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Author Spotlight: Metallic Nanocomposites to Eliminate Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Published on: October 4, 2024
Antibacterial composite coatings of MgB2 powders embedded in PVP matrix
P Badica1, N D Batalu2, M Burdusel3
1National Institute of Materials Physics, Street Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania. badica2003@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
Three commercial powders of MgB2 were tested in vitro by MTS and LDH cytotoxicity tests on the HS27 dermal cell line. Depending on powders, the toxicity concentrations were established in the range of 8.3-33.2 µg/ml. The powder with the lowest toxicity limit was embedded into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, for two different concentrations. The self-replenishing MgB2-PVP composite materials were coated on substrate materials (plastic foil of the reservoir and silicon tubes) composing a commercial urinary catheter. The influence of the PVP-reference and MgB2-PVP novel coatings on the bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecium DMS 13590, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, in planktonic and biofilm state was assessed in vitro at 6, 24, and 48 h of incubation time. The MgB2-PVP coatings are efficient both against planktonic microbes and microbial biofilms. Results open promising applications for the use of MgB2 in the design of anti-infective strategies for different biomedical devices and systems.
Insights
Magnesium diboride (MgB2) coatings on urinary catheters show antimicrobial properties. These novel MgB2-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite materials effectively inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation, suggesting potential for anti-infective medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common complications associated with indwelling urinary catheters.
- Development of novel antimicrobial coatings for medical devices is crucial to combat catheter-associated UTIs.
- Magnesium diboride (MgB2) is a promising material with potential biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxicity of commercial MgB2 powders.
- To develop and characterize MgB2-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite coatings.
- To assess the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of MgB2-PVP coatings against common uropathogens in both planktonic and biofilm states.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity assessment using MTS and LDH assays on HS27 dermal cells.
- Fabrication of MgB2-PVP composite coatings on catheter materials.
- In vitro testing of coating efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Evaluation of bacterial growth inhibition at planktonic and biofilm states over 48 hours.
Main Results:
- Cytotoxicity of MgB2 powders was determined, establishing toxicity concentration ranges (8.3-33.2 µg/ml).
- MgB2-PVP composite coatings were successfully developed and applied to catheter substrates.
- The MgB2-PVP coatings demonstrated significant inhibition of both planktonic bacteria and microbial biofilm formation.
Conclusions:
- MgB2-PVP composite coatings exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against key uropathogens.
- These findings suggest MgB2-PVP coatings are suitable for developing anti-infective urinary catheters.
- MgB2 holds promise for advanced anti-infective strategies in biomedical device design.

