A new device zaps harmful skin bacteria with electricity, potentially preventing infections
Scientists have developed a patch that uses mild electric pulses to combat bacteria on the skin, potentially helping to reduce infections that could enter the bloodstream. This device, known as the Bioelectronic Localized Antimicrobial Stimulation Therapy (BLAST) patch, emits a harmless electrical current specifically designed to target certain skin bacteria that pose a risk of infection.
Testing produces encouraging results on Pig Skin
The device was recently tested on pig skin, which has structural similarities to human skin and is commonly used in preclinical studies. Researchers applied Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria to the skin. This type of bacteria normally resides on human skin without causing any harm. However, when these bacteria enter the body through medical devices like catheters, they can lead to severe infections.
When applied to pig skin, the BLAST patch emitted electric pulses every ten minutes for an 18-hour period. These mild charges were similar to those used in pacemakers. This technique significantly decreased the formation of biofilms—thick layers that allow bacteria to adhere to surfaces and resist treatment—resulting in almost a tenfold reduction in bacterial levels on the treated skin.
Mechanism Targets Bacteria in Specific Conditions
In laboratory tests, S. epidermidis responded to electrical currents only in a mildly acidic environment, similar to the natural pH of human skin. Researchers improved this effect by incorporating an acidifying hydrogel into the BLAST patch. Maintaining acidity is crucial for suppressing the development of bacterial biofilms, which complicates infection control in medical settings.
Early Findings Hint at Medical Applications
Published on October 24 in the journal *Device*, the BLAST patch may also be effective in sterilizing the surfaces of medical devices, adding an extra layer of protection against bacterial infections. Bozhi Tian, one of the study’s authors and a professor of chemistry at the University of Chicago, pointed out that reducing the reliance on preventive antibiotics could help address concerns related to antibiotic resistance.
Further Testing Needed
Future research will investigate the effectiveness of BLAST on other bacterial strains, as well as in animal and, eventually, human trials. If successful, this device may provide a practical tool for infection prevention in medical facilities within five years.