The effect of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate derived anolytes, and anolyte-catholyte combination on biofilms

Microbial biofilms are problematic in industrial environments where large areas of submerged surfaces are exposed to relatively high nutrient fluxes, providing niches for the formation of copious surface-associated growth. Biofilms growing in drinking water distribution pipes cause deterioration in the microbiological quality of water contributing to the occurrence of water-borne diseases. Many bacteria are resistant to moderate levels of biocides, with bacteria in biofilms being the most difficult to control. Electrochemical activation (ECA) technology provides an alternative way of controlling these micro-organisms. The main objective of this study was to evaluate an electrochemically activated solution, anolyte, as an environmentally safe disinfectant for the control of biofilms. Biofilms were grown using the Pederson device and then exposed to different concentrations of the biocide. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to view the effect of treatment on the biofilm structure. Re-growth of the biofilm after treatment with anolyte was detected through epifluorescence microscopy after DAPI staining of the coupons. Neat (undiluted) and mildly dilute anolyte removed the biofilm while the more dilute anolyte did not have any effect on the biofilm. Re-growth of the biofilm occurred after 24 h of biofilm treatment with anolyte and anolyte-catholyte combination, showed by the increase in colony forming units. Re-growth of planktonic bacteria however, occurred only after 72 h of treatment. Water SA Vol. 32(2) 2006: pp.237-24

A successful history: probiotics and their potential as antimicrobials,

Introduction: Probiotics are living, non-pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria) that enter through diet in the human body, live during their passage through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and are beneficial to health. They have become popular in recent years as a way of improving human health through nutrition. This review aims to discuss the efficacy of probiotics for the supportive therapy of certain clinical conditions, especially infectious diseases, as reported in a number of studies, even though some concerns about their safety still remain. Areas covered: This paper will review the history of probiotics, from ancient ages to date, and the evolution of their use in clinical practice. The study is based on both personal professional experience of the authors and a comprehensive literature analysis, including old documents from libraries, searching the related biological and clinical data on Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, also using the “cited by” and “similar articles” options available in PubMed. Expert opinion: Not all researchers agree about the safety and real efficacy of probiotics in common conditions, especially infective diseases. However, the use of probiotics for clinical conditions that may be improved by consumption of these dietary supplements should be considered as a possible supportive therapy in select patients