ABSTRACT
Due to the corona pandemic, the demand for efficient and fast-acting disinfection measures is high. In this work, the disinfecting potential of a dry fogging technology (Apollon Biotech GmbH, Germany) was investigated for the possibility of disinfection of vehicles for passenger transport. This could represent a new approach for processing emergency vehicles or local passenger transport vehicles quickly and cost-effectively. A public bus was used as a model for a passenger transport vehicle (Ferienfahrschule Hense GbR, Germany). This vehicle was tested at predetermined points before and after dry-fog disinfection with swab and contact plate samples. In addition, contaminated sample tiles (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538;5x104 CFU) were placed at some locations in order to be able to record a standardized germ reduction. To determine the decontamination effect of the air in the vehicle, active airborne germ measurements were performed. In the airborne germ measurement, our results indicated a reduction of approx. 68% of the microbiological air contamination. Screening of the total contamination of the bus at several selected sites showed an average load of approximately 348 CFU per test site. After disinfection, the average bacterial count was reduced to approx. 18 CFU per test site. This disinfecting effect could also be shown with the standardized test tiles. An efficiency level of between log 0.8 and 3.7 was obtained at the various test sites. © 2022 The Author(s), published by De Gruyter.
ABSTRACT
The risk of infection from contaminated surfaces has already been shown in several publications. Due to the increased demand for optimized infection control measures during the Corona pandemic, antimicrobial surface technologies have gained more an interest. Apart from many proofs of efficacy, there are only a few studies dealing with the durability of these surface coatings with regard to the material and the reprocessing measures. This work did therefore examine the impact of different materials and surface textures, as well as different detergents and disinfectants, on the durability of antimicrobial surface technologies. Differently structured materials (glass, wood, plastics, metal) and wallpaper bonded to plasterboard were coated with an TiO2Ag based antimicrobial coating (HECOSOL GmbH, Bamberg). These test samples are then used to perform abrasion tests with various cleaning and disinfecting agents and cloth systems (microfiber cloth, cotton cloth, foam cloth). The majority of the test samples in our experimental setup showed at least significant activity. According to our results, both the selection of cleaning and disinfection methods including wiping systems and the surface material have a major impact on the durability of antimicrobial coatings. In order to be able to come to conclusions about the long-term activity of these surface technologies, the effectiveness should be tested not only during the development phase, but also in the finished product and again after several reprocessing cycles in use. © 2021 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston.
ABSTRACT
Introduction The risk of infection from contaminated surfaces has already been demonstrated in several publications. Due to the increased demand for optimized hygiene measures during the Corona pandemic, antimicrobial surface technologies have become more important. Apart from many proofs of efficacy, there are only a few studies dealing with the durability of these surface coatings with regard to the material and the reprocessing measures.This work will therefore examine the influence of different materials and surface textures, as well as different detergents and disinfectants, on the durability of antimicrobial surface technologies. Methods Differently structured Wallpaper bonded to plasterboard was coated with an TiO2Ag based antimicrobial coating (HECOSOL GmbH, Bamberg). These test samples are then used to perform abrasion tests with various cleaning and disinfecting agents and cloth systems (microfiber cloth, cotton cloth, foam cloth). To determine the durability of the coating, the test samples are microbiologically contaminated in a standard procedure and the remaining antimicrobial activity is determined. Results The abrasion tests with various cleaning agents, disinfectants and wipe systems showed an influence of the material and the preparation on the antimicrobial efficacy. The majority of the test samples in our experimental setup showed at least slight efficacy. Even a strong remaining efficacy could be shown at 5 out of 47 tested samples. However, no residual antimicrobial activity could be detected in a further five of the test samples. Conclusion According to our results, both the choice of cleaning and disinfection methods and wiping systems and the surfaces materials have a major impact on the durability of antimicrobial coatings. In order to be able to make a statement about the long-term activity of these surface technologies, the effectiveness should be tested not only in advance, but also in the finished product and again after several reprocessing cycles.
ABSTRACT
Introduction During to the Corona pandemic, hygiene and also novel technologies for disinfection come into focus. Due to the fact that a relatively large area can be disinfected in a short time, dry-fog disinfection could have a great potential here. However, there are few studies to date on the effectiveness and combinability of this technology with other devices. In this work, the disinfecting potential of the TBT dry fogging technology (TBT Desinfektion GmbH & Co. KG, Germany) and the corresponding disinfectant Defeat AR (Biofluid GmbH, Germany) with regard to microbiological contamination and potential damaging effects on different devices will be examined. Methods In a first step TBT dry-fog method for decontaminating microbiological contamination is tested in an experimental setup. Ceramic tiles are soiled with a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and distributed at predetermined points in the room. In order to determine the effectiveness of the method, additional covered test samples are placed in the same way. An active air sampling is also performed before and after the decontamination cycle to determine the air decontamination properties. Technical/electronic sample parts are placed and are intended to show a possible effect of the process on the equipment. Results In the airborne germ measurement, this effect was a reduction of approx. 66% of the microbiological room contamination. This germ-reducing effect could be shown at all measuring points. Similarly, decontamination of the surfaces was shown to be effective at all measuring points in the test setup we selected. Based on the calculated maximum contamination of 5x105 CFU, the fogging achieved an efficiency of >3 log on some of these surfaces. However, this decontaminating effect depends on the accessibility of the surfaces. In addition, a first test run showed that technical equipment was impaired by the process. Conclusion Our results could confirm the general antibacterial efficacy of the fogging technology. However, there were strong differences in efficacy depending on the accessibility of the test samples for the fog. The test procedure must also be refined in order to be able to accurately determine the actual germ reduction by means of dilution levels. Likewise, the impairing effect of the process on technical equipment should be considered and investigated in more detail.