36 A Novel Polysaccharide Derivative to Enhance Wound Healing in MRSA-Infected Porcine Partial-Thickness Burn Wound Model

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the most common etiology of wound infection in the US, leading to considerable morbidity and mortality. SYN01 is a non-toxic, polycationic polysaccharide which disrupts biofilms and prevents bacterial colonization in vitro. It is low cost, stable at room-temperature, and not associated with bacterial resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of SYN01 in MRSA-infected porcine partial-thickness wounds (PTBWs). A total of 4x4cm 30 PTBWs were created on two female Yorkshire pigs and were infected with approximately 108 CFU of MRSA (ATCC® BAA-1717™) on Day 2. Wounds were given 3 days for infection to develop. Starting post-burn day 5, each wound was assigned to one of three treatment groups (n=10 each): no treatment, silvadene (silver sulfadiazine, standard of care), SYN01 rinse and gel. Dressing changes were performed 3 times a week and punch biopsies were taken at each dressing change for bacterial counts using blood-agar plates. Pigs were sacrificed on post-burn day 28. Measured outcomes included percentage of wound closure, bacterial counts and histology. SYN01 topical application lead to a statistically significant wound healing improvement in MRSA-infected partial-thickness burn wounds compared to silvadene treatment and no treatment after day 5 (Figure 1). Application of SYN01 reduced the bacterial count however no statistical significance was reached. Histological wound examination of POD28 demonstrates that wounds treated with SYN01 have healed markedly and are comparable to the healing quality of non-infected burn wounds. SYN01 significantly enhances wound healing in MRSA-infected PTBWs and leads to optimal histological morphology. SYN01 enhances wound healing in PTBWs and is a promising therapeutic option for treating and preventing PTBW infections.