The mechanism of action of pepR, a viral-derived peptide, against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the mechanism of action at the molecular level of pepR, a multifunctional peptide derived from the Dengue virus capsid protein, against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.

Methods

Biofilm mass, metabolic activity and viability were quantified using conventional microbiology techniques, while fluorescence imaging methods, including a real-time calcein release assay, were employed to investigate the kinetics of pepR activity at different biofilm depths.

Results

Using flow cytometry-based assays, we showed that pepR is able to prevent staphylococcal biofilm formation due to a fast killing of planktonic bacteria, which in turn resulted from a peptide-induced increase in the permeability of the bacterial membranes. The activity of pepR against pre-for

SUBMITTER: Pinto SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6736180 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature