Background: The role of bio-aerosols in the spread of disease and spoilage of food has been described in numerous studies; nevertheless this information at South African hospitals is limited. Attributable to their size, bio-aerosols may be suspended in the air for long periods placing patients at risk of infection and possibly settling on surfaces resulting in food contamination. The aim of the study is to assess the microbial composition of the air in the kitchen and selected wards at a typical district hospital in South Africa. Air samples were collected using the settle plates and an SAS Super 90 air sampler by impaction on agar. These microbial samples were quantified and identified using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Analytic Profile Index (API). Results: Microbial counts were found to be higher in the fourth (≤6.0 × 10¹ cfu/m^-3) sampling rounds when compared to the first (≥2 cfu/m^-3), second (≤3.0 × 10¹ cfu/m^-3) and third (≤1.5 × 10¹ cfu/m^-3) sampling rounds. Genera identified included Bacillus, Kocuria, Staphylococcus, Arthrobacter, Candida, Aureobasidium, Penicillium and Phoma amongst others. The presence of these pathogens is of concern, attributable to their ability to cause diseases in humans especially in those with suppressed host immunity defenses. Furthermore, fungal genera identified (e.g. Candida) in this study are also known to cause food spoilage and fungal infections in patients. Conclusion: Results from this study indicate the importance of air quality monitoring in health-care settings to prevent possible hospital-acquired infections and contamination of hospital surfaces including food contact surfaces by airborne contaminants.

Background: The street food sector has become an important component of the food distribution system in many cities in both developing and industrialised countries, particularly for midday meals. However, certain street food can pose a significant risk to consumers because of microbiological contamination. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the microbia I levels of street foods and preparation surfaces in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. Setting: The study selected study setting was vending sites close to taxi ranks where prepared meals were accessible to consumers. Methods: The study was conducted in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality during the winter season. Samples were collected through convenience sampling from the representative towns Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. Using swabs, surface samples were collected and quantified from selective media. Eight beef samples were also collected; the microbial load on each sample was quantified and identified using a RapID kit. Results: The surface swabs obtained in Botshabelo (1.1 x 10(4) cfu/m(2)- 1.1 x 10(6) cfu/m(2)) showed higher microbial counts as compared to those obtained in Bloemfontein (1.1 x 10(4) cfu/m(2) - 1.1 x 10(5) cfu/m(2)) and Thaba Nchu (1.1 x 10(4) cfu /m(2)- 1.1 x 10(5) cfu /m(2)). Higher microbial counts were observed on meat samples sampled in Thaba Nchu (50 cfu/g x 10(5) cfu/g), Bloemfontein (48 cfu/g x 10(4) cfu/g) and Botshabelo (33 cfu/g x 10(5) cfu/g) when compared to international microbiological standards. After assessing the microbial levels, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida guilliermondii, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus and Peptostreptococcus tetradius were identified. Conclusion: This study confirmed contamination of surfaces and food served by vendors in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The identified foodborne bacteria could pose a public health problem in each specific locality.

The environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has driven a global shift toward sustainable alternatives like biodegradable polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polycaprolactone (PCL). Yet, these bioplastics often face limitations in mechanical and thermal properties, hindering broader use. Reinforcement with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) has shown promise, yet most research focuses on conventional sources like wood pulp and cotton, neglecting agricultural residues. This review addresses the potential of maize husk, a lignocellulosic waste abundant in South Africa, as a source of CNFs. It evaluates the literature on the structure, extraction, characterisation, and integration of maize husk-derived CNFs into biodegradable polymers. The review examines the chemical composition, extraction methods, and key physicochemical properties that affect performance when blended with PLA, PBS, or PCL. However, high lignin content and heterogeneity pose extraction and dispersion challenges. Optimised maize husk CNFs can enhance the mechanical strength, barrier properties, and thermal resistance of biopolymer systems. This review highlights potential applications in packaging, biomedical, and agricultural sectors, aligning with South African bioeconomic goals. It concludes by identifying research priorities for improving compatibility and processing at an industrial scale, paving the way for maize husk CNFs as effective, locally sourced reinforcements in green material innovation.

Ated against antibiotic-resistant S. mutans. Salvia officinalis chemical components were analyzed using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method. Six samples of titanium dental implant (Ti6Al4V) were manufactured using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) manufacturing technology. The bioassay method was conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of Salvia officinalis essential oil against S. mutans; microdilution assay was also performed on six samples to examine the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). Two samples that showed MIC were selected to undergo scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate or observe bacterial structural changes upon treatment with Salvia officinalis essential oil. Results: Salvia officinalis essential oil exhibited a great inhibition diameter of 40 mm against S. mutans, and it showed an MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL on the titanium implant material surface and an MIC of 5 μg/mL. The SEM results have shown drastic structural changes on S. mutans on treatment with Salvia officinalis essential oil at its MIC value. Conclusion: Salvia officinalis essential oil has shown potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent; therefore, essential oils in future can be considered possible antimicrobials because of the structural changes that they induce on bacterial cells. Salvia officinalis essential oil, which was investigated in the current study, succeeded in penetrating the bacterial cell wall and caused disruption; therefore, the essential oil stands a chance of being used to inhibit the growth of S. mutans bacteria....

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria around knee implants significantly diminishes patients’ quality of life and mobility, necessitating innovative solutions to combat infections. This study explores the antimicrobial efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Utilizing bioassay preparation methods and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, we found that tea tree oil notably inhibited S. aureus growth, while Geranium oil effectively targeted S. epidermidis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed substantial morphological alterations in both bacterial strains following treatment with the essential oils. Twenty compounds were identified by GC/MS chemical profiling in tea tree oil, with α-pinene (21.6%), γ-terpinene (21.1%), and terpinen-4-ol (17.3%) being the main ingredients. Forty compounds were found in Geranium oil, with citronellol (42.2%), geraniol (30.5%), and linalool (9.8%) constituting the majority. Our findings suggest that incorporating these essential oils into orthopaedic implants could significantly enhance their antibacterial effectiveness, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments and potentially reducing infection rates associated with knee implants. This research not only contributes to the understanding of natural antimicrobial agents but also paves the way for their practical application in clinical settings, addressing the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance.