-
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023The best form of prevention against human infection through bacteria, viruses, and other parasites is ozone disinfection of wastewater and drinking water as a highly... (Review)
Review
The best form of prevention against human infection through bacteria, viruses, and other parasites is ozone disinfection of wastewater and drinking water as a highly effective, well-known method. Various preclinical studies showed promising results, which are being revisited and reconsidered in times of pandemics and led to interesting results in recent clinical trials and reports, as presented by the example of protective measures against COVID-19 in particularly vulnerable clinical personnel. The application of ozone in the form of the low-dose concept induces its regulation by interference of ozone or its peroxides into the redox equilibrium of the biological system, which finally results in the restoration of the glutathione equilibrium. The antioxidant system is activated, the immune system is modulated, and thus the defense mechanisms are improved. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, repeated ozone treatments have led to new findings in "immunomodulation" through ozone. The more effective immune response is discussed as the response of innate immune memory and opens interesting aspects for complementary treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Topics: Humans; Ozone; Drinking Water; Disinfection; Wastewater; Oxidation-Reduction
PubMed: 37958730
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115747 -
Micromachines Mar 2024Since ozone is highly corrosive, it can substantially affect the mechanical and chemical properties of the materials; consequently, it could affect the applicability of...
Since ozone is highly corrosive, it can substantially affect the mechanical and chemical properties of the materials; consequently, it could affect the applicability of those materials in medical applications. The effect of ozone sterilization on the chemical and mechanical properties of additively manufactured specimens of biocompatible poly(methyl-methacrylate) was observed. FDM 3D-printed specimens of biocompatible PMMA in groups of five were exposed to high concentrations of ozone generated by corona discharge for different durations and at different ozone concentrations inside an enclosed chamber with embedded and calibrated ozone, temperature, and humidity sensors. A novel approach using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and spark-discharge optical emission spectrometry (SD-OES) was used to determine an eventual change in the chemical composition of specimens. Mechanical properties were determined by testing the tensile strength and Young's modulus. A calibrated digital microscope was used to observe the eventual degradation of material on the surface of the specimens. SD-OES and LIF analysis results do not show any detectable sterilization-caused chemical degradation, and no substantial difference in mechanical properties was detected. There was no detectable surface degradation observed under the digital microscope. The results obtained suggest that ozone sterilization appears to be a suitable technique for sterilizing PMMA medical devices.
PubMed: 38675283
DOI: 10.3390/mi15040472 -
Journal of Environmental Management Nov 2023Disinfection and decontamination of water by application of oxidisers is an essential treatment step across numerous industrial sectors including potable supply and... (Review)
Review
Disinfection and decontamination of water by application of oxidisers is an essential treatment step across numerous industrial sectors including potable supply and industry waste management, however, could be greatly enhanced if operated as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). AOPs destroy contaminants including pathogens by uniquely harnessing radical chemistry. Despite AOPs offer great practical opportunities, no reviews to date have highlighted the critical AOP virtues that facilitate AOPs' scale up under growing industrial demand. Hence, this review analyses the critical AOP parameters such as oxidant conversion efficiency, batch mode vs continuous-flow systems, location of radical production, radical delivery by advanced micro-/mesoporous structures and AOP process costs to assist the translation of progressing developments of AOPs into their large-scale applications. Additionally, the state of the art is analysed for various AOP inducing radical/oxidiser measurement techniques and their half-lives with a view to identify radicals/oxidisers that are suitable for in-situ production. It is concluded that radicals with short half-lives such as hydroxyl (10 μsec) and sulfate (30-40 μsec) need to be produced in-situ via continuous-flow reactors for their effective transport and dosing. Meanwhile, radicals/oxidisers with longer half-lives such as ozone (7-10 min), hydrogen peroxide (stable for several hours), and hypochlorous acid (10 min -17 h) need to be applied through batch reactor systems due to their relatively longer stability during transportation and dosing. Complex and costly synthesis as well as cytotoxicity of many micro-/mesoporous structures limit their use in scaling up AOPs, particularly to immobilising and delivering the short-lived hydroxyl and sulfate radicals to their point of applications. Overall, radical delivery using safe and advanced biocompatible micro-/mesoporous structures, radical conversion efficiency using advanced reactor design and portability of AOPs are priority areas of development for scaling up to industry.
Topics: Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidants; Disinfection; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hydroxyl Radical; Sulfates
PubMed: 37651902
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118861 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023The results of a comprehensive study of the patterns of structural and functional changes in bone tissue samples after combined (ozone + radiation) sterilization are...
The results of a comprehensive study of the patterns of structural and functional changes in bone tissue samples after combined (ozone + radiation) sterilization are presented. The study used a different approach to the sterilization process with selective ozone or radiation exposure and an integral, combined one, based on a combined ozone-oxygen treatment of bone samples at the first stage and radiation at the second. The methods of IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with a prefix for elemental analysis, atomic force microscopy, and mechanical analysis with determination of elastic-plastic properties (Vickers microhardness index) were used in the work. It is shown that the ozone exposure used at the first stage of the combined sterilization process of bone implants does not lead to negative consequences with respect to their properties and characteristics. The results obtained serve as a scientific and methodological basis for the further improvement and optimization of sterilization technologies (including combined). They also offer a comprehensive justification of the parameters of sterilization regimes to ensure the safety of using bone implants during reconstructive operations, minimizing structural and functional changes in bone matter, and creating effective health-saving technologies and the possibility of using them for various biomedical applications.
Topics: Sterilization; Prostheses and Implants; Ozone; Technology; Bone and Bones
PubMed: 37833874
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914426 -
Water Research Jun 2024In drinking water applications, an ozone exposure (Ct) based framework has been historically used to validate ozone disinfection. However, significant viral inactivation...
In drinking water applications, an ozone exposure (Ct) based framework has been historically used to validate ozone disinfection. However, significant viral inactivation can be achieved with little to no measurable ozone exposure. Additionally, ozone exposure depends on multiple water quality variables as well as the calculation/ozone measurement method used. In this study, we evaluated alternative ozone monitoring frameworks as well as the impact of water quality variables on ozone decay kinetics and virus/coliform inactivation. Here we show that both change in UV absorbance and applied O:TOC were well correlated with viral inactivation and these frameworks were resilient to changes in water quality. Both increasing temperature (12-30 ⁰C) and pH (5.5-8.4) was shown to significantly increase the ozone decay rate and decreased the resulting ozone exposure by as much as ∼90% in the case of pH. However, due to the increased reaction rate of ozone with viruses at elevated temperature and pH, there was only a minor impact (∼20% in the case of pH) in overall disinfection performance for a given O:TOC. These frameworks were also considered for variable source water with TOC (5-11 mg/L) and TSS (1.2-5.8 mg/L). Change in UV absorbance or applied ozone dose (mg/L) were the strongest indicators of disinfection performance for source waters of variable TOC, however site-specific testing may be needed to apply this framework. Challenge testing with influent nitrite indicated that ozone disinfection performance is significantly impacted (>50% reduction in inactivation) in the presence of nitrite thus enforcing the importance of accounting for this value in the applied ozone dose. Multi-point ozone dissolution was investigated as an alternative ozone application method that may present a benefit with respect to overall disinfection performance especially if nitrite was present. Developing and validating these alternative monitoring frameworks and ozone application methods is imperative in water reuse applications where unnecessary elevated ozone exposure may lead to harmful byproduct formation.
Topics: Ozone; Virus Inactivation; Water Purification; Disinfection; Drinking Water
PubMed: 38631238
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121536 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Sep 2023Hospital-acquired infections pose an ongoing threat to patient safety due to the presence of multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and other pathogens such as...
BACKGROUND
Hospital-acquired infections pose an ongoing threat to patient safety due to the presence of multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and other pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile which are dependent on thorough and effective cleaning and disinfection by personnel.
METHODS
This study evaluated the influence of UV-C air treatment: the air in the room was sanitized by UV-C and redirected into the room. In addition, ozone was released into the room to treat actual surfaces in low-risk areas such as hospital gyms, and high- to medium-risk areas such as hospital rooms. To this aim, a portable device designed for treating the environment air was tested against nine bacterial strains including Aspergillus spp. and Clostridioides spp.
RESULTS
The use of UV-C air treatment during daily operations and ozone treatment achieved at least a 2-log pathogen reduction except for Clostridioides spp.
CONCLUSION
Effective prevention of C. difficile normally requires the use of combined approaches that include chemical compounds and disinfection agents whose toxicity can be harmful not only to patients but also to healthcare personnel. Thus, the proposed no-touch device may be evaluated in future research to assess the needed requirements for its possible and full implementation in hospitals.
Topics: Humans; Clostridioides difficile; Hospitals; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Delivery of Health Care; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 37478911
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.06.029 -
Heliyon May 2024This review aims to examine the existence of . nd their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic settings and the alternative treatment ways. in a various aquatic... (Review)
Review
This review aims to examine the existence of . nd their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic settings and the alternative treatment ways. in a various aquatic environment have been identified as contaminants with impacts on human health and the environment. resistance to multiple antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, quinolone, trimethoprim, tetracycline, vancomycin, as well as specific antibiotic resistance genes including The development of resistance can occur naturally, through mutations, or via horizontal gene transfer facilitated by sterilizing agents. In addition, an overview of the current knowledge on inactivation of and ARG and the mechanisms of action of various disinfection processes in water and wastewater (UV chlorine processes, catalytic oxidation, Fenton reaction, and ozonation) is given. An overview of the effects of nanotechnology and the resulting wetlands is also given.
PubMed: 38694026
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29798 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Feb 2024The objectives of the current study was to evaluate the disinfection efficacy of ozone, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, herbal and glutaraldehyde method for sterilization of...
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the current study was to evaluate the disinfection efficacy of ozone, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, herbal and glutaraldehyde method for sterilization of elastomeric impression materials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Disinfection of elastomeric impression material was performed with each of the disinfection methods: ozone, UV radiation, herbal, and glutaraldehyde. Later microbiological analysis was performed and the colony-forming units were evaluated and compared.
RESULTS
The highest disinfection efficacy was found with glutaraldehyde, followed by ozone and UV radiation, and the least with neem herbal rinse. Intergroup comparison was highly significant.
CONCLUSION
Dry gaseous ozone and UV radiation can be used effectively for the disinfection of impressions.
PubMed: 38595356
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_962_23 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Ultraviolet-ozone (UV-O) treatment is a simple but effective technique for surface cleaning, surface sterilization, doping, and oxidation, and is applicable to a wide...
Ultraviolet-ozone (UV-O) treatment is a simple but effective technique for surface cleaning, surface sterilization, doping, and oxidation, and is applicable to a wide range of materials. In this study, we investigated how UV-O treatment affects the optical and electrical properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS), with and without the presence of a dielectric substrate. We performed detailed photoluminescence (PL) measurements on 1-7 layers of MoS with up to 8 min of UV-O exposure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to provide insight into oxygen-MoS interaction mechanisms. Our results showed that the influence of UV-O treatment on PL depends on whether the substrate is present, as well as the number of layers. Additionally, 4 min of UV-O treatment was found to be optimal to produce p-type MoS, while maintaining above 80% of the PL intensity and the emission wavelength, compared to pristine flakes (intrinsically n-type). UV-O treatment for more than 6 min not only caused a reduction in the electron density but also deteriorated the hole-dominated transport. It is revealed that the substrate plays a critical role in the manipulation of the electrical and optical properties of MoS, which should be considered in future device fabrication and applications.
PubMed: 38063730
DOI: 10.3390/nano13233034 -
Medical Gas Research 2023Oral biofilm formation is the main reason for both caries progression and soft tissue diseases. Preventing the formation and promotion of biofilm has been known as the...
Oral biofilm formation is the main reason for both caries progression and soft tissue diseases. Preventing the formation and promotion of biofilm has been known as the first attempt to prevent the development of caries and soft tissue problems in the oral cavity. The present study aimed to assess the effect of ozone and its combined use with chlorhexidine (CHX) and fluoride on the complex biofilm formation of pediatric patients under in situ conditions. Extracted bovine teeth were sterilized and cut into 2 × 3 mm sections. The samples were placed in removable maxillary plates and 10 healthy individuals (6 boys, 4 girls; aged 7-14 years) were asked to wear these plates for 6, 24 and 48 hours. Afterwards, the tooth samples were removed, and anti-plaque agents were applied to the time-related plaque formation. Plaque thickness and viable bacterial percentages were detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. All materials used in the study decreased the plaque formation and the percentage of viable microorganisms compared with the control group (physiological saline). In 6- and 24-hour biofilm evaluations, ozone-CHX was the most effective group in decreasing the plaque thickness (P > 0.05). Ozone-CHX and Ozone-Fluoride groups were found to be better in 48-hour biofilm assessments in caries-free group (P > 0.05). Ozone-CHX group showed a better inhibitory effect on the viability of microorganisms in 6-, 24- and 48-hour biofilm formations (P < 0.05). Although CHX has been known as the gold standard for inhibiting the oral biofilm formation, according to the results of the study, gaseous ozone and its combined use with CHX have shown better results in reducing the biofilm thickness and viable bacterial percentages of in situ formed time-related biofilm formation in pediatric patients. The use of gaseous ozone can be preferred in clinical conditions in pediatric patients instead of the CHX agents.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Animals; Cattle; Child; Chlorhexidine; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Fluorides; Ozone; Biofilms
PubMed: 37077117
DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.372820