In vivo model of Propionibacterium (Cutibacterium) spp. biofilm in Drosophila melanogaster

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and Propionibacterium acnes biofilm-forming ability is believed to be a contributing factor to the disease development. In vivo models mimicking hair follicle environment are lacking. The aim of this study was to develop an in vivo Propionibacterium spp. biofilm model in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). We created a sterile line of D. melanogaster able to sustain Propionibacterium spp. biofilms in the gut. In order to mimic the lipid-rich, anaerobic environment of the hair follicle, fruit flies were maintained on lipid-rich diet. Propionibacterium spp. biofilms were visualized by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. We further tested if the biofilm-dispersal activity of DNase I can be demonstrated in the developed model. We have demonstrated the feasibility of our in vivo model for development and study of P. acnes, P. granulosum and P. avidum biofilms. The model is suitable to evaluate dispersal as well as other agents against P. acnes biofilm. We report a novel in vivo model for studying Propionibacterium spp. biofilms. The model can be suitable for both mechanistic as well as interventional studies. •A new non-mammalian in vivo model to study Propionibacterium spp. biofilm is reported.•An anaerobic environment of D. melanogaster gut is suitable for biofilm growth.•The fruit fly diet is supplied with lipid to mimic the pilosebaceous unit environment.•The model can be used to study anti-biofilm therapeutic intervention.