Magnetic fields suppress Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and enhance ciprofloxacin activity

• Published in: Biofouling (Chur, Switzerland) Vol. 31; no. 5; pp. 443 - 457
• Main Authors: Bandara, H.M.H.N., Nguyen, D., Mogarala, S., Osiñski, M., Smyth, H.D.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Biofilms; ciprofloxacin; Ciprofloxacin - pharmacology; drug delivery; Magnetic Fields; magnetic nanoparticles; Magnetite Nanoparticles; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas aeruginosa - drug effects; Pseudomonas aeruginosa - physiology; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; magnetic fields; drug delivery; magnetic nanoparticles; biofilms; ciprofloxacin
• ISSN: 0892-7014; 1029-2454
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2015.1055326

Due to the refractory nature of pathogenic microbial biofilms, innovative biofilm eradication strategies are constantly being sought. Thus, this study addresses a novel approach to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and magnetic fields were systematically evaluated in vitro for their relative anti-biofilm contributions. Twenty-four-hour biofilms exposed to aerosolized MNPs, Cipro, or a combination of both, were assessed in the presence or absence of magnetic fields (Static one-sided, Static switched, Oscillating, Static + oscillating) using changes in bacterial metabolism, biofilm biomass, and biofilm imaging. The biofilms exposed to magnetic fields alone exhibited significant metabolic and biomass reductions (p < 0.05). When biofilms were treated with a MNP/Cipro combination, the most significant metabolic and biomass reductions were observed when exposed to static switched magnetic fields (p < 0.05). The exposure of P. aeruginosa biofilms to a static switched magnetic field alone, or co-administration with MNP/Cipro/MNP + Cipro appears to be a promising approach to eradicate biofilms of this bacterium.