Surface engineering for anti-wetting and antibacterial membrane for enhanced and fouling resistant membrane distillation performance

As the field of nanomedicine emerges, there is a lag in research surrounding the topic of nanoparticle (NP) toxicity, particularly concerned with mechanisms of action. The continuous emergence of bacterial resistance has challenged the research community to develop novel antibiotic agents. Metal NPs are among the most promising of these because show strong antibacterial activity. This review summarizes and discusses proposed mechanisms of antibacterial action of different metal NPs. These mechanisms of bacterial killing include the production of reactive oxygen species, cation release, biomolecule damages, ATP depletion, and membrane interaction. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of NPs on the regulation of genes and proteins (transcriptomic and proteomic) profiles is discussed. Show more

The modified PVDF membranes were prepared by adding different amounts of TiO(2) particles (0-4 wt.%) into the casting solution. The TiO(2) entrapped PVDF membranes (0-4% PVDF/TiO(2)) were tested for its antibacterial property by using Escherichia Coliform (E. Coli), photoactive property using Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye and self cleaning (antifouling) properties by fouling using 1% BSA solution. Results showed that TiO(2) addition significantly affects the pore size and hydrophilicity of the PVDF/TiO(2) membrane. This also improves the flux and permeability of modified PVDF/TiO(2) membrane. The results of antibacterial study showed that the composite PVDF/TiO(2) membrane removes E. Coli at a very faster rate than neat PVDF membrane and membrane with 4% TiO(2) possess highest antibacterial property. The RB5 dye removal using PVDF/TiO(2) occurs under UV by photolysis and photocatalysis mechanisms. The rate of RB5 dye color removal was faster as compared to the rate of aromatic ring structure. The resistance study showed 2% TiO(2) membrane having lower fouling resistance as compared to others. The fouling resistance caused by loosely bound protein (R(c)) was lower than the strongly bound protein (R(f)). The performance of fouled membranes flux and TMP can be recovered to its initial value by simple UV treatment. Show more