Abstract
In the context of imminent threats concerning biological and chemical warfare agents, the aim of this study was the development of a new method for biological and chemical decontamination, employing non-toxic, film-forming, water-based biodegradable solutions, using a nano sized reagent together with bentonite as trapping agents for the biological and chemical contaminants. Bentonite-supported nanoparticles of Cu, TiO2, and Ag were successfully synthesized and dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/glycerol (GLY) aqueous solution. The decontamination effectiveness of the proposed solutions was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques on various micro-organisms, with sulfur mustard (HD) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as contaminants. The results indicate that the peelable active nanocomposite films can be successfully used on contaminated surfaces to neutralize and entrap the hazardous materials and their degradation products. Mechanical and thermal characterization of the polymeric films was also performed to validate the decontamination solution’s potential as peelable-film generating materials. The removal efficacy from the contaminated surfaces for the tested micro-organisms varied between 93% and 97%, while for the chemical agent HD, the highest decontamination factor obtained was 90.89%. DMMP was almost completely removed from the contaminated surfaces, and a decontamination factor of 99.97% was obtained.
Highlights
The most recent global crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic demonstrated that it is vital to be prepared for emerging sanitary, biological, chemical, or environmental hazards
This first step of this study consisted of the synthesis of bentonite-supported metal and metal oxide nanoparticles that are suitable for decontamination applications, capable of reacting with chemical warfare agents to form non-toxic products while neutralizing biologic agents due to their anti-bacterial properties
Bentonite can act as an efficient adsorbent for the contaminants, facilitating their deactivation induced by the presence of the nanoparticles
Summary
The most recent global crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic demonstrated that it is vital to be prepared for emerging sanitary, biological, chemical, or environmental hazards. Considering the large number of nosocomial infections with pathogens resistant to classical methods of treatment and decontamination (with antibiotics and disinfectants), in recent years, the emphasis has been on the development of new, versatile products with antimicrobial properties. Another important threat is represented by the main ingredients used for the synthesis of chemical warfare agents (CWA): sulfur mustard, sarin, soman, tabun, Vx, etc., which are found in the manufacturing processes of various chemical and pharmaceutical industries (chlorine, phosgene, and cyanides)
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