New Spray-Mist Device Delivers Antibiotics Directly into Infected Tissue

Drug-resistant infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pose a serious treatment challenge, often requiring powerful antibiotics that can damage vital organs when delivered through the bloodstream. These risks are especially concerning for patients with severe wounds, where treatment options are limited, and complications can lead to amputations or death. Researchers have now demonstrated a targeted delivery approach that treats deep tissue infections while avoiding harmful systemic side effects.

Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine (Columbia, MO, USA) worked with an industry partner to evaluate a patented needle-free spray-mist device that delivers medication directly through the skin. The technology delivers antibiotics deep into infected tissue, overcoming the limitations of topical treatments that can be wiped away and intravenous delivery that exposes the whole body to toxicity.

In the study, the spray-mist device was used to deliver vancomycin, a last-resort antibiotic, directly to tissue infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The system generates a fine, high-velocity mist that penetrates skin layers and deposits medication precisely at the site of infection. This localized delivery minimizes exposure to organs such as the kidneys, which are commonly affected by vancomycin toxicity.

The device successfully treated deep MRSA infections while preventing nephrotoxicity, a serious side effect frequently associated with bloodstream delivery of vancomycin. Compared with conventional administration methods, the spray-mist approach achieved effective antibiotic concentrations in infected tissue without detectable systemic harm.

The findings, published in the journal Military Medicine, suggest that needle-free, targeted antibiotic delivery could transform the treatment of severe wound infections, particularly in patients with diabetic foot ulcers or traumatic injuries. By reducing systemic toxicity, this approach may help preserve limbs, shorten recovery time, and improve survival. The research team is now working toward future clinical trials and regulatory approval to deploy the technology in both civilian and military wound care settings.

“Whether it’s people with diabetic foot ulcers or soldiers hurt in battle, we wanted to come up with a new approach to treat these severely infected wounds in a more targeted way,” said Mizzou researcher Hongmin Sun, who developed the device. “This can be a game-changing therapy for treating those with severely infected wounds.”

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University of Missouri School of Medicine