Science Advances
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2025
·Vol. 11
·期 11
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IF 12.5
Bonan Sun,Junjia Guo,Bo Hao,Yanfei Cao,Tony K. F. Chan,Mengmeng Sun,Joseph J. Y. Sung,Li Zhang
Recalcitrant biofilm infections pose a great challenge to human health. Micro- and nanorobots have been used to eliminate biofilm infections in hard-to-reach regions inside the body. However, applying antibiofilm robots under physiological conditions is limited by the conflicting demands of accessibility and driving force. Here, we introduce a liquid-bodied antibiofilm robot constructed by a dynamically cross-linked magnetic hydrogel. Leveraging the viscoelastic response of the robot enables it to adapt to complex surface topographies such as medical meshes and stents. Upon actuation, the robot can mechanically destroy the biofilm matrix, chemically deactivate bacterial cells, and collect disrupted biofilm debris. The robot’s antibiofilm performance is studied in vitro and demonstrated on a medical mesh and a biliary stent. Tracking and navigation under endoscopy and x-ray imaging in an ex vivo porcine bile duct are demonstrated. Last, in vivo antibiofilm treatment is conducted by indwelling infected stents into mice’s abdominal cavity and clearing the biofilm infection using the proposed robot.
研究领域:
医学工程
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微生物学
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材料科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
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2020
·
IF 6.551
Changwei Li,Zhefeng Gu,Songming Zhu,Dezhao Liu
This study evaluated the contribution of biotic and abiotic routes to the 17 β -estradiol (E2) removal in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs), and uncovered the interrelation between the E2 removal routes and biofilm characteristics, which was not researched in previous literature. Three MBBRs with different C/N ratios (0 for C/N 0 ; 2 for C/N 2 ; and 5 for C/N 5 ) were operated in continuous mode. A 65-day degradation demonstrated that the MBBRs had high potential to remove E2 regardless of the C/N (E2 removal greater than 99% for all MBBRs; P > 0.05). Further batch tests showed that the E2 removal mainly resulted from heterotrophic activities for all MBBRs, accounting for approximately 85% for all MBBRs (P > 0.05), followed by nitrification (10–11%) and adsorption (4–5%). Importantly, lower adhesive force likely led to higher E2 adsorption onto biofilms. Besides, enhanced ammonia oxidizing rate (AOR) was consistent with the high contribution of nitrification to the E2 attenuation. Importantly, heterotrophic activity was positively correlated with its contribution to E2 removal (r = 0.99, P < 0.05). To sum, the results obtained in this study helped to understand the E2 removal routes in nitrifying biofilm systems.
研究领域:
环境科学
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微生物学
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DOI
高影响因子
Nanomaterials
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2019
·Vol. 9
·期 5
·706
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IF 4.034
Chaoqun Wu,Yudan Zhou,Haitao Wang,Jianhua Hu
Zwitterionic polymers are suitable for replacing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers because of their better antifouling properties, but zwitterionic polymers have poor mechanical properties, strong water absorption, and their homopolymers should not be used directly. To solve these problems, a reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization process was used to prepare copolymers comprised of zwitterionic side chains that were attached to an ITO glass substrate using spin-casting. The presence of 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) and zwitterion chains on these polymer-coated ITO surfaces was confirmed using 1H NMR, FTIR, and GPC analyses, with successful surface functionalization confirmed using water contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies. Changes in water contact angles and C/O ratios (XPS) analysis demonstrated that the functionalization of these polymers with β-propiolactone resulted in hydrophilic mixed 4VP/zwitterionic polymers. Protein adsorption and cell attachment assays were used to optimize the ratio of the zwitterionic component to maximize the antifouling properties of the polymer brush surface. This work demonstrated that the antifouling surface coatings could be readily prepared using a “P4VP-modified” method, that is, the functionality of P4VP to modify the prepared zwitterionic polymer. We believe these materials are likely to be useful for the preparation of biomaterials for biosensing and diagnostic applications.Keywords:copolymer;biofilms;spin-casting;antifouling
研究领域:
材料科学
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生物医学工程
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
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2024
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IF 8.3
Ruihao Yang,Haoran Zhang,Zeinab Marfavi,Quanjie Lv,Yijun Han,Kang Sun,Congli Yuan,Ke Tao
Developing strategies for the treatment of bacterial biofilms is challenging due to their complex and resilient structure, low permeability to therapeutics, and ability to protect resident pathogens. Herein, we demonstrate that a polylysine-stabilized perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion is favored for penetrating biofilms and sensitizing the cavitation effect of low-intensity ultrasound, resulting in the dispersal of extracellular polymeric substances and killing of the protected cells. Through experiments, we observed a complete penetration of the nanoemulsion in a 40 μm Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and demonstrated that it was induced by the fluidic perfluorocarbon, possibly attributing to its low surface tension. Furthermore, we presented an almost complete antibiofilm effect with a low-intensity ultrasound (1 MHz, 0.75 W/cm2, 5 min) in diverse cases, including cultured biofilms, colonized urinary catheters, and chronic wounds. During the treatment process, the perfluorocarbon phase enhanced the number and imploding energy of ultrasound cavities, thoroughly divided the biofilm structure, prevented biofilm self-healing, and sterilized the resident pathogens. Thus, the penetration and sensitization of the nanoemulsion might serve as a facile and potent strategy for eradicating biofilms in various applications.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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微生物学
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治疗技术
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
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2025
·
IF 3.5
Tianmeng Li,Hong Shen,Peng Wang,Yu Wang,Jun Liu,Meibo He,Li Gu,Shuai Wang,Ming Wei
Enterococcus faecalis , a prevalent opportunistic pathogen, readily forms biofilms on surfaces, contributing to its virulence and antibiotic resistance. Previous studies have highlighted arachidonic acid (AA) as a promising antibiofilm agent. This investigation aimed to elucidate the antibiofilm activity of AA against linezolid-resistant E. faecalis and explore its potential molecular mechanisms. A total of 21 E. faecalis strains were included in this study: the standard strain ATCC 29212 and 20 linezolid-resistant clinical isolates. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics and AA, the microbroth dilution method was performed. Checkerboard microdilution assays were also performed to assess the interaction between AA and linezolid. The crystal violet method was performed to evaluate the biofilm formation abilities of E. faecalis and the biofilm inhibition activities of different concentrations of AA (0.25 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM). In addition, the expression levels of biofilm-related genes ( ebpA, ebpB, ebpC, gelE, ace, atlA, and esp ) were measured employing quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). All clinical strains exhibited resistance to linezolid and tetracycline while remaining susceptible to other antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, and tigecycline. The MICs of AA against all 21 E. faecalis isolates were >1 mM. Synergy was observed in 75 % of strains (15/20), while additivity was observed in 25 % strains (5/20). All isolates displayed strong biofilm-forming abilities. AA significantly reduced biofilm formation with average inhibition rates of 68.16 %, 69.64 %, and 72.01 % at concentrations of 0.25 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM, respectively ( P < 0.001). AA treatment resulted in decreased expression of ebpB, ebpC, ace, and atlA ( P < 0.001), while simultaneously increasing gelE expression ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, AA exhibited potent inhibitory effects on E. faecalis biofilm formation probably by influencing bacterial adhesion. The addition of AA can restore the susceptibility of linezolid against E. faecalis . These findings suggest that AA may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating E. faecalis infections, particularly those associated with biofilm formation.
研究领域:
微生物学
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抗菌研究
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分子生物学
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传染病
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
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2025
·
IF 13.2
Shiyu Peng,Linzhu Su,Er-Wei Zhang,Xiaoxue Hou,Qingxiang Guo,Ning Zhu,Tian-Xing Zhang,Dong-Sheng Guo,Jianfeng Liu,Fan Huang
Biofilm is closely associated with human bacterial infections, and the inherent resistance of biofilms to antibiotics poses a significant challenge to the antibiotic treatments. Thus, developing safe and efficient anti-biofilm agents are urgently needed. Here, we report a supramolecular biofilm disruptor, choline-functionalized calix[4]arene amphiphiles (ChC4A), for eradicating bacterial biofilm-associated infections. Benefited from favorable amphiphilic nature and molecular recognition ability, the ChC4A can self-assemble into nanoparticles with remarkably low critical aggregation concentration and quantitatively package antibiotics through host–guest interaction. More importantly, the resultant supramolecular nanoformulation effectively eliminate the intractable mature biofilms by the synergistic effect of enhanced penetration and disruption for biofilm barriers and the controlled release of antibiotics at biofilm microenvironment. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrated that treatment with this macrocyclic-antibiotic complex amphiphiles can efficiently eradicate bacterial infections without unwanted side effect on normal tissues. This work represents a promising supramolecular strategy for combating bacterial biofilm-associated infections and provides new perspectives for the development of advanced anti-biofilm therapies.
研究领域:
微生物学
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药理学
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感染病学
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DOI
高影响因子
RESEARCH IN MICROBIOLOGY
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2022
·
IF 3.946
Yuanyuan Song,Ziqi Wang,Yijing Long,Yang Mao,Feng Jiang,Yuanyuan Lu
Candida albicans can form biofilm on biotic and abiotic surfaces of medical implants to cause superficial and systemic infections under specific condition. The formation of hyphae and matrix of C. albicans are considered as probable virulence factors . We assessed the inhibitory activities of 26 anthraquinones against C. albicans biofilm formation, which were substituted by different functional groups including hydroxyl groups, amino groups, carboxyl groups, alkyl groups, and glycoside groups at C1- or C2-position. Among them, anthraquinones without substituents at other positions but only an alkyl group attached to C2-position, namely 2-alkyl-anthraquinones were determined to have significant anti-biofilm activities. Furthermore, 2-ethylanthraquinone can significantly affect genes related to extracellular matrix ( PMT6 and IFD6 ), and hyphal formation ( HWP1 , ECE1 and EFG1 ), leading to the disrupted formation of biofilm, by detail transcriptomics analysis. We believed that 2-ethylanthraquinone could inspire more discoveries of anti-biofilm agents against C. albicans .
研究领域:
微生物学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Acta Biomaterialia
·
2023
·
IF 9.7
Xinyu Dai,Yiping Liu,Fanrong Meng,Qiqing Li,Fengxia Wu,Jianguo Yuan,Haoran Chen,Huixin Lv,Yanmin Zhou,Yulei Chang
Periodontitis is a biofilm-related disease characterized by damage to the periodontal tissue and the development of systemic diseases. However, treatment of periodontitis remains unsatisfactory, especially with deep-tissue infections. This study describes rationally designed multifunctional photothermocatalytic agents for near-infrared-II light-mediated synergistic antibiofilm treatment, through modification of Lu-Bi 2 Te 3 with Fe 3 O 4 and poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-arginine) (PEG- b -PArg). Notably, 1064-nm laser irradiation led to photothermal/thermocatalytic effects, resulting in the synergistic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and consequent damage to the biofilm. This treatment was based on the thermoelectric and photothermal conversion properties of Lu-Bi 2 Te 3 , the peroxidase-like catalytic capacity of Fe 3 O 4 , and the guanidinium polymer, PEG- b -PArg. Oxidative damage to biofilm was further enhanced by H 2 O 2 , resulting in the effective elimination of biofilm both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that this synergistic therapeutic strategy is effective for the clinical treatment of periodontitis. Statement of Significance : The current treatment for periodontitis involves time-consuming and labor-intensive clinical scaling of the teeth. The present study is the first to assess the efficacy of a photothermal catalyst for periodontitis treatment. This used near-infrared-II light at 1064 nm to induce oxidative damage in the biofilm, resulting in its degradation. The synergistic photothermal/thermoelectric effect produced deep tissue penetration and was well tolerated, and can kill the biofilm formed by periodontitis pathogens up to 5 orders of magnitude, effectively treating the biofilm-induced periodontitis.
研究领域:
牙科学
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材料科学
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生物医学工程
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纳米技术
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 3.9
Xuemeng Ji,Dancai Fan,Jin Wang,Bowei Zhang,Yaozhong Hu,Huan Lv,Jing Wu,Yi Sun,Jingmin Liu,Yan Zhang,Shuo Wang
Cronobacter sakazakii poses a significant threat, particularly to neonates and infants. Despite its strong pathogenicity, understanding of C. sakazakii biofilms and their role in infections remains limited. This study investigates the roles of HmsP and c-di-GMP in biofilm formation and identifies key genetic and proteomic elements involved. Gene knockout experiments reveal that HmsP and c-di-GMP are linked to biofilm formation in C. sakazakii. Comparative proteomic profiling identifies the lysozyme inhibitor protein LprI, which is downregulated in hmsP knockouts and upregulated in c-di-GMP knockouts, as a potential biofilm formation factor. Further investigation of the lprI knockout strain shows significantly reduced biofilm formation and decreased virulence in a rat infection model. Additionally, LprI is demonstrated to bind extracellular DNA, suggesting a role in anchoring C. sakazakii within the biofilm matrix. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and virulence in C. sakazakii, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention and food production settings.
研究领域:
微生物学
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分子生物学
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感染病学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Water Process Engineering
·
2025
·
IF 6.7
Abdallah Abdelfattah,Reham Eltawab,Ke Li,Zhong-Ting Hu,Liang Cheng
The prolonged startup period caused by slow and unstable biofilm formation remains a major barrier to large-scale application of membrane-aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs). This study developed a novel sodium alginate–assisted immobilization strategy to accelerate biofilm establishment and enhance nitrogen removal. A homogeneous mixture of sodium alginate and activated sludge was spray-coated onto plasma-treated PVDF hollow-fiber membranes, followed by CaCl₂ mist crosslinking to form a thin gel layer immobilizing active biomass. The coated MABR achieved 85 ± 5 % surface coverage within seven days—over twice that of the control—and complete ammonium oxidation (>90 %) in 10 days, reducing startup time by about 50 %. Digital microscopy and SEM revealed rapid transition from the synthetic alginate matrix to a self-sustained EPS network, while 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed enriched Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira with enhanced microbial diversity. The oxygen transfer rate initially decreased by 18 % after coating but recovered to 95 % of the original after partial scaffold dissolution, showing reversible mass-transfer adaptability. Mechanistically, the biodegradable Ca 2+ –alginate scaffold provided an initial attachment platform evolving into a stable stratified biofilm enabling simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. This study establishes a mechanistic and practical basis for biopolymer-assisted biofilm engineering toward rapid-startup, high-efficiency MABR systems.
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DOI
高影响因子
Materials Science & Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications
·
2021
·
IF 7.328
Meizhe Yu,Gaoke Zhang,Peili Li,Haojie Lu,Wentao Tang,Xu Yang,Ruobing Huang,Fan Yu,Wenzhen Wu,Yuhong Xiao,Xiaodong Xing
Many medical and chemical applications require the precise supply of antimicrobial components in a controlled manner at the location of mature biofilm deposits. This work reports a facile strategy to fabricate nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) coencapsulating the antibacterial ligand (lysine carbon dots, Lys-CDs) and targeted drug (folic acid, FA) in one pot to improve antibiofilm efficiency against established biofilms. The resulting products are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The results show that Lys-CDs could coordinate with Zn 2+ and the adding of FA inhibits the coordination of Lys-CDs with central ions of Zn. The Lys-CDs and FA are successfully exposed with the NMOFs disintegrating in the acid environment of bacterial metabolites. We are surprised to find a sharp increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the bacterial cells by FA functionalizing NMOFs, which undoubtedly enhance the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. The as-synthesized ZIF-8-based nanocomposites also show the peroxidase-like activity in an acid environment, and produce extremely active hydroxyl radicals resulting in the improved antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. The possible mechanisms of antibacterial activities indicate that the presence of FA is significant in the sense of targeting bacteria. This study shows a novel approach to construct acid stimulation supply system which may be helpful for the research of antibiofilms.
研究领域:
材料科学
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纳米技术
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生物医学工程
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微生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Oral Microbiology
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2022
·
IF 5.833
Ting Pan,Feng-Shou Liu,Huancai Lin,Yan Zhou
Objective Biofilm formation under cariogenic conditions contributes to dental caries development, in which Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is regarded as the major cariogenic bacteria. Here, we synthesized a series of imidazolium salts. Their properties of antimicrobial and anti-biofilm were investigated.Methods The microdilution method crystal violet staining, and cell counting Kit-8 assay were used to screen imidazolium salts. Then, the bacterial composition in multi-species biofilm composed of S. mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Streptococcus gordonii was quantified by quantitative PCR. The exopolysaccharide and morphology of the structure of multi-species biofilm were further observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscope, respectively.Results Imidazolium salts exhibited highly antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens, especially for S. mutans . Compounds with ortho-diisopropyl and para-methoxyl on N-moieties as well as bearing ancenaphthyl skeleton (C5) showed the lowest cytotoxicity and most efficient anti-biofilm activity. C5 inhibited approximately 50% of multi-species biofilm at 0.98 μg/mL. Notably, C5 resulted in 98.97% live S. mutans and 77.65% A. naeslundii decreased. Furthermore, the exopolysaccharide was reduced by 88%, along with a sparse and scattered microstructure.Conclusion The imidazolium salts present low cytotoxicity and remarkable antimicrobial activity against S. mutans in multi-species biofilm, suggesting that they may have a great potential in anti-biofilm clinical applications.
研究领域:
牙科学
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微生物学
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药物化学
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材料科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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