Molecular docking, quorum quenching effect, antibiofilm activity and safety profile of silver-complexed sulfonamide on Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Microbial infections caused by sessile microorganisms are known to be a more challenging issue than infections caused by the same microorganisms in the planktonic state. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and biofilm-forming agent. This species presents intense cellular communication mediated by signaling molecules. This process is known as quorum sensing (QS) and induces the transcription of specific genes that favors cell density growth and three-dimensional bacterial grouping. In this context, the discovery of compounds capable of inhibiting the action of the QS signaling molecules seems to be a promising strategy against biofilms. This work aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm action and the in vitro safety profile of a sulfamethoxazole-Ag complex. The results obtained indicate potential anti-biofilm activity through QS inhibition. In silico tests showed that the compound acts on the las and pqs systems, which are the main regulators of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the molecule proved to be safe for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Keywords:

• quorum sensing
• resistance
• inorganic compounds
• sulfamethoxazole

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the “Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)” and the “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)” for the Brazilian financial support . We are also thankful for the financial support from the INCT/INOMAT (National Institute for Complex Functional Materials) and MCT/Finep/CT-Infra 02/2010.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.