Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries
Published on: December 27, 2016
Propolis Exerts Antibiofilm Activity Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Modulating Gene
He Sang1,2, Kaiyue Feng1,2, Yanhu Ju2
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Food Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China.
Abstract:
Within the global epidemiological landscape, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) stands out as a major contributor to infectious disease burden. The persistent public health crisis it presents arises from a dual challenge: intrinsic multidrug resistance coupled with a high rate of healthcare-associated infections. Recent studies have shown that propolis has unique advantages in bacterial infection prevention and treatment. The present study revealed that propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) exhibited notable antibacterial activity against both MRSA ATCC 43300 and MRSA CI2, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 128 μg/mL for each strain. Crystal violet (CV) staining and XTT sodium reduction assays were employed to evaluate the anti-biofilm efficacy of PEE. CV staining revealed that PEE significantly inhibited biofilm formation and reduced the biomass of pre-formed biofilm. Additionally, the XTT sodium reduction assay demonstrated a substantial reduction in the metabolic activity of the biofilm-embedded. Scanning electron microscopy and bacterial adhesion experiments revealed that PEE significantly reduced bacterial adhesion and aggregation. Furthermore, experiments on the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins showed that PEE inhibits the production of water-soluble and alkali-soluble polysaccharides and extracellular proteins. Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that PEE inhibited the expression of icaADBC, fnbAB, clfAB, and sarA. These results revealed that PEE inhibits biofilm formation and development by inhibiting the expression of sarA, icaADBC, fnbAB, and clfAB, thereby reducing the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins to attenuate the adhesion capacity of MRSA. In summary, this study provides experimental evidence for the development of PEE as a potential antimicrobial agent for the prevention and treatment of MRSA-associated infections. Future work will focus on identifying its key active monomers and investigating its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action in animal models.
Insights
Propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) effectively combats methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by inhibiting biofilm formation and reducing bacterial adhesion. This study supports PEE as a potential agent for preventing and treating MRSA infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat due to multidrug resistance and healthcare-associated infections.
- Propolis, a natural resinous mixture, has demonstrated potential in combating bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) against MRSA.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PEE's anti-MRSA biofilm effects.
Main Methods:
- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed.
- Crystal violet staining and XTT reduction assays assessed biofilm formation and metabolic activity.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and bacterial adhesion experiments were conducted.
- Gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR was employed.
Main Results:
- PEE exhibited antibacterial activity against MRSA strains with an MIC of 128 μg/mL.
- PEE significantly inhibited biofilm formation, reduced pre-formed biofilm biomass, and decreased metabolic activity.
- PEE reduced bacterial adhesion and aggregation, and inhibited extracellular polysaccharide and protein synthesis.
- PEE downregulated the expression of key MRSA virulence genes, including icaADBC, fnbAB, clfAB, and sarA.
Conclusions:
- Propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) demonstrates significant anti-MRSA biofilm activity.
- PEE acts by inhibiting bacterial adhesion, extracellular matrix production, and the expression of critical virulence genes.
- PEE shows promise as a natural antimicrobial agent for managing MRSA infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
01:29Biofilms
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:28Biological Methods for Microbial Control
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...