Anti-biofilm effect of ferulic acid against Enterobacter hormaechei and Klebsiella pneumoniae: in vitro and in silico investigation

Enterobacter hormaechei and Klebsiella pneumoniae, key members of the ESKAPE group of hospital-acquired pathogens, are driving forces behind numerous infections due to their potent biofilm formation and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Ferulic acid (FA) is known for its strong antioxidant properties and is recognized for its numerous physiological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. The current investigation delves into the antimicrobial and antibiofilm ability of FA against E. hormaechei and K. pneumoniae. Using different assays, we confirmed that FA inhibits the biofilm formation of these pathogens. Through computational studies involving molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, it was found that FA exhibits a strong affinity for binding with MrkB in E. hormaechei and MrkH in K. pneumoniae, crucial proteins involved in biofilm formation. We hypothesise that FA might interfere with adhesion-associated molecules and inhibit biofilms through the c-di-GMP pathway and proves as an effective antibiofilm compound.