Potential biofilm dispersal by a partially purified keratinase produced by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain Kb2

Biofilm dispersal and antibiofilm activity of the keratinase produced by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Kb2 was studied against pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus MTCC-96 and Escherichia coli MTCC-739. The quantitative estimation of biofilm dispersal showed a positive correlation with the concentration of keratinase and biofilm dispersal in both the strains. The dispersal was further confirmed by the microscopic observation of keratinase treated biofilm. Among the two isolates, biofilm dispersal activity of keratinase was more pronounced in S. aureus as compared to E. coli. Inhibition of biofilm formation was observed in both the strains in presence of keratinase and a dose dependent relationship between keratinase concentration and antibiofilm activity was observed. Time course study revealed that with the increasing time duration antibiofilm and biofilm dispersal activity of keratinase decreased. The study would open new avenues in medical field for the removal of biofilms from obstructing indwelling catheters and other medical devices.