Time-Dependent Antimicrobial Activity of Filtering Nonwovens with Gemini Surfactant-Based Biocides

Abstract

Previous studies on nonwovens used for respiratory protective devices (RPDs) were related to equipment intended for short-term use. There is only limited research on the development of biocidal nonwoven fabrics for reusable RPDs that could be used safely in an industrial work environment where there is a risk of microbial growth. Moreover, a new group of biocides with high antimicrobial activity—gemini surfactants, has never been explored for textile’s application in previous studies. The aim of this study was to develop high-efficiency melt-blown nonwovens containing gemini surfactants with time-dependent biocidal activity, and to validate their antimicrobial properties under conditions simulating their use at a plant biomass-processing unit. A set of porous biocidal structures (SPBS) was prepared and applied to the melt-blown polypropylene (PP) nonwovens. The biocidal properties of the structures were triggered by humidity and had different activation rates. Scanning electron microscopy was used to undertake structural studies of the modified PP/SPBS nonwovens. In addition, simulation of plant biomass dust deposition on the nonwovens was performed. The biocidal activity of PP/SPBS nonwovens was evaluated following incubation with Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger from the American Type Culture Collection, and with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Penicillium chrysogenum isolated from the biomass. PP/SPBS nonwovens exhibited antimicrobial activity to varying levels. Higher antimicrobial activity was noted for bacteria (R = 87.85–97.46%) and lower for moulds (R = 80.11–94.53%).

Surface Active Agents and Their Health-Promoting Properties: Molecules of Multifunctional Significance

“…More specifically, nystatin admixed with the surfactant sodium deoxycholate (at a ratio of 1:0.8) induced an over 40% inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation on endotracheal tubes, an effect attributed to the fact that the surfactant enhanced the nystatin penetration into the prosthetics [ 46 ]. Regarding the safety of health professionals, engineered respiratory protective devices (with non-woven reusable fabrics and embedded hexamethylene-1,6-bis (N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecyl ammonium bromide; GS-12-6-12 crystals onto halloysite nanocrystals) exerted an anti-microbial action in the presence of water (i.e., humidity from exhaled air) against E. coli , Pseudomonas fluorescens as well as Penicillumchrysogenum and A. niger [ 47 ]. Lastly, the safety of water in the clinical setting is a very important issue as well.…”

Beeswax-Modified Textiles: Method of Preparation and Assessment of Antimicrobial Properties

“…We calculated the arithmetic means and standard deviations for the number of microorganisms on the surfaces of the materials tested. The antimicrobial effects of the fabrics were described using three parameters: (1) biocidal activity, (2) biostatic activity and (3) survival rate of the microorganisms on the tested fabrics and were calculated on the basis of literature [32,33]. The criteria for antimicrobial activity of the textiles containing beeswax were established using normative regulation for determining the biostatic and biocidal effects of disinfectants against bacteria and fungi according to EN 1276:2009 and EN 1650:2008 [34,35].…”

Multifunctional Polymer Composites Produced by Melt-Blown Technique to Use in Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices

“…Higher antimicrobial activity was noted for bacteria (max R = 87.85-97.46%) and lower for molds (max R = 80.11-94.53%). The developed PP/SPBS (a set of porous biocidal structures) filtering nonwovens with biocidal activity were deemed suitable for the production of re-usable FRPDs [9].…”