The use of Biomaterials in Infection Prevention in the Hospital Environment

Abstract

Biomaterials are increasingly gaining space in the hospital environment because they provide researchers with a broad investigative aspect to compose new strategies for use in clinical practices. In this context, the present study aims to investigate the use of biocompounds with antimicrobial action as an alternative in the coating of surfaces in the hospital context. Thus, the guiding methodology of this study was a narrative review of the literature. To this end, the following databases were consulted: PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, using the PICo strategy and subjected to the following descriptors: (“Biomaterial” OR “Biopolymer” OR “Polymer”;) AND (“Nosocomial infections”) AND (“RCT OR randomized OR random OR case-control”). It was observed in this study a wide use of biomaterials, especially hydrogels related to natural compounds with the purpose of promoting antimicrobial action in the hospital environment, fighting pathogens, especially bacteria and fungi, which are responsible for most hospital infections. Furthermore, the use of copper and chitosan nanoparticles for coating dental and medical materials was verified, with bactericidal activity for the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, affirming that the development of these surfaces is a promising tool against infections acquired in the hospital environment. Thus, the results obtained report a new perspective on combating antimicrobial agents responsible for aggravating patient life in the hospital setting.