Catalyst Droplet‐Based Puncturable Nanostructures with Mechano‐Bactericidal Properties Against Bioaerosols

Abstract

Bioaerosol contamination problems have led to the need for new technologies that effectively collect and inactivate airborne microorganisms. Typical nanomaterial‐based filter membranes are usually sterilized using photocatalysts, electrical stimulation, and thermal treatment, which are expensive and require additional devices and cumbersome manufacturing. In this study, a membrane with nanotopographical features is manufactured via a catalyst droplet‐based procedure to mechanically damage airborne bacteria. The catalyst droplets are used as templates for in situ novel puncturable nanopillar growth on the membrane surface. Numerical simulations and microscopic observations show that puncturable nanopillars with a thin and rough nano‐edge are advantageous for rupturing the bacterial cell compared to flat nanopillars without a thin edge. A puncturable nanostructured air filter (PNAF) is compared to a bare air filter and exhibits higher bioaerosol collection efficiencies (>98% and 89.3–95.7%, respectively). PNAF is tested under breathing conditions as part of a face mask, where it effectively captures and deactivates E. coli aerosols through a mechano‐bactericidal effect, resulting in the inhibition of bacterial proliferation and finally death. Thus, PNAF can be applied as an air purifier or face mask filter for bioaerosol collection presenting antibacterial effects without external stimulation.

Antibacterial and Antifogging Nanopillar Array Films: Targeted Efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus

“…Until now, strategies focused on nanostructures have been harnessed to elicit antibacterial effects through membrane damage. − While this strategy can make bactericidal surfaces, their efficacy diminishes due to the persistence of killed bacteria remaining on the surface as debris, which, in turn, can foster secondary biofilm formation. This limitation underscores the imperative for a hybrid strategy to navigate this obstacle. , Scheme a presents a conceptual depiction of an amphiphilic MPC–nanopillar surface, coating MPC with the nanopillar structures in a unified framework.…”

Cell Wall Binding Strategies Based on Cu3SbS3 Nanoparticles for Selective Bacterial Elimination and Promotion of Infected Wound Healing

“…1 Conventional treatments heavily rely on the widespread and prioritized utilization of antibiotics, resulting in the emergence of broad bacterial resistance that has become an undeniable peril. 2,3 In recent years, nanoantibacterial agents have been widely developed as upgraded alternatives to antibiotics, utilizing mechanisms such as ion and ligand release, 4 photothermal effects, 5−7 sharp shapes, 8 and enzymelike activity to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). 9,10 Among them, ROS-releasing materials have been notably demonstrated as promising for eliminating drug-resistant bacteria and delaying the onset of bacterial resistance.…”

“…Pathogenic bacterial infections pose a significant challenge to public health . Conventional treatments heavily rely on the widespread and prioritized utilization of antibiotics, resulting in the emergence of broad bacterial resistance that has become an undeniable peril. , In recent years, nanoantibacterial agents have been widely developed as upgraded alternatives to antibiotics, utilizing mechanisms such as ion and ligand release, photothermal effects, − sharp shapes, and enzyme-like activity to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). , Among them, ROS-releasing materials have been notably demonstrated as promising for eliminating drug-resistant bacteria and delaying the onset of bacterial resistance. , Despite these benefits, ROS inherently lack the ability to discriminate between bacterial and mammalian cells, making them toxic to both. This flaw has resulted in a stagnation in related research and challenges in transitioning to practical applications .…”