Quantification and Comparison of Different Biofilm Components from Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has demonstrated antibacterial properties.
• Previous studies indicated TXA's efficacy alone and in combination with antibiotics against bacterial strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing Staphylococcus aureus biofilm.
• To compare the effectiveness of different fluorescent staining reagents in quantifying biofilm matrix reduction.

Main Methods:

• Staphylococcus aureus biofilms were cultivated on glass slides in a 24-well plate.
• Biofilms were treated with TXA (10 mg/mL) or sterile water.
• Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to quantify biofilm components (extracellular proteins, polysaccharides, DNA) using five different fluorescent stains.

Main Results:

• TXA treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) in all measured biofilm components.
• The reduction percentages for all biofilm components exceeded 90.0% compared to the control.
• All five fluorescent staining reagents effectively quantified biofilm reduction.

Conclusions:

• TXA effectively reduces Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, including both bacterial cells and extracellular matrix.
• Various fluorescent staining methods are equally valid for quantifying TXA-induced biofilm reduction.