Use of biogenic nanomaterials to improve the peritoneal dialysis technique: A Translational Research Perspective

Intraperitoneal and catheter exit site infections are the most common complications associated with prolonged peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy used for treating the patients with end stage renal failure (ESRF). Recurrent and persistent infections often cause inflammation of the peritoneum, a condition known as infectious peritonitis and to resolve the condition, patients require antibiotic treatment. However, if the treatment is delayed or if it fails due to antibiotic resistance, the peritonitis may lead to permanent malfunctioning of peritoneal membrane causing technique failure and transferring the patients to haemodialysis. Severe and prolonged peritonitis is not only the major cause of technique failure, it is also the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in PD patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the existing PD technique so that the frequency of PD associated infections could be reduced and infectious peritonitis episodes thereof during prolonged peritoneal dialysis. In this perspective, I highlight the possibility to improve the PD technique through the use of antimicrobial nanoparticles synthesized biologically.