Biosurfactant complexed with arginine has antibiofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Aim: The present study investigated the antimicrobial effectiveness of a rhamnolipid complexed with arginine (RLMIX_Arg) against planktonic cells and biofilms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methodology: Susceptibility testing was performed using the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute protocol: M07-A10, checkerboard test, biofilm in plates and catheters and flow cytometry were used. Result: RLMIX_Arg has bactericidal and synergistic activity with oxacillin. RLMIX_Arg inhibits the formation of MRSA biofilms on plates at sub-inhibitory concentrations and has antibiofilm action against MRSA in peripheral venous catheters. Catheters impregnated with RLMIX_Arg reduce the formation of MRSA biofilms. Conclusion: RLMIX_Arg exhibits potential for application in preventing infections related to methicillin-resistant S. aureus biofilms.