Antimicrobials go molecular

Antimicrobials go molecular: an update of the latest technology
by Kelly M Pyrek
editor in chief of Infection Control Today
February 2010 Vol 14 N02 p 8-18

Look at the antimicrobial movement at the molecular level

Lysozyme: surfaces that are hosptile to bacteria and viruses. Many antimicrobials are being incorporated (engineered) into non-porous surfaces. Lysozome is found in egg white as well as human tears and other secretions.

Lysozomes (muramidases) have the ability to damage cell walls of bacteria.It is naturally occuringStudies have shown that exposing staph aureus to lysozyme surfaces. SA adhered to those surfaces.
It is currently used in a mouthwash.(kills bacterial etc in the biofilm).

Silver




used as a coating on medical products. Silver ions are among the most potent antimicrobial agents.Silver and fulfur create an extremetly strong bond. Several enzymes involved witht eh metabolism of bacteria. ALthough overuse can lead to resistance, stewardship is the key.

Copper


copper's antimicrobial properties are only begining to gain acceptance with the science community.The EPA has approved registration of cooper alloys with the claims that copper is capable of killing bacteria. The EPA has an independent lab testing that it kills specififc bacteria such as MRSA. Noyce et al 2004 showed that 99.9% of MRSA arekilled in 2 hours at room temperature. Copper allloys can be usedon frequently touched surfaces such as counters, door knobs, bed rails, IV stands.

Textiles and microfibers

antimicrobials that have been woven into textiles
Micrillon texnology is the first embedded rechargeable broad-spectrum antimicrobial that is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.


But still the author stresses that all of the abouve products need to be used in conjunction with already eatablished IC procedures such as HH, PPE, enivronemental cleaning.