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Microbiome precision editing: Using PEG as a selective fermentation initiator against methicillin-resistant
Ming-Shan Kao1,2, Stephen Huang3, Wei-Lin Chang4
1Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
Abstract:
Recent creation of a Unified Microbiome Initiative (UMI) has the aim of understanding how microbes interact with each other and with us. When pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus infects the skin, the interplay between S. aureus and skin commensal bacteria occurs. Our previous data revealed that skin commensal bacteria can mediate fermentation against the growth of USA300, a community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus MRSA. By using a fermentation process with solid media on a small scale, we define poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA) as a selective fermentation initiator which can specifically intensify the probiotic ability of skin commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria. At least five short-chain fatty acids including acetic, butyric and propionic acids with anti-USA300 activities are produced by PEG-DMA fermentation of S. epidermidis. Furthermore, the S. epidermidis-laden PEG-DMA hydrogels effectively decolonized USA300 in skin wounds in mice. The PEG-DMA and its derivatives may become novel biomaterials to specifically tailor the human skin microbiome against invading pathogens.
Insights
Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA) enhances beneficial skin bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, to produce anti-bacterial compounds. These PEG-DMA hydrogels successfully removed Staphylococcus aureus from mouse skin wounds.
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.
