A Novel Approach for Preventing Biofilm Formation on Various Breast Implant Surfaces: Bacteriophage Therapy

Capsular contracture is a common complication in breast implant surgery, with subclinical bacterial inflammation being a significant factor. Traditional methods to prevent capsular contracture include antibiotic irrigation and systemic antibiotics. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has driven the need for alternative treatments. Bacteriophages, capable of lysing bacteria and preventing biofilm formation, are emerging as a potential alternative. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of local bacteriophage therapy and local antibiotic treatment in preventing biofilm formation on breast implants.

Fifty-four Wistar Albino rats were divided into 3 groups: control, antibiotic, and bacteriophage, each with 3 subgroups for different time points (6 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days). Three types of implant surfaces (smooth, textured, and polyurethane) were incubated with a biofilm-producing strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis before implantation. The implant surfaces in the experimental groups were treated with either antibiotic or bacteriophage solutions before implantation. Samples were collected at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days after implantation for colony counting and mRNA analysis of the sesI gene.

Both bacteriophage and antibiotic treatments significantly reduced colony counts and mRNA expression compared with the control group at all time points ( P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the antibiotic and bacteriophage groups. Textured and polyurethane implants showed lower bacterial loads in the experimental groups compared with smooth implants.

This study highlights bacteriophages as a promising alternative to antibiotics for preventing biofilm formation on breast implants, representing a pioneering effort in demonstrating their potential.

Bacteriophages are promising in the fight against bacteria. They can penetrate biofilm and effectively treat infections. They could be an alternative to antibiotic treatments.