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Development of a Polymicrobial Colony Biofilm Model to Test Antimicrobials in Cystic Fibrosis
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Antimicrobial Activity of Ibuprofen against Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Gram-Negative Pathogens

Parth N Shah1, Kimberly R Marshall-Batty2, Justin A Smolen1

  • 1Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, USA.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|January 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Ibuprofen exhibits antimicrobial properties against cystic fibrosis lung pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study demonstrates ibuprofen

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Ibuprofen is used for cystic fibrosis (CF) but its benefits are attributed to anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Previous studies suggest ibuprofen has antimicrobial activity, but its effect on CF lung pathogens was unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct antimicrobial activity of ibuprofen against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia species, key CF lung pathogens.
  • To evaluate ibuprofen's efficacy in a murine model of Pseudomonas pneumonia and explore novel delivery methods.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro antimicrobial assays measuring colony-forming units (CFU) and growth kinetics against P. aeruginosa and Burkholderia.
  • In vitro Pseudomonas biofilm model to assess biomass accumulation.
  • Murine model of acute Pseudomonas pneumonia to evaluate in vivo efficacy and survival rates.
  • Biodistribution studies and formulation of ibuprofen-encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles (Ibu-NPs) for aerosol delivery.

Main Results:

  • Ibuprofen dose-dependently reduced the growth rate and bacterial burden of P. aeruginosa and Burkholderia species in vitro.
  • Ibuprofen inhibited Pseudomonas biofilm formation and reduced bacterial load and improved survival in a mouse pneumonia model.
  • Aerosolized ibuprofen showed rapid serum but minimal lung retention; Ibu-NPs improved in vitro efficacy and offer potential for convenient dosing.

Conclusions:

  • Ibuprofen possesses direct antimicrobial activity against key CF lung pathogens, offering a potential mechanism beyond its anti-inflammatory effects.
  • These findings support ibuprofen's therapeutic use in cystic fibrosis patients and suggest aerosolized nanoparticle formulations as a promising delivery strategy.
Keywords:
Burkholderia spp.Pseudomonas aeruginosaantimicrobialcystic fibrosisibuprofennanoparticles

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