METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR REMOVING, REDUCING, DISPERSING, DISRUPTING OR ERADICATING BIOFILMS AND DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF BACTERIAL POPULATION IN BIOFILM OR A CULTURE CONTAINING BACTERIAL AGGREGATE

摘要

Methods for removing, reducing, dispersing, disrupting or eradicating biofilms present on a surface may include contacting the biofilm with a composition including an agent that reduces the potency of an aminopeptidase in the biofilm. The agent may reduce expression, secretion or extracellular activity of the aminopeptidase in the biofilm. The biofilm may be formed by P. aeruginosa or P. stutzeri. The composition may enhance the sensitivity of P. aeruginosa to ciprofloxacin. Methods of determining the number of bacterial population in biofilm or a culture containing bacterial aggregate may include dispersing the bacterial aggregate or biofilm by using a composition comprising exogenous PslG. The number of bacteria may be determined based on the dispersed bacteria.