Antiseptic debridement composition for surgical site infections and chronic wound healing

Abstract

The present application provides a composition for treating a biofilm-derived infection, the composition comprising a cis-monounsaturated fatty acid solubilized in a solvent at a concentration ranging from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm (parts per million), the composition being configured to exert a bactericidal effect, measured as a log reduction in bacterial colony-forming units (CFU) of at least 1.0, when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from bacteria. Also provided is a method for treating a site of a biofilm-derived infection, the method comprising applying the composition disclosed herein to the site.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 986,997, filed March 9, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to compositions having bactericidal effects against bacterial biofilms. The compositions include cis-monounsaturated fatty acids, such as cis-2-alkenoic acids, at concentrations ranging from about 100 ppm to 1000 ppm. The compositions may further include one or more antibiotic agents. The present disclosure additionally describes methods of treatment using these compositions. [Background technology]

[0003] Infections resulting from bacterial biofilm formation within the body are a source of substantial medical cost and morbidity.

[0004] One of the main bacterial causes of infections associated with orthopedic implants is Staphylococcus aureus, which forms biofilms on both the implanted device and the surrounding tissue. Biofilms established on medical devices can have deleterious effects, including surgical and secondary complications. Biofilm-associated infections are typically resistant to antimicrobial agents at the systemic level.

[0005] A chronic wound is one that fails to re-cover with epithelial cells after three months (see Pourmoussa, A. et al. (2016). An update and review of cell-based wound dressings and their integration into clinical practice. Annals of Translational Medicine, 4(23), 457-66). In the United States, more than 4 million patients suffer from chronic wounds, costing more than $50 billion. The pathophysiology of chronic wounds includes persistent infection, uncontrolled inflammation, drug-resistant bacterial biofilms, and the loss of the ability of skin and / or epidermal cells to respond to repair stimuli.

[0006] In both cases, bacterial infection leads to bacterial adhesion to the device or wound surface, ultimately leading to the formation of a biofilm. Biofilms are inherently resistant to antibiotics, but it has been reported that eradicating bacteria in biofilm phenotypes requires therapeutic concentrations 10-1000 times higher than those required for planktonic pathogens. This is clinically impractical because these concentrations significantly exceed the maximum effective concentration (MEC) of the drug (Olsen I. (2015). Biofilm-specific antibiotic tolerance and resistance. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis., 34(5), 877-886). Therefore, surgical intervention is typically required in addition to antibiotics to treat the infection site. Cells within biofilms are embedded within a protective, hydrous extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). One approach to treating bacterial infections is to attempt to disrupt the EPS / biofilm and disperse the bacteria that inhabit it into a planktonic state, restoring susceptibility to systemic therapeutic levels of antibiotics within a tolerable range below the MEC.

[0007] Attempts to disrupt biofilms through wound debridement and dispersal have been made. Wound debridement is one method for promoting wound healing and management. Wound debridement involves the removal of debris (nonviable material, remains, visible biofilm, and inadequately healed tissue) from the wound, thereby promoting the processes of granulation, contraction, epithelialization, and healing (see Payne, WGet et al. (2008). Enzymatic Debriding Agents Are Safe in Wounds With High Bacterial Bioburdens and Stimulate Healing. EPlasty - Journal of Plastic Surgery, 8(e7), 151-156). Therefore, the process of wound debridement can contribute to the destruction of biofilms from the infected site and accelerate tissue healing.

[0008] The most common form of wound debridement is surgical excision, but this can be a limited option for poor patient candidates. Alternative wound debridement options may include: mechanical debridement, such as wet-dry dressings or pressure irrigation; autolytic debridement, in which an occlusive dressing allows wound proteases to liquefy necrotic tissue; biological debridement, such as maggot therapy; and enzymatic debridement, which utilizes agents such as collagenase or papain urea.

[0009] Another approach, which can be used alone or in combination with wound debridement, is the use of bacterial dispersing agents, which biochemically disrupt biofilms, releasing bacteria from their protective environment and helping restore antimicrobial susceptibility. One class of compounds that can cause bacterial dispersal includes cis-monounsaturated fatty acids, such as cis-2-alkenoic acids. Fatty acids belonging to this class of cis-monounsaturated fatty acids that have been found to be effective biofilm-disrupting agents include, for example, cis-2-decenoic acid, cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid), and cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid (see Rabin, N. et al. (2015). Agents that inhibit bacterial biofilm formation. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 7(5), 647-71, and Worthington, RJ et al. (2012). Small molecule control of bacterial biofilms. Org Biomol Chem., 10(37), 7457-7474). Oleic acid has been shown to inhibit biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting bacterial adhesion (see Stenz, L. et al. (2005). Impact of oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid) on bacterial viability and biofilm production in Staphylococcus aureus. FEMS Microbial. Lett., 287(2), 149-155).Cis-2-decenoic acid is produced by P. aeruginosa and has been shown to disperse established biofilms across many species of bacteria and across the bacterial kingdom, including P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and the yeast Candida albicans (see Rabin, N. et al. (2015) supra). Cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid has been shown to disaggregate cell aggregates in the citrus canker fungus Xanthomonas cancestris (Dow, JM et al. (2003). Biofilm dispersal in Xanthomonas campestris is controlled by cell-cell signaling and is required for full virulence to plants. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 100(19), 10995-1000). Research has also shown that cis-2-decenoic acid can disperse biofilms at concentrations as low as approximately 2.5 nM (Davies, DG & Marques, CN (2009). A fatty acid messenger is responsible for inducing dispersion in microbial biofilms. J. Bacteriol., 191, 1393-1403). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, despite these options, wound care and management remain challenging due to their pathophysiological challenges, and therefore, there remains a need in the medical community to develop new and effective treatments for biofilm infections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The compositions described in the present disclosure are unique because they are intended to target biofilm-associated bacteria instead of planktonic bacteria.Biofilm-derived infections remain a major challenge for wound excision and healing.Currently, wound excision aids that can effectively target biofilm-associated bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria are limited, and as a result, the compositions of the present disclosure may represent an improvement over current standard therapy.

[0012] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to novel antiseptic compositions for use in inhibiting and treating biofilm-borne infections. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a composition for treating biofilm-borne infections comprises a cis-monounsaturated fatty acid solubilized in a solvent at a concentration ranging from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm (parts per million), the composition being configured to exert a bactericidal effect, measured as a log reduction in bacterial colony-forming units (CFU), of at least 1.0, when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from bacteria. In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein may additionally comprise one or more antibiotic agents.

[0013] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of treating a biofilm-derived infection site is described, the method comprising the steps of identifying a site containing a biofilm and applying the antiseptic composition of the present disclosure to the site.

[0014] According to additional embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of inhibiting biofilm formation at a wound or surgical site is described, the method comprising identifying a wound or surgical site susceptible to biofilm-derived infection and applying the antiseptic composition of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 provides a schematic representation of the effect of fatty acid dispersants on planktonic and biofilm bacteria. [Figure 2A] Scanning electron microscope images of 48-hour biofilms grown on 316L stainless steel K-wires are provided under magnifications of 50x (Figure 2A), 500x (Figure 2B), and 5000x (Figure 2C). [Figure 2B] Scanning electron microscope images of 48-hour biofilms grown on 316L stainless steel K-wires are provided under magnifications of 50x (Figure 2A), 500x (Figure 2B), and 5000x (Figure 2C). [Figure 2C] Scanning electron microscope images of 48-hour biofilms grown on 316L stainless steel K-wires are provided under magnifications of 50x (Figure 2A), 500x (Figure 2B), and 5000x (Figure 2C). [Figure 3A] Figure 1 shows the results of a test to determine the effect of different concentrations of CDA on planktonic bacteria, in which different concentrations of CDA (800 ppm, 400 ppm, 200 ppm, 100 ppm, 50 ppm, 25 ppm, 12.5 ppm, and 6.25 ppm) were injected into vials containing planktonic Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). [Figure 3B] 3A shows the results of a procedure in which 10 μL of a tube labeled "800" (see FIG. 3A) was plated onto a TSA-L agar plate, showing colony growth 24 hours after incubation of the tube. [Figure 3C]Dose-response data for CDA are provided for 24 hours of treatment of 48-hour-grown S. aureus (ATCC25923) biofilms. [Figure 4] Dose-response data for CDA are provided in bar graph format when 48-hour grown S. aureus (ATCC25923) biofilms were treated with CDA for 24 hours. [Figure 5A] 1 shows the results of a study involving measuring the activity of CDA at a concentration of 400 ppm in combination with gentamicin, cefazolin, and vancomycin, respectively, against K-wires with mature biofilms grown for 48 hours. [Figure 5B] 1 shows the results of a study involving measuring the activity of CDA at a concentration of 400 ppm in combination with gentamicin, cefazolin, and vancomycin, respectively, against K-wires with mature biofilms grown for 48 hours. [Figure 6A] 1 shows the results of a study involving measuring the activity of CDA at a concentration of 400 ppm in combination with gentamicin, cefazolin, and vancomycin, respectively, against K-wires with mature biofilms grown for 48 hours. [Figure 6B] 1 shows the results of a study involving measuring the activity of CDA at a concentration of 400 ppm in combination with gentamicin, cefazolin, and vancomycin, respectively, against K-wires with mature biofilms grown for 48 hours. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include one or more than one, and the term "or" is used to refer to an open-ended "or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is to be understood that phraseology or terminology used herein and not otherwise defined is for descriptive purposes only and not for purposes of limitation. When a range of values ​​is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed in approximation, by the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. Furthermore, reference to values ​​stated in ranges includes every value within that range. It will be recognized that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described herein as separate embodiments, may also be demonstrated in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in a single embodiment, may also be presented separately or in any subcombination.

[0017] As used herein, "log reduction" or its derivatives refers to the difference between the logarithmic values ​​of the number of colony forming units (CFU) when a biofilm is untreated and when a test composition is applied to the biofilm. In other words, log reduction = log CFU(biofilm) - log CFU(treated biofilm).

[0018] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a composition for treating biofilm-derived infections includes a cis-monounsaturated fatty acid solubilized in a solvent at a concentration ranging from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm, and the composition is configured to exert a bactericidal effect, measured as a log reduction in bacterial colony-forming units (CFU), of at least 1.0 when applied to a biofilm formed from bacteria. The compositions described herein are contemplated to be effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain fungi, particularly yeasts such as Candida albicans (C. albicans).

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the cis-monounsaturated fatty acid is a cis-2-alkenoic acid. According to a still more preferred embodiment, the cis-2-alkenoic acid is cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA), cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid), or cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, or any combination thereof. In a most preferred embodiment, the cis-2-alkenoic acid is CDA or a combination comprising CDA.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cis-monounsaturated fatty acids are solubilized in a solvent.Suitable solvents for dissolving cis-monounsaturated fatty acids are known and can be easily determined by those skilled in the art.Preferred solvents are those approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as safe for human use.Exemplary solvents include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the concentration of cis-monounsaturated fatty acid in the composition is in the range of about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm. The use of ppm is meant to refer to the concentration of solute in the composition. For example, the concentration may be in the range of about 100 ppm to about 800 ppm, about 200 ppm to about 800 ppm, about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm, about 200 ppm to about 400 ppm, about 400 ppm to about 500 ppm, about 400 ppm to about 800 ppm, about 400 ppm to about 1000 ppm, about 500 ppm to about 1000 ppm, and about 500 ppm to about 800 ppm, including any one of the specific concentrations at the beginning or end of the range.

[0022] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, compositions can additionally include one or more antibiotic agents, which can be present at a concentration range of about 1 ppm to about 15 ppm, e.g., about 1 ppm to about 10 ppm, about 1 ppm to about 5 ppm, about 5 ppm to about 10 ppm, or about 10 ppm to 15 ppm, including any one of the specific concentrations at the beginning or end of the range.

[0023] According to certain embodiments, the antibiotic agent is selected from aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, or glycopeptide antibiotics, or combinations thereof, such as gentamicin, cefazolin, vancomycin, or combinations thereof.

[0024] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when the composition includes an antibiotic agent, the composition has a log reduction value that is greater in the range of 2.0 to 6.5 than the corresponding log reduction value of a composition that includes the antibiotic agent but lacks the presence of cis-monounsaturated fatty acids.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the infected site being treated contains a mature biofilm that has been grown for at least 48 hours. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the robustness of the biofilm, i.e., its resistance to conventional systemic antibiotic treatment, is directly proportional to the maturity of the biofilm. In certain embodiments, the biofilm adheres to a living tissue surface (e.g., bone, muscle, skin, face, etc.). In certain additional embodiments, one or more implantable medical devices are placed at the infected site, and the biofilm adheres to the outer surface of the implantable medical device.

[0026] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the composition produces a log reduction in the range of at least about 4.0 to about 8.0, e.g., about 4.0 to about 6.0, about 6.0 to about 8.0, about 4.0 to about 5.0, 5.0 to about 8.0, or about 5.0 to about 6.0, including any one of the specific log reductions at the beginning or end of the range. In certain embodiments, the log reduction is at least 4.5.

[0027] According to certain embodiments, the log reduction is measured after the biofilm has been exposed to the composition of the present disclosure for at least 12 hours. In certain further embodiments, the log reduction is measured after the biofilm has been exposed to the composition of the present disclosure for at least 24 hours. In certain embodiments, the log reduction is measured after the biofilm has been exposed to the composition of the present disclosure for at least 1 hour.

[0028] Proposed mechanism of action The bactericidal effect of the disclosed compositions on biofilms is an unexpected result based on this literature. Without being bound by any particular theory, as shown in the examples below, the inventors propose the following mechanism of action by which fatty acids exhibit bactericidal effects alone and in adjunctive therapy when combined with antibiotics.

[0029] Mirani et al. have shown that in the planktonic or wild-type phenotype, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) expresses extracellular enzymes named fatty acid-modifying enzymes (FAMEs) (see Mirani ZA et al. (2016). Antibacterial fatty acids destabilize hydrophobic and multicellular aggregates of biofilm in S. aureus. The Journal of Antibiotics, 1-7). FAMEs inactivate the bactericidal activity of these fatty acids by esterifying them to cholesterol over a 6-12 hour incubation period. However, in robust, mature biofilms, at least 48 hours old, FAMEs are not detectable in previously planktonic bacteria, likely due to the fact that they are dormant within the biofilm and are unable to inactivate FAMEs. Consequently, they are more susceptible to the antibacterial effects of the types of fatty acids described herein.

[0030] Furthermore, fatty acids are known to have detergent-like properties due to their amphiphilic structure (see Desbois, AP and Smith, VJ (2010). Antibacterial free fatty acids: activities, mechanisms of action and biotechnological potential. Applied Microbiol. Biotechnol., 85(6), 1629-42). This biochemical structure allows fatty acids to interact with cell membranes to create variable-sized pores that can be transient or permanent, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics against biofilms. Furthermore, at high concentrations, these fatty acids can solubilize membranes, resulting in lysis. Additional mechanisms of action that may contribute to bacterial cell inhibition or death in biofilms include the generation of toxic peroxidation and autooxidation products, inhibition of enzyme activity, and impaired nutrient uptake.

[0031] Thus, in planktonic bacteria, FAMEs are produced, allowing bacteria to convert fatty acids such as CDA into inert cholesterol molecules that are not harmful to bacteria. This is represented diagrammatically in Figure 1. Studies have also shown relatively high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data for the effects of fatty acids on planktonic bacteria. However, in biofilms, bacteria do not produce FAMEs and are unable to protect themselves from fatty acids. The inventors have discovered that in the presence of biofilm-associated bacteria, fatty acids become bactericidal within certain favorable concentration ranges. In the presence of antibiotics, this effect can be amplified, for example, in situations where fatty acids create pores in the bacterial cell wall, allowing the antibiotic access and thereby allowing the fatty acids to act as adjuvants.

[0032] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the composition may be applied as a solution, or the composition may be applied encapsulated in liposomes or micelles.

[0033] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, a therapeutic method for treating a biofilm-derived infection at an infected site is disclosed, the method comprising identifying a site containing a biofilm and applying a composition described herein to the site. The described method can include a single application of the composition to the infected site. Alternatively, the method can include multiple applications of the composition to the infected site.

[0034] According to certain embodiments, the method may also include debridement of at least a portion of the biofilm. Debridement techniques are known in the art, and examples of such techniques have already been described above.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the infection site is a site of a chronic wound infection or a surgical site. Exemplary surgical sites may include, for example, a site where a mass, such as a cyst or tumor, has been excised or otherwise removed, or a site where an implantable medical device has been inserted. They may also include any common surgical incision site where the skin is cut open, exposing tissue to the outside environment and therefore potential pathogens.

[0036] In embodiments involving an implantable medical device at the site of infection, the method may further include applying the composition to an exterior surface of the medical device and applying the composition to tissue surrounding the medical device.

[0037] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of applying the composition may include first applying the composition to an absorbent material, such as gauze, a wound dressing, a sponge, or the like, and then attaching or otherwise contacting the absorbent material to the infected site. Alternatively, the absorbent material may be placed at the infected site first, and the composition may then be applied to the absorbent material, for example, by common irrigation techniques. The use of an absorbent material can provide certain advantages by providing a reservoir of the composition at the infected site. For example, the use of an absorbent material can prevent rapid migration of the composition away from the infected site, which can occur due to irrigation techniques or increased blood flow to the infected site.

[0038] According to embodiments described herein, another additional method of treatment may involve utilizing the compositions as a preventative step, for example, when a particular wound or surgical site is at risk for infection with a biofilm-derived infection. Such methods are directed to inhibiting the formation of biofilms at the wound or surgical site, rather than treating the biofilms that form there. These methods may include identifying a wound or surgical site susceptible to biofilm-derived infection and applying an embodiment of the composition described herein.

[0039] According to certain embodiments involving a surgical site, the surgical site is designed to receive an implantable medical device, and the method further includes the step of implanting the medical device at the surgical site. In certain embodiments, the composition may be applied to the site before the device is implanted or after the device is implanted. The method may further include applying the composition to an outer surface of the medical device. In certain embodiments, the composition is applied to the outer surface of the medical device before the medical device is implanted at the surgical site, while in alternative embodiments, the composition is applied to the outer surface of the medical device after the device is implanted at the surgical site. [Example]

[0040] Exemplary Clinical Wound Dissection Procedure for Orthopedic Implants The antiseptic composition of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with surgical debridement processes. When an infection is identified after orthopedic implantation, surgeons perform surgical or sharp debridement, as known in the art, to indiscriminately remove necrotic tissue, thereby removing both dead and living tissue (see Demidova-Rice, TAET AL. (2012). Acute and Impaired Wound Healing: Pathophysiology and Current Methods for Drug Delivery, Part 1: Normal and Chronic Wounds: Biology, Causes, and Approaches to Care. Adv Skin Wound Care, 25(7), 304-314). The composition of the present disclosure can be utilized as a debridement adjunct to cleanse the surgical area and enhance targeted debridement of biofilms within and around tissues. For example, CDA can be used to specifically target biofilm-associated bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria while exhibiting limited toxicity to healthy tissue.

[0041] Exemplary Fatty Acids In the following examples, unless otherwise stated, cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA) was used to test as a representative compound of the above-described class of cis-2-alkanoic acids, which are shown to be potential bacterial dispersants. CDA was tested alone as a dispersant or wound removal adjunct, and also in combination with antimicrobial agents. Testing was performed on representative medical devices inoculated with mature biofilms. The purpose of the following tests was to determine the efficacy of CDA alone and as an adjunct with common, primarily functioning antibiotics.

[0042] Growth of mature biofilms In the following examples, unless otherwise stated, tests were performed on mature biofilms of S. aureus (ATCC 25923) grown for 48 hours. An exemplary method for preparing biofilms is as follows. 10 in 20 mL of commercially available tryptic soy broth (TSB) 9 A bacterial inoculum of S. aureus at a concentration of CFU / mL is prepared by incubating overnight at 37° C. on a shaker at 250 rpm. Obtain OD600 readings of diluted stocks of overnight cultures to determine colony concentration by absorbance. Using 0.3% (w / v) TSB, reduce the bacterial concentration from colony concentration to 10, using forceful up and down aspirating with a serological pipette to break up clumps of colonies. 5 Adjust to CFU / mL. The following dilutions are plated in triplicate onto TSA-L plates to determine the initial stock concentration of cells: 10 2 CFU / mL. Using a serological pipette, add 7 mL of inoculum to each of the 15 mL tubes containing the K-wires, again making sure to forcefully aspirate up and down before adding. The tube is placed in a revolver at 30°C. After 8 hours, the screwed cap is removed and transferred using a suture to a new tube containing 7 mL of 0.3% TSB and incubated in a shaker incubator at 40 RPM for an additional 44 hours to allow biofilm growth. During this time, change the medium twice per day by removing the screw-on cap and transferring it to a new tube with 7 mL of TSB.

[0043] K-wire preparation In the following examples, unless otherwise specified, 316L stainless steel K-wire was used as the exemplary implantable medical device.

[0044] A new K-wire was roughened with #600 sandpaper (approximately 10 passes along its length) and then rinsed with deionized water. The rinsed K-wire was then completely immersed in a 10% citric acid (w / v) bath at approximately 49°C for 20 minutes to passivate the stainless steel surface and prevent subsequent corrosion. The K-wire was removed from the bath and rinsed with deionized water. The K-wire was then cleaned and sterilized in an autoclave.

[0045] Preparation of biofilms formed on K-wires and subsequent CFU enumeration method Attach a K-wire to the tube cap to measure the initial inoculum concentration (10 5 The bacteria were placed in tubes at 100 CFU / mL and incubated for 24-48 hours. The medium was changed approximately every 8 hours. After growth, the inoculated K-wires were ready for testing.

[0046] After the exposure time, both the well sample and the debrided K-wire were processed, and any remaining bacterial cells were plated and counted. For the culture medium in the well, the sample was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was removed. The cells were resuspended in 10 mL of 1x PBS buffer. This washing step was repeated once more, and the cells were resuspended in a final volume of 1.5 mL of neutralization buffer, diluted, and plated on tryptic soy agar on lectin (TSA-L) agar plates. For the K-wire, the cap securing the K-wire in the tube was removed and transferred to a tube containing 10 mL of 1x PBS, and the tube was inverted. The cap with the K-wire was then transferred again to another tube containing PBS, and this step was repeated. After washing the K-wire twice, they were transferred to a tube containing neutralization buffer, vortexed, and then sonicated for 10 minutes. The cells were then diluted and plated on TSA-L agar plates.

[0047] An exemplary mature biofilm on a K-wire Figures 2A-2C show the characteristic morphology under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of mature biofilms grown on K-wires according to the procedure outlined above.

[0048] Systemic gentamicin test for mature biofilms In preliminary studies, mature biofilms grown according to the procedures outlined above were dosed with approximately 10 ppm (10 mcg / mL) gentamicin, approximately 10 times the generally recognized and tolerated maximum systemic concentration of 1 mcg / mL. [Data not shown] Testing showed that mature biofilms were tolerant to these gentamicin doses.

[0049] CDA effect on planktonic bacteria As an additional test, several different concentrations of CDA (800 ppm, 400 ppm, 200 ppm, 100 ppm, 50 ppm, 25 ppm, 12.5 ppm, and 6.25 ppm) were added to vials containing planktonic Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The vials can be seen in Figure 3A. Two controls are shown on the right and are unlabeled (with bacteria / no fatty acids and no fatty acids / no bacteria, respectively). Literature reports that CDA at concentrations of 500 ppm or higher inhibited the growth of MRSA, and that CDA at 125 ppm inhibited biofilm formation (see Jennings JA et al. (2012). Cis-2-decenoic Acid Inhibits S. aureus Growth and Biofilm In Vitro: A Pilot Study. Clin Orthop Relat Res., 470, 2663-2670). This test was qualitative and based on the presence of observable bacteria in the test vials. It can be seen in Figure 3A that only the test vial containing 800 ppm CDA contained clear fluid, while all other tubes were cloudy, indicating the active presence of bacteria. The test results indicated that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CDA against planktonic cells was 800 ppm, a value significantly higher than suggested in the literature.

[0050] Furthermore, even at that high concentration, CDA was found to be bacteriostatic, not bactericidal, as confirmed by plating a 10 μL tube labeled "800" (FIG. 3A) onto a TSA-L agar plate, which showed colony growth 24 hours after incubation of the tube, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0051] Thus, even at an MIC of 800 ppm, CDA was not shown to be bactericidal, but rather bacteriostatic with respect to planktonic bacteria. Furthermore, the CDA sample at a CDA concentration of 400 ppm was shown to have visible growth in the tubes, indicating no or limited toxicity to S. aureus.

[0052] CDA dispersant effect on mature biofilms As previously mentioned, the literature suggests that concentrations as low as 2.5 nM of CDA are effective in dispersing biofilms. However, when mature biofilms in the current test protocol were subjected to concentrations of CDA 100-fold greater than those suggested in the literature (approximately 0.05 ppm, 310 nM), no biofilm dispersion was observed. This study demonstrates that the perceived effectiveness of CDA, as reported in the literature, and possibly other known dispersants, is determined in part by the robustness of the biofilms being treated.

[0053] Example 1 (CDA dose response) A dose-response study was performed on mature biofilms with varying concentrations of CDA in 5% DMSO. CDA was tested at concentrations of 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm, and 400 ppm. Mature biofilms were exposed to CDA for 24 hours to determine the effectiveness of the fatty acid.

[0054] The bar graph in Figure 3C shows the log CFU count / mL of bacteria after 24 hours of exposure to CDA, along with a) a biofilm-only control and b) a biofilm + 5% DMSO control to account for the effect of DMSO. The line in Figure 3C represents the log reduction in CFU count (log CFU count of biofilm-only control - log CFU count of CDA sample = log reduction). Figure 4 also shows the same log reduction values, but in bar graph format.

[0055] Surprisingly, the data show that CDA not only acted as a dispersant, but actually had a bactericidal effect on biofilms. Even more unexpectedly, at concentrations above 100 ppm, there was a significant spike in the bactericidal effect of CDA, and at concentrations of 200 ppm and above, there was a greater than four-fold log reduction in CFU.

[0056] Example 2 (CDA + antibiotics) Based on the results of Example 1, the activity of CDA at a concentration of 400 ppm was measured in combination with gentamicin, cefazolin, and vancomycin against K-wires with mature biofilms grown for 48 hours.

[0057] After biofilm growth, the biofilms were washed and further treated with fatty acids and / or antimicrobial agents to determine dose-response and adjuvant effects. Sample wells were then diluted and plated to determine the level of dispersion compared to the control. K-wires were washed and sonicated to remove any residual cells, and samples were plated to determine the number of colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter (CFU / mL). As seen in Figures 5A-5B, treatment of the K-wires with adjuvant resulted in log reductions of 4.9, 5.9, and 4.7 in bacterial counts on the medical device when combined with gentamicin, cefazolin, and vancomycin, respectively. In addition, as shown in Figures 6A-6B, the fatty acid adjuvant resulted in significant log reductions of 6.3, 7.8, and 5.3 in bacteria in the gentamicin, cefazolin, and vancomycin wells, respectively.

[0058] Example 3 (1 hour CDA / cefazolin) The goal of this study was to determine whether a combination of CDA and cefazolin could rapidly act on debrided, contaminated wound sites by combining the adjuvant bactericidal effects of CDA with a therapeutic concentration. Biofilms were grown at 30°C in the same 0.3% (w / v) medium used in the above study. Biofilms were grown for 48 hours and then subjected to a mechanical "debriding" process. This debriding was performed to simulate the debriding of an infected wound site. After physical removal of visible biofilm, K-wires were exposed to 400 ppm CDA, 10 ppm cefazolin, or a combination of both for 1 hour (as opposed to 24 hours in previous studies). Separately, a higher concentration of CDA, approximately 800 ppm, was tested against untreated biofilms (i.e., biofilms that had not been debrided). The CDA concentration at this time was determined to be the MIC value for suspension cells of ATC25923, as described in the previous example.

[0059] The contents of the wells and the bacteria on the K-wire were diluted and plated to determine the number of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU / mL). Briefly, the K-wire was attached to a tube cap and the initial inoculum concentration (10 5 The biofilms were placed in tubes at 100 CFU / mL and incubated for 24-48 hours. The medium was changed approximately every 8 hours. After biofilm growth, the biofilms were exposed to a combination of CDA and cefazolin for 60 minutes.

[0060] After the exposure time, both the well samples and the debrided K-wires were processed, and any remaining bacterial cells were plated and counted. For the culture medium in the wells, the samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was removed. The cells were resuspended in 10 mL of 1x PBS buffer. This washing step was repeated once more, and the cells were resuspended in a final volume of 1.5 mL of neutralization buffer, diluted, and plated on tryptic soy agar on lectin (TSA-L) agar plates. For the K-wires, the caps securing the K-wires in the tubes were removed and transferred to a tube containing 10 mL of 1x PBS, and the tubes were inverted. The caps containing the K-wires were then transferred to another tube with PBS, and this step was repeated. After washing the K-wires twice, they were transferred to a tube containing neutralization buffer, vortexed, and then sonicated for 10 minutes. The cells were then diluted and plated on TAS-L agar plates.

[0061] Below are the steps explained in more detail.

[0062] procedure: Commercially available TSB, 20 mL, 10 9 A bacterial inoculum of S. aureus at a concentration of CFU / mL is prepared by incubating overnight at 37° C. on a shaker at 250 rpm.

[0063] Obtain OD600 readings of diluted stocks of overnight cultures to determine colony concentration by absorbance.

[0064] Using 0.3% (w / v) TSB, reduce the bacterial concentration from colony concentration to 10, making sure to forcefully aspirate up and down with a serological pipette to break up clumps of colonies. 5 Adjust to CFU / mL.

[0065] The following dilutions are plated in triplicate onto TSA-L plates to determine the initial stock concentration of cells: 10 2 CFU / mL.

[0066] Using a serological pipette, add 7 mL of inoculum to each of the 15 mL tubes containing the K-wires, again making sure to forcefully aspirate up and down before adding.

[0067] The tube is placed in a revolver at 30°C.

[0068] After 8 hours, the screwed cap is removed and transferred using a suture to a new tube containing 7 mL of 0.3% TSB and incubated in a shaker incubator at 40 RPM for an additional 44 hours to allow biofilm growth.

[0069] During this time, change the medium twice per day by removing the screw cap and transferring to a new tube with 7 mL of TSB. After 48 h of growth, perform wound dissection and exposure of the biofilm.

[0070] Exposure to CDA and / or cefazolin: Transfer the K-wire to a new tube containing 10 mL of 1x PBS, invert twice, and repeat the same step by washing once more with PBS and inverting twice, for a total of two washes.

[0071] After cleaning: Transfer the cap with the dissected biofilm to a new tube containing 10 mL of 0.1% TSB with DMSO only.

[0072] The cap with the dissected biofilm is transferred to a new tube containing 10 mL of 0.1% TSB, CDA at a concentration of 400 ppm, and 5% DMSO.

[0073] Transfer the cap with the dissected biofilm to a new tube containing 10 mL of 0.1% TSB and cefazolin at a concentration of 10 ppm.

[0074] The cap with the dissected biofilm is transferred to a new tube containing 10 mL of 0.1% TSB, cefazolin at a concentration of 10 ppm, CDA at a concentration of 400 ppm, and 5% DMSO.

[0075] The caps with intact biofilms are transferred to new tubes containing 10 mL of 0.1% TSB, cefazolin at a concentration of 10 ppm, CDA at a concentration of 800 ppm, and 5% DMSO.

[0076] All caps and tubes are incubated for 60 minutes at 21° C. with the revolver set at 40 RPM (horizontal). A lower medium concentration and room temperature were chosen to reduce the growth rate of planktonic cells in the sample wells, thereby allowing better isolation of the effect of the dispersant.

[0077] Because CDA is light-sensitive, cover the sample with aluminum foil. If the sample is on a revolver, cover the entire shaker incubator with aluminum foil.

[0078] After the exposure time, the cap with the wire is transferred to a new tube with 1x PBS and washed twice to remove CDA.

[0079] For K-wires, transfer to the tube with neutralization buffer and vortex for 10 seconds. Sonicate on ice for 15 minutes. Use a rubber policeman to remove all biofilm from the surface of the K-wires. Rinse each K-wire with 1 mL of neutralization buffer, then rinse the rubber policeman with another 1 mL of neutralization buffer. Dilute the bacteria and plate the cells to determine the number of colony-forming units (CFU) per mL (CFU / mL).

[0080] For wells, the tubes are centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant is removed and the cells are resuspended in 10 mL of 1x PBS. The centrifugation and cell resuspension are repeated in 10 mL of 1x PBS, and finally the cells are resuspended in 1.5 mL of neutralization buffer. The bacteria are then diluted and the cells are plated to determine the number of CFU per mL (CFU / mL). The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0081] [Table 1]

[0082] [Table 2]

[0083] [Embodiment] (1) A composition for treating a bacterial biofilm-mediated infection, comprising: a cis-monounsaturated fatty acid solubilized in a solvent and having a concentration ranging from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm; The composition is configured to exert a bactericidal effect measured as at least a 1.0 log reduction in colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from the bacteria. (2) The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the concentration of the cis monovalent saturated fatty acid is in the range of about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm. (3) The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the concentration of the cis monovalent saturated fatty acid is in the range of about 200 ppm to about 400 ppm. (4) The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the concentration of the cis monovalent saturated fatty acid is in the range of about 400 ppm to about 800 ppm. (5) The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the concentration of the cis monovalent saturated fatty acid is about 400 ppm.

[0084] (6) The composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cis monovalent saturated fatty acid is a cis-2-alkenoic acid. (7) The composition of embodiment 6, wherein the cis-2-alkenoic acid is cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA), cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid), or cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, or a combination thereof. (8) The composition of embodiment 7, wherein the cis-2-alkenoic acid is CDA. (9) The composition of embodiment 7, wherein the composition comprises a combination of CDA and at least one of cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid) or cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid. (10) The composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the solvent is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), chloroform, dimethylformamide (DMF), or ethanol, or a mixture thereof.

[0085] (11) The composition of embodiment 10, wherein the solvent is DMSO. (12) The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, further comprising an antibiotic agent. (13) The composition of embodiment 12, wherein the concentration of the antibiotic agent in the composition is in the range of about 1 ppm to about 15 ppm. (14) The composition of embodiment 13, wherein the antibiotic agent is in the range of about 5 ppm to about 10 ppm. (15) The composition of embodiment 12, wherein the antibiotic agent is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a cephalosporin antibiotic, or a glycopeptide antibiotic, or a combination thereof.

[0086] (16) The composition of embodiment 15, wherein the antibiotic agent is gentamicin, cefazolin, or vancomycin, or a combination thereof. (17) The composition of any of embodiments 12-16, wherein the composition has a log reduction in the range of from greater than 2.0 to greater than 6.5 compared to the log reduction of a composition comprising the antibiotic agent but in the absence of the cis monovalent saturated fatty acid. (18) The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the biofilm is a mature biofilm grown for about 48 hours. (19) The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the biofilm is attached to the exterior surface of an implantable medical device. (20) The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the log reduction is at least 4.0 after the biofilm is exposed to the composition for a period ranging from 12 to 36 hours.

[0087] 21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the log reduction is at least 4.5. 22. The composition of claim 20, wherein the composition has a log reduction in the range of at least about 4.0 to about 8.0. (23) The composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is encapsulated in a liposome or micelle. (24) A method for treating a biofilm-derived infection site, comprising: identifying a site containing a biofilm; applying to the site a composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23; A method comprising: (25) The method of embodiment 24, wherein the site is a site of chronic wound infection.

[0088] (26) The method of embodiment 24, wherein the site is a surgical site. (27) The method of embodiment 26, wherein the surgical site comprises an implantable medical device. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the applying step comprises applying the composition to an exterior surface of the medical device. 29. The method of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the applying step comprises applying the composition to an absorbent material and contacting the absorbent material with the site. (30) A method according to any one of embodiments 24 to 29, further comprising the step of removing at least a portion of the biofilm from the infection site.

[0089] (31) The method of any one of embodiments 24 to 30, wherein the applying step can include applying the composition to the site two or more times. (32) A method for inhibiting biofilm formation at a wound or surgical site, comprising: Identifying wound or surgical sites susceptible to biofilm-derived infections; applying to the site a composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23; A method comprising: (33) The method of embodiment 32, wherein the surgical site is a surgical site for receiving an implantable medical device, and the method further comprises the step of implanting the medical device at the surgical site. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the applying step comprises applying the composition to an exterior surface of the implantable medical device. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the composition is applied to the exterior surface of the implantable medical device before the device is implanted at the surgical site.

[0090] 36. The method of embodiment 34, wherein the composition is applied to the exterior surface of the implantable medical device after the implantable medical device is implanted at the surgical site.

Claims

1. 1. A composition for treating a bacterial biofilm-mediated infection, comprising: comprising cis-monounsaturated fatty acids solubilized in a solvent and having a concentration ranging from 400 ppm to 1000 ppm; the composition is configured to exert a bactericidal effect, measured as a log reduction of at least 1.0 in colony forming units (CFUs) of the bacteria, when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from the bacteria; the cis-monounsaturated fatty acid is cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA), cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid), or cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, or a combination thereof; the composition further comprises an antibiotic agent; the concentration of the antibiotic agent in the composition is in the range of 5 ppm to 15 ppm; the antibiotic agent is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a cephalosporin antibiotic, or a glycopeptide antibiotic, or a combination thereof; The composition, wherein the biofilm is attached to the exterior surface of an implantable orthopedic implant.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the cis monounsaturated fatty acid is CDA.

3. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the antibiotic agent is gentamicin, cefazolin, or vancomycin, or a combination thereof.

4. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the composition has a log reduction in the range of from greater than 2.0 to greater than 6.5 compared to the log reduction of a composition comprising the antibiotic agent but in the absence of the cis-monounsaturated fatty acid.

5. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the log reduction is at least 4.0 after the biofilm is exposed to the composition for a period ranging from 12 to 36 hours.

6. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the log reduction is at least 4.

5.

7. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the composition has the log reduction value in the range of 4.0 to 8.

0.

8. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of the cis-monounsaturated fatty acid is in the range of 400 ppm to 500 ppm.

9. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of the cis-monounsaturated fatty acid is in the range of 400 ppm to 800 ppm.

10. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of the cis monounsaturated fatty acid is 400 ppm.

11. 11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition comprises a combination of CDA and at least one of cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid) or cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid.

12. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the solvent is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), chloroform, dimethylformamide (DMF), or ethanol, or a mixture thereof.

13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the solvent is DMSO.

14. 14. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the concentration of the antibiotic agent is in the range of 5 ppm to 10 ppm.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the biofilm is a mature biofilm grown for 48 hours.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the composition is encapsulated in a liposome or a micelle.

17. 1. A composition for use in a method of treating a site of biofilm-derived infection, said composition comprising: comprising cis-monounsaturated fatty acids solubilized in a solvent and having a concentration ranging from 400 ppm to 1000 ppm; the composition is configured to exert a bactericidal effect, measured as a log reduction of at least 1.0 in colony forming units (CFUs) of the bacteria, when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from the bacteria; the cis-monounsaturated fatty acid is cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA), cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid), or cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, or a combination thereof; the composition further comprises an antibiotic agent; the concentration of the antibiotic agent in the composition is in the range of 5 ppm to 15 ppm; the antibiotic agent is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a cephalosporin antibiotic, or a glycopeptide antibiotic, or a combination thereof, and the method comprises: identifying a site containing the biofilm; applying the composition to the site; Including, the site is a surgical site, the surgical site comprises an implantable orthopedic implant; The composition, wherein the biofilm is attached to the outer surface of the orthopedic implant.

18. The composition of claim 17 , wherein the applying step comprises applying the composition to the exterior surface of the orthopedic implant.

19. 19. The composition of claim 17 or 18, wherein the applying step comprises applying the composition to an absorbent material and contacting the absorbent material with the site.

20. The composition of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the method further comprises the step of dissecting at least a portion of the biofilm from the site of infection.

21. The composition of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the applying step may comprise applying the composition to the site two or more times.

22. 1. A composition for use in a method of treating a biofilm at a wound or surgical site, said composition comprising: comprising cis-monounsaturated fatty acids solubilized in a solvent and having a concentration ranging from 400 ppm to 1000 ppm; the composition is configured to exert a bactericidal effect, measured as a log reduction of at least 1.0 in colony forming units (CFUs) of the bacteria, when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from the bacteria; the cis-monounsaturated fatty acid is cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA), cis-9-octadecanoic acid (oleic acid), or cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid, or a combination thereof; the composition further comprises an antibiotic agent; the concentration of the antibiotic agent in the composition is in the range of 5 ppm to 15 ppm; the antibiotic agent is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a cephalosporin antibiotic, or a glycopeptide antibiotic, or a combination thereof, and the method comprises: identifying the site susceptible to biofilm-derived infection; applying the composition to the site; Including, The composition, wherein the site is a surgical site for receiving an implantable orthopedic implant, and the method further comprises the step of implanting the orthopedic implant into the surgical site, and the biofilm is attached to the outer surface of the orthopedic implant.

23. 23. The composition of claim 22, wherein the applying step comprises applying the composition to the exterior surface of the orthopedic implant.

24. 24. The composition of claim 23, wherein the composition is applied to the exterior surface of the orthopedic implant before the orthopedic implant is implanted at the surgical site.

25. 24. The composition of claim 23, wherein the composition is applied to the exterior surface of the orthopedic implant after the orthopedic implant is implanted at the surgical site.

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