The fight against skin infections could do without antibiotics. Researchers are exploring a radical solution: targeted electrical pulses.
An innovative patch, applied directly to the skin, could eliminate bacteria without harming humans. This process would be as discreet as it is effective.
The team at the University of Chicago has developed a bioelectronic patch. This patch delivers weak electrical pulses that target harmful skin bacteria, such as
Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Harmless in nature, this bacterium becomes dangerous when it enters the body through wounds or after surgery. It can cause serious blood infections.
Current treatments rely heavily on antibiotics. However, their widespread use has contributed to the emergence of resistant strains, making infections harder to treat.
To test their approach, the researchers used 1-millimeter patches equipped with gold electrodes. These patches emit small impulses that are imperceptible to the patient.
After 18 hours of testing on pig skin, the results are clear: a 90% reduction in bacteria was observed in the treated areas.
In addition to curbing bacterial growth, this technique prevents the formation of biofilms. These clusters make bacteria even more resistant and contribute to severe infections.
What's next? Testing this innovation on other problematic bacteria and preparing for preclinical trials. This bioelectronic solution could one day revolutionize the treatment of skin infections.
How does an electric patch work against bacteria?
This patch uses bioelectronic technology to deliver gentle electrical impulses. These impulses specifically target
Staphylococcus epidermidis, a skin bacterium naturally present on human skin. Though minimal and undetectable by humans, this electrical stimulation alters the bacterium's activity, preventing it from multiplying or forming biofilms.
The patch works effectively in acidic environments, similar to the natural pH of human skin. In these acidic conditions,
S. epidermidis becomes more sensitive to the electrical impulses, maximizing the effectiveness of this technology.
What is a bacterial biofilm and why is it problematic?
A biofilm is a protective structure formed by bacteria. These communities cluster together and produce a slimy substance that shields them from external threats, such as antibiotics. This makes them far more resistant to traditional treatments and can worsen infections.
On the skin, biofilms facilitate bacterial proliferation, making infections more persistent and harder to treat. Due to this heightened resistance, infections can lead to severe complications if not effectively controlled.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND