Effects of Resonant Electromagnetic Fields on Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a future health threat and dictates a need to explore alternative and non-chemical approaches. The aim of this study was to explore the use of weak resonant electromagnetic fields as a method to disrupt biofilm formation of a pathogenic bacterium in cystic fibrosis patients. We developed a bioresonance laboratory setup able to distinguish between changes in planktonic growth and changes in biofilm formation and showed that certain resonant frequencies were able to affect biofilm formation without affecting planktonic growth. In addition, we show that the ambient day-to-day magnetic field affects biofilm formation in a non-consistent manner. Overall, we conclude that our assay is suitable for studying the potential of resonant magnetic fields as a treatment and prevention strategy to prevent biofilm infections, and that certain resonant frequencies may be used as future medical applications to combat antimicrobial resistance.