Galvanic microcells as control agent of indoor microorganisms

Abstract

Today, fungicides are part of the basic tool kit for indoor surface maintenance. However, fungi develop resistance to fungicides, which consequently accelerates the evolution of virulence. Fungicides also carry the risk of adverse effects in humans. Galvanic microcells are a new tool for fungal control on indoor surfaces. We used two types of electrodes, Zn and Cu, with two potential anti-fungal mechanisms: the oligodynamic action of the metal ions themselves and the electricidal effect of the current between the electrodes. The size of the inhibition zone is related to the distance between the electrodes. We hypothesized that the unique geometric properties of the observed inhibition zone could be modelled using multi foci curve Cassini ovals. Moreover, the size of the inhibition zone possessed two maximum values, while the shape of the observed inhibition zones correlated with the shape of the electric field strength. The control activity of the galvanic microcells correlated with decreasing water content in building materials. Thus, this acute antifungal system works the best in damp building environments where the risk of fungal contamination is highest.

Electromagnetic Field as Agent Moving Bioactive Cations. A New Antimicrobial System in Architecture Technology

“…Silver interacts with bacterial or fungal cell membranes [46]. We proposed using a new antimicrobial technology-an electromagnetic field created by galvanic cells that influences the moving of metal ions [82,83]. This method was named GALVI system.…”

Cost-effectiveness analysis of greenhouse dehumidification and integrated pest management using air’s water holding capacity-a case study of the Trella Greenhouse in Taizhou, China

“…The effect of above-mentioned mitigation technologies was very limited. The temperature and humidity in the greenhouse were still very high, and the plant surface was moist for a long time, which made the plants easy to be infected with fungal diseases [3]. So as to overcome the problem, air's water holding capacity was utilized for Trella greenhouse dehumidification.…”

Three-electrode galvanic microcells as a new antimicrobial tool

“…It is believed, but yet unsubstantiated, that galvanic action offers antimicrobial activity. To our knowledge, studies related to fungal growth within electromagnetic fields generated by galvanic cells with active metal electrodes are limited to two-electrode systems for fungal biocontrol by creating an ionic conductive environment which is generated electrochemically 8 . Galvanic systems are activated by excessive humidity and stay in a resting state under dry conditions.…”

“…After one week of incubation, fungal colonies were removed to fresh PDA medium and cultivated at room temperature under dark/light conditions. Our molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) identified the yeast as a Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain with 98% identity to the sequence of R. mucilaginosa, GenBank accession number EU285542.1 8 . The Aspergillus section Nigri strain was identified after sequencing (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) as Aspergillus tubingensis (Schöber) Mosseray (non-published data).…”

“…Observations were made after 3, 7, 10 and 20 days of growth. For microscopic observation and photography of fungal morphological structures, Nikon SMZ 1500 and Nikon Eclipse 80i light microscopes were used 8 .…”