Profiling and Role of Bioactive Molecules from <i>Puntius sophore</i> (Freshwater/Brackish Fish) Skin Mucus with Its Potent Antibacterial, Antiadhesion, and Antibiofilm Activities

• Main Authors: Mitesh Patel, Mohammad Saquib Ashraf, Arif Jamal Siddiqui, Syed Amir Ashraf, Manojkumar Sachidanandan, Mejdi Snoussi, Mohd Adnan, Sibte Hadi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
• Series: Biomolecules
• Subjects: <i>Puntius sophore</i>; antibiofilm; antiadhesion; antibacterial; biofilms; bioactive molecules
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/10/6/920

Epidermal fish mucus comprises of diverse bioactive metabolites which plays an immense role in defense mechanisms and other important cellular activities. Primarily, this study aims to screen the unexplored mucus extract of <i>Puntius sophore</i> <i>(P. sophore)</i> for its antagonistic potential against common pathogens, which are commonly implicated in foodborne and healthcare associated infections, with effects on their adhesion and biofilm formation. Profiling of the skin mucus was carried out by High Resolution-Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HR-LCMS), followed by antibacterial activity and assessment of antibiofilm potency and efficacy on the development, formation, and texture of biofilms. Furthermore, bacterial cell damage, viability within the biofilm, checkerboard test, and cytotoxicity were also evaluated. As a result, <i>P. sophore</i> mucus extract was found to be effective against all tested strains. It also impedes the architecture of biofilm matrix by affecting the viability and integrity of bacterial cells within biofilms and reducing the total exopolysaccharide content. A synergy was observed between <i>P. sophore</i> mucus extract and gentamicin for <i>Escherichia coli</i> <i>(E. coli)</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> <i>(P. aeruginosa),</i> and <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> <i>(B. subtilis),</i> whereas, an additive effect for <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> <i>(S. aureus)</i>. Thus, our findings represent the potent bioactivities of <i>P. sophore</i> mucus extract for the first time, which could be explored further as an alternative to antibiotics or chemically synthesized antibiofilm agents.