Bioelectronic device effective against infections

Researchers developed an electroceutical epidermal patch that is designed to inhibit bacterial growth. Photo by: Saehyun Kim, the University of Chicago

Researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of California San Diego have created a novel bioelectronic device they say could revolutionize the treatment of bacterial infections without relying on antibiotics. The study, published in the journal Device, demonstrates how programmable electrical stimulation can effectively combat Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacterium associated with hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance.

The device, named Bioelectronic Localized Antimicrobial Stimulation Therapy (BLAST), consists of a flexible electroceutical patch that delivers gentle electrical signals to bacteria at specific skin pH levels. This approach exploits the newly discovered ‘selective excitability’ of S. epidermidis, which becomes electrically responsive in acidic environments similar to healthy skin.

“We discovered action potentials in bacterial biofilms almost ten years ago and since then we have worked to show that bacteria, which are typically not thought of as excitable, are indeed excitable and even perform functions similar to neurons in the brain,” said Gürol Süel, PhD, a professor at UC San Diego’s School of Biological Sciences, in a press release.

The research team found that by applying mild electrical stimulation, they could significantly reduce bacterial virulence and biofilm formation without using antibiotics. In preclinical tests on pig skin, the device achieved a remarkable 10-fold reduction in bacterial colonization.

Key features of the BLAST device include:

1. Targeted activation in acidic environments mimicking healthy skin conditions;

2. Reduced bacterial virulence through electrical stimulation; and

3. Localized treatment, minimizing potential side effects associated with systemic antibiotic use.

This development is timely, as experts project a 70% increase in drug-resistant infections by 2050. The development of non-antibiotic treatments such as BLAST can be crucial for combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Bozhi Tian, PhD, co-senior author from the University of Chicago, emphasized the collaborative nature of the research: “Together we show that an important opportunistic pathogen is ‘selectively excitable,’ and the Tian group developed a wearable device that can treat biofilm infections on the skin through electroceutical therapy, without the need for any antibiotics.”

The researchers are optimistic about the potential clinical applications of this technology, particularly for patients with chronic wounds or medical implants. By harnessing the natural electrical properties of bacteria, this approach opens up new possibilities for personalized and effective treatments against opportunistic infections.