Inactivation of common hospital acquired pathogens on surfaces and in air utilizing engineered water nanostructures (EWNS) based nano-sanitizers

Nanomedicine. 2019 Jun:18:234-242. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.03.003. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Abstract

Infectious diseases represent a major public health challenge worldwide. There are various modes for the transmission of these diseases, with surface and airborne transmission being two of the most important ones. The inefficiencies of current intervention methods have resulted in the emergence of nosocomial infections. Here, we report the use of a nanotechnology based antimicrobial platform using Engineered Water Nanostructures (EWNS) generated using a combined electrospray and ionization of an aqueous suspension of various active ingredients (AIs). These EWNS based nano-sanitizers were tested in terms of their ability to efficiently deliver AI and inactivate Acinetobacter baumannii and influenza H1N1/PR/8 on both surfaces and air. Results indicate a significant reduction in the concertation of the pathogens, while the delivered to pathogen AI doses required for inactivation were miniscule (nanogram level), indicating the viability of such nano-carrier platform as an intervention technology against infectious microorganisms.

Keywords: Airborne influenza; Engineered water nanostructures; Nano-carrier; Nosocomial infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Hospitals*
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Surface Properties
  • Water*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Water