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Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
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Effective Control of Molds Using a Combination of Nanoparticles

Ariana Auyeung1,2, Miguel Ángel Casillas-Santana3, Gabriel Alejandro Martínez-Castañón3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Plos One
|January 26, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study explored nanoparticles (NPs) as mold inhibitors in paints. A mix of metallic and zinc oxide NPs effectively prevented mold growth without toxicity, offering a safe solution for humid environments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Materials Science
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Molds are filamentous fungi that cause spoilage and produce harmful mycotoxins.
  • Mold growth in buildings poses health risks due to mycotoxin exposure.
  • Coatings and paints can be susceptible to mold colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate commercial nanoparticles (NPs) as antifungal additives for paints.
  • To assess the efficacy of different NPs against toxigenic mold strains Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • To determine the safety profile of NPs regarding cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of four different NPs for antifungal activity.
  • Determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in broth.
  • Agar diffusion tests on acrylic- and water-based paints.
  • Cytotoxicity and inflammatory response evaluation using THP-1 macrophage cell line.

Main Results:

  • A combination of metallic NPs and zinc oxide NPs (50:10 μg/mL) demonstrated effective inhibition of mold growth under fluorescent light.
  • No significant cytotoxic effects were observed in human-derived macrophage cell line THP-1.
  • No inflammatory responses were detected, indicating a favorable safety profile.

Conclusions:

  • The tested combination of metallic and ZnO NPs shows potent antifungal properties against Aspergillus species.
  • This NP combination can be safely incorporated into paints and coatings for humid or poorly ventilated areas.
  • The findings suggest a promising, non-toxic solution for controlling mold growth in built environments.

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