Inhibitory effects of EDTA, farnesol, and xylitol on biofilms produced by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Biofilms are highly organized biological communities that establish a protective milieu, reducing the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs. This study examined the effectiveness of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), xylitol, and farnesol as inhibitors of biofilm development over 96 h, utilizing both certified strains and clinical isolates, conducted prior and subsequent to biofilm formation. The maximum concentration was 1.25 %. EDTA demonstrated enhanced inhibitory efficacy across all evaluated doses, especially at a 1.25 % concentration. It suppressed Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in both clinical and certified samples after 48 h. An equivalent quantity of EDTA was more effective after 48 h in inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms compared to the ATCC sample, which required 96 h to achieve the same degree of inhibition. Farnesol had inhibitory effects on biofilm formation across all experiments, especially at elevated doses. Formally authenticated specimens of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited a more favourable reaction to farnesol concentrations. Comprehending the mechanism of action of each chemical employed in biofilm inhibition might facilitate the customization of this technique for investigations involving various organisms. • EDTA showed superior inhibitory capacity at all tested concentrations. • EDTA inhibited Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in clinical samples and certified samples over 48 h. • In Pseudomonas aeruginosa , EDTA enhanced biofilm inhibition in clinical and ATCC samples. • 1.25 % xylitol showed superior efficacy in P. aeruginosa biofilms over 96 h. • Farnesol showed inhibitory effects on biofilm in all samples, especially at elevated concentrations.