Search Results (884)

Background/Objectives: Denture disinfection is a crucial step in reducing microbial colonization and the risk of denture stomatitis, as well as contributing to patient health and denture longevity; thus, it was obligatory to select an effective cleanser without undesirable impact on properties of acrylic denture base material. This study aimed to assess the synergistic effect of white vinegar and sodium bicarbonate (WVSB) mixture on Candida albicans by means of colony forming unit (CFU) and adhesion assays, as well as the surface roughness and flexural strength of heat-cured acrylic denture base material after being immersed in the WVSB mixture. Methods: In total, 200 specimens of heat-cured acrylic resin were prepared: 50 per each test, 5 per each group. They were divided into ten groups; distilled water (negative control), a Corega denture cleanser tablet soaked for 5 min (positive control), and four concentrations (2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) of WVSB mixture were made and examined for (5 and 10 min) immersion durations. Statistical analysis was performed by using Welch’s ANOVA alongside Games–Howell post hoc tests for CFU assay and one-way ANOVA along with Tukey HSD post hoc tests for remaining tests. A p < 0.05 was considered significant in all experiments. Results: The results for the CFU, adhesion and surface roughness tests showed that the WVSB mixture demonstrated a statistically significant difference in most test groups compared to the negative control group, while the flexural strength test showed a statistically non-significant difference. Conclusions: The WVSB mixture showed concentration and time-dependent antifungal effects against C. albicans, with increased surface roughness and no negative effect on the flexural strength of heat-cure acrylic. Full article

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) rely on advanced biomaterials and scaffolds that require strict sterilization without sacrificing their structural and functional properties. Conventional sterilization methods, including steam, ethylene oxide, and gamma irradiation, often compromise scaffold integrity, alter surface chemistry and/or leave toxic residues. Ozone (O₃) has emerged as a promising alternative sterilant because of its strong oxidizing potential, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and residue-free decomposition. Importantly, ozone sterilization can preserve—and in some cases enhance—scaffold bioactivity by maintaining cytocompatibility and favorable surface chemistries that support cell adhesion and differentiation. This review critically evaluates the role of ozone sterilization in the context of TERM applications, focusing on its physicochemical properties, disinfection kinetics, material compatibility and regulatory perspectives. Evidence from studies on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) scaffolds, bone implants, and hydrogel-based systems suggests that, under optimized conditions, ozone can achieve high sterilization efficacy without significant degradation of mechanical or chemical properties. However, challenges related to process validation, health and safety considerations, and scalability remain. The review highlights opportunities for integrating ozone into automated biomanufacturing workflows and identifies key research gaps to support the broader adoption of ozone sterilization in TERM applications. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) in wastewater treatment plants are exposed to oxidative conditions during disinfection and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which can alter morphology and surface chemistry and influence interactions with coexisting contaminants. Here, accelerated chemical oxidation was simulated using heat-activated potassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to examine the oxidative aging of MPs made from polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). Changes in particle morphology and surface chemistry before and after oxidant treatment were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for chemical characterization. Carbonyl formation, an indicator of polymer oxidation, was evaluated using the carbonyl index (CI). Both oxidants induced surface morphological defects and carbonyl functional groups in the MPs, with CI increasing with degradation time. The CI trends suggest that MP oxidation varies with polymer type and oxidant. The effect of oxidative aging on MP sorption capacity was also investigated using copper ions as a model inorganic constituent. Although oxidative aging introduced oxygen-containing functional groups, no statistically significant differences in copper sorption were observed between pristine and oxidized MPs, indicating that MPs can act as vectors for copper regardless of their degree of surface oxidation. Full article

Objective: Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating amoeba, is a thermophilic, freshwater amoeba causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease that progresses rapidly from symptom onset to death. Climate change is causing surface water temperatures to increase, providing a hospitable environment for N. fowleri, possibly increasing risk factors for PAM. This review synthesizes the peer-reviewed biomedical literature published between January 2012 and December 2025, examining the risk of N. fowleri infection in the context of a warming climate. Methods: A scoping review was conducted searching PubMed, Scopus, and Environment Complete. Data were extracted using a structured coding framework, and risk dimensions were derived inductively during the coding process. Results: Twenty-seven articles met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed four dimensions of risk (environmental, behavioral, clinical/biological, and infrastructural). The environmental risk dimension highlighted gaps in understanding geographic range expansion and organism ecology. The behavioral dimension identified recreational water exposure, sinus rinsing, and travel as primary risk drivers. The clinical/biological dimension highlighted the need for standards and capacity in diagnosis and treatment, as well as research into pathogenicity. The infrastructural dimension identified gaps in water distribution system surveillance and disinfectant efficacy at high temperatures. Discussion: This review maps environmental, behavioral, clinical/biological, and infrastructural dimensions of N. fowleri disease risk onto a hazard/exposure/vulnerability framework, highlighting major gaps surrounding exposure and vulnerability. Uncertainties remain in hazard habitat favorability factors, human behavior, and water distribution systems. Emphasis should be placed on characterizing the hazard through environmental testing and determining geographic range, and addressing vulnerability by increasing clinician awareness, which serves double duty in both initiating early empiric treatment and efforts to quantify true disease burden. Full article

Disinfection of drinking water prevents waterborne diseases but can lead to the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), which are linked to an increased risk of cancer. This study examined the association between water source allocation and THM levels in Israel. A retrospective analysis of water quality reports, published by the Israeli Ministry of Health, was conducted, including only samples collected from the water distribution system between 2015 and 2024. To assess temporal and geographic variability, monthly and annual averages were calculated. Trends were evaluated using interrupted time series regression. Overall, 16,268 samples were included, with a study-wide mean THM level of 30.41 µg/L, mainly due to Bromoform. Elevated THM levels were observed in northern districts, particularly before 2020, with seasonal peaks in the summer months. After 2020, as surface water utilization increased, THM levels also rose in central Israel, with no discernible seasonal pattern. Southern regions, supplied mainly by desalinated water, showed consistently low levels. This analysis indicates that the water source influences THM formation, as increased surface-water use is associated with higher THM concentrations. Mixing surface and groundwater with desalinated water may reduce exposure in areas with high THM levels, highlighting the need for informed water management policies. Full article

Ensuring effective cleaning and disinfection (C/D) of operating room (OR) surfaces is essential for patient safety, yet available monitoring methods vary in performance and interpretation. This study aimed to assess changes associated with a multimodal intervention on C/D quality, compare the performance of four monitoring methods, and identify predictors of post-cleaning outcomes. A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted during 40 surgical procedures, totaling 1400 assessments across five high-touch surfaces. Monitoring included visual inspection, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence, microbiological culture (reference method), and a fluorescent marker. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated, and multivariable models were used to evaluate predictors of post-cleaning ATP levels. The methods showed distinct performance profiles: ATP demonstrated high specificity (93.9% and 86.7%) and accuracy (92.0% and 85.0%) but low sensitivity; visual inspection showed intermediate accuracy (62.0% and 44.0%); and the fluorescent marker demonstrated high sensitivity (100% in the first collection) but low specificity. The intervention period was associated with increased cleaning time and reduced post-cleaning ATP levels. Pre-cleaning ATP was the main predictor of post-cleaning ATP (p < 0.001), while surgical duration (p = 0.038) and surface type (p = 0.035) were associated in the second phase. These findings suggest that multimethod monitoring captures complementary dimensions of environmental hygiene and may support continuous quality improvement in surgical settings. Full article

Effective reprocessing of surgical instruments is essential to prevent healthcare-associated infections in the field of veterinary medicine. However, chemical disinfectants are frequently used as alternatives to sterilization in small animal clinics, particularly in resource-limited settings. This preliminary exploratory study evaluated routine chemical disinfection practices and residual bacterial contamination of surgical instruments in veterinary clinics in Veracruz, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten small animal veterinary clinics. Samples were collected from the surgical instruments and operative surfaces immediately after routine chemical disinfection. Bacterial isolation was performed using conventional culture methods, and microbial identification was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Descriptive analysis and Fisher’s exact test were used to explore the association between disinfectant category and bacterial contamination. Bacterial growth was detected in 19 of the 60 samples (31.6%). The identified microorganisms included Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Burkholderia species. Most clinics relied on low-level disinfectants, particularly benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Residual contamination was more commonly observed in clinics reporting the use of low-level disinfectants, particularly benzalkonium chloride-based products. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the exploratory observational design and limited sample size. These results suggest that routine chemical disinfection, particularly when low-level disinfectants are used, may not always achieve complete microbial elimination under real-world clinical conditions. Improved infection prevention and instrument reprocessing practices are required in veterinary clinical settings. From a One Health perspective, strengthening infection control measures in veterinary clinics may help reduce microbial circulation among animals, veterinary personnel, and the environment. Full article

Germicidal UV (GUV) technology, which utilizes light in the UV-C portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, has become a viable alternative to traditional chemical disinfectants to sanitize surfaces in the built environment. However, the degradation of polymers that have been exposed to UV-C light is a concern due to the potential change in structural integrity and visual appearance. The resistance to UV-C degradation is often tabulated in relative qualitative terms, making it rather difficult for designers to understand the implications of the choice of a material of construction. This study was initiated to develop a systematic, standardized method of exposing polymeric materials to UV-C light to ensure that the subsequent property measurements can be compared quantitatively. The exposure method is based on an apparatus that can be readily duplicated using commercially available materials and equipment. To demonstrate the proposed exposure framework, samples of six formulated polymer resins were exposed to three UV-C light sources with different peak wavelengths (KrCl excimer lamp [222 nm], low-pressure mercury lamp [254 nm], and LED lamp [280 nm]). Exposures were conducted at five independent laboratories, and subsequent property testing was performed at multiple facilities using established materials-characterization methods. This coordinated approach enables comparative evaluation of material responses across UV-C source types, wavelengths, and dose levels, providing a practical foundation for developing standardized exposure methodologies and informing future formulation development efforts. Post-exposure testing included quantifying changes in optical, mechanical, and physical properties, including color, gloss, reflectivity, spectral transmittance (haze), flammability, tensile strength, and elastic modulus. These measurements were conducted using established laboratory methods commonly employed throughout the polymer and materials industries. Together, these results provide a comparative dataset illustrating how polymer properties respond to coordinated UV-C exposure conditions, supporting the development of standardized approaches for evaluating material durability in germicidal UV applications. Full article

Inadequate surface sanitization represents a significant risk to sterility assurance and regulatory compliance. Therefore, an effective cleaning and disinfection program is a critical component of contamination control strategies in pharmaceutical facilities manufacturing sterile medicinal products. This study aimed to standardize a carrier-based methodology for evaluating the efficacy of disinfectants against in-house environmental isolates recovered from a pharmaceutical industry facility. Nine representative strains were selected from five different groups—Gram-positive non-spore-forming bacteria (Micrococcus luteus and Kocuria spp.), Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria (two Bacillus spp. strains), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter haemolyticus), yeasts (Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), and filamentous fungus (Penicillium spp.)—based on historical environmental monitoring data (2012–2022), and were characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and molecular sequencing (16S rRNA or D2 LSU rDNA). Disinfectant efficacy was assessed on stainless-steel and low-density polyethylene surfaces using NF T 72-281:2014 with adaptations, testing alcohol 70%, sodium hypochlorite 0.5%, quaternary ammonium 0.05%, peracetic acid 0.5%, and accelerated hydrogen peroxide wipes. All agents demonstrated ≥5 log₁₀ reductions against vegetative bacteria and fungi on both surfaces. However, variable sporicidal performance was observed, particularly for one Bacillus cereus group strain (B1342/15), which showed limited viability reduction on stainless steel. These findings highlight inter-strain variability and the greater tolerance of surface-associated spores. The study reinforces the importance of carrier-based testing using in-house isolates to ensure realistic validation of disinfectants and to strengthen microbiological risk management within pharmaceutical contamination control strategies. Full article

Background: While equine patient-mediated introduction of A. baumannii into hospital settings has been documented, its environmental dissemination and the risk of hospital-acquired surgical site infection remain poorly understood. Objective: Therefore, this descriptive observational study examined (a) the environmental distribution of Acinetobacter spp. in an equine university hospital, (b) the impact of the implementation of new hygiene protocols, (c) the specification of resistance patterns, and (d) the evaluation of the presence of Acinetobacter spp. in hospital-acquired wound infections. Methods: During three sampling periods, environmental samples of the stables, the treatment, and surgery areas were collected before and after cleaning and disinfection. After sampling period 1 (December 2021), the cleaning routines were optimized by reviewing the cleaning and disinfection process, as well as including further surfaces in the cleaning schedule for January 2022). This was followed by a second (February 2022) and a third (June 2022) sampling period. During sampling periods 1 and 2, 76 surfaces were sampled; in sampling period 3, only 21 critical surfaces were examined. Samples were cultured on selective agar plates and incubated at 37 °C, with bacterial growth evaluated after 24–48 h. Wound swabs were enriched in broth before culturing. Bacteria were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. During the first sampling period, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using broth microdilution according to CLSI-vet standards. Results: During each sampling period, Acinetobacter spp. was detected in at least one sample in each of the different areas; however, there was a reduced detection rate from sampling period 1 throughout sampling period 3. The isolates were highly resistant against beta-lactam and macrolide antibiotics but mostly sensitive to fluroquinolones (enrofloxacin, 2.2% resistance; marbofloxacin, 0.0% resistance), aminoglycosides (gentamicin, 6.5% resistance; kanamycin, 8.7% resistance), and tetracyclines. Acinetobacter spp. was not detected in surgical site infections. Conclusions: Environmental persistence of Acinetobacter spp. in an equine clinical setting does not necessarily translate into surgical site infections. Through prudent antibiotic use, the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates may be perceived. Full article

Plasma-pulse water treatment using a high-voltage underwater spark discharge is a reagent-free approach with potential for simultaneous disinfection and physicochemical modification of water. In this study, a laboratory-scale recirculating reactor (Vtot = 10 L) equipped with a storage capacitor of C = 0.25 μF was operated at U = 15–30 kV and a pulse repetition frequency of about 1.8 Hz to evaluate disinfection performance and system-level energy characteristics for two water matrices, surface wastewater and tap water. The corresponding calculated capacitor-stored energy ranged from 28.1 to 112.5 J per pulse. Microbiological and physicochemical measurements were performed in triplicate. At U = 30 kV, the total microbial count in wastewater decreased from approximately 1 × 10⁵ CFU/mL to below the method detection limit (LOD = 1 CFU/mL) within 2–3 min. For the 2 min/10 L operating mode, the system-level specific energy input was estimated at 6.7 kWh/m³. During the initial treatment period, temperature-compensated conductivity (σ25) decreased by 3–8%, depending on the water matrix, and then increased with prolonged treatment. These results show that the tested reactor can provide rapid reagent-free reduction in culturable microflora under the studied conditions. However, plasma-pulse treatment should be regarded primarily as an advanced treatment, polishing, or pre-treatment option for complex water matrices rather than as a universal replacement for conventional large-volume disinfection technologies. Full article

The appearance of a historical metal object and the presence of corrosion products on its surface are not always decisive for assessing the corrosion state of the object. A simple, fast, and instrumentally undemanding technique for measuring the corrosion rate of corroded lead is linear polarization resistance. Its value, determined in a non-aggressive electrolyte, tap water, is able to distinguish between a corrosion-active and corrosion-stable state. While the corrosion-active state is characterized by polarization resistance values in the order of tenths of Ω·m², the stable state is characterized by values exceeding 1 Ω·m². Lead acetates formed by reaction with volatile acetic acid, although present in very small quantities that are difficult to detect by XRD, are the cause of increased corrosion rate of lead in the presence of moisture. Acetates can be rapidly transformed into stable carbonates by exposing the object to moistened carbon dioxide. The polarization resistance measured in tap water showed considerable decrease in the corrosion rate of lead after stabilization with carbon dioxide. In contrast, thermal treatment at temperatures up to 70 °C is not as effective in terms of stabilization. Stabilization treatment of historical lead objects with carbon dioxide can be part of an ethoxene disinfection procedure. Full article

Current antibacterial sprays face major limitations, including rapid evaporation, short-lived efficacy, skin irritation, and poor adhesion to surfaces, highlighting an urgent need for a durable and biocompatible alternative. To address these challenges, we developed a ZIF-8-based spray (ZNS-WO20) composed of ZIF-8 nanoparticles dispersed in 50% ethanol and 20% OTES. OTES acts as a dispersant and binder, enabling wash-resistant coatings on gauze and glass. ZIF-8 exhibits pH-responsive Zn²⁺ release, achieving nearly 100% killing of S. aureus, E. coli, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) at 160 μg/mL through intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The spray maintains >95% antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus after five washing cycles and seven days of outdoor exposure, and causes no dermal irritation in rats. This work fills the gap for a long-lasting, skin-friendly antibacterial spray, showing promise for healthcare disinfection and surface protection. Full article

Microbial contamination of fresh fruits remains a major food safety concern due to the ability of pathogenic bacteria to persist on fruit surfaces during storage. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of ExAF-E1, a postbiotic formulation derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains UTNGt28L and UTNGt2, against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli L1PEag1 and Staphylococcus epidermidis L4MStp5 on goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.). Fruits were artificially contaminated, treated, and stored for 7 days at room temperature (RT) and refrigerated (4 °C), with analyses conducted in quadruplicate. At RT, ExAF-E1 significantly reduced total aerobic counts (TAC) and pathogen loads (p < 0.05), achieving early reductions of ~0.4–0.5 log CFU/g in TAC and ~1.0–1.5 log CFU/g in pathogens, with inhibition maintained through day 7. In contrast, the commercial disinfectant (CD) showed transient reductions, with microbial levels not significantly different from the control at later stages (p > 0.05). Under refrigeration, ExAF-E1 produced greater and persistent reductions, reaching ~1.0–1.2 log CFU/g in TAC and ~1.5–2.5 log CFU/g in pathogens by day 7 (p < 0.05), whereas CD exhibited strong initial reductions followed by partial regrowth. Fruit quality parameters (pH, TA, TSS, TPC, AOX, AAC) were not significantly affected by treatments (p > 0.05). Ultrastructural analyses using transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed disruption of bacterial cell envelope integrity, including membrane damage, cytoplasmic leakage, and morphological deformation. These findings demonstrate that ExAF-E1 provides rapid and sustained antimicrobial activity under both storage conditions while preserving fruit quality, supporting its application as a postharvest strategy for improving the microbial safety of fresh produce. Full article

Low-temperature atmospheric plasma (LTP) is widely used in industrial processes, such as disinfection, surface modification and wastewater treatment. The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is regarded as one of the most robust and reliable methods for generating LTP in ambient air. Compared to conventional AC excitation, pulsed powering offers several advantages (i.e., lower energy use and heat production). The present trend is to use short and fast pulses (in the nano- and picosecond range). In this review, the key design parameters of a DBD (barrier thickness, relative permittivity and gap distance) are discussed. Material-specific phenomena like surface charging and degradation are analyzed. The complex interactions between the pulse source and DBD are examined. By mapping the interdependencies, this review aims to support the rational design and optimization of pulsed DBD systems, and to facilitate their broader industrial use. Full article