The Utilization of Activated as an Antimicrobial Against Various  Pathogens for Biomedical Applications

By Chloe Klusman, Zoe Gunter, Dr. Heather Broadhead

Activated carbon (AC) has been utilized in several biomedical applications such as wound care and hemoperfusion, and in this work, experimental procedures were designed and carried out to better understand the effect of AC on bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Antimicrobial properties of AC are relevant to the coatings industry because they can be incorporated into gel, liquid, or other coatings to impart antipathogenic properties. Possible bio-medical applications include gels used for catheter tubing, drug capsule shells, and medical implants.

These experiments analyzed the ability of various sources of AC to exhibit antimicrobial properties by prohibiting the growth and propagation of pathogens. Wood, coconut, and coal-based AC were evaluated for activity against a series of bacterial dilutions with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staph aureus (S. aureus), a series of viral dilutions with T1 and Φ11 bacteriophages, and a series of parasitic dilutions with Euglena gracilis. Results were compared and analyzed using microscopy and other standard plating techniques. Overall, the results collected from various trials displayed a significant reduction in the activity of the pathogens.

Now that the concentration requirements and responsivity for the different pathogens are known, the potential mechanisms of interaction can be investigated. In the presence of AC, the Euglena gracilis were observed to become immobile upon contact with AC. Unable to remain mobile, the Euglena expired. The immobilization of the parasite suggests that adsorption may play a key role in antipathogenic activity, although more studies are needed to be conclusive. Further research will be conducted to use AC in new biomedical applications, which will serve not only the biomedical industry but other research areas as well.