Anti-Biofilm Effect of Cannabinoids on a Clinical Isolate of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health issue. The prevalence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant organisms have been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the major healthcare challenges. Biofilms, communities of microorganisms largely resistant to antibiotics, compound the antimicrobial-resistant challenge. Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is manifested by microbial infection. The objective of this study was to identify natural compounds that have antimicrobial activity and the potential to mitigate COPD exacerbation. Two cannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG), were evaluated for antimicrobial activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA14, one of the most common bacteria implicated in acute exacerbation of COPD. Both CBD and CBG showed no activity on planktonic PA14 cells. CBD and CBG, individually as well as in combination, inhibited and eradicated PA14 biofilms. This study demonstrates that CBD and CBG may be viable approaches to consider for biofilm-based infections.