We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Anti-Adhesive Nanopatches Prevent Biofilm Formation

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 May 2016
Print article
A novel nano-coating could offer a significant advantage in battling biofilms for a variety of medical and industrial applications.

Developed by researchers at Ben-Gurion University (BGU; Beer Sheva, Israel), the anti-adhesive patches are based on the natural properties of microalgal-derived polysaccharides, and the significant anti-biofilm activity of a metal complex film (MCF) joined to copper (Cu) ions that improve the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the surfaces. A mechanistic examination showed a two-fold greater coverage of the anti-adhesive surface of Cu-MCF due to the induction of a swarming motility, which impedes bacterial transformation to an irreversibly attached state.

They then examined the surface topography of the patches, using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. They found that the Cu-MCF patch surface morphology is comprised of protruding, needle-like structures up to 100 nm in height that lack both polysaccharides and a Zinc-MCF. The researchers concluded that patches fabricated with thermal and pressure stability--to prevent metal ion leakage--could hold promise for a broad spectrum of uses. The study was published on March 17, 2016, in Advanced Materials Interfaces.

“Our solution addresses a pervasive need to design environmentally friendly materials to impede dangerous surface bacteria growth,” concluded senior author Professor Ariel Kushmaro, PhD, and colleagues of the BGU departments of microbiology and biotechnology engineering. “Anti-adhesive patches that are developed from naturally occurring biomaterials can prevent destructive bacterial biofilm from forming on metal surfaces when they are immersed in water and other damp environments.”

“This holds tremendous potential for averting biofilm formed by surface-anchored bacteria and could have a tremendous impact,” concluded the authors. “The anti-adhesive could be used on medical implants, devices, and surgical equipment where bacteria can contribute to chronic diseases, resist antibiotic treatment and thereby compromise the body's defense system. The prevention of aquatic biofouling on ships and bridges is one of the industrial applications.”

Biomaterial infections are responsible for high rates of patient mortality and morbidity. The presence of biofilm bacteria, which thrive on implant surfaces, are a huge burden on healthcare budgets, as they are highly resistant to current therapeutic strategies.

Related Links:
Ben-Gurion University

Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
Gold Member
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Hemodynamic Monitoring Sensor
FloTrac Jr

Print article

Channels

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System provides visual and audible indicators of the onset and progression of bleeding events (Photo courtesy of Saranas)

Novel Technology Monitors and Lowers Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Heart Procedures

Bleeding complications at the femoral access site can significantly hamper recovery, affecting the success of procedures, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare costs. It is crucial for surgeons... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.