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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries
Published on: December 27, 2016
Unveiling antibiofilm potential: proteins from Priestia sp. targeting Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation
Nicole Sartori Ribeiro1, Deisiane Fernanda da Rosa1, Marina Amaral Xavier1
1Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is the etiologic agent of many nosocomial infections, and its biofilm is frequently isolated from medical devices. Moreover, the dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains from this pathogen, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, is a worldwide public health issue. The inhibition of biofilm formation can be used as a strategy to weaken bacterial resistance. Taking that into account, we analysed the ability of marine sponge-associated bacteria to produce antibiofilm molecules, and we found that marine Priestia sp., isolated from marine sponge Scopalina sp. collected on the Brazilian coast, secretes proteins that impair biofilm development from S. aureus. Partially purified proteins (PPP) secreted after 24 hours of bacterial growth promoted a 92% biofilm mass reduction and 4.0 µg/dL was the minimum concentration to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. This reduction was visually confirmed by light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, biochemical assays showed that the antibiofilm activity of PPP was reduced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 1,10 phenanthroline (PHEN), while it was stimulated by zinc ions, suggesting an active metallopeptidase in PPP. This result agrees with mass spectrometry (MS) identification, which indicated the presence of a metallopeptidase from the M28 family. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing analysis of Priestia sp. shows that gene ywad, a metallopeptidase-encoding gene, was present. Therefore, the results presented herein indicate that PPP secreted by the marine Priestia sp. can be explored as a potential antibiofilm agent and help to treat chronic infections.
Insights
Marine bacteria proteins significantly reduce Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation, offering a novel strategy against multidrug-resistant infections. This discovery highlights potential new antibiofilm agents derived from marine sources.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Marine Biotechnology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus causes significant nosocomial infections, with multidrug-resistant strains like MRSA posing a global health threat.
- Bacterial biofilms on medical devices contribute to persistent infections and treatment challenges.
- Inhibiting biofilm formation is a promising strategy to combat bacterial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate marine sponge-associated bacteria for antibiofilm molecule production.
- To identify and characterize antibiofilm compounds effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteria from marine sponge Scopalina sp. on the Brazilian coast.
- Partial purification of secreted proteins (PPP) from Priestia sp. and assessment of antibiofilm activity.
- Biofilm inhibition assays, light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), biochemical assays (EDTA, PHEN, Zn2+), mass spectrometry (MS), and whole-genome sequencing.
Main Results:
- Proteins secreted by marine Priestia sp. reduced Staphylococcus aureus biofilm mass by 92%.
- The minimum inhibitory concentration for biofilm formation was 4.0 µg/dL.
- Activity was dependent on metal ions, suggesting a metallopeptidase, identified as a family M28 metallopeptidase and encoded by the ywad gene.
Conclusions:
- Partially purified proteins (PPP) from marine Priestia sp. exhibit potent antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
- The antibiofilm agent is likely a metallopeptidase, offering a novel therapeutic target.
- These findings suggest potential applications of marine-derived proteins as antibiofilm agents for treating chronic infections.
