Trisodium Citrate Solution Research Articles

Growth Kinetics and Microstructures of Cu Nanofilms on Mo Substrate by Electrodeposition

Copper (Cu) nanofilms have been prepared on a molybdenum (Mo) substrate by the electrodeposition method from the electrolyte solutions of copper sulfate (CuSO4) and trisodium citrate (C6H5Na3O7) added by surfactant PEG-6000. The growth kinetics and microstructures of films were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry clearly show that the electrodeposition is controlled by the diffusion process of copper ions. By means of Scharifker-Hills model, the Cu nucleation mechanism in 0.1mol/l CuSO4 and 0.2 mol/l C6H5Na3O7 solution is revealed to be an instantaneous nucleation. Potential, solution concentration and organic additive have an influence on the microstructure of copper film. SEM and AFM results show a uniform copper layer with 7.7 nm roughness can be fabricated when deposition charge quantity is 0.7 C/cm2 at −0.7 V vs SCE.

Conformational Changes in Wheat Gluten After using Ag-nanoparticles

Abstract Silver nanoparticles have antimicrobial properties since they can be regarded as an efficient protector against pathogenic microorganisms. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to examine conformational changes in the secondary structure of wheat gluten washed out from grain treated with an aqueous solution of silver nanoparticles stabilized by tri-sodium citrate. Silver nanoparticles were used as a protective layer on the grain surface against bacterial and fungal infections (antimicrobial agent). Analysis of the amide I band revealed significant changes in the secondary structure after using silver nanoparticles. An increase in the β-sheet content (from 36.2 to 39.2%) was observed at the expense of the α-helix and β-turn content. To find factors causing these changes, the wheat grains were treated by an aqueous solution of trisodium citrate and water. The results obtained indicate that the changes in the gluten structure were connected mainly with the trisodium citrate action due to presence of a small number of free molecules of the stabilizer in the solution of silver nanoparticles. Additionally, the conformational changes in gluten pointed out that gluten flexibility increased (decrease in the αH/βS ratio from 1.40 for the control sample to 1.26 for the silver nanoparticle-treated samples) as well as the solubility of gluten decreased (decrease in the β-turn content from 13.1 to 11.4%).

Investigation of the synthesis, SERS performance and application in glucose sensing of hierarchical 3D silver nanostructures

In this paper, the synthesis, SERS performance and application in glucose sensing of hierarchical 3D Ag nanostructures (NSs) are reported. Large-scale Ag jujube-like architectures were produced via the galvanic reaction process in a mixed solution of trisodium citrate (TSC) and AgNO3 on Cu nanoparticles disproportioned from Cu2O membranes. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy have been utilized to characterize the as-prepared samples. It was found that the defects existed in the Ag crystals may play a significant role in the morphological formation of the building units of the self-assemblies. In addition, the optimum ratio of the Ag+ concentration to the TSC addition amount for preparing the desired Ag nanojujubes (NJs) was determined by studying the effects of the Ag+ concentration and the TSC addition on the morphology of the final products. The formation mechanism of the hierarchical 3D AgNJs was then discussed. Furthermore, in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility and stability, jujube-like hierarchical architectures constituted of Ag nanosheets with highly-roughened surfaces were proved to be promising for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications, which were further demonstrated in comparison with other AgNSs. It is also worth pointing out that jujube-like hierarchical Ag architectures performed well in glucose detection, which would have great potential in the biological and medical fields.

Can gold nanoparticles affect the histological structure of the pulmonary alveoli in adult albino rats?

Background Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are currently used in several consumer products as well as in laboratory-based research either as a diagnostic imaging agent or as a therapeutic agent in gene delivery and photothermal cancer therapy. They are synthesized by chemical methods in which toxic reducing agents are involved. There is a growing need to develop environmentally benign NP synthesis processes that are free from toxic chemicals. Objective The study aimed to ascertain the possible histological alterations that might occur in the pulmonary alveoli of adult albino rats after intraperitoneal administration of 10 nm GNPs prepared by two different methods (chemically prepared and green synthesized). Methods Fifty adult male albino rats (140–160 g) were assigned to three groups. Group I was the control group. The rats in this group were further divided into three equal subgroups Ia, Ib, and Ic that received daily intraperitoneal injection of PBS, trisodium citrate, and cumin-gum Arabic solutions, respectively. Rats in group II received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 µl of chemically prepared GNPs using trisodium citrate. Rats in group III received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 µl of green-synthesized GNPs using cumin and gum Arabic. After 7 days, the animals were euthanized and specimens from the lungs were taken and processed for histological and immunohistochemical studies. Results H&E-stained sections of group II rats depicted multifocal thickening of the interalveolar septa and collapsed alveoli. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed high vimentin expression. Ultrastructurally, type II pneumocytes showed degenerative changes. Relatively thick interalveolar septa with many active interstitial cells were also seen. GNPs were detected in pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages. In contrast, the lung sections of group III rats showed considerable preservation of normal alveolar architecture with nearly normal vimentin immunoreactivity. GNPs were detected in the pneumocytes and interalveolar septa as well. Conclusion Green-synthesized GNPs using cumin-gum Arabic are safer for the pulmonary alveoli compared with chemically prepared GNPs using trisodium citrate. Long-term studies are required to verify the toxicity of GNPs on various cell types.

Application of a Coaxial-Like Sensor for Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements of Selected Low-Conductivity Liquids

The paper presents a coaxial-like sensor operating in the 20 Hz–2 MHz frequency range used to determine the electrical properties of selected liquids of low electrical conductivity. Examined materials included low-concentrated aqueous solutions of potassium chloride, sodium chloride and trisodium citrate, which are common food additives. Impedance spectra of the measurement cell filled with particular liquids were obtained and analyzed using the electrical equivalent circuit approach. The values of physical quantities and parameters describing the equivalent circuit components, including a constant phase element, were calculated for each sample. The applied sensor was also calibrated for electrical conductivity measurements up to 8 mS/m. The constant phase element parameters differed among the studied solutions and concentrations. This may provide a basis for a detection method of small amounts of compounds, such as food additives in low-concentrated aqueous solutions. To demonstrate the potential of the presented method, samples of purchased mineral water and a flavored drink containing various additives were tested.

Interactions of glycine, L-alanine and L-valine with aqueous solutions of trisodium citrate at different temperatures: A volumetric and acoustic approach

Densities, ρ, and speed of sound, u for glycine, L-alanine and L-valine in (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8)mol·kg−1 aqueous solutions of trisodium citrate at T=(288.15, 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15)K have been measured. The different parameters such as apparent molar volume, limiting apparent molar volume, transfer volume, have been derived from density data. Experimental values of the speed of sound were used to estimate apparent molar apparent molar isentropic compression, limiting apparent molar isentropic compression, and transfer parameter. The pair and triplet interaction coefficient have been calculated from transfer parameters.

Preparation and characterization of agar/silver nanoparticles composite films with antimicrobial activity

Composite films with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), obtained by reduction of AgNO3 using an environmentally friendly method (combined reduction of AgNO3 by trisodium citrate solution and heating), and agar as a polymer matrix and a capping agent were prepared by solvent casting method. The surface color of the resulting agar/AgNPs films exhibited the characteristic plasmonic effect of the silver nanoparticles, and the characteristic properties of the composite films were greatly influenced by changing the concentration of AgNPs added. Significant increase in water vapor barrier properties and surface hydrophobicity were observed with increase in the concentration of AgNPs without reduction in the mechanical strength. In addition, the agar/AgNPs films loaded with more than 1 wt% of silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli O157:H7) bacterial pathogens.

Simplified regional citrate anticoagulation using a calcium-containing replacement solution for continuous venovenous hemofiltration

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is not widely used because it requires complex therapeutic modalities, a specialized calcium-free replacement solution, and continuous intravenous calcium infusion. We designed a simplified protocol for RCA using a commercial calcium-containing replacement solution for continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). Thirty-six patients were treated with RCA-based pre-dilution CVVH using a calcium-containing replacement solution (ionized calcium 1.50mmol/L). We pumped a 4% trisodium citrate solution into the arterial line of extracorporeal circulation at a starting rate of 200mL/h while adjusting the rate to achieve a post-filter ionized calcium level of between 0.25 and 0.5mmol/L. The initial blood flow was set at 150mL/min. The replacement solution was delivered at 35mL/kg/h. We measured the serum and effluent citrate concentration during CVVH at 0, 24, 48, and 72h. The mean hemofilter survival was 61.3±21.6h (range 14-122h). The mean 4% trisodium citrate solution pumped was 207 (190-230)mL/h, and the mean pre-filter and post-filter ionized calcium levels were 0.96-1.02 and 0.34-0.38mmol/L, respectively. Ninety-two, 63, and 48% of the hemofilters were patent at 24, 48, and 72h. The mean serum citrate concentration was not significantly different at 24, 48, and 72h. No bleeding episodes were found, and no patient showed the symptoms and signs of hypocalcemia or citrate toxicity. Our simplified RCA protocol using a calcium-containing replacement solution for CVVH is effective and safe, and obviates the need for a separate peripheral or central venous catheter for continuous intravenous calcium infusion.

Titania Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sol-Gel Technique

Titania (TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by combining bulk titania with trisodium citrate solution at room temperature without calcination. The formation of titania nanoparticles was confirmed from XRD and by the dominant FTIR peaks at 621 cm -1 , 412 cm -1 . UV-Visible analysis shows the occurrence of strong red shift, confirming the presence of nanoparticles which is essential for higher photo catalytic activities. TGA analysis reveals that the synthesized titania nanoparticles were thermally stable up to 700 °C. SEM image shows that the particles of the synthesized sample are in nanometer range which is in accordance with UV-Visible studies.

Incompatibility of Contrast Medium and Trisodium Citrate

To test the compatibility of trisodium citrate, a catheter lock solution, with iodinated contrast medium. Iohexol, iobitridol, iodixanol, ioxaglate, ioxithalamate, iomeprol, and iopromide were tested. In all tests, 2ml of contrast medium were mixed with 2ml of trisodium citrate solution. Iodixanol and ioxaglate provoked a highly viscous gluelike precipitation when mixed with trisodium citrate. A brief transient precipitate was observed with iohexol, iomeprol, and ioxithalamate. Permanent precipitation occurred with iobitridol and iopromide. One must be aware of the potential for precipitation when contrast medium is mixed with trisodium citrate solution. Before trisodium citrate solution is injected, the catheter should be thoroughly flushed with saline if a contrast medium has previously been injected through it.

Tailoring brushite for in situ setting bone cements

Current strategies in developing calcium phosphate bone substitutes are focused towards in situ setting of the cements under physiological conditions with adequate mechanical properties, which can be tailored to be resorbable by controlling structure and composition. In this study we report the formulation of brushite cements at both physiological and ambient temperature and its effect on the structure and properties. In addition the influence of using both, an alkaline and acidic retardant on the setting and ageing of the cements are reported. Monosodium citrate (pH 3.5 ± 0.1) or trisodium citrate (pH 8.3 ± 0.1) solutions were used at retardants at 23 °C and 37 °C, which clearly indicated that both these parameters influenced strength and microstructure. The ageing of the cements indicated some conversion to monetite, which was predominant in cements formulated at physiological temperature. The results clearly show that the microstructure, resorbability and strength of these in situ setting cements can be manipulated by compositional and temperature ranges to provide wider application as bone substitute materials.

Two Single‐Lumen Noncuffed Catheters in the Jugular Vein as Long‐Term Vascular Access: A Preliminary Report

Two single-lumen, noncuffed catheters in the same jugular vein have been used as preferred vascular access in our hemodialysis (HD) and apheresis patients in past years. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical outcome of such a vascular access and the reasons for catheter removal. In 129 adult patients, aged 69 ± 13 years, 56% males, treated by HD (121 patients) or apheresis (8 patients), two single lumen, pre-curved 8 Fr catheters (Medcomp, Harleysville, PA, USA) inserted into the same jugular vein were used as vascular access between January 2009 and April 2010. The catheters were inserted into the left jugular vein in 21 patients, and into the right jugular vein in 108 patients. A 30% solution of trisodium-citrate was used as a locking solution, and 2% mupirocin ointment was routinely applied to the exit site. The catheters were removed in 86 patients after 1-288 days, median 17.5 days. In 74 patients, there was either no need for further dialysis or an arteriovenous fistula was constructed (17 patients). In 10 patients, wire exchange was performed for correction of a displaced functional catheter (after 6-201 days), and in only two patients the catheters were removed due to infection on days 10 and 184. The longest period of a catheter functioning without intervention was 387 days. Fifteen patients died with functional catheters left in place (duration 1-387 days). In four patients, the catheters were still functional at the time of analysis (duration 198-268 days). Another nine patients were transferred to other dialysis centers (after they had been followed up at our center lasting for 1-63 days), with no data on their outcome after transfer. Fifteen patients were lost to follow up after insertion. Two single-lumen, noncuffed catheters in the same jugular vein, locked with 30% citrate, seem to be a safe and long lasting method of vascular access for hemodialysis and apheresis in some patients, but further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical outcome of this type of vascular access.

Fast preparation of citrate-stabilized silver nanoplates and its nanotoxicity

Citrate-stabilized silver nanoplates (AgNPs) were prepared via a seed-mediated method without surfactants, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), in a short amount of time (15 min). Silver seeds with 3–4 nm in diameter were added to a growth solution containing AgNO3, trisodium citrate (TSC) and L-ascorbic acid (AA). The size of the AgNPs depended on the concentration of the silver seed and TSC. The physical properties of the AgNPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by an ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. In addition, we tested the nanotoxicity of AgNPs prepared in TSC solution to the spleen of a rat, and found that AgNPs induced inflammation and white spots on the surface of the spleen.

Stability of Trisodium Citrate and Gentamicin Solution for Catheter Locks after Storage in Plastic Syringes at Room Temperature

Catheter-related infections are a major problem for hemodialysis patients with central venous catheters for vascular access. Catheter lock solutions containing an anticoagulant are used to maintain the patency of the catheter between hemodialysis sessions. There is evidence that the use of lock solutions containing an antibiotic is associated with lower rates of infection but also that these solutions can kill microbes in colonized catheters and thus avoid the risks and costs associated with replacing the catheter. This stability study was conducted to determine whether an extemporaneously prepared gentamicin-citrate catheter lock solution would retain its potency over time, thus allowing for advance preparation of the solution. Catheter lock solutions containing gentamicin alone, citrate alone, and the combination of gentamicin and citrate were prepared aseptically and packaged in polyethylene syringes. The syringes were stored at room temperature. At timed intervals over 112 days, samples were withdrawn for analysis by means of validated high-performance liquid chromatography. None of the 3 lock solutions showed any evidence of degradation during the 112-day observation period. In the formulation containing both gentamicin 2.5 mg/mL and sodium citrate 40 mg/mL (4%), there was no change in the concentration of either gentamicin (p = 0.34) or citrate (p = 0.55). Linear regression analysis of the concentration-time data for the combined formulation showed that 99.97% of the labelled amount of gentamicin and 101.30% of the labelled amount of citrate remained at day 112. The lower limit of the 95% confidence intervals indicated that more than 98.17% of the gentamicin and more than 99.57% of the citrate remained on day 112. The results of this study will allow pharmacies to extemporaneously compound the combined gentamicin-citrate catheter lock solution in advance of use. The method described here will yield a stable product for use in clinical applications.

Electrochemical Size Discrimination of Gold Nanoparticles Attached to Glass/Indium−Tin-Oxide Electrodes by Oxidation in Bromide-Containing Electrolyte

Here we describe the electrochemical oxidation of an assembly of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) attached to glass/indium-tin-oxide (ITO) electrodes as a function of particle size. We synthesized Au NP arrays with NP diameters ranging from 8 to 250 nm by electrodeposition of Au from HAuCl(4) in H(2)SO(4) at potentials of -0.2 to 0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl using chronocoulometry to keep the amount of Au deposited constant. The average Au NP size increased with increasing deposition potential. The chemical reduction of HAuCl(4) by NaBH(4) in trisodium citrate solution led to 4 nm average diameter Au NPs, which we chemisorbed to the glass/ITO electrode. Linear sweep voltammograms (LSVs) obtained on the glass/ITO/Au NP (4 to 250 nm) electrodes (with a constant coverage of Au in terms of Au atoms per cm(2)) from 0.5 to 1.1 V in 0.01 M potassium bromide plus 0.1 M HClO(4) showed a positive shift in oxidation potential from 734 +/- 1 mV to 913 +/- 19 mV with increasing Au NP diameter. The shift agrees qualitatively with that predicted by a shift in the redox potential based on a difference in free energy associated with a change in surface energy as a function of particle size. On the basis of the charge during Au deposition versus the charge during oxidation, the oxidation process produces a mixture of Au(III)Br(4)(-) (25%) and Au(I)Br(2)(-) (75%). A glass/ITO electrode coated with a mixture of 4 and 250 nm Au NPs revealed 2 oxidation peaks, consistent with the two Au NP size populations present on the surface.

Effect of Complexing Agent and Annealing Atmosphere on Properties of Nanocrystalline ZnS Thin Films

The nanocrystalline Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) thin films were prepared on glass substrates by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method using aqueous solutions of zinc acetate, thiourea and tri-sodium citrate in alkaline medium at 80 degrees C. The tri-sodium citrate acts as a complexing agent. The effects of complexing agent and annealing atmosphere (95%N2 + 5%H2S) on structural, morphological and optical properties of ZnS thin films were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and optical absorption. XRD study revealed that single phase ZnS powder was formed in the solution with tri-sodium citrate, however, ZnS and ZnO mixed phase powder was formed in the solution without tri-sodium citrate. The films deposited with trisodium citrate showed ZnS with hexagonal wurtzite phase. However, annealed film in (N2 + H2S) atmosphere showed cubic (zincblende) phase. FE-SEM images show that grain size of as-deposited and annealed ZnS films are about 20 nm and 50 nm, respectively. Optical absorption study showed that the films have moderate optical transmission from 65% to 75% in the visible region and the optical band gap energy of as-deposited ZnS film is 3.91 eV and it decreases to 3.73 eV after annealing.

Anti‐Glycation Effect of Gold Nanoparticles

In this study, we investigated anti‐glycation effects on gold nanoparticles. It has been known that protein aggregation leads to make advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) synthesis, and AGEs can be a diabetes‐ and aging‐causing factor. The aqueous solution (500mL) of 1–2 mM HAuCl4 was brought to a reflux and stirred, and then 50mL of 38.8mM trisodium citrate solution was added quickly, which resulted in a solution color change from pale yellow to deep red. We employed SEM to measure their sizes of gold nanoparticles, and glycation reaction with BSA and glycoaldehyde. Aminoguanidine, a well‐known anti‐glycation compound, is used as a positive control. The reaction mixture contained 6.02*10^17 atoms/mL and 1.204*10^18 atoms/mL of Au. We found that 13 nm‐nano sized gold particles showed anti‐glycation effects dose‐dependently suggesting a possible role of these particles against protein glycation reaction.

STUDY OF SWELLING BEHAVIOR FOR IONICALLY CROSSLINKED POLYAMPHOLYTE HYDROGELS IN SOLUTIONS WITH VARIOUS pH AND ELECTROLYTES

A series of polyampholyte hydrogels were prepared by free radical aqueous copolymerization of ionic complex of acrylic acid and(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and acrylamide(PADA gels).Owing to the hydrogen bonding interaction among acrylic acid molecules,PADA hydrogels in water had the maximum deswelling when the molar ratio of anionc and cationic monomers(A/C) was 1.55,but not 1.0 as ordinary.By comparison with covalently crosslinked polyampholyte hydrogels,PADA gels were more pH sensitive in swelling behavior.The swelling experiments indicated that PADA gels deswelled in buffer solutions of pH 3～4,but swelled when the pH deviated from this pH range.Furthermore,the swelling degree of PADA gels decreased with an increase of A/C in buffer solutions of pH value below 3 and increased in the buffer solutions of pH value higher than 4.The ion strength greatly influenced the equilibrium swelling ratio of PADA gels in the solutions of salts with varied valences.PADA gels exhibited typical antipolyelectrolyte effect in univalent NaCl solutions.In multivalent CaCl_2 and trisodium citrate(TSC) solutions,however,PADA gels also exhibited antipolyelectrolyte effect only in lower concentrations of salt.In salt solutions with higher concentration,the swelling ratios of PADA gels decreased with the increment of concentration.This might be attributed to the ionic crosslinkage formed by multivalent ions.Similar to the influence of pH on the swelling degree of PADA gels,the swelling ratios of PADA gels decreased in CaCl_2 solutions with the increment of A/C,whereas,increased in TSC solutions with the increment of A/C.The unique behavior seems to be related to the charge characteristics of multivalent ions.

Identification of Tumor-associated Autoantigens for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer in Serum Using High Density Protein Microarrays

There is a mounting evidence of the existence of autoantibodies associated to cancer progression. Antibodies are the target of choice for serum screening because of their stability and suitability for sensitive immunoassays. By using commercial protein microarrays containing 8000 human proteins, we examined 20 sera from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and healthy subjects to identify autoantibody patterns and associated antigens. Forty-three proteins were differentially recognized by tumoral and reference sera (p value <0.04) in the protein microarrays. Five immunoreactive antigens, PIM1, MAPKAPK3, STK4, SRC, and FGFR4, showed the highest prevalence in cancer samples, whereas ACVR2B was more abundant in normal sera. Three of them, PIM1, MAPKAPK3, and ACVR2B, were used for further validation. A significant increase in the expression level of these antigens on CRC cell lines and colonic mucosa was confirmed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. A diagnostic ELISA based on the combination of MAPKAPK3 and ACVR2B proteins yielded specificity and sensitivity values of 73.9 and 83.3% (area under the curve, 0.85), respectively, for CRC discrimination after using an independent sample set containing 94 sera representative of different stages of progression and control subjects. In summary, these studies confirmed the presence of specific autoantibodies for CRC and revealed new individual markers of disease (PIM1, MAPKAPK3, and ACVR2B) with the potential to diagnose CRC with higher specificity and sensitivity than previously reported serum biomarkers.

Eradication of microorganisms embedded in biofilm by an ethanol-based catheter lock solution

Interdialytic locking of catheters with antimicrobial agents is frequently used for preventing catheter-related infections, often associated with biofilm formation. We determined the bactericidal effect of 60% ethanol (ETOH) versus a 46.7% trisodium citrate (TSC) solution on biofilm embedded in silicone catheters. Four- and 24-h biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans established in a microfermentor were exposed to ETOH and TSC for up to 24 h and the number of remaining viable microorganisms was determined. ETOH 60% was significantly more effective than 46.7% TSC in rapidly eradicating sessile cells from all microorganisms tested. A 20-min ETOH 60% treatment completely eradicated the Gram-negative bacilli and C. albicans biofilms, which initially contained up to 10(8) and 10(5) cells, respectively. Gram-positive cocci biofilms only showed a significant 2.6-4.3 log reduction in the initial viable counts after 20 min of ETOH 60% treatment, with eradication occurring after 30 min. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observation of ETOH-treated biofilm showed sparse cells with respiratory activity. TSC 46.7% eradicated none of the tested microorganisms. In contrast, ETOH 60% totally eradicated planktonic cells, whereas TSC had significant bactericidal activity against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans after 20 min, 1 and 24 h, respectively, but none on the Staphylococcus species. This in vitro study demonstrates the superior antimicrobial activity of ETOH 60% in contrast to TSC 46.7% in eradicating biofilm formed on a silicon catheter. Hence, ethanol-based solution shows promise as a catheter lock solution.