Antibiofilm effects of tannins from Delonix elata Linn.

Biofilm is a complex microbial population that is resistant to antimicrobials. The production of biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces causes high rates of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. In the present study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of crude tannins (ethanol and aqueous extracts) were employed against microbial pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined ranging from 0.125 – 8 μg/ml. The specific biofilm formation index (SBF) was evaluated before and after the addition of plant extracts and tannins. Tannins caused a major reduction in biofilm formation by S. aureus (69.02%). The crude extracts and tannins may be potential candidates for the development of antibacterial drugs.