Radiant catalytic ionization improves the microbiological status of rodent facilities without affecting the prooxidative status of mice

Abstract

The main microbial contaminants of rooms in which laboratory rodents are housed are bacteria and fungi. Restriction of microbial growth to below threshold levels requires the application of various sophisticated antimicrobial techniques that must be effective and safe for the animals. Some of the most commonly used techniques, including chemical disinfection, ventilation, filtration, sterilization and radiation, are not always sufficiently effective. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of a modern technique (i.e. radiant catalytic ionization (RCI)) on the microbiological status of an animal care facility, and the health of the mice housed therein. The experiment, conducted over seven days, compared an experimental room with an RCI system permanently turned on with a negative control room. At the completion of the experiment, the number of bacteria in the RCI room air and on its walls was lower than that in the control room ( p < 0.01 in both cases). Values of the basic prooxidative parameter, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration, in tissues of mice from the RCI room were within allowed boundaries. Hence, application of an RCI system proved to be an ideal technique to ensure high hygienic standards in animal rooms without any adverse effects on the animals housed therein.

Effect of radiant catalytic ionization on environmental conditions in rodent rooms and the haematological status of mice

“…In the current experiment, after seven days of RCI in a conventional animal room, the number of airborne bacteria decreased by 59% (from 115 to 55 CFU/m 3 ). The results of the microbiological assessment of the air by the sedimentation method were similar to those (63%) obtained by the impact method of air sampling performed under the same experimental conditions [39]. Skowron et al obtained much better sterilization results in laboratory conditions.…”

“…The results of the haematological analyses in our study only confirm the neutral influence of the RCI technology on basic health indicators. Results pertaining to lipid peroxidation in the blood, livers, lungs, and brains of mice exposed to RCI for seven days also indicated the lack of a negative oxidizing effect [39]. However, these results are not a sufficient assessment of the risk that could potentially result from hydrogen peroxide.…”

Antimicrobial effect of radiant catalytic ionization

“…Thus, the RCI system seems to be an ideal solution ensuring high hygienic standards of animal housing and buildings without hazardous disinfectants. The diminished amount of nitrogen released into the environment is another beneficial aspect of this technology (Niemiec et al 2021). The preliminary studies indicate no harmful effects on animals suggesting the device may be safe for humans, however, further research would be beneficial.…”

“…The first work on the application of RCI technology in an animal facility and the impact of RCI on mice is very optimistic (Niemiec et al 2021). It showed that the use of RCI reduced the number of micro-organisms and the concentration of ammonia and dust in the air in the experimental room.…”

“…311624 01 001), bacteria (Grinshpun et al 2007;Mannozi et al 2018), and fungi (Skowron et al 2018a), both on surfaces (Mannozi et al 2018;Skowron et al 2018b) and in the air (Grinshpun et al 2007;Telejko and Zender-Swiercz 2016;Telejko 2017). Studies carried out in rooms with mice showed the effectiveness of RCI in eliminating microbes from the air without affecting the mice's health parameters (red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets count) (Niemiec et al 2021). These data allow for preliminary conclusions regarding the safety of people during the operation of devices with RCI technology.…”