An international team of microbiologists have identified a new method for inhibiting the formation of bacteria on medical devices like replacement heart valves, artificial joints and catheters, according to a recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
For the study, researchers sought to better understand the mechanism that promotes the binding and growth of Staphylococcus aureus cells during the formation of biofilm, a process by which bacteria accumulate and adhere to surfaces. The protein SdrC was identified as the driver in the cell-to-cell adhesion that promotes the growth of biofilms. In laboratory experiments, researchers were able to obstruct the formation of biofilms by targeting the SdrC protein with neurexin peptides. The peptides inhibited SdrC's ability to link cells and promote growth.
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"These new findings show that it is possible to stop bacteria from building communities using molecules that specifically target proteins attached to the surface of the bacteria," said study co-author Joan Geoghegan, PhD, assistant professor in microbiology at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. "This exciting breakthrough will inform the design of new, targeted approaches to prevent biofilm formation by Staphylococci and reduce the incidence of medical device-related infection."
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