Antibacterial silver nanolayers for coatings on surgical and microsurgical instruments

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the antibacterial action of Ag-doped Al2O3 nanolayers deposited by RF reactive magnetron sputtering on stainless-steel surgical and microsurgical instruments. Synthesizing Ag/Al2O3 protective coatings is necessary for suppressing the infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms following the application of surgical instruments. We further conducted microbiological studies on the action of the nanocomposite Ag/Al2O3 layers against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The microbiological studies conducted proved the antibacterial effect of the nanocomposite Ag/Al2O3 layers, the strongest effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus being observed after 48 hours of exposure. Also, the Ag/Al2O3 nanolayers showed no cytotoxic effect. Our experimental findings suggest a very promising application of such antibacterial Ag/Al2O3 nanolayers regarding the reduction of infections when stainless-steel surgical and microsurgical instruments are used.