Orodispersible films (ODFs) are an innovative oral drug delivery method benefiting pediatric, geriatric, and non-compliant patients. They are portable, easy to swallow, and enhance bioavailability. Hyaluronic acid (HA) stands out among hydrophilic polymers for oral delivery of antimicrobial agents. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, release profile, and antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity of HA-based ODFs combined with the flavonoid morin, known for its antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial activity and microbial viability were assessed biomass quantification. The films were thin (12-27 µm), flexible, homogeneous, and mechanically resistant. A burst release of morin was observed, reaching complete release at 210 min. Cytotoxicity analysis confirmed the non-toxic profile, showing cell viability. HA-morin films significantly reduced biofilm mass, viability, and acidogenicity compared to the controls. Findings confirmed the non-toxic, and their significant antibiofilm activity against . This innovative mucoadhesive system has potential for managing dental diseases and oral drug delivery.

Plumbagin, also known as 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (PLB), is a naturally occurring naphthoquinone molecule that has demonstrated strong antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against (). However, the potential of PLB to eradicate mature biofilms and the underlying mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study explored the effects of PLB on disrupting mature biofilms, focusing on its impact on the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and potential mechanisms of action. Crystal violet (CV) and XTT assays demonstrated that PLB significantly reduced both the biomass and metabolic activity of mature biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. High-content screening (HCS) imaging demonstrated that PLB treatment induced significant alterations in the biofilm EPS architecture, leading to a substantial reduction in overall biomass and average thickness, with disruption severity correlating positively with PLB concentration. Using molecular fluorescence probing techniques, this study found that treatment with PLB resulted in a marked reduction in EPS components, including extracellular polysaccharides (PIA), proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA), compared to untreated controls. Molecular docking analysis revealed that PLB strongly interacts with several key proteins involved in EPS production, such as IcaA, IcaD, IcaB, IcaC, Bap, ClfB, and CidA, particularly binding strongly to the active sites of IcaA and Bap. Furthermore, gene expression analysis indicated that PLB downregulated genes associated with biofilm EPS production. Overall, these findings suggest that PLB effectively disrupts biofilms by targeting the EPS. These results highlight PLB as a promising candidate for targeting mature biofilms in chronic infections.

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial biofilms presents a significant challenge in biomedical applications, demanding innovative and eco-friendly solutions. In this study, bactericidal nanolayers (NLs) were engineered on titanium (Ti) surfaces using two isomeric phytocompounds: carvacrol (Carv-Ti-NL) and thymol (TOH-Ti-NL). These NLs were fabricated a simple, one-step self-assembly process. Both exhibited strong anti-biofilm and bactericidal activity against . TOH-Ti-NL proved superior for osteogenesis, while fibroblasts showed reduced adhesion on TOH-Ti-NL but enhanced proliferation on Carv-Ti-NL. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed spontaneous oxidation of Carv and TOH on Ti into ketonic structures. TOH-Ti-NL also displayed higher surface roughness, linked to improved osseointegration, and a higher release rate than Carv-Ti-NL. Both coatings eradicated bacteria within 24 h. Their early effectiveness underscores their potential for infection prevention on Ti implants. Thus, TOH-Ti-NL shows promise for bone-related applications, whereas Carv-Ti-NL may be better suited for fibroblast growth, offering tailored properties for diverse biomedical applications.

Biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces, presents growing challenges for maritime operations and coastal community resilience. This systematic review (2014 to 2024) synthesises recent findings on antifouling strategies, their environmental impacts, and implications for water security. Despite the global ban on tributyltin, many copper-based and organic biocides remain in use, contributing to sediment pollution and potential contamination of coastal aquifers. Biofouling also reduces the efficiency of desalination and water infrastructure, increasing costs and straining freshwater access in vulnerable regions. Saltwater intrusion, intensified by sea-level rise and groundwater overuse, further threatens groundwater quality. While green antifouling technologies show promise, adoption is limited in resource-constrained areas. Using the PRISMA framework, this study synthesises global findings, emphasising the need for sustainable antifouling solutions that balance pollution control, ship efficiency, and water security. Future research should integrate biofouling management with coastal water protection to enhance community resilience.

Plate heat exchangers (PHEs) are widely used in chemical plants for cooling, and their performance typically deteriorates due to fouling formation. To address the operational lifetime of PHEs under fouling conditions and determine optimal repair time, a virtual framework is required to function as a digital twin. This study investigates the application of a vinyl acetate copolymer nano-coating on PHEs to reduce the fouling thickness of CaCO using a Multiphysics simulation approach. The novelty of this work lies in the development of a numerical framework capable of accurately forecasting optimal repair times before the system's efficiency declines. The results reveal that nanocoating reduces the thermal resistance and the fouling thickness by 65.77% and 58.8%, respectively, compared to the uncoated sample. The proposed framework accurately determines the thermodynamic behaviour of the PHE as a digital twin and predicts the appropriate time for its repair or replacement.

Antibiofouling membranes have become pivotal in addressing fouling challenges in membrane-based processes across water treatment, desalination and industrial applications. This review presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends, challenges, impacts and future opportunities in antibiofouling membranes. Utilising Bibliometrix in R and advanced visualisation techniques, 172 publications from 2006 to 2023 were analysed, with data extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases accessed on December 5, 2024. Key bibliometric indicators, including total citations, co-authorship networks and keyword co-occurrences, were explored to map the scientific landscape. The findings reveal a steady growth in research, with the most cited publication achieving 452 citations and an average of 45.2 citations per year. Surface modification emerged as the dominant theme, occurring 60 times and achieving the highest betweenness centrality of 1,252.975, highlighting its role in improving antifouling and biofilm resistance. Other critical research areas include nanofiltration, reverse-osmosis membranes and the integration of advanced materials like graphene oxide, silver nanoparticles and polydopamine. Interdisciplinary collaborations among material science, chemistry and environmental engineering were identified as key drivers of innovation. Despite advancements, gaps persist in scaling up technologies, addressing environmental sustainability, and applying antibiofouling membranes in underexplored areas like seawater desalination and wastewater treatment. Emerging trends, including energy-efficient solutions, biofilm mitigation and computational modelling for predictive performance, present significant opportunities for future research. This review underscores the transformative potential of antibiofouling membranes in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. By addressing identified research gaps and fostering interdisciplinary approaches, this study provides actionable insights and a strategic roadmap for researchers and policymakers to advance antibiofouling membrane technologies to meet global water and environmental challenges.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens linked to mixed biofilm infections is a significant concern due to limited therapeutic options. This health risk has renewed interest in developing new antibiofilm alternatives. In this study, the antibiofilm potential of a phosphonium-based ionic liquid against a mixed-species biofilm of and methicillin-resistant (MRSH) was assessed preliminarily using the microbroth dilution assay. The ionic liquid inhibitory profiles were further explored by confocal Raman mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorescence microscopy (FM). A substantial antibiofilm effect was demonstrated. Raman mapping showed a modified biofilm distribution following ionic liquid treatment, demonstrating the differential inhibitory effects between strains in mixed biofilm. Additionally, FM revealed that the morphological switching of was inhibited, while SEM revealed a disruption of biofilm integrity. On the other hand, the hemolysis test showed the safety profile of the ionic liquid by exhibiting low cytotoxicity at active concentrations.

Efficacy of Actibromide (formulation of bromide with sodium hypochlorite) as a supplementary biocide for process seawater heat exchangers was evaluated on at Madras Atomic Power Station. Continuous chlorination (0.2 mg/L) required prolonged exposure for 100% mortality. Actibromide at 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L achieved complete mussel mortality within 12, 7 and 4 days, respectively. Reactive oxygen species generation increased antioxidant enzyme activity like superoxide dismutase, catalase which was found to be higher in the digestive gland. Inhibition of cellular functions was evident in haemolymph, inducing DNA damage (34%) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition (80-91%). The study clearly demonstrated that Actibromide penetrates at the cellular level, causing severe damage to the gills and digestive glands, reducing feed consumption and inducing both neurotoxic and genotoxic effects resulting in mortality. Supplemental targeted dosing at 0.2 mg/L seems to be a promising strategy for effective green mussel control in cooling water systems.

(Dunker, 1857 in GBIF Secretariat (2023)), an invasive species known for its high filtration rate, dense populations, and rapid dispersion, poses a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems in various regions worldwide. In hydraulic infrastructure, biofouling reduces operational efficiency, accelerates infrastructure degradation, shortens equipment lifespan, and poses safety risks and water contamination threats, incurring significant economic costs. Consequently, effective control measures for are urgently needed. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding and managing , with various strategies proposed-such as physical removal, chemical eradication, and biological control - few have been shown to provide long-term, widely applicable solutions in hydraulic engineering. This paper reviews the mechanisms of fouling by and the current prevention strategies, offering a scientific basis and guidance for developing more effective prevention and control technologies.

This study reports the synthesis of a new polypyridine ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(anth)], which generates singlet oxygen (Φ = 0.98) and binds DNA (K = 9.8 × 10 M), leading to bacterial damage. The compound exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 31.25 µg mL against ATCC 700698 and ATCC 35984, and 125 µg mL against ATCC 25923 and ATCC 12228. The compound showed synergistic effects with ampicillin and additive effects with tetracycline. The complex significantly reduced biofilm biomass, viable cell counts, and metabolic activity. Scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy confirmed surface disruption and reduced viability. Gel electrophoresis indicated light-induced DNA photocleavage. Cytotoxicity in L929 fibroblasts was observed only above 125 µg mL. These findings suggest that [Ru(anth)] is a promising antimicrobial agent with multi-target activity, supporting its potential for antimicrobial drug development.

Biofilm development, which occurs on numerous surfaces, can reduce the efficiency and increase operating costs in bioprocesses and fermentation. The current study proposes a strategy for biofilm inhibition by investigating the interactions between microorganisms and surfaces using an extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (xDLVO) approach and cell partition index (CPI) technique. Glass slide and Petri dish surfaces were modified with different surfactants. The results show that modification increased CPI values and altered the interaction behavior from attractive to repulsive, between microbial cells and different surfaces. Secondary energy values calculated by xDLVO theory between microbial cells and modified surfaces were repulsive. Meanwhile, the secondary energy values calculated for microbial cells and unmodified glass slide (-31 T) and Petri dish surfaces (-27 T) were attractive between cells and surfaces. The current study has opened a window for research in the field of biofilm inhibition through a surface energetics approach.

This study evaluated the potential of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) as an efficient and safe biofilm disinfectant for medical devices and implants. The results showed that SAEW rapidly eradicated planktonic bacteria and biofilms, outperforming NaClO. SAEW degraded proteins and eDNA in extracellular polymeric substances, thereby penetrating biofilms and acting on bacteria. SAEW-treated bacteria could not maintain normal morphology, resulting in bacterial lysis and death. SAEW downregulated biofilm-related genes, including cna, pvl and clfA of , and aap, icaR and sara of . Additionally, SAEW cleared biofilms on surgical devices and implants within 10 min or less. Furthermore, no significant difference in corrosion efficiency was observed between the SAEW group and the negative control group when tested on stainless steel, zinc alloy and brass. In conclusion, SAEW exhibited robust antibacterial and biofilm-eliminating capabilities, showing great potential as a disinfectant for medical devices and implants.

Bedrock lithological properties shape the structure and dynamics of benthic communities across spatial and time scales. This study investigates how mineral composition, grain size, and colour influence early colonization of benthic communities in Genoa harbour during summer 2024. Panels of marbles, travertines, quartzite, siltite and granitoids (10 × 10 cm) were used to monitor settlement of fouling species like the barnacle , the serpulid , and the bryozoan . Results showed the highest settlement on dark siltite and the lowest on light marbles and travertines. No significant effect of mineral composition or grain size was detected, including the expected inhibitory effect of quartz. Larval preference for darker substrata, confirmed by comparisons between marble and granitoids with varying grey levels, suggests colour as a key driver of settlement. Post-settlement survival was mainly influenced by substratum stability. These findings highlight the complex interactions between physical properties and colonization patterns.

This study investigated the antimicrobial and antibiotic-potentiating activities of two novel ruthenium complexes against clinically relevant bacterial strains. The complexes cis-[RuCl(dppb)(NN-F)] and cis-[RuCl(dppb)(NN-Br)] exhibited activity against and , with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 7.8 to 62.5 µg·ml and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) from 31.25 to 125 µg·ml. When combined with ampicillin, both complexes demonstrated synergistic effects. Time-kill assays showed bactericidal activity within the first 2 to 12 h. The complexes significantly reduced biofilm biomass, viable cell counts and metabolic activity in both biofilm formation and mature biofilms. Microscopy revealed membrane damage and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biofilms. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed low toxicity toward L929 fibroblasts (≤31.2 µg·ml) and minimal hemolytic activity (1-13%). These findings support the potential of these ruthenium complexes as candidates for novel therapies against staphylococcal infections.

Imaging techniques are important for biofilm studies. Biofilm samples should ideally be visualised with minimal sample preparation so as not to alter their original structure. However, this can be challenging and resource-intensive in most cases. This study details the development of a novel tool (Fortilife Director) to visualise biofouling. The method utilises a microparticle suspension that effectively highlights biofilm boundaries without altering its structure, allowing for high-contrast, in-situ visualisation. Experimental applications across various membrane types, including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, demonstrate the capability of the tool to quantify biofilm surface coverage accurately. Results from studies on different feed waters underline the effectiveness in evaluating biofouling severity and distribution patterns, correlating surface coverage with operational performance metrics such as pressure drop increase. The Fortilife Director represents a promising advancement in the management of biofouling in membrane filtration systems, offering a more reliable means of monitoring and optimising operational efficiency.

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of neovestitol-vestitol fraction (NVF) on an subgingival multispecies biofilm. The 33-species biofilm was formed for seven days using a Calgary device. Starting on day 3, treatments for applied twice daily for 1 min each: NV (400-1,600 µgml), chlorhexidine 0.12% (CHX; positive control) or vehicle (negative control). After seven days, metabolic activity and microbial composition were accessed through colorimetric reaction and DNA-DNA hybridization, respectively. ANOVA/Tukey's and Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's were performed ( < 0.05). NV1,600 and NV800 and CHX significantly reduced biofilm metabolic activity by 67%, 48% and 64% respectively, compared to vehicle-treatment. NV1,600, NV800 and CHX reduced red complex proportions versus vehicle-treatment. NV1,600 also reduced orange complex and increased healthy-associated purple complex compared to negative control ( < 0.05). NV1,600, NV800 and CHX reduced nine species, including and . NV1,600 also reduced . NV seems to be a good candidate to control biofilm formation and pathogenicity in dental practice.

Biofouling poses significant ecological and operational challenges in marine environments, particularly across Indonesia's diverse tropical waters. It increases hydrodynamic drag on vessels, leading to greater fuel consumption and elevated operational costs. This review synthesizes both recent and historical studies to examine the taxonomic and functional diversity of marine biofouling organisms in Indonesian waters. It highlights key fouling groups - bacteria, diatoms, barnacles, bivalves, polychaetes, tunicates, hydrozoans, bryozoans, macroalgae, and sponges - and describes their roles in biofilm formation, macro fouler settlement, and successional development. The paper also explores spatial differences between western and eastern regions, outlining how environmental and human-driven factors influence colonization and community dynamics. Successional trends from early biofilms to climax stages are discussed in relation to marine infrastructure management and antifouling strategies. By integrating findings across the archipelago, this review provides foundational insight for region-specific mitigation efforts and supports the development of sustainable maritime operations in tropical coastal ecosystems.

The fixative most commonly used in biofilm measurement studies of pathogenic yeasts is ethanol. However, due to lipid dissolution in ethanol, this method may not be the optimal choice for certain yeasts which have a high lipid content in their cell walls, such as human pathogen . We conducted a study to compare the measurement values of 26 clinical strains of using glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde instead of ethanol. After the fixation step, standard staining methods were applied for biomass and extracellular polymers. Imaging was performed using scanning electron microscopy and optical coherence tomography. An important result for both biomass and extracellular polymers measurements, was that ethanol fixation group values were lower than other fixation methods ( < 0.001). The morphological formations, which were observed as small cohesive groups with ethanol fixation, were seen as adhesive groups with glutaraldehyde fixation. The application of glutaraldehyde in the fixation of biofilms produced by yielded a greater range of absorbances, thus facilitating more comprehensive data evaluation than that achieved with ethanol. In yeasts such as with a high lipid content in their cell wall, fixation with glutaraldehyde seems likely to contribute to easier analysis of comparative data in biofilm studies.

Stalactite-like rust formations, known as 'rusticles' have been observed on some ocean shipwrecks usually after extended exposures and sometimes associated with microbiological influences. Herein that possibility is examined using field observations for some 40 different shipwrecks in seawaters and open freshwaters. Comparison is made to somewhat similar rust formations, known for more than 100 years as 'tubercles', that are mounds of highly non-uniform corrosion product found both in freshwaters and in seawaters. The data show that tubercles are widespread in occurrence but that rusticles form only in seawaters and that their typical stalactite-like formation is possible only in quiescent exposure conditions, caused by the extended build-up of rusts resulting from the oxidation of downward migration of ferrous chloride, itself generated by pitting corrosion under localized anaerobic seawater conditions. The processes in the formation of rusticles and tubercles are otherwise similar. Microbiological processes may be involved but are not essential.

The activity of iron tetracarboxyphthalocyanine (FeTcPc) was investigated in the formation of subgingival biofilm by bacterial species associated with periodontal disease. A multispecies biofilm model was developed using the Calgary biofilm device and incubated at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Starting from day 3, the biofilm was treated with FeTcPc twice daily for one minute over four days, at concentrations ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 μM. Chlorhexidine at 0.12% and the vehicle used to dissolve the test agent, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), served as positive and negative controls, respectively. After 7 days, the biofilm metabolic activity was measured using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to differentiate metabolically active cells from inactive ones. Finally, the microbial profile of the treated biofilm was assessed using the DNA-DNA hybridisation method. FeTcPc at 10,000 μM and chlorhexidine treatments reduced the total bacterial counts, without a significant difference from each other. Additionally, FeTcPc at 10,000 μM inhibited the growth of 7 microorganisms when compared with the negative control, highlighting effects on , and . The study demonstrated that FeTcPc, at a concentration of 10,000 μM, was as effective as chlorhexidine (0.12%) in reducing the total bacterial counts and well-recognised periodontal pathogens levels in the subgingival biofilm, highlighting the potential of FeTcPc as an alternative to conventional periodontal treatments. These findings indicate that FeTcPc has a promising impact on the inhibition of key bacteria involved in periodontal disease, which may open new perspectives for targeted and less aggressive therapies.

This investigation scrutinizes the manner in which sodium acetate (SA) and calcium cations (Ca) independently and collaboratively affect biofilm development. Confocal microscopy revealed that SA (1 mM) increased biofilm biovolume (5.5-fold) and thickness by enhancing microbial growth, while Ca (1.5 mM) stabilized the matrix EPS crosslinking. Combined, SA and Ca synergistically boosted biovolume (1.5-fold) and thickness (21.3 µm) compared to SA alone. 16S rRNA sequencing showed SA-enriched (11%) and exopolysaccharide-producing , whereas Ca improved surface coverage (22.3%). Functional predictions linked SA to purine degradation and Ca to fatty acid oxidation, aligning with EPS modifications. These findings highlight how carbon sources and divalent cations collaboratively shape biofilm resilience, offering insights for biofilm management in environmental, industrial, and medical settings where SA and Ca gradients exist.