Controlled inactivation of Trichophyton rubrum using shaped electrical pulse bursts: Parametric analysis
Vitalij Novickij1, Audrius Grainys1, Jurgita Švedienė2
1High Magnetic Field Inst., Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, 03227, Lithuania.
Abstract:
The dermatophytes infect the skin by adherence to the epidermis followed by germination, growth, and penetration of the fungal hyphae within the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the pulsed electric fields (PEF) of controlled inactivation of Trichophyton rubrum (ATCC 28188). In this work, we have used bursts of the square wave PEF pulses of different intensity (10-30 kV/cm) to induce the irreversible inactivation in vitro. The electric field pulses of 50 µs and 100 µs have been generated in bursts of 5, 10, and 20 pulses with repetition frequency of 1 Hz. The dynamics of the inactivation using different treatment parameters were studied and the inactivation map for the T. rubrum has been defined. Further, the combined effect of PEF with the antifungal agents itraconazole, terbinafine, and naftifine HCl was investigated. It has been demonstrated that the combined effect results in the full inactivation of T. rubrum colony. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1056-1060, 2016.
Insights
Pulsed electric fields (PEF) effectively inactivate Trichophyton rubrum, a common cause of skin infections. Combining PEF with antifungal drugs completely eliminates T. rubrum colonies, offering a novel treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Medical Mycology
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton rubrum, infect skin by adhering to, growing within, and penetrating epidermal cells.
- Current antifungal treatments can face challenges with efficacy and resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of pulsed electric fields (PEF) for the controlled inactivation of Trichophyton rubrum (ATCC 28188) in vitro.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of PEF combined with common antifungal agents.
Main Methods:
- Utilized square wave PEF pulses (10-30 kV/cm) with pulse durations of 50 µs and 100 µs.
- Applied PEF in bursts of 5, 10, or 20 pulses at a 1 Hz repetition frequency.
- Studied inactivation dynamics and defined an inactivation map for T. rubrum; tested combined PEF with itraconazole, terbinafine, and naftifine HCl.
Main Results:
- PEF treatment demonstrated dose-dependent inactivation of T. rubrum.
- An inactivation map was defined, outlining effective PEF parameters.
- The combination of PEF with itraconazole, terbinafine, or naftifine HCl resulted in complete inactivation of T. rubrum colonies.
Conclusions:
- PEF is a viable method for the in vitro inactivation of Trichophyton rubrum.
- Combining PEF with existing antifungal agents significantly enhances inactivation efficacy.
- This approach presents a promising strategy for managing dermatophyte infections.
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