Abstract
BackgroundWe investigate disinfection of a reconstructed human skin model contaminated with biofilm-formative Staphylococcus aureus employing plasma discharge in liquid.Principal FindingsWe observed statistically significant 3.83-log10 (p<0.001) and 1.59-log10 (p<0.05) decreases in colony forming units of adherent S. aureus bacteria and 24 h S. aureus biofilm culture with plasma treatment. Plasma treatment was associated with minimal changes in histological morphology and tissue viability determined by means of MTT assay. Spectral analysis of the plasma discharge indicated the presence of highly reactive atomic oxygen radicals (777 nm and 844 nm) and OH bands in the UV region. The contribution of these and other plasma-generated agents and physical conditions to the reduction in bacterial load are discussed.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the potential of liquid plasma treatment as a potential adjunct therapy for chronic wounds.
Highlights
A biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms embedded in a selfproduced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances
These findings demonstrate the potential of liquid plasma treatment as a potential adjunct therapy for chronic wounds
We observed a statistically significant (p,0.001) 3.83-log10 decrease in colony forming units (CFUs) with 2 min liquid plasma treatment compared with the control (Figure 2)
Summary
A biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms embedded in a selfproduced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. According to the National Institutes of Health, biofilms account for over 80% of microbial infections in the body. Common examples include infections of the urinary tract, middle ear, and paranasal sinuses. Biofilms are responsible for life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia in cystic fibrosis patients and endocarditis and have been implicated in the prevention of wound healing in chronic wounds. Bacteria within biofilms are notoriously resistant to antimicrobial agents due to restricted antibiotic diffusion through the matrix, slow growth rates, and induction of a resistant phenotype [1]. We investigate disinfection of a reconstructed human skin model contaminated with biofilm-formative Staphylococcus aureus employing plasma discharge in liquid
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