Application of nanotechnology for self-sanitizing keyboards in an academic institution
4th International Conference on Nanotek & Expo
December 01-03, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport, USA

Sehrish Mustafa

Accepted Abstracts: J Nanomed Nanotechnol

Abstract:

Keyboard is the major input device which is constantly in contact with humans and acts asa potential reservoir of infectious microorganisms. Multiple user computer keyboards are likely to have a larger number of microorganisms as compared to single user computer keyboards. Present study was designed with a specific objective to develop self-sensitizingcomputer keyboards to reduce nosocomial infections. Titania nanotubes (TNTs) were prepared from already prepared titania nanoparticles (TNPs) using hydrothermal treatment method. Silver (Ag) doped TNTs were prepared using sol-gel method. TNTs and TNPs were characterized using SEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR. Resulting titania nanostructures were in range of 24 to 35 nm. Selected keys of a standard keyboard were coated with a commercial adhesive containing 1% TNTs to create a disinfecting surface. Microbial samples were taken at specific time intervals using sterilized cotton swab and cultured on freshly prepared nutrient agar plates. Disinfection capabilities were compared with control. Silver doped TNTs showed better disinfection capability as compared to undoped and control.