# JR20, a novel natural product-derived compound, exhibits potent anti-biofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

## TL;DR

JR20, a natural compound, shows strong anti-biofilm and antibacterial effects against MRSA, with potential for treating drug-resistant infections.

## Contribution

JR20 is a novel compound with potent anti-MRSA activity and a proposed mechanism involving ATP reduction and biofilm disruption.

## Key findings

- JR20 exhibited potent anti-MRSA activity with an IC50 of 20.88 μg/mL.
- Confocal microscopy showed reduced biofilm thickness and viability under JR20 treatment.
- In vivo experiments confirmed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in mice.

## Abstract

JR20, a novel sesamin-derived arylnaphthalene lignan, has demonstrated potent antifungal activity. This study further investigates its antibacterial potential against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

The highlights of this research include the use of SYTO9 and PI fluorescence double staining, along with three-dimensional confocal microscopy to reveal the thickness and viability of biofilms under JR0′s influence. Additionally, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe the morphological changes of MRSA under JR0′s impact. By combining the observed reduction in ATP content within MRSA, a preliminary mechanism was hypothesized. In vivo anti-infection experiments were further conducted to evaluate the compound's biological activity in liver and spleen tissues of mice.

JR20 exhibited potent anti-MRSA activity (IC50 = 20.88 μg/mL). Mechanistic investigations revealed multi-level effects: confocal microscopy demonstrated altered biofilm thickness and viability; SEM/TEM confirmed distinct morphological changes in bacterial cells; And ATP content reduction indicated metabolic disruption. In vivo experiments validated these antibacterial effects and further revealed anti-inflammatory properties, underscoring JR0′s therapeutic potential against MRSA infections.

This study confirms JR0′s potent anti-MRSA activity, clarifies its effects on biofilms and MRSA morphology, and proposes a preliminary mechanism by reduced ATP. JR20 demonstrates significant potential for combating drug-resistant bacteria and advancing antibiofilm drug discovery.