Enzymatically attenuated in situ release of silver ions to combat bacterial biofilms: a feasibility study

A new soluble and enzymatically active hybrid of silver and the enzyme glucose oxidase was recently developed in our lab. We hypothesized that this hybrid carries potential as new antibacterial agent to combat biofilms: by hybrid penetration into the biofilm and scavenging of glucose traces, hydrogen peroxide will be formed by the enzyme, subsequently releasing silver ions from the hybrid’s silver “shell” by local chemical oxidation. These in situ released silver ions are expected effectively to kill bacterial cells located within their immediate vicinity. We designed and established a working flow system for in vitro biofilm growth and comparison of the efficacy of the antibacterial activity of several forms of silver and the hybrid on E. coli biofilms. Results obtained demonstrated the feasibility of the working hypothesis, thus paving the way for subsequent in vivo studies.