Electrochemically Enhanced Antimicrobial Action of Plasma-Activated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Dressings

Abstract

This paper presents and explains the principle behind anelectrochemical method to enhance the antimicrobial action of plasma-activated hydrogel therapy (PAHT) in the context of wound decontamination. The process involves grounding and hydratingpoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel films during treatment with a helium (He) plasma jet. This electrochemically enhances production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is amajor antibacterial agent produced in the PVA hydrogel. Production of H2O2 is shownto be electrically enhanced through electron dissociation reactions, and through reactions associated with excited state species, metastables and ultra-violet (UV) photolysis. H2O2 production is chemically enhanced through the He flow of the plasma jet dehydrating the PVA hydrogel, which fuels the electrochemical dependent reactions associated with H2O2 production. The electrochemical process produces an unprecedented 3.4 mM of H2O2 in the PVA hydrogel. Production of other molecules such as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are also enhanced by the same method. The electrochemically enhanced PAHT is highly effective ateradicating common wound pathogens Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mildly effective against Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, this study shows that the new PAHT dressing offers a promising alternative to antibiotics and silver-based dressings for controlling infection and stimulating healing in wounds.