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Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans biofilms with bacterial-derived outer membrane vesicles
Yihui Wang1, Joseph P Hoffmann1, Sarah M Baker1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., SL-38, LA, 70112-2699, New Orleans, USA.
BMC Microbiology
|August 25, 2021
Summary
Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Burkholderia thailandensis effectively disrupt Streptococcus mutans biofilms. These bacterial nanoparticles enhance antibiotic efficacy, offering a novel strategy against resistant oral pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Biofilms present a significant challenge in treating bacterial infections due to increased antibiotic resistance.
- Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanoparticles produced by Gram-negative bacteria involved in various cellular processes.
- Previous research demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of Burkholderia thailandensis OMVs against diverse microbes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibiofilm efficacy of Burkholderia thailandensis OMVs against Streptococcus mutans, a key oral pathogen.
- To identify the components within OMVs responsible for their antibiofilm activity.
- To assess the potential of OMVs in combination therapy to enhance antibiotic effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of Streptococcus mutans biofilms with Burkholderia thailandensis OMVs.
- Assessment of biofilm biomass, integrity, and bacterial viability post-treatment.
- Analysis of heat-labile and heat-stable OMV components, including quinoline and rhamnolipid.
- Evaluation of combined OMV and gentamicin treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- OMV treatment significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans biofilm biomass, integrity, and bacterial viability.
- Both heat-labile and heat-stable OMV components, specifically 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-(2-non-enyl)-quinoline and rhamnolipid, contribute to antibiofilm activity.
- Co-administration of OMVs with gentamicin enhanced the antibiotic's efficacy against S. mutans biofilms.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial-derived OMVs are potent biological nanoparticles with significant antibiofilm capabilities.
- OMVs show promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for inhibiting and eradicating biofilms.
- The synergistic effect with conventional antibiotics highlights the potential of OMVs in combating resistant infections.
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