New filtering antimicrobial nonwovens with various carriers for biocides as respiratory protective materials against bioaerosol

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2012;18(3):375-85. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2012.11076944.

Abstract

This study evaluated the bioactivity of polypropylene melt-blown filtering nonwovens used in respiratory protective devices (RPD) with a biocidal agent (alkylammonium microbiocides) on 2 mineral carriers. Two types of carriers were tested: a bentonite, with an aluminosilicate base, and a perlite, volcanic glass. High biostatic and biocidal effects of modified nonwovens with biocides were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. Nonwovens modified with a biocide on a bentonite carrier showed an opposite reaction to a biocide on a perlite. The research also showed that 10% concentration of a biocidal agent on a perlite carrier was sufficient to inhibit the growth of bacteria (100% reduction) placed in the structure of a filtering material during normal use of RPD. A comparison of the biological activity of 2 filtering materials, each containing 10% of a perlite and produced in a laboratory and industrial conditions, showed no statistically significant differences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Oxide
  • Bentonite
  • Disinfectants*
  • Escherichia coli / growth & development
  • Filtration / instrumentation*
  • Inhalation Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Respiratory Protective Devices / microbiology*
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Staphylococcus aureus / growth & development

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Perlite
  • Bentonite
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Aluminum Oxide