Editorial

4 pages, 577 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Angela Ivask, Merja Ahonen and Karin Kogermann

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4338; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234338 - 06 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1129

History has demonstrated that the uncontrolled fast thriving of potentially pathogenic microorganisms may lead to serious consequences and, thus, the approaches helping to control the microbial numbers in infectional hot-spots are necessary [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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Research

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17 pages, 2237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of ZnO/Au Nanocomposite for Antibacterial Applications

by Violeta Dediu, Mariana Busila, Vasilica Tucureanu, Florentina Ionela Bucur, Florina Silvia Iliescu, Oana Brincoveanu and Ciprian Iliescu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3832; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213832 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2103

Abstract

Annually, antimicrobial-resistant infections-related mortality worldwide accelerates due to the increased use of antibiotics during the coronavirus pandemic and the antimicrobial resistance, which grows exponentially, and disproportionately to the current rate of development of new antibiotics. Nanoparticles can be an alternative to the current [...] Read more.

Annually, antimicrobial-resistant infections-related mortality worldwide accelerates due to the increased use of antibiotics during the coronavirus pandemic and the antimicrobial resistance, which grows exponentially, and disproportionately to the current rate of development of new antibiotics. Nanoparticles can be an alternative to the current therapeutic approach against multi-drug resistance microorganisms caused infections. The motivation behind this work was to find a superior antibacterial nanomaterial, which can be efficient, biocompatible, and stable in time. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of ZnO-based nanomaterials with different morphologies, synthesized through the solvothermal method and further modified with Au nanoparticles through wet chemical reduction. The structure, crystallinity, and morphology of ZnO and ZnO/Au nanomaterials have been investigated with XRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, and FTIR spectroscopy. The antibacterial effect of unmodified ZnO and ZnO/Au nanomaterials against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated through disc diffusion and tetrazolium/formazan (TTC) assays. The results showed that the proposed nanomaterials exhibited significant antibacterial effects on the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, ZnO nanorods with diameters smaller than 50 nm showed better antibacterial activity than ZnO nanorods with larger dimensions. The antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus improved considerably by adding 0.2% (w/w) Au to ZnO nanorods. The results indicated the new materials’ potential for antibacterial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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18 pages, 3096 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

In Situ Transformation of Electrospun Nanofibers into Nanofiber-Reinforced Hydrogels

by Alma Martin, Jenny Natalie Nyman, Rikke Reinholdt, Jun Cai, Anna-Lena Schaedel, Mariena J. A. van der Plas, Martin Malmsten, Thomas Rades and Andrea Heinz

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12142437 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2253

Abstract

Nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels have recently gained attention in biomedical engineering. Such three-dimensional scaffolds show the mechanical strength and toughness of fibers while benefiting from the cooling and absorbing properties of hydrogels as well as a large pore size, potentially aiding cell migration. While many [...] Read more.

Nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels have recently gained attention in biomedical engineering. Such three-dimensional scaffolds show the mechanical strength and toughness of fibers while benefiting from the cooling and absorbing properties of hydrogels as well as a large pore size, potentially aiding cell migration. While many of such systems are prepared by complicated processes where fibers are produced separately to later be embedded in a hydrogel, we here provide proof of concept for a one-step solution. In more detail, we produced core-shell nanofibers from the natural proteins zein and gelatin by coaxial electrospinning. Upon hydration, the nanofibers were capable of directly transforming into a nanofiber-reinforced hydrogel, where the nanofibrous structure was retained by the zein core, while the gelatin-based shell turned into a hydrogel matrix. Our nanofiber-hydrogel composite showed swelling to ~800% of its original volume and water uptake of up to ~2500% in weight. The physical integrity of the nanofiber-reinforced hydrogel was found to be significantly improved in comparison to a hydrogel system without nanofibers. Additionally, tetracycline hydrochloride was incorporated into the fibers as an antimicrobial agent, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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19 pages, 3617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Biofunctionalization by Loading Manuka Oil on TiO₂ Nanotubes

by Seo-Young Kim, Yu-Kyoung Kim, Yong-Seok Jang and Min-Ho Lee

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12030569 - 07 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1807

Abstract

Metallic implants (mesh) for guided bone regeneration can result in foreign body reactions with surrounding tissues, infection, and inflammatory reactions caused by micro-organisms in the oral cavity after implantation. This study aimed to reduce the possibility of surgical failure caused by microbial infection [...] Read more.

Metallic implants (mesh) for guided bone regeneration can result in foreign body reactions with surrounding tissues, infection, and inflammatory reactions caused by micro-organisms in the oral cavity after implantation. This study aimed to reduce the possibility of surgical failure caused by microbial infection by loading antibacterial manuka oil in a biocompatible nanostructure surface on Ti and to induce stable bone regeneration in the bone defect. The manuka oil from New Zealand consisted of a rich β-triketone chemotype, leptospermone, which showed strong inhibitory effects against several bacteria, even at very low oil concentrations. The TiO₂ nanotubular layer formed by anodization effectively enhanced the surface hydrophilicity, bioactivity, and fast initial bone regeneration. A concentration of manuka oil in the range of 0.02% to less than 1% can have a synergistic effect on antibacterial activity and excellent biocompatibility. A manuka oil coating (especially with a concentration of 0.5%) on the TiO₂ nanotube layer can be expected not only to prevent stenosis of the connective tissue around the mesh and inflammation by microbial infection but also to be effective in stable and rapid bone regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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19 pages, 3496 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Photocatalytically Active Antibacterial Surfaces Covered with Acrylic Matrix Embedded Nano-ZnO and Nano-ZnO/Ag

by Merilin Rosenberg, Meeri Visnapuu, Kristjan Saal, Dmytro Danilian, Rainer Pärna, Angela Ivask and Vambola Kisand

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3384; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123384 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2494

Abstract

In the context of healthcare-acquired infections, microbial cross-contamination and the spread of antibiotic resistance, additional passive measures to prevent pathogen carryover are urgently needed. Antimicrobial high-touch surfaces that kill microbes on contact or prevent their adhesion could be considered to mitigate the spread. [...] Read more.

In the context of healthcare-acquired infections, microbial cross-contamination and the spread of antibiotic resistance, additional passive measures to prevent pathogen carryover are urgently needed. Antimicrobial high-touch surfaces that kill microbes on contact or prevent their adhesion could be considered to mitigate the spread. Here, we demonstrate that photocatalytic nano-ZnO- and nano-ZnO/Ag-based antibacterial surfaces with efficacy of at least a 2.7-log reduction in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus viability in 2 h can be produced by simple measures using a commercial acrylic topcoat for wood surfaces. We characterize the surfaces taking into account cyclic wear and variable environmental conditions. The light-induced antibacterial and photocatalytic activities of the surfaces are enhanced by short-term cyclic wear, indicating their potential for prolonged effectivity in long-term use. As the produced surfaces are generally more effective at higher relative air humidity and silver-containing surfaces lost their contact-killing properties in dry conditions, it is important to critically evaluate the end-use conditions of materials and surfaces to be tested and select application-appropriate methods for their efficacy assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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12 pages, 3178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Ultrasound-Assisted Hybrid Polyzwitterion/Antimicrobial Peptide Nanoparticles Synthesis and Deposition on Silicone Urinary Catheters for Prevention of Biofilm-Associated Infections

by Aleksandra Ivanova, Kristina Ivanova and Tzanko Tzanov

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 3143; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11113143 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2452

Abstract

Nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are constantly growing healthcare threats, as they are the reason for the increased mortality, morbidity, and considerable financial burden due to the poor infection outcomes. Indwelling medical devices, such as urinary catheters, are frequently colonized by bacteria [...] Read more.

Nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are constantly growing healthcare threats, as they are the reason for the increased mortality, morbidity, and considerable financial burden due to the poor infection outcomes. Indwelling medical devices, such as urinary catheters, are frequently colonized by bacteria in the form of biofilms that cause dysfunction of the device and severe chronic infections. The current treatment strategies of such device-associated infections are impaired by the resistant pathogens but also by a risk of prompting the appearance of new antibiotic-resistant bacterial mechanisms. Herein, the one-step sonochemical synthesis of hybrid poly(sulfobetaine) methacrylate/Polymyxin B nanoparticles (pSBMA@PM NPs) coating was employed to engineer novel nanoenabled silicone catheters with improved antifouling, antibacterial, and antibiofilm efficiencies. The synergistic mode of action of nanohybridized zwitterionic polymer and antimicrobial peptide led to complete inhibition of the nonspecific protein adsorption and up to 97% reduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation, in comparison with the pristine silicone. Additionally, the bactericidal activity in the hybrid coating reduced the free-floating and surface-attached bacterial growth by 8 logs, minimizing the probability for further P. aeruginosa spreading and host invasion. This coating was stable for up to 7 days under conditions simulating the real scenario of catheter usage and inhibited by 80% P. aeruginosa biofilms. For the same time of use, the pSBMA@PM NPs coating did not affect the metabolic activity and morphology of mammalian cells, demonstrating their capacity to control antibiotic-resistant biofilm-associated bacterial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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17 pages, 2433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chelidoniummajus L. Incorporated Emulsion Electrospun PCL/PVA_PEC Nanofibrous Meshes for Antibacterial Wound Dressing Applications

by Cláudia Mouro, Ana P. Gomes, Merja Ahonen, Raul Fangueiro and Isabel C. Gouveia

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11071785 - 09 Jul 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 2972

Abstract

Presently, there are many different types of wound dressings available on the market. Nonetheless, there is still a great interest to improve the performance and efficiency of these materials. Concerning that, new dressing materials containing natural products, such as medicinal plants that protect [...] Read more.

Presently, there are many different types of wound dressings available on the market. Nonetheless, there is still a great interest to improve the performance and efficiency of these materials. Concerning that, new dressing materials containing natural products, such as medicinal plants that protect the wound from infections but also enhance skin regeneration have been or are being developed. Herein, we used for the first time a needleless emulsion electrospinning technique for incorporating Chelidoniummajus L. (C. majus), a medicinal plant widely known for its traditional therapeutic properties, in Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)_Pectin (PEC) nanofibrous meshes. Moreover, the potential use of these electrospun nanofibers as a carrier for C. majus was also explored. The results obtained revealed that the produced PCL/PVA_PEC nanofibrous meshes containing C. majus extract displayed morphological characteristics similar to the natural extracellular matrix of the skin (ECM). Furthermore, the produced meshes showed beneficial properties to support the healing process. Additionally, the C. majus-loaded PCL/PVA_PEC nanofibrous meshes inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) growth, reaching a 3.82 Log reduction, and showed to be useful for controlled release, without causing any cytotoxic effect on the normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cells. Hence, these findings suggest the promising suitability of this novel wound dressing material for prevention and treatment of bacterial wound infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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9 pages, 1501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiviral Activity of Silver, Copper Oxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Coatings against SARS-CoV-2

by Padryk Merkl, Siwen Long, Gerald M. McInerney and Georgios A. Sotiriou

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051312 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 95 | Viewed by 8444

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for several million deaths to date globally, and both fomite transmission from surfaces as well as airborne transmission from aerosols may be largely responsible for the spread of the virus. Here, nanoparticle coatings of three antimicrobial materials (Ag, CuO and [...] Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for several million deaths to date globally, and both fomite transmission from surfaces as well as airborne transmission from aerosols may be largely responsible for the spread of the virus. Here, nanoparticle coatings of three antimicrobial materials (Ag, CuO and ZnO) are deposited on both solid flat surfaces as well as porous filter media, and their activity against SARS-CoV-2 viability is compared with a viral plaque assay. These nanocoatings are manufactured by aerosol nanoparticle self-assembly during their flame synthesis. Nanosilver particles as a coating exhibit the strongest antiviral activity of the three studied nanomaterials, while copper oxide exhibits moderate activity, and zinc oxide does not appear to significantly reduce the virus infectivity. Thus, nanosilver and copper oxide show potential as antiviral coatings on solid surfaces and on filter media to minimize transmission and super-spreading events while also providing critical information for the current and any future pandemic mitigation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nano Coatings)

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