Sensitizing Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics by electrochemical disruption of membrane functions

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Tagbo H R Niepa1, Laura M Snepenger1, Hao Wang1

  • 1Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.

Biomaterials
|October 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Electrochemical control of persister cells (ECCP) uses direct current (DC) to enhance antibiotic efficacy. Carbon electrodes with DC treatment eradicated Pseudomonas aeruginosa persister cells, offering a novel antimicrobial strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Electrochemistry

Background:

  • Persister cells are dormant subpopulations of bacteria that exhibit high tolerance to antibiotics.
  • Electrochemical control of persister cells (ECCP) has shown promise in eradicating these resilient bacterial forms.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of ECCP is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying ECCP by comparing the effects of stainless steel 304 and carbon electrodes on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 persister cells.
  • To investigate the impact of direct current (DC) on bacterial cell structure, membrane integrity, and physiological responses.
  • To determine the optimal strategy for combining DC treatment with antibiotics for maximum efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of electrochemical treatments using stainless steel 304 and carbon electrodes.
  • Electron microscopy to assess structural and membrane changes in bacterial cells.
  • DNA microarray analysis to identify gene expression alterations in response to DC treatment.
  • Assessment of antibiotic efficacy following different electrochemical treatment protocols.

Main Results:

  • Direct current (DC) at μA/cm(2) levels significantly altered the structure and membrane integrity of P. aeruginosa PAO1.
  • Stainless steel 304 electrodes induced cell lysis, while carbon electrodes promoted intracellular protein aggregation and increased antibiotic permeabilization.
  • DC treatment induced pyocin production and SOS response genes in persister cells.
  • Sequential treatment with DC (carbon electrodes) followed by tobramycin achieved total eradication of persister cells, outperforming concurrent treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The choice of electrode material significantly influences the mechanism and efficacy of ECCP.
  • Carbon electrodes are more effective in enhancing antibiotic permeabilization and achieving complete eradication of persister cells.
  • Sequential application of DC treatment and antibiotics represents a highly effective strategy for eliminating persister cells.
Keywords:
ElectrodesGene expressionMembranePersister cellsSEM-EDSTEM

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