Open AccessBiosafety of human environments can be supported by effective use of renewable biomass
Author(s) -
Fengbo Yu,
Wei Zhao,
Tao Qin,
Wanxia Zhao,
Yulian Chen,
Xinyu Miao,
Litao Lin,
Hua Shang,
Guodong Sui,
Daxin Peng,
Yi Yang,
Yan Zhu,
Shicheng Zhang,
Xiangdong Zhu
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2106843119
Subject(s) - bacillus subtilis , microbiology and biotechnology , biomass (ecology) , biosafety , bacteria , pathogenic bacteria , biology , influenza a virus , food science , bacillus anthracis , chemistry , virus , virology , ecology , genetics
Preventing pathogenic viral and bacterial transmission in the human environment is critical, especially in potential outbreaks that may be caused by the release of ancient bacteria currently trapped in the permafrost. Existing commercial disinfectants present issues such as a high carbon footprint. This study proposes a sustainable alternative, a bioliquid derived from biomass prepared by hydrothermal liquefaction. Results indicate a high inactivation rate of pathogenic virus and bacteria by the as-prepared bioliquid, such as up to 99.99% for H1N1, H5N1, H7N9 influenza A virus, andBacillus subtilis var. niger spores and 99.49% forBacillus anthracis . Inactivation ofEscherichia coli andStaphylococcus epidermidis confirmed that low-molecular-weight and low-polarity compounds in bioliquid are potential antibacterial components. High temperatures promoted the production of antibacterial substances via depolymerization and dehydration reactions. Moreover, bioliquid was innoxious as confirmed by the rabbit skin test, and the cost per kilogram of the bioliquid was $0.04427, which is notably lower than that of commercial disinfectants. This study demonstrates the potential of biomass to support our biosafety with greater environmental sustainability.