Efficacy of antimicrobial filter treatments on microbial colonization of air panel filters.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the activity of biostatic agents on the microbial colonization of panel filters.


RESULTS
Microfibre glass acrylic filters, both used and unused, were examined for the presence of microorganisms. Test strains were used to verify microbial colonization of filter media. Antimicrobial agents were applied to the filter media and tested for their ability to reduce microbial colonization. The integrity of the panel filters and the antimicrobial activity trends of the filter media treated with antimicrobials were verified. A filtration efficiency test was carried out on the treated filters to evaluate filtration performance. Filters treated with antimicrobials demonstrated markedly less microbial colonization (density and varieties of species), higher filtration efficiency and delayed deterioration of the filter.


CONCLUSIONS
The most important results of this study are the demonstration of preservation of the integrity of the filters and the lower release of microorganisms from treated filters.


CONCLUSIONS
These results contribute to the resolution of problems concerning the microbial contamination of panel filters in the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems commonly used in the electronic industry, pharmaceutical industry, hospitals and other environments where the absence of contaminating particles and microorganisms is required.
Verdenelli
M C
MC
Department of Comparative Morphology and Biochemistry, University of Camerino, and Fabriano Filter Media Srl, Sassoferrato, Italy.
Cecchini
C
C
Orpianesi
C
C
Dadea
G M
GM
Cresci
A
A
D000389:Air Conditioning / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001234:Aspergillus niger / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods; D012475:Salmonella / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents