Investigation of Fungal Extracts as Anti-Biofilm Agents

Abstract

Many nosocomial infections are derived from microbial growth on implantable medical devices that form biofilms. Biofilms are complex colonies of bacteria that can grow on the surfaces of medically implantable devices and typically have antibiotic-resistant properties. Currently, no commercially available FDA-approved or EPA-certified biofilm sterilants are biocompatible for medically implantable devices. This study examined potential applications of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) water-soluble fungal extracts as preventative antibiofilm agents. Through the isolation of extracts derived from turkey tail and shiitake mushrooms, this research sought to find a sustainable, safe, and accessible method to treat biofilm infections originating from medically implanted devices to address the rise in antibiotic resistance, in addition to other practical applications. Our results show that ultrasonic-assisted aqueous shiitake extract inhibits Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner and displays general cytotoxicity, while ultrasonic-assisted aqueous turkey tail extract shows no significant biofilm or growth inhibition. Further research is needed to characterize these isolates and determine their particular mechanisms of action.