Title:Plant-derived Compounds as Potential Source of Novel Anti-Biofilm Agents Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Volume: 18
Issue: 4
Author(s): Pooi Yin Chung
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Anti-biofilm agents, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, plant-derived compounds.
Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common Gram-negative bacterium associated with
nosocomial and life-threatening chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This pathogen is wellknown
for its ability to attach to surfaces of indwelling medical devices to form biofilms, which consist
of a regular array of extracellular polymers. Tenaciously bound to the surface of devices and inherently
resilient to antibiotic treatment, P. aeruginosa poses a serious threat in clinical medicine and contributes
to the persistence of chronic infections. Studies on microbial biofilms in the past decade involved
mainly the understanding of environment signals, genetic elements and molecular mechanisms in
biofilm formation, tolerance and dispersal. The knowledge obtained from the studies of these mechanisms
is crucial in the establishment of strategies to eradicate or to prevent biofilm formation. Currently,
biofilm infections are usually treated with combinations of antibiotics and surgical removal, in addition
to frequent replacement of the infected device. More recently, specific natural sources have been identified
as antibiofilm agents against this pathogen. This review will highlight the recent progress made by
plant-derived compounds against P. aeruginosa biofilm infections in both in vitro or in vivo models.
