Abstract
Goal: The goal of our work was to develop a new Nano fiber-based membrane dressing for covering invasive access to the bloodstream sites that would prolong the time interval between catheters changes in patients with central or peripheral venous catheters as well as increasing dressing change intervals. Increasing both intervals would reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections and increase the quality of patient care significantly.
Material and methodology: Between 2014-2017, we worked on a project supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) to develop a special dressing based on Nano fibers activated by a photosensitizer that facilitated the formation of singlet oxygen, which has strong disinfectant effects and does not contribute to antibiotic resistance. The antimicrobial effects of currently available dressing materials are associated with antibiotics or disinfectants (e.g., chlorhexidine).
In 2014, we started to prepare and test suitable polymers. In 2015, we developed a dressing and demonstrated, using the triiodi de test, that it produced a significant amount of singlet oxygen after light exposure.
We further confirmed that the new dressing had significant bactericidal effects. Between 2016-2017, in vitro tests were conducted using four typical bacterial strains found in hospitals, and applying singlet oxygen-inducing lighting for various lengths of time.
Additionally, we performed in vivo testing of the nanofiber membrane relative to skin sensitization tests, irritation tests, phototoxicity, and penetration tests on laboratory mice and human skin models. Results: Our Nano fiber dressing proved innovative in its use of the unique properties of Nano fiber materials combined with singlet oxygen.
The seven μm thick membrane proved to be the most effective, and an LED 410-420 nm lamp operating for 10 minutes at a distance of 10 cm appears to be the most suitable light source for inducing singlet oxygen. In vivo tests showed that the Nano fiber membrane supplemented with TPP does not irritate skin, does not sensitize, is not phototoxic, and it does not penetrate the skin.
Conclusion: The Nano fiber dressing material supplemented with TPP has the prerequisites for use as medical equipment in clinical practice. The prototype of this material is registered as a utility model at the Industrial Property Office.