The Antimicrobial activities of Magnesium oxide nanoparticles on soft contact lenses

Abstract

Increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics in recent years has created many problems in the medical community. The combination of modern technology such as nanotechnology with metallic elements with antimicrobial properties has been able to create a new path in the fight against resistant microorganisms. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles are a metal oxide that is widely used in various fields. These metal nanoparticles have shown good bactericidal performance in different environments due to the production of superoxide anions. For this reason, these particles can be used alone or in combination with antibiotics to prevent bacterial activity. AIM: Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in the presence of contact lenses to prevent contamination of lenses in non-sterile medium and to determine the potential ability of magnesium oxide to inhibit microbial growth. Methods: Firstly,The MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) of magnesium oxide nanoparticles for Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aurous and epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis was determined. Then the inactivation kinetics test and anti-biofilm effects of nanoparticles on contact lenses were evaluared by plate microtiter,microbial counting and microscopic electron imaging (by 3 methods) Results: Magnesium oxide nanoparticles showed a significant effect in reducing the number of bacteria in 24 hours after culture time and caused a reduction of 2-3 logarithms in the number of bacteria. These particles have anti-biofilm properties, but these effects are not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that magnesium oxide nanoparticles can be used as a preservative, antibiotic in the formulation of contact lenses.