Research Article Analysis
In a recent study published in the Journal of Food Safety, researchers Xueqiang Liu, Pei Zhao, Xiaoya Qi, Dandan Zhao, Huan Rao, Qijia Chen, and Jianxiong Hao investigated the bactericidal efficacy and mechanism of action of alkaline electrolyzed water (AlEW) and acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW) in combating Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium known to form resilient biofilms, which are communities of bacteria encased within a protective matrix. These biofilms can adhere to various surfaces and cause serious infections in both medical and industrial settings. Developing effective methods to combat biofilms is crucial for ensuring public health and safety.
What is the Bactericidal Efficacy of AlEW and AcEW on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm?
The study aimed to determine the bactericidal efficacy of both AlEW and AcEW on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. The researchers observed that when treated with single AcEW for 8 minutes, the number of bacteria in the biofilm decreased significantly, resulting in a sterilization rate of 92.2%. Similarly, the application of single AlEW for the same duration led to a sterilization rate of 33.1%. However, the combination of 7 minutes of AcEW with 1 minute of AlEW exhibited a sterilization rate of 85%. Ultimately, the best bactericidal efficacy was achieved using 3 minutes of AlEW in combination with 5 minutes of AcEW, resulting in a sterilization rate of 94.4%.
Key takeaway: The combination of AlEW and AcEW demonstrates a synergistic effect in eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm, with the co-action treatment showcasing the highest sterilization rate.
What is the Mechanism of Action of AlEW and AcEW on the Biofilm?
The researchers investigated the underlying mechanism by which AlEW and AcEW combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. The results of the study showed that AlEW primarily exhibited a significant washing effect, capable of partially destroying the biofilm’s structure by degrading the extracellular polymers present. On the other hand, AcEW displayed a potent bactericidal effect, leading to a reduction in the bacterial population within the biofilm. When combining the two types of electrolyzed water, the biofilm’s extracellular proteins, polysaccharides, and DNA were all effectively degraded.
Key takeaway: AlEW acts by disrupting the biofilm matrix, while AcEW directly kills the bacteria present in the biofilm.
What is the Comparison between Single AcEW and Single AlEW Treatment on the Biofilm?
When comparing the individual efficacy of AcEW and AlEW treatments on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm, the researchers found that AcEW outperformed AlEW in terms of sterilization rate. Single AcEW treatment for 8 minutes resulted in a sterilization rate of 92.2%, while AlEW treatment for the same duration achieved only a 33.1% sterilization rate.
How Does the Co-action of AcEW and AlEW Affect the Sterilization Rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm?
The co-action of AcEW and AlEW showed promising results in enhancing the sterilization rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. The combination of 7 minutes of AcEW with 1 minute of AlEW resulted in a sterilization rate of 85%, while using 3 minutes of AlEW in combination with 5 minutes of AcEW achieved an impressive sterilization rate of 94.4%.
How Do AlEW and AcEW Affect the Extracellular Polymers of the Biofilm?
Extracellular polymers play a crucial role in the structure and resilience of biofilms. The study found that AlEW, due to its washing effect, partially destroyed the biofilm structure by degrading the extracellular polymers, including proteins, polysaccharides, and DNA. AcEW, with its bactericidal properties, contributed to the degradation of these polymers as well. When used in combination, AlEW and AcEW displayed a greater ability to degrade extracellular proteins (70.8%), polysaccharides (77.7%), and DNA (70.5%).
Takeaways
The research conducted by Liu et al. highlights the efficacy of alkaline electrolyzed water (AlEW) and acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW) in combating the resilient Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. The combination of AlEW and AcEW demonstrated a synergistic effect, leading to significantly higher sterilization rates. The co-action treatment, involving 3 minutes of AlEW and 5 minutes of AcEW, achieved a remarkable sterilization rate of 94.4%. AlEW’s washing effect contributed to the destruction of the biofilm structure, while AcEW’s bactericidal properties directly targeted the bacteria within the biofilm.
These findings have significant implications for various industries, including healthcare, food processing, and water treatment. By utilizing the power of electrolyzed water, biofilm-related infections and contamination can be effectively controlled, enhancing public health and safety.
To read the full research article, visit: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfs.13062