Nanoparticle Ionic Silver Antimicrobial Coating

A breakthrough nanoparticle treatment can render medical devices antimicrobial, dramatically reducing hospital-related infections.

The first product based on this novel technology to receive clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the ON-Q SilverSoaker regional anesthesia delivery catheter, manufactured by I-Flow (Lake Forest, CA, USA). The ON-Q SilverSoaker catheters are treated with SilvaGard, a silver nanoparticle antimicrobial coating that protects against the formation of infection-causing biofilm. Other applications include surgical tools and titanium implants.

SilvaGard nanotechnology, developed by AcryMed (Portland, OR, USA) provides an easy, cost-effective way to apply a surface treatment of ionic silver, long recognized and used as an antimicrobial substance. Treated devices can provide effective antimicrobial protection for days, weeks, or even months, depending upon application requirements. SilvaGard can be used to treat virtually any medical device and its use does not alter the device's original properties. Due to these and other unique attributes, SilvaGard is expected to have a significant impact on the battle against hospital-related infections.

"We are excited to be the first company to gain FDA clearance for the use of this breakthrough antimicrobial technology, specifically in our unique ON-Q SilverSoaker” said Donald M. Earhart, chairman, president and CEO of I-Flow.

Development talks are being held with other device manufacturers who have approached AcryMed about using SilvaGard for the treatment of their devices, stated Jack D. McMaken, president and CEO of AcryMed.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA), 1 in 20 patients in hospitals in the United States contract an infection not associated with their original diagnosis. The overwhelming cases of these hospital infections come from medical devices such as catheters, IV tubes, and hip implants, where bacteria can attach and spread.





Related Links:
I-Flow
AcryMed