Biofilm destruction activity of alpha-tocopherol against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Antibiotic resistance and the persistence of sessile cells within biofilms complicate the eradication of biofilm-related infections using conventional antibiotics. This highlights the need for alternative forms of therapeutics. The objective of this study was to investigate the biofilm destruction activity of alpha-tocopherol against Staphylococcus aureus,Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on polystyrene. Alpha-tocopherol showed significant biofilm destruction activity on the pre-formed biofilms of S. aureus (45 - 46%), P. mirabilis (42 - 54%) and P. aeruginosa (28%). Resazurin assay demonstrated that alpha-tocopherol disrupted the bacteria biofilms without interfering with the microbial cell viability. Scanning electron microscope images showed lower cell density and less compacted cell aggregates on polystyrene surfaces after treatment with alpha-tocopherol. This study demonstrated the biofilm destruction activity of alpha-tocopherol against S. aureus, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. Alpha-tocopherol could potentially be used to decrease biofilm-associated infections of these bacteria.