Slow Release of Salicylic Acid from Degrading Poly(anhydride Ester) Polymer Disrupts Bimodal Ph and Prevents Biofilm Formation in Salmonella Typhimurium Mae52

The effect of a slow-released natural antimicrobial, salicylic acid (SA), was tested on biofilm formation in Salmonella typhimurium MAE52. Glass coverslips coated with poly(anhydride) ester with salicylic acid built into the polymer backbone (SA-PAE) were used to study the release of SA during polymer degradation. S. typhimurium MAE52 was found to follow bimodal pH kinetics when cultured in initially-neutral BHI medium (pH 7.2), with the formation of biofilms occurring after 12 hours of incubation. Continuous release of SA from SA-PAE coverslips resulted in a disruption of the pH profile and prevention of biofilm formation. The controlled release of SA over time influenced cellular functions (i.e. metabolism), reflected in the disruption of the bimodal pH. While future research is necessary to elucidate how cellular regulation is affected during exposure to salicylic acid, the delivery of salicylic acid through a degradable polymer shows great potential in the prevention of biofilm formation.