In Vitro
Anti-Biofilm Activity of Hydrogen-Peroxide Generating Electrochemical Bandage Against Yeast Biofilms
Wound infections are caused by bacteria and/or fungi. The presence of fungal biofilms in wound beds presents a unique challenge, as fungal biofilms may be difficult to eradicate. The goal of this work was to assess the in vitro anti-biofilm activity of a H 2 O 2 -producing electrochemical bandage (e-bandage) against 15 yeast isolates representing commonly-encountered species. Time-dependent decreases in viable biofilm CFU counts of all isolates tested were observed, resulting in no visible colonies with 48 hours of exposure by plate culture. Fluorescence microscopic analysis showed extensive cell membrane damage of biofilm cells after e-bandage treatment. Reductions in intracellular ATP levels of yeast biofilm cells were recorded post e-bandage treatment. Our results suggest that exposure to H 2 O 2 -producing e-bandages reduce in vitro viable cell counts of yeast biofilms, making this a potential new topical treatment approach for fungal wound infections.