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Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
Indoor Finish Material Influence on Contamination, Transmission, and Eradication of Methicillin-Resistant
Debra Harris1, Keyanna P Taylor2, Katie Napierkowski3
1Human Sciences and Design, College of Health and Human Sciences, 14643Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate environmental surface materials used in healthcare environments for material composition, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) viability, and a comparison of two disinfectants, a bleach germicidal cleaner and Decon7, a novel disinfectant.
Background:
Contaminated environmental surfaces have been associated with outbreaks of healthcare-associated illness (HAIs). One in every 20 patients in U.S. acute care hospitals acquire a healthcare-associated illness, leading to consequences such as elevated morbidity, mortality, and a decrease in quality of life. In the patient environment, MRSA can remain viable from hours to up to 14 days.
Methods:
Environmental surface materials were evaluated as new and worn. Material composition and properties were assessed to evaluate surface integrity and the influence on the disinfection of MRSA. Inoculated materials were used to assess MRSA viability over time and the efficacy of a manufacturer's recommended cleaning and disinfection product compared to a novel disinfectant.
Results:
Environmental surface materials respond differently in appearance and roughness, when mechanically worn. When measuring MRSA survival, at 24 hr, MRSA colony forming unit (CFU) counts were reduced on the copper sheet surface and solid surface with cupric oxide. By 72 hr, all MRSA counts were zero. Bleach and the novel disinfectant were equally effective at disinfecting MRSA from all surface types.
Conclusions:
This study highlights a gap in knowledge about the impact of type and wear of environmental surface materials used in healthcare environments on contamination with epidemiologically important organisms. In conclusion, environmental surface material wear, properties, and cleaning and disinfection efficacy are important factors to consider when addressing HAIs.
Insights
Healthcare surface materials and wear impact methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) viability. Both bleach and a novel disinfectant effectively eliminated MRSA, regardless of surface type or wear.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
- Environmental surface microbiology
- Disinfection efficacy
Background:
- Contaminated surfaces are a significant source of healthcare-associated illnesses (HAIs).
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can persist on surfaces for up to 14 days.
- HAIs lead to increased patient morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate environmental surface materials for composition and MRSA viability.
- To compare the efficacy of bleach and a novel disinfectant (Decon7) against MRSA.
- To assess the influence of material wear on disinfection effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Assessed material composition and properties of new and worn environmental surfaces.
- Measured MRSA viability over time on different surface materials.
- Compared disinfection efficacy of a standard cleaner and a novel disinfectant.
Main Results:
- Surface wear altered material appearance and roughness.
- MRSA colony-forming units (CFU) were reduced on copper and cupric oxide surfaces within 24 hours.
- Both bleach and Decon7 demonstrated equal effectiveness in disinfecting MRSA across all tested surface types by 72 hours.
Conclusions:
- Material type and wear significantly influence contamination by organisms like MRSA.
- Disinfection efficacy is a critical factor in mitigating HAIs.
- Further research is needed to understand the interplay between surface properties and infection control.
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