Transcriptomic analysis of stress response to novel antimicrobial coatings in a clinical MRSA strain

Multi-drug resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cause nosocomial infections that can have deleterious effects on human health. Thus, it is imperative to find solutions treat these detrimental well control their spread. We tested the effect of two different antimicrobial materials, functionalised graphene oxide (GOX), and AGXX® coated cellulose fibres, growth transcriptome clinical MRSA strain S. 04-02981. In addition, we investigated a third material combination GOX fibres Standard plate count assay revealed GOX-AGXX® inhibited 04-02981 by 99.98%. To assess antimicrobials our strain, cultures were incubated with GOX, AGXX®, or for time periods then subjected RNA-sequencing. Uncoated used negative control. The had huge impact affecting expression 2650 genes. Primarily genes related biofilm formation virulence (such agr, sarA, those two-component system SaeRS), crucial survival in biofilms (like arginine metabolism arc genes) repressed. contrast, siderophore biosynthesis (sbn) was induced, probable response stress imposed conditions iron-deficiency. Genes associated potassium transport, intracellular pathogenesis (kdp) also differentially expressed. Our data suggest acts an efficient against materials are potential candidates applications surface coatings.