UPC researchers eliminate infectious bacteria from medical textiles
Antibacterial gowns and linen are being manufactured using the new technique and tested at a number of European hospitals, with excellent results.
By Biocat
The Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology Group of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech (UPC) has improved the antimicrobial properties of medical textiles using an enzymatic pre-treatment combined with simultaneous deposition of nanoparticles and biopolymers under ultrasonic irradiation. The technique is used to create completely sterile antimicrobial textiles that help prevent hospital-acquired infections.
It is estimated that there are over 4 million hospital-acquired infections each year in Europe. Hospital-acquired infections are one of the leading causes of mortality and increased morbidity in inpatients and place a heavy burden on the health system. Between 3 and 10% of inpatients acquire an infection during their hospital stay. The mortality rate for nosocomial infections is 1%, and they contribute to 3% of mortality from other diseases.
Factors leading to an increase in the rate of nosocomial infections include a rise in the number of immunocompromised patients, the appearance of resistant microorganisms, the increasing complexity of medical interventions, and the performance of invasive procedures.
Nosocomial infections of endogenous origin occur mainly as a result of contact with hospital gowns and sheets.
In an effort to tackle the problem, the European Union is funding the SONO project, which involves the participation of 17 partners. The team of researchers —based at the UPC's Terrassa Campus and led by Tzanko Tzanov— used enzymes that improve adhesion of the antimicrobial nanoparticles to the fabric under ultrasonic irradiation. By applying these enzymes, the researchers increased the durability of the nanoparticles on the fabric to such a degree that they remain present even after 70 laundry cycles.
Two prototype machines based on the results generated by the SONO project are now being used to manufacture hospital gowns and linen. One is installed at the facilities of the Italian company Klopman International, the other at the Romanian firm Davo Clothing. The fabrics produced are currently being tested at a hospital in Sofia (Bulgaria), and the results obtained have been very positive.
More information in the UPC website.