Effects of some common additives on the antimicrobial activities of alcohol-based hand sanitizers

Objective: To study the effects of some common additives on the antimicrobial activities of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Methods: The antibacterial activities of varying aqueous concentrations of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol were tested by the agar well diffusion method. The influences of different concentrations of glycerin was similarly tested. Finally, isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride were combined in different ratios within the sate use concentrations of each, and the effects of these combinations were compared with values obtained for the two agents used alone. Statistical methods, such as student t test and one-way ANOVA were used when appropriate to evaluate the differences in activity. Results: The activities of the alcohols showed marked concentration dependence, and both showed peak activity at 85%-95% concentration range. Over the concentration range of 60%-100%, isopropyl alcohol inhibited more bacterial and fungal organisms than ethanol, though the inhibition zone diameters it produced were not statistically different from those of ethanol for organisms which were sensitive to both of them.Addition of glycerin reduced the antimicrobial activities of the isopropyl alcohol, as shown by reduction in the inhibition zone diameters produced in vitro, which may be due to reduced drug diffusion with increase in viscosity. Addition of benzalkonium to isopropyl alcohol systems improved the activity of the alcohol, but the overall activity of the combination was not superior to that seen in the use of benzalkonium alone. Conclusion: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should not be used outside the concentration range of 85%-95% and isopropyl alcohol inhibits more bacterial and fungal organisms than ethanol for most concentrations. Inclusion of benzalkonium improves the antimicrobial spectrum and activity of isopropyl alcohol, and the combination may justifiably be used to achieve both immediate and long lasting effect. Glycerin may adversely affect the antimicrobial activities of isopropyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers and should be used with caution.

Evaluation of the Quality and Safety of Hand Sanitizers Marketed in Saudi Arabia

Background: Hand sanitizers are an important preventive measure to halt the spread of pathogens, which has become a huge demand during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Consequently, their safety and quality are top priorities for regulatory organizations. Methods: Saudi Food & Drug Authority laboratories have analyzed numerous samples of hand sanitizers in order to ensure their safety and efficacy. Active ingredients, as well as hazardous impurities, have been checked according to the pharmacopeia. Results: In this study, we report the results of the analysis of 1409 samples, which represent the majority of products available in the Saudi Arabian market. The results showed that 196 samples (13.9%) did not meet international standards. Specifically, out of 196 failed samples, 75, 12, and 4 products contained hazardous substances such as methanol, 1-propanol, and acetaldehyde, respectively. Additionally, some failed samples contained foreign particles, were improperly labeled, or contained an inadequate concentration of alcohol. Conclusion: The substandard hand sanitizers possess a risk to the community, particularly during pandemics, and hence stringent yet dynamic regulations should be implemented.

Cost Efficient Automated Fog Spraying Machine: A Covid-19 Hand Sanitization Solution

As a result of the introduction of new infectious illnesses,key infection prevention measures were implemented.Now,a new coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2)epidemic has expanded swiftly,causing the coronavirus illness 2019(COVID-19).Many microorganisms spread illness via hospital surfaces due to environmental pollution.This virus has been associated to close contact between persons in tight situations such as houses,hospitals,assisted living,and residential institutions.Aside from health care settings,public buildings,faith-based community centers,marketplaces,transportation,and corporate environments are prone to COVID-19 transmission.Physical contact to the sanitizer device may cause for spread Covid virus.That’s why we have pro-posed an automatic fogger mechanism-based hand sanitizer that may able to reduce covid risk.Disinfectant fog will flow when object will pass through the machine.This project will save cost,time and wastage along with Covid spreading risk.This project is about designing a good healthcare system.In recent years,sophisticated automation has influenced the health industry.Health care in poor nations is costly.So,the project is an attempt to tackle this issue.

Study on Bacteriostatic Properties of Piroctone Olamine in Commonly Used Surfactants Systems

Piroctone olamine(OCT) was used as the main bacteriostatic component, the inhibition of OCT in different kinds and mass concentrations of surfactants were studied. Six surfactants commonly used in personal care products, i.e. sodium laureth sulfate(AES), cocamidopropyl betaine(CAB 35), sodium lauroyl sarcosinate(LS-30), sodium lauroyl glutamate(ULS-30S), alkyl glycoside(APG), cocamide methyl MEA(CMMEA),were used. The results showed that the bacteriostatic of OCT decreased with the increase of AES, which was suggested ≤ 5%. OCT has good bacteriostatic performance in the systems of amino acid surfactants and high dosage of amphoteric surfactants, 5% LS 30 and ≥ 10% CAB 35 was recommended. High dosage of nonionic surfactant could interfere the bacteriostatic performance of OCT, the recommended dosage was ≤ 2%.In addition, OCT has good bacteriostatic performance against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans when pH was controlled less than 5.5.

Towards greener and more sustainable cellulose-based hand sanitizer products

More than 85%of the currently marketed hand sanitizer products are alcohol-based products,and the alcohol content is usually about 70%in order to be effective.The high alcohol content can cause dehydration,which is undesirable for sensitive skin,particularly for children.This creates opportunities for the development of innovative hand sanitizer products that are free of alcohol and have green nano-cellulose-based materials as carriers for the antibacterial agents.Good skin affinity and biocompatibility are the special features of the newly developed products,which would satisfy the need of the general public for green products.