Bacterial biofilms have strong adhesion to medical devices and are resistant to disinfectants, potentially triggering nosocomial infections. One promising approach involves the use of alternative phytochemical-based disinfectants. Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes) and Pistia stratiotes (P. stratoites) plants are known to possess antibacterial compounds; however, their anti-biofilm potential remains to be studied. This experimental study aimed to assess the antibiofilm potential of ethanol extracts of E.crassipes and P.stratiotes using a test tube method. The combination extract (EC+PS) was prepared at concentrations of 6.25% - 100% and tested in triplicate along with a control. Its ability was tested on three ATCC bacterial strains (S. aureus, E. coli, and P.aeruginosa) that form biofilms; confirmed by the growth of black colonies on Congo Red Agar (CRA). Qualitative observations determined the Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC), revealing effective inhibition of 12.5% for E. coli and S. aureus, and 25% for P. aeruginosa. ANOVA analysis of biofilm intensity based on the Mean Gray Value (MGV) parameter showed significant variation between the EC+PS treatment and the control group (p < 0.05). Duncan's post hoc test showed the antibiofilm effect of EC+PS was comparable to chlorine: 75% for S. aureus and 100% for E. coli and P. aeruginosa (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the anti-biofilm activity of E. crassipes and P. stratoites shows promise as alternative disinfectants.
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