Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Effects of Tungsten Nanoparticles and Tungsten Nanocomposite Fibres on Hospital Acquired Bacterial and Viral Pathogens

Abstract

A significant proportion of patients acquire hospital associated infections as a result of care within the NHS each year. Numerous antimicrobial strategies, such as antibiotics and surface modifications to medical facilities and instruments, have been devised in an attempt to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections, but most have been proven unsuccessful and unsustainable due to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the need to discover novel materials that can combat pathogenic microorganisms is ongoing. Novel technologies, such as the potential use of nanomaterials and nanocomposites, hold promise for reducing these infections in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of tungsten, tungsten carbide and tungsten oxide nanoparticles were tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and bacteriophage T4 (DNA virus). The most potent nanoparticles, tungsten oxide, were incorporated into polymeric fibres using pressurised gyration and characterised using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of tungsten oxide/polymer nanocomposite fibres was also studied. The results suggest the materials in this study promote mediation of the inhibition of microbial growth in suspension.

Molecular weight of polyethylenimine-dependent transfusion and selective antimicrobial activity of functional silver nanoparticles

“…It has previously been demonstrated that the bactericidal ability of Ag-NPs is potentiated by light [ 13 ]. The photosensitization phenomenon was explored to understand the dynamic interaction between silver nanoparticles and proteins.…”

“…The antimicrobial activity of several new types of nanomaterials has recently been demonstrated. For example, Matharu et al demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of tungsten nanoparticles and tungsten nanocomposite fibers against bacteriophage T4, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus [ 13 ]; the antimicrobial activity of graphene nanoparticles was also recently demonstrated [ 14 ].…”

A comprehensive review on antimicrobial face masks: an emerging weapon in fighting pandemics

“…Metals such as silver (Ag), [122][123][124][125][126] copper (Cu), 84,85,87,127,128 zinc oxide (ZnO), 95,128 tungsten oxide/carbide, 94,129,130 magnesium peroxides, 91 and their combinations are employed as AMA in fabrics or face masks.…”

Brief overview on the UVGI disinfection technology

“…Figure 8 UV-C radiation effect on SARS-COV-2 [11] In conclusion, UV-C is very useful for disinfecting water, building air, transportation, and the surfaces of different objects or products. UV-C is effective for all microorganism species: bacteria, viruses, and fungi.…”