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Genetic research

Research Uncovers Promising Therapeutic Potential of Naturally Occurred Biomolecule Pyocyanin Against Multi-Drug-Resistant Organisms

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent study published in the BMC Microbiology journal has explored the therapeutic potential of pyocyanin, a naturally occurring biomolecule, against a vast array of prokaryotic and eukaryotic water pathogens. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, isolated a pyocyanin-producing bacterium and extracted the compound, which was subsequently characterized and evaluated for its antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm, and antiparasitic properties. The findings of the study suggest that pyocyanin exhibits promising therapeutic potential against multi-drug-resistant organisms, including S. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study isolated a pyocyanin-producing bacterium, which was characterized and identified as MPF-2, and extracted the compound from it.
  • The extracted pyocyanin exhibited maximum absorbance peaks at 277, 383, and 522 nm using UV-vis spectrophotometry, and its main functional groups were identified as O-H, C = N, aromatic C-H, C = C, CH3, C-O, and C-O-C using FTIR spectrum.
  • The study evaluated the in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm potency of pyocyanin against various pathogens, including S. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis, and found that it exhibited significant activity against these pathogens.
  • The study also evaluated the in vivo antiparasitic potency of pyocyanin against S. mansoni and found that it exhibited significant reduction in the total worm load, with a reduction percentage of 34.41%.
  • A significant reduction in the total worm load was observed in the PYO-treated mice, with a reduction percentage of 34.41%, while PZQ-treated mice failed to show any significant reduction.
  • The ultrastructural changes in S. mansoni juvenile and adult worms recovered from the PYO-treated mice were emphasized using SEM micrographs.

Statistics:

  • The maximum productivity of pyocyanin recorded on King's-A broth was 31.35 g/mL within 72 h.
  • The lowest MIC of pyocyanin against S. pneumoniae was 15.6 g/mL.
  • The highest MIC of pyocyanin versus P. vulgaris was 500 g/mL.
  • The considerable mycocidal potency of pyocyanin against C. albicans and C. tropicalis was observed at 125 and 62.5 g/mL, respectively.
  • The antibiofilm potency of pyocyanin was evaluated against B. cereus, P. vulgaris, and C. albicans, and it exhibited 98.11 ± 1.7, 88.04 ± 1.37, and 90.99 ± 2.13% inhibition, respectively.
  • The eradication of pre-established biofilms of B. cereus, P. vulgaris, and C. albicans was detected at 1000 g/mL, with 61.65 ± 2.09, 40.86 ± 2.81, and 48.68 ± 2.56% eradication, respectively.
  • The study did not observe any significant toxicity regarding serum kidney and liver functions in orally treated mice at 25 mg/kg for 5 days.

Sources:

  • An insight into pyocyanin: production, characterization, and evaluation of its in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm and in vivo anti-schistosomal potency. BMC Microbiology, 2025,25(1):1-19. (BMC Microbiology - http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcmicrobiol/)
  • NewsRx. Data on Microbiology Discussed by Researchers at Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (An insight into pyocyanin: production, characterization, and evaluation of its in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm and in ...). Life Science Weekly. September 9, 2025; p 993.

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