The $94 Billion Problem: Application of Safe Acid Technology (SAT) to Combat Biofilm Infections

Purpose : Biofilm infections present a major public health threat. In the U.S. alone, biofilm infections are implicated in up to 550,000 yearly fatalities with an estimated annual cost of $94 billion. Biofilm infections are difficult to treat, as biofilm-secreting bacteria are highly resistant to host immune responses. We hypothesize that Safe Acid Technology (SAT), a unique acid formulation, may reduce the risk of biofilm infections while maximizing patient safety.

Methods: SAT anti-biofilm testing was administered by the Montana State University Center for BioFilm Engineering using a single species ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) biofilm grown in the CDC reactor according to ASTM E2871-12 on polycarbonate coupons. After establishing biofilms, the polycarbonate coupons were exposed to SAT formulations at multiple exposure times in varied concentrations.

Results: Log reductions of biofilm ranged from 3.61 at concentrations of C50 to 4.82 at C25. This was compared to biofilm concentration of Log 8.62 on control coupons.

Conclusion : The current recommended treatment for biofilm infection involves long-term antibiotic therapy, which may reduce bacteria in the perioperative period but has limited ability to address bacterial resistance and penetrate biofilms. Safe Acid Technology, which demonstrates potent anti-biofilm action along with non-toxicity to human mucosa, may prove a superior and cost-effective alternative to the current treatment paradigm for biofilm infections.