Enzymatic Detergent Research Articles

Interaction between Enzymatic Detergent and Textile Metals/Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Introduction: Nanoparticles are used in industrial products, such as textiles, to induce novel properties, such as antibacterial, antistatic, UV blocking, self-cleaning properties, wrinkle resistance, and water and oil repellent. Moreover, using enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase) is widespread in detergent industries for washing conditions. Methods: This research examines the interactions between metal (Ag) and metal oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 and ZnO NPs) and amylase, cellulase, protease, and lipase as detergent enzymes and their impacts on enzyme activity. Using a central composite design, a total of 320 experiments under different conditions were conducted to determine the extent of change in enzyme activity. Results indicated that lipase had the lowest activity under interaction with silver nanoparticles, while cellulase and protease were most affected by interactions with Ag NPs and a-TiO2. Results: The surface response of the examined parameters showed the most effect from the interaction time and temperature and the enzyme/nanoparticle ratio and temperature parameters. This research result demonstrated that physical, chemical, and biological differences existed between nanoparticle and enzyme interface. Conclusion: The findings can be used to improve the interaction between nanoparticles and detergent enzymes in washing conditions, aiming to retain their traits.

Two-step or one-step – are all methods for neonatal incubator decontamination equal?

Healthcare-associated pathogens, including Staphylococcus capitis, can contaminate incubator surfaces and are of significant concern in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Effective incubator decontamination is essential for infection prevention and control, with submersion decontamination often recommended. This may not always be achievable, with wipe decontamination seen as an alternative. Here we compare the ability of a two-step (submersion in enzymatic detergent followed by wiping with hypochlorite-based wipes) with a one-step (wiping with quaternary ammonium compound-impregnated wipes) decontamination procedure to remove microbial surrogate markers from neonatal incubator surfaces. Three cauliflower-mosaic-virus-derived microbial surrogate markers were inoculated on to the fan, a mattress seam and the external arm port door clips of two Giraffe™ Omnibed™ Carestation™ incubators. Incubators were decontaminated either by the one-step or the two-step decontamination process. Swab samples were collected from 28 sites on each incubator and surrounding environment, with marker presence determined by qPCR. Following two-step decontamination, three of 28 (11%) sample sites were positive for any marker, compared with 12 of 28 (43%) after one-step decontamination. Markers were transferred to several incubator surfaces and recovered from the originally inoculated sites following one-step decontamination, with the marker inoculated on door clips having the greatest transfer. Markers inoculated on to the mattress persisted through both decontamination strategies. In conclusion, microbial surrogate markers were not completely removed from incubator surfaces by one-step decontamination alone. Two-step decontamination was the most effective method and removed markers from submergible surfaces, but not from the mattress. These findings indicate that micro-organisms can persist after incubator terminal decontamination, particularly on mattresses and when a two-step decontamination process is not used. This highlights the importance of effective decontamination practices to mitigate micro-organism persistence on incubator surfaces.

Comparative analysis of commercial cleaning and disinfection formulations and protocols for effective eradication of biofilms formed by a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain isolated from a poultry meat plant

Pseudomonas spp. is the main genus of spoilage bacteria for meat stored under aerobic chilling conditions. Given their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions and to form biofilms, they are common among residential microbiota in the food industry. Biofilms are complex, structured microbial communities encased in a self-produced exopolysaccharide matrix. Resident biofilm bacteria show increased resistance against disinfectants and dynamic or hostile environments, and are therefore a persistent source of food contamination. Hence, there is a need to design and implement control strategies that are effective against biofilms in the food industry. In this study, we tested a series of commercial cleaning and disinfection agents applied by immersion or aerosolization against robust biofilms of a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain isolated from a poultry meat plant by comparing the sessile cell counts before and after the procedure. The single application of a) an alkaline or an enzymatic detergent, b) a disinfectant based on peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, or c) a detergent-disinfectant based on tertiary alkylamines or sodium hypochlorite, failed to completely eradicate the biofilm. However, two-step cleaning and disinfection procedures involving the application of a detergent (either alkaline or enzymatic at 50 °C) followed by the application of the disinfectant based on peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide at the manufacturer's recommended concentrations did result in the complete eradication (p ≤ 0.05) of the robust biofilm. In addition, cleaning and disinfection procedures applied by aerosolization showed a notable efficacy (p ≤ 0.05) against surface-dried cells and sessile cells of P. fluorescens. Therefore, this approach could be regarded as a potentially viable alternative to commonly applied immersion techniques.

Biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes from the meat processing industry environment and the use of different combinations of detergents, sanitizers, and UV-A radiation to control this microorganism in planktonic and sessile forms.

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes from the meat processing industry environment, as well as the use of different combinations of detergents, sanitizers, and UV-A radiation in the control of this microorganism in the planktonic and sessile forms. Four L. monocytogenes isolates were evaluated and showed moderate ability to form biofilm, as well as carried genes related to biofilm production (agrB, agrD, prfA, actA, cheA, cheY, flaA, sigB), and genes related to tolerance to sanitizers (lde and qacH). The biofilm-forming isolates of L. monocytogenes were susceptible to quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) and peracetic acid (PA) in planktonic form, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 125 and 75 ppm, respectively, for contact times of 10 and 5min. These concentrations are lower than those recommended by the manufacturers, which are at least 200 and 300 ppm for QAC and PA, respectively. Biofilms of L. monocytogenes formed from a pool of isolates on stainless steel and polyurethane coupons were subjected to 14 treatments involving acid and enzymatic detergents, QAC and PA sanitizers, and UV-A radiation at varying concentrations and contact times. All treatments reduced L. monocytogenes counts in the biofilm, indicating that the tested detergents, sanitizers, and UV-A radiation exhibited antimicrobial activity against biofilms on both surface types. Notably, the biofilm formed on polyurethane showed greater tolerance to the evaluated compounds than the biofilm on stainless steel, likely due to the material's surface facilitating faster microbial colonization and the development of a more complex structure, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Listeria monocytogenes isolates from the meat processing industry carry genes associated with biofilm production and can form biofilms on both stainless steel and polyurethane surfaces, which may contribute to their persistence within meat processing lines. Despite carrying sanitizer tolerance genes, QAC and PA effectively controlled these microorganisms in their planktonic form. However, combinations of detergent (AC and ENZ) with sanitizers (QAC and PA) at minimum concentrations of 125 ppm and 300 ppm, respectively, were the most effective.

Effect of a disposable endoscope precleaning kit in the cleaning procedure of gastrointestinal endoscope: A multi-center observational study.

Precleaning is a key step in endoscopic reprocessing. To develop an effective and economic endoscope cleaning method by using a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit. Altogether, 228 used gastrointestinal endoscopes were selected from five high-volume endoscopy units and precleaned by a traditional precleaning bucket (group T) or a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit (group D). Each group was further subdivided based on the replacement frequency of the cleaning solution, which was replaced every time in subgroups T1 and D1 and every several times in subgroups Ts and Ds. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level and residual proteins were measured three times: Before and after precleaning and after manual cleaning. After precleaning, the precleaning kit significantly reduced the ATP levels (P = 0.034) and has a more stable ATP clearance rate than the traditional precleaning bucket. The precleaning kit also saved a quarter of the cost of enzymatic detergent used during the precleaning process. After manual cleaning, the ATP levels were also significantly lower in the precleaning kit group than in the traditional precleaning bucket group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the number of uses of the cleaning solution (up to four times) has no significant impact on the cleaning effect (P > 0.05). Considering its economic cost and cleaning effect, the use of a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit can be an optimal option in the precleaning stage with the cleaning solution being replaced several times in the manual cleaning stage.

Continuous Optimisation of Experimental Models - an Example from Glaucoma Research

There is a great demand for suitable models to test novel surgical and therapeutic approaches in glaucoma therapy. To address this need and to provide further alternatives to in vivo animal models, we aimed at modifying an established in vitro porcine eye perfusion model. Two weaknesses of the previously established porcine anterior segment model include media leakage during perfusion and setup disintegration due to mechanical instability. To overcome these, we slightly modified the previously used custom-made perfusion dishes and incorporated new components into the model setup. To prevent fluid leakage, we secured the anterior segments more firmly to the perfusion trays using a compression ring, steel screws, and nuts. Customised mounts were used to stabilise the perfusion dish and pressure transducer as a single unit. The mounts were made of polylactide (PLA) and printed using a 3D printer. The use of steel screws and nuts allowed tighter clamping of the anterior segments and prevented medium leakage. Our PLA custom mounts stabilised the entire assembly and facilitated handling during experiments and improved comparability between tested eyes. They also prevented accidental detachment of the pressure transducers, which resulted in more stable pressure curves. Our PLA mounts tolerated incubation temperatures of up to 37 °C and disinfection with enzymatic detergents and 70% ethanol without showing signs of deformation or degradation after four months of regular usage. Modifications introduced to an established in vitro perfusion model improved its efficacy and reproducibility. Our adjusted model is an example of how many models can be optimised through critical analysis, thereby saving resources and providing reliable results in the long run.

The Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Smart D60 in Reducing Contamination of Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopes.

To compare the effectiveness of disinfection protocols utilizing a ultraviolet (UV) Smart D60 light system with Impelux™ technology with a standard Cidex ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) disinfection protocol for cleaning flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes (FFLs). Two hundred FFLs were tested for bacterial contamination after routine use, and another 200 FFLs were tested after disinfection with one of four methods: enzymatic detergent plus Cidex OPA (standard), enzymatic detergent plus UV Smart D60, microfiber cloth plus UV Smart D60, and nonsterile wipe plus UV Smart D60. Pre- and post-disinfection microbial burden levels and positive culture rates were compared using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Fisher's two-sided exact, respectively. After routine use, approximately 56% (112/200) of FFLs were contaminated, with an average contamination level of 9,973.7 ± 70,136.3 CFU/mL. The standard reprocessing method showed no positive cultures. The enzymatic plus UV, microfiber plus UV, and nonsterile wipe plus UV methods yielded contamination rates of 4% (2/50), 6% (3/50), and 12% (6/50), respectively, with no significant differences among the treatment groups (p > 0.05). The pre-disinfection microbial burden levels decreased significantly after each disinfection technique (p < 0.001). The average microbial burden recovered after enzymatic plus UV, microfiber plus UV, and nonsterile wipe plus UV were 0.40 CFU/mL ± 2, 0.60 CFU/mL ± 2.4, and 12.2 CFU/mL ± 69.5, respectively, with no significant difference among the treatment groups (p > 0.05). Micrococcus species (53.8%) were most frequently isolated, and no high-concern organisms were recovered. Disinfection protocols utilizing UV Smart D60 were as effective as the standard chemical disinfection protocol using Cidex OPA. N/A Laryngoscope, 2023.

Evaluation of two detergent-disinfectants and a detergent on a Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm formed within Tygon tubes

Transmission of infections via contaminated endoscopes is a common problem. Manual cleaning, using at least a detergent, is an important step in endoscope processing and should be performed as soon as possible to avoid drying of organic residues that might interfere with high-level disinfection and promote biofilm formation. To assess the efficacy of two detergent-disinfectants, enzymatic and non-enzymatic, and of an enzymatic detergent used during the manual cleaning against a Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm. A 24h biofilm statically formed in a Tygon tube was exposed to detergent-disinfectants at 20°C and 35°C for 10mn, and to enzymatic detergent at 45°C for 60mn. The logarithmic reduction in bacteria in the Tygon tube and the number of bacteria in the product supernatant were calculated. Biofilm formation was reproducible between assays. After exposure to detergent-disinfectants, the logarithmic reduction was between 6.32 and 6.71 log10cfu/cm2 in the Tygon tubes. No bacteria were found in their supernatants. Results in the detergent-disinfectant group were not affected by the exposure temperature or the addition of enzymes. No decrease in the bacterial load was observed in the Tygon tubes after exposure to the enzymatic detergent. Bacteria were found in its supernatant. These results show the importance of the choice of products used duringthemanual cleaning phase. They also show the potential benefit of combining detergent and disinfectant activity to decrease the bacterial load during the manual cleaning step of endoscope processing.

Cross-contamination of mature Listeria monocytogenes biofilms from stainless steel surfaces to chicken broth before and after the application of chlorinated alkaline and enzymatic detergents.

The objectives of this study were, firstly, to compare a conventional (i.e., chlorinated alkaline) versus an alternative (chlorinated alkaline plus enzymatic) treatment effectivity for the elimination of biofilms from different L. monocytogenes strains (CECT 5672, CECT 935, S2-bac and EDG-e). Secondly, to evaluate the cross-contamination to chicken broth from non-treated and treated biofilms formed on stainless steel surfaces. Results showed that all L. monocytogenes strains were able to adhere and develop biofilms at approximately the same growth levels (≈5.82 log CFU/cm2). When non-treated biofilms were put into contact with the model food, obtained an average transference rate of potential global cross-contamination of 20.4%. Biofilms treated with the chlorinated alkaline detergent obtained transference rates similar to non-treated biofilms as a high number of residual cells (i.e., around 4 to 5 Log CFU/cm2) were present on the surface, except for EDG-e strain on which transference rate diminished to 0.45%, which was related to the protective matrix. Contrarily, the alternative treatment was shown to not produce cross-contamination to the chicken broth due to its high effectivity for biofilm control (<0.50% of transference) except for CECT 935 strain that had a different behavior. Therefore, changing to more intense cleaning treatments in the processing environments can reduce risk of cross-contamination.

Effects of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on the Enzyme Catalysis and Conformation of a Recombinant γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase from Bacillus licheniformis.

The study of interactions between proteins and surfactants is of relevance in a diverse range of applications including food, enzymatic detergent formulation, and drug delivery. In spite of sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)-induced unfolding has been studied in detail at the protein level, deciphering the conformation-activity relationship of a recombinant γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (BlrGGT) from Bacillus licheniformis remains important to understand how the transpeptidase activity is related to its conformation. In this study, we examined the enzyme catalysis and conformational transition of BlrGGT in the presence of SDS. Enzymatic assays showed that the transpeptidase activity of BlrGGT was greatly affected by SDS in a concentration-dependent manner with approximately 90% inactivation at 6mM. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of SDS-treated samples clearly revealed that the heterodimeric enzyme was apparently dissociated into two different subunits at concentrations above 2mM. The study of enzyme kinetics showed that SDS can act as a mixed-type inhibitor to reduce the catalytic efficiency of BlrGGT. Moreover, the t1/2 value of the enzyme at 55°C was greatly reduced from 495.1min to 7.4min in the presence of 1mM SDS. The I3/I1 ratio ofpyreneexcimerfluorescence emission changed around 3.7mMSDSin the absence ofBlrGGT and the inflection point of enzyme samples was reduced to less than 2.7mM. The Far-UV CD spectrum of the native enzyme had two negative peaks at 208 and 222nm, respectively; however, both negative peaks increased in magnitude with increasing SDS concentration and reached maximal values at above 4.0mM. Theintrinsic fluorescence spectraof tryptophan further demonstrated that the SDS-induced enzyme conformational transition occurred at approximately 5.1mM. Tween 20 significantly suppressed the interaction of BlrGGT with SDS by forming mixed micelles at a molar ratio of 1.0. Taken together, this study definitely promotes our better understanding of the relationship between the conformation and catalysis of BlrGGT.

Cleaning Challenges: Can Extended Soil Dry Times Be Reversed?

Background: Cleaning is essential to ensuring the safe processing of reusable medical devices, and most manufacturers' instructions for use (IFUs) specify that clinical soil should not be allowed to dry on devices. If soil is allowed to dry, the cleaning challenge could be increased due to change in soil solubility. As a result, an additional step could be needed to reverse the chemical changes and return a device to a state where cleaning instructions are appropriate. Methods: Using a solubility test method and surrogate medical devices, the experiment described in this article challenged eight remediation conditions to which a reusable medical device might be exposed if soil is dried on a device. These conditions included soaking with water or neutral pH, enzymatic, or alkaline detergent cleaning agents, as well as conditioning with an enzymatic humectant foam spray. Results: The results demonstrated that only the alkaline cleaning agent was able to solubilize the extensively dried soil as effectively as the control, with a 15-minute soak being as effective as a 60-minute soak. Discussion: Although opinions vary, the overall data demonstrating the risk and chemical changes that occur when soil dries on medical devices are limited. Further, in cases in which soil is allowed to dry on devices for an extended time outside of the guidance from leading practices and manufacturers' IFUs, what additional steps or processes may be necessary to ensure that cleaning can be effective? Conclusion: This experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of a soaking step with an alkaline cleaning agent as an additional step if soil is dried on reusable medical devices, thus reversing the effect of an extended soil dry time.

Corrosion resistance of stainless-steel surgical tools in enzymatic and alkaline detergent

Metallic surgical instruments are subject to corrosion, which can be accelerated when there is an attack on the passive layer formed on the stainless-steel surfaces. Corrosion can create defects on the metal surface, which can retain residues and promote microbiological growth, leading to infections in surgeries and contamination of medical devices. Since these applications require a high degree of cleaning and sterilization, such items undergo recurrent cleaning cycles using water and detergents. This study aims to test two types of detergents, alkaline and enzymatic, comparing their effects on corrosion resistance of AISI 304 L, 316 L and 420 stainless steels (SS), commonly used in surgical instruments. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic polarization tests were used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of stainless steels in detergents. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the steel surfaces after corrosion tests. The AISI 304 L steel showed the highest corrosion resistance in the enzymatic medium among the three stainless steels tested. The AISI 316 L stainless steel had an intermediate behavior in enzymatic medium, and lower impedance when immersed in alkaline detergent, while the AISI 420 steel showed deeper corrosion marks on its surface in alkaline medium when compared to the enzymatic solution. The enzymatic detergent is the less aggressive medium to the steels, and the AISI 304 L SS was the most corrosion resistant in alkaline and enzymatic detergents. • The corrosion resistance of stainless steels used in surgical instruments was evaluated • The aggressiveness to the steel of alkaline and enzymatic detergents was studied • The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic polarization were used • The AISI 304 steel showed the highest corrosion resistance in enzymatic medium • The enzymatic detergent is the less aggressive medium to the steels

Financial Analysis of Green Detergent as A Water-Friendly Solution In Indonesia

The most crucial global issue discussed at the Fourth Intergovernmental Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Bali Land Based Activities (IGR-4) in 2018 is the danger of detergent. Up to 45% of Indonesia’s rivers are in the category of being heavily polluted by detergent. Furthermore, Enzymatic Eco Detergent is a new, renewable, and innovative biodegradable product made from vegetable surfactants based on palm oil (MES). It is also enriched with organic enzymes produced by simple biotechnology from processing organic waste, such as fruits and vegetable peels, based on garbage enzyme/eco-enzyme. And it also has excellent potential to be developed on a micro business scale (Start-up). As a new product, conducting a business feasibility analysis is necessary to reduce the risk of failure or loss. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the feasibility of the Eco Detergent factory start-up business with a capacity of 12,000 liters per year based on a financial analysis involving the Payback Period, Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, and Return on Investment. The data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 software. The result showed that the payback period (PP) is three years (2 years and 3 months) faster than the project age of 5 years, hence the Green detergent start-up project, "Enzymatic Eco Detergent," is feasible to be implemented. Meanwhile, the Net Present Value (NPV) criteria have a positive IDR of 1,117,448,350.97. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and the Return on Investment (ROI) obtained are 57.57% and 54%, respectively. Conclusively, the investment is considered profitable with a return rate of 10.37%, hence, it is feasible to be implemented.

Ability of enzymatic detergents to help controlling Escherichia coli biofilms

Ability of enzymatic detergents to help controlling Escherichia coli biofilms

Effective cleaning and decontamination of the internal air and water channels, heads and head-gears of multiple contra-angle dental handpieces using an enzymatic detergent and automated washer-disinfection in a dental hospital setting

Dental handpieces (DHPs) are reusable invasive medical devices that must be cleaned, decontaminated, lubricated and steam sterilized after use. DHPs have a complex internal design including narrow channels, contamination of which can compromise sterilization. DHPs are not designed for routine disassembly, making cleaning/decontamination efficacy difficult to monitor. Washer-disinfection is the preferred method of decontaminating DHPs, but few studies have investigated its direct effectiveness at reducing microbial contamination internally. To use contra-angle DHPs as a model system to investigate the effectiveness of washer-disinfection at reducing microbial contamination of internal components of multiple DHPs. The air and water channels and heads of 10 disassembled contra-angle DHPs (BienAir, Biel/Bienne, Switzerland) were inoculated separately with 108 colony forming units (cfu) of Pseudomanas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae or Candida albicans in the presence of 0.3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) (clean conditions), 3.0% BSA or 10% artificial test soil (dirty conditions). After reassembly, all 10 DHPs underwent washer-disinfection simultaneously in a Míele (Míele Ireland Ltd., Dublin, Ireland) PG8528 washer-disinfector and were tested for reductions in micro-organisms and protein. Additional experiments were undertaken with three lubricated DHPs inoculated with S.aureus and 10% test soil. All experiments were repeated in triplicate. On average, an approximate 5 log or greater reduction in microbial cfu and a >93% reduction in protein from DHP heads and channels was consistently recorded following washer-disinfection for all DHPs under all conditions tested. The internal components of multiple DHPs can be effectively cleaned and decontaminated by washer-disinfection.

Hinged surgical instruments: efficacy of double manual cleaning versus automated cleaning on biofilm removal

The efficacy of double manual cleaning (DMC) with enzymatic detergent followed by alkaline detergent on biofilm removal on hinged surgical instruments was compared to automated cleaning. Biofilm-covered haemostatic forceps were divided into four groups: positive control (soaked in sterile water); DMC; DMC plus extra brushing of the inner hinge; and automated cleaning. All DMC, DMC plus brushing the hinge, and automated cleaning significantly (P < 0.001) reduced 94.8%, 99.8%, and 100% viable bacteria and 82.3%, 93.8%, and 95.1% residual protein, respectively, compared to positive control. DMC instruments had significantly more viable bacteria (P < 0.05) and residual protein (P < 0.01) than those in instruments subjected to DMC with hinge brushing and automated cleaning. However, there was no significant difference in residual protein between DMC with hinge brushing and automated cleaning. In sterilizing service units with no access to automated cleaning equipment, it is important to brush the inner hinge during manual cleaning, and DMC plus brushing the inner hinge could be considered a viable alternative for cleaning hinged surgical instruments.

Reuse of healing abutments: Ethical, biological and professional training implications.

The aim was to estimate the prevalence of reuse of healing abutments, the methods used in disinfection and to analyze the reasons that lead to the reuse of these components by professionals who work in rehabilitation with dental implants. For this, an online data collection was carried out through a questionnaire developed in Google Forms. This questionnaire was applied to 284 specialists in implantology, randomized, of the 1,147 registered in the Regional Council of Dentistry of Rio Grande do Sul. The questionnaire was divided into three parts: the first containing the Free and Informed Consent Form; the second referring to the correspondents' demographic data; and the third part with information on reuse, disinfection and sterilization routines used, risk perception and information from manufacturers. To estimate the prevalence in the reuse of healing abutments by implantologists, the frequency of responses was used. The results showed that almost all implantologists reuse healing abutments (98.1%). The main reasons for reuse were cost (71.2%) and practicality (26%). Regarding the limitations, 53.3% do not see limitations in its reuse, 20% associate it with increased roughness, 17.8% with the accumulation of organic matter and 8.9% with cross-infection as limitations for reuse. Already 95.3% did not receive any guidance from manufacturers on the reuse of these components. Enzymatic detergent and ultrasonic bath was the most used cleaning method (50.7%) followed by ultrasonic bath (23.3%). Autoclave was the method used for sterilization for all respondents. The reuse of healing abutments is a practice adopted by implantologists in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and most professionals do not observe limitations in this practice since these components are used repeatedly. Decontamination with enzymatic detergent and an ultrasonic bath is the most commonly used procedure associated with autoclave sterilization. Key words:Abutment, reuse, decontamination, sterilization.

Underwater endoscope cleaning method for use during COVID-19

Although few reports have described methods for cleaning endoscopes that can be used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many reports have been published on personal protection and caution during endoscopic procedures. Here, we introduce a safer underwater cleansing and brushing technique that can minimize the spread of aerosols when cleaning endoscopes that have been used for patients with COVID-19. The endoscope is brushed while submerged in an enzymatic detergent solution. This appears to be a safe and useful way to prevent infection during COVID-19.

Impact of the modification of a cleaning and disinfection method of mechanical ventilators of COVID-19 patients and ventilator-associated pneumonia: One year of experience

BackgroundMechanical ventilators are essential biomedical devices for the respiratory support of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These devices can be transmitters of bacterial pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to implement effective disinfection procedures. The aim of this work was to show the impact of the modification of a cleaning and disinfection method of mechanical ventilators of patients with SARS-CoV-2 and ventilator-associated pneumonia. MethodsA total of 338 mechanical ventilators of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and ESKAPE bacteria were divided in two groups. Group A and B were subjected to cleaning and disinfection with superoxidation solution-Cl/enzymatic detergent and isopropyl alcohol, respectively. Both groups were cultured for the detection of ESKAPE bacteria. The isolates were subjected to tests for identification, resistance, adherence, and genomic typing. ResultsContamination rates of 21.6% (n = 36) were identified in group A. The inspiratory limb was the circuit involved in most cases of postdisinfection contamination. Acinetobacter baumanni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae were the pathogens involved in the contamination cases. The pathogens were highly adherent and in the case of A. baumanni, clonal dispersion was detected in 14 ventilators. Disinfection with enzymatic detergents allows a 100% reduction in contamination rates. ConclusionsThe implementation of cleaning and disinfection with enzymatic detergents/isopropyl alcohol of mechanical ventilators of patients with SARS-CoV-2 and ESKAPE bacteria had a positive impact on postdisinfection microbial contamination rates.

Quantifying pathogen infection risks from household laundry practices.

AimsContaminated laundry can spread infections. However, current directives for safe laundering are limited to healthcare settings and not reflective of domestic conditions. We aimed to use quantitative microbial risk assessment to evaluate household laundering practices (e.g., detergent selection, washing and drying temperatures, and sanitizer use) relative to log10 reductions in pathogens and infection risks during the clothes sorting, washer/dryer loading, folding and storing steps.Methods and ResultsUsing published data, we characterized laundry infection risks for respiratory and enteric pathogens relative to a single user contact scenario and a 1.0 × 10−6 acceptable risk threshold. For respiratory pathogens, risks following cold water wash temperatures (e.g. median 14.4℃) and standard detergents ranged from 2.2 × 10−5 to 2.2 × 10−7. Use of advanced, enzymatic detergents reduced risks to 8.6 × 10−8 and 2.2 × 10−11 respectively. For enteric pathogens, however, hot water, advanced detergents, sanitizing agents and drying are needed to reach risk targets.Significance and Impact of the StudyConclusions provide guidance for household laundry practices to achieve targeted risk reductions, given a single user contact scenario. A key finding was that hand hygiene implemented at critical control points in the laundering process was the most significant driver of infection prevention, additionally reducing infection risks by up to 6 log10.