytotoxicity. Herein, the anti-infective property of the hydroxyflavone baicalin, was investigated against biofilms of the key dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans. Baicalin inhibited sucrose-dependent biofilm formation at a concentration of 500 µg ml−1 without affecting

Abstract Orthopedic device related infections (ODRI’s) represent a difficult to treat situation owing to their biofilm based nature. Biofilm infections once established are difficult to eradicate even with an aggressive treatment regimen due to their recalcitrance towards antibiotics and immune attack. The involvement of antibiotic resistant pathogens as the etiological agent further worsens the overall

Abstract Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) was trapped into maltodextrins/pectin spray dried microcapsules to improve its activity against Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Two different microcapsules were prepared: uncomplexed DTAC-microcapsules (UDM), containing DTAC and maltodextrins; and complexed DTAC-microcapsules (CDM) containing DTAC complexed with pectin and

Abstract Cleaning and disinfection protocols are not always able to remove biofilm microbes present in breweries, indicating that novel anti-biofilm strategies are needed. The preventive activities of three in-house synthesized members of the 2-aminoimidazole class of anti-biofilm molecules were studied against 17 natural brewery biofilms and benchmarked against 18 known inhibitors. Two 2-aminoimidazoles

Abstract Biofilms play an important role in health, being associated with >80% of all microbial infections in the body and in the development of antibiotic resistance. Research in this field has continuously produced large volumes of data. Being able to handle all this information will be paramount for progress in this field. However, this places a heavy burden on the development of strategies to gather

Abstract The antimicrobial and anticaries effects of CaneCPI-5 were evaluated. Ninety bovine enamel samples were treated for 60 s with either phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.05 mg ml−1 CaneCPI-5, 0.1 mg ml−1 CaneCPI-5 or 0.5 mg ml−1 CaneCPI-5. They were incubated with inoculum (human saliva + McBain's saliva) for the first 8 h. From then until the end of the experiment

Abstract The antimicrobial activity of an experimental solution containing essential oil of Lippia sidoides for denture cleaning was evaluated by (1) minimum inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal/bactericidal concentration (MFC/MBC) tests against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomona aeruginosa; (2) the metabolic activity of C. albicans biofilm formed on flat-bottom microplates and denture

Biofouling of man-made surfaces by marine organisms is a global problem with both financial and environmental consequences. However, the development of non-toxic anti-biofouling coatings is challenged by the diversity of fouling organisms. One possible solution leverages coatings composed of diverse chemical constituents. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) photopolymerization was

This study is focused on the development of tougher gels using combinations of acrylamide, fluoromethacrylate and a non-isocyanate urethane dimethacrylate (NIUDMA) crosslinker. The NIUDMA was tailored with 2, 3-epoxypropoxy propyl-polydimethylsiloxane segments E9 (MW = 0.36 kg mol-1), E11 (MW = 0.5-0.6 kg mol-1) and E12 (MW = 1-1.4 kg mol-1). A 3 level Taguchi design was used to evaluate the role of

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. The formation of biofilm by this pathogen renders it resilient to antimicrobial agents, which complicates the treatment of such infections. S. aureus can form biofilms with other pathogens and cause polymicrobial infections recalcitrant to antimicrobial agents. Therefore, anti-biofilm agents against which

Abstract Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis are important opportunistic human pathogens, which form mixed-species biofilms and cause recalcitrant device associated infections in clinical settings. Further to many reports suggesting the therapeutic potential of plant-derived monoterpenoids, this study investigated the interaction of the monoterpenoids carvacrol (C) and thymol (T) against