Developing Novel Biointerfaces: Using Chlorhexidine Surface Attachment as a Method for Creating Anti‐Fungal Surfaces. Issue 5 (8th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bryant, Jack A.; Riordan, Lily; Watson, Rowan; Nikoi, Naa Dei; Trzaska, Wioleta; Slope, Louise; Tibbatts, Callum; Alexander, Morgan R.; Scurr, David J.; May, Robin C.; de Cogan, Felicity
• Is Part Of: Global challenges. Volume 6:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-03-08
• Subjects: antimicrobial surfaces -- fungi -- surface coatings; Climatic changes -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6646

Abstract

Abstract: There is an increasing focus in healthcare environments on combatting antimicrobial resistant infections. While bacterial infections are well reported, infections caused by fungi receive less attention, yet have a broad impact on society and can be deadly. Fungi are eukaryotes with considerable shared biology with humans, therefore limited technologies exist to combat fungal infections and hospital infrastructure is rarely designed for reducing microbial load. In this study, a novel antimicrobial surface (AMS) that is modified with the broad‐spectrum biocide chlorhexidine is reported. The surfaces are shown to kill the opportunistic fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans very rapidly (<15 min) and are significantly more effective than current technologies available on the commercial market, such as silver and copper. Abstract : Transmission of disease is a global problem. In the current climate, there is a significant focus on airborne transmission. However, in many infections, surfaces play a key role in transmission. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of an antimicrobial surface technology in killing opportunistic fungal pathogens.