(617g) Mechanical Properties of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Pellicle Biofilm Formation in the Presence of Quorum Sensing Inhibitors

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an environmental opportunistic pathogen that is the main cause of morbidity in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. One of its main virulence factors is its ability to form viscous, alginate-encased biofilms within the pulmonary mucus. The viscoelastic properties of this biofilm contributes to its ability to evade phagocytic activities, to reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, to develop antibiotic resistant strains, and to persist or reoccur in CF patients. The quorum sensing property of P. aeruginosa is well documented, and its contribution to its virulence is being extensively studied. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of certain natural quorum sensing inhibitors on biofilm formation. The disruption of biofilm formation would have a beneficial impact on the treatment of diseased CF patient as it will make the infection more susceptible to antibiotics and host phagocytosis. This study correlates the activity of the quorum sensing inhibitors with viscoelastic changes in the P. aeruginosa biofilm on the air-medium interface.