W De Muynck1, N De Belie, W Verstraete. 1. Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 904, Gent, Belgium.
Abstract
AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of various antimicrobial mortar formulations in inhibiting the growth of a selection of pathogens of environmental and hygienic concern. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mortar prisms containing triclosan-incorporated fibres or different concentrations of silver copper zeolites were incubated with Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica or Staphylococcus aureus at 4 or 20 degrees C for 24 h. From plate counting, a substantial bactericidal effect (>4 log units) could only be observed for the mortar specimens containing more than 3% zeolites on cement weight base, the effect being more pronounced at 20 degrees C compared to 4 degrees C. No inhibitory effect could be observed for mortar specimens containing antimicrobial fibres. Adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) measurements allowed for a rapid indication of the occurrence of antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSIONS: In order to obtain a bactericidal effect on mortar surfaces, concentrations of silver copper zeolites of more then 3% are required. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the effectiveness of various antimicrobial mortar mixtures towards the inhibition of pathogens has been evaluated in a quantitative way. Antimicrobial concrete mixtures can be used for the improvement of the hygienic conditions in a variety of environments.
AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of various antimicrobial mortar formulations in inhibiting the growth of a selection of pathogens of environmental and hygienic concern. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mortar prisms containing triclosan-incorporated fibres or different concentrations of silver copper zeolites were incubated with Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica or Staphylococcus aureus at 4 or 20 degrees C for 24 h. From plate counting, a substantial bactericidal effect (>4 log units) could only be observed for the mortar specimens containing more than 3% zeolites on cement weight base, the effect being more pronounced at 20 degrees C compared to 4 degrees C. No inhibitory effect could be observed for mortar specimens containing antimicrobial fibres. Adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) measurements allowed for a rapid indication of the occurrence of antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSIONS: In order to obtain a bactericidal effect on mortar surfaces, concentrations of silver copper zeolites of more then 3% are required. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the effectiveness of various antimicrobial mortar mixtures towards the inhibition of pathogens has been evaluated in a quantitative way. Antimicrobial concrete mixtures can be used for the improvement of the hygienic conditions in a variety of environments.
Authors: María Blanca Sánchez; Francesca Decorosi; Carlo Viti; Marco Rinaldo Oggioni; José Luis Martínez; Alvaro Hernández Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-07-22 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Ian Morrissey; Marco Rinaldo Oggioni; Daniel Knight; Tania Curiao; Teresa Coque; Ayse Kalkanci; Jose Luis Martinez Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-01-23 Impact factor: 3.240