Inhibition of Biofilm Formation by Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens via Silver Nanoparticles and Functionalized HEPA Filters.

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of silver oxide nanoparticle (Ag2ONP)-functionalized high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and colloidal Ag2ONP suspensions to inhibit biofilm formation by major respiratory pathogens causing infections at operating rooms.

Background

Respiratory infections caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus species are often associated with the formation of biofilms, which confer increased resistance to antibiotics and host immune responses. Effective strategies to prevent biofilm formation on biological surfaces and in air filtration systems are urgently needed in clinical settings.

Methods

The biofilm-forming ability of each bacterial strain was assessed by crystal violet microplate assay, viable count or confocal microscopy after prior incubation of the culture medium with Ag2ONP-coated HEPA filter material or colloidal Ag2ONP suspension.

Results

Both silver-functionalized filters and silver nanoparticle suspensions significantly inhibited biofilm formation by S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, with near-complete suppression observed. In the case of S. aureus and S. epidermidis, the silver nanoparticle suspension showed partial inhibition of biofilm development.

Conclusions

Ag2ONP-functionalized HEPA filters and colloidal Ag2ONP suspensions effectively prevent biofilm formation by major respiratory pathogens, for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These materials show promise for integration with air filtration and surface coating systems to reduce microbial load and transmission in healthcare environments such as operating room facilities.