Antibacterial Analysis of Proliferex®

Introduction

This section explores the antimicrobial properties of Proliferex®, focusing on their potential as an antimicrobial bandage contact lenses. The study investigates the antimicrobial activity of Proliferex® against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

A Resazurin-based assay is a widely used method to assess cell viability and metabolic activity in both microbial and mammalian cells. This assay is particularly useful in antimicrobial testing, where a reduction in Resazurin indicates active, living bacteria. By measuring the degree of Resazurin reduction, we can determine the effectiveness of the hydrogels in inhibiting bacterial viability.

Antimicrobial Activity of Proliferex®

Proliferex® was assessed over an 18-hour period to determine their antimicrobial effectiveness. Resazurin reduction—a measure of bacterial viability—was significantly lower for Proliferex® compared to the LB agar control at all time points.

This section examines the impact of Proliferex® on the viability of S. aureus and E. coli over an 18-hour period, using a Resazurin-based assay to track microbial activity.

Key Findings

• 4-Hour Time Point: A significant reduction in Resazurin activity was observed for both S. aureus and E. coli when cultured with Proliferex® compared to control.

• 18-Hour Time Point (E. coli): Resazurin reduction was markedly lower with Proliferex® (5%) compared to the LB agar (69%).

• 18-Hour Time Point (S. aureus): Similarly, Proliferex® (3%) showed significantly less Resazurin reduction compared to LB agar (73%).

Detailed Analysis of Proliferex® Antimicrobial Activity Towards S. aureus

Following the identification of Proliferex® effective antimicrobial material, a more detailed analysis was conducted to assess their impact on both planktonic and attached S. aureus cells.

Key Findings

• Planktonic S. aureus: Across all time points, Proliferex® significantly reduced bacterial cell numbers, with the most significant reductions observed after 18 hours. Proliferex® achieved a 1.8 log reduction compared to the LB agar control.

• Attached S. aureus: After 18 hours, Proliferex® (2.3 log reduction) significantly decreased the number of attached S. aureus cells compared to the LB agar control (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Proliferex® demonstrates significant ability in reducing S. aureus cell numbers, both in planktonic and attached forms, making them promising candidates for clinical application

References 

Gallagher, A. G., Alorabi, J. A., Wellings, D. A., Lace, R., Horsburgh, M. J., & Williams, R. L. (2016). A Novel Peptide Hydrogel for an Antimicrobial Bandage Contact Lens. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 5(16), 2013–2018.