Furanones and Thiophenones in Control of Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Infections?

In the past decade, Staphylococcus epidermidis has emerged as one of the most frequently isolated pathogens from biofilm on implants and catheters. Since infections associated with biofilms are difficult to treat due to enhanced resistance to antibiotics, there is need of alternative approaches to prevent and to treat biofilm related infections. Quorum sensing is one of the regulatory mechanisms suggested to be involved in coordinating biofilm formation. Many studies have identified furanones as potential inhibitors of biofilm formation and quorum sensing. Here we aimed at investigating and comparing the effect of furanone and thiophenone on biofilm formation and quorum sensing. We show that both furanone and thiophenone are effective in reducing biofilm formation and bacterial communication. Thiophenones may be even more effective than furanones.