Microbial Biofilm Inhibition Using Magnetic Cross-Linked Polyphenol Oxidase Aggregates

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Microbial biofilms present significant environmental, industrial, and public health challenges.
• Existing methods for biofilm control are often inconclusive or environmentally concerning.
• There is a growing need for green, economical, and effective biofilm inhibition strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a bio-nanotechnological approach using magnetic cross-linked polyphenol oxidase aggregates (PPO m-CLEA) for microbial biofilm inhibition.
• To assess the efficacy of PPO m-CLEA against multidrug-resistant bacteria biofilms.
• To investigate the mechanism of biofilm inhibition by PPO m-CLEA.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of magnetic cross-linked polyphenol oxidase aggregates (PPO m-CLEA).
• In vitro assessment of biofilm inhibition using microscopic techniques.
• Quantification of carbohydrate and protein content in extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs).
• Evaluation of PPO m-CLEA reusability.
• In silico molecular docking studies of PPO with microbial biofilm-associated proteins.

Main Results:

• PPO m-CLEA demonstrated significantly higher biofilm inhibition (70-75%) compared to free PPO solution (55-60%).
• Significant reduction in carbohydrate and protein content within biofilm EPSs was observed.
• PPO m-CLEA maintained consistent efficiency over 5 reuse cycles.
• Molecular docking revealed favorable interactions between PPO and microbial proteins involved in biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

• PPO m-CLEA is a promising green bio-nanotechnological agent for effective microbial biofilm inhibition.
• The mechanism involves interference with microbial cell attachment and EPS production.
• The reusability and computational validation support the potential industrial and environmental applications of PPO m-CLEA.