Impact of Staph. epidermidis extracellular vesicles on bacterial and mammalian cell viability

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a gram-positive bacteria, is the leading cause of implant-associated bone infections, forcing implant removal and hindering patient recovery. Research shows gram-negative bacteria can secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that positively or negatively impact bacterial viability depending on their growth phase. Furthermore, EVs from Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), a gram-positive, less toxic relative of S. aureus, can inhibit S. aureus proliferation. My research aims to elucidate the effects of EVs secreted during different phases of S. epidermidis growth on cell viability to determine if there is a superior subtype of EV for combating S. aureus-derived implant-associated bone infections.