scholarly journals Antibiofilm Activity on Candida albicans and Mechanism of Action on Biomembrane Models of the Antimicrobial Peptide Ctn[15–34]

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 8339
Author(s):  
Francisca Lidiane Linhares de Aguiar ◽  
Nuno C. Santos ◽  
Carolina Sidrim de Paula Cavalcante ◽  
David Andreu ◽  
Gandhi Radis Baptista ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptide ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
Membrane Composition ◽  
Fungal Cell

Ctn[15–34], the C-terminal fragment of crotalicidin, an antimicrobial peptide from the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, displays remarkable anti-infective and anti-proliferative activities. Herein, its activity on Candida albicans biofilms and its interaction with the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungal cell and with a biomembrane model in vitro was investigated. A standard C. albicans strain and a fluconazole-resistant clinical isolate were exposed to the peptide at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (10 µM) and up to 100 × MIC to inhibit biofilm formation and its eradication. A viability test using XTT and fluorescent dyes, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe the antibiofilm effect. To evaluate the importance of membrane composition on Ctn[15–34] activity, C. albicans protoplasts were also tested. Fluorescence assays using di-8-ANEPPS, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements using liposomes, protoplasts, and C. albicans cells indicated a direct mechanism of action that was dependent on membrane interaction and disruption. Overall, Ctn[15–34] showed to be an effective antifungal peptide, displaying antibiofilm activity and, importantly, interacting with and disrupting fungal plasma membrane.

scholarly journals Intragenic Antimicrobial Peptide Hs02 Hampers the Proliferation of Single- and Dual-Species Biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus: A Promising Agent for Mitigation of Biofilm-Associated Infections

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucinda J. Bessa ◽  
Julia R. Manickchand ◽  
Peter Eaton ◽  
José Roberto S. A. Leite ◽  
Guilherme D. Brand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptide ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Generalized Polarization ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two major pathogens involved in a large variety of infections. Their co-occurrence in the same site of infection has been frequently reported and is linked to enhanced virulence and difficulty of treatment. Herein, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of an intragenic antimicrobial peptide (IAP), named Hs02, which was uncovered from the human unconventional myosin 1H protein, were investigated against several P. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated on single- and dual-species biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Moreover, the effect of peptide Hs02 on the membrane fluidity of the strains was assessed through Laurdan generalized polarization (GP). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of peptide Hs02 ranged from 2 to 16 μg/mL against all strains and MDR isolates. Though Hs02 was not able to hamper biofilm formation by some strains at sub-MIC values, it clearly affected 24 h preformed biofilms, especially by reducing the viability of the bacterial cells within the single- and dual-species biofilms, as shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. Laurdan GP values showed that Hs02 induces membrane rigidification in both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Peptide Hs02 can potentially be a lead for further improvement as an antibiofilm agent.

Confocal and SEM imaging to demonstrate food pathogen- biofilm biocontrol by pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa BTRY1

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (01) ◽  
pp. 5218
Author(s):  
Laxmi Mohandas ◽  
Anju T. R. ◽  
Sarita G. Bhat*
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Redox Active ◽  
Sem Imaging ◽  
The Impact

An assortment of redox-active phenazine compounds like pyocyanin with their characteristic blue-green colour are synthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gram-negative opportunistic pathogens, which are also considered one of the most commercially valuable microorganisms. In this study, pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa BTRY1 from food sample was assessed for its antibiofilm activity by micro titer plate assay against strong biofilm producers belonging to the genera Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium and Micrococcus. Pyocyanin inhibited biofilm activity in very minute concentrations. This was also confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Both SEM and CLSM helped to visualize the biocontrol of biofilm formation by eight pathogens. The imaging and quantification by CLSM also established the impact of pyocyanin on biofilm-biocontrol mainly in the food industry.

scholarly journals Susceptibility of Mature Staphylococcus Biofilms to Chinese Herbal Decoction Sanhuang Jiedu: An In Vitro Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Shaoe Zhang ◽  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Xiaotao Shi ◽  
Honglue Tan ◽  
Himanshu Garg
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Chinese Herbal ◽  
Titanium Surfaces

Background. External socking and washing with the Chinese herbal Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (SHJD) can effectively control local limb infections with bone and implant exposure. However, the antibiofilm activities of this decoction in vitro have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects and characteristics of SHJD on the mature biofilms of multidrug-resistant staphylococci on a titanium surface. Methods. Biofilm-forming methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984 and S. aureus ATCC 43330, and non-biofilm-forming S. epidermidis ATCC 12228 were selected as the experimental strains. The mature biofilms were prepared on titanium surfaces. The five experimental groups were based on dilution concentrations (DC) of SHJD: the control group (biofilm incubated with 0.85% NaCl solution), the SHJD (DC:1/8) group (initial SHJD solution was diluted 1/8), the SHJD (DC:1/4) group, the SHJD (DC:1/2) group, and the SHJD (DC:1/1) group (initial SHJD solution). The effects of SHJD on the mature biofilms were observed with the bacterial spread plate method, crystal violet (CV) staining, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results. After culture in tryptic soy broth for 72 h, ATCC 43300 and ATCC 35984 produced mature biofilms and ATCC 12228 did not. The optical density value of ATCC 12228 was 0.11 ± 0.02 , significantly lower than that of ATCC 35984 ( 0.42 ± 0.05 ) or ATCC 43300 ( 0.41 ± 0.03 ) ( P < 0.05 ). The mature biofilms of ATCC 43300 and ATCC 35984 clearly disintegrated when incubated for 12–24 h with SHJD (DC:1/1) or SHJD (DC:1/2), showing only scattered bacterial adhesion. In the SHJD (DC:1/4) group, although many residual bacterial colonies still clustered together, presenting a biofilm structure, it was very looser than that in the SHJD (DC:1/8) group in which the biofilm was similar to that in the control group. For ATCC 12228, only colony adhesion was observed, and the number of colonies decreased as the concentration of SHJD or the culture period increased. The quantitative results for the bacterial spread plate and CV staining showed significant differences between the SHJD groups ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. SHJD has antibiofilm activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus strains. It weakens or disrupts already-formed mature biofilms on titanium surfaces in a concentration- and incubation time-dependent manner.

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy of Hamster Cerebellum using FM4-64 as Intracellular Staining

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1126-1127
Author(s):  
O. Castejón ◽  
P. Sims
Keyword(s):  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Granular Layer ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Climbing Fibers ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Fluorescence Signal

Confocal laser scanning microscopy is an excellent method to study nerve cell morphology and the three-dimensional distribution and interrelationship of dentrites and axons in the central nervous system. The cerebellum has been taking as a model of a gray center.The FM4-64, a member of the family of fluorescent dyes, has been applied to the cerebellar cortex to evaluate its properties as an intracellular stain and intracortical tracer. Slabs of hamster cerebellum,5 mm thick, were incubated in 10,30 and 100 μm solutions of FM4-64 in sodium phosphate buffer and observed in a slow scan confocal laser scanning microscope. Mossy and climbing fibers were traced in the cerebellar white and gray substances .They exhibited high fluorescence signal at the level of myelin sheath.Mossy fibers were identified in the granular layer by their typical rosette formation and dichotomous bifurcation pattern. Climbing fibers bundles were observed crossing the granular layer and giving collateral branches around Golgi cell bodies.

scholarly journals Applicability of Confocal Raman Microscopy to Observe Microstructural Modifications of Cream Cheeses as Influenced by Freezing

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Alinovi ◽  
Germano Mucchetti ◽  
Ulf Andersen ◽  
Tijs A. M. Rovers ◽  
Betina Mikkelsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Raman Microscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Confocal Raman Microscopy ◽  
Freezing And Thawing ◽  
High Moisture ◽  
Cream Cheese ◽  
Confocal Raman

Confocal Raman microscopy is a promising technique to derive information about microstructure, with minimal sample disruption. Raman emission bands are highly specific to molecular structure and with Raman spectroscopy it is thus possible to observe different classes of molecules in situ, in complex food matrices, without employing fluorescent dyes. In this work confocal Raman microscopy was employed to observe microstructural changes occurring after freezing and thawing in high-moisture cheeses, and the observations were compared to those obtained with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Two commercially available cream cheese products were imaged with both microscopy techniques. The lower resolution (1 µm/pixel) of confocal Raman microscopy prevented the observation of particles smaller than 1 µm that may be part of the structure (e.g., sugars). With confocal Raman microscopy it was possible to identify and map the large water domains formed during freezing and thawing in high-moisture cream cheese. The results were supported also by low resolution NMR analysis. NMR and Raman microscopy are complementary techniques that can be employed to distinguish between the two different commercial formulations, and different destabilization levels.

Antibiofilm activity of antifungal drugs, including the novel drug olorofim, against Lomentospora prolificans

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kirchhoff ◽  
Silke Dittmer ◽  
Ann-Kathrin Weisner ◽  
Jan Buer ◽  
Peter-Michael Rath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Pathogenic Fungus ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity

Abstract Objectives Patients with immunodeficiency or cystic fibrosis frequently suffer from respiratory fungal infections. In particular, biofilm-associated fungi cause refractory infection manifestations, linked to increased resistance to anti-infective agents. One emerging filamentous fungus is Lomentospora prolificans. Here, the biofilm-formation capabilities of L. prolificans isolates were investigated and the susceptibility of biofilms to various antifungal agents was analysed. Methods Biofilm formation of L. prolificans (n = 11) was estimated by crystal violet stain and antibiofilm activity was additionally determined via detection of metabolically active biofilm using an XTT assay. Amphotericin B, micafungin, voriconazole and olorofim were compared with regard to their antibiofilm effects when added prior to adhesion, after adhesion and on mature and preformed fungal biofilms. Imaging via confocal laser scanning microscopy was carried out to demonstrate the effect of drug treatment on the fungal biofilm. Results Antibiofilm activities of the tested antifungal agents were shown to be most effective on adherent cells whilst mature biofilm was the most resistant. The most promising antibiofilm effects were detected with voriconazole and olorofim. Olorofim showed an average minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of 0.06 mg/L, when added prior to and after adhesion. The MBECs of voriconazole were ≤4 mg/L. On mature biofilm the MBECs of olorofim and voriconazole were higher than the previously determined MICs against planktonic cultures. In contrast, amphotericin B and especially micafungin did not exhibit sufficient antibiofilm activity against L. prolificans. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the antibiofilm potential of olorofim against the human pathogenic fungus L. prolificans.

Interspecies Interactions of Metal-Oxidizing Thermo-Acidophilic Archaea Acidianus and Sulfolobus

2015 ◽  
Vol 1130 ◽  
pp. 105-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Yong Zhang ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Thomas R. Neu ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Sören Bellenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Thermophilic Bacteria ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Acidophilic Archaea

Biofilm formation of microorganisms on relevant surfaces is of great importance for biomining and acid mine drainage (AMD). Thermo-acidophilic archaea like Acidianus, Sulfolobus and Metallosphaera are of special interest due to their ability to enhance leaching rates. Visualization and investigation of microbial attachment and biofilm formation of metal-oxidizing organisms up to now has been done mostly with mesophilic or moderately thermophilic bacteria. In this study, attachment and biofilms by the crenarchaeota Sulfolobus metallicus DSM 6482T and a new isolate Acidianus sp. DSM 29099 on sulfur or pyrite were analyzed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) combined with fluorescent dyes specific for nucleic acids or glycoconjugates were used to monitor biofilm formation on surfaces. The data indicate that cell attachment and the subsequently formed biofilm structures were species and substrate dependent. The investigation of binary biofilms on pyrite showed that both species were heterogeneously distributed on pyrite surfaces in the form of individual cells or microcolonies. In addition, physical contact between the two species was visible, as revealed by specific lectins able to distinguish single species.

scholarly journals Antibody response to the 45 kDa Candida albicans antigen in an animal model and potential role of the antigen in adherence

2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1466-1472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Bujdáková ◽  
Ema Paulovičová ◽  
Silvia Borecká-Melkusová ◽  
Juraj Gašperík ◽  
Soňa Kucharíková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Confocal Laser

The Candida antigen CR3-RP (complement receptor 3-related protein) is supposed to be a ‘mimicry’ protein because of its ability to bind antibody directed against the α subunit of the mammalian CR3 (CD11b/CD18). This study aimed to (i) investigate the specific humoral isotypic response to immunization with CR3-RP in vivo in a rabbit animal model, and (ii) determine the role of CR3-RP in the adherence of Candida albicans in vitro using the model systems of buccal epithelial cells (BECs) and biofilm formation. The synthetic C. albicans peptide DINGGGATLPQ corresponding to 11 amino-acids of the CR3-RP sequence DINGGGATLPQALXQITGVIT, determined by N-terminal sequencing, was used for immunization of rabbits to obtain polyclonal anti-CR3-PR serum and for subsequent characterization of the humoral isotypic response of rabbits. A significant increase of IgG, IgA and IgM anti-CR3-RP specific antibodies was observed after the third (P<0.01) and the fourth (P<0.001) immunization doses. The elevation of IgA levels suggested peptide immunomodulation of the IgA1 subclass, presumably in coincidence with Candida epithelial adherence. Blocking CR3-RP with polyclonal anti-CR3-RP serum reduced the ability of Candida to adhere to BECs, in comparison with the control, by up to 35 % (P<0.001), and reduced biofilm formation by 28 % (P<0.001), including changes in biofilm thickness and integrity detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. These properties of CR3-RP suggest that it has potential for future vaccine development.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation on Silver Doped Hydroxyapatite/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Layer

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Ciobanu ◽  
A. Groza ◽  
S. L. Iconaru ◽  
C. L. Popa ◽  
P. Chapon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Composite Layer ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Composite Layers

The goal of this study was the preparation, physicochemical characterization, and microbiological evaluation of novel hydroxyapatite doped with silver/polydimethylsiloxane (Ag:HAp-PDMS) composite layers. In the first stage, the deposition of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer layer on commercially pure Si disks has been produced in atmospheric pressure corona discharges. Finally, the new silver doped hydroxyapatite/polydimethylsiloxane composite layer has been obtained by the thermal evaporation technique. The Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layers were characterized by various techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer was assessed againstCandida albicansATCC 10231 (ATCC—American Type Culture Collection) by culture based and confirmed by SEM and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) methods. This is the first study reporting the antimicrobial effect of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer, which proved to be active againstCandida albicansbiofilm embedded cells.

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