Abstract

Infections caused by catheters and prostheses are serious problems in hospitals and the community alike, mainly due to biofilms being produced in these materials. So composites with antimicrobial action are important to prevent infections in these patients. Nanoparticle use has been applied in catheters and prostheses. The metallic nanoparticles showed different antimicrobial activity properties. In this chapter, we will discuss specific types of metallic nanoparticles (silver, copper, zinc, gold, aluminum, titanium, and iron) and their antimicrobial action. Three aspects are correlated with this activity: direct action, inhibition of biofilm formation, and drug delivery. Different types of nanoparticles and their characteristics (synthesis, size, and shape) showed different antimicrobial effects (types of microorganisms and action levels). The use of metallic nanoparticles is interesting in terms of the synergic effect on antimicrobial activity and impeding bacterial resistance. Our research group has studied antimicrobial (fungi and bacterial) and antibiofilm activity using metallic nanoparticles with different approaches in the biomedical field. This chapter is designed to provide information and to make a comparison between metallic nanoparticles applied in catheters and prostheses.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.