Antibacterial properties of nitric oxide-releasing sol-gels

The antibacterial characteristics of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing sol-gel coatings are described. The NO release from these surfaces is steady over short periods (approximate to1 h) and measurable over several days. The ability of NO to prevent bacterial adhesion is evaluated by exposing controls and NO-releasing sol-gels to approximate to10(8) colony-forming units (cfu)/mL saline suspensions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion to sol-gel controls varies depending on the sol-gel formulation. Sol-gel surfaces capable of NO release decrease bacterial adhesion by 30% to 95% relative to controls. The contact angle measurements of control and NO-releasing surfaces are similar, supporting NO's action as an antibacterial agent against bacterial adhesion. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.