Antimicrobial Surface Functionality of PEG Coated and AgNPs Immobilized Extracorporeal Biomaterials

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a promising field for generating new medicine applications like colloidal silver to prevent nosocomial infections. In this study, the objection of the presented manuscript was to test the antimicrobial activity of PEG/silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated blood tubing used in hemodialysis. The modification of plastic tubing was first performed by PEG coating, which was followed by immobilization of AgNPs synthesized with a green chemical approach from the leaves of Liquidambar Orientalis Miller. The stabilization of each surface modification stage was assured by methanol fixation. The characterization of AgNPs, surface modification steps, and final tubing surface appearances was performed by spectrophotometric measurements, DLS analysis, FTIR spectrums, and SEM images. The results indicated that the surfaces of hemodialysis tubing were successfully coated with PEG/AgNPs processed sequentially. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated against pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans), which are commonly involved in catheter-related infections. In conclusion, a new AgNPs immobilization method to polymeric catheter surfaces after PEG layering was developed. The antimicrobial function against five nosocomial microorganisms would have potential in biomedical applications.