Antibiofilm strategies using mixed disinfectants and cubosome nanocarriers to combat Staphylococcus aureus on sandblasted stainless steel disc surfaces

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are complex communities in which microorganisms are adhered and encapsulated in a self-produced extracellular polymeric material (EPS) matrix. Biofilm acts as a protective barrier, enhancing the resistance of bacteria to environmental stressors, cleaning agents and antimicrobial treatments. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluated the effectiveness of a mixed disinfectant suspension (MIX) against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on sandblasted stainless steel disc surfaces. A cubic phase containing MIX was prepared, and its anti-biofilm ability was assessed in comparison to free MIX. The susceptibility of S. aureus ATCC 15,564 (SA^ATCC) and multidrug-resistant S. aureus CCARM 3080 (SA^CCARM) biofilms to single and mixed disinfectants (MIX) was evaluated. The incorporation of MIX into cubosomes was performed to evaluate its potential enhancement in antibiofilm activity. 1% MIX demonstrated the most effective anti-biofilm activity. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) and polysaccharides were also significantly reduced in biofilms treated with 1% MIX. TEM analysis revealed that 1% MIX effectively disrupted bacterial cell clusters within the biofilms. The incorporation of 1% MIX into cubosomes enhanced its antibiofilm activity, with cubosome-encapsulated MIX exhibiting superior results compared to free MIX. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a mixed disinfectant suspension in reducing S. aureus biofilms on sandblasted stainless steel disc surfaces. Furthermore, the incorporation of MIX into lipid-based nanocarriers, such as cubosomes, enhanced its antibiofilm efficacy compared to the free disinfectant.