Electrolyzed Water Kills Bacteria in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Study
- Authors
- Edy Supardi, Saldy Yusuf, Muh Nasrum Massi, Hasniati Haeruddin
- Journal
- Medicina Clínica Práctica
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.mcpsp.2020.100090
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Indonesia
- Health Condition
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Body System
- Integumentary
TL;DR
A study found that a specific type of electrolyzed water is very effective at killing bacteria on diabetic foot ulcers.
Key Finding
Strongly acidic electrolyzed water (pH 2.5) killed bacteria significantly more effectively than other electrolyzed water types in laboratory conditions.
Summary
This laboratory study tested five different types of electrolyzed water (water treated with electricity to change its chemical properties) against bacteria commonly found in diabetic foot ulcers. Researchers found that strongly acidic electrolyzed water with a pH of 2.5 was significantly better at killing bacteria than the other types tested over a 72-hour period.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early laboratory study that does not involve human testing or actual wound treatment. While the results are promising for potential future use, much more research—including studies in actual patients—would be needed before any conclusions about treating diabetic foot ulcers in real life could be drawn.
Abstract
Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect of electrolyzed water effect on bacterial colonization on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients. Method This is an in vitro study. Eight bacteria are incubated into 5 types of electrolyzed water (ESAW), electrolyzed weak acid water (EWAW), electrolyzed neutral water (ENAW), electrolyzed weak alkaline water (EWAlW), and electrolyzed strong alkaline water (ESAlW). Evaluations were performed 2, 24, 48 and 72 h after incubation. Data were analyzed using repeated ANOVA test used to compare the difference of electrolyzed water effect on bacterial colonization of DFU patients. Results ESAW (pH 2.5) significantly (p = 0.001) had a better bactericidal effect than EWAW, ENAW, EWAlW and ESAlW. Conclusion Current study confirmed the positive effect ESAW on bacterial colonization in DFU patients.