Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Dual Action Nitric Oxide-Releasing Polydimethylsiloxane Sponge: Preventing Infection in Needleless Connectors
Adam Brooks Goodman1, Manjyot Kaur Chug1, Natalie Crutchfield1
1School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States.
Abstract:
Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a prevalent concern, often resulting from suboptimal disinfection practices of needleless connectors. Although alcohol-based disinfectants have demonstrated efficacy, there is growing concern about developing microbial resistance. Similar to antibiotics in recent decades, microbes have the potential to develop resistance to these alcohol-based therapies. Therefore, this study delves into the antimicrobial potential of nitric oxide (NO), an endogenous gas molecule with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, in combination with the widely used disinfectant 70% isopropanol (IPA). Due to its short half-life, NO presents minimal risk of microbial resistance development. By incorporating S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a synthetic NO donor, into hydrophilic-modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-PEO) sponges using 70% IPA, the sponge functions as an antimicrobial reservoir, effectively sterilizing the hub region of needleless connectors. Formulation-dependent effects on sponge porosity were observed, affecting compressive strength, absorption capacity, SNAP retention, and NO release kinetics. Up to 30% variation in sponge porosity coincided with a tunable compressive modulus, increased absorption capacity of 70% IPA, and enhanced SNAP loading after 15 min. These properties enable significantly greater SNAP release within 30 min. Zone of inhibition demonstrated higher porosity leads to more significant inhibition of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans. The disinfection of needleless connectors demonstrated a 2.91-, 7.04-, 2.02-, 3.21-, and 5.65-log reduction in E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans viability after 30 min. These findings highlight the potential of this approach for efficient microbial decontamination in healthcare settings while offering adaptability for diverse biomedical applications.
