Antimicrobial efficacy of a tetrasodium-EDTA complex – polymer hydrogel against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm.

Abstract: Biofilms are formed when bacterial cells adhere to a surface and each other and secrete extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), encasing themselves in a matrix. There is increasing evidence showing the presence of biofilms on surfaces, such as medical devices and wounds, can lead to infection, inflammation and delayed wound healing. Development of chronic wounds can significantly increase patient morbidity and mortality as well as the economic burden on healthcare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of Tetrasodium-EDTA complex-polymer loaded onto a hydrogel platform against a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm using the drip flow bioreactor model. A wound dressing model was set up in the drip flow bioreactor with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 700888. A 24 hour biofilm of P. aeruginosa was grown in the drip flow bioreactor supplied with Tryptone soya broth (TSB) at 5-6 mL/hour/channel. Following establishment of the biofilm, hydrogels with and without the T-EDTA complex-polymer were applied for 24 hours. Samples were then placed into neutraliser and sonicated. Biofilm density was determined by performing serial dilutions and plating onto agar. Following treatment of the P. aeruginosa biofilm with the T-EDTA complex-polymer hydrogel, a bacterial cell density of 1.57 x 103 CFU/mL was found. In comparison, the untreated biofilm had a bacterial cell density of 6.16 x 108 CFU/mL, showing treatment with the T-EDTA complex-polymer hydrogel reduced the biofilm by 5-log. In comparison, no reduction in biofilm was found with the hydrogel only and the hydrogel-polymer only. Preliminary data of the antibiofilm efficacy of the T-EDTA complex-polymer hydrogel demonstrated effective release of the complex from the hydrogel and potent activity against a 24 hour P. aeruginosa biofilm. The initial data supports further development of the T-EDTA complex-polymer into various platforms for the potential use in healthcare settings to treat and prevent infection.

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