Computer simulations of microscopic, protein-coated beads that block bacteria from binding to host cells suggest that the microbeads could help reduce or eliminate bacterial infections in burn wounds.
Dr Paul Robertsfrom the University of Birmingham’s School of Mathematics, UK., and colleagues present these new findings, funded by the BBSRC, in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.
The microbeads were developed several years ago as a potential alternative to antibiotics, which are difficult to innovate quickly enough to keep up with the rapid emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to existing drugs. The tiny plastic spheres are coated with the same protein used by many bacteria to bind host cells. Thus, they compete with bacteria for binding sites, physically keeping them from attaching to host cells.
Previous laboratory research has demonstrated the potential of the microbeads to treat infections in burn wounds in rats. To further explore this potential, Dr Roberts and colleagues developed a mathematical model that simulates microbead treatment of rats with burn wounds infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that often infects burn wounds in humans.
The researchers ran computer simulations for a range of parameter values representing different infection scenarios and microbead treatment strategies. This enabled them to explore which conditions allow for effective microbead treatment and how to refine microbead treatment to maximize its anti-bacterial power.
The simulations showed that microbead treatment is unlikely to be effective on its own, but when combined with a technique called debridement, it could significantly reduce or eliminate infection. Debridement is a method of cleansing a burn wound with a cloth and is already used regularly to treat burn wounds in humans.
‘Our results also suggest that these microbeads could be used to complement traditional antibiotic drugs,’ Dr Paul Roberts says. ‘In theory, this would allow us to eliminate bacterial infections more rapidly, reducing the quantity of antibiotics used and hence lessening the chances that bacteria will develop resistance to them.’
Next, the model results will be tested in laboratory experiments to determine if a combined microbead-debridement treatment is as effective as predicted. Meanwhile, Dr Roberts and colleagues are developing more sophisticated mathematical models in order to explore the best ways to combine microbeads and debridement with traditional antibiotic treatment.
Learn more:Â Microbeads to combat infection show promise in burn wound simulations
The Latest on: Microbeads
[google_news title=”” keyword=”microbeads” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Microbeads
- Woolies debuts trial to remove plastic barrier bags, and combat plastic wasteon April 20, 2024 at 12:15 am
Woolworths has launched a 12-store trial to remove plastic barriers from its stores for the advocacy of environmental sustainability, in celebration of Earth Day on April 22 under the theme ‘Planet vs ...
- Harmony Public Schools prepares for STEM Festival at Outlet Shoppeson April 18, 2024 at 6:05 am
Harmony Public Schools students will showcase STEM talents at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo Saturday during its city-wide STEM Festival.
- How everyday objects are speeding up the spread of canceron April 18, 2024 at 4:08 am
Microplastics in the body could make cancer more aggressive and cause it to spread faster, a new study shows.
- Catch some Zzz's on these expert-loved (and award-winning!) travel pillowson April 18, 2024 at 3:58 am
Travel pillows should be comfy and supportive. Here are the 12 best travel pillows based on research, tips from sleep and travel experts and our own trials.
- New diagnostic tool achieves accuracy of PCR tests with faster and simpler nanopore systemon April 17, 2024 at 7:56 pm
A new diagnostic tool developed by researchers can test for SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus with the same or better accuracy as high-precision PCR tests in a matter of hours.
- Five simple tips to cut your ‘plastic footprint’ and help stop microplasticson April 17, 2024 at 10:07 am
It’s perfectly possible to cut down the amount of plastic and microplastics you introduce into the environment, says MP Rebecca Pow.
- The Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia (OPC) Celebrates Earth Dayon April 17, 2024 at 9:20 am
Learn about the harmful impacts of plastic waste on water utilities and the need for action to address this growing challenge.
- Issues of the Environment: The Ecology Center pushes for tougher plastics regulations in Michiganon April 17, 2024 at 5:00 am
Earth Day 2024 is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Advocates are calling for a global reduction of 60% in plastics manufacturing to protect the environment and ...
- A travel pillow can make or break your next flight — here’s how to pick the right oneon April 11, 2024 at 1:22 pm
See the best travel neck pillows to try. Shop travel pillows from Trtl, Ostrichpillow, Cabeau and more to keep you comfortable while traveling.
via Bing News