Penetration of topically used antimicrobials through Staphylococcus aureus biofilms: A comparative study using different models

• Published in: Journal of drug delivery science and technology 2018-12, Vol.48, p.429-436
• Main Authors: Albayaty, Yassamin N., Thomas, Nicky, Hasan, Sayeed, Prestidge, Clive A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1773-2247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2018.10.015

Biofilm penetration is a mandatory step for many antimicrobials to exert their biocidal effect against biofilm organisms. This study investigated the penetration capacity of three topically used antimicrobials in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm and correlated this with antibiofilm efficacy using several membrane filter-based assays. An antimicrobial's activity was also evaluated in the presence of biofilm matrix/free bacterial cells. The agents with least biofilm penetration capacity such as chlorhexidine and triclosan demonstrated lower activity against biofilm microbes than mupirocin, which freely penetrated through biofilm. The antimicrobials activities were reduced due to biofilm matrix related rather than free bacterial cells. The physicochemical properties of antimicrobials and biofilm matrix maturity are the key limiting factors that contribute to the failure of selected agents in killing bacteria situated in deep layers of a biofilm as well as reinforced the importance of providing a platform for designing suitable carrier to overcome limits involved in persistence of biofilm associated infections. [Display omitted]