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Alidokht L, Fitzpatrick K, Butler C, Hunsucker KZ, Braga C, Maza WA, Fears KP, Arekhi M, Lanzarini-Lopes M. UV emitting glass: A promising strategy for biofilm inhibition on transparent surfaces. Biofilm 2024; 7:100186. [PMID: 38495771 PMCID: PMC10940134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine biofouling causes serious environmental problems and has adverse impacts on the maritime industry. Biofouling on windows and optical equipment reduces surface transparency, limiting their application for on-site monitoring or continuous measurement. This work illustrates that UV emitting glasses (UEGs) can prevent the establishment and growth of biofilm on the illuminated surfaces. Specifically, this paper describes how UEGs are enabled by innovatively modifying the surfaces of the glass with light scattering particles. Modification of glass surface with silica nanoparticles at a concentration 26.5 μg/cm2 resulted in over ten-fold increase in UV irradiance, while maintaining satisfactory visible and IR transparency metrics of over 99 %. The UEG reduced visible biological growth by 98 % and resulted in a decrease of 1.79 log in detected colony forming units when compared to the control during a 20 day submersion at Port Canaveral, Florida, United States. These findings serve as strong evidence that UV emitting glass should be explored as a promising approach for biofilm inhibition on transparent surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Alidokht
- Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Katrina Fitzpatrick
- Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Caitlyn Butler
- Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Kelli Z. Hunsucker
- Center for Corrosion and Biofouling Control, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - Cierra Braga
- Center for Corrosion and Biofouling Control, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - William A. Maza
- Chemistry Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kenan P. Fears
- Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marieh Arekhi
- Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Mariana Lanzarini-Lopes
- Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA
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Wang P, Zhang N, Miao T, Chan JPT, Huang H, Lee PKH, Li Y. Surface touch network structure determines bacterial contamination spread on surfaces and occupant exposure. J Hazard Mater 2021; 416:126137. [PMID: 34492926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Fomites are known to spread infectious diseases, but their role in determining transmission risk remains unclear. The association of surface touch networks (STNs), proposed to explain this risk, with real-life surface contamination has not yet been demonstrated. To construct STNs, we collected surface touch data from 23 to 26 scholars through 2 independent experiments conducted in office spaces for 13 h each. In parallel, a tracer bacterium (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) was spread by a designated carrier in each experiment during normal activities; the subsequent extent of surface contamination was assessed using qPCR. The touch data were also analyzed using an agent-based model that predicted the observed contamination. Touching public (door handles) and hidden public (desks, chair seatbacks) surfaces that connected occupants, sparse hand-to-hand contact, and active carriers contributed significantly to contamination spread, which was also correlated with the size of the social group containing carriers. The natural and unsupervised experiments reflected realistic exposure levels of mouths (1-10 ppm of total contamination spread by one root carrier), nostrils (~1 ppm), and eyes (~0.1 ppm). We conclude that the contamination degree of known and hidden public surfaces can indicate fomite exposure risk. The social group effect could trigger superspreading events through fomite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peihua Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Te Miao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jack P T Chan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Institute of Public Safety Research, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Patrick K H Lee
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Whiteley GS, Glasbey TO, Fahey PP. Using a simplified ATP algorithm to improve data reliability and improve cleanliness standards for surface and medical device hygiene. Infect Dis Health 2021; 27:3-9. [PMID: 34391730 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An algorithm has been improved to mitigate variability in cleanliness measurements of various surfaces using rapid Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing. A cleaning intervention step (CIS) verifies the cleanability of those surfaces. METHODS ATP testing was performed on surfaces which were pre-approved as "clean" and ready for re-use. Adjacent (duplicate) ATP sampling was undertaken on 421 environmental surfaces, medical devices and other implements. The CIS was conducted on 270 surfaces using an aseptic technique and disposable cleaning wipes. RESULTS The two initial ATP results were plotted against each other with a 100 RLU threshold grading the results as clean (2x < 100RLU), dirty (2x > 100RLU) or equivocal (1x < 100RLU and 1x > 100RLU). Of the surfaces sampled, 68.5 % were clean (288/421), 13.5 % were dirty (57/421) and 18 % were equivocal (76/421). The duplicate testing demonstrated a false negative rate of 10 % (44/421) where the first swab was <100 RLU and the second swab >100 RLU. For the equivocal group, the gap between the two swabs was >100 RLU for 7.5 % of surfaces (33/421). The CIS was conducted on 270 of the surfaces tested and showed that cleaning could be improved (P=<0.001) on 88.5 % of surfaces (239/270). CONCLUSION The simplified ATP testing algorithm provides real-time discrimination between surface cleanliness levels and improved certainty over surface hygiene. The duplicate swab sampling approach mitigates uncontrolled variability in the results and the CIS provides a nuanced understanding of the measurable cleanliness of any surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg S Whiteley
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia; Whiteley Corporation, Western Sydney University, Australia.
| | - Trevor O Glasbey
- Whiteley Corporation, Western Sydney University, Australia; Macquarie University, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - Paul P Fahey
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Australia
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Lei H, Jones RM, Li Y. Quantifying the relative impact of contact heterogeneity on MRSA transmission in ICUs - a modelling study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:6. [PMID: 31900118 PMCID: PMC6942315 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An efficient surface cleaning strategy would first target cleaning to surfaces that make large contributions to the risk of infections. Methods In this study, we used data from the literature about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and developed an ordinary differential equations based mathematical model to quantify the impact of contact heterogeneity on MRSA transmission in a hypothetical 6-bed intensive care unit (ICU). The susceptible patients are divided into two types, these who are cared by the same nurse as the MRSA infected patient (Type 1) and these who are not (Type 2). Results The results showed that the mean MRSA concentration on three kinds of susceptible patient nearby surfaces was significantly linearly associated with the hand-touch frequency (p < 0.05). The noncompliance of daily cleaning on patient nearby high-touch surfaces (HTSs) had the most impact on MRSA transmission. If the HTSs were not cleaned, the MRSA exposure to Type 1 and 2 susceptible patients would increase 118.4% (standard deviation (SD): 33.0%) and 115.4% (SD: 30.5%) respectively. The communal surfaces (CSs) had the least impact, if CSs were not cleaned, the MRSA exposure to Type 1 susceptible patient would only increase 1.7% (SD: 1.3). The impact of clinical equipment (CE) differed largely for two types of susceptible patients. If the CE was not cleaned, the exposure to Type 1 patients would only increase 8.4% (SD: 3.0%), while for Type 2 patients, it can increase 70.4% (SD: 25.4%). Conclusions This study provided a framework to study the pathogen concentration dynamics on environmental surfaces and quantitatively showed the importance of cleaning patient nearby HTSs on controlling the nosocomial infection transmission via contact route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Zhejiang Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Lin An, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Rachael M Jones
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Yuguo Li
- Zhejiang Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Lin An, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
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Tršan M, Vehovc M, Seme K, Srčič S. Evaluation of ATP bioluminescence for monitoring surface hygiene in a hospital pharmacy cleanroom. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 168:105785. [PMID: 31770539 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.105785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The usefulness of the ATP bioluminescence method for monitoring surface hygiene was evaluated in a hospital pharmacy cleanroom. The sensitivity of the method was found to be appropriate for assessing the efficiency of cleaning and disinfection. ATP bioluminescence was superior to the traditional microbiological culture-based method for detecting unclean surfaces (p < .05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Tršan
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana Pharmacy, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Department, Zaloška cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Matej Vehovc
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana Pharmacy, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Department, Zaloška cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Katja Seme
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Zaloška cesta 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Stanko Srčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cleaning and disinfection in healthcare facilities is essential to ensure patient safety. This review examines practical strategies used to assess and improve the effectiveness of daily and post-discharge manual cleaning in healthcare facilities. RECENT FINDINGS Effective implementation of cleaning interventions requires objective monitoring of staff performance with regular feedback on performance. Use of fluorescent markers to assess thoroughness of cleaning and measurement of residual ATP can provide rapid and objective feedback to personnel and have been associated with improved cleaning. Direct observation of cleaning and interviews with front-line staff are useful to identify variations and deficiencies in practice that may not be detected by other methods. Although not recommended for routine monitoring, cultures can be helpful for outbreak investigations. Monitoring and feedback can be effective in improving cleaning and disinfection in healthcare facilities. Ongoing commitment within institutions is needed to sustain successful cleaning and disinfection programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Deshpande
- Department of Medicine, Medicine Institute Center for Value Based Care Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Curtis J Donskey
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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Scott E. Community-based infections and the potential role of common touch surfaces as vectors for the transmission of infectious agents in home and community settings. Am J Infect Control 2013; 41:1087-92. [PMID: 23973421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Community-based pathogens that can survive on common touch surfaces include those that can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections. Our hands play an obvious role in the transmission of many of these pathogens, but common touch surfaces are also part of the transmission equation. Traditionally, common touch surfaces have not been the main focus of cleaning and sanitation in household and community settings. Infectious disease continues to be of concern globally due in part to emergence of new pathogens, antibiotic-resistant organisms, and a growing immunocompromised community. As a result, it is important to prevent and minimize the infection risk in homes and in the community. Understanding the role of common touch surfaces should inform surface hygiene practices and these surfaces should be the subject of future intervention studies.
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