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Manuka Honey Inhibits Biofilm Formation and Reduces the Expression of the Associated Genes in Pectobacterium

Tri Joko1, Sheila Ava1, Isna Nurifa Sasmita Putri1

  • 1Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.

Scientifica
|November 6, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Manuka honey effectively inhibits biofilm and pellicle formation in the plant pathogen *Pectobacterium brasiliense*. This study found significant reductions in biofilm development and key gene expression after honey treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Biofilms are crucial virulence factors for bacterial pathogens, aiding in host invasion and colonization.
  • Pellicles, or floating biofilms, form at the air-liquid interface, presenting a unique challenge.
  • While honey's anti-biofilm properties are known for human pathogens, its effect on plant pathogens is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of manuka honey on biofilm and pellicle formation by *Pectobacterium brasiliense*.
  • To analyze the expression of genes involved in biofilm formation in response to manuka honey.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of *P. brasiliense* cultures with 5% manuka honey.
  • Assessment of biofilm and pellicle formation.
  • Gene expression analysis using semiquantitative PCR and RT-qPCR for genes like *bcsA*, *fis*, *hrpL*, and *expI*.

Main Results:

  • A 5% manuka honey concentration significantly reduced both biofilm and pellicle formation by *P. brasiliense*.
  • RT-qPCR revealed substantial downregulation of key biofilm-related genes: *bcsA* (7.07-fold), *fis* (5.71-fold), *hrpL* (13.11-fold), and *expI* (6.26-fold).

Conclusions:

  • Manuka honey demonstrates significant potential as an inhibitor of biofilm and pellicle formation in *Pectobacterium brasiliense*.
  • The observed inhibition is likely mediated by the downregulation of essential genes involved in biofilm development.

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