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Inactivation and sensitization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by microplasma jet array for treating otitis media
Peter P Sun1,2,3, Jungeun Won4,5, Gabrielle Choo-Kang1
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Otitis media (OM), known as a middle ear infection, is the leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions for children. With wide-spread use of antibiotics in OM, resistance to antibiotics continues to decrease the efficacy of the treatment. Furthermore, as the presence of a middle ear biofilm has contributed to this reduced susceptibility to antimicrobials, effective interventions are necessary. A miniaturized 3D-printed microplasma jet array has been developed to inactivate Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common bacterial strain associated with OM. The experiments demonstrate the disruption of planktonic and biofilm P. aeruginosa by long-lived molecular species generated by microplasma, as well as the synergy of combining microplasma treatment with antibiotic therapy. In addition, a middle ear phantom model was developed with an excised rat eardrum to investigate the antimicrobial effects of microplasma on bacteria located behind the eardrum, as in a patient-relevant setup. These results suggest the potential for microplasma as a new treatment paradigm for OM.
Insights
A novel microplasma jet array effectively inactivates Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of middle ear infections (otitis media). This technology shows promise in combating antibiotic resistance and treating biofilm infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Otitis media (OM), a middle ear infection, is a primary driver of pediatric antibiotic prescriptions.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance and middle ear biofilms reduce treatment efficacy for OM.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are essential to overcome antimicrobial resistance in OM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of a 3D-printed microplasma jet array as a novel therapeutic intervention for otitis media.
- To assess the efficacy of microplasma in inactivating planktonic and biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a key pathogen in OM.
- To evaluate the synergistic effects of microplasma treatment combined with conventional antibiotic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Development of a miniaturized, 3D-printed microplasma jet array.
- Testing microplasma's antimicrobial activity against planktonic and biofilm cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Assessment of microplasma's synergy with antibiotics in vitro.
- Utilizing a middle ear phantom model with an excised rat eardrum to simulate patient-relevant conditions.
Main Results:
- Microplasma treatment effectively disrupted both planktonic and biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa via long-lived molecular species.
- A synergistic effect was observed when microplasma treatment was combined with antibiotic therapy.
- Antimicrobial effects of microplasma were demonstrated in a simulated middle ear environment, targeting bacteria behind the eardrum.
Conclusions:
- Microplasma technology presents a promising new treatment modality for otitis media.
- This approach offers a potential solution to combat antibiotic resistance associated with middle ear infections.
- Microplasma's ability to treat biofilms and target bacteria in challenging anatomical locations warrants further investigation for clinical application.
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