Antibacterial Solutions Research Articles

A Multi-Criteria Approach for Comparison of Ginger Extract and Conventional Irrigants in Root Canal Treatment.

BackgroundConsidering the importance of irrigation in dental root canal treatment, there is an urgent need to find a risk-free bioactive and antibacterial endodontic solution. Enterococcus faecalis, an anaerobic gram-positive coccus, has been identified as the main reason for endodontic infections. Several studies have been conducted on E. faecalis and periapical infection. Nowadays, plants used in traditional medicine play a role that is widely appreciated by researchers. One of these herbs is ginger which shows an acceptable antimicrobial effect on E. faecalis. Due to the highly crucial role that irrigation plays in the success of endodontic treatment, a comprehensive survey based on several criteria, namely, scientific, technical, and empirical, is required to address the goal of determining the best endodontic solution.MethodologyThe most important criteria are antibacterial activity, risks and hazards, cost, and availability. In this study, the analytical network process (ANP), which is a multi-criteria decision-making method, was applied to determine the best endodontic irrigant.ResultsSeveral alternatives were investigated using the ANP. In this study, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine were at the top of the list. According to the sensitivity analysis, 10% ethanolic ginger extract showed comparable results to 2.5% NaOCl.ConclusionsTo carefully prioritize endodontic irrigants a wide range of standards and criteria should be considered. Considering the low risk, great wettability, and active compounds of ginger extract, it can be a promising viable risk-free solution for root canal treatments.

Effectiveness of 2 Pretreatment Methods in Antifogging of Goggles in a COVID-19 Isolation Ward: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the pretreatment of goggles with iodophor solution and antibacterial hand sanitizer to reduce the fogging of goggles. MethodsA total of 90 health care workers were divided into a control group (n = 30), an iodophor solution group (n = 30), and an antibacterial hand sanitizer group (n = 30). This study evaluated the degree of fogging of goggles and the light transmission, comfort, eye irritation, and the impact of goggles on the medical work of staff. ResultsThe antibacterial hand sanitizer group had the lowest amount of goggle fogging and the most transparent view. Participants in the control group reported the worst light transmission and comfort level, followed by the iodophor solution group. In contrast, the goggles in the antibacterial hand sanitizer group had the best light transmission and comfort level. The iodophor solution group participants reported more eye irritation. Participants in the control group reported that the goggles severely impacted their medical work, with a less severe impact reported by the iodophor solution group. The antibacterial hand sanitizer group did not report any impact on their medical work. DiscussionWhen the goggles were internally coated with antibacterial hand sanitizer solution (diluted 1:1 with distilled water), the antifog effect was significant. Moreover, the goggles treated with antibacterial hand sanitizer had a clearer field of vision, were reported as non-irritating to the eyes, and significantly improved the efficiency of COVID-19 health care workers, including emergency nurses and providers.

Untargeted Metabolomics Approach of Cross-Adaptation in Salmonella Enterica Induced by Major Compounds of Essential Oils.

Cross-adaptation phenomena in bacterial populations, induced by sublethal doses of antibacterial solutions, are a major problem in the field of food safety. In this regard, essential oils and their major compounds appear as an effective alternative to common sanitizers in food industry environments. The present study aimed to evaluate the untargeted metabolomics perturbations of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis that has been previously exposed to the sublethal doses of the major components of essential oils: cinnamaldehyde, citral, and linalool (CIN, CIT, and LIN, respectively). Cinnamaldehyde appeared to be the most efficient compound in the assays evaluating the inhibitory effects [0.06% (v/v) as MBC]. Also, preliminary tests exhibited a phenotype of adaptation in planktonic and sessile cells of S. Enteritidis when exposed to sublethal doses of linalool, resulting in tolerance to previously lethal concentrations of citral. A metabolomics approach on S. Enteritidis provided an important insight into the phenomenon of cross-adaptation induced by sublethal doses of major compounds of some essential oils. In addition, according to the results obtained, when single molecules were used, many pathways may be involved in bacterial tolerance, which could be different from the findings revealed in previous studies regarding the use of phytocomplex of essential oils. Orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS) proved to be an interesting predictive model to demonstrate the adaptation events in pathogenic bacteria because of the global engagement to prevent and control foodborne outbreaks.

Does Irrisept Dipping/Irrigation Adversely Affect the Hydrophilic Coating of Titan Implants?

ABSTRACT Introduction Prosthetic infections occur in 1-3% of virgin implants. Titan penile prostheses (PP) have a hydrophilic coating that can absorb any antibiotic/antifungal solution for infection prevention. The ideal solution for dipping non-coated implants is yet to be described, however, reports of various solutions exist. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a very broad spectrum antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral solution that has been used for skin preparation for surgery because of its excellent profile for known pathogens. Irrisept is the first and only chlorhexidine 0.05% solution that has been FDA cleared for intra-corporal wound lavage in humans. When considering a new dipping solution, we must always weigh the effectiveness of any dipping solution with the caustic properties of the solution on the device and tissue. Objective The purpose of this experiment is to determine the effects of Irrisept solution on Coloplast's hydrophilic coating incorporated on the Titan penile prosthesis (PP). Methods Pre-connected Titan PP product including both pumps and cylinders were tested. The Titan PP was soaked in Irrisept solution and normal saline for 1, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. After soaking, all parts were dried for 15 minutes in a 35°C oven, and then went through the Congo Red Dye Test. Congo Red dye testing was performed per the approved FDA test method for ensuring product reliability. (Coloplast’ internal Test Method.) Results All the PPs tested achieved satisfactory coating results. There was no noticeable effect or difference of coating adherence between the saline soaked control and Irrisept soaked devices. And there was no noticeable effect or difference of coating adherence between different soaking time. (Figure 1 Congo Red stain) Conclusions Soaking the Titan PP in Irrisept solution does not effect the hydrophilic coating of the implant when compared to saline. There was also no difference in hydrophilic coating compared to saline controls at various times of dipping (1, 15, 30 and 60 min). Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Coloplast Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast

Sustainable Packaging Material Based on PCL Nanofibers and Lavandula luisieri Essential Oil, to Preserve Museological Textiles.

The connection with textiles is one of the oldest traditions in humanity, and in the historical scenario, textiles and clothing deal with material culture. Therefore, preservation is of the utmost importance to keep this important heritage. Packaging and protection of museological textiles is imperative due to the risks that these articles suffer, mainly concerning the attack of microorganisms that promote the acceleration of their degradation, and it is still necessary to create a proper packing material. In the present work we describe a bibliographic review about the museological scenario, focused on the packaging for preservation of textile articles, as well as the techniques usually used in preventive material conservation. Future perpsctives for the improvement in the conservation of museological textiles are also given. This research aims to produce a sustainable material based on polycaprolactone (PCL), with and without antimicrobial function by incorporating Lavandula luisieri essential oil (EO), in the form of a non-woven substrate for museological packaging. A comparison was made with the most frequently used materials, such as raw cotton and a non-woven polyester. The results demonstrated that both PCL and PCL + EO obtained a good characterization for museological application with good breaking strength and excellent whiteness index. In addition, PCL + EO showed a high bacterial reduction when compared with other protective materials frequently used in museums. Therefore, these findings emphasize the potential use of this material as an innovative protective antibacterial museological packaging solution, able to safeguard and preserve textile museum and clothing collections for longer and for future generations.

Morphological aspects in remineralizing potential of Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) antibacterial solution in penetrating the demineralized areas of enamel. Materials and Methods: It was considered a group of four extracted teeth (with no color fading, fissures, decay, or demineralization). Each tooth was sectioned in two equal parts, in mesio-distal direction, using a dental handpiece and a special rounded, flat bur. Each specimen was demineralized, for one minute, with 45% orthophosphoric acid, on occlusal and proximal zones. The specimens were then washed and dried with water-air dental syringe. All the probes were inspected with an optical microscope and enamel thickness was digitally measured. Advantage Arrest (Elevate Oral Care, USA), which contains SDF, was applied on the previous demineralized zones. The penetration of the substance was visually inspected with the optical microscope and electronically measured. Results: It was observed an improvement in remineralizing the white spots on enamel surfaces, the optical microscope being able to detect both demineralization and the penetration of SDF through enamel. Conclusions: Based on our in vitro study, SDF (Advantage Arrest) was capable to induce/increase enamel remineralization, through SDF penetration.

Emulsion-Based Eco-Friendly Antibacterial Solutions Incorporating Curcumin and Olive Leaf Extract for the Photodynamic Inactivation of S. Aureus

Emulsion-Based Eco-Friendly Antibacterial Solutions Incorporating Curcumin and Olive Leaf Extract for the Photodynamic Inactivation of S. Aureus

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of Layered Silicate Materials

Objective — to assess the presence of a direct antimicrobial effect of natural minerals (ammonite; montmorillonite of the Azerbaijani deposit; calcium montmorillonite, or light clay, and sodium montmorillonite, or dark clay, of the Gerpegezh deposit in Kabardino-Balkaria; serpentinite) against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and yeast-like Candida fungi. Material and Methods — The antimicrobial activity was investigated by qualitative and quantitative methods; the methods of X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analysis were used to assess the chemical composition of samples of natural minerals. The results were statistically processed. Results — We established that ammonite, montmorillonite of Azerbaijani origin and serpentinite did not have a direct antimicrobial effect against the studied cultures of bacteria and fungi (S. aureus, E. coli, Candida albicans). The growth of S. aureus was suppressed by calcium and sodium montmorillonite from the Gerpegezh deposit. Sodium montmorillonite had the strongest antibacterial effect, and its dose-dependent effect was revealed. According to the data of X-ray fluorescence analysis, in the structure of, trivalent iron and oxides of manganese and titanium predominated in the samples of dark Gerpegezh clay with a more pronounced anti-staphylococcal effect. Conclusion — Our study demonstrated the possibilities and limitations of using various samples of layered silicate minerals for antibacterial solutions. The spectrum of antimicrobial activity largely depends on the unique composition of mineral complexes. Samples with a high content of iron(III) can be considered promising in the development of natural antimicrobial preparations.

Development of Antibacterial and Antifouling Innovative and Eco-Sustainable Sol-Gel Based Materials: From Marine Areas Protection to Healthcare Applications.

Bacterial colonization of surfaces is the leading cause of deterioration and contaminations. Fouling and bacterial settlement led to damaged coatings, allowing microorganisms to fracture and reach the inner section. Therefore, effective treatment of surface damaged material is helpful to detach bio-settlement from the surface and prevent deterioration. Moreover, surface coatings can withdraw biofouling and bacterial colonization due to inherent biomaterial characteristics, such as superhydrophobicity, avoiding bacterial resistance. Fouling was a past problem, yet its untargeted toxicity led to critical environmental concerns, and its use became forbidden. As a response, research shifted focus approaching a biocompatible alternative such as exciting developments in antifouling and antibacterial solutions and assessing their antifouling and antibacterial performance and practical feasibility. This review introduces state-of-the-art antifouling and antibacterial materials and solutions for several applications. In particular, this paper focuses on antibacterial and antifouling agents for concrete and cultural heritage conservation, antifouling sol–gel-based coatings for filtration membrane technology, and marine protection and textile materials for biomedicine. In addition, this review discusses the innovative synthesis technologies of antibacterial and antifouling solutions and the consequent socio-economic implications. The synthesis and the related physico-chemical characteristics of each solution are discussed. In addition, several characterization techniques and different parameters that influence the surface finishing coatings deposition were also described.

Anti-microbial activity of citronella (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil separation by ultrasound assisted ohmic heating hydrodistillation

Microbes like fungi and bacteria pose severe damage to crops. In this study, citronella essential oil (EO) was extracted by ultrasonic-assisted ohmic heating method. We tested Pseudocercospora (PF), Streptomyces acidus (SA), Solanaceae Ralstonia (RS) and Erwinia Cartovora subsp Cartovora Borgey (ECCB) with different concentrations of EO solutions. When EO concentration reached 3 μg/mL, the anti-fungal solution had a desirable effect on killing PF. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the EO anti-bacterial solution was 0.625 μg/mL, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 1.25 μg/mL. Meanwhile, the optimal yield of EO underwent optimization by a single factor combined with response surface methodology: extraction time of 40 min, ultrasonic power of 180 W, a liquid-solid ratio of 7, the best ohmic current intensity of 5 A, and optimal extraction rate of EO of 22.91 ± 0.13 mL/kgDW. In addition, compared with traditional water distillation (NHD), the ultrasound assisted ohmic heating hydrodistillation (UAOHH) was more energy-saving and had a higher extraction rate. The above results indicate the EO of citronella has an excellent antimicrobial activity.

Semi- and fully synthetic carbohydrate vaccines against pathogenic bacteria: recent developments.

The importance of vaccine-induced protection was repeatedly demonstrated over the last three decades and emphasized during the recent COVID-19 pandemic as the safest and most effective way of preventing infectious diseases. Vaccines have controlled, and in some cases, eradicated global viral and bacterial infections with high efficiency and at a relatively low cost. Carbohydrates form the capsular sugar coat that surrounds the outer surface of human pathogenic bacteria. Specific surface-exposed bacterial carbohydrates serve as potent vaccine targets that broadened our toolbox against bacterial infections. Since first approved for commercial use, antibacterial carbohydrate-based vaccines mostly rely on inherently complex and heterogenous naturally derived polysaccharides, challenging to obtain in a pure, safe, and cost-effective manner. The introduction of synthetic fragments identical with bacterial capsular polysaccharides provided well-defined and homogenous structures that resolved many challenges of purified polysaccharides. The success of semisynthetic glycoconjugate vaccines against bacterial infections, now in different phases of clinical trials, opened up new possibilities and encouraged further development towards fully synthetic antibacterial vaccine solutions. In this mini-review, we describe the recent achievements in semi- and fully synthetic carbohydrate vaccines against a range of human pathogenic bacteria, focusing on preclinical and clinical studies.

Antimicrobial properties of various solvents combinations for phytochemical fraction derived from Uncaria gambier extract against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is often found in root canal infections and can cause failure in root canal treatment. Uncaria gambier is an herbal medicine that is known to be rich in polyphenol compounds that have antibacterial properties. Because of the polyphenol content and antibacterial properties of Uncaria gambier, it can be an alternative as an antibacterial solution for root canal treatment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the antimicrobial of various solvents combinations for phytochemical fraction derived from Uncaria gambier extract against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). Methods: This study is descriptive explorative research Uncaria gambier was extracted using a combination of three different fractions, ethyl acetate-water, hexane-water and hexane-ethyl acetate. We determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) using the serial microdilution method and by add test samples to the Mueller Hinton agar medium from each fraction Results: Combination ethyl acetate-water has MIC value at 0.195 mg/ml, combination hexane-water at 0.049 mg/ml and combination hexane-ethyl acetate have the MIC value at 1.563 mg/ml. The MBC value in combination ethyl acetate-water at 25 mg/ml, combination hexane-ethyl acetate and hexane-water MBC value at 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml. Based on optical density measurement using ELISA reader and bacterial growth on the media used, the fraction combinations increase the antibacterial effect of Uncaria gambier against E. faecalis ATCC 29212. Conclusion: The combination of various Uncaria gambier solvents has been shown to inhibit and kill E. faecalis (ATCC 29212). The combination of ethyl acetate-water fraction is the best combination to against E. faecalis (ATCC 29212). It means that the combination of various Uncaria gambier solvents can be developed as alternative root canal irrigation.

THE APPROVAL OF COMPLEX TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS FOR THE PATIENTS AFTER TRANSMITTED CORONAVIRUS DISEASE AND REMAIN ON REHABILITATION

THE APPROVAL OF COMPLEX TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS FOR THE PATIENTS AFTER TRANSMITTED CORONAVIRUS DISEASE AND REMAIN ON REHABILITATION

CuO(1−x)ZnO x nanocomposite with broad spectrum antibacterial activity: application in medical devices and acrylic paints

Inappropriate and disproportionate use of antibiotics have led to a rapid increase in antibacterial resistance. Therefore, alternative antibacterial strategies and solutions are sought to overcome any form of resistance to effectively treat and/or prevent the spread of infections. In this study, we report an eco-friendly and scalable approach to produce highly antibacterial CuO(1−x)ZnO x nanocomposite and its inclusion in medical devices and acrylic paint. Nanocomposite has nanoporous structure composed of primary nanocrystallites of Zn+2 ion doped CuO (∼15 nm) phase and pure ZnO (∼10 nm) phase. Nanocomposite exhibit strong antibacterial activity against broad spectrum of bacteria relevant to the biomedical and food industries. At 100 ppm concentration and 2 h contact period, over 5 log reduction was observed against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium. Nanocomposite incorporated in medical gauze, topical formulation, and acrylic paint exhibit over 4 log reduction against S. aureus. Bactericidal activity is governed by synergetic combination of electrostatic interaction of nanocomposite with bacterial cell envelope and simultaneous generation of reactive oxygen species. Results described here would be of great benefit in developing medical devices, coatings, and paints to eradicate the growth of a wide range of bacterial pathogens.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using gum Arabic: Evaluation of its inhibitory action on Streptococcus mutans causing dental caries and endocarditis

BackgroundStreptococcus mutans are an oral pathogen that causes dental caries, endocarditis, and systemic dysfunctions, an alternative antibacterial solution from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are investigated. MethodsAgNPs were synthesized using the ethnobotanical product gum Arabic. It influenced the nanoparticles with medicinal value through their role as capping, stabilizing, or surface-attached components. The biophysical characteristics of the synthesized AgNPs were studied using UV–vis spectrum, XRD, EDAX, SEM, and TEM tools. The AgNPs were spherical with the average size less than 10 nm. By using the well diffusion and microdilution techniques, the impact of synthesized AgNPs was tested against S. mutans isolates. ResultsThe smaller the size, the greater the antibacterial and antiviral potential the particles exhibit. The biophysical characteristics of AgNPs the presence of phenols, alcohols, amides, sulfoxide, flavanoids, terpenoids and steroids. The AgNPs exhibited a good antibacterial action against the oral pathogen S. mutans. The synthesized NPs at a dose level of 200 μg/mL exhibited an inhibition zone with 18.30 ± 0.5 nm diameter. The synthesised nanoparticles inhibited the genes responsible for biofilm formation of S. mutans over host tooth and gums (gtfB, gtfc, gtfD) and virulent protective factors (comDE, brpA and smu 360) and survival promoter genes (gyrA and spaP, gbpB). ConclusionThe potent antibiotic action over S. mutans seen with the synthesized NPs, paves the way for the development of novel dental care products. Also, the small-sized NPs promote its applicability in COVID-19 pandemic containment.

The AAHKS Best Podium Presentation Research Award: Comparing the Efficacy of Irrigation Solutions on Staphylococcal Biofilm Formed on Arthroplasty Surfaces

BackgroundA diverse array of antibacterial solutions is utilized by orthopedic surgeons in an attempt to disperse bacterial biofilm. Few studies compare these agents against biofilm grown on clinically relevant orthopedic biomaterials, such as plastic, acrylic cement, and porous titanium. MethodsMSSA biofilm was grown on plastic 48-well plates, polymethylmethacrylate cement beads and porous Ti-6Al-4V acetabular screw caps. Antibacterial solutions were tested according to manufacturer guidance and included: isotonic saline, vancomycin (1 mg/mL), polymyxin-bacitracin (500,000 U/L-50,000 U/L), povidone-iodine 0.3%, povidone-iodine 10%, a 1:1 combination of povidone-iodine 10% & 4% hydrogen peroxide, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and betaine 0.04%, a commercial solution containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) 0.05%, and a commercial solution containing benzalkonium chloride and ethanol. Twenty four and 72-hour biofilms were exposed to solutions for 3 minutes to reproduce intraoperative conditions. Solution efficacy was measured through sonication of treated surfaces followed by counting colony forming units and validated with a resazurin assay to assess cell viability. Experiments were performed in triplicate and repeated at least once. A three-fold log reduction in CFU counts versus controls was considered as a measure of solution efficacy. ResultsSaline, vancomycin and polymyxin-bacitracin were ineffective compared to other solutions against planktonic MSSA. Povidone-iodine 10% and a 1:1 solution of povidone-iodine 10% and 4% hydrogen peroxide were the only effective solutions against biofilm across all three surfaces and time points. ConclusionCommercial antibacterial solutions vary significantly in their efficacy against MSSA biofilm. Efficacy globally decreased as biofilm maturity increased. Increased solution cost did not confer increased efficacy.

Bone Mineral Analogue Ceramic Block as an Instant Adhesive to Biological Soft Tissue

AbstractThe disadvantages of surgical sutures, such as secondary tissue damage, surgical site infection, and liquid leaking, can be reduced by biological soft‐tissue adhesives. Although non‐bioresorbable bone substitute materials sufficiently adhere to soft tissues, enabling immobilization of implantable devices, their non‐bioresorbable property limits their clinical use. This study reports the excellent adhesion properties of octacalcium phosphate (OCP), a bioresorbable mineral analogue of immature bone. Blocks of OCP strongly adhere to mouse dermal tissues, enhancing their protein adsorption capacity as demonstrated in ex vivo shear adhesion tests. When soaked in antibacterial solution, the OCP blocks easily adsorb the antibacterial agents in their internal nano‐pores and on their surfaces, imbuing them with antibacterial ability. Therefore, the OCP blocks are a solid‐state material with strong adherence to biological soft tissues and, are especially promising for detachable body‐implantable and/or external devices.

Review on Silver Nanoparticles as a Novel Class of Antibacterial Solutions

Nanomaterials represent a promising novel class of materials to be used as antibacterial solutions. Inhomogeneity of synthesis and characterization methods, as well as resulting variate physical and chemical properties make selection of proper nanostructure difficult when designing antimicrobial experiments. Present study focuses on the already existing evidence regarding silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial applications, with focus on various modulatory factors of reported antimicrobial efficiency. Present paper focuses on synthesis and characterization methods, factors modulating antibacterial efficiency, laboratory quantification procedures, as well as up–to-date knowledge on mechanisms of antibacterial action for silver nanoparticles. Moreover, challenges and future prospects for antimicrobial applications of silver nanoparticles are reviewed and discussed.

Toughened chitosan-based composite membranes with antibiofouling and antibacterial properties via incorporation of benzalkonium chloride.

Biofouling due to biofilm formation is a major problem in ultrafiltration membrane applications. In this work, a potential approach to solve this issue has been developed by functionalization of chitosan-based membranes with benzalkonium chloride (BKC). The chitosan composite membranes consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and BKC were synthesized by mixing the membrane precursors and the antibacterial solution, and casting via an inversed phase technique. The effects of the BKC content on the morphology and performance of the membranes are investigated by varying the BKC feed compositions. The composite membranes demonstrate better antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli. The permeability and selectivity performances of the composites as filter membranes are examined by employing a dead-end filtration system. Interestingly, enhanced toughness of the membranes is observed as a function of the BKC content. Mechanisms of the structural formation are investigated. The results from SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy revealed that MWCNT/BKC are located as nanoclusters with π–π stacking interactions, and are covered by PEG chains. The shape of the dispersed domains is spherical at low BKC contents, but becomes elongated at high BKC contents. These act as soft domains with an anisotropic shape with toughening of the brittle chitosan matrix, leading to enhanced durability of the membranes, especially in ultrafiltration applications. The composite membranes also demonstrate improved rejection in dead-end ultrafiltration systems due to high porosity, high hydrophilicity, and the positive charges of the membrane surface.

In-vitro toxicity of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles on human keratinocytes

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polymer films have been proposed as a cheap way of producing antibacterial coatings on external surfaces. Recently, we synthesized MoO3 nanowires in a unique shape and degree of anisotropy, which enables their fast water dissolution and quick antimicrobial reaction. Potential human health risks following the exposure to MoO3 NPs however need to be assessed prior their wide use. We therefore, investigated the biological effect of these newly synthesized MoO3 NPs on the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, used here as a model for the human skin. Exposure of HaCaT cells to 1 mg/mL MoO3 NPs concentration for 1 h showed no effect on cell survival, had no influence on reactive oxygen species production, expression of proteins involved in antioxidant defense, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nor induced DNA damage. Interestingly however, ERK and p38 MAP kinases were activated, and upon longer time exposure, induced a moderate release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6, increased DNA damage and increased the level of caspase independent cell death. Our study indicates that exposing HaCaT cells to antibacterial MoO3 NPs water-based solution in durations less than 1 h exhibits no cytotoxicity, but rather triggers cell signalling involved in cell survival and inflammation; which should be taken into consideration when evaluating MoO3 NPs for medical applications.