Anti-Biofilm Effects of Melittin: Lessons Learned and the Path Ahead

Biofilm formation empowers microorganisms to withstand clearance mechanisms produced by host and synthetic sources. Biofilms are frequently held responsible for recurrent and chronic infectious diseases. Therefore, the development of effective anti-biofilm agents is of great importance. Melittin, the principal component in the venom of European honeybee, has sparked immense interest due to its anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-neuropathic, wound-healing, and adjuvants properties. Considering the recent growth of research on the anti-biofilm effects of melittin, coupled with the absence of a dedicated review on this subject, the present review summarizes the key findings of the studies conducted thus far. Furthermore, this review offers several potentially fruitful areas for future research. Available evidence suggests that melittin can inhibit biofilm formation by important microbial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The multifaceted mechanisms of melittin in combating biofilms are truly impressive, as it prevents microbial adhesion, inhibits biofilm development, downregulates genes crucial for biofilm formation and quorum-sensing pathways, disrupts the biofilm matrix, and eradicates biofilm-entrenched cells. Future investigations should prioritize the utilization of combination therapy with melittin and antibiotics, the implementation of advanced drug delivery systems, chemical modifications, and the conduction of in vivo studies using animal models.