Application of flax, hemp and nanofibers for air protection against micro-organisms

W przypadku występowania zanieczyszczeń powietrza w postaci niebezpiecznych mikroorganizmów, sensownym staje się zastosowanie specjalnych układów filtracyjnych. Dzięki użyciu odpowiednich materiałów, możemy uzyskać systemy filtracyjne w całości biodegradowalne. Poprzez zmodyfikowanie powierzchni filtra nanowłóknami, zmniejsza się ich średnice porów, równocześnie zwiększając powierzchnię właściwą. Skuteczność filtracji potrafi wzrosnąć dzięki temu kilkadziesiąt razy. Stosując odpowiednie metody modyfikacji nanowłókiem, otrzymujemy układ filtrów selektywnych. Pozwalają one nie tylko na zatrzymywanie zanieczyszczeń oraz mikroorganizmów, ale także na ich eliminację.In case of presence of air pollution with harmful microorganisms it seems reasonable to make use of specialist filtering systems. As a result of using properly selected materials the filtration systems can be 100% biodegradable. Surface modification of the filter with nanofibers brings reduction in mesh size and increases the specific surface area of the filter. This leads to the increase in filtering efficiency even by several dozens times. The application of proper methods of surface modification allows for creating a system of selective filters, which not only stop pollutants and micro-organisms but also may eliminate them

What Do We Know about Antimicrobial Activity of Astaxanthin and Fucoxanthin?

Astaxanthin (AST) and fucoxanthin (FUC) are natural xanthophylls, having multidirectional activity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Both compounds also show antimicrobial activity, which is presented in this review article. There are few papers that have presented the antimicrobial activity of AST. Obtained antimicrobial concentrations of AST (200–4000 µg/mL) are much higher than recommended by the European Food Safety Authority for consumption (2 mg daily). Therefore, we suggest that AST is unlikely to be of use in the clinical treatment of infections. Our knowledge about the antimicrobial activity of FUC is better and this compound acts against many bacteria already in low concentrations 10–250 µg/mL. Toxicological studies on animals present the safety of FUC application in doses 200 mg/kg body weight and higher. Taking available research into consideration, a clinical application of FUC as the antimicrobial substance is real and can be successful. However, this aspect requires further investigation. In this review, we also present potential mechanisms of antibacterial activity of carotenoids, to which AST and FUC belong