Disinfectant Solutions Research Articles

Design and Implementation of Elevator Push-Buttons with Integrated Ultraviolet-C Light-Emitting Diode Light Sources for Disinfection

Background: More effective and automated techniques for disinfecting elevator push-buttons currently need to be developed, especially given that they are frequently touched by hundreds of individuals. Methods: An automatic elevator push-button disinfection device equipped with four 265 nm ultraviolet-C (UVC) light-emitting diode (LED) packages has been developed for disinfection after each touch to reduce the risk of infection. In this paper, the UVC leakage test, UVC LED package reliability test, and bacteria disinfection efficiency test were performed. Results: The disinfection efficiency for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli can reach over 90% in 10 s, and end users can set multiple disinfection periods in light of their circumstances. The disinfection device is safe for the human body if the distance exceeds 120 mm. The accelerated aging test result demonstrates that the disinfection device is reliable under normal operation and end-users can increase the disinfection time by compensating for the irradiance drop. Conclusions: The automatic elevator push-button disinfection device provides a safe, highly efficient, and stable disinfection solution for elevator push-buttons.

Kinetics with UVC Irradiation Using a Continuous-Flow System: Mathematical Fitting Compared to Microbiological Analysis

Fresh produce contamination poses a significant public health risk. Traditional disinfection methods using chemical solutions, while effective, raise environmental and health concerns. This study explores UVC irradiation, a promising non-chemical alternative proven to be effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. We investigated the optimal UVC dosage for reducing microorganisms on fresh vegetables washed in water. Our findings suggest that dosages of approximately 2 mJ/cm2 in water and 9 mJ/cm2 in vegetables achieve reductions of up to 99%. Additionally, we established a nominal radiation application rate of 2.38 mW/cm2/s, reflecting the treatment intensity. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of UVC irradiation and its interactions with microorganisms is crucial. Elucidating these mechanisms can significantly improve optimization efforts and seamlessly integrate UVC irradiation into food safety protocols. Implementing this strategy offers immense potential to elevate food safety standards in the industry while minimizing environmental impact. This approach aligns perfectly with sustainability objectives by providing a chemical-free solution for food disinfection.

MICROBIAL THREATS TO PUBLIC HEALTH: EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THE ROLE OF PHARMACOLOGY- NARRATIVE REVIEW

Background: Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) continue to pose significant threats to global public health, driven by environmental disruption, globalization, and the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The integration of pharmacology and public health strategies is critical in addressing these threats. Objectives: This review explores the drivers of EIDs, the role of pharmacology in combating them, and the integration of innovations like vaccines and diagnostics into global health frameworks. It also identifies key gaps in knowledge and highlights potential future directions. Methods: A thematic analysis of recent literature was conducted, focusing on key findings related to pathogen evolution, the development of vaccines and therapeutics, and public health preparedness. Results: The review identifies zoonotic spillovers, climate change, and AMR as central drivers of EIDs. Advances such as mRNA vaccines and genomic technologies have significantly enhanced disease prevention and management. However, inequities in access to healthcare innovations and gaps in pathogen surveillance remain major challenges. AI-driven tools and one-health approaches are highlighted as emerging trends with transformative potential. Conclusions: Addressing EIDs requires interdisciplinary strategies that combine pharmacological innovations, public health measures, and global collaboration. Future research should focus on equitable access, advanced surveillance systems, and sustainable antimicrobial solutions to bridge existing gaps and improve global preparedness.

Studying the bactericidal effect of commercial disinfectants on Brucella

Pathogens, particularly Brucella spp., pose a serious threat to human and animal health. In the complex of anti-epidemic and sanitary-hygienic measures aimed at preventing infectious diseases, chemical disinfection plays an important role. This disinfection method is one of the effective, reliable and common ways to combat pathogenic biological agents. An important role is played by modern quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC)-based disinfectants. In relation to chemical disinfectants, the causative agent of brucellosis belongs to the group of low-resistant microorganisms. Solutions of sublimate, creolin, phenol, sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric and acetic acids, formalin, chloramine, hydrogen peroxide, solutions of disinfectants based on QAC, triamine and polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) have pronounced bactericidal activity against brucellae. However, the instructions for commercial disinfectants note a bactericidal activity against pathogens of particularly dangerous infections (plague, tularemia, cholera and anthrax), but do not indicate antimicrobial properties against Brucella. The purpose of the work was to determine the antimicrobial properties of five commercial disinfectants “Alfadez Forte”, “Aminaz-Plus”, “Veltolen”, “Desarin” and “Laina-med”, used in the disinfection of objects with especially dangerous infections of bacterial etiology. The studies were carried out using the suspension method, according to the manual “Methods of laboratory research and testing of disinfectants to assess their effectiveness and safety”. Three vaccine strains B. melitensis Rev-1, B. abortus 19 BA, B. suis 61 were used as test microbes. As a result of the studies, it was found that commercial disinfectants “Alfadez Forte”, “Aminaz-Plus”, “Veltolen”, “Desarin” and “Lina-med” in the concentrations proposed by the manufacturers in the instructions for use when working with particularly dangerous infections (plague, tularemia, cholera) have bactericidal properties relative to vaccine strains.

Infant and young child feeding practices of caregivers in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Background: Although infant and young child feeding (IYCF) recommendations are widely accepted in South Africa, inappropriate IYCF practices still exist, leading to malnutrition in children. Objective: To investigate the IYCF practices of caregivers in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg (PMB). Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Setting: Masons Clinic, Copesville, PMB. Subjects: Two-hundred and fifty caregivers older than 18 years of age caring for a 6–24-month-old child at the time of the study. Outcome measures: A face-to-face questionnaire was developed using recent, relevant literature and was validated for the study. Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 32.25 (10.42) years. About 96% (n = 239) of infants were ever breastfed. The mean age at which breastfeeding was stopped was 5.9 ± 4.3 months. Mothers who were still breastfeeding planned to continue breastfeeding for a mean duration of 12.6 ± 5.6 months. About 60% (n = 149) of infants were started on solids at the appropriate age of 6 months. Lennon Entressdruppels (16.9%; n = 14), sugar water (15.7%; n = 13) and fruit and vegetables (13.3%; n = 11) were fed before the age of six months. Forty-nine caregivers (19.6%) consulted a traditional healer regarding IYCF. Non-edible items fed to cleanse the stomach included toothpaste and polish (5.6%; n = 8) and disinfectant solution (1.7%; n = 1). Conclusions: Caregivers should be educated on the benefits of continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond and the importance of starting solids at the appropriate age of six months. The potential dangers to the health of infants of feeding non-edible items should also be highlighted.

Release and Disintegration Properties of Poly(lactic Acid) Films with Allyl Isothiocyanate-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Active Food Packaging.

This study aimed to enhance the properties and compostability of active poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films by incorporating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Films were prepared using melt extrusion and characterized based on their structural, chemical, morphological, thermal, and barrier properties. These inclusion complexes improved the thermal stability and moisture absorption of films, enhancing disintegration under composting conditions. The release of AITC in the vapor phase was responsive to relative humidity, maintaining the antimicrobial functionality at low values and releasing effectively at higher humidity levels, with a maximum release at 100%. Incorporating 5% and 10% β-CD:AITC complexes accelerated disintegration under composting conditions, reducing the time by 5 days for disintegration compared to pure PLA, achieving up to 90% in 23 days. These results, with a general improvement in functional properties, suggest that PLA films with β-CD:AITC are promising for developing sustainable, biodegradable antimicrobial packaging solutions for food applications.

Study of the antibacterial activity of hybrid nanocomposites “metal oxide/alginate” synthesized for therapeutic purposes

IntroductionBacterial infections pose a significant health challenge, leading to chronic ailments and high mortality rates. Antibiotic resistance due to improper usage necessitates novel antimicrobial solutions. Metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly in nanocomposites with sodium alginate, offer promising antibacterial properties. This study aims to synthesize and evaluate metal oxide/alginate nanocomposites for enhanced antibacterial activity.Material and methodMetal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, Ag2O, CuO, NiO, CoO, FeO, Fe2O3, Cr2O3) were synthesized using a precipitation method. Nanocomposites (MO-Alg) were formed by incorporating these nanoparticles into a sodium alginate matrix. The physicochemical properties, stability, and antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites were assessed through ATR-IR analysis, SEM imaging, granulometry analysis, and XRD patterns. Antibacterial tests were conducted against Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis).Result and discussionCharacterization revealed well-defined metal oxide structures (ATR-IR) within the alginate matrix. SEM images showcased uniform dispersion and distinctive rod-like configurations of metal oxide nanoparticles. XRD patterns confirmed crystalline phases. Antibacterial tests demonstrated varying efficacy, the lowest inhibition concentration for (G +) samples was 65 µg/ml for ZnO-Alg and Ag2O-Alg NCs. For (G-) samples, inhibition of P. aeruginosa was observed at 65 µg/ml with Ag2O-Alg, FeO-Alg, and Fe2O3-Alg, and for E. coli, inhibition was observed with all NCs except ZnO-Alg, with 65 µg/ml for Ag2O-Alg, NiO-Alg, FeO-Alg, and Fe2O3-Alg.ConclusionThe study successfully synthesized and characterized metal oxide/alginate nanocomposites with promising antibacterial properties. The nanocomposites exhibited stability and bactericidal effects, highlighting their potential for diverse biomedical applications, including wound dressings, medical implants, and packaging materials. The findings contribute to advancing nanomaterials in biomedical fields, encouraging further exploration and development.

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING BIO-MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG STAFF NURSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Biomedical waste (BMW) management is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery, ensuring safety for healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. In Pakistan, the implementation of effective BMW management practices remains a significant challenge due to limited resources and inconsistent adherence to protocols. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of staff nurses regarding BMW management in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 female nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and practices related to BMW management. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: All participants (100%) were aware of BMW generation and legislation, and 96.9% adhered to colour-coded waste segregation. However, only 82.3% used puncture-proof containers for sharps disposal, and 87.7% were aware of the preparation of disinfectant solutions. Most nurses (99.2%) reported wearing PPE, and 92.3% were immunised against Hepatitis B. Despite these strengths, gaps in adherence to storage time limits and sharp disposal protocols were noted. Conclusion: While awareness and adherence to certain BMW management practices were high, significant gaps remain in compliance with critical protocols. Enhanced training, monitoring, and resource provision are essential to ensure safe and effective BMW management in healthcare settings in Pakistan.

Route Optimization for UVC Disinfection Robot Using Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic Techniques.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for effective surface disinfection solutions, which has led to the use of mobile robots equipped with ultraviolet (UVC) lamps as a promising technology. This study aims to optimize the navigation of differential mobile robots equipped with UVC lamps to ensure maximum efficiency in disinfecting complex environments. Bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithms such as the gazelle optimization algorithm, whale optimization algorithm, bat optimization algorithm, and particle swarm optimization are applied. These algorithms mimic behaviors of biological beings such as the evasive maneuvers of gazelles, the spiral hunting patterns of whales, the echolocation of bats, and the collective behavior of flocks of birds or schools of fish to optimize the robot's trajectory. The optimization process adjusts the robot's coordinates and the time it takes to stops at key points to ensure complete disinfection coverage and minimize the risk of excessive UVC exposure. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms effectively adapt the robot's trajectory to various environments, avoiding obstacles and providing sufficient UVC radiation exposure to deactivate target microorganisms. This approach demonstrates the flexibility and robustness of these solutions, with potential applications extending beyond COVID-19 to other pathogens such as influenza or bacterial contaminants, by tuning the algorithm parameters. The results highlight the potential of bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithms to improve automatic disinfection and achieve safer and healthier environments.

The efficacy of antimicrobial solutions against multispecies bacterial biofilm with or without negative pressure wound therapy in an in vitro wound model.

Biofilm is the major challenge in chronic wound management. Instilling a wound cleansing solution aids in wound bed cleaning and infectious pathogen elimination. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) improves the wound-healing process. This study investigated the efficacy of two antimicrobials (Vashe Wound Cleanser and Prontosan Wound Irrigation Solution) against a multispecies bacterial biofilm with or without NPWT in an in vitro wound model. A mixed multispecies biofilm containing Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Acinetobacter baumannii was developed and verified by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent in situ hybridization. The efficacy of Vashe and Prontosan against multispecies biofilm with or without NPWT was evaluated by colony-forming unit (cfu) of each species and total bacterial number, and visually confirmed by live/dead stain and confocal microscopy. Prontosan reduced biofilm cell numbers significantly: 6 instils over 24 h resulting in 3.86 ± 0.14 cfu log10 reduction without NPWT and 4.75 ± 0.13 cfu log10 reduction combined with NPWT (P < 0.01) and 12 instils over 48 h resulting in 5.24 ± 0.11 cfu log10 reduction without NPWT and biofilm eradication with NPWT (P < 0.001). NPWT alone or combined with Vashe failed to reduce multispecies biofilm numbers significantly over 24 or 48 h. Prontosan significantly reduced biofilm cell numbers, with better efficacy over 48 than 24 h, emphasizing the necessity for persistent and robust treatment. NPWT enhanced the effectiveness of Prontosan instillation. However, NPWT alone or combined with Vashe showed limited efficacy and difficulty when combating the multispecies biofilm in vitro.

ОСТРЫЙ ГЕНЕРАЛИЗОВАННЫЙ ЭКЗАНТЕМАТОЗНЫЙ ПУСТУЛЕЗ: КРАТКИЙ ОБЗОР ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ И СОБСТВЕННОЕ НАБЛЮДЕНИЕ

Abstract. Introduction. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is a rare cutaneous adverse drug reaction. The disease has a complex development mechanism, involving various subpopulations of T cells and monocytes, characterized by a genetically determined imbalance in IL-36 signaling. This reaction has an acute onset, a variety of clinical manifestations, and a self-limited course after drug discontinuation. Aim: Exemplifying by our own clinical observation, to present an algorithm for diagnosing and managing acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Material and Methods. Patient Kh., 55 years old, was hospitalized in the vascular neurology department due to ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation system, in the form of vestibulopathy, and left hemiataxia, unspecified pathogenetic subtype. Abundant itchy pustules appeared on the skin of the trunk, upper and lower extremities, weakness, lethargy, and body temperature increase up to 38–38.5ºС on the 4th day of treatment. General clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examination methods were used. Results and Discussion. Examination revealed extensive foci of edematous erythema, multiple non-follicular small pustules, an increase in the absolute number of neutrophils to 18,500 cells/μl and eosinophils to 1,250 cells/μl in the general blood test, a moderate increase in the levels of liver transaminases in the biochemical analysis, and a slight pleural effusion on the right in ultrasound. The use of the EuroSCAR scale, based on the assessment of clinical symptoms, morphology of skin lesions, and histological picture of the disease, helped set a correct diagnosis and choose a patient management approach. The patient received treatment with systemic and local glucocorticosteroids, manifesting with good positive changes. Conclusions. Using the EuroSCAR scale developed by a team of international experts helps set the diagnosis of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Immediate discontinuation of the causally significant drug is a prerequisite for successful patient management. Local therapy using disinfectant solutions, topical glucocorticosteroids, and moisturizing lotions is the initial approach to managing a patient with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.

Salmonella Infantis Adhesion to Various Surfaces and In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy of Commercial Disinfectants.

Salmonella Infantis poses a significant challenge in poultry production due to its persistence and resistance to disinfectants. This study investigated the survival of the S. Infantis strain on different surfaces and evaluated the efficacy of disinfectants in both preventing and treating biofilms. The survival of the tested S. Infantis strain was assessed on plastic and stainless steel surfaces after 24 and 48 h. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of five disinfectants were determined, and their antiadhesion effectiveness was evaluated using crystal violet. The efficacy of biofilm treatment was evaluated by cell culturability. The results showed that the adhesion of S. Infantis was significantly higher on the plastic surface. The disinfectants were effective at reducing biofilm formation only within the first 24 h. Fresh solutions of disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium compounds exhibited the highest antimicrobial efficacy, while chlorocresol was the most effective for both the prevention and treatment of biofilms. The study results suggest that the presence of plastic surfaces may contribute to the dissemination of Salmonella. Additionally, the effectiveness of disinfectants varied based on storage conditions and contact time, while biofilms demonstrated reduced susceptibility compared to planktonic cells. However, given the laboratory scale of this study, further validation on a commercial scale is necessary to confirm these findings.

Single-step hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods for potential use as nano-antibiotics without seeding or bases.

The alarming global rise in antibiotic resistance, driven by the widespread overuse of traditional antibiotics, has created an urgent demand for new antimicrobial solutions. This study presents zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods as a potential nano-antibiotic agent. ZnO nanorods, with a 2:3 aspect ratio, were synthesized using an efficient one-step hydrothermal method at a low temperature of 100°C, reducing the synthesis time to just 5 hours. The synthesized ZnO nanorods' morphology, structure, and composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The potent antimicrobial activity of these nanorods against common bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus was examined through optical density at 600 nm (OD600) measurements and inhibition zone analysis, demonstrating substantial inhibition of bacterial growth. In particular, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, ZnO nanorods achieved a 96% reduction of B. subtilis bacteria in OD600 and an impressive 99.87% reduction in culturing assays within one day, showcasing bactericidal efficiency on par with tetracycline at 0.003 mg/mL. Furthermore, a predictive model of bacterial growth was developed and validated, providing insights into the time-dependent bactericidal efficiency of the synthesized nanorods. These results highlight the potential of ZnO-based composites as a promising solution to combat antibiotic resistance, paving the way for next-generation antimicrobial materials.

Synergistic blend: Curcumin-loaded silver nanoparticles synthesized from Talaromyces atroroseus pigment for bio evaluation

Metallic silver, particularly in the form of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), has gained renewed attention as a powerful antimicrobial solution. In the present investigation, AgNP was synthesized using pigments produced by Talaromyces atroroseus, and Curcumin was loaded onto these AgNP to evaluate their potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The maximal biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) was achieved at an optimized precursor concentration of 6 mM silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and a reducing agent concentration of 0.5 g/L fungal pigment. The incorporation efficiency of curcumin onto AgNP was determined to be 11 %. Comprehensive characterization of both curcumin-loaded and unloaded AgNPs was performed using EDS, SEM, FTIR and XRD. Antibacterial assays revealed that both formulations exhibited antimicrobial properties, with the curcumin-loaded AgNPs displaying significantly enhanced inhibitory effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, showing an inhibition zone of 16 ± 0.33 mm. Furthermore, curcumin-loaded AgNPs demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity, with a 36.32 % free radical scavenging rate and an IC50 of 71.9 µg mL−1. The nanoparticles also exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties, achieving 84.05 % inhibition of inflammation and an IC50 of 96.69 µg mL−1. Notably, curcumin-loaded AgNPs demonstrated cytotoxicity in 100 µg mL−1 of the concentration tested on lung cancer cell line (A549) at 96 hrs. These results suggest that the extended incubation hours or increasing the concentrations of the AgNPs could be lethal concentrations that could completely inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells. However, further validation in in-vivo models for toxicity and clearance of AgNPs from the system has to be studied. The observed synergistic effects of biosynthesized curcumin-loaded AgNPs suggest a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic therapies.

Efficacy of Disinfectants for Monkeypox Virus Inactivation on High Touch Surface Materials in Low-Resource Settings.

Disinfection efficacy tests were conducted on surface carriers inoculated with the monkeypox virus (MPXV) by applying six disinfectant solutions (and three controls) on six surfaces common in low-resource settings: four nonporous surfaces (stainless steel, glass, plastic, and latex) and two porous surfaces (ceramic and wood). Disinfectants were wiped on carriers in triplicate, with a 1 min contact time: 0.05 and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, two quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based disinfectants, and 1.4% hydrogen peroxide. MPXV was then quantified, and log10 removal values were calculated. Sodium hypochlorite (0.05 and 0.5%) and ethanol (70%) removed MPXV to below detection level, ≥ 99.97% reduction for nonporous surfaces, and ≥99.40% for wood, QAC-based disinfectants were efficacious on nonporous surfaces (≥99.97% inactivation) but had diminished efficacy on wood, a porous surface, and 1.4% H2O2 had limited efficacy across all tested surfaces. Results varied by disinfectant type and surface type. Based on our results, we recommend using 0.05% sodium hypochlorite or 70% ethanol with 1 min contact time to inactive MPXV on clean nonporous and porous surfaces. As MPXV is evolving, future research with additional disinfectants, application methods, and environmental conditions and research to understand adsorption, disinfection efficacy, and transmission risk on porous surfaces are needed to develop practical disinfection recommendations.

The Use of a Novel Surgical Irrigant May Be Associated with Decreased Incidence of Surgical Site Infections

Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a formidable challenge to patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This investigation evaluated a novel antimicrobial surgical irrigation solution, XPerience (XP) (Next Science LLC, Jacksonville, FL), with proven high &amp; persistent in-vivo efficacy against planktonic bacteria and biofilm. The primary objective of this investigation was to compare the incidence of PJI following TKA performed with use of XP versus a standard control rinse (povidone-iodine). The secondary outcome was an all-cause return to operating room (OR) rate. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 824 consecutive patients undergoing primary THA/TKA from 12/1/2019 - 11/30/2021 treated using povidone-iodine solution and 471 consecutive patients undergoing primary THA/TKA from 12/1/2021 - 12/30/2022 treated with XP at a single institution by the senior author. All surgeries in both groups followed largely identical preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative protocols. A total of 1,295 cases were analyzed. The groups shared largely analogous background characteristics pertaining to age, sex, BMI, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. Results The overall SSI rate was 0% (0/471) in the XP group and 0.49% (4/824) in the control group (P = 0.3). The overall return to OR rate was 0.21% (1/471) in the XP group and 0.85% (7/824) in the control group (P = 0.3). Control group cases returned to the OR for hematoma debridements, periprosthetic fracture fixation, and PJI revisions. Conclusion This investigation is the first to remark on the clinical efficacy of a novel surgical irrigant. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of PJI or return to OR with the irrigant versus without, though a trend towards lower rates was observed in the context of a low baseline infection rate. Limitations pertaining to a single-center experience and sample size may be addressed by further studies incorporating broader enrollments.

Visible light-activated dye-sensitized TiO2 antibacterial film: A novel strategy for enhancing food safety and quality

Antibacterial packaging holds promise in addressing food spoilage by inactivating bacteria, but current antimicrobial packaging solutions face challenges like depletion of antibacterials and concerns of antibiotic abuse. In response to these limitations of existing packaging materials, we developed a novel antibacterial packaging film by incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2)- tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TcPP) conjugates into cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) films. Unlike conventional antimicrobial packaging, this film harnesses visible light energy to excite electrons from TcPP to TiO2, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that inactivate bacteria without relying on antibiotics. Results demonstrated that the film reduced 4.5, 4.6, 4.1, and 4.7-log Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Leuconostoc lactis, and Listeria innocua, respectively, in phosphate-buffered saline within 72h under 6000 lux light (3.13mW/cm2). The antimicrobial efficacy decreased as the light intensity decreased. Notably, it retains significant antimicrobial properties even under an extremely low light intensity of 600 lux (0.60mW/cm2). The analysis also revealed that singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide are the major generated ROS from the film under light exposure. When applied to cucumbers, the film reduced E. coli by 3.5 logs after 48-hour light exposure. The designed photocatalytic antibacterial film represents a major advancement in sustainable food preservation, reducing food waste by extending the shelf life of fresh produce.

Biofabricated silver nanoparticles from Calotropis procera: A potential antimicrobial solution against pathogenic bacteria

Calotropis procera has the potential as a traditional medicinal plant that offers a diverse array of healing treatments. It was used in conventional medicine to remedy several ailments, including diarrhea and snakebites. This study examines the antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles derived from the floral and latex components of C. procera. The nanoparticles were tested for their effectiveness against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. For characterization, the synthesized nanoparticles underwent thorough analysis using UV spectroscopy, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After the reduction process, the FTIR analysis revealed that some functional biomolecules found in plants form a coating on the nanoparticles, serving as organic agents that stabilize the nanoparticles. The size of nanoparticles analyzed with SEM falls in the 30 to 130 nm range. Furthermore, the synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested as antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, well-known microorganisms that can produce ulceration phases and severe health consequences. After a comprehensive examination, it was found that the silver nanoparticles have significant antibacterial effectiveness, particularly against S. aureus, a primary bacterium responsible for causing different ailments. The remarkable antibacterial efficacy of the silver nanoparticles synthesized in an environment-friendly manner underscores its potential applications in combating the evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Green Medicine: Advancing Antimicrobial Solutions with Diverse Terrestrial and Marine Plant-Derived Compounds

Infectious diseases continue to cause global morbidity and mortality. The rise of drug-resistant pathogens is a major challenge to modern medicine. Plant-based antimicrobials may solve this issue; hence, this review discussed in detail plant-sourced antimicrobial drugs as an alternative toward bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. Plant-derived chemicals from various sources such as marine, medicinal, and non-medicinal sources have diverse antimicrobial properties. Complex chemical profiles from these sources allow these molecules to interact with several targets in the microbial pathogens. Due to their multi-component composition, these compounds are more effective and less likely to acquire resistance than single-target antibiotics. Medicinal herbs have long been used for their antimicrobial properties; however, non-medicinal plants have also been identified for their antimicrobial properties. Other interesting new pathways for the identification of antimicrobials include marine plants, which contain a wide variety of metabolites that are both distinct and varied. We have conducted a thorough literature search for the medicinal, non-medicinal, and marine plant-derived molecules with antimicrobial roles from databases which include Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The review also discussed the synergistic potential of combining these plant-derived compounds with traditional antimicrobial drugs to attenuate the microbial pathogenesis. Based on the existing research and advancements, the review article emphasizes the importance of continuing research into plant-based antimicrobials from these many sources and integrating them with existing therapies to combat the rising threat of drug-resistant infections.

Enhancing food safety: Employing ultraviolet-C light emitting diodes for water, leaf, and surface disinfection

This study aimed to explore the use of ultraviolet-C light emitting diodes that emit light at 255 nm and 265 nm, to disinfect bacteria present at occurrence levels and spiked in water matrices, salads and stainless-steel surfaces. The UV-C LEDs effectively inactivated bacteria associated with food outbreaks (Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli) as well as a cocktail of bacteria isolated from packaged salads. Combining the wavelengths did not enhance disinfection. Even low UV fluences of 4 mJ/cm2 achieved a significant 6-log reduction of bacteria spiked in water at high initial concentrations of approximately 108 CFU/mL. Exposure of salad (lettuce and arugula) leaves (110 mJ/cm2) and contaminated stainless-steel surfaces (11 mJ/cm2) to three small LEDs that emit light at 265 nm reduced the pathogenic bacteria by 3 and 2-logs, respectively. The results obtained show that this disinfection technology could be promising for the food industry to guarantee effective inactivation of bacteria associated with foodborne diseases present in water, food and surfaces. Industrial relevanceThis study demonstrated the potential of ultraviolet-C light emitting diodes, emitting at 255 nm and 265 nm, to provide an effective and sustainable disinfection solution for the food industry, ensuring the inactivation of bacteria associated with foodborne diseases on water, food, and surfaces, thereby enhancing food safety. Additionally, this technology holds potential for extending product shelf-life, further benefiting the food industry. The results highlighted the effectiveness of UV-C LEDs even at low fluences, making them a practical choice for modern disinfection needs.