Microbial biofilms are ubiquitous in nature, and they pose a serious threat to public health. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common clinical isolates from healthcare- and medical device-related biofilm infections. No antibiotic currently on the market can eradicate pathogenic biofilms, which contain complex defense mechanisms composed of slime-like extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Understanding the need to develop alternative approaches, we examine 600-Da branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) against methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis and S. aureus (MRSE/MRSA) biofilms. In this study, a microtiter biofilm model is used to test the synergistic effects between the two components of our combination treatment: BPEI and β-lactam antibiotics. Electron microscopy was used to confirm the growth of MRSE biofilms from the model. Minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) assays, crystal violet assays, and biofilm kill curves suggest that BPEI exhibits antibiofilm activity and can potentiate β-lactams to eradicate MRSE and MRSA biofilms.

Antibiofilm synergy of β-lactams and branched polyethylenimine against MRSE and MRSA

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.