Suresh G Joshi, Utku Ercan, Adam Yost, Siddharth Joshi, Nachiket Vaze, Brandon Fong and Michael Neidrauer
Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Drug Metab Toxicol
Multi-drug resistance in bacterial pathogens (MDRO) is a significant challenge that healthcare facilities faces globally. Surface-associated biofilms often act as reservior of MDRO and a source of dissemination of resistance. MDRO in biofilm form requires much higher doses of antimicrobial biocides than their planktonic counterpart. Such doses are often cytotoxic, and can not be repeatedly used. Additionally, an increase in resistant phenotypes due to spontaneous mutations challenges traditional antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. Nonthermal plasma treatments are increasingly used in disinfection and sterilization, in different forms of applications, such as direct plasma application over the surface or first treating the liquid of interest, and then applying it over surface (animate or inanimate). Aqueous solutions treated by plasma at atmosphere air contains a complex cocktail of reactive species such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrite and nitrate, and typically have a low pH (which helps in stabilizing some of these species). All these species are physiologically reactive and known to kill bacteria in suspension by exerting a synergistic antimicrobial effect. Recently, we demonstrated that nonthermal plasma (plasma)-treated solutions acquire strong stable antimicrobial activity, and these solutions have a rapid and broad spectrum activity against multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens. This activity is retained for at least two years at room temperature, and the solution(s) exhibit appreciable toxicity. The proposed research presents the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the bactericidal effect of one of the plasma-activated antimicrobial solution, using E. coli�s physiological responses as the probe.
Suresh G Joshi has completed his MD, MSc and PhD in medical microbiology from University of Pune (UoP), one of the premier Universities of India. From 1987 to 2000, he was a faculty at UoP affiliated medical college hopsitals, and contributory at the Interdisciplinary School of Basic Medical Sciences, UoP. From 2000 to 2003, he was a visitng faculty fellow at University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, and from 2003 to 2007, a research scientist and adjunct faculty at Thomas Jefferson University Medical College, Philadelphia, PA. In 2008, he joined Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, and currrently is a director of center for surgical infection and biofilm at Drexel University. He has published over 110 articles and research studies in reputed journals, and internatioal and national proceedings, and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.
Email: Suresh.Joshi@Drexelmed.edu
