Strathclyde University (U.K.) scientists have been studying the diminutive Tungara frog (Engystomops pustulosus) from Trinidad. The female frog, when mating, produces a floating foam nest. The foam nests are resistant bio-foams that protect the fertilized eggs from dehydration, sunlight, temperature, and potential pathogens until the tadpoles hatch.
Inspired by the protective foam, the researchers think simialrily tough bubbles could be used to trap and deliver medication to people who have been badly burnt, while simultaneoulsy providing a protective barrier between the wound dressing and the damaged skin.
In trials, the Scottish scientists loaded a synthetically produced foam with a dye. By studying the flow and formation, it was found that the foam was released at a steady rate, and this continued for a period of up to seven days. After this success, the group then loaded the foam with an antibiotic drug (vancomycin.) A broad-spectrum antimicrobial, vancomycin is made by the soil bacterium Amycolatopsis orientalis.
These trials showed that the drug was released again at a steady rate. More importantly, the antibiotic continued to work as intended. This was shown by assessing the antibiotic against pathogenic bacteria. While the bacteria were killed, there was no damage to healthy human cells.
It is hoped the trials will lead to the creation of a medical grade foam that will be stable and able to be used to treat burns patients. Speaking with the BBC, lead researcher Dr. Paul Hoskisson said: “‘d say we are about half way there, to making a stable foam. Once we do that, we would then need to test it in patients, but that will take a few years yet.”
The details about the foam have yet to be reported to a peer reviewed journal. However, preliminary data has been presented to the Royal Society for Microbiology’s Annual Conference, which was held recently in Liverpool.
