Bacterial Colony Counts Research Articles

Total Flavonoid Content, Microscopic and Microbial Evaluation of Syrian Ginkgo Biloba Products

Ginkgo Biloba (GB) is a widely used finished herbal product. Due to its natural source there is no demand to evaluate its quality before marketing. Although GB products have shown promising potential with the efficacy, many of these products remain untested. The Current work aims to evaluate some quality parameter of GB finished products like total flavonoid content (TFC), microscopic, Loss On Drying (LOD) and microbial tests in comparison with GB crude plant. The TFC ranged from (22.86 to78.74 mg/g). Microscopic findings revealed the presence of large amounts of starch grains in product A. Furthermore, most of the products were heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi. As bacterial colony counts ranged from (103 to 7.5 × 105 CFU/g) and from (1.7 × 103 to 0.75 × 107 CFU/g) for fungal colony counts. Most of the products exceeded the reference limits for LOD. thus may pose a threat to consumer's health.

Antibacterial Evaluation of Lithium-Loaded Nanofibrous Poly(L-Lactic Acid) Membranes Fabricated via an Electrospinning Strategy.

Lithium (Li) reportedly has anti-bacterial properties. Thus, it is an ideal option to modify barrier membranes used for guided bone regeneration to inhibit the bacterial adhesion. The aims of this study were to fabricate and characterize nanofibrous poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes containing Li, and investigate their antibacterial effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in vitro. Li (5%Li, 10%Li, and 15%Li)-loaded nanofibrous PLLA membranes were fabricated using an electrospinning technique, and characterized via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, a contact angle measuring device, and a universal testing machine. Sustained release of Li ions was measured over a 14-day period and biocompatibility of the Li-PLLA membranes was investigated. Evaluation of bacterial adhesion and antibacterial activity were conducted by bacterial colony counting, LIVE/DEAD staining and inhibition zone method using P.gingivalis and A.actinomycetemcomitans. Of the three Li-loaded membranes assessed, the 10%Li-PLLA membrane had the best mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Adhesion of both P.gingivalis and A.actinomycetemcomitans on Li-PLLA membranes was significantly lower than adhesion on pure PLLA membranes, particularly with regard to the 10%Li and 15%Li membranes. Significant antibacterial activity of Li-PLLA were also observed against according to the inhibition zone test. Given their better mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity, PLLAs with 10%Li are a better choice for future clinical utilization. The pronounced antibacterial effects of Li-loaded PLLA membranes sets the stage for further application in guided bone regeneration.

The effect of nebulized antibiotics in children with tracheostomy

IntroductionChildren with tracheostomy have an increased risk of bacterial colonization and infection of the lower respiratory tracts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nebulized antibiotics on the bacterial load, the need for oral antibiotics, the number of hospitalizations, and the length of stay in the intensive care unit in tracheotomised children with persistent colonization. MethodsChildren with tracheostomy and persistent bacterial colonization who were started on nebulized antibiotic therapy after a lower respiratory tract infection were included in the study. Nebulized gentamicin or colistin were used according to the results of the tracheal aspirate cultures. Demographic and clinic characteristics were recorded from one year prior until one year after initiation of nebulized antibiotic treatment. ResultsNebulized antibiotic treatment was initiated in 22 patients. Nebulized gentamicin was administered to 14 patients (63.6%) and colistin to 8 patients (36.4%). The median duration of treatment was 3 months (range 2–5 months). Following nebulized antibiotic treatment, median number of hospitalizations decreased from 2 (range 1.0–3.5) to 1 (range 0.0–1.5) (p = 0.04). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit reduced significantly from 89.5 days (range 43.0–82.5) to 25 days (range 7.75–62.75) after starting nebulized antibiotics (p = 0.028). Following nebulized antibiotic treatment median bacterial colony count also decreased (from 105 CFU/ml (range 105-106) to 6 × 104 CFU/ml (range 104-105); p = 0.003). There were no significant side effects during nebulized antibiotic therapy. ConclusionsThe use of nebulized antibiotics reduced the number of hospitalizations, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and bacterial load in tracheotomised children with persistent airway colonization without significant side effects. The use of nebulized antibiotics showed a statistically significant decrease in the measures studied. Use of nebulized antibiotics may help to decrease the health care burden of these children, families and health care system. Further studies are needed to determine the indications and optimal duration of long-term nebulized antibiotic treatment in children with tracheostomy.

Development of N-halamine Low-Melting Point Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Fibers via Melt Spinning: Structural Characterization and Demonstration of Rechargeable Antibacterial Properties

ABSTRACT Antibacterial low-melting-point poly(ethylene terephthalate) (LMP-PET) fibers are produced via melt spinning. First, LMP-PET granules are modified by free radical graft polymerization of acrylamide (AAm), an N-halamine precursor, using a twin-screw extruder to conduct reactive melt extrusion. The modified granules are spun into fibers using a melt spinning machine. The fibers are characterized by various analytical techniques. Potent rechargeable antibacterial properties of the fibers are assessed and demonstrated by zone of inhibition test, counting bacterial colonies, and imaging of dead bacteria. It is shown that increasing AAm concentration yields to enhanced rechargeable antibacterial properties while fibers structural properties are preserved.

Thyme Oil Enhances the Inactivation of Salmonella enterica on Raw Chicken Breast Meat During Marination in Lemon Juice With Added Yucca schidigera Extract.

Enteric pathogens such as Salmonella enterica can survive in low pH conditions and pose a food safety threat during marinating of raw poultry meat. A study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of thyme oil for killing S. enterica on raw chicken during marination in lemon juice containing yucca extract. Samples of raw chicken breast were inoculated with a five-serovar mixture of S. enterica (~108 CFU/mL) and immersed for 2, 4, 6, and 8 h in four lemon-based marinades at 22°C: lemon juice alone (L), L with added 0.5% yucca extract (L + Y), L + Y and 0.5% thyme oil (L + Y + 0.5% TO) and L + Y + 1.0% TO. The L and L + Y served as controls. Survivors were determined by surface plating chicken homogenates on xylose-lysine tergitol-4 (XLT4) agar and XLT4 agar overlaid with non-selective agar (TAL) and counting bacterial colonies after 48 h of incubation (35°C). Marinades containing Y and TO significantly reduced initial viable populations of S. enterica compared to control (L and L + Y) solutions (P < 0.05). Based on S. enterica survivors on TAL medium, the L and L + Y reduced initial populations by 1.12 and 1.42 Log CFU/sample, respectively, after 8 h whereas, Log reductions caused by L + Y + 0.5% TO and L + Y + 1.0% TO, respectively, were 2.62 and 3.91 (P < 0.05). Numbers of survivors were higher on TAL compared to XLT4 agar (P < 0.05); however, the extent of sub-lethal injury caused by the marinades was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The death rate of S. enterica increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the marinades containing TO (0.5 or 1.0%) compared to control (L + Y). Based on these results, thyme oil has good potential to increase the antimicrobial efficacy of lemon juice marinade against Salmonella on raw chicken breast and enhance the microbial safety of this popular poultry product.

The antibacterial effect of Magnolia mouthwash on the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background and Objectives:Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases around the world. Inhibitory effects of Magnolia Grandiflora bark extract has been proved on tooth decay both in vitro and by using free sugar chewing gum. This research aimed to examine the effect of Magnolia Grandiflora bark mouth-wash on the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque.Materials and Methods:This crossover, placebo-controlled, clinical trial study, was performed on a total of twenty participants (aged 18 to 35 years) in both control and intervention groups and four phases. The prevalence of S. mutans was measured in a certain volume of volunteer’s dental plaque at the beginning of the project (phase 1), after the first prescription (phase 2), following the washout period (phase 3) and finally after the second prescription (phase 4) by culture on bacteriology medium. Plaque index and saliva sampling were carried out in follow-up visits by a dentist. The data were analyzed using T-Test (paired and independent) quantitatively.Results:There was a significant difference in S. mutans frequency in dental plaque between when the participants used Magnolia mouthwash and when they washed out or used a placebo (p<0.005). Results also showed a significant difference between Magnolia and Placebo groups in the mean count of saliva bacterial colony counts after oral administration in the first and second time (P<0.001 and P<0.004, respectively).Conclusion:The current trial showed that Magnolia Grandiflora %0.3 mouthwash tends to decrease the number of S. mutans in dental plaque significantly. Therefore, its mass production and release to the oral health community are suggested. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and varying treatment are required to substantiate the findings of this study.

An evaluation of the bacteriostatic effect of platelet-rich plasma.

Chronic wounds are a considerable health burden with high morbidity and poor rates of healing. Colonisation of chronic wounds by bacteria can be a significant factor in their poor healing rate. These bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance over time and can lead to wound infections, systemic illness, and occasionally amputation. When a large number of micro‐organisms colonise wounds, they can lead to biofilm formation, which are self‐perpetuating colonies of bacteria closed within an extracellular matrix, which are poorly penetrated by antibiotics. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product rich in growth factors and cytokines that are involved in an inflammatory response. PRP can be injected or applied to a wound as a topical gel, and there is some interest regarding its antimicrobial properties and whether this can improve wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro bacteriostatic effect of PRP. PRP was collected from healthy volunteers and processed into two preparations: activated PRP—activated with calcium chloride and ethanol; inactivated PRP. The activity of each preparation against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis was evaluated against a control by three experiments: bacterial kill assay to assess planktonic bacterial growth; plate colony assay to assess bacterial colony growth; and colony biofilm assay to assess biofilm growth. Compared with control, both preparations of PRP significantly inhibited growth of planktonic S aureus and S epidermis. Activated PRP reduced planktonic bacterial concentration more than inactivated PRP in both bacteria. Both PRP preparations significantly reduced bacterial colony counts for both bacteria when compared with control; however, there was no difference between the two. There was no difference found between biofilm growth in either PRP against control or against the other preparation. This study demonstrates that PRP does have an inhibitory effect on the growth of common wound pathogens. Activation may be an important factor in increasing the antimicrobial effect of PRP. However, we did not find evidence of an effect against more complex bacterial colonies.

Efficacy of Laser Photoacoustic Streaming in Paediatric Root Canal Disinfection - An Ex-Vivo Study.

Background:Various techniques have been employed to enhance the root canal disinfection rate using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as an irrigant. Photon initiated photo-acoustic streaming using lasers is a newer method of endodontic disinfection.Aim:The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of photo-initiated photoacoustic streaming and conventional irrigation technique using 2.5% NaOCl for root canal disinfection in primary teeth.Setting and Design:Laboratory setting and ex-vivo design.Materials and Methods:Twenty extracted primary teeth were selected in which Enterococcus faecalis incubation was done in the root canals and bacterial counts were obtained before the intervention. The teeth were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I samples were irrigated with conventional syringe method using 2.5% NaOCl and Group II samples were irrigated using photon-initiated photo-acoustic streaming method with erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (wavelength - 2940 nm). Postintervention samples were obtained, and bacterial colony count was done. Wilcoxon Signed- Ranks Test and Mann–Whitney test were applied to test the intragroup and intergroup differences in the bacterial counts. Results:Postintervention results showed no bacterial growth in the canals irrigated using Laser (P = 0.004) whereas, fewer bacterial colonies were observed in NaOCl group (P = 0.005). There was statistically significantly higher reduction in E. faecalis counts in Laser Activated irrigation (LAI) group compared to NaOCl group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Total elimination of E. faecalis counts was obtained by the use of laser activated NaOCl irrigation in the infected root canals, hence, it can be considered as an effective method for pediatric endodontic disinfection.

Bottomhat kernel analysis based on different shape and size using colonies extraction for counting of bacterial colonies in petri dish

Research involving microorganisms such as bacteria mostly were done in many areas such as health, medicine, biology, chemistry and other particle science. The counting process to calculate the number of bacteria in the petri dish is manually using the colony counter. It is possible to obtain error calculated because of human fatigue, inaccuracy, and neglect. Counting the number of bacterial colonies is one of the crucial steps in microbiology testing. An automatic system counted off the number of microbial colonies by using digital image processing is proposed. The proposed method aims to calculate the number of bacterial colonies more quickly, precisely, and effectively. Comparisons show that the proposed method can provide excellent F-measure with the mean value of F-measure is 93.02%. An embed-ready program is implemented in the embedded system to do the automatic bacterial colony counting. This system could give contribution value to the world of microbiology.

Bottomhat kernel analysis based on different shape and size using colonies extraction for counting of bacterial colonies in petri dish

Research involving microorganisms such as bacteria mostly were done in many areas such as health, medicine, biology, chemistry and other particle science. The counting process to calculate the number of bacteria in the petri dish is manually using the colony counter. It is possible to obtain error calculated because of human fatigue, inaccuracy, and neglect. Counting the number of bacterial colonies is one of the crucial steps in microbiology testing. An automatic system counted off the number of microbial colonies by using digital image processing is proposed. The proposed method aims to calculate the number of bacterial colonies more quickly, precisely, and effectively. Comparisons show that the proposed method can provide excellent F-measure with the mean value of F-measure is 93.02%. An embed-ready program is implemented in the embedded system to do the automatic bacterial colony counting. This system could give contribution value to the world of microbiology.

820. Impact of pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV) light disinfection for reduction of pathogens on high touch surfaces following hospitalization

BackgroundUltraviolet (UV) light disinfection following a manual terminal cleaning process for hospital rooms has been proposed as an additional method to reduce the bacterial burden on surfaces. The impact of UV light disinfection and the level of interdependence between the modalities remains unclear.MethodsSamples were collected from 5 high touch surfaces from 10 patients room following discharge prior to manual disinfection, following manual disinfection, and following pulsed xenon UV disinfection using Rodac contact plates (total 150 samples). Colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The bacterial colony counts were recorded and analyzed as pathogenic or commensal organisms (based on CDC criteria) to assess the efficacy of the disinfection process.ResultsAverage colony counts for the rooms prior to disinfection, post disinfection, and post UV light were 185.8 CFU +/- SD 280, 43 CFU +/- 121, and 20 CFU +/- 36.7 respectively. The average drop in colony-forming units of the five high touch areas in patient’s rooms can be seen in table 1. Twelve commensal bacterial species were isolated: Bacillus species (sp.), Corynebacterium sp., Enhydrobacter sp., Kocuria sp., Lysinibacillus sp., Macrococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., Paenibacillus sp., Pantoea sp., Psychrobacter sp., Siccibacter sp., Coagulase negative staphylococcus. Seven pathogenic bacteria were isolated: Acinetobacter sp., Brucella sp., Proteus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia sp., Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Reductions in the predominant bacterial species following disinfection modality are noted in table 2.Table 1: Colony forming units (CFUs) average Pre-disinfection (Pre-Dis), Post Disinfection (Post-Dis), and Post PX-UV Light (PX-UV). Table 2: Sub-analysis of commensal and pathogen isolation Pre-Disinfection (Pre-Dis), Post-Disinfection (Post-Dis), and Post PX-UV light (PX-UV). ConclusionA combination of manual disinfection and UV has shown a notable additional reduction in overall bacterial contamination of the patient rooms, including the majority of high touch areas as compared with manual disinfection alone. No additional reduction in commensal bacteria isolates was noted after UV light, however a further decrease in pathogenic bacteria (Acinetobacter and Enterococcus) was noted. UV light may be considered as an additional room disinfection method to reduce overall bacterial burden and pathogenic bacterial contamination of rooms as a comprehensive strategy to reduce nosocomial infections.Disclosures Mark Stibich, n/a, Xenex Germ-Zapping Robots (Board Member, Grant/Research Support) Chetan Jinadatha, MD, MPH, AHRQ (Research Grant or Support)Department of Veterans Affairs (Other Financial or Material Support, Owner: Department of Veterans Affairs. Licensed to: Xenex Disinfection System, San Antonio, TX)Inventor (Other Financial or Material Support, Methods for organizing the disinfection of one or more items contaminated with biological agents)NiH/NINR (Research Grant or Support)NSF (Research Grant or Support)Xenex Healthcare Services (Research Grant or Support)

Gut health maintenance in broilers: comparing potential of honey to antibiotic effects on performance and clostridial counts

This study was conducted to investigate antimicrobial potentials of honey at controlling proliferation of Clostridium perfringens (Cp) and promoting growth in broiler chickens. Graded concentrations of honey solution (HS) were compared to 5.0% oxytetracycline (OTC). A total of 96 day-old White Hubbard strain broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups of 24 chicks each in three replicates. The groups were designated as T1 for control (water only), T2 (1.5% HS), T3 (3.0% HS) and T4 (5.0 % OTC solution at 1.25g/liter). Data were collected weekly on feed intake, weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization (EFU) for six weeks. At 7th week, six birds per treatment were randomly selected, slaughtered and dissected, and 1g of caecal contents per bird was sampled into labeled sterile bottles. The samples were subjected to bacterial culturing, identification and colony counting. Results showed that feed intake was significantly (p&lt;0.05) depressed by 3.0% HS, but EFU improved at 1.5% HS. Although the additive had no significant effect on weight, highest weight gain (1.69 kg/b) was noticed at 1.5% HS. Colonies of Cp were reduced in honey and OTC-treated groups (T2=5.2x105 ; T3= 5.0x105 and T4= 4.6×105 cfu g-1 ) compared to the control (T1; 8.7x105 cfu g-1). At 1.5% concentration, HS compared well with OTC as it reduced gut load of Cp and promoted growth in the broilers. In conclusion, addition of HS at 1.5% concentration in drinking water could therefore serve as an alternative to OTC to improve performance and reduce gut load of Cp in broilers

Small-bowel aspiration during upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Rao technique.

Small-bowel aspiration during upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Rao technique.

Cross protectivity analysis of 49.8 kDa pili sub units of Shigella flexneri against Vibrio cholerae infection: In vivo approach

Background: Candidates for the cholera and shigellosis vaccine have similarity characteristics as a molecule of hemagglutinin and adhesin. But there is a difference in the molecular weight of the two bacteria, which is 37.8 kDa for V. cholerae and 49.8 kDa S. flexneri. We investigate whether there is a similarity between the results of the immune response between infection with S.flexneri and V. cholerae. The form of anti-hemagglutination properties and protection against vaccinated with S.flexneri adhesion molecules are conducted as well. Methods and materials: The first step was an anti-hemagglutination test using antibody anti adhesion molecle S. flexneri (AMS). The second step is to find out the immune response of the protectivity. The research model in the second step used Mice Ligated Ileal Loop (MLIL), with the subjects mice balb /c. Mice separated into four groups. The frts group was negative control group. The second group infected with S. flexneri. The third group immunized before affected by Shigella flexneri. The last group same by the third but infected with V. cholerae. The immune response calculates the weight and counts the bacterial colonies. The last step find out of the others respone immune AMS which calculated β-defensin and s-IgA levels measured using ELISA. After that the cellular immune response measured the number of Th-17 and T-reg immune effector cells using the flow cytometry method. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A uses the ELISA. Data analysis used ANOVA, Independent T-test, Kruskal Walis, and Mann Whitney. Results: The results found cross-immune response anti-hemagglutination, intestinal weight, and bacterial colony count. Other findings were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) for levels of β-defensin, s-IgA, Th17, Treg, IL-17A. Conclusion: Protein subunit MW 49.8 kDa adhesion molecule of S. flexneri may act as the candidate for shigellosis and cholera in the future.

Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol-Based Antimicrobial Coatings on Urinary Catheters in the Prevention of Escherichia coli Infections in a Rabbit Model.

Introduction and Objective: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Despite many attempts to design biomaterials that might reduce the risk, none has had a profound impact on reducing the incidence of this most common nosocomial infection. Recent in vitro work, however, has shown promise for a silver-based biomaterial coating composed of methoxylated polyethylene glycol 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (mPEG-DOPA3) in reducing uropathogen attachment and biofilm formation. The aim of this work was to investigate whether these results translate into a meaningful impact on infection development and bacterial adherence in an in vivo rabbit model. Materials and Methods: New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into groups of 12 and had the following catheters inserted: Group 1-uncoated polyurethane, Group 2-Coating A (mPEG-DOPA3 + 2 mg/mL AgNO3), and Group 3-Coating B (mPEG-DOPA3 + 10 mg/mL AgNO3). Each rabbit was challenged with 108 colony-forming units of Escherichia coli GR-12 instilled directly into the bladder at the time of catheter insertion and urine was monitored over 7 days for bacterial counts. Catheters were retrieved and evaluated for encrustation and attachment analysis, and tissues collected for histopathologic characterization and bacterial invasion. Results: Urinary bacterial colony counts were lower among rabbits in the Coating A group vs controls (4/11 vs 10/12, respectively) (p = 0.029), and there were fewer rabbits with invasive infections (3/12 vs 9/12, p = 0.02). More encrustation was observed among animals in the Coating B group vs controls (7.22 vs 2.69 mg/cm2, p = 0.033). There were no significant differences in tissue effects between groups. Conclusions: The use of a mPEG-DOPA3 urinary catheter coating effectively reduced urinary pathogen counts, while not causing adverse tissue effects in this model. Further clinical evaluation is warranted.

Mycelium-producing Mushroom Calocybe indica (Milky Mushroom) as Bio-antagonist Against the Bacteria present in Marikina River.

Mushroom forming fungi are one of the nature’s most powerful decomposers and degrades a wide variety of environmentally persistent pollutants and organic contaminants by secreting strong extra cellular enzymes due to their aggressive growth and biomass production.&#x0D; This study assess the potential of Calocybe indica (Milky mushroom) as bio-antagonist against microorganism serves as pollutants on Marikina River through Heterotrophic plate count (HPC).&#x0D; The use of Calocybe indica (Milky mushroom) as the medium of mycoremediation effectively lessen the count of bacterial colonies in Marikina River’s water by creating a bio-antagonistic relationship with the bio-pollutants present on the water samples.&#x0D; Increasing the period of treatment and observation. Using of water samples from different depth from surface level down to aphotic region of the Marikina River. Identifying the strain of microorganisms present on the water. Using other mushroom to compare the potential of Calocybe indica to kill bio-pollutants should be done for the improvement of the study.

An Automated Method for Bacterial Flora Counting Based on Image Analysis

How to quickly detect the characteristics of water quality flora, such as bacterial flora number, is a key problem of water quality safety, the traditional manual counting method has some serious defects such as low efficiency, low accuracy, easy to cause visual fatigue and hard to deal with large samples. This paper designs an automated method for bacterial flora counting based on image analysis, including such modules as pretreatment of bacterial image classification and colony counting of culture medium images by filter method (using Hough circle detection algorithm and a circle deduplication algorithm). The accuracy of experimental results is above 90%, which is in line with international standards, and the time complexity of the algorithms is up to the order of square. This method can solve the problems of heavy workload and low efficiency in traditional manual counting method.

Effect of gray water reuse on toilet flush tank bacterial and scum formation

One of the drinking water usages is flushing, e.g. toilet flush tank. Gray water is an option to prevent water loss and, on the other hand, the formation of sediment and mass inside the reserving tank has a significant impact on the performance of the flush tank and customers’ satisfaction. In this study, the condition of flush tank, in the respect of bacterial and scum formation, fed by simulated gray water was investigated. The gray water was pre-treated in a septic tank. Flush tanks made of PE, ceramic and galvanized steel sheet were used. The effect of disinfection process was studied for biomass accumulation control. The results from pH, XRF, AAS and bacterial colony count indicated that blue toilet tablet was not effective, while UV lamp effectively controlled bacterial growth. No bacterial growth was observed in the galvanized tank even without any disinfector agent. Applying UV lamp caused scum to form on the surface tank. Generally, no accumulation of suspended solids was observed in the all flush tanks (PE, ceramic and galvanized). Kitchen wastewater can be used in the toilet flush tank as an alternative for potable water.

Goatskin preservation with plant oil: significant chloride reduction in tannery wastewater.

Preservation of raw hide/skin is the prime technique to stop bacterial deterioration. Universally, salt curing is the most prevalent technique for hide/skin preservation. In this study, extracted oil from Aphanamixis polystachya seed was evaluated for the preservation of goatskin to reduce the chloride in tannery wastewater. The oil-induced goatskin preservation method was assessed observing diverse factors, e.g., hair slip, odor, moisture content, bacterial colony counting, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and hydrothermal stability in evaluation to the conventional salt curing method. Results indicate that 15% oil-induced preservation technique could preserve the goatskin for 30 days. A small-scale experiment was performed for the preservation of goatskins. The preserved goatskins both monitoring and study samples were processed for shoe upper leather. The leather quality was evaluated by examining physical properties and fiber structure by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Pollution load generated during leather making was determined in terms of total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride (Cl-), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The proposed oil-induced preservation method reduced Cl-, TDS, and BOD by 98.3%, 82.3%, and 86.8%, respectively, in the soaking liquor. The leather readied from the empirical goatskin shows the equipotential properties of leather from conventional goatskin. The oil-induced preservation method is substantiated to be favorable nonconventional preservation instead of conventional wet-salting for the contraction of pollution from soaking operation.

Can bacteriophage endolysins be nebulised for inhalation delivery against Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Endolysins are bacteriophage-derived protein molecules highly effective for bacterial killing. Cpl-1 and ClyJ-3 are native and chimeric endolysins, respectively, having antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae which causes lung infections. We conducted the first feasibility study on nebulisation of Cpl-1 and ClyJ-3, with a focus on the antimicrobial activity, structural changes of the proteins and aerosol performance. Bacterial colony counts, live cell imaging and Fourier-transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy were used to evaluate the proteins before and after jet or vibrating mesh nebulisation. These nebulised aerosols were inhalable with a volume median size of 3.8-4.2µm (span 1.1-2.3) measured by laser diffraction. How-ever, neb-u-li-sa-tion caused al-most com-plete loss in bioac-tiv-ity of ClyJ-3, which were corroborated with the live cell imaging observation and protein structural damage with a large intensity reduction in the amide absorption bands between 1300 and 1700cm-1. In contrast, the bactericidal activity of Cpl-1 showed no significant difference (p≥0.05) before and after mesh nebulisation with 4.9 and 4.6-log10 bacterial count reduction, respectively. However, jet nebulisation reduced the bioactivity of Cpl-1 and the effect was time-dependent showing 1.7, 1.0-log10 bacterial count reduction at 7 and 14 min with complete loss of antimicrobial activity at 21 min after nebulisation, respectively. The results were consistent with time-dependent changes in live cell images and FTIR amide band changes at 1655, 1640, 1632 and 1548cm-1. In conclusion, it is feasible to nebulise endolysins for inhalation delivery but it depends on both the protein and the nebuliser, with the mesh nebuliser being the preferred choice.