Exploration of Antibiofilm Activities of Pediococci Strains Against Diarrheal Multi-Drug Resistant <i>E.coli</i> Strains

The present study reports the potential of cell-free supernatant (CFS) from different probiotics for its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Multi-Drug Resistant Diarrheal E. coli (MDR-DEC) strains. The CFS from Pediococcus acidilactici 100 exhibited maximum antimicrobial activity with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 23.33 mg/mL and 33.33 mg/mL, respectively. The CFS was able to inhibit the process of biofilm formation as well as eradication of preformed biofilms by 72–73%. A complete disintegration of aggregation of cells was observed in treated biofilms through advanced microscopic techniques. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed a decrease in roughness (30%) and height of treated biofilms (2–17%). Organic acids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds and other derivatives were determined in CFS fractions using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The findings demonstrated the potential of CFS components from Pediococci strains against biofilms of MDR-DEC strains.