Mycobactericidal activity of Hydrogen Peroxide Activated by a Novel Heterogeneous Fentons-like Catalyst System.

Aims To investigate the potential activation of hydrogen peroxide by a novel catalyst, reducing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide required, and the time taken, for mycobactericidal activity. Methods and Results The mycobactericidal properties of an iron based novel heterogeneous modified polyacrylonitrile catalyst in combination with hydrogen peroxide were examined against Mycobacterium chelonae using a modified version of the European suspension test. Mycobactericidal activity was significantly increased when the modified polyacrylonitrile catalyst was combined with hydrogen peroxide. The 0.5% w/v hydrogen peroxide and 2g catalyst system resulted in average log reductions of >5.80 for Mycobacterium chelonae at 30 minutes exposure at room temperature. This was a significant increase in activity (p<0.01) compared to 0.5% w/v hydrogen peroxide alone. Conclusions This study has expanded on previous work and knowledge of the modified polyacrylonitrile catalyst and hydrogen peroxide system, by providing evidence for mycobactericidal activity when the novel polyacrylonitrile catalyst is combined with hydrogen peroxide. Significance and impact of the study This publication demonstrates the enhanced mycobactericidal activity gained by using the novel heterogeneous catalyst, developed at De Montfort University, to potentiate the activity of hydrogen peroxide as a biocide. This system could be used as an alternative to peracetic acid in endoscope disinfection.