Abstract
The use of nanotechnologies in the applied biomedical sciences can offer a new way to treat infections and disinfect surfaces, materials, and products contaminated with various types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The Cu-Au nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by an eco-friendly method that allowed the obtaining in a one-step process of size controlled, well dispersed, fully reduced, highly stable NPs at very mild conditions, using high energy ionizing radiations. The gamma irradiation was performed in an aqueous system of Cu2+/Au3+/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)/Ethylene Glycol. After irradiation, the change of color to ruby-red was the first indicator for the formation of NPs. Moreover, the UV-Vis spectra showed a maximum absorption peak between 524 and 540 nm, depending on the copper amount. The Cu-Au NPs presented nearly spherical shapes, sizes between 20 and 90 nm, and a zeta potential of about −44 mV indicating a good electrostatic stability. The biocidal properties performed according to various standards applied in the medical area, in dirty conditions, showed a 5 lg reduction for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae, a 5 lg reduction for both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses such as Adenovirus type 5, Murine Norovirus, and human Coronavirus 229E, and a 4 lg reduction for Candida albicans, respectively. Thus, the radiochemically synthesized Cu-Au alloy NPs proved to have high biocide efficiency against the tested bacteria, fungi, and viruses (both encapsulated and non-encapsulated). Therefore, these nanoparticle solutions are suitable to be used as disinfectants in the decontamination of hospital surfaces or public areas characterized by high levels of microbiological contamination.
Highlights
In recent years, amid the global health crisis caused by the Sars CoV-2 virus, research has been intensified to obtain effective solutions to fight against infections caused by various microorganisms, especially in professional environments
The radiochemical synthesis of metal NPs has several advantages compared to conventional synthesis methods: it is simple, rapid, and can be achieved in mild conditions such as ambient pressure and temperature and with a high degree of reproducibility [42]
The control of the nanoparticle cluster size and the crystal structure is achieved by controlling a few synthesis parameters, of which the most important is the irradiation dose [24]
Summary
Amid the global health crisis caused by the Sars CoV-2 virus, research has been intensified to obtain effective solutions to fight against infections caused by various microorganisms, especially in professional environments (e.g., hospitals, medical clinics, schools). Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 3388 intrinsic porous structure [3] a.s.o. In addition, the prevention and control of infections associated with medical treatments (healthcare-associated diseases) are priority concerns for health systems at a global scale. The prevention and control of infections associated with medical treatments (healthcare-associated diseases) are priority concerns for health systems at a global scale These microorganisms can cause various infections (affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal or urinary tracts, blood, or ENT system [4]) that are challenging to treat, most of them being antibiotic-resistant [3]. It was shown that, due to the high viability of the SARS CoV-2 virus in aerosols and on various contaminated surfaces, medical staff members have been contaminated even if rigorous protection measures were taken [2,5]
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