Investigating biofilm-induced mechanical changes in skin using a biofilm-skin composite model

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bacterial biofilms pose significant challenges in wound management due to their resistance to treatment.
• Microneedles show potential for improved therapeutic delivery to biofilms, but their efficacy on infected skin is not well understood.
• Understanding the mechanical changes in biofilm-infected skin is crucial for developing effective topical treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-skin composite model.
• To evaluate time-dependent mechanical property changes in ex vivo porcine skin infected with bacterial biofilms.
• To assess the influence of biofilm maturation on skin mechanics for microneedle applications.

Main Methods:

• Created a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-skin composite model using ex vivo porcine skin.
• Performed flat punch indentation tests to measure mechanical responses.
• Conducted single solid microneedle penetration studies over three days of biofilm incubation.

Main Results:

• Biofilm maturation led to increased skin mechanical response, including enhanced indenter adhesion.
• Increasing incubation time resulted in fewer successful microneedle punctures, indicating increased resistance or altered skin compliance.
• Mechanical property changes were observed as bacterial burden and biofilm maturity increased.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial biofilm development significantly alters the mechanical properties of skin.
• These findings provide a mechanical framework for evaluating biofilm-infected skin.
• This research can guide the design of microneedle-based and other topical strategies for managing wound infections.