Factors affecting use of ballistics gelatin in laboratory studies of bacterial contamination in projectile wounds

Abstract

BackgroundBallistics gelatin is a common tissue surrogate used in bacterial contamination models for projectile wounds. Although these studies have demonstrated that bacteria are transferred from the surface of the gelatin to the wound track by a projectile, quantifiable results have been inconsistent and not repeatable in successive tests.MethodsIn this study, five areas of a typical contamination model in which bacterial recovery or survival are affected were identified for optimization. The first was a contaminated “skin” surrogate, where the novel use of vacuum filtration of a bacterial culture and buffer onto filter paper was employed. The other possibly problematic areas of the bacterial distribution model included the determination of bacterial survival when the contamination model is dried, survival in solid and molten gelatin, and the effect of high-intensity lights used for recording high-speed video.ResultsVacuum filtration of bacteria and buffer resulted in a consistent bacterial distribution and recovery. The use of phosphate buffer M9 (pH 7) aided in neutralizing the ballistics gelatin and improving bacterial survival in solid gelatin. Additionally, the use of high-intensity lights to record high-speed video and the use of a 42°C water bath to melt the gelatin were found to be bactericidal for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.ConclusionsMultiple areas of a typical contamination model in which bacterial survival may be impeded were identified, and methods were proposed to improve survival in each area. These methods may be used to optimize the results of bacterial contamination models for medical applications, such as understanding the progression of infection in penetrating wounds and to identify possible sources of contamination for forensic purposes.

Evaluation of soft tissue simulant performance against economic and environmental impact

“…40 Although providing the least waste, the influence on the wider environment from synthetic chemicals used to enhance transparency and limit material degradation are unknown. 32,77,78…”

“…40 Although providing the least waste, the inuence on the wider environment from synthetic chemicals used to enhance transparency and limit material degradation are unknown. 32,77,78 Lastly is the measurement of carbon dioxide generated from the transportation between supplier and the research establishment used within this work. It is important to note that carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas associated with climate change.…”

Chemical and Structural Engineering of Gelatin-Based Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Applications: A Review

“…Gelatin-based systems exhibit maximum drug-loading efficiency when IEPs are reached or approached . To ensure insolubility at elevated temperatures, minimize water swelling, and achieve prolonged drug release in a physiochemical environment, gelatin-based micro/nanostructures are commonly cross-linked using agents such as glutaraldehyde (GA), genistein, carbodiimide/ N -hydroxy-isobutymide, and transglutaminase. , The use of gelatin-based nanoparticles (GNPs) enhances drug delivery to tumors, for example, by improving drug loading efficiency and controllable and stimuli-responsive drug release . GNPs are demonstrated to have enhanced permeability to the smaller gaps between cells of the normal blood vessel walls in tumor due to the rapid angiogenesis and the great reliance on anaerobic glycolysis .…”