Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a global public health concern. Due to its high adaptability in various adverse environments (temperature, pH, adhesion, phenotypic forms), targeting the bacterium is quite challenging. Moreover, due to its high persistence, decreased patience compliance and emerging antibiotic resistance, researchers have been forced to search for novel candidates with lesser or no side effects. Hence, in the current study, phytobioactives have been screened for its anti-biofilm attributes against H.pylori. Gastric biopsy samples have been screened using confirmatory techniques (microbiological, biochemical and molecular) for their virulent and non-virulent biomarkers. Physico-nutritive parameters were standardized. H. pylori biofilms were assessed using microtitre plate assay. Biofilms' biomass and exopolysaccharide have been evaluated using crystal violet and ruthenium red staining, respectively. Anti-biofilm screening was performed using potent aqueous phytochemicals namely Acorus calamus, Colocasia esculenta and Vitex trifolia. The results indicated the confluent growth of the H. pylori biofilms confirmed through genotyping and grew best at 37 °C for 72 h at a pH of 7.5 on polystyrene plates. Further, among the phytochemicals tested, Acorus calamus exhibited the highest H. pylori anti-biofilm activity via a dose-dependent pattern. The overall observations of the study will pave way for newer approaches to understand and combat bacterial pathogenesis and will contribute towards better health and hygiene.
Keywords: Biofilm biomass; Helicobacter pylori; Microtiter plate biofilm assay; Sessile bacteria; Virulent cascade.