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. 2020 Sep 5;18:125. doi: 10.1186/s12951-020-00685-4

Table 1.

Summary manuscripts found in the literature and patents related to disinfectants and sanitizers based on nanotechnology

Classification Carrier system Matrix Properties References
Article NanoFilm

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)

Polyolefin (POD)

Sodium chlorite (NaClO2)

The authors obtained nanofilms containing NaClO2 crystals with the ability to release disinfectant gas (ClO2) after UV activation and exposure to moisture. According to the authors, the amount of gas released can be controlled by varying parameters, such as relative humidity, radiation dose, wavelength of UV radiation and activation mode [67]
Nanocomposite Silica/silver The authors successfully synthesized silica nanoparticles with silver in the core (10–20 nm) and in the crust (2–5 nm). According to the authors, nanoparticles containing silver from the centre have an advantage for slow and consistent release of Ag+ (confirmed in the tests). In addition, the prolonged release of silver occurred for more than 20 days [68]
Meso-structure nanoparticles Electrically charged disinfectant (CAC-717) According to the authors, treatment with CAC-717 allowed caused a reduction in the viral load to below the detection limit after 2 min of treatment. In addition, molecular biology assays have shown inhibition of both RNA and DNA nucleic acid amplifications, indicating that the disinfectant inactivates viruses and bacteria by modifying these molecules [69]
NanoStructure Cellulose The high alcohol content of hand sanitizer products currently on the market can cause skin dehydration. The authors address opportunities in the manuscript to develop innovative products based on nanocelluloses as vehicles for disinfectants and sanitizing agents [70]
Nanocomposite Silica/silver The authors obtained a new hybrid silica composite containing silver nanoparticles (Ag30-SiO2), which is approximately 400 nm in diameter. The Ag30-SiO2 particles showed an inhibitory effect against the dose-dependent influenza A virus (IFV-A). The results also suggested that the main antiviral mechanism of the systems was the interaction with the viral components located on the membrane [71]
Nanoparticles Titanium dioxide The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of titanium dioxide nanoparticles against microorganisms, including viruses found on different surfaces. According to the authors, there was a significant reduction in viral load under light and dark conditions, with an increase in effectiveness under light conditions. The authors also highlighted that the interaction with different surfaces influenced the result of disinfectant efficacy [72]
Photocatalytic nanostructured films

Titanium dioxide

Silicon

The authors obtained nanostructured films based on silicone containing titanium nanoparticles with a high surface area (150 m2/g). The activity of nanofilms was investigated in combination with UV-A lighting (intensity of 22 W/m2), which is comparable to that of sunlight. According to the authors, after 20 min of exposure to the UV-A activated system, there was damage to microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) in addition to changes in the amount of fatty acids, indicating an interaction with the membrane [73]
Polyion complex nanoparticles (PCNs) Poly[3-(acrylamido) propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (PAMPTMA) The present study describes the potential of PCNs with the combination of anionic surfactants as a disinfectant for different microorganisms. The authors described that changes in hydrophobicity had little influence on the biological property of nanoparticles. A model bacterium (Escherichia coli) was used to assess the disinfectant power, and the results showed a rapid inhibitory effect (> 99.99% of death within 10 min of treatment) [74]
Biogenic nanoparticles

Iron

Silver

The authors synthesized via FeG nanoparticles co-doped with Mn-Ag from the extract of Solanum trilobatum leaves. The characterization of the nanoparticles indicated iron particles in a spherical shape. Besides, it said the nanoparticles showed activity against pathogens (bacteria and viruses), being less toxic than their commercial analogue. According to the authors, the system can be used as a surface disinfectant [75]
Patents Polymeric nanoparticles C1–C4 monohydric alcohols and different lipids The invention relates to a germicidal composition for topical application (hands, arms, legs, face etc.). According to the inventors, the composition has high cleaning power due to the presence of a large amount of alcohol, in addition to solid lipid nanoparticles that increase effectiveness, controlling losses [76]
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) essential oil The invention describes obtaining a formulation based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles containing essential oil (which may be of different origins). In addition to the preparation, the invention also provides the application of nanoparticles with a hand sanitizer. According to the inventors, the system has a high encapsulation rate, a good slow-release effect and effectively prevents oxidative damage to the essential oil [77]

Polyethylenimine (PEI)

Polydiallyldialkylammonium salt

Poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldialkylammonium halide) Chitosan

The invention provides an antimicrobial composition based on different polymers as carrier agents in order to mitigate the transmission of infectious diseases from surfaces. According to the inventors, the cartridges are water-soluble and non-toxic and can be composed of different sanitizing agents, also including inorganic particles [78]
Sulfonylalkylcyclodextrins The invention relates to a composition of a viricidal formulation and its use in the treatment of viral infections, as well as for sterilization and disinfection. The composition is based on the activity of different alkyl sulphate groups and a cyclodextrin carrier. The inventors describe a high viricidal activity of the system, also showing a residual effect [79]
Biogenic nanoparticles Silver The invention describes obtaining a formulation based on silver nanoparticles obtained through an ecological route. According to investors, the environmentally friendly method that uses natural reducing agents presents a moderate reaction, short synthesis time and low production cost [80]
Photocatalytic systems

Tungsten trioxide

Palladium

The present invention describes a formulation to disinfect surfaces and fluids using a photo-catalyst system. The system is based on tungsten trioxide nanoparticles doped with palladium nanoparticles (concentration of 0.1–5% of the total weight of tungsten trioxide nanoparticles). The authors describe the high disinfectant power of the system [81]

Tartaric acid

Titanium isopropoxide (IV)

The invention relates to a method for preparing a self-decontamination surface. The authors describe that the method consists of dissolving tartaric acid in water and doping with titanium (IV) isopropoxide nanoparticles. According to the authors, the coating is fully mouldable and has a prolonged biocidal function [82]
Metal nanoparticles

Titanium dioxide

Citric extracts

The present invention relates to obtaining a conjugated formulation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and plant extracts (herbs and/or fruits). According to the inventors, the formulation is prepared by impregnating different functional groups of the extracts, which confer different properties (viricidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, mycobactericidal, etc.). Also, according to the inventors, the activity is dependent on the size of the nanoparticles, and the formulation is a liquid suspension [83]
Silver The invention relates to a nanoparticle formulation preparation stabilized with different polymers. The inventors describe that these particles can be used for the disinfection of surfaces, and because of their greater stability, they are able to achieve more effective control over time [84]

Silver

Quaternary ammonium salt

The invention describes a method for preparing a silver nanocomposite/quaternary ammonium salt molecule. The inventors describe different steps for preparing silver nanoparticles and mixing the with quaternary ammonium salt using sonication with the addition of surfactant. Also, according to the inventors, the formulation has a durable performance and high sterilization capacity [85]