Background In addition to the widespread use of antibiotics in healthcare settings, the current COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Nosocomial infections among hospitalized patients is a leading site for such resistant microbial colonization due to prolonged use of invasive devices and antibiotics in therapies. Invasive medical devices, especially catheters, are prone to infections that could accelerate the development of resistant microbes. Often, catheters - particularly urinary catheters - are prone to high infection rates. Antibiotic-coated catheters can reduce infection rates and although commercially available, are limited in efficacy and choices. Methods Herein, a novel and facile method to fabricate PMDS-based biomaterial for the development of antimicrobial eluting catheters is presented. Silicone based organic polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used to prepare a biomaterial containing novel polymeric imidazolium antimicrobial compound. Results It was found that the PDMS-based biomaterials could eradicate microbial colonization even after 60 days in culture with continuous microbial challenge, be recycled over multiple uses, stored at room temperature for long-term usage and importantly is biocompatible. Conclusion The PDMS-based biomaterial displayed biocidal functionality on microbes of clinical origin, which form major threats in hospital acquired infections. Graphical Abstract
Surface antimicrobial materials are of interest as they can combat the critical threat of microbial contamination without contributing to issues of environmental contamination and the development drug resistance. Most nanostructured surfaces are prepared by post fabrication modifications and actively release antimicrobial agents. These properties limit the potential applications of nanostructured materials on flexible surfaces. Here, we report on an easily synthesized plastic material with inherent antimicrobial activity, demonstrating excellent microbicidal properties against common bacteria and fungus. The plastic material did not release antimicrobial components as they were anchored to the polymer chains via strong covalent bonds. Time-kill kinetics studies have shown that bactericidal effects take place when bacteria come into contact with a material for a prolonged period, resulting in the deformation and rupture of bacteria cells. A scanning probe microscopy analysis revealed soft nanostructures on the submicron scale, for which the formation is thought to occur via surface phase separation. These soft nanostructures allow for polyionic antimicrobial components to be present on the surface, where they freely interact with and kill microbes. Overall, the new green and sustainable plastic is easily synthesized and demonstrates inherent and long-lasting activity without toxic chemical leaching.
Hand or surface sanitizers are all liquid‐based products which can be mainly categorized as alcohol or non‐alcohol based. The constant release of highly persistent disinfectants and chemicals is hazardous to the environment and human health. Herein, a new concept of solid elastomer sanitizer with inherent fast‐killing antimicrobial property is described. Silicone (PDMS) was chosen as the elastomer where the active antimicrobial component of imidazolium polymer (PIM) was carefully modified and incorporated into the PDMS matrix through strong covalent bonds. This chemically bonded antimicrobial component within PDMS acts via release‐on‐demand model which allows for the long‐term reusability of the material. The resulting material can serve as a reusable solid sanitizer that is toxic‐free and skin‐friendly with fast‐killing property. It was proven to sanitize our hands or surfaces and kill microbes within 30–60 s of contact, including ESKAPE pathogens, bacteria, fungi and MS2 bacteriophage. This new concept of solid sanitizer methodology will provide an interesting insight and infinite possibilities for extending to other types of elastomers with suitable or tunable antimicrobial components. This also helps to provide a safer and greener sanitizing model which can dramatically reduce the usage and/or release of disinfectants or harmful chemicals to the environment. The possibilities of extending to other elastomers also widen its potential applications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.