Characterisation and Optimisation of Sustainable Medical Use Wet Wipes

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Abstract

present in common environments, such as public transport, schools, and markets, among others [1]. These pathogens may cause several infections when entering the human body via different pathways, such as the colonization of skin surfaces being a quick way to transfer by hands to mucosa, mouth or nose, and wounds. On the other hand, microorganisms also could be transferred to surfaces (inanimate) and devices that are already contaminated with pathogens, facilitating the quick spread of skin, mucosa, and bloodstream infections. One of the most critical environments for quick spread is hospitals and central healthcare services. Surfaces such as floors, walls, bed rails, and mattresses have been identified as a source of contamination. Thus, the transfer of nosocomial pathogens may occur from high-touch environmental surfaces and medical devices between patients, visitors, and healthcare workers. This health issue brings significantly increased patient mortality and raises the economic cost of hospitalizations and medical treatments [1,3,4]. Strategies to prevent hospital-acquired infections include personal protective equipment use, improved hand washing practices, including the use of hand sanitiser, the appropriate use of antimicrobials, and surface disinfection and cleaning. Surface cleaning can reduce microbial loads and their dissemination. It is well known and demonstrated that a periodic routine of disinfection of environmental surfaces can decrease the risk of patients developing infections. The successful use of wet wipes for healthcare applications are being an effective solution for efficacy infection [5].

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/S022201/1 01/04/2019 30/09/2027
2890328 Studentship EP/S022201/1 01/10/2023 30/09/2027 James Elliff