A potent antibiofilm agent inhibits and eradicates mono- and multi-species biofilms

Abstract

Biofilms are surface-attached multicellular communities that create many problems in human health and various industries. Given the prominence of biofilms in biofouling and infectious diseases, antibiofilm control approaches are highly sought after. In the present study, we identified elasnin as a potent antibiofilm agent through a bioassay-guided approach. Elasnin specifically inhibited the biofilm formation of bacterial mono-species and eradicated the mature biofilm of Gram-positive bacteria at concentrations below 2.5 g/mL with a low toxic effect on cells and a low resistance risk. Confocal observations illustrated that elasnin decreased cell aggregations and destroyed the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, elasnin-based antibiofilm coatings were prepared and inhibited the formation of multi-species biofilms and the attachment of large biofouling organisms in the field test. These findings suggest that elasnin is a promising antibiofilm agent for future applications in biofilm control. ImportanceDue to the increased diversity of biofilm-associated infections and the failure of conventional antimicrobial treatment, new and effective biofilm-specific pharmacologic strategies are urgently needed. Elasnin is a new antibiofilm natural product produced by Streptomyces with high efficiency and low toxicity. Elasnin effectively destroyed the biofilm matrix of Gram-positive bacteria, thus making them more susceptible to antibiotics. Unlike currently deployed antibiotic vancomycin, which exclusively targets essential life processes and kills the pathogen, elasnin did not exhibit bactericidal effect and thus held great potential in delaying resistance. With high yield, elasnin-based coatings were easily prepared with low expenditures and exhibited favorable performance in field test. Collectively, the antibiofilm properties of elasnin, combined with the low cost of supply and the low risk of resistance, could provide the basis for the development of a novel antibiofilm agent that could help fight to antibiotics resistance.