Rhamnolipid enhancesBurkholderia pseudomalleibiofilm susceptibility, disassembly and production of virulence factors

Aim:This study evaluated the effect of the biosurfactant rhamnolipid on the antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm growth dynamics and production of virulence factors byBurkholderia pseudomallei.Materials & methods:The effects of rhamnolipid on planktonic and biofilm growth and its interaction with antibacterial drugs were evaluated. Then, its effects on growing and mature biofilms and on protease and siderophore production were assessed.Results:Rhamnolipid did not inhibitB. pseudomalleigrowth, but significantly enhanced the activity of meropenem and amoxicillin-clavulanate against mature biofilms. Rhamnolipid significantly reduced the biomass of mature biofilms, significantly increased protease production by growing and mature biofilms and siderophore release by growing biofilms.Conclusion:Rhamnolipid enhances the antimicrobial activity againstB. pseudomallei, assists biofilm disassembly and alters protease and siderophore production by bacterial biofilms.