The potential of nanofibers and nanobiocides in water purification

• Published in: Critical reviews in microbiology Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 68 - 81
• Main Authors: Botes, Marelize, Eugene Cloete, Thomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Informa UK Ltd 01.02.2010; Taylor & Francis; Informa
• Subjects: Antibacterial activity; Applied microbiology; Bacteria - drug effects; Bacteria - isolation & purification; Biological and medical sciences; Disinfectants - pharmacology; Electrospinning; Filtration - methods; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Microbiology; Nanobiocides, Water purification; Nanofibers; Sterilization methods; Water filtration systems; Water Purification - methods; Drinking water; Purification; Nanoparticle; Electrospinning; Nanobiocides; Review; Water filtration systems; Nanobiotechnology; Decontamination; Biofouling; Antibacterial activity; Antibacterial agent; Nanofibers; Water purification; Biocide
• ISSN: 1040-841X; 1549-7828
• DOI: 10.3109/10408410903397332

Electrospun nanofibers and nanobiocides show potential in the improvement of water filtration membranes. Biofouling of membranes caused by the bacterial load in water reduces the quality of drinking water and has become a major problem. Several studies showed inhibition of these bacteria after exposure to nanofibers with functionalized surfaces. Nanobiocides such as metal nanoparticles and engineered nanomaterials are successfully incorporated into nanofibers showing high antimicrobial activity and stability in water. Research on the applications of nanofibers and nanobiocides in water purification, the fabrication thereof and recently published patents are reviewed in this article.