Author(s): Emilia Gregory, Lucy Bowden
Mentor(s): Bradford Berges
Institution BYU
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium recognized as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly following the implantation of medical devices. Clinical manifestations of S. aureus biofilm-related infections can be severe, often resulting in persistent infections that necessitate surgical intervention and removal of the infected device. The resistance of S. aureus biofilms to traditional antibiotics requires new strategies to mitigate these infections. This study investigates the anti-biofilm properties of copper-coated carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotubes (copper-coated CICNT). Our previous findings indicate that these surfaces significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus biofilms. We will further explore the mechanism of copper-coated CICNT inhibition by first determining whether copper kills bacterial cells or prevents biofilm growth by another mechanism. This will be accomplished by employing a propidium iodide (PI) stain and flow cytometry analysis to detect and quantify cell membrane integrity after growth on a copper-coated CICNT chip. Secondly, we will determine if the dissociated copper ions demonstrate anti-bacterial activity. We will use a conditioned growth media that contains dissolved copper ions from a copper-coated CICNT chip and use colony-forming unit (CFU) analysis to quantify biofilm growth. We will also utilize a PI stain on these cell membranes to determine the method of biofilm inhibition. In doing so, we will assess the potential for copper-coated CICNT to prevent the establishment of mature biofilms, which is critical for developing effective preventative strategies. This research aims to clarify the mechanisms of copper-coated CICNT blocking S. aureus biofilm formation and to enhance our understanding of biofilm prevention strategies in clinical settings. Therefore, it will potentially reduce the burden of S. aureus infections and associated healthcare costs, while also improving patient outcomes and circumventing antibiotic resistance.