ANTIBIOFILM EFFECT OF PROTEASE ENZYME FROM KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE AND ZNO NANOPARTICLES ON BIOFILM-PRODUCING BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL PATHOGENS

Author (s) : M.JASMINE & K.HAMSA

---

Abstract :
Biofilm formation by bacterial and fungal pathogens poses a significant challenge in healthcare settings and various industries. Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced extracellular matrix, making them highly resistant to conventional antimicrobial therapies. In recent years, alternative strategies using enzymatic and nanomaterial-based approaches have shown promising antibiofilm properties. This study investigates the antibiofilm efficacy of a protease enzyme derived from Klebsiella pneumoniae and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) against biofilm-producing bacterial and fungal pathogens.The protease enzyme from Klebsiella pneumoniae was extracted and characterized, demonstrating its ability to degrade proteinaceous components of biofilms. ZnO NPs were synthesized using a facile and eco-friendly method, and their physicochemical properties were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.The antibiofilm activity of both the protease enzyme and ZnO NPs was evaluated against established biofilms of a panel of clinically relevant bacterial and fungal pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Quantitative biofilm assays, such as crystal violet staining and XTT reduction assay, were used to assess the extent of biofilm inhibition and dispersal. Results demonstrated that the protease enzyme from Klebsiella pneumoniae significantly reduced the biomass and metabolic activity of both bacterial and fungal biofilms. Furthermore, ZnO NPs exhibited potent antibiofilm activity, leading to a substantial disruption of biofilm structures across the tested pathogens. Combining the protease enzyme and ZnO NPs displayed a synergistic effect, resulting in enhanced antibiofilm efficacy compared to individual treatments.

Keywords : antibiofilm,Klebsiella pneumoniae,zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Conference Date : 30/08/2019

Pages : 173

Paper ID : 19169