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Prevention and Treatment of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa-Based Biofilm with Ethanol
Michal Natan1, Gila Jacobi1, Ehud Banin1
1Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
Background:
Although indwelling catheters are increasingly used in modern medicine, they can be a source of microbial contamination and hard-to-treat biofilms, which jeopardize patient lives. At times 70% ethanol is used as a catheter-lock solution due to its bactericidal properties. However, high concentrations of ethanol can result in adverse effects and in malfunction of the catheters.
Objectives:
To determine whether low concentrations of ethanol can prevent and treat biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Methods:
Ethanol was tested at a concentration range of 0.625-80% against laboratory and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa for various time periods (2-48 hours). The following parameters were evaluated following ethanol exposure: prevention of biofilm formation, reduction of biofilm metabolic activity, and inhibition of biofilm regrowth.
Results:
Exposing P. aeruginosa to twofold ethanol gradients demonstrated a significant biofilm inhibition at concentrations as low as 2.5%. Treating pre-formed biofilms of P. aeruginosa with 20% ethanol for 4 hours caused a sharp decay in the metabolic activity of both the laboratory and clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. In addition, treating mature biofilms with 20% ethanol prevented the regrowth of bacteria encased within it.
Conclusions:
Low ethanol concentrations (2.5%) can prevent in vitro biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Treatment of previously formed biofilms can be achieved using 20% ethanol, thereby keeping the catheters intact and avoiding complications that can result from high ethanol concentrations.
Insights
Low concentrations of ethanol effectively prevent and treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in vitro. This research indicates ethanol can be used safely in catheters, avoiding complications associated with higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Indwelling catheters are prone to microbial contamination and biofilm formation, posing risks to patients.
- High-concentration ethanol (70%) is used as a catheter-lock solution but can cause adverse effects and catheter malfunction.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen associated with catheter-related infections and biofilms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of low ethanol concentrations in preventing and treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
- To determine safe and effective ethanol concentrations for catheter-lock solutions.
Main Methods:
- Ethanol concentrations ranging from 0.625% to 80% were tested against laboratory and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.
- Biofilm formation, metabolic activity, and regrowth were assessed after exposure to ethanol for 2-48 hours.
Main Results:
- Significant inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation was observed at ethanol concentrations as low as 2.5%.
- Pre-formed biofilms showed a marked decrease in metabolic activity when treated with 20% ethanol for 4 hours.
- Treatment with 20% ethanol prevented the regrowth of bacteria within mature biofilms.
Conclusions:
- Low ethanol concentrations (2.5%) can prevent in vitro biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa.
- 20% ethanol effectively treats pre-formed P. aeruginosa biofilms, maintaining catheter integrity and avoiding high-concentration risks.
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