Xyloglucan, Hibiscus and Propolis for the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections: Results ofin vitroStudies

Aim:To assess the properties of a medical device containing xyloglucan, propolis and hibiscus to create a bioprotective barrier to avoid the contact of uropathogenicEscherichia colistrains on cell walls in models of intestinal (CacoGoblet) and uroepithelial (RWPE-1) cells (derived from normal human prostate epithelium).Materials & methods:Two uropathogenicE. colistrains (expressing type 1 fimbriae and P fimbriae) were used to assess, by electronic microscopy and ELISA, the barrier properties of the medical device. The antimicrobial activity was assessed in broth dilution assays.Results:The three components (xyloglucan, propolis and hibiscus) did not alterE. colicell integrity in intestinal and uroepithelial cell models and were devoid of antibacterial activity. The three components avoided bacterial contact in both cell monolayers.Conclusion:The nonpharmacological barrier properties of xyloglucan, propolis and hibiscus confirm the role of the medical device for the management of urinary tract infections.