Characterisation and anti-biofilm activity of glycerol monolaurate nanocapsules against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Published in: Microbial pathogenesis 2019-05, Vol.130, p.178-185
• Main Authors: Lopes, Leonardo Quintana Soares, de Almeida Vaucher, Rodrigo, Giongo, Janice Luehring, Gündel, André, Santos, Roberto Christ Vianna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy; Biofilm; Glycerol monolaurate; Nanocapsules; P. aeruginosa
• ISSN: 0882-4010; 1096-1208
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.03.007

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous microorganism that commonly causes hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream and urinary tract infections and it is well known for chronically colonising the respiratory tract of patients with cystic fibrosis, causing severe intermittent exacerbation of the condition. P. aeruginosa may appear in the free form cell but also grows in biofilm communities adhered to a surface. An alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents are nanoparticles that can act as carriers for antibiotics and other drugs. In this context, the study aimed to characterise and verify the anti-biofilm potential of GML Nanocapsules against P. aeruginosa. The nanocapsules showed a mean diameter of 190.7 nm, polydispersion index of 0.069, the zeta potential of −23.3 mV. The microdilution test showed a MIC of 62.5 μg/mL to GML and 15.62 μg/mL to GML Nanocapsules. The anti-biofilm experiments demonstrated the significant reduction of biomass, proteins, polysaccharide and viable P. aeruginosa in biofilm treated with GML Nanocapsules while the free GML did not cause an effect. The AFM images showed a decrease in a biofilm which received GML. The positive results suggest an alternative for the public health trouble related to infections associated with biofilm. •The physicochemical parameters proved the success in the development of nanocapsules.•The microdilution assay showed that the MIC and MBC of GML Nanocapsules are smaller when compared to free GML.•The GML Nanocapsules were more effective in reducing biofilm biomass.•Free GML did not significantly reduce the concentration of proteins and polysaccharides.•The AFM images demonstrated the reduction of biofilm treated with GML Nanocapsules.