A sneaky bacterium turns your skin cells against themselves, pumping out invisible poison that stalls healing even after antibiotics wipe out the infection.

Story Snapshot

• Enterococcus faecalis produces hydrogen peroxide via extracellular electron transport, triggering oxidative stress in keratinocytes.
• This activates the unfolded protein response, paralyzing skin cell migration and wound repair.
• Catalase enzyme neutralizes the peroxide, restoring cell function and accelerating closure in lab tests.
• Approach bypasses antibiotic resistance, targeting bacterial byproducts for chronic wounds like diabetic ulcers.
• Promises quick translation to antioxidant dressings, potentially slashing amputation risks for millions.

Enterococcus Faecalis Deploys Hidden Weapon in Wounds

Nanyang Technological University researchers in Singapore identified Enterococcus faecalis as the culprit in chronic wounds. This bacterium, common in diabetic foot ulcers, generates hydrogen peroxide through extracellular electron transport. The peroxide floods keratinocytes, skin cells essential for repair. Oxidative stress activates the unfolded protein response, a survival mechanism that halts migration and proliferation. Antibiotics kill the bacteria but leave the damage, explaining persistent non-healing.

A team led by Associate Professor Guillaume Thibault and Professor Kimberly Kline conducted experiments on human skin cells and modified E. faecalis strains. They confirmed the electron transport chain produces reactive oxygen species directly in the wound environment. Keratinocytes exposed to this stress enter a paralyzed state, unable to close gaps despite clear infection.

Unfolded Protein Response Paralyzes Repair Process

Keratinocytes detect misfolded proteins from oxidative damage and trigger UPR. Normally protective, chronic activation blocks cell movement needed for wound closure. Thibault’s team measured reduced migration in peroxide-treated cells, mimicking chronic ulcer conditions. Genetically altered bacteria lacking EET components failed to induce this block, proving the mechanism. Human cell models ensure findings translate directly to patients.

Diabetic foot ulcers strike 18.6 million people yearly, with one in three diabetics at risk. Infections resist antibiotics due to biofilms and metabolic tricks like this. E. faecalis thrives in low-oxygen wounds, exporting electrons to generate peroxide externally. This insight shifts focus from killing bugs to countering their chemical sabotage.

Catalase Neutralizes Peroxide and Restores Healing

Researchers applied catalase, an antioxidant enzyme, to neutralize hydrogen peroxide. Treated keratinocytes regained migration and proliferation abilities. In lab wound models, catalase sped closure dramatically. Dr. Aaron Tan noted this uses established, safe compounds for fast clinical rollout. Dressings infused with catalase could pair with standard care, sidestepping resistance crises.

Scientists discover why some wounds refuse to heal

Scientists have uncovered a surprising reason why some chronic wounds refuse to heal, even when treated with antibiotics. A common bacterium found in long-lasting wounds does not just resist drugs. It actively releases damaging… pic.twitter.com/e4550n36xr

— Mr.TrueExplorer🫰 (@Mr_TrueExplorer) January 20, 2026

Thibault stated researchers target bacterial byproducts over eradication. Kline’s bacteriology expertise linked this to biofilm persistence. Animal studies follow, paving the way for trials. This pragmatic fix aligns with common sense: neutralize the poison, let natural healing resume. Conservative values favor efficient, low-cost solutions over endless drug chases.

Global wound burden drives urgency, with amputations costing lives and billions. Antioxidant strategies cut healthcare loads, boost mobility for elderly and diabetics. Industry eyes medtech shifts to ROS-neutralizing products. Uniform expert consensus backs the science, no contradictions in peer-reviewed data.

Meet My Healthy Doc – instant answers, anytime, anywhere.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120015650.htm
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/spore-study-finds-new-way-to-disarm-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-speed-up-healing-of-chronic-wounds
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1112805
https://www.ntu.edu.sg/news/detail/new-way-to-disarm-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-and-restore-healing-in-chronic-wounds
https://www.genengnews.com/topics/infectious-diseases/disarming-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-that-prevent-healing-in-chronic-wounds/