Antimicrobial efficacy and durability of copper formulations over one year of hospital use

Electron beam irradiation grafting of metal-organic frameworks onto cotton to prepare antimicrobial textiles

Textiles modified with antimicrobial nanomaterials have excellent comprehensive performance. However, the shedding of nanoparticles often occurs in actual use. This not only reduces the service life of antimicrobial textiles, but also causes potential harm. Here, we report a new method to covalently immobilize a zinc-imidazolate MOF (ZIF-8) onto cotton fabric by electron beam irradiation to prepare antimicrobial textiles with excellent durability. A series of characterization analysis showed the electron beam irradiation did not damage the structure of the ZIF-8 nanoparticles and the particles were successfully introduced onto cotton fibers via poly hydroxyethyl acrylate (PHEA). The modified cotton fabric exhibited >99% inhibition of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The results of dry cleaning and rub resistance tests showed that the prepared antimicrobial cotton fabric had significant durability which was attributed to the strong covalent binding between the MOF and textile.

Concepts to Bolster Biorisk Management

The rapid increase in the power of the life sciences has not been accompanied by a proportionate increase in the sophistication of biorisk management. Through conversations with thought leaders in biosafety and biosecurity, we have identified 19 concepts that are critical for biorisk management to continue to ensure the responsible and safe conduct of the life sciences in the future. Our work is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but rather a collection of topics that we hope will spark dialogue in the policy, research, and biorisk management communities.