1
|
Zhao F, Su Y, Wang J, Romanova S, DiMaio DJ, Xie J, Zhao S. A Highly Efficacious Electrical Biofilm Treatment System for Combating Chronic Wound Bacterial Infections. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208069. [PMID: 36385439 PMCID: PMC9918715 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm infection has a high prevalence in chronic wounds and can delay wound healing. Current treatment using debridement and antibiotic administration imposes a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. To address their limitations, a highly efficacious electrical antibiofilm treatment system is described in this paper. This system uses high-intensity current (75 mA cm-2 ) to completely debride biofilm above the wound surface and enhance antibiotic delivery into biofilm-infected wounds simultaneously. Combining these two effects, this system uses short treatments (≤2 h) to reduce bacterial count of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) biofilm-infected ex vivo skin wounds from 1010 to 105.2 colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 . Taking advantage of the hydrogel ionic circuit design, this system enhances the in vivo safety of high-intensity current application compared to conventional devices. The in vivo antibiofilm efficacy of the system is tested using a diabetic mouse-based wound infection model. MRSA biofilm bacterial count decreases from 109.0 to 104.6 CFU g-1 at 1 day post-treatment and to 103.3 CFU g-1 at 7 days post-treatment, both of which are below the clinical threshold for infection. Overall, this novel technology provides a quick, safe, yet highly efficacious treatment to chronic wound biofilm infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Yajuan Su
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Junying Wang
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Svetlana Romanova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Dominick J DiMaio
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Siwei Zhao
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kulbacka J, Rembiałkowska N, Szewczyk A, Rossowska J, Drąg-Zalesińska M, Kulbacki M, Choromańska A. Nanosecond PEF Induces Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via Proteasomal Activity Inhibition in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells with Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12943. [PMID: 36361727 PMCID: PMC9657809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanosecond (ns) pulsed electric field (PEF) is a technology in which the application of ultra-short electrical pulses can be used to disrupt the barrier function of cell plasma and internal membranes. Disruptions of the membrane integrity cause a substantial imbalance in cell homeostasis in which oxidative stress is a principal component. In the present study, nsPEF-induced oxidative stress was investigated in two gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines (EPG85-257P and EPG85-257RDB) which differ by their sensitivity to daunorubicin. Cells were exposed to 200 pulses of 10 ns duration, with the amplitude and pulse repetition frequency at 1 kHz, with electric field intensity varying from 12.5 to 50 kV/cm. The electroporation buffer contained either 1 mM or 2 mM calcium chloride. CellMask DeepRed visualized cell plasma permeabilization, Fluo-4 was used to visualize internal calcium ions content, and F-actin was labeled with AlexaFluor®488 for the cytoskeleton. The cellular viability was determined by MTT assay. An alkaline and neutral comet assay was employed to detect apoptotic and necrotic cell death. The luminescent method estimated the modifications in GSSG/GSH redox potential and the imbalance of proteasomal activity (chymotrypsin-, trypsin- and caspase-like). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured by flow cytometry using dihydroethidium (DHE) dye. Morphological visualization indicated cell shrinkage, affected cell membranes (characteristic bubbles and changed cell shape), and the reorganization of actin fibers with sites of its dense concentration; the effect was more intense with the increasing electric field strength. The most significant decrease in cell viability and GSSG/GSH redox potential was noted at the highest amplitude of 50 kV/cm, and calcium ions amplified this effect. nsPEF, particularly with calcium ions, inhibited proteasomal activities, resulting in increased protein degradation. nsPEF increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and ROS levels. The EPG85-257 RDB cell line, which is resistant to standard chemotherapy, was more sensitive to applied nsPEF protocols. The applied nsPEF method disrupted the metabolism of cancer cells and induced apoptotic cell death. The nsPEF ability to cause apoptosis, oxidative stress, and protein degradation make the nsPEF methodology a suitable alternative to current anticancer pharmacological methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211 A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Nina Rembiałkowska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211 A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Szewczyk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211 A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Animal Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, 50-335 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Rossowska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 50-422 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Drąg-Zalesińska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Division of Human Morpholog and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Kulbacki
- Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
- DIVE IN AI, 53-307 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211 A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The evolution of clinical guidelines for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of skin. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:385-395. [PMID: 35132604 PMCID: PMC8821777 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00169-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy has become an important component in the treatment of human infection. This review considers historical guidelines, and the scientific literature to envisage what future clinical guidelines for treating skin infection might include. Antibiotic resistance, vertical and horizontal infection control strategies and a range of technologies effective in eradicating microbes without building up new resistance are described. The mechanism of action of these treatments and examples of their clinical use are also included. The research recommendations of NICE Guidelines on the dermatological manifestations of microbial infection were also reviewed to identify potential applications for PDT. The resistance of some microbes to antibiotics can be halted, or even reversed through the use of supplementary drugs, and so they are likely to persist as a treatment of infection. Conventional PDT will undoubtedly continue to be used for a range of skin conditions given existing healthcare infrastructure and a large evidence base. Daylight PDT may find broader antimicrobial applications than just Acne and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, and Ambulatory PDT devices could become popular in regions where resources are limited or daylight exposure is not possible or inappropriate. Nanotheranostics were found to be highly relevant, and often include PDT, however, new treatments and novel applications and combinations of existing treatments will be subject to Clinical Trials.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gomes A, Aguiar L, Ferraz R, Teixeira C, Gomes P. The Emerging Role of Ionic Liquid-Based Approaches for Enhanced Skin Permeation of Bioactive Molecules: A Snapshot of the Past Couple of Years. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11991. [PMID: 34769430 PMCID: PMC8584570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Topical and transdermal delivery systems are of undeniable significance and ubiquity in healthcare, to facilitate the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, respectively, onto or across the skin to enter systemic circulation. From ancient ointments and potions to modern micro/nanotechnological devices, a variety of approaches has been explored over the ages to improve the skin permeation of diverse medicines and cosmetics. Amongst the latest investigational dermal permeation enhancers, ionic liquids have been gaining momentum, and recent years have been prolific in this regard. As such, this review offers an outline of current methods for enhancing percutaneous permeation, highlighting selected reports where ionic liquid-based approaches have been investigated for this purpose. Future perspectives on use of ionic liquids for topical delivery of bioactive peptides are also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.A.); (R.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Luísa Aguiar
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.A.); (R.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Ricardo Ferraz
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.A.); (R.F.); (C.T.)
- Ciências Químicas e das Biomoléculas, CISA, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, P-4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.A.); (R.F.); (C.T.)
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.A.); (R.F.); (C.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martins Antunes de Melo WDC, Celiešiūtė-Germanienė R, Šimonis P, Stirkė A. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for biofilm treatments. Possible synergy between aPDT and pulsed electric fields. Virulence 2021; 12:2247-2272. [PMID: 34496717 PMCID: PMC8437467 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1960105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, microbial biofilms have been the cause of a wide variety of infections in the human body, reaching 80% of all bacterial and fungal infections. The biofilms present specific properties that increase the resistance to antimicrobial treatments. Thus, the development of new approaches is urgent, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been shown as a promising candidate. aPDT involves a synergic association of a photosensitizer (PS), molecular oxygen and visible light, producing highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause the oxidation of several cellular components. This therapy attacks many components of the biofilm, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids present within the biofilm matrix; causing inhibition even in the cells that are inside the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Recent advances in designing new PSs to increase the production of ROS and the combination of aPDT with other therapies, especially pulsed electric fields (PEF), have contributed to enhanced biofilm inhibition. The PEF has proven to have antimicrobial effect once it is known that extensive chemical reactions occur when electric fields are applied. This type of treatment kills microorganisms not only due to membrane rupture but also due to the formation of reactive compounds including free oxygen, hydrogen, hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals. So, this review aims to show the progress of aPDT and PEF against the biofilms, suggesting that the association of both methods can potentiate their effects and overcome biofilm infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanessa de Cassia Martins Antunes de Melo
- Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Laboratory of Bioelectric, State Research Institute, Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Raimonda Celiešiūtė-Germanienė
- Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Laboratory of Bioelectric, State Research Institute, Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Povilas Šimonis
- Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Laboratory of Bioelectric, State Research Institute, Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Arūnas Stirkė
- Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Laboratory of Bioelectric, State Research Institute, Department of Functional Materials and Electronics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
High-Frequency and High-Voltage Asymmetric Bipolar Pulse Generator for Electroporation Based Technologies and Therapies. ELECTRONICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/electronics10101203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, in high-frequency electroporation, much progress has been made but limited to research groups with custom-made laboratory prototype electroporators. According to the review of electroporators and economic evaluations, there is still an area of pulse parameters that needs to be investigated. The development of an asymmetric bipolar pulse generator with a maximum voltage of 4 kV and minimum duration time of a few hundred nanoseconds, would enable in vivo evaluation of biological effects of high-frequency electroporation pulses. Herein, from a series of most commonly used drivers and optical isolations in high-voltage pulse generators the one with optimal characteristics was used. In addition, the circuit topology of the developed device is described in detail. The developed device is able to generate 4 kV pulses, with theoretical 131 A maximal current and 200 ns minimal pulse duration, the maximal pulse repetition rate is 2 MHz and the burst maximal repetition rate is 1 MHz. The device was tested in vivo. The effectiveness of electrochemotherapy of high-frequency electroporation pulses is compared to “classical” electrochemotherapy pulses. In vivo electrochemotherapy with high-frequency electroporation pulses was at least as effective as with “classical” well-established electric pulses, resulting in 86% and 50% complete responses, respectively. In contrast to previous reports, however, muscle contractions were comparable between the two protocols.
Collapse
|
7
|
Doxorubicin Assisted by Microsecond Electroporation Promotes Irreparable Morphological Alternations in Sensitive and Resistant Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10082765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation increases the transmembrane transport of molecules. The combination of electric pulses with cytostatic compounds is beneficial for cancer treatment. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic anticancer drug. Its fluorescence properties enable the investigation of drug distribution and metabolism. In this study, doxorubicin was enhanced by electroporation to eliminate cancer cells more effectively. The influence of electroporation on the drug uptake was evaluated in two cell lines: MCF-7/WT and MCF-7/DOX. The intracellular localization of doxorubicin and its impact on the intracellular structure organization were examined under a confocal microscope. Cellular effects were examined with the 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test that estimates the rate of metabolism in viable cells. The ultrastructure (TEM) of tumor cells subjected to the electric field was analyzed. An enhanced doxorubicin efficacy was observed in MCF-7/DOX cells after combination with electroporation. The response of the resistant cell line was revealed to be more sensitive to electric pulses. Electroporation-based methods may be attractive for cancer treatment in human breast adenocarcinoma, especially with acquired resistance. Electroporation enables a reduction of the effective dose of the drugs and the exposure time in this type of cancer, diminishing side effects of the systemic therapy.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dermol-Černe J, Pirc E, Miklavčič D. Mechanistic view of skin electroporation - models and dosimetry for successful applications: an expert review. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:689-704. [PMID: 32192364 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1745772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Skin electroporation is a promising treatment for transdermal drug delivery, gene electrotransfer, skin rejuvenation, electrochemotherapy, and wound disinfection. Although a considerable amount of in vitro and in vivo studies exists, the translation to clinics is not as fast as one would hope. We hypothesize the reason lies in the inadequate dosimetry, i.e. electrode configurations, pulse parameters, and pulse generators used. We suggest adequate dosimetry can be determined by mathematical modeling which would allow comparison of protocols and facilitate translation into clinics.Areas covered: We introduce the mechanisms and applications of skin electroporation, present existing mathematical models and compare the influence of different model parameters. We review electrodes and pulse generators, prototypes, as well as commercially available models.Expert opinion: The reasons for slow translation of skin electroporation treatments into clinics lie in uncontrolled and inadequate dosimetry, poor reporting rendering comparisons between studies difficult, and significant differences in animal and human skin morphology often dismissed in reports. Mathematical models enable comparison of studies, however, when the parameters of the pulses and electrode configuration are not adequately reported, as is often the case, comparisons are difficult, if not impossible. For each skin electroporation treatment, systematic studies determining optimal parameters should be performed and treatment parameters standardized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janja Dermol-Černe
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Iontophoresis enhances voriconazole antifungal potency and corneal penetration. Int J Pharm 2019; 576:118991. [PMID: 31884059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to enhance corneal penetration of voriconazole (VOR) could improve the treatment of fungal keratitis. Here, we evaluated the use of iontophoresis for ocular VOR delivery from either: (i) a cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CD VOR), (ii) a liposome (LP VOR), and (iii) a chitosan-coated liposome (LP VOR CS). LP VOR CS presented mean diameter of 139.2 ± 1.3 nm and zeta potential equal to + 3.3 ± 1.5 mV compared to 134.6 ± 1.7 and -8.2 ± 3.0 mV of LP VOR, which, together with mucin mucoadhesion study, confirmed chitosan-coating. Both drug and liposomal formulations were stable under the influence of an applied electric current. Interestingly, in vitro studies in Candida glabrata culture indicated a decrease in VOR MIC values following iontophoresis (from 0.28 to 0.14 µg/mL). Iontophoresis enhanced drug penetration into the cornea. After 10 min of a 2 mA/cm2 applied current, corneal retained amounts were 45.4 ± 11.2, 30.4 ± 2.1 and 30.6 ± 2.9 µg/cm2 for, respectively, CD VOR, LP VOR, and LP VOR CS. In conclusion, iontophoresis increases drug potency and enhances drug penetration into the cornea, showing potential to be used as "an emergency burst delivery approach".
Collapse
|
10
|
Pulsed electric field inactivation of microorganisms: from fundamental biophysics to synergistic treatments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:7917-7929. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10067-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
In this paper, we present an analysis and a validation of a simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) model for a pulse forming circuit of a high frequency electroporation system, which can deliver square-wave sub-microsecond (100–900 ns) electric field pulses. The developed SPICE model is suggested for use in evaluation of transient processes that occur due to high frequency operations in prototype systems. A controlled crowbar circuit was implemented to support a variety of biological loads and to ensure a constant electric pulse rise and fall time during electroporation to be independent of the applied buffer bioimpedance. The SPICE model was validated via a comparison of the simulation and experimental results obtained from the already existing prototype system. The SPICE model results were in good agreement with the experimental results, and the model complexity was found to be sufficient for analysis of transient processes. As result, the proposed SPICE model can be useful for evaluation and compensation of transient processes in sub-microsecond pulsed power set-ups during the development of new prototypes.
Collapse
|
12
|
Low concentrations of acetic and formic acids enhance the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with pulsed electric fields. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:73. [PMID: 30943901 PMCID: PMC6448289 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1447-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Skin infections, particularly caused by drug-resistant pathogens, represent a clinical challenge due to being a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to examine if low concentrations of acetic and formic acids can increase sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to pulsed electric field (PEF) and thus, promote a fast and efficient treatment methodology for wound treatment. Results We have shown that the combination of PEF (10–30 kV/cm) with organic acids (0.1% formic and acetic acids) increased the bactericidal properties of treatment. The effect was apparent for both acids. The proposed methodology allowed to reduce the energy of electrical pulses and the inhibitory concentrations of acids, while still maintain high efficiency of bacteria eradication. Conclusions Application of weak organic acids as bactericidal agents has many advantages over antibiotics because they do not trigger development of drug-resistance in bacteria. The combination with PEF can make the treatment effective even against biofilms. The results of this study are particularly useful for the development of new methodologies for the treatment of extreme cases of wound infections when the chemical treatment is no longer effective or hinders wound healing.
Collapse
|