Efficacy and toxicity of hydrogen peroxide producing electrochemical bandages in a porcine explant biofilm model

AIMS: Effects of H(2)O(2) producing electrochemical‐bandages (e‐bandages) on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and biofilm removal were assessed using a porcine explant biofilm model. Transport of H(2)O(2) produced from the e‐bandage into explant tissue and associated potential toxicity were evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Viable prokaryotic cells from infected explants were quantified after 48 h treatment with e‐bandages in three ex vivo S. aureus infection models: (1) reducing colonization, (2) removing young biofilms and (3) removing mature biofilms. H(2)O(2) concentration‐depth profiles in explants/biofilms were measured using microelectrodes. Reductions in eukaryotic cell viability of polarized and nonpolarized noninfected explants were compared. e‐Bandages effectively reduced S. aureus colonization (p = 0.029) and reduced the viable prokaryotic cell concentrations of young biofilms (p = 0.029) with limited effects on mature biofilms (p > 0.1). H(2)O(2) penetrated biofilms and explants and reduced eukaryotic cell viability by 32–44% compared to nonpolarized explants. CONCLUSIONS: H(2)O(2) producing e‐bandages were most active when used to reduce colonization and remove young biofilms rather than to remove mature biofilms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The described e‐bandages reduced S. aureus colonization and young S. aureus biofilms in a porcine explant wound model, supporting their further development as an antibiotic‐free alternative for managing biofilm infections.