Antibiofilm activity of trans-cinnamaldehyde, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids on uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Background/aim: Biofilm on urinary catheters results in persistent infections that are resistant to antibiotics. In this study, phytochemicals were assessed as alternative antimicrobials in preventing and inactivating E. coli biofilm on urinary catheters. Materials and methods: Biofilm prevention was tested using catheter fragments inoculated with E. coli and treated with transcinnamaldehyde, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids (0%, 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%) for 0, 1, 3, and 5 days. Inactivation of E. coli biofilm with the same agents at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 1.25%, or 1.5% used for 0, 1, 3, or 5 days was also evaluated. Results: All used concentrations of trans-cinnamaldehyde prevented and effectively inactivated E. coli biofilm formed on urinary catheter fragments. p-Coumaric (0.25% and 0.5%) and ferulic acids (0.5%) had preventive action on E. coli biofilm formation in urinary catheter fragments. The number of uropathogenic E. coli cells in biofilm formed in the lumen of a urinary catheter was significantly reduced in the presence of p-coumaric and ferulic acids, but complete inactivation of the biofilm formed was not observed, as opposed to the use of trans-cinnamaldehyde. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that phytochemicals may be an important source of antibiofilm agents that have preventive action on E. coli biofilm formation on urinary catheters.