Efficacy and toxicity of hydrogen peroxide producing electrochemical bandages in a porcine explant biofilm model

Aims: Effects of H₂O₂ producing electrochemical-bandages (e-bandages) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and biofilm removal were assessed using a porcine explant biofilm model. Transport of H₂O₂ produced from the e-bandage into explant tissue and associated potential toxicity were evaluated. Methods and Results: Viable prokaryotic cells from infected explants were quantified after 48 h treatment with e-bandages in three ex vivo S. aureus infection models: (1) reducing colonization, (2) removing young biofilms and (3) removing mature biofilms. H₂O₂ concentration-depth profiles in explants/biofilms were measured using microelectrodes. Reductions in eukaryotic cell viability of polarized and nonpolarized noninfected explants were compared. e-Bandages effectively reduced S. aureus colonization (p = 0.029) and reduced the viable prokaryotic cell concentrations of young biofilms (p = 0.029) with limited effects on mature biofilms (p > 0.1). H₂O₂ penetrated biofilms and explants and reduced eukaryotic cell viability by 32–44% compared to nonpolarized explants. Conclusions: H₂O₂ producing e-bandages were most active when used to reduce colonization and remove young biofilms rather than to remove mature biofilms. Significance and Impact of Study: The described e-bandages reduced S. aureus colonization and young S. aureus biofilms in a porcine explant wound model, supporting their further development as an antibiotic-free alternative for managing biofilm infections.