Potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm action of BOL lectin for use in animal production

• Grant number: 23/08811-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Marita Vedovelli Cardozo
• Grantee: Leandro Augusto Mariano Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Livestock farming is growing and developing worldwide, especially in Brazil, a country that stands out in poultry and swine production, ranking among the top positions globally. However, there are certain issues that can hinder the growth of this sector. The indiscriminates use of antimicrobials contributes to the spread of bacterial resistance, a problem that has been worsenin over the years and, if not controlled, could lead to millions of deaths in the near future. Another issue that affects animal production, from animal handling to obtaining the final product, is the presence of biofilms. In light of this, new molecules are being tested in the hope of finding one with potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, and lectins are a possibility. Lectins are proteins found in plants, microorganisms, and animals, and among the classes, BOL lectins stands out due to its structural diferences froms the others. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of BOL lectin. To this end, assays will be conducted to measure antimicrobial activity through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Time-killing curve tests. Inhibition of biofilm and elimination of established biofilm will be evaluatedd through biofilm inhibition and eradication tests, with final observations made through scanning eléctron microscopy. The results of this project will be importante for establishing new methods of treatment and control of bacterial infections, both in animal production and in society as a whole, as BOL lectin may have antimicrobial potential, expanding the currently available therapeutic options. Additionally, this work will contribute to the development of sanitizing products that will help prevent biofilm formation.