Inhibition of Biofilm Forming Bacteria by Plant Extracts

Biofilms are the main cause for increase in virulence and antibiotic resistance of microorganisms. Both gram positive and gram negative pathogens are known to produce biofilms. Due to the production of biofilm the bacteria adhere to the surface strongly and are protected from any antibiotic agents. The present study is aimed to inhibit the biofilms produced by gram negative E. coli isolated from UTI samples (UPEC), using plant extracts. Plants like Magnifera indica, Punica granatum, Catharanthus roseus and Manikara zapota were extracted to check for their antimicrobial as well as antibiofilm activity by well diffusion assay and biofilm assay. All the plant extracts were screened for antibiofilm activity. The result indicated that Punica granatum extract had a good inhibition capacity. The further scope in this field of study is to target AHL formation and hence, inhibit biofilm. The inhibition of biofilm helps in reducing many infections due to reduction in the virulence of bacteria that is mainly due to formation of biofilm, making the pathogens weak and more susceptible to antimicrobial agents.