Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major contributor to biofilm-associated infections, which complicate the treatment of chronic conditions like osteomyelitis and prosthetic infections. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of delafloxacin, a novel fluoroquinolone, against biofilm-forming S. aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive isolates. Delafloxacin’s efficacy was compared with traditional antibiotics (vancomycin, linezolid, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and rifampicin) using minimal inhibitory concentration assays, including testing at different pH levels to simulate acidic biofilm conditions. Synergistic interactions were assessed using the checkerboard method. Biofilm eradication was tested through minimal biofilm eradication concentration assays, biomass quantification, and cell viability. The results showed that all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid, with varying levels of resistance to other antibiotics. Delafloxacin demonstrated potent activity, with MIC reductions observed in acidic conditions. Biofilm eradication tests revealed limited success in eradicating biofilms at breakpoint concentrations. However, rifampicin in combination with delafloxacin significantly reduced biofilm biomass in some isolates. No significant changes in cell viability were noted across treatments. This study highlights delafloxacin’s potential against biofilm-associated infections, particularly in acidic environments. Despite the challenges in biofilm eradication, delafloxacin combined with rifampicin shows promise for improved treatment strategies.
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All data generated or analyzed during this study are available under request.
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This research was funded by EUROFARMA and The APC was funded by EUROFARMA.
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Conceptualization, F.T. and J.M.; methodology, A.A. and G.O.; formal analysis, F.T. and P.S. ; investigation, A.A.; resources, J.M.; writing—original draft preparation, F.T.; writing—review and editing, F.T.; visualization, J.M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
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All authors received financial support by Eurofarma to develop this study. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results. EUROFARMA has supported the manuscript.
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This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (61738422.7.0000.0020) and informed consent was obtained from all subjects.
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de Andrade, A.P., Suss, P.H., de Meneses, J.P. et al. Evaluating the efficacy of delafloxacin and combination therapy against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms: insights into activity in acidic environments. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43963-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43963-1
