Electroceutical Approach for Impairing the Motility of Pathogenic Bacterium Using a Microfluidic Platform

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biophysics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Electrotaxis (galvanotaxis) describes cell migration due to electrical potential, but its effects on bacteria, especially pathogenic strains, are understudied.
• Information on the impact of electrical currents on pathogenic bacteria, particularly multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, is limited.
• Biofilm infections in wound environments pose significant challenges, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of electrical currents and acetic acid on the motility and survival of pathogenic bacteria.
• To assess the efficacy of combining electrical currents with acetic acid for disinfecting multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.
• To explore the potential therapeutic benefits of this combined approach for treating biofilm infections in wound settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microfluidic platforms and optical microscopy for controlled experiments.
• Conducted single-cue experiments varying electrical currents and multi-cue experiments combining electrical currents with acetic acid.
• Assessed bacterial motility dynamics and cell survival in pathogenic MDR P. aeruginosa and E. coli strains.

Main Results:

• A combination of direct current (DC) and acetic acid demonstrated profound inhibitory effects on MDR P. aeruginosa and E. coli.
• E. coli motility and survival were significantly impaired at 0.125 mA DC and 0.31% acetic acid.
• P. aeruginosa motility and survival were significantly impaired at 0.70 mA DC and 0.31% acetic acid.

Conclusions:

• The combined application of electrical current and acetic acid is a potent strategy for inhibiting pathogenic MDR bacteria.
• This approach shows promise for treating biofilm infections, particularly in wound environments.
• The findings suggest a novel method to potentially accelerate wound healing by targeting relevant wound pathogens.