Micro-textured films for reducing microbial colonization in a clinical setting

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transmission of microbes in the hospital environment occurs frequently through human interactions with high-touch surfaces such as patient beds and over-bed tables. Although stringent cleaning routines are implemented as a preventive measure to minimize transmission of microbes, it is desirable to have high-touch surfaces made of antimicrobial materials. Physical texturing of solid surfaces offers a non-bactericidal approach to control the colonization of such surfaces by microbes. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of micro-textured polycarbonate films in reducing bacterial load on over-bed tables in a hospital ward. METHODS: Two different micro-patterns were fabricated on polycar..