Antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects of Trigona honey against Staphylococcus Aureus Planktonic and biofilm cultures

Abstract

Trigona honey was analyzed for bactericidal and antibiofilm potencies using plate count and spectrophotometry methods, respectively, against different Staphylococcus aureus isolates, including ATCC 25923 strain, ATCC 33591 methicillin resistant strain (MRSA), and two clinical isolates from wounds. Besides, the relationship between anti-staphylococcal effects and antioxidant capacity of Trigona honey was discussed. All S. aureus isolates were highly susceptible to the antibacterial action of Trigona honey. Lysis of the planktonic bacterial cells was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Despite moderate levels of phenolic content (106.62 mg GAE/kg), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (40.94% RSA), and FRAP value (419.50 μM Fe P[cyrillic]/100g), Trigona honey exhibited potent inhibitory effect (75-90%) on biofilm formation, especially in 20% (v/v) honey. Additionally, the effects of functional phytochemicals and acidity (pH 2.31) in 20% (v/v) honey were suggested to contribute up to 70% reduction on established biofilm. In short, Trigona honey exhibited high antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, suggesting a potential therapeutic agent in staphylococcal wound infection.