Biofilms exist when bacteria attach to a surface and grow encased in a polysaccharide matrix. Bacteria in biofilms, which are seen in ~80% of chronic infections, are less susceptible to antibiotics and cells of the immune system. Thus, biofilms are a key contributor to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, and novel drugs are needed to control their formation. This study examines the effects of varying concentrations of organic solvents on biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a crystal violet 96-well plate assay. Results show that DMSO, at concentrations that partially inhibit bacterial growth, has minimal effect on biofilm formation. In addition, a series of novel thiazolidine-2-thione analogs of natural products will be synthesized and evaluated for the ability to inhibit biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. To accomplish this, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) will be determined for planktonic cells to get a baseline for antimicrobial effectiveness. Following the determination of planktonic MICs, the same crystal violet 96-well plate assay will be performed to determine whether the same compounds are effective against biofilms. MICs of planktonic cells will be compared to activity against biofilms. It is hypothesized that the thiazolidine-2-thione analogs will show the ability to disrupt biofilm formation while having minimal effects on planktonic cells.

Evaluation of organic solvents and thiazolidine-2-thiones for bacterial growth and biofilm inhibition

255th National Meeting (2018)

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