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Author Spotlight: Metallic Nanocomposites to Eliminate Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Published on: October 4, 2024
Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on copper-based thin foils
Andrea Timoncini1, Luca Lorenzetti2, Raymond J Turner3
1Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
The development of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) represents an increasing threat to patient health. In this context, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for various HAIs, determining about 20% of the infections in hospitalized patients, which makes it one of the most effective pathogens due to its strong ability to form biofilms. Using Cu-based materials as foils on high-touch surfaces can help to prevent and mitigate P. aeruginosa contamination in biohazardous settings. However, the antibiofilm properties of Cu-based surfaces against P. aeruginosa may vary due to frequent touches combined with indoor environmental exposure. The main aim of this study is to investigate the impact of accelerated ageing, mimicking a high-touch frequency by cyclic exposure to artificial sweat solution as well as to temperature and relative humidity variations, on the efficacy of Cu-based thin foils against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Three Cu-based materials (rolled and annealed Phosphorous High-Conductivity (PHC) Cu, Cu15Zn brass, and Cu18Ni20Zn nickel silver) were evaluated. The ageing process enhanced the antibiofilm properties, due to an increment in Cu ion release: aged PHC Cu and Cu15Zn exhibited the highest Cu ion release and hence the highest biofilm inhibition (decrease in colony forming unit (CFU)) in comparison to their pristine counterpart, while aged Cu18Ni20Zn displayed the lowest biofilm formation reduction, despite showing the highest aesthetic and morphological stability. The Cu-based surface, which highlited the highest biofilm formation inhibition due to accelerated ageing, was Cu15Zn.
Insights
Copper-based materials show promise in preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on surfaces. Accelerated aging, mimicking frequent use, enhances copper
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen responsible for HAIs, known for its biofilm formation.
- Copper-based materials are explored for their potential to mitigate pathogen contamination on high-touch surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of accelerated aging on the antibiofilm efficacy of copper-based thin foils against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To evaluate how environmental factors like artificial sweat, temperature, and humidity affect copper's ability to inhibit biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Three copper-based materials (PHC Cu, Cu15Zn brass, Cu18Ni20Zn nickel silver) were subjected to accelerated aging.
- Aging involved cyclic exposure to artificial sweat, temperature, and humidity variations.
- Biofilm inhibition was assessed by measuring colony-forming units (CFUs) and copper ion release.
Main Results:
- Accelerated aging generally enhanced the antibiofilm properties of copper-based materials.
- Aged PHC Cu and Cu15Zn showed increased copper ion release and superior biofilm inhibition compared to their unaged counterparts.
- Aged Cu15Zn exhibited the highest biofilm formation inhibition after accelerated aging, outperforming other tested materials.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated aging, simulating real-world conditions, can improve the antibiofilm performance of copper-based surfaces.
- Cu15Zn brass demonstrates significant potential as an effective material for preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in healthcare settings.
- The study highlights the importance of considering material aging in the development of antimicrobial surfaces.
