Unravelling the potential of natural chelating agents in the control of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Miguel M. Leitão, Ariana S.C. Gonçalves, J.M.R. Moreira, Carlos Fernandes, Fernanda Borges, Manuel Simões, Anabela Borges
Abstract
) reduction in the culturability of biofilm cells was noted when kojic acid and maltol were combined with antibiotics. Moreover, 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives alone and in combination with tobramycin, damaged the cell membranes of pre-established biofilms and completely inhibited total proteases production. Despite the increasing of reactive oxygen species production caused by the cellular treatment of maltol, both 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives showed good safe profile when tested in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. The pre-treatment of HepG2 cells with both compounds was crucial to prevent the cellular damage caused by iron (III). This study demonstrates for the first time that the selected 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives significantly enhance the antibiofilm activity of tested antibiotics against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, highlighting their potential as antibiotic adjuvants in preventing and eradicating biofilm-related infections.