Efficient surface functionalization of wound dressings by a phytoactive nanocoating refractory to Candida albicans biofilm development

Abstract

The present study reports the fabrication and characterization of a novel nanostructured phyto-bioactive coated rayon/ polyester wound dressing (WD) surface refractory to Candida albicans adhesion, colonization and biofilm formation, based on functionalized magnetite nanoparticles and Anethum graveolens (AG) and Salvia officinalis (SO) essential oils (EOs). TEM, XRD, TGA, FT-IR were used for the characterization of the fabricated nanobiocoated WDs. Using magnetic nanoparticles for the stabilization and controlled release of EOs, the activity of natural volatile compounds is significantly enhanced and their effect is stable during time. For this reason the nanobiocoated surfaces exhibited a longer term anti-biofilm effect, maintained for at least 72 h. Besides their excellent anti-adherence properties, the proposed solutions exhibit the advantage of using vegetal natural compounds, which are less toxic and easily biodegradable in comparison with synthetic antifungal drugs, representing thus promising approaches for the development of successful ways to control and prevent fungal biofilms associated infections.

New Molecular Strategies for Reducing Implantable Medical Devices Associated Infections

“…The authors indicate that the maximum efficiency of the AG at 48 h and of SO at 72h may be explained by the different release rates of the two phytocompounds from the nanoparticle carrier. This experiment stated that the antibiofilm effect of nanophytoactive coated wound dressings is due to the presence of essential oils, since wound dressings coated with magnetite nanoparticles only proved no significant antibiofilm activity [67]. The prolonged anti-fungal effect could be due to the fact that the highly volatile essential oils are stabilized by the functionalized magnetite nanoparticles, which are thus acting as efficient carriers and also ensuring a controlled release of the active phytocompounds, coupled with lower cytotoxicity and biodegradability.…”

“…It is well known that S. officinalis (SO) and A. graveolens (AG) essential oils perform antiseptic properties and low side effects; therefore many studies suggest them as excellent alternatives for developing antimicrobial strategies [67]. Recent evidence reveals the utility of novel nanophytoactive coated wound dressings, which have been tested in vitro for their antibiofilm activity, using both qualitative (SEM examination) and quantitative (viable cells embedded in biofilm) approaches.…”

“…Studies demonstrated that Anethum graveolens and Salvia officinalis essential oils have great antifungal abilities, combating Candida albicans infections. When immersing wound dressings in these essential oils, the resulting medical structures have increased resistance to C. albicans colonization, reducing both the adherence and biofilm formation of this pathogen [44]. Mentha piperita essential oil has also proved great anti-adherence properties against Staphylococcal colonization on the surface of modified prosthetic devices [45].…”

Magnetite Nanostructures

“…Vegetal extracts and essential oils have been extensively used in traditional medicine for treating infections (WHO, 2002). Recent studies revealed the great impact of mixture extracts and pure compounds obtained from Angiosperms and Gymnosperms to impair bacteria growth and also to modulate their virulence and resistance (Saviuc et al, 2013;Anghel and Grumezescu, 2013;Anghel et al, 2013a). Despite their proven role, studies revealed that natural compounds usually have low stability, and the technical procedures necessary for their testing and use significantly reduce their antimicrobial effect, especially when used in low doses (Holban et al, 2014b).…”

Antimicrobial nanospheres thin coatings prepared by advanced pulsed laser technique

“…In the past years a series of papers have been published in prestigious journals highlighting the relevance of magnetite nanostructures in preventing the development of microbial biofilm and the opportunity of utilizing these nanosystems to obtain improved, antimicrobial coatings for biomedical applications [7–8]. Nonpolar functionalized magnetite nanostructures alone [9–10] or combined with different natural products, such as usnic acid (UA) [11] or essential oils ( Mentha piperita [12], Anethum graveolens [13], Salvia officinalis [14], Eugenia carryophyllata [15]), showed improved antibiofilm effects on different types of microbial strains. Usually, these types of phyto-nano-coatings have been applied to a variety of medical surfaces in order to improve their resistance to microbial colonization [16].…”