Reliability and Lifetime of a Novel 222-nm KrCl Excilamp

Recent studies in the epidermis have shown that Far-UVC (200-230nm) is a promising candidate against Novel Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) with little DNA damage. Due to the consideration that conventional Far-UVC KrCl excilamps may emit 200-230 nm radiation (typically 222-nm peak wavelength) but with some harmful UV radiation beyond 230 to 280 nm, a novel design of Far-UVC KrCl excilamps with the filter and reflector is introduced to reduce the harmful UV radiation from 10.9% to 2.5% at the cost of 30%~40% reduction in the total irradiance. In our study, the radiant characteristics and service life of the novel Far-UVC KrCl excilamps of 40~75 Watt (electrical power) with 222-nm peak wavelength were investigated. The service life was assessed under aging at the ambient temperatures (Ta) of 25 and 85 for 500 hours, respectively. The results showed that both the ambient temperature and the root mean square of current (Irms) into the excilamps have a substantial effect on the lifetime of the KrCl excilamps. Furthermore, although no significant change of the off-nominal emission ratio existed during the lifetime test, it was observed that the high ambient temperature has a negative effect on the filtering of the harmful radiation. © 2023 IEEE.

Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity evaluation, and molecular docking with DNA, bovine serum albumin, and SARS-Cov-2 of copper complexes bearing tris-(2-pyridyl)-pyrazolyl borate ligand

Four copper (II) complexes bearing tris-(2-pyridyl)-pyrazolyl borate (Tppy) ligand with corresponding chloride (Cu-1), aqua (Cu-2), azide (Cu-3), and thiocyanide (Cu-4) substitutions were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Spectroscopic and molecular docking studies were employed to investigate the interactions of these complexes with calf thymus (CT) DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The results inferred intercalation binding mode of the complexes with DNA. All the complexes exhibited good binding with BSA as well. In addition, the binding efficacy of the Cu (II) complexes with SARS-Cov-2 was tested in silico. Further, in vitro anticancer activity of the complexes was investigated against the HeLa-cervical, HepG2-liver and A549-lung cancer, and one normal (L929-fibroblast) cell line. IC50 values unveiled that the complexes were more active than cisplatin against all three cancer cells. It was understood that complex Cu-3 containing azide substitution displayed the highest activity on the HeLa cell line (IC50 = 6.3 μM). More importantly, TppyCu (II) complexes were not active against the normal cell line. Lastly, the acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining assays indicated that Cu-3 induced cell death in HeLa cells at the late apoptotic stage. This complex also efficiently generated ROS in HeLa cells promoting apoptosis as understood from the DCFH-DA assay. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An Automated Patient Bed Cleaner Using UV Rays

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious illness due to serious respiratory trouble. It is impacted numerous humans and has asserted the living expectancy of a greater number of persons from all over the planet. The maturation period of this virus, on typically about 5-6 days but it might also be up to 2 weeks. Throughout this period, the individual may not feel any indications but could still be transmissible. A person could develop this disease if he/ she inhales the virus while a diseased person/ virus carrier within close vicinity sneezes or coughs otherwise tapping an infected place in addition to afterward again his/ her eyes, nose or mouth. To prevent this, the region of the COVID-19 patient must be decontaminated with virucidal disinfectants, such as and 0.05% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and ethanol-based products (at least 70%) an optional technique used is UV light sterilization. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technology is used to help reduce micro-organisms that can remain on surfaces after basic sprinkling to the minimum amount. The proposed work has established an UV robot or UV bot to perform decontamination in an operating room or in-patients room. Three 19.3-watt UV lights are positioned in a 360-degree circle on the UV bot platform. It used an integrated system based on a microprocessor and a metal frame to aid in navigation in a fixed path to avoid barriers. In addition, a sanitizer dispenser is also included to clean the viral organisms, which is spread through the water droplets of the patient. © 2022 IEEE.

Toxicity of the disinfectant benzalkonium chloride (C14) towards cyanobacterium Microcystis results from its impact on the photosynthetic apparatus and cell metabolism

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used in a variety of consumer and commercial products, typically as a component of disinfectants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, QACs became one of the primary agents utilized to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces. However, the ecotoxicological effects of QACs upon aquatic organisms have not been fully assessed. In this study, we examined the effects of a widely used QAC (benzalkonium chloride-C14, BAC-14) on two toxigenic Microcystis strains and one non-toxigenic freshwater Microcystis strain and carried out an analysis focused on primary, adaptive and compensatory stress responses at apical (growth and photosynthesis) and metabolic levels. This analysis revealed that the two toxic Microcystis strains were more tolerant than the non-toxic strain, with 96 hr-EC50 values of 0.70, 0.76, and 0.38 mg/L BAC-14 for toxigenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-905, toxigenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-469, and non-toxigenic M. wesenbergii FACHB-908, respectively. The photosynthetic activities of the Microcystis, assessed via Fv/Fm values, were significantly suppressed under 0.4 mg/L BAC-14. Furthermore, this analysis revealed that BAC-14 altered 14, 12, and 8 metabolic pathways in M. aeruginosa FACHB-905, M. aeruginosa FACHB-469, and M. wesenbergii FACHB-908, respectively. It is noteworthy that BAC-14 enhanced the level of extracellular microcystin production in the toxigenic Microcystis strains, although cell growth was not significantly affected. Collectively, these data show that BAC-14 disrupted the physiological and metabolic status of Microcystis cells and stimulated the production and release of microcystin, which could result in damage to aquatic systems. © 2022

Mass transfer effects on mucus fluid in the presence of chemical reaction

The mucus fluid vehicle is impacted by the synthetic response that changes the physical science of liquid due to the thickness of the bodily fluid. Additionally, various issues in the respiratory system might happen because of bodily fluid adequacy. A central point of transportation of immunizations to forestall COVID-19 is the concentration level expected during movement, stockpiling, and dispersion. The current review stated that mucus fluid transportation is restrained through magnetic force originating due to heat variation. Permeable channel over respiratory disease and chemicals due to mass reaction–diffusion variation. The bodily fluid development is surveyed by the force, energy, and diffusion condition influence of body powers because of attractive field, source of heat cause of thermal conduction, resistance due to disease chemical reaction cause of concentration profile. The nonlinear arrangement of incomplete differential conditions is addressed by the Laplace transform technique, and MATLAB programming outcomes are initiated for momentum, temperature, and diffusion fields and inferred that the bodily fluid stream decelerates due to magnetic force. The skin friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and the microorganism's thickness are assessed and explained exhaustively. Furthermore, microorganisms are occupied in different elements to survey the mucus fluid mechanism. © 2022

CO2-mediated thermal treatment of disposable plastic food containers

In accordance with global economic prosperity, the frequencies of food delivery and takeout orders have been increasing. The pandemic life, specifically arising from COVID-19, rapidly expanded the food delivery service. Thus, the massive generation of disposable plastic food containers has become significant environmental problems. Establishing a sustainable disposal platform for plastic packaging waste (PPW) of food delivery containers has intrigued particular interest. To comprise this grand challenge, a reliable thermal disposable platform has been suggested in this study. From the pyrolysis process, a heterogeneous plastic mixture of PPW was converted into syngas and value-added hydrocarbons (HCs). PPW collected from five different restaurants consisted of polypropylene (36.9 wt%), polyethylene (10.5 wt%), polyethylene terephthalate (18.1 wt%), polystyrene (13.5 wt%), polyvinyl chloride (4.2 wt%), and other composites (16.8 wt%). Due to these compositional complexities, pyrolysis of PPW led to formations of a variety of benzene derivatives and aliphatic HCs. Adapting multi-stage pyrolysis, the different chemicals were converted into industrial chemicals (benzene, toluene, styrene, etc.). To selectively convert HCs into syngas (H2 and CO), catalytic pyrolysis was adapted using supported Ni catalyst (5 wt% Ni/SiO2). Over Ni catalyst, H2 was produced as a main product due to C[sbnd]H bond scission of HCs. When CO2 was used as a co-reactant, HCs were further transformed to H2 and CO through the chemical reactions of CO2 with gas phase HCs. CO2-assisted catalytic pyrolysis also retarded catalyst deactivation inhibiting coke deposition on Ni catalyst. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

Electrochemical oxidation of the increasingly used disinfectant benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a key ingredient in many cleaning and disinfectant products due to it being an effective antiviral and biocidal agent. Because of its prolific use, especially following the recent global COVID pandemic, increased levels of BAC have been found in the environment, in particular, in wastewater, where it has negative impacts due to its toxicity. This necessitates an effective treatment for BAC in wastewater to reduce its toxicity. In this work, electrochemical oxidation of BAC on a boron-doped diamond anode was studied to successfully remove BAC. The electrochemical measurements performed at different current densities confirmed that BAC was completely oxidized within 20 min of treatment at 50 mA/cm2. However, chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements showed that around 50% of the initial BAC was completely mineralized after 1 h of degradation at 50 mA/cm2, while the remaining electrooxidation of BAC resulted in the production of transformation products. © 2023 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering.

Far UV-C radiation: An emerging tool for pandemic control

Far UV-C, informally defined as electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 200 and 230 nm, has characteristics that are well-suited to control of airborne pathogens. Specifically, Far UV-C has been shown to be highly effective for inactivation of airborne pathogens;yet this same radiation has minimal potential to cause damage to human skin and eye tissues. Critically, unlike UV-B, Far UV-C radiation does not substantially penetrate the dead cell layer of skin (stratum corneum) and does not reach germinative cells in the basal layer. Similarly, Far UV-C radiation does not substantially penetrate through corneal epithelium of the eye, thereby preventing exposure of germinative cells within the eye. The most common source of Far UV-C radiation is the krypton chloride excimer (KrCl*) lamp, which has a primary emission centered at 222 nm. Ozone production from KrCl* lamps is modest, such that control of indoor ozone from these systems can be accomplished easily using conventional ventilation systems. This set of characteristics offers the potential for Far UV-C devices to be used in occupied spaces, thereby allowing for improved effectiveness for inactivation of airborne pathogens, including those that are responsible for COVID-19. © 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Synthesis and performance evaluation of copper and magnesium-based metal organic framework supported ionic liquid membrane for CO2/N2 separation

The CO2 emission is enhancing drastically because of the continuous emission from industries and transport sector. Although the CO2 emission had decreased in the first half of 2020 by 8.8% due to COVID-19 restrictions however, it is again on the rise and it might exceed the estimated level in 2030. The current methods used for CO2 separation have serious operational and environmental constraints. To overcome these problems we have devised a supported ionic liquid membrane (SILM) incorporated with the blend of bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) of copper and magnesium ions (CuxMgx) and Trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride [P66614] [Cl] ionic liquid (IL). CuxMgx MOF were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). CuxMgx MOF with [P66614] [Cl] IL were immobilized on a flat sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Single gas permeation tests of membranes loaded with 0.2/0.8 wt/wt% MOF/IL solution showed the highest CO2 permeability of 2937 Barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 33.26. The performance of SILM was also investigated with different water loadings of (30 wt % and 50 wt %) in addition to MOF/IL solution and at different feed pressure varying from 0.5 to 2 bars. Membranes showed enhancement in CO2 permeability to 3738 and 4628 Barrer whereas CO2/N2 selectivity decreased to 23.53 and 21.8 with membranes loaded with 30 and 50 wt % water, respectively, at a feed pressure of 2 bar. The gas permeation results show that the incorporation of CuxMgx MOF with IL in polymeric membrane enhances the CO2/N2 separation under humid conditions but slightly decreases CO2/N2 selectivity with an increase in feed pressure. The SILM synthesized in this research is highly viable for industrial flue gases because of the incorporation of phosphonium-based ILs that have high thermal stability. © 2022

Adsorption of benzalkonium chlorides onto powdered activated carbon: mechanisms and detoxification

Because disinfectants have been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global demand for benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) has significantly increased. BACs can inactivate coronaviruses, but are known as toxic. In this study, we investigated the adsorption mechanisms of BAC12, BAC14, and BAC16 in water using powdered activated carbon (PAC). The effects of the reaction time, pH, and temperature on the adsorption kinetics of BACs were examined. The adsorption reaction followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and better fitted to the Langmuir isotherm than the Freundlich isotherm. The best adsorption of BACs was achieved at neutral pH conditions. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that adsorption of BACs onto PAC is a spontaneous and endothermic process. Competitive adsorption experiments revealed that BACs with longer alkyl chains were adsorbed more effectively onto PAC than shorter alkyl chain BACs, implying that, while the electrostatic interaction is an important adsorption mechanism for BAC12, van der Waals interaction plays a more important role during the adsorption of BAC14 and BAC16. Finally, we observed the partial detoxification (69%) BAC in adsorption treated water with PAC using a Microtox test. © 2022 Korean Society of Environmental Engineers.

The concept of multimodal prevention and treatment of new coronavirus infection COVID-19 by drug photosensitizers and photodynamic therapy on their basis

A study of antiviral low-dose photodynamic therapy with pharmacopoeia photosensitizers in the form of methylene blue and chloride E6 (Radachlorin) solutions in vitro demonstrated complete inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in suspension and protection of Vero E6 cells even 3.5 hours after their infection with coronavirus at concentrations of photosensitizers 100-1000 times lower than the recommended pharmacopoeia forms of these drugs. © 2022 IEEE.

Overview of the Cyclic Shear Deterioration of Circular Reinforced Concrete Columns due to Accelerated Corrosion

Reinforced concrete (RC) elements suffer continuous deterioration across their lifetime from in-situ aggressive environmental factors. Spiral reinforcing corrodes preferentially to longitudinal reinforcing, due to the smaller amount of protective cover concrete. Therefore, identifying the true shear resistance of a RC member in its deteriorated state is a critical component that must be addressed when assessing the seismic reliability of a structure. This research addresses the issue of chloride-induced corrosion damage in RC circular bridge piers, specifically focusing on the degradation rate of the seismic shear capacity. Twenty-two columns in total are to be tested in this experimental program. Three distinct damage levels are obtained through artificial corrosion simulation using two variations of the im-pressed-current technique. Effects of spiral spacing, diameter and volumetric ratio are also considered in this experimental work. Two current densities are induced: 200 μA/cm2 and 300 μA/cm2. Due to continual delays with Covid-19 restrictions, no results are yet available to discuss. © 2021, fib. The International Federation for Structural Concrete. All rights reserved.

Impact of Nationwide Lockdown During Covid-19 on Water Quality of Yamuna River in District Mathura (U. P.)

COVID-19 is a pandemic that affected the majority of countries of the world. After the COVID-19 outburst, the Indian Government declared the complete lockdown starting on the night of 24 March 2020. The lockdown period is in its 4th phase. In the recent year it has been very fascinating to remind that the behaviour in the environment is vastly optimistic and all layers of the earth are under the repairing mode during the lockdown. With these healing environments, the conditions of the Yamuna River water in Mathura (polluted river) have also been found to be upgrading. In this present concern, we work on the concentration of BOD, COD, pH, and other physicochemical parameters for the study, i.e. TDS, Chlorides, Alkalinity, Magnesium, Calcium, Fluoride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Hardness and Total Coliform of Yamuna River (Mathura), respectively, which was found to be reduced as compared to pre-lockdown concentration, i.e. 57, 57, 3.6, 11.7, 5.1, 7.4, 9.5, 4.2, 62.5, 14.8, 33.3, and 4.5%. In the present work, the water of Yamuna River was analysed during the lockdown phase in ITL Labs Pvt. Ltd., Delhi (India). Yamuna River showed a better quality of water during the lockdown. As per results and trend analysis, the value was reducing in this lockdown phase, which is a matter of concern. Major locations of Yamuna water sample collection are Mathura region, i.e. adjacent to the road 50 m from Adda village in Naujheel of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Sensitivity enhancement of microelectromechanical sensors using femtosecond laser for biological and chemical applications

Rapid, selective, and highly sensitive microelectromechanical sensors are a promising technology for biosensing, medical recognition, and the detection of chemical hazards. At the same time, the surfaces of silicon microcantilevers cannot bond with thiols and cannot be functionalized without a bonding layer, such as gold. Therefore, in past literature, the surfaces of silicon microcantilevers have been coated with gold to facilitate their bonding with the thiol functional groups on the probe layers. However, gold coating produces thermal noise in the results owing to the metallic effect. Accordingly, this study aimed to modify the surface of silicon microcantilevers by patterning it using femtosecond laser (FSL) micromachining so that it could bond with the thiol functional groups with high sensitivity. The surface patterning of silicon microcantilevers enhances their physical, micromechanical, and chemical properties, increasing sensitivity by increasing the quality factor, specific surface area, and creating trapping areas on the microcantilever surfaces. The surfaces of the silicon microcantilever were patterned by microgrooves aligned from the free end to the bounded end, with each microgroove comprising submicrogrooves. To demonstrate their use in a biosensing applications, the modified microcantilevers were functionalized to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2;COVID-19) by immobilizing thiolated oligonucleotides on the surfaces, which worked as the probe layer. The modified biosensor was used to detect low concentrations of SSDNA sequence targets ranging from 300 nM down to 100 pM. The modified silicon-microcantilever sensors were directly functionalized without a joining layer, such as a gold layer. The results revealed a selective response to SARS-CoV-2 SSDNA down to a 9-nM concentration. To detect hazardous chemicals, the modified microcantilever was functionalized using reduced L-cysteine to detect Pb2+ at low concentrations down to 100 pM. The results revealed enhanced sensitivity and selectivity and demonstrated that the FSL patterning activated the microcantilevers to bond with probe layers through the interaction of the silanol created on the surface with the functional groups, such as the thiols, on the probe layers. The microcantilevers patterned with 10 microgrooves exhibited higher responses than those patterned with seven microgrooves. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Disinfectant Synthesizer using Electrolysis for Automatic Utilization of Sanitation Kiosk

Wearing facemasks, face shields and social distancing are some of health protocols that are being imposed to lessen the risk of viral transmission specifically COVID 19. All establishments here in the Philippines build their own sanitation booths to ensure virus prevention. This study aims to address the issues regarding the use of chemical disinfectants and manually placing them in sanitation booths, and the ineffective manual ways of sanitizing individuals. This study is a design project adopting the developmental type of research method. Hypochlorous acid (HOCL) has a lot of potential as a disinfectant. In an electrolysis chamber with dilute salt and distilled water, HOCL can be made. The researchers design a device to automate the manufacturing of HOCL, which will be use as disinfectant, and automatically sanitize individuals with a safer and non-toxic disinfectant. The researchers prepared questionnaires to assess the acceptability of the device. The statistical tool used in the interpretation of data is weighted arithmetic mean. The major finding of this study is the ability of the device to convert distilled water and salt into disinfectant solution with the electrolysis process utilized, the duration of the process that will optimally convert it is 40 minutes, with accurate reading of analog pH sensor and lessen the exposure to each individual through the automation of the sanitation booth. For that reason, the researchers conclude that this design project provides a way to ensure virus prevention using automatic sanitation booth with disinfectant (HOCL) solution that offers more benefits over traditional sanitation methods. The overall acceptability rating of the design project is 4.46, interpreted as Very Good which shows that the device has high satisfaction. © 2021 IEEE.

Extended Downhole Protection by Preservative Biocides as Demonstrated in High Pressure, High Temperature Bioreactors

Preservative biocides are designed to control microbial growth and biogenic souring in the downhole environment. We report the prevention of biogenic souring by 4,4-dimethyloxazolidine (DMO, a preservative biocide) and glutaraldehyde as compared to that afforded by tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride (TTPC, a cationic surface-active biocide), in a first-of-its kind suite of High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) Bioreactors that simulate hydraulically fractured shale reservoirs. The design of these new bioreactors, which recreate the downhole environment (temperatures, pressures, formation solids, and frac additives) in a controlled laboratory environment, enables the evaluation of biocides under field-relevant conditions. The bioreactors receiving either no biocide treatment or treatment with a high concentration of TTPC (50 ppm active ingredient) rapidly soured within the first two weeks of shut-in, and all surpassed the maximum detectable level of H2S (343 ppm) after the addition of live microbes to the reactors. Conversely, a higher loading of DMO (150 pppm active ingredient) maintained H2S concentrations below the minimum dectable level (5 ppm) for six weeks, and held H2S concentrations to 10.3 +/- 5.2 ppm after fifteen weeks of shut-in and two post shut-in microbial rechallenges. In a second study, a lower concentration of DMO (50 ppm active ingredient) maintained H2S concentrations below the minimum detectable level through the addition of live microbes after three weeks, and H2S concentrations only registered above 10 ppm upon a second addition of live microbes after five weeks. In this same study (which was performed at moderate temperatures), a 50 ppm (active ingredient) treatment of glutaraldehyde also maintained H2S concentrations below the minimum detectable level through the addition of live microbes after three weeks, and H2S concentrations registered 15.0 +/- 9.7 ppm H2S after four weeks. Similar time scales of protection are observed for each treatment condition through the enumeration of microbes present in each reactor. The differentiation in antimicrobial activity (and specifically, prevention of biogenic souring) afforded by DMO and glutaraldehyde suggests that such nonionic, preservative biocides are a superior choice for maintaining control over problematic microorganisms as compared to surface-active biocides like TTPC at the concentrations tested. The significant duration of efficacy provided by DMO and glutaraldehyde in this first-of-its-kind suite of simulated reservoirs demonstrates that comprehensive preservation and prevention of biogenic souring from completion through to production is feasible. Such comprehensive, prolonged protection is especially relevant for extended shut-ins or drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCS) such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The environment simulated within the bioreactors demonstrates that the compatibility afforded by a preservative biocide offers downhole protection that cationic, surface-active biocides do not. Copyright 2021, Society of Petroleum Engineers

Synthesis of novel 2,5-bis(substituted thio)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles by acid catalyzed intermolecular cyclization reactions of substituted dithiocarbazates as a possible 2019-nCoV main protease inhibitor

A convenient and facile synthesis of a privileged pharmaceutical scaffolds, 2,5-bis(substituted thio)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles is accomplished. The reaction of hydrazine hydrate with carbon disulfide and substituted alkyl/aryl chloride in basic medium yielded S-substituted alkyl/aryl dithiocarbazates in high yield. These dithiocarbazates on reaction with tetrafluoro acetic acid underwent a unique acid catalyzed intermolecular cyclization reaction to afford a novel 2,5-bis(substituted thio)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles. A simple procedure and high yields are the characteristic features of these reactions. These compounds are characterized on the basis of physico-chemical and spectral (FT-IR, ESI Mass, 1H, 13C and DEPT 135° 13C {1H} NMR) studies. Compound 2b crystallizes in orthorhombic system with point group P bca. Using the DFT/B3LYP/6–311 G (d,p) level of theory, HOMO-LUMO energy gap and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) analyses were carried out. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap allowed the calculation of chemical hardness, chemical inertness, electronegativity and the electrophilicity index of the molecule, which depicted their potential kinetic stability and reactivity. The molecular docking studies of 2b-2e with 2019-nCoV main protease(7BRO) revealed binding free energies of (ΔGb) = -6.22, -5.38, -4.43 and -4.25 kcal mol−1 respectively. Docking study revealed that the aromatic congeners exhibit appreciable therapeutic efficiency to be used as 2019-nCoV main protease inhibitors. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.

Antimicrobial Activity in the Gasphase with Hypochloric Acid

Background:The study investigated if the disinfecting potential of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in suspensions are transferrable to in-air cleaning applications and to what extent aerosolized HOCl solutions can deactivate indoor microbial contaminations in-air at or below legal limits. Material and Method: For the liquid disinfection we used a standard suspension disinfection test protocol. For the in-air tests we conducted several experiments where aerosolized bacterial suspensions were injected into lab chambers preloaded with different HOCl gas concentrations. Results:In suspension experiments we found sufficient efficacies for all studied organisms at minimum concentrations of 200 ppm HOCl. The in-air measurement set-up allows to follow microbe deactivation by HOCl interaction. The deactivation rate increases with the HOCl concentration, and the values are highest for Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion:We confirmed our hypothesis of the high disinfecting power of HOCl in-air at safe levels for populated indoor places. The investigated bacteria provide a model system for infectious particles, including enveloped viruses (to which Coronavirus belongs). These early results suggest that HOCl should be further evaluated as an air-cleaning method which may complement established concepts. © 2021 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston.