By creating a unique bioelectric device, scientists have made a promising breakthrough in the war against bacterial infections. A new electroceutical patch emits electrical signals capable of altering the behavior of harmful bacteria and forcing them to refrain from carrying out actions that are harmful to the person.
The result is the work of researchers from the laboratories of Bozhi Tian and Gürol Süel, respectively at the University of Chicago and the University of California at San Diego, both in the United States. The team is led by Saehyun Kim of the University of Chicago.
The new and revolutionary device exploits the natural electrical activity of some bacteria that usually settle on our skin. The creation of the device paves the way for the treatment of infections without the use of drugs.
Researchers have demonstrated with this device that precise electrical stimulation can effectively reduce the harmful effects of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacterium known for causing infections in hospitals and for its increasing resistance to antibiotics.
The device consists of a flexible patch that transmits delicate electrical signals to bacteria, guided by a specific pH level in the skin. This causes temporary changes in the behavior of these bacteria and prevents the formation of biofilms (accumulations of bacteria that form a sort of “bunker” that protects them and which can lead to serious infections).
This innovative approach addresses the urgent need for new methods to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. This growing resistance to antibiotics represents a growing risk to patient safety and the effectiveness of healthcare systems around the world.
Fighting harmful bacteria with alternative means to antibiotics helps maintain their effectiveness. That’s why the new device is so important. It must be taken into account that, according to some estimates, drug-resistant infections will increase by 70% between now and 2050.
The new electroceutical patch which, through electrical signals, alters the behavior of harmful bacteria and induces them to refrain from carrying out actions that are harmful to the person. (Photo: Saehyun Kim / University of Chicago)
In tests carried out with the new device, it was shown that electrical stimulation significantly reduces the activity of harmful genes in bacteria and slows their growth, all without having to resort to antibiotics.
The new technology allows targeted therapy, reducing possible side effects that are often associated with traditional antibiotic treatments.
In preclinical tests the electroceutical patch achieved notable results, achieving a strong reduction in bacterial colonization in pig skin.
“We discovered action potentials in bacterial biofilms almost ten years ago and have since worked to demonstrate that bacteria, which are not normally considered excitable, are excitable and even perform functions similar to those performed by neurons in the brain,” he explains . Suel.
The technological progress now achieved constitutes a major breakthrough in bioelectric medicine, and researchers are optimistic that this device can soon be used in clinical settings, especially for patients with chronic wounds or those with medical implants.
Saehyun Kim’s team presents the technical details of the new device and the tests carried out with it in the academic journal Device, under the title “Drug-free bioelectronic control of opportunistic pathogens through selective excitability”. (Fountain: NCYT by Amazings)
Time.news Interview with Dr. Saehyun Kim on Revolutionary Bioelectric Device for Treating Infections
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Kim! We’re excited to have you here to discuss your groundbreaking work on the bioelectric device designed to combat bacterial infections. This sounds like a major advancement in the realm of medical treatment. Can you start by telling us what initially inspired you to pursue this research?
Dr. Saehyun Kim: Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from the alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As we know, infections like those caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis are becoming increasingly difficult to treat with standard antibiotics. I wanted to explore alternative methods that could complement or even replace traditional treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Editor: It’s fascinating to hear! The device you developed emits electrical signals to alter bacterial behavior. How does that actually work, and what makes it effective against harmful bacteria?
Dr. Saehyun Kim: The patch functions by emitting delicate electrical signals guided by the pH levels of the skin. These signals can induce temporary changes in the behavior of the bacteria, specifically preventing them from forming biofilms, which are protective layers that allow bacteria to thrive and resist treatments. By disrupting this process, our device effectively reduces the harmful effects of these bacteria and helps keep infections at bay.
Editor: That’s quite innovative! You mentioned that this device could lead to infection treatment without drug reliance. How significant do you believe this approach is in the context of the current healthcare landscape, especially considering the projected increase in drug-resistant infections?
Dr. Saehyun Kim: It’s incredibly significant. The World Health Organization has warned that drug-resistant infections could increase by as much as 70% by 2050. Our device addresses this growing problem head-on by offering a method to combat harmful bacteria without using antibiotics. By preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics while providing alternative treatment methods, we can enhance patient safety and improve the effectiveness of healthcare systems.
Editor: That’s a powerful perspective. Could you discuss the target demographics or situations that would benefit most from this bioelectric device? Are there specific patient groups that you anticipate will be early adopters?
Dr. Saehyun Kim: Initially, we believe that patients in hospitals, especially those undergoing surgical procedures or immunocompromised individuals, could greatly benefit from such a device. These patients are at higher risk for infections from bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis. However, the long-term goal is to expand the device’s usage to outpatient settings and even for at-home care, making it accessible for a wider range of patients at risk for infections.
Editor: That certainly sounds promising! What are the next steps for this research moving forward? Are there further developments or clinical trials planned?
Dr. Saehyun Kim: Yes, we are currently in the process of preparing for clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of the patch in human subjects. Our team is also looking into refining the device further to increase its precision and effectiveness. We’re hopeful that our findings can lead to quick adoption in clinical practices within the next few years.
Editor: It’s impressive how you and your team are pushing the boundaries of treatment. Lastly, what message do you have for our readers who are concerned about the rise of antibiotic resistance and intrigued by this new technology?
Dr. Saehyun Kim: I would encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged. Understanding the implications of antibiotic resistance is crucial, and supporting innovative research in this field is key to finding effective solutions. The development of devices like ours represents a hopeful step toward a future where we can control infections in new and effective ways.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Kim. We look forward to seeing how your research progresses and hope to hear more about the impact of the bioelectric patch soon!
Dr. Saehyun Kim: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.