@article{fdi:010096279,
  title = {{S}equential phage pretreatment and {T}i{O}2-thyme essential oil photocatalysis : a synergistic approach to {P}seudomonas aeruginosa biofilm inhibition and control},
  author = {{B}en {S}aid, {M}. and {J}lizi, {A}. {C}. {D}. and {B}en-{H}aj-{A}mor, {N}. and {B}ousselmi, {L}. and {O}range, {D}idier},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}his work introduces an original sequential bio-inspired strategy combining lytic phage pretreatment with {T}i{O}2-thyme essential oil ({TEO}) photocatalysis, achieving near-complete inhibition of both biofilm initiation and maturation. {B}y simultaneously targeting planktonic cells, mature biofilms, and extracellular {DNA} (e{DNA}), this approach addresses key mechanisms involved in biofilm persistence. {P}seudomonas aeruginosa {ATCC} 4114 was selected as the biological model due to its relevance in water distribution systems and its strong biofilm-forming ability. {E}xperimental results showed that phage pretreatment alone inhibited biofilm formation by planktonic cells by up to 99.6% (inactivation rate constant k = 0.034 min(-1)) and weakened bacterial attachment in mature biofilms by 89.06% (k = 0.011 min(-1)). {T}o further enhance photocatalytic efficacy, titanium dioxide ({T}i{O}2) was combined with {TEO} at 0.05% (v/v) as a bio-inspired photosensitizer. {UV}-{V}is spectroscopy confirmed {T}i{O}2-{TEO} interactions that extended light absorption into the visible region (400-700 nm), thereby enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. {T}his combination was designed to suppress residual biofilm development and disrupt extracellular {DNA} (e{DNA}), a critical component of biofilm structure and stability. {T}he integrated approach involving phage pretreatment followed by {T}i{O}2-{TEO} (0.05%) photocatalysis achieved 99.99% inhibition of both biofilm initiation and maturation phases, with significantly increased kinetic parameters ({A} = 2.62 for planktonic cells and {A} = 3.65 for sessile cells; k = 0.076 min-1 and 0.063 min(-1), respectively; p < 0.01). {T}his study provides novel insights into water disinfection strategies using photocatalytic treatment, emphasizing the importance of monitoring post-treatment bacterial virulence factor expression.},
  keywords = {biofilm inhibition ; photocatalysis ; {P}seudomonas aeruginosa ; phage therapy ; thyme essential oil ; extracellular {DNA} ; water treatment},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{W}ater},
  volume = {18},
  numero = {2},
  pages = {213 [16 p.]},
  year = {2026},
  DOI = {10.3390/w18020213},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010096279},
}