Effects of plant fermentation extract (PFE) on biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract:

[Objective] We studied the effects of a plant fermentation extract on destroying biofilms of P. aeruginosa, to provide basic information for treatment of P. aeruginosa related infection diseases. [Methods] Strains of P. aeruginosa in clinical specimens were isolated by streaking plate method and identified by PCR and sequencing. Virulence factors were examined using reporter strains, and biofilms were measured by test tube method and a confocal laser scanning microscopy. [Results] A total of 16 strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated from clinical specimens from a local hospital, among them PA007 strain showed a maximum response when treated with plant fermentation extract. It shows that 1% plant fermentation extract significantly reduced the production of biofilm, pyocyanine and 3-oxo-C12-HSL (P<0.05). Besides, 1% plant fermentation extract also deceased the bioactivity of LasA protease and survival rate of persisters (P<0.05). The qRT-PCR result indicated that the expressions of lasI and pqsA genes were also markedly inhibited at the presence of 1% plant fermentation extract (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The studied plant fermentation extract has anti-infection effect against some P. aeruginosa strains, suggesting a great potential to work as natural antibiotics.

Key words:plant fermentation extract (PFE);Pseudomonas aeruginosa;biofilm;quorum-sensing (QS);persister cell