Disinfection, Inactivation, and Sterilization of Pathogens and Biotoxins: Emerging Technologies and Strategies

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 1308

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
Interests: antimicrobial resistance; bacteria; disinfectants; disinfection and sterilization technologies; food safety; infectious diseases; medical device; prion; public health; virus
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the ongoing battle against infectious diseases, the importance of effective disinfection, inactivation and sterilization of a wide range of pathogens (including bacteria, viruses and fungi) and biotoxins (such as endotoxins and exotoxins) cannot be exaggerated. The special issue "Disinfection, inactivation and sterilization of pathogens and biotoxins: Emerging Technologies and Strategies" aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for the latest research findings, technological advances and strategic approaches in the field of microbial and toxin control. This issue aims to highlight novel and interdisciplinary methods that address current challenges and herald future innovations in public health and safety.

The scope of this special issue covers a wide range of topics, including advances in chemical, physical and biological disinfection methods; innovative strategies for pathogen inactivation and biotoxin degradation; and state-of-the-art sterilization techniques that ensure the safety of medical instruments, surfaces, the environment and food control. We invite contributions that explore the efficacy, mechanisms and practical applications of new disinfectants, the emergence of microbial resistance, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology, bioinformatics and materials science into conventional practices.

This special issue invites original articles and reviews that not only present the current state of the art, but also stimulate discussion on how to reduce the risk of microbial and biotoxin contamination. In particular, the identification of knowledge gaps, the formulation of new research questions, and the establishment of collaborative networks to drive future innovations in the field to achieve more efficient and safer disinfection, inactivation and sterilization, depending on the microorganisms and biotoxins involved, are welcomed.

Dr. Akikazu Sakudo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • disinfection technologies
  • pathogen inactivation
  • sterilization techniques
  • biotoxin degradation
  • advanced disinfection methods
  • public health

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

21 pages, 1265 KiB  
Review
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: Self-Disinfecting Surfaces for Controlling Microbial Infections
by Edith Dube
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081573 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1061
Abstract
Microbial infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi pose significant global health threats in diverse environments. While conventional disinfection methods are effective, their reliance on frequent chemical applications raises concerns about resistance and environmental impact. Photodynamic self-disinfecting surfaces have emerged as a promising [...] Read more.
Microbial infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi pose significant global health threats in diverse environments. While conventional disinfection methods are effective, their reliance on frequent chemical applications raises concerns about resistance and environmental impact. Photodynamic self-disinfecting surfaces have emerged as a promising alternative. These surfaces incorporate photosensitizers that, when exposed to light, produce reactive oxygen species to target and eliminate microbial pathogens. This review explores the concept and mechanism of photodynamic self-disinfecting surfaces, highlighting the variety and characteristics of photosensitizers integrated into surfaces and the range of light sources used across different applications. It also highlights the effectiveness of these surfaces against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while also discussing their potential for providing continuous antimicrobial protection without frequent reapplication. Additionally, the review addresses both the advantages and limitations associated with photodynamic self-disinfecting surfaces and concludes with future perspectives on advancing this technology to meet ongoing challenges in infection control. Full article
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