Potentiated inhibition of Trichoderma virens and other environmental fungi by new biocide combinations

Preparation of 3-Iodo-2-propargyl-butyl-carbamate-Loaded Microcapsules for Long-Term Mold Resistance in Bamboo

Bamboo, recognized as a nutrient-dense biomass material, exhibits a high susceptibility to mold infestations, which can result in discoloration and a notable decrease in longevity, thereby posing potential health risks to humans. In this study, melamine-formaldehyde resin (MFR) was utilized to load 3-iodo-2-propargyl-butyl-carbamate (IPBC) via in situ polymerization, resulting in the preparation of microcapsules suitable for anti-mold protection of bamboo. The mold resistance of Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride, and Penicillium citrinum were evaluated. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) were used to characterize and analyze the formation process, surface morphology, structural composition, and thermal stability of the microcapsules. The effects of different surfactants (Span 80, Tween 80, SDBS, SDS, GA) on the microscopic morphology of the anti-mold microcapsules were investigated. The results show that microcapsules prepared with Tween 80 as the surfactant exhibited good mold resistance. After coating MFR with IPBC, the drug loading of I-MFR is 20%, with an encapsulation efficiency of 80%, demonstrating excellent anti-mold performance. The microcapsules show favorable anti-mold performance and have broad application prospects in bamboo protection.

Enhanced bactericidal performance of textiles through compound antimicrobial agents

This study aims to explore the essential functional requirements associated with controlling the proliferation of microbes in the domain of textiles used in public health areas. Herein, three antimicrobial agents, specifically iodopropylbutylcarbamate (IPBC), 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thioketone zinc (ZPT), and 2-octyl-3-isothiazolinone (OIT), were chosen for fabric finishing based on their notable effectiveness, minimal toxicity, cost-efficiency, and chemical stability. Utilizing Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as representative bacterial strains, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC50) of individual and combined antimicrobial agents was measured, and their antimicrobial effectiveness was rigorously evaluated. Concurrently, the antimicrobial effectiveness, whiteness, and mechanical durability of the fabric following antimicrobial treatment were thoroughly examined. The results demonstrate that some combinations of the three antimicrobial agents elicit additive effects on both S. aureus and E. coli. Notably, at an equivalent ratio of IPBC, ZPT, and OIT and a total concentration of 0.2 wt. %, the inhibition rates against both bacterial strains surpass 99%. Upon application to nylon fabric, the treated material demonstrates significant antimicrobial properties, with minimal reduction observed in the whiteness and tensile strength of the treated nylon. This study provides practicable strategies relevant to the production of textiles endowed with antimicrobial properties.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of iodinated hydrocarbons against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus

Food-related illnesses have become a growing public concern due to their considerable socioeconomic and medical impacts. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus have been implicated as causative organisms of food-related infections and poisoning, and both can form biofilms which confer antibiotic resistance. Hence, the need for continuous search for compounds with antibiofilm and antivirulence properties. In this study, 22 iodinated hydrocarbons were screened for their antibiofilm activity, and of these, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) was found to effectively control biofilm formation of both pathogens with a MIC of 50 µg/mL which was bactericidal to V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus. Microscopic studies confirmed IPBC inhibits biofilm formation of both bacteria and also disrupted their mixed biofilm formation. Furthermore, IPBC suppressed virulence activities such as motility and hemolytic activity of V. parahaemolyticus and the cell surface hydrophobicity of S. aureus. It exhibited a preservative potential against both pathogens in a shrimp model. IPBC disrupted the cell membrane of S. aureus and V. parahaemolyticus and differentially affected gene expressions related to biofilm formation and virulence. Additionally, it displayed broad-spectrum antibiofilm activities against other clinically relevant pathogens. These findings indicate IPBC offers a potential means of controlling infections mediated by Vibrio and Staphylococcus biofilms.

Antimicrobial coatings for environmental surfaces in hospitals: a potential new pillar for prevention strategies in hygiene

Recent reports provide evidence that contaminated healthcare environments represent major sources for the acquisition and transmission of pathogens. Antimicrobial coatings (AMC) may permanently and autonomously reduce the contamination of such environmental surfaces complementing standard hygiene procedures. This review provides an overview of the current status of AMC and the demands to enable a rational application of AMC in health care settings. Firstly, a suitable laboratory test norm is required that adequately quantifies the efficacy of AMC. In particular, the frequently used wet testing (e.g. ISO 22196) must be replaced by testing under realistic, dry surface conditions. Secondly, field studies should be mandatory to provide evidence for antimicrobial efficacy under real-life conditions. The antimicrobial efficacy should be correlated to the rate of nosocomial transmission at least. Thirdly, the respective AMC technology should not add additional bacterial resistance development induced by the biocidal agents and co- or cross-resistance with antibiotic substances. Lastly, the biocidal substances used in AMC should be safe for humans and the environment. These measures should help to achieve a broader acceptance for AMC in healthcare settings and beyond. Technologies like the photodynamic approach already fulfil most of these AMC requirements.