NANO_GUARD

Fullerene-based systems for oxidative inactivation of airborne microbial pathogens

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The main goal of this project is to establish a long-lasting collaboration and create a network of the research centres of excellence from Europe and Third Countries aiming at development of the Fullerene-based systems for oxidative inactivation of airborne microbial pathogens. This goal will be achieved by undertaken of joint research activities via collaboration of a multidisciplinary consortium in molecular microbiology, virology, health care, environmental physics, green chemistry and material science, facilitated by individual mobility of the researchers between Europe and Third Countries.

The main research objectives of the proposal are: • To elaborate novel fullerene-based composites in form of thin and thick films, membranes and individual fullerene molecules imbedded in 3-D porous matrixes. • To evaluate the ability of the fullerene-based materials of different morphology to produce singled oxygen under Solar irradiation. • To evaluate the performance of the elaborated C60– based oxidative systems to inactivate the microbial pathogens — bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores. • To design and elaborate the lab-scale fullerene-based oxidative system Prototypes to be submitted to a tough testing of the performance criteria towards airborne pathogens inactivation in air-conditioning installations.

Other objectives of the proposed collaboration are aimed at: • increasing individual mobility and career prospects of each person involved; • facilitating transfer of knowledge between research groups involved via exchange visits; • providing training opportunities for early stage researchers; • disseminating results of the exchange activities;

The main expected scientific results: • Novel fullerene–based composites with optimal system design and high antimicrobial/ antiviral performance under Solar irradiation. • Prototype system to be submitted to a tough testing of airborne pathogens inactivation in air-conditioning installations'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded researchers are working on developing fullerene-based composites for air-conditioning systems. This will inactivate airborne pathogens such as bacteria andviruses..

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Air-conditioners and cooling towers can serve as a breeding ground for pathogens. This is detrimental to our health and the environment. Another area of concern as a result of microbial activity is global food security due to food spoilage.

Fullerenes are non-toxic carbon molecules in the form of hollow spheres or other shapes. In the presence of oxygen and light, fullerenes transform stable oxygen into the unstable singlet oxygen state, which has an inhibitory effect on pathogens.

The project 'Fullerene-based systems for oxidative inactivation of airborne microbial pathogens' (http://www.phys.umu.se/tanya/site_guard/nanoguard.html (NANO_GUARD)) is working on improving air quality using fullerene nano-composites in air conditioners. Besides this, project members also aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance research capacity.

Already, significant progress has been achieved in the first two years of the project. Project members characterised and synthesised nano-patterned thin and thick films of fullerene-based nano-composites. They controlled crystalline structure, porosity and surface state using techniques like tape casting, print screen and high pressure compacting. Through vacuum deposition, researchers embedded fullerene molecules onto porous matrices such as zirconia and alumina nanoceramics. They then modified the design of the fullerene-based oxidative systems based on the test results obtained from materials photosensitisation using visible and solar irradiation.

NANO_GUARD will now focus on determining the efficacy of fullerene-based oxidative systems in inhibiting different air-borne pathogens of bacterial, viral and fungal origin. Besides this, they will investigate biocompatibility and optimise system performance by varying operation conditions. These will be used to finalise the prototype design prior to lab-scale testing and determine the need for patent application and licensing.

Ultimately, NANO-GUARD activities should realise the commercialisation of cheap, eco-friendly fullerene-based air treatment systems. This would improve air quality in homes, offices and classrooms as well as storehouses and warehouses.