The researchers investigated the effects of bioactive glass doped with ionic silver on biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the study showed that specific preparation, storage and application techniques can minimise the transformation of silver ions to silver chloride and so retain antimicrobial activity.
Newswise — Scientists at the University of Birmingham have proven that the antimicrobial effectiveness of silver lasts longer when incorporated into 'bioactive glass'. Additionally, they have successfully revealed how this innovative pairing provides superior and enduring wound protection against traditional options.
Bioactive glasses, composed of silicone, represent a distinctive category of synthetic biomaterials that have been utilized in bone grafting for several years.
The antimicrobial properties of silver have long been recognized for their ability to prevent or inhibit the growth of biofilms, which are bacterial communities commonly found in open wounds. As a result, silver-based treatments have gained popularity due to their efficacy against numerous antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The effectiveness of these treatments relies on silver maintaining its ionic form, enabling it to penetrate bacterial cell walls and disrupt their life cycle. However, in wound dressings, the silver ions or nanoparticles have a tendency to undergo transformation into silver sulphide or silver chloride. This transformation can diminish the antimicrobial activity of silver and impede the overall success of the treatment.
The scientists conducted a study to examine the impact of bioactive glass infused with ionic silver on biofilms created by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium is notorious for its ability to develop biofilms and is frequently responsible for infections in chronic wounds. Moreover, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to exhibit resistance to multiple drugs.
The findings of the research, featured in the scientific journal Biofilm, highlight that specific methods of preparation, storage, and application can effectively minimize the conversion of silver ions into silver chloride, thereby preserving the antimicrobial properties. The team of researchers involved in the study includes Dr. Sarah A. Kuehne, a microbiology researcher, Dr. Gowsihan Poologasundarampillai, an expert in biomaterials, and Sandeep Shirgill, a PhD student with a multidisciplinary background from the University of Birmingham's School of Dentistry. Additionally, the research team comprises Dr. Sara Jabbari from the School of Mathematics and Dr. John Ward from the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Loughborough University.
The research team at the University of Birmingham possesses significant expertise in the field of bioactive glass, which is presently employed as a bioactive and degradable graft material. In this particular application, the key factors that contribute to the effectiveness of bioactive glass are its fibrous form, which provides a three-dimensional porous structure capable of withstanding pressure and its specific diameter and density, which facilitate tissue growth and regeneration.
The researchers are actively seeking collaborations with companies interested in jointly developing or co-creating products for dental surgery or wound care. Their eagerness to collaborate stems from their expertise in the field and their desire to translate their research findings into practical applications that can benefit patients in need of dental or wound care treatments.
Dr. Sam Moxon, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with the Birmingham team, has been actively investigating the applications of these pioneering materials in the realms of dental surgery and wound care. Recently, Dr. Moxon successfully concluded an Innovate UK funded program called ICURe (Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research), which aimed to facilitate the transition of research findings into commercial products. Presently, the team is focused on advancing the material further in order to obtain clinical approval, thereby paving the way for its practical implementation in healthcare settings.
Dr. Moxon will be presenting his work on this subject at the UK Society for Biomaterials annual conference, scheduled to take place in Belfast on June 21st. During this presentation, he will discuss the research conducted at Birmingham and provide insights into the team's efforts to develop these promising new biomaterials. Additionally, Dr. Moxon has been invited to deliver a keynote address at the Future Investigators in Regenerative Medicine annual conference in Spain in September. This keynote presentation will encompass his research conducted in Birmingham, as well as the team's aspirations regarding the advancement of their innovative biomaterials.
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