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Microbubble-mediated ultrasound enhances the lethal effect of gentamicin on planktonic Escherichia coli

Han-Xiao Zhu1, Xun-Zi Cai1, Zhong-Li Shi1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China.

Biomed Research International
|July 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Microbubble-mediated ultrasound significantly boosted gentamicin's effectiveness against E. coli. This approach enhanced bacterial cell membrane permeability, leading to greater bacterial death.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Acoustic Cavitation
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Low-intensity ultrasound previously enhanced gentamicin's effect on E. coli.
  • The potential of microbubble-mediated ultrasound to further improve this antimicrobial efficacy was unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if microbubble-mediated low-intensity ultrasound enhances gentamicin's antimicrobial efficacy against planktonic E. coli.
  • To analyze the impact on bacterial counts, minimal inhibitory concentration, and cell membrane integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Planktonic E. coli (ATCC 25922) were subjected to four groups: control, microbubble only, ultrasound only, and microbubble-mediated ultrasound.
  • Ultrasound (100 mW/cm(2), 46.5 KHz) was applied.
  • Bacterial counts were determined by plate counting after 12 hours.
  • Bacterial micromorphology was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Main Results:

  • Microbubble-mediated ultrasound (GMUS) reduced viable E. coli counts by 1.01–1.42 log10 CFU/mL compared to ultrasound alone (GUS).
  • The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin was lower (1 μg/mL) in GMUS and GUS groups versus control and microbubble-only groups (2 μg/mL).
  • TEM revealed increased bacterial cell membrane destruction and thickness in the GMUS group.

Conclusions:

  • Microbubble-mediated low-intensity ultrasound significantly enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of gentamicin against E. coli.
  • Acoustic cavitation induced by microbubble-ultrasound likely increases bacterial cell membrane permeability, facilitating gentamicin entry.
  • This synergistic approach offers a promising strategy for combating E. coli infections.

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