Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Rhodethrin and Rubrivivaxin as potential source of anti-biofilm agents against vancomycin resistant Enterococcus
Eswar Rao Tatta1, Ranjith Kumavath1
1Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya (P.O), Kasaragod, Kerala, 671320, India.
Abstract:
Enterococcus faecalis is frequently present in the hospital environment and readily forms a biofilm that protects from antibiotics and resistance against environmental stress conditions, thereby increasing nosocomial chronic infections. This study aims to assess antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of two novel terpenoid derivatives Rhodethrin (Rdn) and Rubrivivaxin (Rbn) against vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain (ATCC19443). Both terpenoids effectively prevent biofilm formation with >75% attenuation in cell biomass and significantly decrease the production of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) (p = 0.005) and besides their expansion on different surface media. The findings provide new evidence that such terpenoid derivatives could be developed as novel antibacterial drugs.
Insights
Two novel terpenoid derivatives, Rhodethrin (Rdn) and Rubrivivaxin (Rbn), show significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. These compounds effectively inhibit biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide production, offering potential for new antibacterial drug development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, often forming antibiotic-resistant biofilms.
- Biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis enhances resistance to antibiotics and environmental stressors, leading to persistent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of two novel terpenoid derivatives, Rhodethrin (Rdn) and Rubrivivaxin (Rbn).
- To assess the efficacy of Rdn and Rbn against a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain (ATCC19443).
Main Methods:
- Testing the antimicrobial activity of Rdn and Rbn against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC19443.
- Assessing the antibiofilm properties, including inhibition of biofilm formation and reduction of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production.
Main Results:
- Both Rhodethrin and Rubrivivaxin demonstrated significant inhibition of biofilm formation, reducing cell biomass by over 75%.
- The terpenoids significantly decreased exopolysaccharide (EPS) production (p=0.005) and limited biofilm expansion on various surfaces.
- Effective activity was observed against the vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain.
Conclusions:
- Novel terpenoid derivatives Rhodethrin and Rubrivivaxin possess potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities.
- These findings suggest that Rdn and Rbn could serve as a basis for developing new therapeutic agents against resistant bacterial infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance