Antibiotic Susceptibility of biofilm-producing microorganisms

Biofilms are aggregates of bacteria that adhere to a surface and secrete a protective extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is critical to the antibiotic resistance of biofilms, as the polysaccharides, proteins, and environmental DNA (eDNA) that comprise the matrix come together to form a barrier not easily penetrated by antibiotics. DNase I is an enzyme that cleaves DNA and has been shown to degrade eDNA found within the ECM and therefore reduce the integrity of biofilms. The ideal DNase treatment (10mg/mL) was determined using various concentrations of DNase enzyme and single species cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm formation, or its alteration, was analyzed by crystal violet colorimetric analysis. Studies are ongoing to determine the impact of such DNase treatments on the antibiotic sensitivity of biofilm-producing microorganisms. This research was made possible by WV Higher Education Policy Commission, STaR Division.