Quorum sensing mediated attenuation of biofilm formation and virulence traits in Staphylococcus aureus by trigonelline.

Pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus is largely associated with its biofilm formation, that protects the cells from host immune system and antimicrobial threats. Considering the concern over the emergence of antimicrobial resistant S. aureus strains, this study was aimed to explore an effective alternative therapeutant. Trigonelline, an alkaloid, was evaluated for its antibiofilm and antivirulence activities against S. aureus. Trigonelline efficiently inhibited and eradicated biofilm, and abled to decrease the production of protease and hemolysin, the major virulence factors of S. aureus. Inhibition of biofilm formation and eradication of mature biofilm on the catheter surface suggested its potentiality in clinical application. The observed reduction in biofilm formation and virulence factor production following trigonelline treatment may be attributed to its ability to alter the expression of key regulatory genes such as agrA, sarA, saeR, arlR, icaR, and sigB, which control quorum sensing network and biofilm development. Additionally, molecular docking analysis revealed a substantial binding affinity of trigonelline to these regulatory proteins, further supporting its possible inhibitory mechanism. Thus, trigonelline might be a promising alternative chemical lead to manage biofilm-associated bacterial infections caused by S. aureus.