Alginate Oligomers to Treat Infections Microbial Biofilms
Abstract
Scope. Biofilms represent a significant barrier to healing of battlefield wounds. Acinetobacter baumannii (ACIN) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSEUD) are among the most significant bacterial species associated with infection of battlefield related wounds. Purpose. The present study tested the efficacy of OligoG, a novel guluronate-rich alginate oligomer, in preventing biofilm formation in pre-clinical full thickness burn wounds infected with biofilm. Findings. A multispecies biofilm(ACIN/PSEUD) was established in porcine burn wounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirmed the presence of multispecies biofilms in these wounds. Impairment in barrier function as measured by trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) was noted in biofilm-infected wounds. The infected burn wounds were treated with topical application of either 15 percent OligoG or placebo formulation. SEM and CLSM clearly showed that wounds treated with OligoG exhibited a marked reduction and disruption in bacterial biofilm formation in the burn wounds. Furthermore, OligoG treatment also significantly improved healing by restoring the barrier function at the burn site as determined by TEWL. Significance. These studies indicate that OligoG when used topically at the time of wounding could provide an effective therapeutic strategy in preventing microbial and subsequent biofilm colonization of battlefield wounds, and facilitating wound healing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1093581
Entities
People
- Chandan K Sen
Organizations
- Ohio State University