Nanowire-Mediated Eradication of Polymicrobial Biofilms

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Antimicrobial Research

Background:

• * *Streptococcus pneumoniae* (S. pneumoniae) and Nontypeable *Hemophilus influenzae* (NTHi) are key pathogens in otitis media (OM).
• * These bacteria form antibiotic-resistant biofilms, leading to chronic or recurrent OM and necessitating prolonged antibiotic treatment.
• * Current antibiotic regimens are often insufficient to eradicate these polymicrobial biofilms.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop a novel strategy for eradicating polymicrobial biofilms associated with otitis media.
• * To investigate the efficacy of vanadium pentoxide nanowires (V2O5 NWs) as a nanozyme in treating S. pneumoniae and NTHi biofilms.
• * To evaluate the synergistic effects of V2O5 NWs with conventional antibiotics.

Main Methods:

• * Utilized vanadium pentoxide nanowires (V2O5 NWs) to catalyze H2O2 into hypobromous acid (HOBr).
• * Tested the nanozyme's efficacy against polymicrobial biofilms of S. pneumoniae and NTHi.
• * Employed isobologram analysis to assess synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects with antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin.

Main Results:

• * V2O5 NWs successfully eradicated polymicrobial biofilms by converting S. pneumoniae's metabolic H2O2 into HOBr.
• * V2O5 NWs demonstrated synergistic effects with ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin against monocultured pathogens.
• * Additive effects were observed against S. pneumoniae in mono- and cocultures, except for levofloxacin-ciprofloxacin showing antagonism in cocultures.

Conclusions:

• * Nanozyme-based therapy using V2O5 NWs offers a promising approach to combat polymicrobial otitis media biofilms.
• * This strategy can potentially address antimicrobial resistance associated with biofilm infections.
• * The findings suggest a method to reduce overall antibiotic exposure in treating OM.