Characterization of the Human Plasma Biofilm Model (hpBIOM) to Identify Potential Therapeutic Targets for Wound
Michael Dietrich1, Manuela Besser1, Ewa Klara Stuermer2
1Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany.
Abstract:
The treatment of chronic wounds still represents a major challenge in wound management. Recent estimates suggest that 60-80% of chronic wounds are colonized by pathogenic microorganisms, which are strongly considered to have a major inhibiting influence on the healing process. By means of an innovative biofilm model based on human plasma, the time-dependent behavior of various bacterial strains under wound-milieu-like conditions were investigated, and the growth habits of different cocci species were compared. Undescribed fusion events between colonies of MRSA as well as of Staphylococcus epidermidis were detected, which were associated with the remodeling and reorganization of the glycocalyx of the wound tissue. After reaching a maximum colony size, the spreading of individual bacteria was observed. Interestingly, the combination of different cocci species with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the human plasma biofilm revealed partial synergistic effects in these multispecies organizations. RT-qPCR analyses gave a first impression of the relevant proteins involved in the formation and maturation of biofilms, especially the role of fibrinogen-binding proteins. Knowledge of the maturation and growth behavior of persistent biofilms investigated in a translational human biofilm model reflects a starting point for the development of novel tools for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Insights
This study used a novel human plasma biofilm model to investigate chronic wound bacteria. Researchers observed bacterial fusion, growth patterns, and synergistic effects, providing insights for new chronic wound treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Wound Healing Research
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Chronic wound treatment remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Pathogenic microorganisms colonize 60-80% of chronic wounds, hindering healing.
- Understanding bacterial behavior in chronic wounds is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time-dependent behavior of bacterial strains in a human plasma biofilm model.
- To compare the growth habits of different cocci species under wound-like conditions.
- To explore synergistic interactions between bacterial species and identify key proteins in biofilm maturation.
Main Methods:
- Development of an innovative biofilm model using human plasma.
- Cultivation and observation of bacterial strains (MRSA, *Staphylococcus epidermidis*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*) under simulated wound conditions.
- Analysis of bacterial fusion events, colony growth, and gene expression (RT-qPCR) related to biofilm formation.
Main Results:
- Observed novel fusion events between MRSA and *Staphylococcus epidermidis* colonies, linked to glycocalyx remodeling.
- Documented bacterial spreading after reaching maximum colony size.
- Identified partial synergistic effects when combining cocci species with *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
- RT-qPCR analysis indicated the involvement of fibrinogen-binding proteins in biofilm maturation.
Conclusions:
- The human plasma biofilm model provides a translational approach to study chronic wound bacteria.
- Understanding bacterial growth dynamics and interspecies interactions is key to developing new chronic wound therapies.
- This research offers a foundation for novel therapeutic strategies targeting persistent biofilms in chronic wounds.
