| Grant number: | 11/12734-3 |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| Start date: | November 01, 2011 |
| End date: | October 31, 2014 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology |
| Principal Investigator: | Maria José Soares Mendes Giannini |
| Grantee: | Regina Helena Pires |
| Host Institution: | Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil |
Abstract ABSTRACTThe objective of this research refers to the microbial contamination in hemodialysis systems, investigating the causal agents and methods of photoelectrocatalysis in attempts to circumscribe it. The C. parapsilosis complex can be found in the hands of health professionals, resulting in subsequent nosocomial infection associated with handling central venous catheters. In addition, C. parapsilosis tends to grow as a biofilm on medical devices, linking them directly with clinically significant disease, being identified as additional risk factors for antibiotic use, previous colonization in different anatomical sites, and use of hemodialysis central venous catheter. One of the most important consequences of the biofilm mode of growth is the marked resistance to many antimicrobial agents. Several reasons may explain the decreased susceptibility of microorganisms within a biofilm: (a) reduced access of a disinfectant/biocide to cells in the biofilm, (b) chemical interaction between the disinfectant/biocide and the biofilm itself, (c) modulation of the microenvironment, (d) production of degrading enzymes and/or products of neutralization, (e) genetic exchange between cells in a biofilm. In our previous studies, we have analyzed water collected in a hemodialysis center in state of São Paulo and the yeasts identified as C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis (100 isolates) were recovered from samples of water municipal supply (8), post-reverse osmosis (7), reverse osmosis tank (6), dialysis rooms I (8), II (14) and III (12), input machines (41) and reuse system (4). Thus, in continuation of this previous study aims to assess the molecular basis involved in the ability or otherwise of biofilm formation of environmental isolates of C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis as well as contribute to the study of water treatment systems for therapeutic use, applying techniques photoelectrocatalysis. This is justified by the pursuit of more effective systems, able to inactivate all the microorganisms may be present in order to provide a water-free products. Within this context, it would be highly relevant to study the photocatalytic activity of both doped and non-doped TiO2 silver nanotubes in terms of degradation of yeasts. The results could contribute significantly to the development of new technologies for destructive fungi and decontamination of water help in solving or providing alternatives for the solution of environmental problems and health. | |
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