Investigation of microbial biofilm formation in the presence of xanthine derivatives

Background and Aim: Biofilms are often responsible for chronic infections these are difficult to treat as well as industrial problems due to their polymicrobial structure, antibiotic resistance and anti-phagocytic effects. The increasing prevalence of biofilms specifically in nosocomial infections highlights the importance of research in this field. In this study the aim was to research the biofilm forming ability of 30 isolates from various clinical samples at Uzunköprü State Hospital, the anti-biofilm effects of xanthine derivatives such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, also these compounds synthesized in the laboratory and their effects on acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules. Material and Methods: In this study, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains which used for quality control and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 strains which used for biofilm positive control were obtained from the Pharmaceutical Microbiology Department's culture collection. Using the crystal violet-microplate method, the biofilm-forming abilities of the isolates and the antibiofilm effects of the substances were examined. Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 strain was used to demonstrate the presence and inhibition of AHL in the quorum detection system experiment with well diffusion test. Results: The results of our study showed that caffeine, theophyline, theobromine and other laboratory-synthesized derivates inhibited biofilm formation or reduced biofilm levels in microorganisms. Additionally, it was determined that only the 8-hydrazinoteophylline (TfN) molecule, a theophylline derivative, carried out AHL degradation. Conclusion: Xanthine derivative compounds may serve as a new alternative treatment method for biofilm-associated infections. Furthermore, combining different derivatives in experiments involving various microorganisms could offer promising new approaches to treatments.