A recently discovered class of anti-biofilm compounds from marine microorganisms demonstrate promise against drug-resistant bacteria that frequently cause healthcare-associated infections, according to research from the Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute and School of Public Health.
The anti-biofilm compounds, called cathuitamycins, were discovered by conducting high-throughput compound screenings of thousands of drug-like substances derived from marine microorganisms collected during marine field expeditions in locations around the world.
In tests, the cathuitamycins were able to stop HAI-causing Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria from gathering together and forming biofilms, which can stick to medical devices, prosthetic implants and other surfaces, making them hard to sterilize.
"This new class of biofilm inhibitors provides a foundation toward the development of safe and effective drugs to limit or prevent biofilm formation," said co-senior author David Sherman, PhD. "As antibiotic resistance becomes an increasingly important global health concern, marine microorganisms have a great — and largely untapped — potential to provide new classes of antibiotics and anti-biofilm compounds."
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