Clinically applicable irreversible electroporation for eradication of micro-organisms

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microbiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a nonthermal ablation technique used for cancer treatment.
• IRE functions by damaging cell membranes through electrical pulses.
• The antimicrobial efficacy of IRE has not been extensively studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antimicrobial effects of IRE against various pathogenic microorganisms.
• To assess the impact of IRE parameters (voltage, pulse number) on microbial reduction.
• To explore the synergistic potential of IRE combined with antibiotics.

Main Methods:

• Pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Candida albicans were exposed to IRE.
• Microbial survival was quantified based on varying voltage and pulse numbers.
• Synergistic effects were evaluated by combining IRE with sub-inhibitory concentrations of oxacillin against S. aureus.

Main Results:

• Microbial log10 reduction correlated positively with the number of IRE pulses applied.
• Significant reductions in Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli were observed at 2000 V and 100 pulses.
• Complete eradication of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was achieved with specific IRE pulse cycles.
• A synergistic antimicrobial effect was demonstrated when IRE was combined with oxacillin for Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions:

• IRE demonstrates a significant in vitro antimicrobial effect against common pathogens using clinically relevant parameters.
• IRE shows potential as a novel treatment modality for deep-seated microbial infections.
• Combining IRE with antibiotics may enhance eradication efficacy, offering a synergistic therapeutic approach.