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Trans-cinnamaldehyde-Biosurfactant Complex as a Potent Agent against Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms
Mingxin Hu1, Shanthini Kalimuthu1, Chengfei Zhang1
1Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract:
Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic microbial pathogen frequently associated with diverse infections, including those of the skin and teeth, as well as those from surgical wounds. It forms robust biofilms that are highly tolerant to most antimicrobials and first-line antibiotics. Therefore, investigating alternative strategies to eradicate its biofilms is a critical need. We recently demonstrated that trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) potently kills E. faecalis biofilm cells and prevents biofilm recovery, and yet, the extreme hydrophobicity of TC hampers clinical translation. Here, we report that a complex of TC with an FDA-approved biosurfactant (acidic sophorolipid/ASL) significantly reduces the bacterial viability and biomass of E. faecalis biofilms, compared to TC alone. A confocal laser-scanning microscopic analysis demonstrated that the TC-ASL treatment significantly decreased the biofilm thickness and volume. In conclusion, our study highlights the anti-biofilm potential of the newly developed TC-ASL.
Insights
trans-cinnamaldehyde complexed with acidic sophorolipid effectively eradicates Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. This novel formulation overcomes the limitations of trans-cinnamaldehyde alone, offering a promising strategy against persistent bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen causing various infections.
- E. faecalis forms robust biofilms resistant to antibiotics.
- Developing new anti-biofilm strategies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) and acidic sophorolipid (ASL) complex against E. faecalis biofilms.
- To address the clinical translation challenges posed by TC's hydrophobicity.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of E. faecalis biofilms with TC-ASL complex.
- Assessment of bacterial viability and biomass reduction.
- Confocal laser-scanning microscopy to analyze biofilm structure.
Main Results:
- The TC-ASL complex significantly reduced E. faecalis biofilm viability and biomass compared to TC alone.
- Microscopic analysis showed decreased biofilm thickness and volume after TC-ASL treatment.
- The complex improved upon the anti-biofilm activity of TC.
Conclusions:
- The novel TC-ASL complex demonstrates significant anti-biofilm potential against E. faecalis.
- This formulation offers a promising alternative for treating E. faecalis biofilm infections.
- The study highlights the therapeutic potential of combining natural compounds with biosurfactants.
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