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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
11:52

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro

Published on: April 21, 2023

Effectiveness of silver ion controlled release antimicrobial compound in reducing multi-drug-resistant microorganism

Paula Ramirez1, Juan Frasquet2, Sergio Fernandez3

  • 1Critical Care Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, Valencia, Spain.

Medicina Intensiva
|July 31, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A silver ion antimicrobial surface coating significantly reduced multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRMs) in intensive care units (ICUs). This intervention lowered both environmental contamination and patient colonization, enhancing infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Environmental contamination is a major route for multidrug-resistant microorganism (MDRM) transmission in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Standard disinfection protocols may not be sufficient to eliminate MDRMs from frequently touched surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a silver ion-controlled release antimicrobial compound in reducing MDRM contamination and patient colonization in an ICU setting.
  • To assess the impact of antimicrobial surface coatings on infection control within ICUs.

Main Methods:

  • A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a 24-bed ICU, divided into control and intervention subunits.
  • The intervention subunit received standard disinfection plus monthly application of a silver ion antimicrobial compound to high-touch surfaces.
  • Environmental and patient surveillance cultures were collected weekly over five months.

Main Results:

  • MDRMs were detected in significantly fewer environmental samples in the intervention unit (3.2%) compared to the control unit (8.5%).
  • Patient MDRM acquisition was lower in the intervention group (5.9%) versus the control group (14.9%).
  • No MDRM outbreaks occurred in the intervention unit, compared to two in the control unit.

Conclusions:

  • Silver ion-controlled release antimicrobial surface coatings effectively reduce environmental MDRM contamination and patient colonization in ICUs.
  • Long-acting antimicrobial surface treatments can serve as valuable adjuncts to existing infection prevention strategies.
Keywords:
ColonizaciónColonizationCompuestos de plataCritical careCuidados críticosDesinfecciónDisinfectionMicroorganismos multirresistentesMulti-drug-resistant microorganismsSilver compounds

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