Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Properties of a Mixture of Phytomolecules and Their Application in Weaned Piglets Under Commercial Production Conditions

1. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Post-weaning infections caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli and Streptococcus suis remain significant challenges in swine production, negatively affecting growth, health, and survival.

Growing antimicrobial resistance and bacterial persistence mechanisms, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation, reduce treatment efficacy.

Anti-biofilm and antimicrobial properties of a phytomolecule blend and its application in weaned piglets under commercial production conditions - Image 1

Through quorum sensing, bacteria coordinate the formation of biofilm, a protective matrix that reduces their susceptibility to antimicrobials.

To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of a commercial product and its effects on the performance and survival of weaned piglets under commercial conditions.

4PowerX: Purified phytomolecule formulation rich in monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids.

2. IN VITRO STUDY

The efficacy of the product (4PowerX) was evaluated in three independent trials:

Antimicrobial activity
Broth microdilution assay: determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Anti-biofilm activity
96-well microplate adhesion assay: inhibition of biofilm formation.

Biofilm eradication
Preformed biofilms exposed to six concentrations of 4PowerX and evaluated after 24 h.

KEY IN VITRO RESULTS

Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Properties of a Mixture of Phytomolecules and Their Application in Weaned Piglets Under Commercial Production Conditions - Image 1

The product demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as activity against bacterial biofilms.

3. COMMERCIAL FIELD TRIAL - STUDY DESIGN

Spanish swine farm with a history of recurrent issues caused by E. coli and S. suis
1,700 weaned piglets (Large White x Landrace x Pietrain)
Pens with 45-55 piglets
42-day trial

4. FIELD RESULTS

HEALTH CHALLENGE DURING THE STUDY: From the third week onwards, a subclinical respiratory condition associated with the PRRS virus was observed in both groups.

5. CONCLUSION

The product showed in vitro antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Under commercial conditions, continuous supplementation was associated with:

+18% average daily gain; -48.7% mortality
No antimicrobial treatment in the group
4PowerX throughout the 42-day trial

These results support specific phytomolecule formulations rich in monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids, such as 4PowerX, as a promising strategy to support post-weaning piglet health and the responsible use of antimicrobials.

6. KEY TAKEAWAY

A purified phytomolecule formulation based on monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids demonstrated potent in vitro antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity and significantly improved the growth and survival of weaned piglets under commercial conditions with challenges caused by E. coli and S. suis.