According to an official statement, researchers from the International Advanced Research Center for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) have developed a new nanocomposite coating called ATL. ATL composite exhibits both hydrophobic and biocidal behavior The researchers claimed that the new coating kills adherent bacteria in addition to preventing the growth of biofilms by limiting bacterial and water adhesion.

The statement revealed that a variety of surgical sutures made of silk, nylon, and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl), as well as surgical instrument-grade stainless steel 420 coupons, were deposited with ATL at the Translational Health Science Technology Institute (THSTI) before being tested for biofilm inhibition against clinical isolate strains of proven biofilm-forming bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli.

The findings of the test showed that the nanocomposite coating was able to inhibit biofilm formation and kill adherent bacteria. Hence, it helped inhibit the growth of post-operative infections. According to the WHO, these post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs), which affect 11% of patients in low- and middle-income countries, are brought on by the growth of biofilms at the site of the incision or in the soft tissue surrounding the site.

The biofilm matrix acts as a physical barrier against the antibiotics administered during the procedure, preventing their penetration. It may originate from infections already present in the patient′s body or it may be brought in from the hospital environment by potential carriers like surgical equipment, wound dressings, bandages, or surgical sutures. The study also showed that the ATL-coated vicryl sutures exhibited a higher percentage of biofilm inhibition in comparison to commercially available triclosan-coated antibacterial sutures. 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1051085)