Reviewed by Lexie CornerFeb 28 2025
Researchers from Nottingham Trent University have developed copper oxide nanoparticles that can be applied to medical devices to reduce the risk of infection following surgery. This research addresses concerns related to antibiotic resistance and over-reliance on antibiotics. The study was published in the journal Nanomaterials.
Copper oxide nanoparticles solid and solution. Image Credit: Nottingham Trent University
The researchers developed the nanoparticles as an antipathogenic coating for use on materials commonly used in medical devices, such as silicone, titanium, and stainless steel.
The study found that both dip and spray coating methods exhibited antimicrobial activity, protecting against a range of clinically significant bacteria, including drug-resistant strains.
Additionally, the coating was shown to remain non-toxic to human cells.
Antimicrobial metals and nanoparticle technologies, particularly silver nanomaterials in applications like wound dressings and food storage, have gained attention recently.
Copper has emerged as a viable alternative to silver, which is prone to oxidation and loses its antimicrobial properties. This shift is highlighted by researchers from the university’s School of Science and Technology and the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility.
Antibiotic resistance has increased due to the widespread use of antibiotics, making infection treatment more challenging. Reports indicate that antibiotic-resistant infections were responsible for 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019.
If current trends continue, estimates suggest that antibiotic-resistant infections could lead to 10 million deaths by 2050, making them the leading cause of death worldwide unless action is taken to curb the spread of resistance.
As medical advancements progress, the use of implanted medical devices to improve patients’ quality of life is increasing. Millions of implants are inserted annually, with intravascular, orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular implants being the most common.
The researchers argue that the growing reliance on medical materials in the body creates an environment conducive to microbial contamination and infection, as patients are frequently at risk.
Antimicrobials, including metals like silver and copper, have been used throughout history for medical purposes. Their use dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were used to treat burn injuries.
It is vital that alternatives to antibiotics are explored. Antibiotics have been used for almost a century and revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections, but their increased use and misuse has created enormous challenges. Developing antimicrobial coatings for medical devices can have a significant impact on the prevalence and severity of infections. We have found that copper oxide nanoparticles offer promising antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, addressing the urgent issue of antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Samantha McLean, Associate Professor, Infection Prevention and Control, Nottingham Trent University
Dr. Gareth Cave, Head of the Nanoscience and Drug Delivery Group at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, said: “Nanoparticles offer excellent surface area to volume ratios, as well as having excellent interaction rates with bacterial cells. Our coating method can be applied during manufacturing, or for ad hoc modifications, enhancing the antimicrobial properties of medical devices.”
It is important we bring together different scientific disciplines to tackle problems we all face. Bringing Physics Chemistry and Biology together lets us develop new strategies to deal with this growing issue.
Dr. Jim Hall, Research Radiographer, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nottingham Trent University
Antimicrobial Nanoparticles: Mechanisms and Applications
Journal Reference:
Hall, J., et al. (2024) Surface-Functionalised Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: A Pathway to Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Control in Medical Devices. Nanomaterials. doi.org/10.3390/nano14231899.