Imagine a tiny, harmless electrical zap capable of stopping a skin infection in its tracks. That’s the promise behind a new device called BLAST (Bioelectronic Localized Antimicrobial Stimulation Therapy), developed by scientists at the University of Chicago. This patch-like device sticks to the skin and delivers a weak electrical current via electrodes, effectively disrupting the ability of harmful bacteria to thrive.
The research, published in the journal *Device*, focused on *Staphylococcus epidermidis*, a bacteria commonly found on healthy skin. While usually beneficial, these bacteria can become dangerous if they enter the body through wounds or medical devices. They form sticky biofilms, allowing them to colonize surfaces and cause infections.
BLAST works by exploiting a fascinating phenomenon called ‘selective excitability’ in *S. epidermidis*. When exposed to electricity, these bacteria suppress the genes responsible for biofilm formation, effectively hindering their ability to colonize. However, this electrical sensitivity is triggered only in an acidic environment, which is naturally present in healthy skin but absent in chronic wounds. To address this, the researchers incorporated a special hydrogel into the patch to acidify the skin beneath.
In laboratory tests, BLAST delivered 10-second electrical pulses every 10 minutes for 18 hours. The results were impressive: the device significantly reduced biofilm formation and the number of *S. epidermidis* cells. This success extends to potential applications beyond skin infections, as BLAST also showed promise in sterilizing medical devices like catheters.
While the initial findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm BLAST’s efficacy in live animals and humans. If successful, this technology could revolutionize infection prevention by reducing reliance on antibiotics and mitigating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
The team is also investigating whether other bacteria species respond similarly to electrical stimulation. This could broaden BLAST’s potential uses and make it a powerful tool in the fight against a variety of infections. The future looks bright for this innovative device, with the potential to reach the market within five years and reshape the landscape of infection control.