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Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Assessing Biofilm Dispersal in Murine Wounds
Published on: August 7, 2021
3D-printed wound dressings containing a fosmidomycin-derivative prevent Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation
Frits van Charante1, David Martínez-Pérez2, Clara Guarch-Pérez3
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Acinetobacter baumannii causes a wide range of infections, including wound infections. Multidrug-resistant A. baumannii is a major healthcare concern and the development of novel treatments against these infections is needed. Fosmidomycin is a repurposed antimalarial drug targeting the non-mevalonate pathway, and several derivatives show activity toward A. baumannii. We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of CC366, a fosmidomycin prodrug, against a collection of A. baumannii strains, using various in vitro and in vivo models; emphasis was placed on the evaluation of its anti-biofilm activity. We also developed a 3D-printed wound dressing containing CC366, using melt electrowriting technology. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of CC366 ranged from 1 to 64 μg/mL, and CC366 showed good biofilm inhibitory and moderate biofilm eradicating activity in vitro. CC366 successfully eluted from a 3D-printed dressing, the dressings prevented the formation of A. baumannnii wound biofilms in vitro and reduced A. baumannii infection in an in vivo mouse model.
Insights
CC366, a fosmidomycin prodrug, effectively combats multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii wound infections. This novel treatment, delivered via 3D-printed dressings, inhibits biofilm formation and reduces bacterial load in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Development
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly wound infections.
- Multidrug resistance in A. baumannii necessitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
- Fosmidomycin derivatives, including CC366, show promise against A. baumannii by targeting the non-mevalonate pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of CC366 against Acinetobacter baumannii.
- To assess the efficacy of CC366 in a 3D-printed wound dressing for A. baumannii infections.
- To determine the in vitro and in vivo performance of CC366-loaded wound dressings.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial activity testing (MIC determination) against A. baumannii strains.
- In vitro biofilm inhibition and eradication assays.
- Development and elution studies of CC366 from 3D-printed wound dressings using melt electrowriting.
- In vivo efficacy evaluation in a murine wound infection model.
Main Results:
- CC366 demonstrated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1 to 64 μg/mL against A. baumannii.
- CC366 exhibited significant in vitro biofilm inhibitory and moderate biofilm eradicating activity.
- 3D-printed dressings successfully eluted CC366, prevented A. baumannii biofilm formation in vitro, and reduced infection in vivo.
Conclusions:
- CC366 is a potent antimicrobial agent against Acinetobacter baumannii, with notable anti-biofilm properties.
- 3D-printed wound dressings incorporating CC366 offer a promising approach for treating A. baumannii wound infections.
- This study highlights the potential of repurposed drugs and advanced drug delivery systems in combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
