Metallic nanoparticles as a potential antimicrobial for catheters and prostheses

Abstract Infections caused by catheters and prostheses are serious problems in hospitals and the community alike, mainly due to biofilms being produced in these materials. So composites with antimicrobial action are important to prevent infections in these patients. Nanoparticle use has been applied in catheters and prostheses. The metallic nanoparticles showed different antimicrobial activity properties. In this chapter, we will discuss specific types of metallic nanoparticles (silver, copper, zinc, gold, aluminum, titanium, and iron) and their antimicrobial action. Three aspects are correlated with this activity: direct action, inhibition of biofilm formation, and drug delivery. Different types of nanoparticles and their characteristics (synthesis, size, and shape) showed different antimicrobial effects (types of microorganisms and action levels). The use of metallic nanoparticles is interesting in terms of the synergic effect on antimicrobial activity and impeding bacterial resistance. Our research group has studied antimicrobial (fungi and bacterial) and antibiofilm activity using metallic nanoparticles with different approaches in the biomedical field. This chapter is designed to provide information and to make a comparison between metallic nanoparticles applied in catheters and prostheses.