Development and characterisation of a novel three-dimensional inter-kingdom wound biofilm model.

Abstract

Chronic diabetic foot ulcers are frequently colonised and infected by polymicrobial biofilms that ultimately prevent healing. This study aimed to create a novel in vitro inter-kingdom wound biofilm model on complex hydrogel-based cellulose substrata to test commonly used topical wound treatments. Inter-kingdom triadic biofilms composed of Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were shown to be quantitatively greater in this model compared to a simple substratum when assessed by conventional culture, metabolic dye and live dead qPCR. These biofilms were both structurally complex and compositionally dynamic in response to topical therapy, so when treated with either chlorhexidine or povidone iodine, principal component analysis revealed that the 3-D cellulose model was minimally impacted compared to the simple substratum model. This study highlights the importance of biofilm substratum and inclusion of relevant polymicrobial and inter-kingdom components, as these impact penetration and efficacy of topical antiseptics.

• Authors: Eleanor M Townsend, Leighann Sherry, Ranjith Rajendran, Donald Hansom, John Butcher, William G Mackay, Craig Williams, Gordon Ramage
• Journal: Biofouling (Biofouling) Vol. 32 Issue 10 Pg. 1259-1270 (11 2016) ISSN: 1029-2454 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 27841027 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate

Topics

• Anti-Infective Agents (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Biofilms (drug effects, growth & development)
• Candida albicans (drug effects, physiology)
• Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (chemistry)
• Models, Biological
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (drug effects, physiology)
• Staphylococcus aureus (drug effects, physiology)
• Wound Healing (drug effects)
• Wound Infection (drug therapy, microbiology)