Biocidal properties of metal oxide nanoparticles and their halogen adducts.

Nanosized metal oxide halogen adducts possess high surface reactivities due to their unique surface morphologies. These adducts have been used as reactive materials against vegetative cells, such as Escherichia coli as well as bacterial endospores, including Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus anthracis (Delta Sterne strain). Here we report high biocidal activities against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and endospores.

Virucidal properties of metal oxide nanoparticles and their halogen adducts.

Selected metal oxide nanoparticles are capable of strongly adsorbing large amounts of halogens (Cl(2), Br, I(2)) and mixed halogens. These solid adducts are relatively stable thermally, and they can be stored for long periods. However, in the open environment, they are potent biocides.

A multifunctional biocide/sporocide and photocatalyst based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) codoped with silver, carbon, and sulfur.

Composite nanostructured samples of Ag (0.5-20%)/(C, S)-TiO(2) were synthesized and characterized by EDX, XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, BET, XPS, and zeta potential measurements. Photocatalytic and biocidal tests revealed that the amount of the codoped silver (Ag(+)) in (C, S)-TiO(2) played a crucial, distinctive role in the photodegradation of gas-phase acetaldehyde as well as in the inactivation of Escherichia coli cells and Bacillus subtilis spores.

Reprocessing and sterilization of single-use electrophysiological catheters: removal of organic carbon and protein surface residues.

Although evidence to date indicates that reprocessing electrophysiological (EP) catheters results in clean, sterile devices, some concerns persist with regard to the risk of residual contamination. We examined the ability of a defined reprocessing procedure coupled with a validated sterilization protocol to remove organic carbon and protein residues from worst-case soiled EP catheters resulting in clean, sterile devices. Total organic carbon (TOC) determinations indicated that detergent residues on reprocessed used catheters were nominal and significantly lower than organic carbon levels present on new catheters.

Occurrence of ciprofloxacin-, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-, and vancomycin-resistant bacteria in a municipal wastewater treatment plant.

The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was evaluated in aqueous samples obtained from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Samples collected from the influent, clarifier effluent, and disinfected effluent were assayed for fecal coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci exhibiting resistance to ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and vancomycin.