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Published on: May 6, 2018
Maggot excretions inhibit biofilm formation on biomaterials
Gwendolyn Cazander1, Mariëlle C van de Veerdonk, Christina M J E Vandenbroucke-Grauls
1Department of Trauma Surgery, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. G.Cazander@vumc.nl
Background:
Biofilm-associated infections in trauma surgery are difficult to treat with conventional therapies. Therefore, it is important to develop new treatment modalities. Maggots in captured bags, which are permeable for larval excretions/secretions, aid in healing severe, infected wounds, suspect for biofilm formation. Therefore we presumed maggot excretions/secretions would reduce biofilm formation.
Questions/Purposes:
We studied biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterobacter cloacae on polyethylene, titanium, and stainless steel. We compared the quantities of biofilm formation between the bacterial species on the various biomaterials and the quantity of biofilm formation after various incubation times. Maggot excretions/secretions were added to existing biofilms to examine their effect.
Methods:
Comb-like models of the biomaterials, made to fit in a 96-well microtiter plate, were incubated with bacterial suspension. The formed biofilms were stained in crystal violet, which was eluted in ethanol. The optical density (at 595 nm) of the eluate was determined to quantify biofilm formation. Maggot excretions/secretions were pipetted in different concentrations to (nonstained) 7-day-old biofilms, incubated 24 hours, and finally measured.
Results:
The strongest biofilms were formed by S. aureus and S. epidermidis on polyethylene and the weakest on titanium. The highest quantity of biofilm formation was reached within 7 days for both bacteria. The presence of excretions/secretions reduced biofilm formation on all biomaterials. A maximum of 92% of biofilm reduction was measured.
Conclusions:
Our observations suggest maggot excretions/secretions decrease biofilm formation and could provide a new treatment for biofilm formation on infected biomaterials.
Insights
Maggot excretions/secretions effectively reduce bacterial biofilm formation on common biomaterials used in trauma surgery. This finding suggests a novel therapeutic approach for treating challenging biofilm infections associated with medical implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Biofilm-associated infections pose significant challenges in trauma surgery, often resisting conventional treatments.
- Maggots are known to aid in healing infected wounds, particularly those suspected of biofilm formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of maggot excretions/secretions in reducing biofilm formation by common bacterial pathogens on various surgical biomaterials.
- To compare biofilm formation rates across different bacterial species and biomaterials over time.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial species were incubated with comb-like biomaterial models in microtiter plates.
- Biofilm formation was quantified using crystal violet staining and optical density measurements.
- Maggot excretions/secretions were applied to established biofilms to assess their inhibitory effects.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis formed the strongest biofilms on polyethylene, while titanium showed the weakest biofilm formation.
- Maximum biofilm formation occurred within 7 days for the tested bacteria.
- Maggot excretions/secretions significantly reduced biofilm formation on all tested biomaterials, with up to 92% reduction observed.
Conclusions:
- Maggot excretions/secretions demonstrate a potent ability to decrease bacterial biofilm formation on surgical biomaterials.
- These findings suggest a promising new therapeutic strategy for managing biofilm infections in trauma and orthopedic surgery.
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