Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How zinc oxide nanorods improve antibacterial mesh and sutures
By Jana S et al.·2025·Department of Microbiology, India·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: HPMC-ZnO Nanorods Enhance Hydrophilicity and Contact-Killing Activity on Polypropylene Meshes and Sutures.
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at ways to prevent infections that can happen with surgical devices, especially during hernia repairs where materials like polypropylene meshes and sutures can attract bacteria. They created a special coating made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and zinc oxide nanorods to make these materials less sticky to bacteria. The tests showed that this coating significantly reduced bacterial growth, killing up to 99.999% of a harmful bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae and preventing other types of bacteria from sticking to the surfaces. Importantly, the coating remained effective for up to six months and did not show harmful effects in animal tests. Overall, the study suggests that this new coating could be a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of infections in surgical settings.
Abstract
<b>Background:</b> Biomedical device-associated infections pose major challenges in surgical care, particularly in hernia repair where polypropylene (PP) meshes and sutures are prone to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. The limitations of antibiotic resistance and toxicity warrants the need of developing innovative antibacterial strategies. <b>Methods:</b> We developed a composite coating of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NP) synthesized via thermal decomposition. This coating was applied to PP meshes and sutures to enhance anti-adhesive properties. The study evaluated surface hydrophilicity through water contact angles, estimation of Zn<sup>2+</sup> ions using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and long-term efficacy over six months. Safety was assessed via systemic toxicity studies in murine models. <b>Results:</b> The ZnO NPs exhibited potent antibacterial efficacy, achieving up to 99.999% killing against <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>. When applied as an HPMC-ZnO coating, PP meshes and sutures demonstrated enhanced hydrophilicity, reducing water contact angles by ~41° and facilitating prevention of bacterial adhesion. The coated meshes inhibited bacterial attachment by 83% (<i>Escherichia coli</i>), 60% (<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>), 99.6% (<i>K. pneumoniae</i>), and 99% (<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>). Similarly, coated sutures reduced adhesion by 67-96% across these strains. Long-term storage studies showed retained antibiofilm efficacy for up to six months. In vivo assessments indicated negligible systemic toxicity of ZnO NPs in murine models. <b>Conclusions:</b> Collectively, these findings highlight HPMC-ZnO NPs coatings as a safe, durable, and effective strategy to functionalize PP-based meshes and sutures, reducing the risk of surgical site infections and demonstrating the potential for broader biomedical applications.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41599656