Antistaphylococcal and biofilm inhibitory activities of gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids

Biofouling. 2014 Jan;30(1):69-79. doi: 10.1080/08927014.2013.845878. Epub 2013 Nov 14.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive pathogen which is able to form biofilms, exhibiting a more pronounced resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants. The hurdles posed in eradicating biofilms have driven the search for new compounds able to fight these structures. Phenolic compounds constitute one of the most numerous and ubiquitous group of plant secondary metabolites with many biological activities. The aim of the present work was to study the potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids against S. aureus as well to elucidate its mechanism of action. It was concluded that the phenolic acids studied in this work have antistaphylococcal properties. For instance, gallic acid is able to influence the adhesion properties of S. aureus. The phenolic acids tested were also able to inhibit the production of α-hemolysin by this microorganism, with the exception of chlorogenic acid. Regarding its mechanism of action, caffeic acid interferes with the stability of the cell membrane and with the metabolic activity of the cells of S. aureus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Adhesion / drug effects
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Biofouling*
  • Caffeic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Chlorogenic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Gallic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / physiology

Substances

  • Caffeic Acids
  • Chlorogenic Acid
  • Gallic Acid
  • caffeic acid