Activity of Bacteria and Moulds on Surfaces of Commercial Wooden Composites

Abstract

Bacteria and mould exposures are reported to be associated with allergies, respiratory symptoms and asthma. Wood products with antimicrobial surface would reduce the risk of spreading microbial infections especially in healthcare facilities and public buildings. In future is perspective of their use.In this study, twenty five wooden composites commercially produced in Slovakia having different surfaces were tested both against moulds – microscopic fungiAspergillus nigerandPenicilliumspp., and also against bacteriaEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. These organisms are commonly applied as test microbes in laboratory experiments. On the basis of bacteria and mould’s growth on the surfaces of used wooden composites, the tested surfaces have been divided to three groups: (1) wooden composites with high resistant surface, (2) wooden composites with medium resistance surface, (3) and wooden composites with not resistant surface.