Production and Characterization of Graphene Oxide Surfaces against Uropathogens

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Belo, S (Author) Other; Sousa-Cardoso, F (Author) Other; Rita Teixeira dos Santos (Author) FEUP; Luciana Gomes (Author) FEUP; Vieira, R (Author) Other; Sjollema, J (Author) Other; Soares, OSGP (Author) Other; Filipe Mergulhão (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Coatings

Vol. 13

Final page: 1324

ISSN: 2079-6412

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Associated Projects

ALiCE - ALiCE - Laboratório Associado em Engenharia Química

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-T54

DOI: 10.3390/coatings13081324

Abstract (EN): Graphene and its functionalized derivatives have been increasingly applied in the biomedi-cal field, particularly in the production of antimicrobial and anti-adhesive surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of graphene oxide (GO)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. GO/PDMS composites containing different GO loadings (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were synthesized and characterized regarding their morphol-ogy, roughness, and hydrophobicity, and tested for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation under conditions that mimic urinary tract environments. Biofilm formation was assessed by determining the number of total and culturable cells. Additionally, the antibacterial mechanisms of action of GO were investigated for the tested uropathogens. Results indicated that the surfaces containing GO had greater roughness and increased hydrophobicity than PDMS. Biofilm analysis showed that the 1 wt.% GO/PDMS composite was the most effective in reducing S. aureus biofilm formation. In oppo-sition, P. aeruginosa biofilms were not inhibited by any of the synthesized composites. Furthermore, 1% (w/v) GO increased the membrane permeability, metabolic activity, and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis in S. aureus. Altogether, these results suggest that GO/PDMS com-posites are promising materials for application in urinary catheters, although further investigation is required.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17