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Particle assisted removal of microbes from surfaces
Vignesh Nandakumar1, Chenan Huang2, Andrea Pulgar3
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL 32611, USA; Center for Particulate and Surfactant Systems, University of Florida, FL 32611, USA.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|August 31, 2018
Summary
Functionalized micro-particles effectively remove bacteria from surfaces, offering a novel approach to disinfection. This method enhances microbial removal, reducing reliance on traditional antimicrobial strategies and mitigating resistance concerns.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Growing antimicrobial resistance necessitates alternative disinfection methods.
- Current disinfection relies heavily on killing microbes, raising resistance concerns.
- A shift towards removal-based disinfection strategies is needed for skin and substrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop functional micro-particles for enhanced microbial removal from substrates.
- To investigate particle-microbe interactions for effective disinfection.
- To reduce reliance on kill-based disinfection methods.
Main Methods:
- Silica micro-particles were functionalized with cationic polymers.
- Coulombic interactions were utilized for strong particle-bacteria binding.
- Disinfection efficacy was tested on artificial skin under handwashing conditions.
Main Results:
- Functionalized particles achieved a ~4 log reduction of E. coli.
- Control particles showed a maximum of 1.5 log reduction.
- Enhanced removal, with minimal bacterial kill, was the primary mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized silica micro-particles significantly enhance bacterial removal.
- Particle properties and strong interactions are key to effective removal.
- This removal-based strategy offers a promising alternative to traditional disinfection.
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