Description
Biofilm-forming microorganisms adhere to surfaces and are embedded within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix; they are, therefore, up to 1,000 times more resistant to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts. This resilience poses a significant global health and economic challenge. This study investigates the antibiofilm efficacy of free and encapsulated polyphenol-rich Green Tea (GT) as a potential alternative for preventing or mitigating biofilm-associated infections.
Surface colonization and biofilm formation by clinically relevant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were monitored under fluid shear stress, within PDMS microchannels, via phase-contrast and fluorescent microscopy.
The inhibitory effect of Green Tea was investigated by solely dissolving GT in the culture medium or encapsulating it within nanoparticles constituted by a matrix of a synthetic self-surfactant polyester, polyhydroxybutirate-co-hydroxyexanoate (PHBHHx). GT-PHBHHx loaded nanoparticles were compared to unloaded PHBHHx equivalents and to free GT to decouple and investigate the specific and potential antimicrobial effects of the natural compound and the self-surfactant polyester.
Both free Green Tea and GT-loaded nanoparticles exhibited anti-colonization and antibiofilm properties in a fluidic environment. These findings highlight the promising potential of natural polyphenols and self-surfactant polyesters as innovative agents for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-related infections.