Scan Parameter Optimization for Histotripsy Treatment of S. Aureus Biofilms on Surgical Mesh

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2020 Feb;67(2):341-349. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2019.2948305. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Abstract

There is a critical need to develop new noninvasive therapies to treat bacteria biofilms. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cavitation-based ultrasound histotripsy to destroy these biofilms. In this study, the dependence of biofilm destruction on multiple scan parameters was assessed by conducting exposures at different scan speeds (0.3-1.4 beamwidths/s), step sizes (0.25-0.5 beamwidths), and the number of passes of the focus across the mesh (2-6). For each of the exposure conditions, the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) remaining on the mesh was quantified. A regression analysis was then conducted, revealing that the scan speed was the most critical parameter for biofilm destruction. Reducing the number of passes and the scan speed should allow for more efficient biofilm destruction in the future, reducing the treatment time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms / radiation effects*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Microbial Viability / radiation effects
  • Models, Biological
  • Staphylococcus aureus / radiation effects*
  • Surgical Mesh / microbiology*
  • Ultrasonic Therapy* / instrumentation
  • Ultrasonic Therapy* / methods
  • Ultrasonic Waves