Enterococcus faecalis causes nosocomial infections, including catheter-associated UTI, central line-associated bloodstream infection, and surgical site infections. It is one of the most antibiotic-resistant bacteria in existence. Innovative approaches are required to limit the exposure to and proliferation of this organism. One possible method involves the use of gold nanoshells, which are biologically inert at physiologic temperature and can be engineered for photothermal ablation of cells and tissues. In this study, gold nanoshells were prepared and attached to model catheter surfaces, which were then subjected to E. faecalis growth. The properties of the gold nanoshells were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The bacterial survival studies were conducted on modified surfaces under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation using a colony-formation assay. These studies demonstrate that gold nanoshell-modified surfaces, when illuminated with NIR light, can effectively kill E. faecalis. These findings should prove useful in future applications involving medical devices. Keywords:   Gold Nanoshells, Photothermal Effect, Enterococcus faecalis.

Photothermal destruction of <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> using gold nanoshells

247th National Meeting (2014)

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Photothermal destruction of Enterococcus faecalis using gold nanoshells