Anti-adhesion activity of phytochemicals to prevent Campylobacter jejuni biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces

Abstract

Biofilms provide a protective environment for pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni, the most prevalent foodborne pathogen, and biofilm formation can enhance bacterial survival in hostile environments. Adhesion of bacteria to the different materials of industrial surfaces is the first step in biofilm formation. Modulation of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation thus represent important targets in alternative control strategies for reduction of pathogens in food-processing environments. With the high prevalence of C. jejuni and the lack of effective control measures, new control strategies are needed to block adhesion and biofilm formation on food contact surfaces in the food industry, with a focus here on natural antimicrobial phytochemicals. Plants remain a poorly recognized yet vast source of such antimicrobials. Valuable phytochemicals can be obtained directly from plant materials but also from agro-food by-products and waste materials. These materials represent a source of important plant bioactive phytochemicals that are effective for prevention of bacterial adhesion. In this review, we will focus on the anti-adhesion activities of phytochemicals targeted against C. jejuni, on the appropriate methodologies to determine anti-adhesion effects of phytochemicals, on the mechanisms of C. jejuni adhesion, and thus possible targets for reduction and control of this foodborne pathogen in food processing environments.

Nanocarriers From Natural Lipids With In Vitro Activity Against Campylobacter jejuni

“…Natural oils and fats are employed as drugs in traditional medicine since the Antiquity. Plants synthesize more than 8,000 phytochemicals as defense against pathogens ( Klančnik et al., 2020 ). Different classes of molecules, such as: triglycerides, fatty acids, and small fractions of natural antioxidants ( Attama et al., 2006 ), exert several therapeutic effects, as analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antineoplastic ( Orhan et al., 2010 ).…”

Susceptibility of Campylobacter Strains to Selected Natural Products and Frontline Antibiotics

“…It has been recognized that medicinal plants are equipped with bioactive compounds used for prophylaxis and therapeutic purposes [ 40 ]. It is estimated that 87% of populations from low- and middle-income countries rely on medicinal plants for their healthcare [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Several millions of NPs exist but only a small number of them have been explored for anti- Campylobacter activities.…”

“…Several millions of NPs exist but only a small number of them have been explored for anti- Campylobacter activities. Considering that Campylobacter is a public health concern and one of the pathogens on the World Health Organization (WHO) list for which drug development is an emergency [ 42 , 43 ], it is imperative to explore possible alternative solutions through the use of NPs that can be candidates for drug development. With this background, the present study evaluates the susceptibility of Campylobacter strains to selected NPs and frontline antimicrobials.…”

Microbial Biofilms in the Food Industry—A Comprehensive Review

“…Campylobacter spp., mainly C. jejuni , are Gram-negative spiral, rod-shaped, or curved thermophilic and bipolar flagellated motile bacteria [ 41 ]. C. jejuni , also known as an anaerobic bacterium, can develop biofilms under both microaerophilic (5% O 2 and 10% CO 2 ) and aerobic (20% O 2 ) conditions [ 56 ].…”