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Micro-textured films for reducing microbial colonization in a clinical setting

A R Mendez1, T Y Tan2, H Y Low1

  • 1Engineering Product Development Pillar, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|August 12, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Micro-textured surfaces effectively reduce bacterial load on hospital over-bed tables. This physical texturing approach offers a promising non-bactericidal strategy to minimize microbial contamination in healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Microbiology
  • Healthcare Engineering

Background:

  • Hospital environments facilitate microbial transmission via high-touch surfaces.
  • Current cleaning protocols aim to minimize microbe spread.
  • Antimicrobial materials are desirable for high-touch surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate micro-textured polycarbonate films for reducing bacterial load.
  • To assess efficacy on over-bed tables in a hospital ward setting.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of two distinct micro-patterns on polycarbonate film using thermal imprinting.
  • Mounting micro-textured films on patient over-bed tables in a general hospital ward.
  • Monitoring total bacterial colony counts and meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) over 24 hours.

Main Results:

  • Both micro-textured surfaces demonstrated consistently lower bacterial loads compared to unpatterned surfaces.
  • Results align with prior laboratory studies on microscale physical texturing's anti-colonization effects.
  • Significant reduction in both general bacterial counts and MRSA was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Micro-textured surfaces show potential as a viable method for reducing microbial contamination.
  • This non-bactericidal physical texturing approach can enhance hospital hygiene.
  • Further implementation could decrease pathogen transmission on critical surfaces.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial surfacesBacterial adhesionMicropatternsMicrostructures

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