Antimicrobial effects of a borate-based bioactive glass wound matrix on wound-relevant pathogens

Abstract

Objective: The antimicrobial effects of a borate-based bioactive glass matrix (BBBGM) on clinically relevant microorganisms was investigated for up to seven days in vitro. Method: A total of 19 wound-relevant pathogens were studied using the in vitro AATCC 100 test method. Results: The reduction of viable Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts at days 4 and 7 post-culture on the BBBGM was significant (> 4log10) in most cases. Mould counts were reduced (<2log10) during the seven-day assessment, indicating that mould viability and reproduction was inhibited. The cell count of each organism was reduced at seven days indicating that the BBBGM not only reduced the viable cell count, but that the cell count did not recover during the seven-day period, indicating a sustained reduction in pathogenic activity. Conclusion: Based on the present results, the use of a BBBGM as a pathogenic barrier should be considered as a tool for combating pathogenic colonisation and infection in acute and hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds.