Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Antibiofilm and Antibacterial Agent: An In Vitro Analysis against Staphylococcus aureus

Biofilms are complex, highly structured communities of microorganisms that are encased in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Due to the high resistance of biofilm to antibiotics, there is a need to investigate alternative therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the efficacy of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and its antibacterial activity. A total of 7 intra-mammary S. aureus of bovine origin isolated from bovine mastitis milk samples were included in this study. Identification was done through Gram staining and coagulase tests. Biofilm production was performed using the tissue culture plate method in tryptone soy broth and analyzed using an ELISA auto reader at 450nm and 620nm. The results confirmed that 57.14% of the isolates were strong, 14.28% were moderate, and 28.57% were weak biofilm isolates. Antibiofilm activity revealed that 10% ACV completely inhibited the growth of S. aureus biofilm; however, 5% ACV was considered the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Based on these findings, apple cider vinegar may be a potential alternative to modern-day antibiotics in combating antimicrobial resistance.