Bioemulsifier from sponge-associated bacteria reduces staphylococcal biofilm

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Bacterial biofilms
• Antimicrobial compounds

Background:

• Biofilm formation poses significant health risks, driving research into antibiofilm agents.
• Biosurfactants (BS) are known for antibiofilm properties, but bioemulsifiers (BE) remain understudied.
• Marine environments are rich sources of novel microbial compounds with potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate bioemulsifying properties of marine bacterial supernatants.
• To investigate antiadhesive and antibiofilm activities of these bioemulsifiers.
• To explore the potential of sponge-associated bacteria as a source of antibiofilm agents.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and screening of Bacillaceae and Vibrio strains from marine sponges.
• Characterization of bioemulsifier production using emulsion, drop-collapsing, oil-displacement, hydrophobicity, and hemolysis assays.
• Assessment of antiadhesive and antibiofilm activities against pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli.

Main Results:

• Bacillus cereus 64BHI1101 demonstrated significant emulsifying activity, yielding a bioemulsifier extract (BE64-1).
• BE64-1 exhibited potent antiadhesive (up to 100% reduction) and antibiofilm (80% dispersion) effects against Staphylococcus aureus without inhibiting growth.
• BE64-1 also inhibited biofilm formation and adhesion in Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli.

Conclusions:

• Sponge-associated bacteria produce effective bioemulsifiers with significant antiadhesive and antibiofilm potential.
• Bioemulsifier extract BE64-1 shows promise as a therapeutic agent against pathogenic bacterial biofilms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.
• This study highlights the untapped potential of marine bioemulsifiers in combating biofilm-related infections.