Development of a Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Scalpel to Eradicate Biofilms from Chronic Wound Models
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Jim Browning Dr. Julia T. Oxford Dr. Ken Cornell
Abstract
Chronic wounds account for $10-25B in annual healthcare costs, and affect millions of people worldwide. Biofilms are found within nearly every chronic wound and are difficult to remove, which creates a major barrier to healing. Current wound debridement techniques such as sharp debridement, hydrosurgery/sonication, and topical treatments are ineffective at completely removing biofilms, often damage underlying healthy tissue, and do not provide necessary lasting effects. Recently, cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) treatments have shown promise for removing biofilms, but these techniques need considerable improvement before they can be used for patient care. To address this need, we have developed a novel, low-cost, and effective CAP treatment using a plasma scalpel system to completely eradicate biofilms from chronic wounds. We propose to use this system to completely etch biofilms without damaging underlying healthy tissue on solid substrates and biological surfaces, such as Matrigel and ex vivo porcine wound models. Profilometry and confocal microscopy allow assessment of the effectiveness of the treatment. The results of this work provide preliminary proof-of-concept for the application of CAP in biofilm removal, and indicate the potential for further development of a more effective biofilm debridement treatment for those who suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds.
Development of a Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Scalpel to Eradicate Biofilms from Chronic Wound Models
Chronic wounds account for $10-25B in annual healthcare costs, and affect millions of people worldwide. Biofilms are found within nearly every chronic wound and are difficult to remove, which creates a major barrier to healing. Current wound debridement techniques such as sharp debridement, hydrosurgery/sonication, and topical treatments are ineffective at completely removing biofilms, often damage underlying healthy tissue, and do not provide necessary lasting effects. Recently, cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) treatments have shown promise for removing biofilms, but these techniques need considerable improvement before they can be used for patient care. To address this need, we have developed a novel, low-cost, and effective CAP treatment using a plasma scalpel system to completely eradicate biofilms from chronic wounds. We propose to use this system to completely etch biofilms without damaging underlying healthy tissue on solid substrates and biological surfaces, such as Matrigel and ex vivo porcine wound models. Profilometry and confocal microscopy allow assessment of the effectiveness of the treatment. The results of this work provide preliminary proof-of-concept for the application of CAP in biofilm removal, and indicate the potential for further development of a more effective biofilm debridement treatment for those who suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds.