Microbiome precision editing: Using PEG as a selective fermentation initiator against methicillin-resistant...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology

Background:

• The human microbiome plays a crucial role in health and disease.
• Pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pose significant health risks.
• Understanding host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions is vital for developing new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel biomaterials that can selectively enhance beneficial skin commensal bacteria.
• To investigate the potential of these biomaterials in combating pathogenic bacterial infections.
• To explore the therapeutic applications of tailored skin microbiomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA) as a selective fermentation initiator for skin commensal bacteria.
• Conducted small-scale fermentation using solid media.
• Produced and identified short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with anti-bacterial activity.
• Tested PEG-DMA hydrogels loaded with Staphylococcus epidermidis for efficacy in decolonizing Staphylococcus aureus in mouse skin wound models.

Main Results:

• PEG-DMA specifically intensified the probiotic capabilities of Staphylococcus epidermidis.
• Fermentation of S. epidermidis with PEG-DMA produced at least five SCFAs, including acetic, butyric, and propionic acids, which demonstrated anti-USA300 activity.
• S. epidermidis-laden PEG-DMA hydrogels effectively decolonized USA300 (a strain of MRSA) in mouse skin wounds.

Conclusions:

• PEG-DMA acts as a selective fermentation initiator, enhancing the production of beneficial SCFAs by skin commensals.
• PEG-DMA hydrogels loaded with S. epidermidis show promise as a therapeutic strategy for decolonizing pathogenic S. aureus.
• PEG-DMA and its derivatives represent potential novel biomaterials for modulating the skin microbiome to combat infections.