Bacillus subtilis in PVA Microparticles for Treating Open Wounds
Noa Ben David1, Mahsa Mafi2, Abraham Nyska3
1Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel.
Abstract:
Open wound dressings should provide a moist environment, protect the wound from bacterial contamination, and shield it from further damage. These requirements, however, are hard to accomplish since such wounds are colonized by pathogenic bacteria, including resistant species such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A new approach for treating open wounds that is based on sticky and dissolvable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microparticles containing live Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) is described. Microparticles, fabricated by the spray-drying technique, were administered directly to an open wound while B. subtilis continuously produced and secreted antimicrobial molecules. B. subtilis in PVA microparticles demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against MRSA and S. aureus. In in vivo experiments, both B. subtilis and empty PVA microparticles were effective in decreasing healing time; however, B. subtilis microparticles were more effective during the first week. There was no evidence of skin irritation, infection, or other adverse effects during the 15 day postoperative observation period. This concept of combining live secreting bacteria within a supportive delivery system shows great promise as a therapeutic agent for open wounds and other infectious skin disorders.
Insights
New polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microparticles deliver live Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) to wounds, effectively combating bacteria like MRSA. This innovative approach accelerates healing and shows promise for treating infectious skin disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Open wound management faces challenges with bacterial contamination, particularly from resistant strains like MRSA.
- Traditional dressings struggle to maintain a moist environment while preventing infection and further damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel wound treatment using live Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) encapsulated in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microparticles.
- To assess the antibacterial efficacy and wound healing potential of B. subtilis-loaded PVA microparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microparticles loaded with live B. subtilis were fabricated using spray-drying.
- Microparticles were applied directly to open wounds in in vivo experiments.
- Antibacterial activity against MRSA and S. aureus was tested.
- Wound healing time and adverse effects were monitored over 15 days.
Main Results:
- B. subtilis within PVA microparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity against MRSA and S. aureus.
- Both B. subtilis and empty PVA microparticles reduced wound healing time.
- B. subtilis microparticles demonstrated superior efficacy in the initial week of healing.
- No adverse effects such as skin irritation or infection were observed.
Conclusions:
- Live B. subtilis encapsulated in PVA microparticles represent a promising therapeutic strategy for open wounds.
- This delivery system effectively combats bacterial infections, including those caused by resistant strains.
- The combination of a supportive delivery system with live, secreting bacteria offers a novel approach for infectious skin disorders.
