Log Reduction Of Bacteria Research Articles

Effect of surface charge on mechano-bactericidal activity of cellulose nanocrystals constructed chevaux-de-frise and meat preservation

The nanostructured insect wings have inspired the development of antimicrobial surfaces with mechano-bactericidal activity. For the first time, a chevaux-de-frise-like nanostructure was fabricated through the coating of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) onto regenerated cellulose (RC) films via vacuum filtration and the impact of contact time, temperature, and surface topography on eliminating foodborne bacteria was examined. Herein, our focus is to explore in more detail how the surface charge of CNC affects the mechano-bactericidal activity and the performance of chevaux-de-frise-like nanostructure in meat preservation. CNC with neutral (weak), negative, and positive charges were prepared by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis (HCNC), TEMPO oxidation (TCNC), and amination (ACNC), respectively, and showed similar reinforcing effects on the tensile strength (increased from 74.23 ± 1.20 to about 100 MPa) and water vapor barrier property (reduced from 1.83 ± 0.08 to about 1.20 × 10−7 g m−1 h−1 Pa−1). Among them, RC-ACNC showed the highest log reduction against Escherichia coli (0.83 ± 0.06) and Staphylococcus aureus (0.69 ± 0.04) after 5 min contact, respectively, indicating the important role of attractive force in fast eliminating bacteria upon contact. It was worth noting that, during the meat preservation test, all three CNC-coated RC films exhibited a similar 0.4 log reduction of bacteria after day 4, likely due to the same physical attachment with an extended contact time. Therefore, the construction of chevaux-de-frise nanostructure from CNC on food packaging provides a sustainable strategy to contribute to preventing bacterial growth.

Solar photocatalytic disinfection of real municipal wastewater using highly durable TiO2-coated composite in a pilot scale once through reactor.

Pollution of water sources by pathogens is a significant concern worldwide. In the present study, a pilot-scale once-through reactor was fabricated to investigate bacteria's inactivation and the degradation of organic matter present in municipal wastewater using an iron-mediated TiO2 catalyst in fixed mode. The catalyst was fabricated (in a spherical shape) using waste material such as foundry sand and fly ash and coated with TiO2 for a combined hybrid effect. The influence of H2O2 concentration and the flow rate of the reactor were examined. 4.1 log reductions of bacteria with 52% and 39% of BOD and COD reductions in 45min of treatment were observed. The catalyst was also found to be highly durable, with only a 12.5% of reduction in catalyst activity observed after 200 recycles. Therefore, this pilot-scale research indicates the ability of waste materials to be employed as a practical approach for water disinfection applications.

Carbon-based materials for water disinfection and heavy metals removal

ABSTRACT The presence of heavy metals and/or harmful bacteria in drinking water represents significant risks to human health. This study aimed to develop a low-cost water treatment technology using synthesized nanocomposites with metal nanoparticles supported on activated carbon (AC) for bacteria and heavy metal removal. In addition, the performance of the developed nanomaterials was compared with that of commercial materials – carbon fibers of three different typologies. The chemical and textural properties of all tested materials were characterized. To simulate a technology to be applied in a water outlet point, removal tests were carried out in a continuous system using suspensions of Escherichia coli and/or Staphylococcus aureus, wherein the contact time with the two phases was minimal (1 min). The obtained results revealed that iron and copper oxides supported on AC with a calcination treatment (CuFeO/AC-C) was the nanocomposite with the best performance, achieving a 6 log reduction for both bacteria in the same suspension up to 9 h operation. A mix of bacteria and heavy metals, simulating a real water, was treated with CuFeO/AC-C obtaining a 6 log reduction of bacteria, a Pb2+ removal >99.9% and Cd2+ removal between 97 and 98% over 180 passage times.

Dual-analgesic loaded UHMWPE exhibits synergistic antibacterial effects against Staphylococci.

Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most common surgeries in the United States, with almost a million procedures performed annually. Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) remain the most devastating complications associated with total joint replacement. Effective antibacterial prophylaxis after primary arthroplasty could substantially reduce incidence rate of PJI. In the present study we propose to provide post-arthroplasty prophylaxis via dual-analgesic loaded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Our approach is based on previous studies that showed pronounced antibacterial activity of analgesic- and NSAID-loaded UHMWPE against Staphylococci. Here, we prepared bupivacaine/tolfenamic acid-loaded UHMWPE and assessed its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Dual-drug loaded UHMWPE yielded an additional 1-2 log reduction of bacteria, when compared with single-drug loaded UHMWPE. Analysis of the drug elution kinetics suggested that the observed increase in antibacterial activity is due to the increased tolfenamic acid elution from dual-drug loaded UHMWPE. We showed that the increased fractal dimension of the drug domains in UHMWPE could be associated with increased drug elution, leading to higher antibacterial activity. Dual-analgesic loaded UHMWPE proposed here can be used as part of multi-modal antibacterial prophylaxis and promises substantial reduction in post-arthroplasty mortality and morbidity.

A UV-C LED-based unit for continuous decontamination of the sheath fluid in a flow-cytometric cell sorter.

Aseptic cell sorting is challenging, especially when a flow‐cytometric cell sorter is not operated in a sterile environment. The sheath fluid system of a cell sorter may be contaminated with germs such as bacteria, yeasts, viruses, or fungi. Thus, a regular chemical cleaning procedure is required to prepare a sorter for aseptic cell sorting by flushing the fluidic system. However, this procedure is time consuming, and most importantly, the researcher can never be sure that the cleaning process was successful. Here we present a method in which the sheath fluid of a cell sorter was decontaminated by irradiation with UV‐C light using a flow‐through principle. Using this principle, we were able to achieve a 5 log reduction of bacteria in the sheath fluid.

Antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy using sinoporphyrin sodium and 390-400nm light-emitting diode on Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro.

This study aims to investigate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) using a novel combination of sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS) and light-emitting diode (LED) with a wavelength of 390-400nm on Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro. Absorption spectrum of DVDMS was determined by spectrometer for selecting suitable wavelength light source. The uptake of DVDMS by P. gingivalis was evaluated according to fluorescence intensity detected by a spectrometer. Then effects of DVDMS alone, 390-400nm LED alone, and photodynamic therapy produced by 10, 20, 40, and 80μg/mL DVDMS and 390-400nm LED on the suspension of P. gingivalis were evaluated by counting the number of colony forming units (CFU) after incubation. In the experiment, the LED illumination time was 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 360s, respectively, and the corresponding energy density was 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12J/cm2, respectively. According to the absorption spectrum of DVDMS, the 390-400-nm light emitted by the LED was selected as the light source. The fluorescence intensity of DVDMS on P. gingivalis increased significantly at 5min, and with the extension of time, it decreased at 30min. DVDMS alone did not produce a significant toxicity on P. gingivalis compared with PBS (p = 0.979). While 390-400nm LED alone had a certain bactericidal effect on P. gingivalis, the bactericidal effect was more obvious as the light dose increased (p < 0.001). The effect of a-PDT produced by 20, 40, and 80μg/mL DVDMS and 390-400nm LED were significantly better than that of 390-400nm LED alone (p < 0.05). Both DVDMS concentration and light dose could enchance the bactericidal effect. The strongest photo-killing effect was generated by 80μg/mL DVDMS with 360s illumination (energy density is 12J/cm2), and the log reduction of bacteria was 5.69 ± 1.70. a-PDT using the combination of DVDMS with 390-400nm LED shows promise as a new treatment modality for pathogens elimination in periodontal therapy.

Rechargeable Antibacterial Polysulfonamide-Based N-Halamine Nanofibrous Membranes for Bioprotective Applications.

Bioprotective materials with bactericidal activity could largely protect healthcare workers from being infected by emerging infectious diseases; however, creating such materials has turned out to be extremely challenging. Here, we fabricate a novel polysulfonamide (PSA) N-halamine electrospun nanofibrous membrane with rechargeable and rapid bactericidal properties by a Lewis acid-assisted chlorination process. The hydrogen bonds between PSA molecular chains can be weakened through Lewis acid-base complexation during chlorination, enabling more available amide groups to be chlorinated into N-halamine biocidal groups. The resulting nanofibrous membranes render intriguing features such as rechargeable chlorination capability (>4500 ppm), rapid bactericidal activity (6 log reduction of bacteria in 1 min), high particle removal efficiency (>99.8%), long-term durability, and ease of scalable production, which can be perceived as a functional layer of protective equipment that is capable of not only intercepting but also inactivating the pathogens effectively. The successful synthesis of the PSA N-halamine antibacterial nanomaterials opens new ways toward the development of bioprotective materials in a multifunctional and rechargeable form.

Modeling of the bacterial inactivation kinetics of dialdehyde cellulose in aqueous suspension

The purpose of this study was to estimate the antibacterial properties of aqueous suspensions of dialdehyde microcrystalline cellulose (DAMC), and a model of the observed antibacterial kinetics was proposed and validated. The DAMC was prepared from microcrystalline cellulose by periodate oxidation. The bacterial inactivation kinetics of aqueous suspensions of DAMC was investigated by measuring the bactericidal effect after different contact times. The results indicated that with a DAMC aldehyde content of 6.34 mmol/g, the MICs for S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis and S. typhimurium were 15, 15, 15 and 30 mg/mL, respectively. This research thus establishes an antibacterial kinetics model of DAMC with 6.34 mmol/g of aldehyde content. At 37 °C and atmospheric pressure, the bacterial inactivation kinetic conformed to the equation: Log reduction of bacteria = − k [DAMC] t.

Antibacterial activity of acidified sodium benzoate against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes in tryptic soy broth and on cherry tomatoes

Concerns about undesirable by-products from chlorine sanitation of fresh produce and the limited efficacy with the presence of organic matter, have led to studies on alternative washing solutions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of acidified sodium benzoate (NaB) solutions against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in growth medium and on cherry tomatoes. Experimentally, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs, >3 Log reduction) of NaB against E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 43895, S. Enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes Scott A were determined at pH 7.0–4.0 using micro-broth dilution method and agar plating method, respectively. The reduction of the three bacteria in tryptic soy broth (TSB) by 500 and 1000 ppm NaB at pH 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 for 30 min at 21 °C was compared. Residual bacterial cocktails inoculated on cherry tomatoes were determined after soaking in 3000 ppm NaB solution adjusted to pH 2.0 for 3 min at 21 °C. Results showed that the MBC of NaB reduced from >10,000 ppm at pH 7.0 to 1000 ppm at pH 4.0 and was identical for the three bacteria. The log reduction of bacteria in TSB indicated that 1000 ppm NaB at pH 2.0 was the most effective in killing the three pathogens. The respective reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica cocktails inoculated on cherry tomatoes immersed in 3000 ppm NaB (pH 2.0) at 21 °C for 3 min was 4.99 ± 0.57 and 4.08 ± 0.65 log CFU/g, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the treatments of 200 ppm free chlorine at pH 6.5. Conversely, the reduction of L. monocytogenes on tomatoes by 3000 ppm NaB (4.88 ± 0.73 log CFU/g) was similar (p > 0.05) to 200 ppm chlorine. Furthermore, the reduction of bacterial cocktails on tomatoes by 3000 ppm NaB at pH 2.0 was not affected after adding 1% tomato puree, and bacteria were not detected in NaB washing solutions with and without 1% tomato puree and on following un-inoculated tomatoes. This study showed that acidified NaB solution may be used as an alternative post-harvest wash of produce.

Comparative study on the effect of radio frequency and high-pressure pasteurization on the texture, water distribution, and rheological properties of Nostoc sphaeroides

Nostoc sphaeroides has been used as herbal medicine and dietary supplement in Asian countries from prehistoric times. When N. sphaeroides is pasteurized using conventional high-pressure (HP) steam (121 °C, 30 min), its natural texture and nutritional ingredients are negatively affected. This study investigated the effect of radio frequency (RF) heating on the degree of microbial kill, texture, water distribution, and rheological properties of N. sphaeroides and compared the effect of HP steam (121 °C, 30 min) pasteurization on these parameters. RF (6 kW, 27 MHz) pasteurization was carried out for 10, 20, and 30 min at 67 °C. The results showed that the RF heating carried out for 20 min achieved a 3 log reduction of bacteria which met the safety standard. The effects of RF pasteurization on the texture, water distribution, and rheological properties of N. sphaeroides were significantly lower than that in HP steam pasteurization. Therefore, the application of RF heating in N. sphaeroides would help broaden its application in food, health, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Facile preparation of silver nanoparticle decorated chitosan cryogels for point-of-use water disinfection

In this study, silver nanoparticle decorated chitosan (CS/Ag NP) cryogels were fabricated through a simple freeze-drying process for point-of-use (POU) water disinfection. The CS/Ag NP cryogels showed high porosity, good mechanical properties, an excellent water absorption capability, and most importantly, an efficient bactericidal feature. The absorption capacity for water was found to be 47g/g, approximately 90% of which was recovered by simple squeezing. Three different sizes of Ag NPs were compared regarding their bactericidal capability against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). Under optimum conditions, a 3 log reduction of bacteria was observed by holding the bacteria suspension (108 colony forming units (cfu)/mL) in the cryogels for 5min. Reduction was further increased to a 4 log when the contact time was doubled. The silver content in the cryogels was found to only be 7.5mg/g. Furthermore, the total Ag in processed water was found to only be 22μg/L, half of the safety limit set by China (<50μg/L). The bactericidal effectiveness of the material for real surface water samples was also demonstrated by treating water samples with different water quality matrices, including lake water and sewage water samples. In all three treated lake water samples, both the total bacteria and E. coli met the regulations for drinking water in China (<100cfu/mL for total bacteria and negative for E. coli). CS/Ag NP cryogels can be used for drinking water disinfection during disaster relief and in contingency water supply applications.

Antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamon oil against Salmonella in almond based matrices

Reduced moisture enhances resistance of Salmonella and subsequently reduces the antimicrobial efficacy of thermal treatment. Alternative and supplementary non-thermal intervention methods are urgently needed. In this study, Cinnamonum cassia oil was tested for its antimicrobial effect against outbreak strains Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 and S. Tennessee K4643. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration for both strains were 0.05% (v/v) and 0.1% (v/v), respectively. Death curves showed that including 0.1% and 0.15% (v/v) C. cassia oil resulted in ∼7 Log reduction of bacteria within 2 h and 1 h, respectively. However, the antimicrobial efficacy of C. cassia oil was reduced when S. Enteritidis PT30 existed in low moisture condition. When S. Enteritidis PT30 was established on almonds/paper discs, 0.4% C. cassia oil resulted in ∼1.7 Log10 CFU/almond or 3.2 Log10 CFU/disc reduction within 2 h at room temperature, respectively. S. Enteritidis PT30 established on both almonds and paper discs were very stable, there was only a 0.80 Log10 CFU/almond and 1.20 Log10 CFU/disc reduction during 9-week and 7-week storage at room temperature, respectively. C. cassia oil intervention increased S. Enteritidis PT30 reduction on both almonds and paper discs during storage with more reduction on paper discs. 0.4% C. cassia oil treatment reduced S. Enteritidis PT30 on paper disc to undetectable level within 4 weeks, but only led to 2 Log10 CFU reduction on almonds, indicating a protection effect from the almond matrix or almond surface components. Additionally, S. Enteritidis PT30 established on paper disc coated with almond surface components exhibited higher resistance to desiccation and C. cassia oil treatment, further demonstrating the protection role of food matrix. In conclusion, C. cassia oil is effective against S. Enteritidis PT30 and S. Tennessee K4643, but its antimicrobial efficacy against the tested Salmonella was compromised by low moisture environment and food matrix.

Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on the Number of Bacteria and Texture of Beef Liver

Providing beef liver for raw consumption was banned in Japan on July 1, 2012. To lift the ban, the establishment of effective countermeasures for safe raw consumption is necessary. In this study, we examined the effects of high hydrostatic pressure processing on raw beef liver. Beef liver samples subjected to 300 MPa of pressure or higher for 10 min at 25°C became firmer and showed a paler color and were considered unsuitable for raw consumption. More than 3.0 log reductions of bacteria were seen after treatments at 400 and 500 MPa, but the treatment with lower pressure did not show enough microcidal effects for safe consumption. Histological and ultrastructural analysis revealed that high hydrostatic pressure processing increased mitochondrial swelling and reduced rough endoplasmic reticula in hepatocytes, and such changes might be related to the observed changes of texture in the treated raw beef liver.

Rapid Disinfection Performance of a Touchable Pulsed SDBD Nonthermal Plasma

In this paper, an atmospheric touchable surface dielectric barrier discharge nonthermal plasma system was introduced. The typical plasma area, pulsed voltage, pulsed current, pulse frequency, and plasma power are 459 cm2, 6 kV, 5.5 A, 10 kHz and 140 W, respectively. Its disinfection performance was evaluated on agar plate, glass, and silicone hand by four bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The efficiency of plasma disinfection was enhanced with increasing voltage and frequency, but had no significant difference with bacteria type. For a 10-s treatment of agar and silicone hand, the log reductions of bacteria were 2.35–2.6 and 2.85–3.26, respectively. After a 5-s treatment of glass, 3.3–3.68 log reduction of bacteria could be obtained.

Anti-tubercular activities of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine analogues endowed with high activity toward non-replicative Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Thirty three derivatives of 2-substituted 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine analogues were synthesized by molecular modification of a reported antimycobacterial molecule (GSK163574A). Compounds were evaluated in vitro against actively replicative and nutrient starved non-replicative Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), enzymatic screening and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cell line. Among the compounds, 2-ethyl-N-phenethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (5c) was found to be the most active compound against non-replicative MTB with 2.7 log reduction of bacteria at 10μg/mL and was more potent than isoniazid (1.2 log reduction) and rifampicin (2.0 log reduction) at same dose level. Compound 5c also showed activity against MTB alanine dehydrogenase enzyme with IC50 of 1.82±0.42μM and showed 25% cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cell line at 50μg/mL.

Antibiofilm efficacy of photoactivated curcumin, triple and double antibiotic paste, 2% chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus fecalis in vitro.

Root canal disinfection is one of the most important factors governing success of root canal treatment, especially when regenerative strategies are used. This study evaluated the efficacy of 5 intracanal medicaments against mature biofilms of Enterococcus fecalis in vitro: Light activated curcumin, triple antibiotic paste (TAP), double antibiotic paste (DAP), chlorhexidine, calcium hydroxide. Untreated teeth with biofilms served as controls. Confocal microscopy was used to analyse the biofilm mass and percentage of live/dead bacteria within the root canal as well as dentinal tubules. Dentinal shavings obtained from the root canal walls (at 200 and 400 microns depth) were used to quantify the colony forming units/mL. The results showed that light activated curcumin and triple antibiotic paste brought about complete disruption of the biofilm structure (P < 0.05) while chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide were not significantly different from the control (P > 0.05). Light activated curcumin brought about the highest percentage of dead cells at both depths, but this was not significantly different from triple antibiotic paste (P > 0.05). Curcumin, TAP and DAP brought about a significant reduction of CFU/mL at both depths compared to the control and other groups (P < 0.05). Light activated curcumin brought about a 7 log reduction of bacteria at both depths.

Antilisterial Effect of Bacteriocin SH01, Obtained from Enterococcus faecium SH01, in Ground Beef.

From the previous study, Enterococcus faecium SH01 was isolated from mukeunji, an over-ripened kimchi, and it produced bacteriocin SH01. Bacteriocin SH01 showed an inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, a bacterial strain causing human listeriosis. Crude bacteriocin SH01 was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and its inhibitory activity at two concentrations (500 and 1,000 AU/g) against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111 was investigated in ground beef at increasing temperatures (5, 10, 15, and 20℃) for 8 d. The number of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111 significantly decreased (p<0.05) as the concentration of bacteriocin increased from 500 to 1,000 AU/g. Intrinsic crude protease activities in ground beef were examined and increased as the temperature increased. Experiments varying both the concentrations of added bacteriocin SH01 and temperature demonstrated a maximum inhibition (2.33 log reduction of bacteria) in samples containing 1,000 AU/g of bacteriocin SH01 incubated at 20℃. When the crude bacteriocin SH01 solution (1,280 AU/mL) was incubated with crude protease solutions at different temperatures, its activity decreased by only half (640 AU/mL), as assessed in an agar well diffusion assay. The finding that the antilisterial activity of bacteriocin SH01 increased with temperature can be explained by the fact that higher temperatures increase bacterial membrane fluidity, thereby promoting the cellular penetration of bacteriocin SH01 into L. monocytogenes. Bacteriocin SH01 may be an excellent candidate as a biopreservative for controlling L. monocytogenes growth in ground beef.

Shelf life of pasteurized microfiltered milk containing 2% fat

The goal of this research was to produce homogenized milk containing 2% fat with a refrigerated shelf life of 60 to 90d using minimum high temperature, short time (HTST) pasteurization in combination with other nonthermal processes. Raw skim milk was microfiltered (MF) using a Tetra Alcross MFS-7 pilot plant (Tetra Pak International SA, Pully, Switzerland) equipped with Membralox ceramic membranes (1.4μm and surface area of 2.31m2; Pall Corp., East Hills, NY). The unpasteurized MF skim permeate and each of 3 different cream sources were blended together to achieve three 2% fat milks. Each milk was homogenized (first stage: 17 MPa, second stage: 3 MPa) and HTST pasteurized (73.8°C for 15s). The pasteurized MF skim permeate and the 3 pasteurized homogenized 2% fat milks (made from different fat sources) were stored at 1.7 and 5.7°C and the standard plate count for each milk was determined weekly over 90d. When the standard plate count was >20,000cfu/mL, it was considered the end of shelf life for the purpose of this study. Across 4 replicates, a 4.13 log reduction in bacteria was achieved by MF, and a further 0.53 log reduction was achieved by the combination of MF with HTST pasteurization (73.8°C for 15s), resulting in a 4.66 log reduction in bacteria for the combined process. No containers of MF skim milk that was pasteurized after MF exceeded 20,000cfu/mL bacteria count during 90d of storage at 5.7°C. The 3 different approaches used to reduce the initial bacteria and spore count of each cream source used to make the 2% fat milks did not produce any shelf-life advantage over using cold separated raw cream when starting with excellent quality raw whole milk (i.e., low bacteria count). The combination of MF with HTST pasteurization (73.8°C for 15s), combined with filling and packaging that was protected from microbial contamination, achieved a refrigerated shelf life of 60 to 90d at both 1.7 and 5.7°C for 2% fat milks.

Antimicrobial surface coatings for polypropylene nonwoven fabrics

Anionic and cationic N-halamine polyelectrolytes were synthesized, characterized and then immobilized onto melt-blown polypropylene fabrics having two different basis-weights. The coatings were rendered biocidal upon exposure to dilute sodium hypochlorite solution. The effect of single and multilayer deposition of the polyelectrolytes on the surfaces was investigated in terms of chlorine loadings, rechargeabilities, antimicrobial efficacies, and air permeabilities. It was found that all of the coatings provided remarkable biocidal efficacies with about six log reductions of bacteria within two min of contact time on filters having higher basis-weight, whereas slower inactivation was observed for lower-basis weight filters due to diminished surface areas and numbers of active halogen atoms. The antimicrobial coatings reduced the air permeabilities of the filters somewhat; however, the air permeabilities of the coated swatches were comparable to those of most protective textiles.

Effect of a Combination of Low Level Ozone and Metal Ions on Reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes

Ozonated water has been used as a strong antimicrobial agent against foodborne pathogens. In this study, the combined effect of low level ozonated water and different added components, including 0.2% starch and metal ions (1 mM CuCl2·2H2O and 0.1 mM AgNO3), on inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes was investigated. Treatment with 0.4 ppm ozonated water for 30 min resulted in a maximum log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes compared to initial bacterial counts. The log reductions of bacteria in a starch solution containing ozonated water were slightly higher than those in ozonated water alone. Furthermore, the log reductions of E. coli O157:H7 (2.59 and 4.71 log cfu/mL) and L. monocytogenes (2.53 and 4.28 log cfu/mL) in a metal ion solution containing 0.2 and 0.4 ppm ozone for 30 min were significantly higher than those of the water and starch added groups (p < 0.05). These results indicate that a combination of ozonated water and metal ions may be useful as a antimicrobial agent.