An antimicrobial metabolite n- hexadecenoic acid from marine sponge-associated bacteria effectively inhibited biofilm forming multidrug-resistant .

Effective drug candidates to obstruct the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a major concern. A potent antimicrobial producer was isolated from a marine sponge designated as MSI38 and was identified as by 16SrDNA sequencing. The active antimicrobial fraction was purified, and the metabolite was identified as n-hexadecanoic acid by spectroscopic analysis. The fish-borne pathogen FP012 was found to be multidrug-resistant and poses a risk of disease to food handlers and consumers in general. The compound showed a potent bactericidal effect against FP012 with a MIC of 31.33 ± 5.67 mg L and MBC of 36.66 ± 5.17 mg L. The time-based biofilm inhibitory potential of MSI38 and ciprofloxacin was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. A synergistic effect of MSI38 and ciprofloxacin on biofilm showed 85% inhibition.