Surface Disinfection to Protect against Microorganisms: Overview of Traditional Methods and Issues of Emergent Nanotechnologies

Abstract

Sterilization methods for individuals and facilities are extremely important to enable human beings to continue the basic tasks of life and to enable safe and continuous interaction of citizens in society when outbreaks of viral pandemics such as the coronavirus. Sterilization methods, their availability in gatherings, and the efficiency of their work are among the important means to contain the spread of viruses and epidemics and enable societies to practice their activities almost naturally. Despite the effective solutions given by traditional methods of surface disinfection, modern nanotechnology has proven to be an emergent innovation to protect against viruses. On this note, recent scientific breakthroughs have highlighted the ability of nanospray technology to attach to air atoms in terms of size and time-period of existence as a sterilizer for renewed air in large areas for human gatherings. Despite the ability of this method to control the outbreak of infections, the mutation of bactericidal mechanisms presents a great issue for scientists. In recent years, science has explored a more performant approach and techniques based on a surface-resistance concept. The most emergent is the self-defensive antimicrobial known as the self-disinfection surface. It consists of the creation of a bacteria cell wall to resist the adhesion of bacteria or to kill bacteria by chemical or physical changes. Besides, plasma-mediated virus inactivation was shown as a clean, effective, and human healthy solution for surface disinfection. The purpose of this article is to deepen the discussion on the threat of traditional methods of surface disinfection and to assess the state of the art and potential solutions using emergent nanotechnology.

Fogging With Peracetic Acid in Schools and Kindergartens

“…A good disinfectant should possess two basic properties: resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions (durability, good solubility, no discoloration, and corrosion on the surfaces used) and effectiveness against microorganisms (high activity against all microorganisms, no resistance even with prolonged use). Because of the environmental protection reasons, the disinfectant must not be toxic to living organisms, and it should be biodegradable quickly and easily (3). Peroxygen compounds are often used in disinfectants.…”

Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds: Review of Current Progress in the Properties and Manufacturing Process, and Possible Applications for COVID-19

“…To date, COVID-19 is expected to greatly impact society and the economy and to widely change our daily lifestyle [ 229 ]. Despite the number of research studies, the high kinetics of publication, and global strategies in relation to this pandemic [ 230 , 231 , 232 ], development of protection methods and solutions and the search for an efficient, well-controlled, and accurate means of drug dose delivery, especially with regard to the respiratory system of newly infected COVID-19 patients by using biodegradable electrospun polymer, are still considered potential issues until an effective vaccine is developed and made widely available [ 233 ].…”

Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Using Nano-Engineered Solution on Frequently Touched Surfaces in Indoor and Outdoor Environments

“…The combination of electrostatic spraying and nano-disinfectants with appropriate system parameters, such as the charge density, flow rate and working distance (distance of spray nozzle to target surface), can help in the uniform deposition of anti-viral nanoparticles, leading to an effective disinfection process [ 56 ]. The standard default system settings of existing foggers and sprayers that are currently used and commercially available might not suit all materials and environmental conditions.…”