Peptoid Efficacy against Polymicrobial Biofilms Determined by Using Propidium Monoazide-Modified Quantitative PCR

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Biofilms, particularly those involving Candida albicans, are a major cause of persistent clinical infections.
• Biofilm matrix, low microbial metabolic activity, and high mutation rates confer resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments.
• Peptoids, as peptide-mimics, offer enhanced stability against proteases, improving in vivo therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a peptoid library against monospecies and polymicrobial bacterial/fungal biofilms.
• To assess the potential of peptoids as novel therapeutic agents for biofilm-associated infections.

Main Methods:

• A library of peptoids was synthesized and screened for antimicrobial activity.
• Activity was tested against monospecies and polymicrobial biofilms, including those containing Candida albicans.
• Cytotoxicity of effective peptoids was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Selected peptoids demonstrated significant bactericidal and fungicidal activity against polymicrobial biofilms.
• The tested peptoids exhibited low cytotoxicity.
• Peptoids proved effective against biofilms resistant to conventional treatments.

Conclusions:

• Peptoids possess potent antimicrobial activity against challenging polymicrobial biofilms.
• Their low cytotoxicity and enhanced stability make them a promising therapeutic option for biofilm-related infections.
• Peptoids represent a novel approach for treating persistent and drug-resistant microbial infections.