New antibacterial coatings created by scientists are being used in testing new paints that can be applied to a variety of surfaces to effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including species that are difficult to kill species such as MRSA, influenza, and Covid-19.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham Pharmacy have tried out a new paint resin product that incorporates bacteria that kill chlorhexidine.
The team worked together using indestructible paints to create prototype antibacterial paints using this new material, and found that when dried it would effectively activate and kill a variety of pathogens.
Antibiotics prevent efficient infection control
The Covid-19 pandemic has focused attention on infections in hospitals as it is estimated that 20% of all patients admitted to Covid-19 have already been infected with the virus while they are in the hospital.
In 2016/17, 4.7% of adult hospitalized patients had infections in hospitals, and it is estimated that 22,800 patients died due to these infections, despite the prevention of these deaths.
The most common pathogens that cause infections that have been hit in hospitals are E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile. The outbreak of infections in the clinic is frequently caused by strains that are resistant to antibiotics.
“We’ve been working hard to get the better of our research,” said Dr. Felicity De Kogan, associate professor of biopharmaceutical science, who led the research.
“Studies have shown that contaminated surfaces act as reservoirs of antibacterial resistance genes, promoting the expansion of antibacterial resistance between bacterial species through horizontal gene migration despite deep cleaning practices.”
She added: “It is of paramount importance that new technologies, such as this antibacterial paint, are being developed to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to vulnerable patients and to address the ever-increasing threat of antibacterial resistance.”
Antibacterial coatings for a wide range of industries
Bacteria killing paints can be applied to a variety of plastics and hard non-porous surfaces to provide antibacterial coatings.
In hospital settings, paint can be used on any imperfect surface, and the team is also investigating its use in the transportation and aerospace industry.
Surfaces act as bacterial reservoirs, particularly in medical settings, from hospital beds and toilet seats to frequently touching public spaces such as planes throughout the aerospace industry, to surfaces that frequently touch the production of seats and tray tables.
Some microbial species can survive despite strengthened cleaning regimes. In hospitals, this increases the risk of patients becoming infected and requires antibiotic treatment. These microorganisms survive and can become infected on abiotic surfaces for a long period, sometimes up to several months.
Dr. De Kogan commented: “It is very exciting to see this research being applied in a practical way.
“In the first study, we incorporated disinfectants into the polymer to create new antibacterial paints with excellent effects, and they do not leach from the environment or surface when touched.
“This new study clearly showed that the surface on which this paint was applied is free of bacteria. It becomes active as soon as it dries. Adding this to the paint makes it easy to apply and kill cost-effective and effective bacteria.”
Source link
