Antibiofilm Synergy of β-Lactams and Branched Polyethylenimine against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis

Biomacromolecules. 2019 Oct 14;20(10):3778-3785. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00849. Epub 2019 Aug 30.

Abstract

Microbial biofilms are ubiquitous in nature, and they pose a serious threat to public health. Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common clinical isolate from healthcare- and medical device-related biofilm infections. No antibiotic currently on the market can eradicate pathogenic biofilms, which contain complex defense mechanisms composed of slimelike extracellular polymeric substances. Understanding the need to develop alternative approaches, we examine 600 Da branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) biofilms. Here, a microtiter biofilm model is used to test the synergistic effects between the two components of our combination treatment: BPEI and β-lactam antibiotics. Electron microscopy was used to confirm the growth of MRSE biofilms from the model. Minimum biofilm eradication concentration assays, crystal violet assays, and biofilm kill curves suggest that BPEI exhibits antibiofilm activity and can potentiate β-lactams to eradicate MRSE biofilms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / physiology
  • Polyethyleneimine / chemistry
  • Polyethyleneimine / pharmacology*
  • beta-Lactamase Inhibitors / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
  • Polyethyleneimine