Wearable Device Fights Infections by Targeting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Need for Innovative Infection Control

As antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to proliferate, we need innovative methods to combat infections. A new patch offers a promising solution. By delivering a gentle electric shock, this bioelectronic wearable could help prevent bacteria from harming us through our skin.

This advancement comes from researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of California San Diego. In a recent paper published in the journal Device, the team explained how the device reduces the activity of harmful genes in infectious bacteria, thereby inhibiting their growth.

Successful Testing on Bacteria

The study successfully tested the device on Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacterium responsible for hospital-acquired infections, using pig skin. If this technology can safely target various bacteria, it could lead to a novel drug-free approach to treating bacterial infections, irrespective of their resistance to antibiotics.

The researchers found that certain bacteria were “selective” regarding their excitability—meaning they reacted differently to external stimuli depending on their environment. Staphylococcus epidermidis, for instance, became electrically excitable in healthy skin, which has an acidic environment.

Demonstration of Findings with BLAST

With this insight, the team demonstrated their findings using a flexible patch named Bioelectronic Localized Antimicrobial Stimulation Therapy, or BLAST. They also created an acidic environment on the skin with a hydrogel.

The patch delivered a weak electric signal of 1.5 volts—well below the 15-volt safety threshold for humans—for 10 seconds every 10 minutes over an 18-hour period. This approach eliminated 99% of the bacterial clusters that can block drug effectiveness and contribute to infections. Additionally, the treated skin samples showed nearly ten times fewer S. epidermidis cells compared to untreated ones after the 18-hour cycle.

Potential Impact on Infection Management

This technology could significantly enhance infection treatment for several reasons. In addition to addressing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it might eliminate the need for antibiotics in certain infections, making it useful in remote areas where regular medical supplies are hard to come by. Furthermore, the small size of the patch allows for targeted treatment, potentially reducing the risk of side effects.

As expected, there is still much work ahead in this area. “Understanding this selective excitability will guide us in controlling other bacterial species by exploring different conditions,” said Saehyun Kim, the study’s first author from the University of Chicago.

Senior co-author Bozhi Tian, also from the University of Chicago, noted the potential to develop a wireless circuit patch for drug-free infection control and to further evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness.

According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance in bacteria led to approximately 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019. This innovative treatment could play a crucial role in preventing serious health issues caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and potentially save lives in the process.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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