Targeting quorum sensing mediated Staphylococcus aureus biofilms: A proteolytic approach

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus infects human through biofilm formed by the process of quorum sensing. Biofilm confers this human pathogen with high resistance to antibiotics. The inhibition of biofilm forming process or dispersal of already formed biofilm can be the potential targets for treating the diseases. Since, the biofilm is made up of exopolysaccharides, proteins and lipids, the action of proteases can hydrolyse the protein component and disrupt the biofilm matrix. Consequently the bacterium so exposed can be eliminated by low doses of antibacterials.