Abstract

Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant global challenge driven by biofilm-forming pathogens. Polymicrobial biofilms, involving interactions between multiple microbial species, exacerbate treatment difficulties due to their enhanced resistance to antimicrobial therapies. Borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) are an emerging class of biomaterials that have attracted significant interest in infection control. The incorporation of copper and zinc into the BBG matrix can effectively disrupt biofilm formation and bacterial colonization. This study investigates the antibiofilm efficacy of copper and zinc-doped BBGs against polymicrobial biofilms formed by S. epidermidis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Using static and dynamic biofilm models, BBGs were applied through direct and indirect contact, simulating clinically relevant conditions. The results demonstrated superior antibiofilm activity of the enhanced BBGs, with significant reductions in biofilm viability observed at 48 h and near-complete eradication by 96 h, particularly in polymicrobial biofilms under dynamic conditions. These findings underscore the potential of copper and zinc-doped BBGs as innovative materials for managing biofilm-associated HAIs.

Department(s)

Biological Sciences

Second Department

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Publication Status

Full Text Access

Keywords and Phrases

BBGs; Copper; HAIs; Polymicrobial biofilms; Zinc

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0272-8842

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2025

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