Hierarchical ZnO nano-spines grown on a carbon fiber seed layer for efficient VOC removal and airborne virus and bacteria inactivation.

Air purification through fiber-based filters has become a fundamental requirement for air contamination control. However, conventional filters depend on polymeric fibrous filters with adequate particulate matter removal ability but fewer degassing and biocidal effects. This study presents the photocatalytic volatile organic compound (VOC) oxidation and antimicrobial properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-spines sprouted activated-carbon nanofibers (I@ZnO/ACNFs) and their potential for air contamination control and infection prevention. By developing a novel technique that can induce phase separation of inorganic salts during electrospinning, nanofibers with zinc (Zn) components concentrated on the surface could be synthesized. I@ZnO/ACNFs exhibit a surface densely covered with high aspect-ratio ZnO nano-spines with significant lethality to airborne pathogens and enhanced photocatalytic activity toward VOCs. Moreover, excellent adhesion stability of ZnO to ACNFs under rapid airflow was observed in I@ZnO/ACNFs. In combination with intriguing antimicrobial activity and strong VOC removal capability derived from their unique morphology, novel I@ZnO/ACNFs hold potential for airborne microbial disinfection, effective and sustainable VOC purification, and the design of photomicrobicidal and photocatalytic materials.

COVID-19 and Abdominal Transplant: A Stepwise Approach to Practice During Pandemic Conditions.

BACKGROUND: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease has transformed innumerable aspects of medical practice, particularly in the field of transplantation. MAIN BODY: Here we describe a single-center approach to creating a generalizable, comprehensive, and graduated set of recommendations to respond in stepwise fashion to the challenges posed by these conditions, and the underlying principles guiding such decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Creation of a stepwise plan will allow transplant centers to respond in a dynamic fashion to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.