Accession Number:
ADA574012
Title:
Inactivation of Aerosolized Biological Agents using Filled Nanocomposite Materials
Descriptive Note:
Technical rept. 28 Jan 2008-8 Jul 2011
Corporate Author:
CINCINNATI UNIV OH
Personal Author(s):
Report Date:
2013-02-01
Pagination or Media Count:
139.0
Abstract:
In this multi-institutional grant, a new method for inactivating aerosolized biological agents was developed utilizing a new class of energetic materials filled nanocomposite materials. The implemented approach enabled a controllable release of iodine-based oxidizing species in the combustion environment to inactivate viable airborne bio-agents, such as stress-resistant bacterial spores and viruses. Composites with adjustable AlI2 ratios were produced. A state-of-the-art experimental facility was developed for studying how novel energetic formulations and their combustion products affect the viability of aerosolized spores and viruses during a short 1 s exposure times. Controlled bioaerosol dispersal and sample collection protocols were developed and optimized. The dry-heat inactivation of aerosolized spores was quantified separately from chemical effects and linked to DNA repair mechanisms. It was concluded that the iodine-containing powder provided significantly more effective inactivation of airborne spores than non-iodinated powders. The results of this research help to better understand physical, physicochemical, and biological properties associated with inactivation of aerosolized bio-agents in combustion environments.
Descriptors:
Subject Categories:
- Microbiology
- Laminates and Composite Materials