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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification
Published on: May 6, 2018
Cyanobacterial fatty acid esters disrupt polymicrobial oral biofilms and exhibit potential interactions with adhesion
Priyam Bharathidasan1, Dhanraj Ganapathy1, Prabhalakshmi Balasubramaniyan1
1Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Poonamallee, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India.
Objective:
Oral biofilm-associated infections are difficult to manage because of their polymicrobial nature, antimicrobial tolerance, and involvement in chronic oral diseases. This study evaluated the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant potential of bioactive metabolites from the freshwater cyanobacterium Oscillatoria sp. PB602 against oral biofilm-associated pathogens and clinically relevant opportunistic colonizers implicated in complex oral infections.
Design:
Methanolic extracts of Oscillatoria sp. PB602 were evaluated against oral pathogens and opportunistic colonizers, including Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, using agar diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay. Anti-biofilm activity was assessed by crystal violet staining and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), while bioactive metabolites were characterized using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Molecular docking analysis was performed to investigate potential interactions with biofilm-associated virulence proteins.
Results:
The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, with the highest inhibition observed against C. albicans (16 mm at 100 μg/mL). MIC analysis showed > 88% inhibition of mixed-species biofilms. Crystal violet assays revealed an 84% reduction in biofilm biomass, while CLSM confirmed ∼87% microbial cell death in mature biofilms at 2.5 × MIC. GC-MS identified fatty acid esters, including oleic acid derivatives, and FT-IR confirmed hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amine functional groups. Docking analysis indicated moderate binding affinity toward virulence-related proteins, with binding energies up to -5.8 kcal/mol.
Conclusion:
Oscillatoria sp. PB602 exhibited antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant activities against oral biofilm-associated pathogens and opportunistic colonizers, supporting its potential as a natural source of bioactive metabolites for oral healthcare applications and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through the advancement of preventive oral healthcare strategies.
Insights
Bioactive metabolites from Oscillatoria sp. PB602 show significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potential against oral pathogens. This discovery offers a promising natural source for developing novel oral healthcare strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Oral Health
Background:
- Oral biofilm-associated infections pose challenges due to polymicrobial nature and antimicrobial tolerance.
- These infections are linked to chronic oral diseases, necessitating new therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties of metabolites from Oscillatoria sp. PB602.
- To assess their efficacy against pathogens involved in complex oral infections.
Main Methods:
- Methanolic extracts of Oscillatoria sp. PB602 were tested against oral pathogens using agar diffusion and MIC assays.
- Anti-biofilm activity was assessed via crystal violet staining and CLSM.
- Metabolite characterization involved GC-MS and FT-IR, with molecular docking for protein interactions.
Main Results:
- The extract showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, notably against Candida albicans.
- Significant inhibition of mixed-species biofilms (>88%) and reduction in biofilm biomass (84%) were observed.
- GC-MS identified fatty acid esters, and docking revealed moderate binding to virulence proteins.
Conclusions:
- Oscillatoria sp. PB602 possesses potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities.
- These findings support its potential as a natural source for oral healthcare products.
- This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 by advancing preventive oral healthcare.
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