Anti-Adhesive Nanopatches Prevent Biofilm Formation

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.

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