Antibiofilm action of ozonated sunflower oil against bacteria isolated from the uterus of mares susceptible to endometritis

Abstract This study aimed to characterize the antibiofilm action of ozone-enriched sunflower oil (O3) against pathogens associated with endometritis in mares. Initially, samples from 41 mares with a history of subfertility were stored in BHI broth and 0.9% NaCl solution. The samples underwent microbial culture, identification, and in vitro sensitivity testing at LABRAPE-UFRPE, Brazil. Biofilm production was evaluated by the crystal violet method. Subsequently, biofilm-forming bacteria were subjected to the action of different concentrations of ozonated sunflower oil. Of the 21 isolates tested for biofilm production, 76.2% (16/21) showed positive production, with 43.75% (7/16) being weak producers, 31.25% (5/16) moderate producers, and 25% (4/16) strong producers. After the action of ozonated sunflower oil at a concentration of 203.43 mEq/L, a reduction was observed in the mass of the gram-negative bacilli biofilm, however, no statistical difference was found for the gram-positive cocci biofilm. The results show that ozonated sunflower oil presented satisfactory results in breaking down gram-negative bacteria biofilm.