| Journal: |
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Frontiers
|
Volume: |
|
| Abstract: |
Background: Disrupting Staphylococcus aureus S. aureusbiofilms is of utmost
importance in the medical field. Identifying herbal compounds, especially those
comprising enzymes, with antibacterial and biofilm-degrading properties offers a
promising alternative to conventional biofilm inhibitors. The present study
explored the novel effects of b-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase), an enzyme
derived from jack beans, in preventing biofilm formation and disrupting
established biofilms. Furthermore, it investigated the potential effects of
combining NAGase with thymoquinone (TQ) extracted from Nigella sativa seeds.
Methods: S. aureus isolates with robust biofilm formation were selected using a
quantitative microtiter plate method. The effect of TQ and/or NAGase on the
growth and dispersion of existing biofilms was evaluated using a crystal violet
staining assay in a microtiter plate. The study also investigated their impact on
quorum sensing (QS) molecules (agrA, agrC, and sarA) and icaA, agr, and atl gene
regulation using computational modeling and real-time PCR analysis, respectively.
Results: Treatment with NAGase (2.5 U/mL) and TQ [1× minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC)] significantly reduced existing biofilms in multidrug-resistant
and strong biofilm-forming S. aureus isolates by 40.9%–65.6% and 30.9%–
69.3%, respectively. Notably, combining TQ and NAGase led to a greater
reduction of established biofilm (61.8%–73.8%) compared to the untreated
controls. Computer simulations revealed that the TQ ligand was a potent
inhibitor of QS molecules, binding tightly to agrA and sarA. Notably, NAGase,
whether used alone or in conjunction with TQ, led to a decrease in the
expression of the atl, icaA, and agr genes.
Conclusions: The combination of TQ and NAGase is a promising antibiofilm
agent in S. aureus, offering several advantages over traditional options. It
effectively targets both QS pathways and breaks down polysaccharide intercellular adhesins, in addition to exhibiting antibacterial properties to combat
bacteria within existing biofilms. The presence of NAGase, a naturally occurring
enzyme in cellular lysosomes, combined with the optimal pharmacokinetic
properties of TQ, makes it a potential treatment for systemic and localized S.
aureus infections.
|
|
|