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Updated: Nov 12, 2025
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and inflammatory response of novel plastics embedded with silver nanoparticles
Fidel Martínez-Gutiérrez1, Jesús M Guajardo-Pacheco, María E Noriega-Trevino
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Aim:
Infections associated with medical devices are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Microorganisms are responsible for catheter infections that may then result in the local or systemic dissemination of the microorganism into the bloodstream. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in polyurethane plastics, commonly used for catheter fabrication.
Materials & Methods:
AgNPs in the range of 25-30 nm were synthesized and embedded in polyurethane plastics at different concentrations. The antimicrobial activities of these plastics were tested against the three pathogenic microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans, frequently associated with catheter infections. The cytotoxicity of the plastics was evaluated on human-derived macrophages using propidium iodide and the secretion of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-a was measured using ELISA.
Results:
A significant reduction of 6- to 7-log in the number of bacteria was measured, while a reduction of 90% was measured in the case of C. albicans. Neither cytotoxic effect on macrophages nor immunological response was observed.
Conclusion:
Plastics embedded with AgNPs have great potential to limit microbial colonization of implanted medical devices.
Insights
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in polyurethane plastics effectively combat common catheter infection microbes like E. coli and S. epidermidis. This antimicrobial plastic shows promise for reducing medical device-associated infections without causing cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Medical device-associated infections are a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality.
- Microbial colonization of catheters can lead to local infections or systemic bloodstream infections.
- Polyurethane plastics are widely used in the fabrication of medical devices, including catheters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated into polyurethane plastics.
- To assess the potential of AgNP-embedded plastics in preventing catheter-related infections.
- To determine the safety profile of these AgNP-embedded materials.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with sizes ranging from 25-30 nm.
- Embedding AgNPs into polyurethane plastics at varying concentrations.
- Testing antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans.
- Evaluating cytotoxicity on human macrophages and measuring inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α).
Main Results:
- Significant bacterial reduction of 6- to 7-log was observed.
- A 90% reduction in Candida albicans was achieved.
- No cytotoxic effects on macrophages or significant immunological responses were detected.
Conclusions:
- Polyurethane plastics embedded with silver nanoparticles demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity.
- These AgNP-embedded plastics hold significant potential for minimizing microbial colonization on implanted medical devices.
- The materials are safe for use, showing no cytotoxicity or adverse immunological effects.
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