Novel Insights Into the Struggle Against Biofilm: The PsyOmp38 Protein From the Antarctic Marine Bacterium Psychrobacter sp. TAE2020.

ABSTRACT: Antibiofilm molecules can enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics and prevent biofilm formation. Antarctic marine bacteria have been found to secrete antibiofilm molecules, likely as part of a strategy for competitive survival. The protein-polysaccharide complex CATASAN, produced by the Antarctic bacterium Psychrobacter sp. TAE2020, has been shown to interfere with all stages of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm development. This study investigates the contribution of PsyOmp38, the protein component of CATASAN, to the complex's antibiofilm activity. The protein was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterised, revealing its ability to inhibit Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to surfaces, interfere with biofilm formation, and disrupt mature biofilms. Follow

SUBMITTER: Olimpo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12504631 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature