STUDIES
Biofilm Mitigation
Biofilms are highly resistant to sanitizers, causing persistent cross-contamination.
This study evaluated nanobubbles (NB), both alone and with neutral electrolyzed water (NEW), for removing biofilms of E. coli, V. parahaemolyticus, and L. innocua on plastic and stainless steel. NB alone removed V. parahaemolyticus biofilm in 2 minutes and reduced E. coli and L. innocua by 1-3 log CFU/cm², with complete removal when combined with NEW. NB treatment also reduced bacterial adhesion, likely by reducing surface tension. Raman spectroscopy confirmed NB disrupts biofilms by breaking down extracellular polymers, showing NB’s potential to enhance sanitization.
Mitigation of biofouling in agricultural water distribution systems with nanobubbles
This study evaluated nanobubbles (NB), both alone and with neutral electrolyzed water (NEW), for removing biofilms of E. coli, V. parahaemolyticus, and L. innocua on plastic and stainless steel. NB alone removed V. parahaemolyticus biofilm in 2 minutes and reduced E. coli and L. innocua by 1-3 log CFU/cm², with complete removal when combined with NEW. NB treatment also reduced bacterial adhesion, likely by reducing surface tension. Raman spectroscopy confirmed NB disrupts biofilms by breaking down extracellular polymers, showing NB’s potential to enhance sanitization.
Treating chronic lung infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms is challenging due to drug resistance and immune evasion. This study presents ultrasound-responsive catalytic microbubbles with biofilm-clearing and immune-activating properties. Composed of a piperacillin and Fe3O4 nanoparticle shell around an air core, these microbubbles use ultrasound to disrupt biofilm structure, enhancing penetration and enabling Fe3O4 nanoparticles and piperacillin to degrade the biofilm and kill bacteria. Fe3O4 also triggers immune responses by activating macrophages. In a mouse model, these microbubbles effectively treated chronic lung infections, offering a promising approach for targeting bacterial biofilm infections
Micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) can generate hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in situ, offering a promising method for pollutant removal in water supply systems. However, unstable MNB sizes limit ·OH production and pollutant removal efficiency. This review examines MNBs' generation, ·OH production during collapse, and their pollutant control potential. Factors like pH, gas type, and external stimuli impact ·OH generation, with ozone or oxygen as optimal gas sources and pH adjustments enhancing efficacy. MNBs can remove pollutants (up to 90%) and biofilms through physical, chemical, and thermal effects. MNBs also show potential in drinking water, improving taste and quality, with most people describing MNB water as softer and sweeter, suggesting broad application prospects for water safety
The costs associated with managing these issues are substantial and should be factored into maintenance planning by operators. Additionally, the use of chemical agents for scale and corrosion prevention is increasingly challenged due to heightened environmental concerns. Recent studies have begun investigating environmentally friendly and cost-effective approaches to address these challenges. This paper presents preliminary experimental findings on the use of nanobubbles as a potential method for inhibiting corrosion and scale formation.
Ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) improve the effectiveness of antimicrobials in removing Listeria monocytogenes biofilms. This study tested air, CO2, and N2 UFBs combined with chlorine (Cl2) and peracetic acid (PAA) solutions on biofilms formed on polypropylene, silicone, and stainless-steel surfaces. UFBs significantly enhanced log reductions (0.4–1.5 logs) of both fresh (3-day-old) and aged (30-day-old) biofilms, especially CO2 UFB on silicone. The highest concentration of Cl2 (200 ppm) was the most effective across all surfaces, demonstrating UFBs' potential to strengthen antimicrobial biofilm control.