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Rapid reduction of Legionella pneumophila on stainless steel with zeolite coatings containing silver and zinc ions
Author(s) -
Rusin P.,
Bright K.,
Gerba C.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2003.01265.x
Subject(s) - legionella pneumophila , zeolite , legionella , zinc , materials science , biofouling , metallurgy , ceramic , nuclear chemistry , chemistry , bacteria , biology , catalysis , biochemistry , genetics , membrane
Aims: To determine the rate of reduction of Legionella pneumophila by stainless steel surfaces with zeolite ceramic coatings containing 2·5% (w/w) silver (Ag) and 14% zinc (Zn) ions. Methods and Results: Stainless steel pans with and without Ag/Zn coatings were inoculated with solutions of Leg. pneumophila ATCC 33155 and incubated at 37 °C. Survival was monitored using the spread‐plate technique on selective buffered charcoal yeast extract agar. Significant reductions of Leg. pneumophila were effected by the Ag/Zn zeolite coatings within 2 h of exposure. Conclusions, Significance and Impact of the Study: Zeolite ceramic Ag/Zn coatings impart significant anti‐ Legionella properties to stainless steel surfaces. Coated stainless steel could be used in the manufacture of air ducts, condensation pans and intake and exhaust vents. These products have the potential to reduce numbers of Legionella in air‐handling systems.