Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Studying Copper Nanoparticle-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Bacteria
Published on: May 16, 2025
Bactericidal and Antiproliferative Effects of Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition Solutions with Sodium Bisulfite on
Hiroshi Ohara1,2, Masanori Watanabe1, Masamu Takebayashi1
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohu University, 31-1 Misumido, Tomitamachi-Aza, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan.
Abstract:
Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) due to pathogenic microorganisms pose a major threat to patients requiring parenteral nutrition (PN). Additives contained in medicines and foods have antiproliferative and bacteriostatic effects on pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, PN solutions containing additives may also have an antibacterial effect. However, so far, there have been no reports on or observations of a PN solution with bactericidal activity. In this study, we assessed several nutrition solutions with antimicrobial activities and investigated their effects on pathogenic microorganisms colonizing catheter lumens. We selected the highly acidic Plas-Amino® (PA), which contains a large amount of sodium bisulfite as a preservative and potentially has an antimicrobial effect. In this study, we used the following pathogenic bacteria as the main causatives of CRBSIs: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. We then created a catheter lumen microorganism contamination model and evaluated the antibacterial effect of PA; we found that all bacteria in the control group grew significantly in the catheter lumen in a time-dependent manner at 48 and 72 h. On the other hand, we demonstrated that PA has bactericidal effects on S. aureus, S. epidermidis, B. cereus, S. marcescens, and P. aeruginosa in the catheter lumen and confirmed that it has a remarkable antiproliferative effect on C. albicans. Hence, we concluded that highly acidic PN solutions that contain a preservative like sodium bisulfite have bactericidal and growth inhibition effects on microorganisms in the catheter lumens of patients with CRBSIs and patients with totally implantable central venous access devices, in whom it is difficult to remove the catheter.
Insights
Highly acidic parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions containing sodium bisulfite demonstrate bactericidal effects against common bacteria causing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). This study confirms their effectiveness in preventing microbial growth within catheter lumens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a significant risk for patients on parenteral nutrition (PN).
- Pathogenic microorganisms in PN solutions can colonize catheter lumens, leading to serious infections.
- Existing PN solutions lack documented bactericidal activity, necessitating new preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a highly acidic PN solution, Plas-Amino® (PA), against common CRBSI pathogens.
- To investigate the efficacy of PA in preventing microbial colonization within a catheter lumen model.
- To assess the potential of PA as a novel approach to combat CRBSIs.
Main Methods:
- A catheter lumen contamination model was established using pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Candida albicans.
- The antibacterial and antiproliferative effects of Plas-Amino® (PA) were assessed over 48 and 72 hours.
- Microbial growth in the catheter lumen was compared between the PA-treated group and a control group.
Main Results:
- Plas-Amino® (PA) exhibited significant bactericidal effects against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, B. cereus, S. marcescens, and P. aeruginosa in the catheter lumen.
- PA demonstrated a remarkable antiproliferative effect on Candida albicans.
- In contrast, the control group showed significant bacterial growth in the catheter lumen over time.
Conclusions:
- Highly acidic PN solutions, such as Plas-Amino® containing sodium bisulfite, possess potent bactericidal and growth-inhibiting properties against CRBSI-causing microorganisms.
- These findings suggest that acidic PN solutions can be a valuable tool in preventing infections associated with central venous access devices.
- This research opens avenues for developing novel antimicrobial strategies in clinical nutrition to reduce the burden of CRBSIs.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications