This study demonstrates the potential of anthocyanin extracts as natural effective alternative antimicrobial agents. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Antimicrobial, antiadhesive and antibiofilm activity of an ethanolic anthocyanin rich blueberry extract purified by solid phase extraction.
J Appl Microbiol. 2016 Jun 28. Epub 2016 Jun 28. PMID: 27349348
Sara Silva
AIMS: The present work aimed to characterize the impact of an anthocyanin rich blueberry extract upon the growth, adhesion and biofilm formation of several pathogens including some multiresistant bacteria.
METHODS AND RESULTS: A group comprised of reference strains and clinical multiresistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus, were used to screen for antimicrobial activity. Microbial growth was determined through the measurement of the optical density while adhesion and biofilm formation was determined using the standard crystal violet staining procedure. The results showed that, while blueberry extract was only effective in hindering the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, it was capable of significantly inhibiting biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion for all microorganisms tested.
CONCLUSIONS: The extract demonstrated a considerable potential as a natural, alternative antimicrobial capable of either interfering with microbial growth or hamper the adhesion to surfaces, with Staphylococcus aureus proving to be the most susceptible microorganism.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The overall study demonstrates the potential of anthocyanin extracts as natural effective alternative antimicrobial agents. Additionally, the extract's capacity to reduce adhesion without reducing bacterial growth reduces the likeliness of resistance development while reducing the probability of infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.