Electrochemically activated solutions: evidence for antimicrobial efficacy and applications in healthcare environments

Abstract

Due to the limitations associated with the use of existing biocidal agents, there is a need to explore new methods of disinfection to help maintain effective bioburden control, especially within the healthcare environment. The transformation of low mineral salt solutions into an activated metastable state, by electrochemical unipolar action, produces a solution containing a variety of oxidants, including hypochlorous acid, free chlorine and free radicals, known to possess antimicrobial properties. Electrochemically activated solutions (ECAS) have been shown to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and have the potential to be widely adopted within the healthcare environment due to low-cost raw material requirements and ease of production (either remotely or in situ). Numerous studies have found ECAS to be highly efficacious, as both a novel environmental decontaminant and a topical treatment agent (with low accompanying toxicity), but they are still not in widespread use, particularly within the healthcare environment. This review provides an overview of the scientific evidence for the mode of action, antimicrobial spectrum and potential healthcare-related applications of ECAS, providing an insight into these novel yet seldom utilised biocides.

Effect of Different Irrigating Solutions and Photo-Activated Therapy for In Vivo Root Canal Treatment

“…The high levels of organic load present in the root canals, as in the biofilm structure, particularly in the extracellular polymeric matrix, competitively quenched the reactive oxidants of superoxidized waters that are responsible for its antimicrobial activity (22). Thus, the usual concentration of Sterilox was increased in the present research, trying to overcome this disadvantage.…”

“…Lately many studies have shown that the disinfecting actions of super-oxidized waters are heavily reduced by organic contamination (9,15,22). The high levels of organic load present in the root canals, as in the biofilm structure, particularly in the extracellular polymeric matrix, competitively quenched the reactive oxidants of superoxidized waters that are responsible for its antimicrobial activity (22).…”

“…Thus, the usual concentration of Sterilox was increased in the present research, trying to overcome this disadvantage. A sufficient concentration and exposure time would be required to reach cells deeper within the biofilm architecture (22).…”

Microbiological and clinical response of superoxidized solution versus povidone iodine in the management of lower limb ulcers

“…It promotes healing by enhancing local blood supply, accelerating neovascularization, reducing inflammation, improving granulation tissue and epithelialization significantly and producing an environment hostile to opportunistic pathogens, thus reduces morbidity and hospital stay with its early wound healing effect. [2,4,7] Wounds are a great burden on the health-care system and due to the limitations associated with the use of existing biocidal agents, there is a need to explore newer methods of wound care to help maintain effective microbial control, promote early wound healing, reduce hospital stay, and prevent substantial long-term morbidity. [7] …”

“…[2,4,7] Wounds are a great burden on the health-care system and due to the limitations associated with the use of existing biocidal agents, there is a need to explore newer methods of wound care to help maintain effective microbial control, promote early wound healing, reduce hospital stay, and prevent substantial long-term morbidity. [7] …”