Synthetic brominated furanone F202 prevents biofilm formation by potentially human pathogenic Escherichia coli O103:H2 and Salmonella ser. Agona on abiotic surfaces

AIMS: Investigate the use of a synthetic brominated furanone (F202) against the establishment of biofilm by Salmonella ser. Agona and E. coli O103:H2 under temperature conditions relevant for the food and feed industry as well as under temperature conditions optimum for growth. METHODS AND RESULTS: Effect of F202 on biofilm formation by Salmonella ser. Agona and E. coli O103:H2 was evaluated using a microtiter plate assay and confocal microscopy. Effect of F202 on bacterial motility was investigated using swimming and swarming assays. Influence on flagellar synthesis by F202 was examined by flagellar staining. Results showed that F202 inhibited biofilm formation without being bactericidal. F202 was found to affect both swimming and swarming motility without, however, affecting the expression of flagella. CONCLUSIONS: F202 showed its potential as a biofilm inhibitor of Salmonella ser. Agona and E. coli O103:H2 under temperature conditions relevant for the feed and food industry as well as temperatures optimum for growth. One potential mode of action of F202 was found to be by targeting flagellar function. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present study gives valuable new knowledge to the potential use of furanones as a tool in biofilm management in the food and feed industry.