Biofilm buster

Biofilm buster

Subject: Science and Technology

Section: Health

Context: Nanocomposite coating inhibits biofilm formation during post-operative care.

More on the News:

• A newly developed nanocomposite coating can inhibit biofilm formation and kill attached bacteria, thereby helping tackle growing post-operative infections, a common occurrence these days due to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• These post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs), which, according to WHO, affect 11 per cent of patients in low- and middle-income countries, are caused by the development of biofilms (groups of bacteria growing in formation that are highly resistant to antibiotics) on the incision site or in the soft tissue inside the site.
• The biofilm matrix, which may come from existing infections in the patient’s body or transferred from the hospital environment through potential carriers like surgical equipment, wound dressing, or bandage/surgical sutures, acts as a physical shield against the antibiotics given during operation, thereby slowing their penetration.
• Antibacterial coating on the surface of these materials can act as potential sources of SSI.
• Conventionally, antibacterial coatings containing biocides like nanosilver, nanocopper, triclosan, and chlorhexidine have been used to prevent bacterial infections. Although triclosan and chlorhexidine exhibit antibacterial effects towards a broad spectrum of bacteria, they and other biocides are found to produce cytotoxicity. As a result, there is an increasing focus on developing alternative non-cytotoxic materials with antibacterial properties.
• Researchers from ARCI, Hyderabad, have developed a nanocomposite coating (named by ARCI as ATL), by combining water repellence and biocidal property (combinatorial approach).
• The developed coating not only inhibits biofilm formation by restricting bacterial and water adhesion but also kills attached bacteria.
• ATL was deposited on different surgical sutures made of silk, nylon, and polyglactin 910 (vicryl) in addition to surgical instrument-grade stainless steel 420 coupons and tested for biofilm inhibition against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and clinical isolate strains of proven biofilm-forming bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa,  Acinetobacter baumannii,  Staphylococcus aureus and  Escherichia coli.

Biofilms:

• Biofilm formation is a complex process by which groups of microorganisms, such as bacteria, adhere to surfaces and form a slimy layer of cells.
• Biofilm formation is a natural process that occurs in many different environments, including aquatic systems, soil, and the human body.
• Biofilm formation occurs in several stages. In the first stage, free-floating microorganisms attach to a surface using appendages such as pili or fimbriae. This is followed by the formation of microcolonies, which grow and produce EPS that hold the cells together. As the biofilm matures, it becomes more complex and resistant to environmental stressors such as antibiotics or immune cells. Eventually, some cells may detach from the biofilm and colonize new surfaces.
• Biofilm matrix is composed of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and provides structural support and protection for the microorganisms. The microorganisms within the biofilm can communicate with each other through a process known as quorum sensing, which allows them to coordinate their behavior and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
• Biofilms can have both positive and negative impacts on human health and the environment. Positive impacts include their role in bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and nutrient cycling. Negative impacts include the formation of biofouling on surfaces such as ship hulls and pipes, the development of antibiotic resistance, and the formation of biofilm-related infections in medical settings.
• The detection and characterization of biofilms can be challenging due to their complex structure and composition. Techniques such as confocal microscopy, DNA sequencing, and proteomics can be used to study the composition and behavior of biofilms.

Garcinia pedunculata

• Garcinia pedunculata, a medicinal plant commonly called ‘borthekera’ in Assamese and traditionally forbidden for raw consumption, has been found to protect from heart disease.
• Administration of the dried pulp of the ripe fruit of the medicinal plant reduced cardiac hypertrophy indicators and oxidative stress and heart inflammation.
• The sun-dried slices of the ripe fruit are used for culinary and medicinal purposes and are known to have therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, nephroprotective, and even neuroprotective activity.