Inhibition of various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria growth on selenium nanoparticle coated paper towels.
There are wide spread bacterial contamination issues on various paper products, such as paper towels hanging in sink splash zones or those used to clean surfaces, filter papers used in water and air purifying systems, and wrappings used in the food industry; such contamination may lead to the potential spread of bacteria and consequent severe health concerns. In this study, selenium nanoparticles were coated on normal paper towel surfaces through a quick precipitation method, introducing antibacterial properties to the paper towels in a healthy way. Their effectiveness at preventing biofilm formation was tested in bacterial assays involving Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The results showed significant and continuous bacteria inhibition with about a 90% reduction from 24 to 72 hours for gram-positive bacteria including S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The selenium coated paper towels also showed significant inhibition of gram-negative bacteria like P. aeruginosa and E. coli growth at about 57% and 84%, respectively, after 72 hours of treatment. Therefore, this study established a promising selenium-based antibacterial strategy to prevent bacterial growth on paper products, which may lead to the avoidance of bacteria spreading and consequent severe health concerns.
Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
Qi
Q
Wang
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
Philip
P
Larese-Casanova
Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA ; Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Thomas J
TJ
Webster
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010209:Paper; D012643:Selenium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012643:Selenium
antibacterial; paper towels; selenium nanoparticles