Graphical abstract

BiOBr nanosheets are important photocatalytic nanomaterials. However, their biological effects remain to be explored. In this study, we investigated the antifungal effect of BiOBr nanosheets on Candida albicans. Strikingly, the nanosheets strongly inhibited the growth of C. albicans [IC50=(96±4.7) mg/L], hyphal development and biofilm formation. Compareed to the antifungal effect of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, the inhibitory effect of the nanosheets on fungal pathogen was attributed to cetyltrimethylammonium bromide adsorbed by the nanosheets. Thermal gravity analysis and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide release experiment indicated that only 0.42% cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on BiOBr nanosheets was released. Taken together, this study uncovers the contribution of surfactant released from the nanosheets to their antifungal activity.

Airborne particulate matter (PM), especially PM 2.5 , can be easily adsorbed by human respiratory system. Their roles in carrying pathogens for spreading epidemic diseases has attracted great concern. Herein, we developed a novel gelatin filter-based and culture-independent method for investigation of the microbial diversity in PM samples during a haze episode in Tianjin, China. This method involves particle capture by gelatin filters, filter dissolution for DNA extraction, and high-throughput sequencing for analysis of the microbial diversity. A total of 584 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of bacteria and 370 OTUs of fungi at the genus level were identified during hazy days. The results showed that both bacterial and fungal diversities could be evaluated by this method. This study provides a convenient strategy for investigation of microbial biodiversity in haze, facilitating accurate evaluation of airborne epidemic diseases.