Fluoxetine and thioridazine inhibit efflux and attenuate crystalline biofilm formation by Proteus mirabilis.

Proteus mirabilis forms extensive crystalline biofilms on indwelling urethral catheters that block urine flow and lead to serious clinical complications. The Bcr/CflA efflux system has previously been identified as important for development of P. mirabilis crystalline biofilms, highlighting the potential for efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) to control catheter blockage.

Evaluation of environmental scanning electron microscopy for analysis of Proteus mirabilis crystalline biofilms in situ on urinary catheters.

Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and frequently leads to blockage of catheters due to crystalline biofilm formation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has proven to be a valuable tool in the study of these unusual biofilms, but entails laborious sample preparation that can introduce artefacts, undermining the investigation of biofilm development. In contrast, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) permits imaging of unprocessed, fully hydrated samples, which may provide much insight into the development of P.

An in vitro assessment of bioadhesive zinc/carbomer complexes for antimicrobial therapy within the oral cavity.

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in the oral cavity is limited by their retention at the site of action. In this work the antimicrobial cation zinc was complexed with the bioadhesive agent Carbopol 971P, in order to allow an extended antimicrobial effect. Zinc ions were shown to form stable complexes with the polymer, and were not released into distilled water.