Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Biocidal Hard and Soft Surfaces Containing
Copper Oxide Particles for the Reduction
of Healthcare-Acquired Pathogens
Gadi Borkow
Contents
5.1 Hospital Textiles as a Source of Healthcare-Acquired Pathogens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
5.2 Biocidal Textiles as a Tool to Fight Healthcare-Acquired Infections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
5.3 Biocidal Textiles Containing Copper Oxide ............................................... 90
5.4 Non-porous Solid Biocidal Surfaces Containing Copper Oxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Abstract Potentially overlooked and neglected sources of healthcare-acquired
pathogens are non-intrusive soft and hard surfaces located in clinical settings.
Microbes can survive on bedding, uniforms, trays, bed rails and other such surfaces
for days to months. Furthermore, on some of these surfaces, such as patient
bedding, the microorganisms proliferate as textiles are an excellent substrate for
bacterial and fungal growth. Additionally the temperature and humidity conditions
present between the patients and these textiles are appropriate for microorganism
multiplication. Bed making in hospitals can release large quantities of microorgan-
isms into the air, which contaminate the surroundings. Thus soft and hard surfaces
that are in direct or indirect contact with the patients can serve as a source of
healthcare-acquired pathogens.
Copper oxide impregnated materials have potent intrinsic biocidal properties.
This manuscript reviews the laboratory and clinical studies that demonstrate that
soft and hard surfaces containing copper oxide particles reduce bioburden and
healthcare-acquired infection rates.
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