Preparation and use of biofilm-degrading, multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixtures

A method for improving the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a patient in need of such treatment, comprising administering a multiple-specificity hydrolytic enzyme mixture or a component thereof which degrades alginate to said patient, wherein said hydrolytic enzyme mixtures are produced by a bacterial strain in degradosomes, tubules, vesicles or a combination of degradosomes, tubules or vesicles, said bacterial strain cultured in a culture medium or series of media containing more than one polysaccharide present in a targeted biofilm.

A method for degrading biofilms on an oral surface, comprising applying a multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixture or a component thereof to said oral surface, wherein said hydrolytic enzyme mixture is produced by a bacterial strain in degradosomes, tubules, vesicles or a combination of degradosomes, tubules or vesicles, said bacterial strain cultured in a culture medium or series of media containing more than one polysaccharide present in the biofilm.

A method for degrading biofilms on an oral surface, comprising applying a multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixture or a component thereof to said oral surface, wherein said hydrolytic enzyme mixture is contained in or isolated from culture media and degradosomes, tubules, vesicles or a combination of degradosomes, tubules or vesicles produced by a bacterial strain.

A method for reducing biofilm formation on an implantable medical device, comprising applying a multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixture or a component thereof to the surface of said device, wherein said multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixture is produced by Microbulbifer or Marinobacterium.

A method for reducing biofilm formation on an industrial surface, comprising the steps of:

• a) culturing a bacterial strain in a culture medium or series of media containing at least two polysaccharides present in a targeted biofilm, or a derivative thereof, as primary carbon sources to support growth and metabolism of the bacterial strain, wherein said bacterial strain grows on and catabolizes or degrades two or more complex polysaccharide sources;
• b) separating any multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixtures produced by said bacterial strain from the culture medium, and
• c) applying said multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixture or a component thereof to said industrial surface.

A method for reducing biofilms on a targeted surface, comprising applying living Microbulbifer, Marinobacterium or a related organism in such a manner that it contacts said targeted surface.

A method for degrading biofilms on a contact lens, comprising applying a multiple-specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixture produced by Microbulbifer, Marinobacterium or a related organism to said contact lens.