Heterogeneous Fenton's-like catalyst potentiation of hydrogen peroxide disinfection: an investigation into mechanisms of action.

Sewell, Samantha L.; Owen, Lucy; Laird, Katie; Huddersman, Katherine D.; Walsh, Susannah E.

Abstract

This study aimed to establish the mechanisms of action (MOA) of a novel surface-functionalised polyacrylonitrile (PAN) catalyst, which was previously shown to have potent antimicrobial activity in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Bactericidal activity was determined using a disinfectant suspension test. The MOA was investigated by measuring loss of 260nm absorbing material, membrane potential and permeability assays, analysis of intra- and extracellular ATP and pH, and tolerance to sodium chloride and bile salts. The catalyst lowered sub-lethal concentrations of H2O2 from 0.2% to 0.09%. H2O2 ± 3g PAN catalyst significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced sodium chloride and bile salt tolerance, suggesting the occurance of sublethal cell membrane damage. The catalyst significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) N-Phenyl-l-napthylamine uptake (1.51-fold) and leakage of nucleic acids, demonstrating increased membrane permeability. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) loss of membrane potential (0.015 a.u.), coupled with pertubation of intracellular pH homeostasis and depletion of intracellular ATP, suggests potentiation of H2O2-mediated cell membrane damage. This is the first study to investigate the catalyst's antimicrobial mechanism of action, with the cytoplasmic membrane being a target for cellular injury. Understanding the MOA by which the catalyst potentiates H2O2 could lead to optimisation of concentrations and contact times needed for disinfection in a wide range of settings.

Citation

SEWELL, S.L., OWEN, L., LAIRD, K., HUDDERSMAN, K.D. and WALSH, S.E. [2022]. Heterogeneous Fenton's-like catalyst potentiation of hydrogen peroxide disinfection: an investigation into mechanisms of action. Journal of applied microbiology [online], (accepted).

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 18, 2022
• Deposit Date: Dec 19, 2022
• Journal: Journal of applied microbiology
• Print ISSN: 1364-5072
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2672
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Mechanism of action; Hydrogen peroxide; Fenton; Disinfection; Polyacrylonitrile
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1840447