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Anti-Biofilm Perspectives of Propolis against Staphylococcus epidermidis Infections
Virginia Vadillo-Rodríguez1, Irene Fernández-Babiano2,3, Ciro Pérez-Giraldo2,3,4
1Department of Applied Physics, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus epidermis has emerged as the main causative agent of medical device-related infections. Their major pathogenicity factor lies in its ability to adhere to surfaces and proliferate into biofilms, which increase their resistance to antibiotics. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the use and the mechanism of action of an ethanolic extract of Spanish propolis (EESP) as a potential alternative for preventing biofilm-related infections caused by S. epidermidis. The chemical composition of propolis is reported and its antibacterial activity against several strains of S. epidermidis with different biofilm-forming capacities evaluated. The influence of sub-inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of EESP on their growth, physicochemical surface properties, adherence, and biofilm formation were studied. EESP interferes with planktonic cells, homogenizing their physicochemical surface properties and introducing a significant delay in their growth. The adherence and biofilms at the EESP concentrations investigated were decreased up to 90.5% among the strains. Microscopic analysis indicated that the planktonic cells that survived the treatment were the ones that adhere and proliferate on the surfaces. The results obtained suggest that the EESP has a high potential to be used as an inhibitor of both the adhesion and biofilm formation of S. epidermidis.
Insights
Spanish propolis extract effectively prevents Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation, a common cause of medical device infections. This natural compound inhibits bacterial adhesion and growth, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is a primary cause of medical device-related infections.
- Biofilm formation by S. epidermidis enhances antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity.
- Novel strategies are needed to combat these persistent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an ethanolic extract of Spanish propolis (EESP) for preventing S. epidermidis biofilm infections.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of EESP against S. epidermidis.
- To assess EESP's impact on bacterial growth, surface properties, and biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Chemical composition analysis of Spanish propolis.
- Antibacterial activity testing against S. epidermidis strains.
- Evaluation of sub-inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of EESP on bacterial growth, surface properties, adherence, and biofilm formation.
- Microscopic analysis of treated bacterial cells.
Main Results:
- EESP demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis.
- Sub-inhibitory concentrations of EESP delayed bacterial growth and homogenized surface properties.
- EESP significantly reduced bacterial adherence and biofilm formation by up to 90.5%.
- Microscopic analysis revealed surviving planktonic cells were responsible for residual adhesion and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Ethanolic extract of Spanish propolis (EESP) shows high potential as an inhibitor of S. epidermidis adhesion and biofilm formation.
- EESP represents a promising natural alternative for preventing medical device-related infections.
- Further research into EESP's application in preventing biofilm infections is warranted.
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