Biocontrol of solid surfaces in hospitals using microbial-based wipes

• Published in: Textile research journal Vol. 89; no. 2; pp. 216 - 222
• Main Authors: Dural-Erem, Aysin, Wessman, Per, Husmark, Ulrika, Nierstrasz, Vincent
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2019; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: antimicrobial coating; Antimicrobial coatings; bacillus; Bacillus spore; Bacteria; bacterial spores; Bacteriology; beneficial bacteria; beneficial spores; Biological control; cleaning wipes; Contamination; Cross contamination; functional textile; HAI; Hospital acquired infection; Hospitals; Materials research; Microorganisms; Nonwoven wipes; Nosocomial infection; Nosocomial pathogens; Pathogens; Patients; Physical properties; Pollution; probiotics; Solid surface; Solid surfaces; Spores; Viability; Weaving; Wetting; wipes; Bacillus spore; antimicrobial coating; cleaning wipes; beneficial spores; beneficial bacteria
• ISSN: 0040-5175; 1746-7748; 1746-7748
• DOI: 10.1177/0040517517741163

Hospital-acquired infections have become a major challenge which threaten the hospitalized patients’ safety. The presence of nosocomial pathogens is generally reported in connection with solid surfaces near patient environments. These surfaces become significant sources of transmission and lead most often to the contamination and cross-contamination of nosocomial pathogens to the patients and staff. This paper investigates strategies to apply beneficial bacteria on viscose-based nonwoven wipes and the viability of these beneficial bacteria on the wipes along with characterization of the physical properties of the wipes. Major findings include that it is possible to produce dry wipes which contain an adequate number of beneficial bacteria or spores. After these wipes are wetted, they can release a certain number of bacteria from the wetted wipes. These released beneficial bacteria can inhibit pathogens by growing and colonizing on the wiped surfaces.