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):

• Grinshpun, S. A.
• Schoenitz, M.
• Dreizin, E.
• Adhikari, A.
• Reponen, T.
• Yermakov, M.

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:

• *BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
• *COMPOSITE MATERIALS
• AIR FLOW
• AIRBORNE
• BACILLUS SUBTILIS
• BIOLOGICAL AEROSOLS
• COMBUSTION
• ENERGETIC PROPERTIES
• IODINE
• PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS
• SPORES
• VIRUSES

Subject Categories:

• Microbiology
• Laminates and Composite Materials

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE