Anti-biofilm activity of two novel, borate based, bioactive glass wound dressings

Abstract Bioactive glass was first developed in the late 1960’s as a compound that would facilitate bone re-growth. In more recent years, this technology has been used to promote wound healing through its ability to stimulate soft tissue growth, angiogenesis, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection. Chronically infected wounds, which result from biofilm formation, affect millions of patients in the Unites States each year and cost billions of dollars to treat. The present studies demonstrate exposure of pre-formed biofilms to bioactive glass, under simulated body conditions, resulted in significant reduction in bacterial load. Additionally, specific therapeutically active metal ions such as copper and zinc were added to a borate bioactive glass formulation through a process of ion doping and found to further enhance the anti-biofilm activity. Based on the present findings, the antibiofilm agents released by borate bioactive glasses may prove effective to eradicate the biofilm infections that prevent healing in patients with chronic wounds.