Magnetic nanoparticles and a magnetic field for the rapid removal of device related infections

The purpose of this study was to develop materials and a method to kill bacteria, separating them from solution, using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) coated with various antibacterials including iron, zinc, and silver. It was found that such coated SPION alone kill bacteria, and reduce biofilm formation (which is an important mode of antibiotic resistance in device related infections). With the aid of a magnet, these antibacterial properties could be manipulated and improved, potentially providing a new method for treating antibiotic resistant device related infections.