Targeting quorum sensing: ferulic and sinapic acids compromise Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm architecture and virulence

Authors

  • Miguel M. Leitão LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALICE—Associate Laboratory for Innovation in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; CIQUP-IMS—Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
  • Fernanda Borges CIQUP-IMS—Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
  • Manuel Simões LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALICE—Associate Laboratory for Innovation in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; DEQB—Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
  • Anabela Borges LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALICE—Associate Laboratory for Innovation in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; DEQB—Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2025.337

Keywords:

Poster

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that is frequently associated with chronic infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cystic fibrosis or burns [1]. The pathogenicity and virulence of P. aeruginosa are primarily regulated by quorum sensing, with the las system playing a key role in this process. This system is essential for the formation and maintenance of the biofilm and for controlling various virulence factors [2]. Phenolic acids, such as ferulic and sinapic acids, are plant secondary metabolites, well known for their biological properties and have shown promise in modulating bacterial communication [3]. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of ferulic and sinapic acids to inhibit the P. aeruginosa las QS system and its underlying effects on biofilm structure and virulence factor production. Methods: The inhibitory effect on the las system was evaluated using bioreporter strains and bioluminescence-based assays. Biofilm architecture was analyzed using optical coherence tomography, while virulence factors (pyoverdine, pyocyanin, total proteases, lipases, gelatinases and siderophores) production and motility were investigated by absorbance measurement and plate agar method. Results:Ferulic and sinapic acids inhibited las QS activity by 90 % at a concentration of 1000 µg mL-1. The N-3-oxododecanoyl-homoserine lactone production was reduced by 70 % at just 6.25 µg mL-1 of the phenolic acids. These compounds significantly changed biofilm architecture, reducing biofilm thickness from 25 µm to 9 µm. They also reduced the production of key virulence factors and impaired swarming motility. Conclusion: Ferulic and sinapic acids demonstrated strong inhibitory effects on the las QS system, leading to altered biofilm structure and reduced virulence. These findings support their potential as antipathogenic and antivirulence agents for prevention/treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilm-associated infections.

References

1. Gonçalves, A.S. et al. The action of phytochemicals in biofilm control. Natural Product Reports 2023, 40, 595-627, doi: 10.1039/D2NP00053A

2. Leitão, M.M. et al. Dual action of benzaldehydes: Inhibiting quorum sensing and enhancing antibiotic efficacy for controlling Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Microbial Pathogenesis 2024, 191, 106663, doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106663

3. Borges, A. et al. Antibacterial activity and mode of action of ferulic and gallic acids against pathogenic bacteria. Microbial Drug Resistance 2013, 19(4), 256-265, doi: 10.1089/mdr.2012.0244.

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Published

2025-05-27

How to Cite

Leitão, M. M., Borges, F., Simões, M., & Borges, A. (2025). Targeting quorum sensing: ferulic and sinapic acids compromise Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm architecture and virulence. Scientific Letters, 1(Sup 1). https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2025.337

Issue

Vol. 1 No. Sup 1 (2025)

Section

Posters

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Copyright (c) 2025 Miguel M. Leitão, Fernanda Borges, Manuel Simões, Anabela Borges

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