Activated Carbon Impregnated with Elementary Iodine: Applications against Virus- and Bacteria-Related Issues

Abstract

An iodine-doped activated carbon (named IodAC) was developed by adsorbing molecular iodine (I2) on commercially available activated carbon (AC). Iodine was selected with the purpose to add its well-known antibacterial and antiviral properties to the AC and in order to produce an innovative material for environmental pathogens control and for healthcare-related applications. The impregnation method achieved the goal of strongly adsorbing iodine on the AC surface, since both volatility and water solubility resulted to be negligible, and therefore it did not affect the stability of the material. An antibacterial test (on Escherichia coli) and an antiviral test (on an avian influenza strain) were conducted, showing the effectiveness of IodAC against the pathogens. In addition, IodAC was also compared to slaked lime (a material widely used for disinfection of outdoor spaces and livestock farming areas). The data proved the performance of IodAC against virus and bacteria and also evidenced a more stable and long-lasting disinfecting power of IodAC compared to slaked lime, the later reacting with carbon dioxide and suffering a gradually decrease of its disinfectant power; such drawback does not affect IodAC. Overall, the presented results show that IodAC can be used for a wide range of applications, including as a granular disinfectant for public spaces, for water disinfection, zoonotic diseases countermeasures (e.g., as an animal feed additive for avian influenza control), post-harvest food storage, and sanitization. Its characteristics also indicate its potential to be used for medical treatments, such as for blood, intestinal (for HIV, sepsis, irritable syndrome, ulcerative colitis therapy), and medical supplies (antibacterial bandages, gauze, cotton, etc.) sterilization.

Virus Management Using Metal–Organic Framework-Based Technologies

“…The disinfecting properties of elemental iodine have long been known. , However, its encapsulation in MOF and release to attack viruses locally is a new concept, as reported by Kirakci and coauthors . Iodine’s mode of action is multifaceted.…”

Antibacterial Potential of Activated Carbon Impregnated with Garlic Extract

“…These authors achieved a percentage reduction in contamination of 20 to 72%. Natori et al [18], using activated carbon doped with iodine, and Li et al [19], using copper(II) hydroxide nanoparticles associated with carbon, obtained log reduction ranges of 4 and 3 logs, respectively. Compared to these studies, allicin extracts were able to reduce logs by up to 5 logs.…”

“…Then, activated carbon impregnated with biocide properties has already been investigated with successful results, mainly related to the commonly found E. coli strains. Inorganic substances such as iodine-doped activated carbon or cooper hydroxide-coated carbons resulted in high E. coli inhibition efficiency for sanitization, disinfection, sterilization, and even health purposes [18,19]. Adsorbed antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole and gentamycin also showed huge potential [17].…”

Virus adsorbent systems based on Amazon holocellulose and nanomaterials

“…Its application in face masks, water filtration systems, and air purification stands out as a strategy to contain the spread of infectious diseases. Studies with AC impregnated with iodine have shown excellent results in inhibiting viruses and bacteria, highlighting its potential for disinfection in various applications (Natori et al, 2021). Similarly, the use of silver-loaded AC nanocomposites has demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial activity, presenting itself as a promising antibacterial agent (Devi et al, 2019).…”