Photoactive Hydrogel-Based Therapy for Biofilm Disruption in Chronic Wound Infections.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Antimicrobial Research
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Chronic infections are often associated with microbial biofilms.
• Biofilm matrix components, like extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), hinder treatment efficacy.
• Methylene blue (MB) is a photosensitizer with antimicrobial potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel hydrogel (HG1MB1) incorporating methylene blue (MB) for enhanced photoinactivation of microbial biofilms.
• To investigate the role of the hydrogel's structure in improving MB penetration and biofilm disruption.
• To assess the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of HG1MB1 against bacterial and fungal biofilms.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a gel-like hydrogel (HG1MB1) containing methylene blue (MB).
• Assessment of MB penetration into biofilm structures.
• Evaluation of biofilm matrix disruption and reduction in EPS.
• Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation upon light activation.
• Testing of antimicrobial efficacy against diverse bacterial and fungal biofilms.

Main Results:

• The gel-like structure of HG1MB1 significantly enhanced MB penetration into deeper biofilm layers.
• HG1MB1 effectively disrupted the biofilm matrix and reduced EPS.
• Light activation of HG1MB1 led to increased ROS generation and enhanced antimicrobial activity.
• The hydrogel demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy against both bacterial and fungal biofilms.

Conclusions:

• HG1MB1 represents a promising novel approach for treating chronic biofilm-associated infections.
• The enhanced MB delivery and ROS generation contribute to the hydrogel's potent antibiofilm activity.
• HG1MB1 shows potential as a versatile therapeutic agent for a range of chronic microbial infections.