Biofilm reduction by a new burn gel that targets nociception

Abstract

Aims: To compare the ability of an amorphous first aid topical gel containing vinegar, citric acid and EDTA (RescuDermTM; RESC) and various derivative formulations to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSEUD) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (STAPH) biofilms. Methods and Results: 24‐h biofilms prepared using the Minimum Biofilm Elimination Concentration (MBECTM) Assay System were exposed for 4 or 24 h to the different gel formulations. Citric acid‐free, acetic acid‐free or acetic acid‐free/sodium acetate‐supplemented RESC gels reduced PSEUD and STAPH biofilm formation as effectively as RESC. Substituting the weak organic acids with equivalent concentrations of glacial acetic acid reduced the effectiveness of gel against PSEUD and STAPH biofilms by half, but viable bacterial counts still remained below 4 log10 CFU/peg. Removal of gelling agent and/or EDTA enhanced efficacy against PSEUD but not STAPH biofilms. An acidified placebo gel formulation generated an only marginal bactericidal effect compared to that of RESC. Conclusions: RESC is a promising new antimicrobial agent. Its weak organic acid content, rather than merely acidic pH, mediates its considerable in vitro bactericidal efficacy against bacterial biofilms. Significance and Impact of the Study: These data, taken together with the observation that RescuDermTM possesses broad in vitro bactericidal activity against other pathogen species, suggest the potential usefulness of this product for controlling biofilm formation on a variety of cutaneous traumatic and surgical wounds.

Effect of the proton motive force inhibitor carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) onPseudomonas aeruginosabiofilm development

“…However, it cannot be excluded that quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa might also be mediated by mechanisms not related to PMF-dependent transporters. Until now, several compounds have been tested in vitro as potential inhibitors of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa (Houari and Di Martino 2007;Martineau and Dosch 2007). Moreover, considerable work is done in the field of generating potentially active and clinically applicable efflux pump inhibitors (Mahamoud et al 2007).…”

Antibiofilm Properties of Acetic Acid

“…Since then, several articles have been published describing acetic acid for topical treatment. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] In addition, acetic acid has been used with success for different types of otitis media. 23 We have discovered that not only does acetic acid kill planktonic bacteria but it also eradicates bacteria growing in biofilms.…”

EDTA: An Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Agent for Use in Wound Care

“…The antibiofilm ability of RescuDerm has been demonstrated on in vitro grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermis biofilms. 41 Furthermore, Martineau and Dosch 42 demonstrated the ability of RescuDerm to prevent P. aeruginosa biofilm in full-thickness wound models in rats.…”