Biopolym. Cell. 2026; 42(Special Issue):102.
Other Translational Studies
Pyocins as regulators of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation
1Balko O. B., 1Balko O. I., 1Avdeeva L. V.
  1. D.K. Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology, NAS of Ukraine
    154, Akademika Zabolotnoho Str., Kyiv, Ukraine, 03143

Abstract

Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is able to form a biofilm that protects cells under various conditions [1, 2]. Pyocins are one of the most widespread antagonism factors in P. aeruginosa [3]. These microorganisms synthesize various pyocins types with high activity and ability to prevent biofilm formation [4, 5]. Pyocins demonstrate nuclease activity [6], so they can perform a regulatory function. Aim. To assess the possibility of pyocins regulatory effect on P. aeruginosa. Methods. The activity of P. aeruginosa UCM B-333 pyocins was determined by the “double-layer agar� method [7]. Supernatants with pyocins were added in dilutions of 1:20—1:100 to suspensions of insensitive to them P. aeruginosa UCM B-2 and UCM B-9 with a titre of 1—2×107 CFU/ml. Biofilm formation was studied for 3 days in 96-well plates, then stained with gentian violet, 96% ethanol was added, and adsorption was determined on a Multiscan FC at 620 nm (A620). Results. 1:20 pyocins dilution increased A620 of UCM B-2 by 3, 6, and 5.8 times compared to the untreated culture on 1, 2, and 3 days, and at a dilution of 1:50 — by 1.3; 2.6, and 2.8 times, respectively. Substances at a dilution of 1:100 did not change biofilm formation dynamics. The effect of 1:20 pyocins dilution on UCM B-9 was to increase in A620 by 3.7; 4.7 and 3.5 times during the entire observation period, and dilutions of 1:50 and 1:100 — by 1.5 and 1.1 times only on the first day, respectively. Instead, on 2 and 3 days, these dilutions reduced the A620 by 1.2—1.3 times. Conclusions. Pyocins at low dilutions can regulate the intensity of P. aeruginosa UCM B-2 and UCM B-9 biofilm formation.
Keywords: pyocins, biofilm formation, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, regulators