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Antibacterial and antibiofilm Activities of Red Sea Sponge extracts: exploring the potential of Dactylospongia metachromia and Suberites aff. clavatus against gram-positive pathogens

biotechnology
environmental-sciences
marine-biology
microbiology
pharmacology

Abstract

Background: Marine sponges, such as Dactylospongia metachromia and Suberites aff. clavatus from the Red Sea has emerged as a potential source of bioactive compounds with significant antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of methanolic extracts from these sponges against clinically relevant strains of Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), as well as Gram-negative pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

Methods: Methanolic extracts of Dactylospongia metachromia and Suberites aff. clavatus were obtained and tested for antibacterial and antibiofilm activity using the agar well diffusion assay, broth microdilution assay, and biofilm inhibition/eradication assays. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined for each extract.

Results: The extract of Dactylospongia metachromia exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains, including S. aureus and MRSA, with MICs of 250 µg/mL. In contrast, Suberites aff. clavatus showed minimal antibacterial activity. Furthermore, Dactylospongia metachromia demonstrated significant inhibition of biofilm formation and eradication, particularly against S. aureus and MRSA, while Suberites aff. clavatus showed limited biofilm inhibition.

Discussion: The findings suggest that Dactylospongia metachromia has significant potential for the development of new antimicrobial agents, particularly for skin infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Further exploration of Suberites aff. clavatus is required to identify its bioactive compounds and potential therapeutic applications.

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