Avoiding ventilator-associated pneumonia: Curcumin-functionalized endotracheal tube and photodynamic action
Amanda C. Zangirolami, Lucas D. Dias, Kate Cristina Blanco, Carolina S. Vinagreiro, Natália Mayumi Inada, Luı́s G. Arnaut, Mariette M. Pereira, Vanderlei S. Bagnato
Abstract
Significance Hospital-acquired infections also caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are currently one of the most severe problems that our society faces, which constitute an excellent risk for humankind. The absence of alternatives to combat these types of infections leaves humanity highly vulnerable. Therefore, it becomes imperative to develop new technologies to fight bacterial infections, with alternative mechanisms of action relative to the classical antibiotics. Since ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs in patients under mechanical ventilation, an urgent need is needed to prevent, decrease, and combat infectious pathogens at the endotracheal tube (ETT). In this paper, we demonstrate a practical methodology to prepare a regular photosensitizer-containing ETT, with effective photodynamic activity for microbial inactivation. The process is efficient and safe for the patient.