Use of phenyl isothiocyanate for biofilm prevention and control

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Ana Cristina Abreu (Author) FEUP; Anabela Borges (Author) FEUP; Filipe Mergulhão (Author) FEUP; Manuel Simões (Author) FEUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION

Vol. 86

Pages: 34-41

ISSN: 0964-8305

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 19 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 21 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Associated Projects

Bioresist - Estudo da influência do fenótipo de biofilmes na sua resiliência e resistência

Fitodesinfetantes - Desinfeção de bactérias planctónicas e biofilmes em ambientes hospitalares com produtos fitoquímicos

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-G3Z

DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2013.03.024

Abstract (EN): The purpose of the present study was to assess the antibacterial activity of phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC), a synthetic isothiocyanate, on biofilms of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects of PITC on bacterial free energy of adhesion and motility were also investigated. Biofilm formation in 96-well polystyrene microtiter plates was quantified by crystal violet staining and the metabolic activity of those biofilms was assessed with alamar blue. The viability and culturability of the biofilm bacteria after exposure to PITC were determined. The highest removal and metabolic activity reduction of biofilms with PITC was around 90% for both bacteria. Treatment with PITC enabled 4.5 and 4.0 log(10) reductions of the number of viable cells for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively; and no colony forming units (CFUs) were detected. PITC also affected the adhesion process and motility of bacteria, greatly preventing biofilm formation. In conclusion, PITC enabled both biofilm prevention and control, promoting high biofilm removal and inactivation activities, suggesting that this compound is a promising disinfectant.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8