Transcriptional changes involved in inhibition of biofilm formation by ε-Polylysine in Salmonella Typhimurium. Transcriptional changes involved in inhibition of biofilm formation by ε-Polylysine in Salmonella Typhimurium

Salmonella Typhimurium is one of the major foodborne pathogens due to its biofilm formation on food contact surfaces. A polymer of positively charged lysine, ε-Polylysine has been demonstrated to inhibit biofilm formation of both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. To elucidate the mechanism for inhibition of biofilm formation by ε-Polylysine, transcriptional profiles were compared between the cells before and after treatment with ε-Polylysine in Salmonella Typhimurium. A genome-wide DNA microarray analysis was performed after cultivation in 0.1% bacto soytone in the presence of 0.001% ε-Polylysine at 30°C for 2 h. Genes involved in curli and cellulose production, quorum sensing, and flagellar motility were down-regulated, whereas genes associated with colanic acid synthesis were up-regulated. The data from microarray was validated by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, production of colanic acid in S. Typhimurium decreased in the presence of ε-Polylysine. The outcome of this study provides a basic understanding of the anti-biofilm mechanisms of ε-Polylysine and may contributes to develop new disinfectant to control biofilm during food manufacturing and storage. Overall design: Gene expression during initial adhension (2 hours) were measured with or withour exposure to 0.001% ε-Polylysine. Three dependent experiments were performed at each time.