Enhancing biofilm disruption and bactericidal efficiency using vancomycin-loaded microbubbles in sonodynamic therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Infectious Diseases
• Materials Science

Background:

• Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication of joint replacement surgery.
• Biofilm formation by bacteria is a primary challenge in treating PJI.
• Current treatments often struggle to eradicate established biofilms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of vancomycin-loaded microbubbles (Van-MBs) combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD).
• To assess the impact of this combination therapy on biofilm disruption and bacterial killing.
• To investigate the potential of this novel approach for PJI treatment.

Main Methods:

• Van-MBs were prepared and characterized.
• Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) assessed Van-MB penetration into biofilms.
• Biofilms were treated with Van-MBs and UTMD, with subsequent analysis using CLSM, crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and qRT-PCR.

Main Results:

• Van-MBs demonstrated enhanced penetration into MRSA biofilms compared to vancomycin alone.
• The combination of Van-MBs and UTMD significantly reduced biofilm thickness, viability, and biomass.
• Treatment suppressed the icaA gene, disrupted biofilm structure, and caused significant bacterial cell damage.

Conclusions:

• Van-MBs combined with UTMD show promise as an effective strategy against PJI biofilms.
• This approach enhances antibiotic delivery and efficacy.
• It offers a potential new therapeutic option for challenging periprosthetic joint infections.