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Lab Research
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The use of silver-containing dressings to prevent biofilm formation by single and mixed bacterial flora First Author: Kiersten Driffield Authors: Kiersten Driffield Emma Woodmansey Helen Floyd Bacterial species present in chronic wounds exist as complex microbial ecosystems, and possibly biofilms. Biofilms rapidly form on surfaces and protect bacteria from the host's immune defences and antimicrobial intervention. This study assessed the ability of a variety of silver-dressings to prevent biofilm formation by single and mixed bacterial community representing infected chronic wounds. A microtitre plate model was used to form biofilms of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and seven mixed bacterial communities representing situations in diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and burns, in the presence or absence of silver-dressings. Biofilms were grouped into strong, moderate, weak or no biofilm categories. The nanocrystalline silver woven and alginate dressings prevented biofilm formation by all test cultures. Strong biofilms were formed by all the cultures in the presence of the silver-impregnated charcoal and alginate-carboxymethylcellulose nylon dressings (exception of silver-impregnated charcoal and S. epidermidis). The silver-containing hydrofiber, silver-foam and silver-plated fabric dressings did not show consistent efficacy across the different cultures Biofilms represent a significant healthcare issue and there is growing evidence of their detrimental role in chronic infections, including those in wounds. Rapid therapeutic intervention by the use of silver-containing dressings can be useful in preventing biofilm formation in wounds. |
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