Zeitschrift für Infektionskrankheiten und Präventivmedizin
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Antimicrobial Photodynamic Action in Medical Materials: A Novel Thriving Area for Hospital Pneumonia Prevention

Kate C. Blanco, Lucas D. Dias, Amanda C. Zangirolami, Vanderlei S. Bagnato

Background: Endotracheal tubes, used for mechanical ventilation assistance for bedridden patients, are conducive to developing microbial biofilms due to the accumulation of body fluids. These systems are closely linked to hospital pneumonia by dispersing these cells from microbial biofilm from endotracheal tube to the lung.

Objective: Describe endotracheal tubes' functionalization with photosensitizers such as curcumin, the progress, and perspectives of this research.

Methods: An antimicrobial endotracheal tube was developed through the functionalization of its surface with a photosensitizer activated by light for the generation of reactive oxygen species, which inactivate microorganisms. Therefore, the prevention of pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation was the object of a study to reach a future phase of clinical research tests.

Results: The mechanisms involved in a complete airway system (upper and lower), including microbial biofilm formation and its elimination, are being studied to prove the transition to clinical applications.

Conclusion: In this context, the main factors related to the development and use of functionalized endotracheal tube with photosensitizer to prevent hospital pneumonia will be described in this mini review.