In vitro and in silico antimicrobial potential of Amburana cearensis resin extract against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from goat mastitis
biofilm; bioactive compounds; bacterial resistance; S. aureus, S. chromogenes, S. epidermidis.
Bovine mastitis, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, significantly impacts milk production and animal health. Antimicrobial resistance, exacerbated by biofilm formation, limits conventional treatment. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of the resin extract of Amburana cearensis (EMBR) and its bioactive compounds as an alternative for controlling Staphylococcus spp. in mastitis. Genomic analyses revealed high genetic diversity and biofilm-forming capacity in S. aureus isolates. The genomic analysis of Staphylococcus spp. isolates from subclinical mastitic goat milk showed a higher presence of resistance and virulence genes in S. aureus, while S. chromogenes and S. epidermidis exhibited lower diversity of these genes. The expression of biofilm, toxin, and antimicrobial resistance genes in S. aureus evidences its high adaptability and greater pathogenic potential compared to other species. In vitro and in silico analyses demonstrated that the resin EMBR and isolated compounds such as chalcones, odorotin, and dilmin exhibit antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus spp., with emphasis on the chalcone 4'-methoxybutein, which presented the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (31.25 µg/mL). Molecular docking tests revealed promising interactions of these compounds with proteins associated with biofilm formation in S. aureus, indicating potential structural inhibition. The presence of bioactive compounds in EMBR, with the ability to interfere with biofilm formation at subinhibitory concentrations, suggests its applicability as an adjuvant in the control of persistent infections and prevention of long-term antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the study considers that the EMBR of A. cearensis has therapeutic potential in the treatment of caprine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp., and highlights the importance of in vivo studies to confirm the efficacy and viability of its use in goat farming.