monocytogenes (Longhi et al., 2008). Biofilm formation by S. epidermidis and S. aureus requires surface protein (Aap and SasG) that contain sequence repeats known as G5 domain (Rohde et al., 2005; Corrigan et al., 2007; Geoghegan et al.,

2010). Dimerization of the G5 domains in the presence of Zn2+ is essential for these proteins to function as intercellular adhesin (Conrady et al., 2008). Zn2+ chelation selleck was shown to specifically prevent biofilm formation by S. epidermidis and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, which was proposed as a potential approach for combating biofilm-related infections (Conrady et al., 2008). Antiparasitic drug nitazoxanide and its active metabolite, tizoxanide, were reported to inhibit S. epidermidis biofilm formation possibly by targeting the zinc-dependent adhesin Aap (Tchouaffi-Nana et al., 2010). Polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) synthesized by the icaADBC operon of Staphylococci is one of the best understood EPS components and is essential for Staphylococci biofilm Selumetinib development. Thus the ica genes represent potential targets for biofilm inhibitors.

Oduwole et al. (2010) reported that the antibacterial agent povidone-iodine at sub-inhibitory concentrations has anti-biofilm activity against S. epidermidis by activating the icaR transcriptional repressor in S. epidermidis and reducing the transcription of the icaADBC operon (Oduwole et al., 2010). More recently, the organosulfur compound from garlic, allicin, was shown to inhibit PIA biosynthesis and biofilm development by S. epidermidis (Cruz-Villalon & Perez-Giraldo, 2011). Sulfhydryl compounds such as dithiothreitol, beta-mercaptoethanol or cysteine were also shown to reduce S. aureus biofilm formation

by inhibiting PIA biosynthesis Doxorubicin order probably through metabolic interventions (Wu et al., 2011a, b). Biofilm formation involves many ‘social’ activities including those of quorum sensing, iron siderophore and biosurfactant production (Davies et al., 1998; Davey et al., 2003; Banin et al., 2005; Alhede et al., 2009). Interference of these group activities can affect biofilm architecture and antibiotic resistance. Quorum sensing is widely used by microorganisms to coordinate communal behaviours such as bioluminescence, swarming and production of virulence (Rasmussen et al., 2000; DeLisa et al., 2001; Miller et al., 2002). Quorum sensing regulation is achieved by synthesizing and releasing small signal molecules by many denoted autoinducers (AIs), a word inspired from their positive feedback effect on expression of bioluminescense. The structures of AIs and their receptors have been extensively characterized (Shaw et al., 1997; Vannini et al., 2002; Bottomley et al., 2007).