Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation by 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-Galloyl-Beta-D-Glucopyranose

Staphylococcus aureus is an important nosocomial and community-associated pathogen that causes a variety of human diseases. The biofilm formed by S. aureus on medical devices is the major cause of chronic infections. As is generally known, bacteria embedded in the biofilm are extremely resistant to antibiotics and the host immune defense system, which makes medical treatment difficult and impose a high medical financial cost on the economy each year. Biofilm is a tenacious structure formed by bacteria on solid surfaces. Once the structure is developed, it is difficult to eradicate. The best strategy to prevent and control biofilm-associated infection is to develop technologies that abort biofilm formation at its onset. Over the years, many efforts had been undertaken in the antibiofilm research. Our recent drug screening work found that a natural product, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose (PGG), inhibits biofilm formation by S. aureus. The objectives of this study are to investigate how PGG affects the biofilm formation. DNA microarray and proteomic analysis will be performed to determine PGG-regulated genes and proteins in biofilm formation of S. aureus SA113. Due to the anti-biofilm activity and low cytotoxicity, PGG may be useful for controlling biofilm in clinical settings. In this study, the efficacy of PGG-coated biomaterials in preventing biofilm formation will be evaluated. In addition, more compounds will be screened for those potential in dispersing and removing the pre-formed biofilm. The information obtained from this study will lead to a better understanding on the properties of biofilm formation by the S. aureus. The study will be valuable for the development of effective strategies to prevent and control biofilm-associated infections by S. aureus.

Project ID:PC9907-2522
External Project ID:NSC99-2320-B182-013-MY3