scholarly journals Sustained release of usnic acid from graphene coatings ensures long term antibiofilm protection

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh Pandit ◽  
Shadi Rahimi ◽  
Abderahmane Derouiche ◽  
Athmane Boulaoued ◽  
Ivan Mijakovic
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Release ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Usnic Acid ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Burst Release ◽  
Medical Sector ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Biofilm Development

AbstractProtecting surfaces from bacterial colonization and biofilm development is an important challenge for the medical sector, particularly when it comes to biomedical devices and implants that spend longer periods in contact with the human body. A particularly difficult challenge is ensuring long-term protection, which is usually attempted by ensuring sustained release of antibacterial compounds loaded onto various coatings. Graphene have a considerable potential to reversibly interact water insoluble molecules, which makes them promising cargo systems for sustained release of such compounds. In this study, we developed graphene coatings that act as carriers capable of sustained release of usnic acid (UA), and hence enable long-term protection of surfaces against colonization by bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Our coatings exhibited several features that made them particularly effective for antibiofilm protection: (i) UA was successfully integrated with the graphene material, (ii) a steady release of UA was documented, (iii) steady UA release ensured strong inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation. Interestingly, even after the initial burst release of UA, the second phase of steady release was sufficient to block bacterial colonization. Based on these results, we propose that graphene coatings loaded with UA can serve as effective antibiofilm protection of biomedical surfaces.

scholarly journals Vitamin E for prevention of biofilm-caused Healthcare-associated infections

Open Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franca Vergalito ◽  
Laura Pietrangelo ◽  
Giulio Petronio Petronio ◽  
Federica Colitto ◽  
Marco Alfio Cutuli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Tocopheryl Acetate ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Healthcare Associated

AbstractThe healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) occur in patients both in nosocomial environments and in community. More often HCAIs are associated to the use of medical devices and bacterial biofilm development on these equipments. Due to the clinical and economic relevance of this topic, new strategies for the treatment of infections caused by biofilm proliferation are unceasingly searched by scientists.The present study investigated the role of vitamin E to reduce the biofilm formation for a larger panel of human pathogens, including strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida.This potential activity was tested by placing a preparation of vitamin E (α-Tocopheryl acetate) as interface between the bacterial culture and the polystyrene walls of a 96 well plate at different concentrations of glucose, used as a biofilm enhancer.The Staphylococcus genus was further investigated by spreading the vitamin E on a silicone catheter lumen and evaluating its influence on the bacterial colonization.From our results, vitamin E has been able to interfere with bacterial biofilm and prevent in vitro biofilm formation. Furthermore, the ability of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis to colonize the catheter surface decreased as a result of vitamin E application.

Microstructural characterization of a rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy for elevated temperature applications

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 550-551
Author(s):  
R. E. Franck ◽  
J. A. Hawk ◽  
G. J. Shiflet
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Elevated Temperature ◽  
Grain Growth ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Microstructural Characterization ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Microstructural Stability ◽  
Elevated Temperature Strength ◽  
Temperature Applications

Rapid solidification processing (RSP) is one method of producing high strength aluminum alloys for elevated temperature applications. Allied-Signal, Inc. has produced an Al-12.4 Fe-1.2 V-2.3 Si (composition in wt pct) alloy which possesses good microstructural stability up to 425°C. This alloy contains a high volume fraction (37 v/o) of fine nearly spherical, α-Al12(Fe, V)3Si dispersoids. The improved elevated temperature strength and stability of this alloy is due to the slower dispersoid coarsening rate of the silicide particles. Additionally, the high v/o of second phase particles should inhibit recrystallization and grain growth, and thus reduce any loss in strength due to long term, high temperature annealing.The focus of this research is to investigate microstructural changes induced by long term, high temperature static annealing heat-treatments. Annealing treatments for up to 1000 hours were carried out on this alloy at 500°C, 550°C and 600°C. Particle coarsening and/or recrystallization and grain growth would be accelerated in these temperature regimes.

Retention and expression of recombinant plasmids in suspended and biofilm-bound bacteria degrading trichloroethene (TCE)

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Bryers ◽  
Robert R. Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Reactor ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Laboratory Evaluation ◽  
Recombinant Bacteria ◽  
Suitable Host ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
Open Environment ◽  
Recombinant Microorganisms ◽  
Extracellular Polymer

Exposure of plasmid recombinant microorganisms to an open environment, either inadvertently or intentionally, requires research into those fundamental processes that govern plasmid retention, transfer and expression. In the open environment, a majority of the microbial activity occurs associated with an interface, within thin biological layers consisting of cells and their insoluble extracellular polymer, layers known as biofilms. Current toxic wastewater or wastegas treatment reactors exploit bacterial biofilm systems for certain system operating advantages. Using recombinant bacteria within a biofilm reactor to degrade xenobiotic wastes requires finding a suitable host to harbor and express the desired plasmid phenotype. Suitable host characteristics include: the ability to produce copious amounts of biofilm, resistance to waste-related injury and toxicity, and the ability to retain and express the desired plasmid during long term operation. This paper reports on a laboratory evaluation of factors governing plasmid retention and the expression of trichloroethene (TCE) degradative capacity in both suspended and biofilm cultures.

A Review on Recent Trends in Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites for Environmental Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kannappan Panchamoorthy Gopinath ◽  
Malolan Rajagopal ◽  
Abhishek Krishnan ◽  
Shweta Kolathur Sreerama
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Term Basis ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
Water And Soil Pollution

Background: Depletion and contamination of environmental resources such as water, air and soil caused by human activities is an increasingly important challenge faced around the world. The consequences of environmental pollution are felt acutely by all living beings, both on a short and long-term basis, thereby making methods of remediation of environmental pollution an urgent requirement. Objectives: The objective of this review is to dissect the complications caused by environmental degradation, highlight advancements in the field of nanotechnology and to scrutinize its applications in environmental remediation. Furthermore, the review aims to concisely explain the merits and drawbacks of nanotechnology compared to existing methods. Conclusion: The current and potential applications of nanomaterials and nanocomposites in the prevention, control and reduction of air, water and soil pollution and the mechanisms involved have been elucidated, as have their various merits and demerits. The applications of nanotechnology in the fields of carbon capture and agriculture have also received attention in this review.

scholarly journals Surface Immobilization of Nano-Silver on Polymeric Medical Devices to Prevent Bacterial Biofilm Formation

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riau ◽  
Aung ◽  
Setiawan ◽  
Yang ◽  
Yam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Devices ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Silver Ions ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Surface Immobilization ◽  
Nano Silver ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Tissue Microenvironment

: Bacterial biofilm on medical devices is difficult to eradicate. Many have capitalized the anti-infective capability of silver ions (Ag+) by incorporating nano-silver (nAg) in a biodegradable coating, which is then laid on polymeric medical devices. However, such coating can be subjected to premature dissolution, particularly in harsh diseased tissue microenvironment, leading to rapid nAg clearance. It stands to reason that impregnating nAg directly onto the device, at the surface, is a more ideal solution. We tested this concept for a corneal prosthesis by immobilizing nAg and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) on poly(methyl methacrylate), and tested its biocompatibility with human stromal cells and antimicrobial performance against biofilm-forming pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Three different dual-functionalized substrates—high Ag (referred to as 75:25 HAp:Ag); intermediate Ag (95:5 HAp:Ag); and low Ag (99:1 HAp:Ag) were studied. The 75:25 HAp:Ag was effective in inhibiting biofilm formation, but was cytotoxic. The 95:5 HAp:Ag showed the best selectivity among the three substrates; it prevented biofilm formation of both pathogens and had excellent biocompatibility. The coating was also effective in eliminating non-adherent bacteria in the culture media. However, a 28-day incubation in artificial tear fluid revealed a ~40% reduction in Ag+ release, compared to freshly-coated substrates. The reduction affected the inhibition of S. aureus growth, but not the P. aeruginosa. Our findings suggest that Ag+ released from surface-immobilized nAg diminishes over time and becomes less effective in suppressing biofilm formation of Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus. This advocates the coating, more as a protection against perioperative and early postoperative infections, and less as a long-term preventive solution.

Bifunctional Composites for Biofilms Modulation on Cervical Restorations

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452110181
Author(s):  
A.A. Balhaddad ◽  
I.M. Garcia ◽  
L. Mokeem ◽  
M.S. Ibrahim ◽  
F.M. Collares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Energy ◽  
Surface Free Energy ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Dental Composite ◽  
Log P ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Cervical Lesions ◽  
Biofilm Growth ◽  
Biofilm Development

Cervical composites treating root carious and noncarious cervical lesions usually extend subgingivally. The subgingival margins of composites present poor plaque control, enhanced biofilm accumulation, and cause gingival irritation. A potential material to restore such lesions should combine agents that interfere with bacterial biofilm development and respond to acidic conditions. Here, we explore the use of new bioresponsive bifunctional dental composites against mature microcosm biofilms derived from subgingival plaque samples. The designed formulations contain 2 bioactive agents: dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) at 3 to 5 wt.% and 20 wt.% nanosized amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) in a base resin. Composites with no DMAHDM and NACP were used as controls. The newly formulated 5% DMAHDM–20% NACP composite was analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The wettability and surface-free energy were also assessed. The inhibitory effect on the in vitro biofilm growth and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of survival bacterial colonies derived from the composites were analyzed. Whole-biofilm metabolic activity, polysaccharide production, and live/dead images of the biofilm grown over the composites complement the microbiological assays. Overall, the designed formulations had higher contact angles with water and lower surface-free energy compared to the commercial control. The DMAHDM-NACP composites significantly inhibited the growth of total microorganisms, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum by 3 to 5-log ( P < 0.001). For the colony isolates from control composites, the composition was typically dominated by the genera Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Eikenella, and Leptotrichia, while Fusobacterium and Veillonella dominated the 5% DMAHDM–20% NACP composites. The DMAHDM-NACP composites contributed to over 80% of reduction in metabolic and polysaccharide activity. The suppression effect on plaque biofilms suggested that DMAHDM-NACP composites might be used as a bioactive material for cervical restorations. These results may propose an exciting path to prevent biofilm growth and improve dental composite restorations’ life span.

scholarly journals When a Neonate Is Born, So Is a Microbiota

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Alessandra Coscia ◽  
Flaminia Bardanzellu ◽  
Elisa Caboni ◽  
Vassilios Fanos ◽  
Diego Giampietro Peroni
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Assisted Reproduction Techniques ◽  
Neonatal Nutrition ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Number Of Bacteria

In recent years, the role of human microbiota as a short- and long-term health promoter and modulator has been affirmed and progressively strengthened. In the course of one’s life, each subject is colonized by a great number of bacteria, which constitute its specific and individual microbiota. Human bacterial colonization starts during fetal life, in opposition to the previous paradigm of the “sterile womb”. Placenta, amniotic fluid, cord blood and fetal tissues each have their own specific microbiota, influenced by maternal health and habits and having a decisive influence on pregnancy outcome and offspring outcome. The maternal microbiota, especially that colonizing the genital system, starts to influence the outcome of pregnancy already before conception, modulating fertility and the success rate of fertilization, even in the case of assisted reproduction techniques. During the perinatal period, neonatal microbiota seems influenced by delivery mode, drug administration and many other conditions. Special attention must be reserved for early neonatal nutrition, because breastfeeding allows the transmission of a specific and unique lactobiome able to modulate and positively affect the neonatal gut microbiota. Our narrative review aims to investigate the currently identified pre- and peri-natal factors influencing neonatal microbiota, before conception, during pregnancy, pre- and post-delivery, since the early microbiota influences the whole life of each subject.

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