Gold-Based Nanoparticles as an Additive for Combating Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Water-Based Paint

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Drug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) poses significant challenges in healthcare and materials science, particularly concerning surface hygiene and aesthetic damage.
• High-contact surfaces can harbor bacterial growth and act as transmission vectors for resistant strains.
• Bacterial contamination leads to aesthetic issues like discoloration, necessitating effective antimicrobial solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of gold-based nanoparticles (DP1-GNPs) as an additive in paint formulations.
• To assess the performance of DP1-GNPs against drug-resistant E. coli BAA-1161 under various conditions.
• To determine the safety of DP1-GNPs incorporated into paint for surfaces with human contact.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of DP1-GNPs into water-based paint formulations.
• Systematic comparison of bacterial viability on paint films with and without DP1-GNPs.
• Evaluation under both nonscrubbed and scrubbed conditions, with additional DP1-GNPs shielding.
• Cytotoxicity assessment using human skin fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Paint films with DP1-GNPs reduced E. coli viability compared to controls.
• Scrubbed paint films with DP1-GNPs and shielding demonstrated significantly enhanced antibacterial activity (47.04% viability).
• Lixiviated products from DP1-GNPs containing paint films showed no toxicity to human skin fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• DP1-GNPs show potential as effective antimicrobial additives in paint.
• Shielded surfaces incorporating DP1-GNPs offer enhanced protection against drug-resistant bacteria.
• DP1-GNPs in paint present a safe and promising strategy for controlling bacterial contamination on surfaces.