Efficiency of gold nanoparticles coated with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin against biofilm formation and development of spp. clinical isolates.

Background: This article examines the use of a novel nano-system, gold nanoparticles coated with indolicidin (AuNPs-indolicidin), against pathogenic biofilms. species cause frequent infections owing to their ability to form biofilms, primarily on implant devices.

Materials And Methods: We used an integrated approach, evaluating the effect of AuNPs-indolicidin on prevention and eradication of biofilms formed in multi-well polystyrene plates, with relative gene expression assays. Four biofilm-associated genes (, , and , and and ) involved in efflux pump were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Treatment with the nano-complex significantly inhibits the capacity of to form biofilms and impairs preformed mature biofilms. Treatment with AuNPs-indolicidin results in an increase in the kinetics of Rhodamine 6G efflux and a reduction in the expression of biofilm-related genes.

Conclusion: These data provide a chance to develop novel therapies against nosocomially acquired refractory biofilms.