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Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors
Published on: October 9, 2016
Bioelectric effect and bacterial biofilms. A systematic review
J L Del Pozo1, M S Rouse, R Patel
1Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota - USA.
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|October 17, 2008
Summary
The bioelectric effect uses electric current to boost antimicrobial effectiveness against resilient biofilm bacteria. This approach could offer a novel, non-invasive treatment for device-related infections, avoiding costly surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacteria in biofilms are highly resistant to antibiotics, causing persistent human infections.
- Biofilm resistance can be 500 to 5,000 times greater than planktonic bacteria.
- Current treatments for device-related infections often require invasive surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on the bioelectric effect.
- To explore the potential of using electric current to enhance antimicrobial activity against biofilms.
- To assess the feasibility of applying the bioelectric effect in human medical treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the bioelectric effect.
- Analysis of in vitro experiments demonstrating enhanced antimicrobial activity with electric current.
- Examination of existing clinical applications of direct electrical current.
Main Results:
- Electric current has demonstrated an ability to enhance antimicrobial efficacy against biofilm bacteria in vitro.
- The bioelectric effect is a recognized phenomenon in antimicrobial research.
- Direct electrical current is already safely used in humans for bone fracture healing.
Conclusions:
- The bioelectric effect presents a promising strategy for combating antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections.
- Application of direct electric current with antimicrobial chemotherapy could potentially eliminate the need for surgical intervention in device-related infections.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the therapeutic potential of the bioelectric effect in humans.
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