Friday, November 22, 2024
11/22/2024
A nanocoating for continuous disinfection of frequently touched surfaces Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a constant risk for patients and healthcare workers and have a large impact on public health. Fomites, inanimate surfaces contaminated by pathogens, are a passive source of infection and their role in infection propagation in hospitals has been recognized as an important health problem. Fomites can be contaminated with microbes by direct contact with body fluids such as blood or saliva or by airborne microbial particles, like sneeze droplets. In the nosocomial setting, noncritical frequently touched surfaces (FTS) such as doorknobs, countertops, bedrails, and bedside tables may contribute to fomite-mediated HAIs by contaminating the hands of health care providers or by contact with medical equipment that will subsequently come in contact with patients. To prevent and reduce the risk of HAIs transmission, the low-level disinfection (LLD) of FTS is a widely used strategy. LLD aims to inactivate vegetative bacteria, virus, and fungi, but not spores. To do so, liquid disinfectants or wipes are used to wet the surface for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer, usually 10 minutes or less. LLD has been found to be highly effective (>4- log10 reduction) in removing/inactivating epidemiologically important pathogens. Nevertheless, since recontamination can occur at any moment after cleaning, an important drawback of LLD is the need for repeated disinfectant application. To address this, here we propose the use of a nanocoating (NC) for continuous LLD of FTS. The NC will be able to attain >4-log10 reduction of gram positive and gram-negative bacteria in 15 minutes or less by using visible light to kill pathogens via oxidative stress. It will be formulated for an environmental- friendly application and will keep its antibacterial activity for about 60 days. The specific aims to reach the objective are: AIM 1. Formulation and optimization of NCs. The material will be formulated and optimized for high bacterial reduction (>4-log10) in 15 min or less against S. aureus and E. coli. AIM 2. Characterization and optimization of NC properties. The mechanical, physiochemical, and antibacterial properties of new and aged coatings will be assessed to optimize performance and duration. AIM 3. In vitro and in vivo studies to assess the safeness of NCs. Studies using human cells and animal models will be performed to evaluate adverse health effects of NCs.
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