Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has spread globally, compromising the treatment of common infections. This feature is particularly harmful for nosocomial pathogens that can survive on hospital surfaces. Research studies have been conducted to evaluate new materials that are able to counteract the microbial growth and the colonization of the hospital environment. In this context, nanotechnologies have showed encouraging applications. We investigated the antibacterial activity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), both pristine (p) and functionalized (f), at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg mL−1, against bacterial strains isolated from hospital-acquired infections, and this activity was correlated with the antibiotic susceptibility of the strains. The inhibiting effect of MWCNTs occurred for both types and doses tested. Moreover, f-MWCNTs exerted a greater inhibiting effect, with growth decreases greater than 10% at 24 h and 20% at 48 h compared to p-MWCNTs. Moreover, a lower inhibitory effect of MWCNTs, which was more lasting in Gram-positives resistant to cell wall antibiotics, or temporary in Gram-negatives resistant to nucleic acid and protein synthesis inhibitors, was observed, highlighting the strong relation between antibiotic resistance and MWCNT effect. In conclusion, an antimicrobial activity was observed especially for f-MWCNTs that could therefore be loaded with bioactive antimicrobial molecules. However, this potential application of CNTs presupposes the absence of toxicity and therefore total safety for patients.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most important current public health challenges worldwide
The growth inhibiting effect occurred for both p- and f-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and for both doses tested
On all the tested strains, the f-MWCNTs exerted a greater inhibiting effect, with growth decreases averaging greater than 10% at 24 h and 20% at 48 h in comparison to pristine MWCNTs (pMWCNTs)
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most important current public health challenges worldwide. As highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), this issue represents a health emergency in both high- and low-income countries, affecting anyone of any age, and in a 2020 report, the WHO’s new Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) revealed the widespread occurrence of antibiotic resistance [1]. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirms that, in 2019, in the USA, at least 2.8 million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria or fungi, and more than 35,000 people die as a result [2]. This aspect is important for nosocomial pathogens, causing consistent increases of mortality, hospitalization times and costs for health systems [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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.
