Antimicrobial Effectiveness of an Usnic-Acid-Containing Self-Decontaminating Coating on Underground Metro Surfaces in Athens

Maltezou, Helena C.; Horefti, Elina; Papamichalopoulos, Nikolaos; Tseroni, Maria; Ioannidis, Anastassios; Angelakis, Emmanouil; Chatzipanagiotou, Stylianos

doi:10.3390/microorganisms10112233

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…In line with in vitro studies [ 34 , 35 , 36 ], the coating was very effective in reducing the contamination of surfaces with bacteria, fungi, and SARS-CoV-2. High effectiveness against bacteria, fungi, and SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination of the same usnic-acid-containing coating was also shown in a similarly designed study that our group conducted in the Athens underground metro [ 37 ]. These findings indicate that the application of the coating may constitute an efficient strategy to eliminate surface contamination in healthcare facilities and other settings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

Effectiveness of a Self-Decontaminating Coating Containing Usnic Acid in Reducing Environmental Microbial Load in Tertiary-Care Hospitals

Maltezou

Papamichalopoulos

Horefti

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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Surfaces have been implicated in the transmission of pathogens in hospitals. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an usnic-acid-containing self-decontaminating coating in reducing microbial surface contamination in tertiary-care hospitals. Samples were collected from surfaces 9 days before coating application, and 3, 10, and 21 days after its application (phases 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Samples were tested for bacteria, fungi, and SARS-CoV2. In phase 1, 53/69 (76.8%) samples tested positive for bacteria, 9/69 (13.0%) for fungi, and 10/139 (7.2%) for SARS-CoV-2. In phase 2, 4/69 (5.8%) samples tested positive for bacteria, while 69 and 139 samples were negative for fungi and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. In phase 3, 3/69 (4.3%) samples were positive for bacteria, 1/139 (0.7%) samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while 69 samples were negative for fungi. In phase 4, 1/69 (1.4%) tested positive for bacteria, while no fungus or SARS-CoV-2 were detected. After the coating was applied, the bacterial load was reduced by 87% in phase 2 (RR = 0.132; 95% CI: 0.108–0.162); 99% in phase 3 (RR = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.003–0.015); and 100% in phase 4 (RR = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.000–0.009). These data indicate that the usnic-acid-containing coating was effective in eliminating bacterial, fungal, and SARS-CoV-2 contamination on surfaces in hospitals.Our findings support the benefit ofan usnic-acid-containing coating in reducing the microbial load on healthcare surfaces.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

Effectiveness of a Self-Decontaminating Coating Containing Usnic Acid in Reducing Environmental Microbial Load in Tertiary-Care Hospitals

Maltezou

Papamichalopoulos

Horefti

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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“…For this reason, UA is also used to inhibit virus replication [ 15 ] and it was identified in silico as one of the over 20,000 natural product that might be able to act against SARS-CoV-2 [ 10 ]. It should also be considered that one of the key properties of UA is based on its mechanical ability to modify its structure by creating a branch which, in contact with other UA molecules, is able to form a protective barrier [ 16 ] already tested against fungal hyphae [ 17 ] as well as against other infectious agents [ 18 ]. When its branching power due to its chemical form is combined with the polymeric capacity of HPMC, an improvement in its formula is achieved [ 19 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Usnic Acid to Prevent Infections by Creating a Protective Barrier in an In Vitro Study

Galla

Ferrari

Ruga

et al. 2023

IJMS

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Nasal sprays are medical devices useful for preventing infection and the subsequent spread of airborne pathogens. The effectiveness of these devices depends on the activity of chosen compounds which can create a physical barrier against viral uptake as well as incorporate different substances with antiviral activity. Among antiviral compounds, UA, a dibenzofuran derived from lichens, has the mechanical ability to modify its structure by creating a branch capable of forming a protective barrier. The mechanical ability of UA to protect cells from virus infection was investigated by analyzing the branching capacity of UA, and then the protection mechanism in an in vitro model was also studied. As expected, UA at 37 °C was able to create a barrier confirming its ramification property. At the same time, UA was able to block the infection of Vero E6 and HNEpC cells by interfering with a biological interaction between cells and viruses as revealed also by the UA quantification. Therefore, UA can block virus activity through a mechanical barrier effect without altering the physiological nasal homeostasis. The findings of this research could be of great relevance in view of the growing alarm regarding the spread of airborne viral diseases.

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Antimicrobial Effectiveness of an Usnic-Acid-Containing Self-Decontaminating Coating on Underground Metro Surfaces in Athens

Cited by 2 publications

References 39 publications

Effectiveness of a Self-Decontaminating Coating Containing Usnic Acid in Reducing Environmental Microbial Load in Tertiary-Care Hospitals

Effectiveness of a Self-Decontaminating Coating Containing Usnic Acid in Reducing Environmental Microbial Load in Tertiary-Care Hospitals

Effects of Usnic Acid to Prevent Infections by Creating a Protective Barrier in an In Vitro Study

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