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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Antimicrobial characterization of silver nanoparticle-coated surfaces by "touch test" method
Marianne Gunell1,2, Janne Haapanen3, Kofi J Brobbey4
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku.
Abstract:
Bacterial infections, especially by antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, are an increasing problem worldwide. AMR is especially a problem with health care-associated infections due to bacteria in hospital environments being easily transferred from patient to patient and from patient to environment, and thus, solutions to prevent bacterial transmission are needed. Hand washing is an effective tool for preventing bacterial infections, but other approaches such as nanoparticle-coated surfaces are also needed. In the current study, direct and indirect liquid flame spray (LFS) method was used to produce silver nanoparticle-coated surfaces. The antimicrobial properties of these nanoparticle surfaces were evaluated with the "touch test" method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It was shown in this study that in glass samples one silver nanoparticle-coating cycle can inhibit E. coli growth, whereas at least two coating cycles were needed to inhibit S. aureus growth. Silver nanoparticle-coated polyethylene (PE) and PE terephthalate samples did not inhibit bacterial growth as effectively as glass samples: three nanoparticle-coating cycles were needed to inhibit E. coli growth, and more than 30 coating cycles were needed until S. aureus growth was inhibited. To conclude, with the LFS method, it is possible to produce nanostructured large-area antibacterial surfaces which show antibacterial effect against clinically relevant pathogens. Results indicate that the use of silver nanoparticle surfaces in hospital environments could prevent health care-associated infections in vivo.
Insights
Silver nanoparticle coatings on surfaces can inhibit bacterial growth, offering a new method to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This research explores nanoparticle-coated surfaces as a solution for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, particularly in healthcare settings.
- Preventing the transmission of resistant bacteria in hospitals is crucial for patient safety.
- While handwashing is effective, novel strategies like antimicrobial surfaces are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate silver nanoparticle-coated surfaces for their antimicrobial properties.
- To assess the efficacy of these surfaces against common bacterial pathogens like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
- To explore the potential of these surfaces in preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Main Methods:
- Utilized direct and indirect liquid flame spray (LFS) to create silver nanoparticle coatings.
- Employed the "touch test" method to evaluate antimicrobial activity.
- Tested coated glass, polyethylene (PE), and PE terephthalate samples against E. coli and S. aureus.
Main Results:
- A single LFS coating cycle on glass inhibited E. coli growth; two cycles were needed for S. aureus.
- Coating PE and PE terephthalate required more cycles: three for E. coli and over 30 for S. aureus.
- The LFS method successfully produced nanostructured, large-area antibacterial surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Silver nanoparticle surfaces created via LFS exhibit significant antibacterial effects against clinical pathogens.
- These findings suggest potential applications for silver nanoparticle surfaces in hospital environments to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
- The effectiveness of the coatings varies depending on the substrate material and the number of coating cycles.
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