Antimicrobial coating of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles on surgical fabric and surgical blade to prevent nosocomial infections

In this study, biologically synthesized AgNPs were found to be effective against six hospital prevalent bacterial species (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis). AgNPs were deposited on the fabric and surgical blades using layer-by-layer and electrochemical deposition methods, respectively. The coated objects were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray. Coated fabric samples and blades when tested against six above mentioned bacterial species were found to be effective for all of them. Antibiofilm activity of AgNPs coated blade and fabric was tested against P. aeruginosa and SEM images of post-treated fabrics and blades showed clear bacterial cell distortion and inhibition. Furthermore, washing durability test revealed that AgNPs were strongly attached to the surface of fabric even after 20 cycles of hospital laundering. This unlocks the way to several technologically relevant applications of AgNPs coated surfaces to reduce the risks of nosocomial infections and as a proof of concept; we demonstrated efficient antibacterial properties of AgNPs coated cotton fabric and surgical blades.