Since airborne fungi have been known to aggravate indoor air quality, studies on developing anti-fungal filters increase recently. In this study, silver (Ag) nanoparticle was selected as anti-fungal agent. HEPA filter was coated with silver nanoparticles which were generated via spark discharge system operating at atmospheric pressure and temperature. The anti-fungal effect of the Ag-filter was evaluated with the conventional culture assay. When the number of Ag nano particle per a fungal particle in the filter was 1.91X106, the fungicidal efficiency was higher than 99%. As another anti-fungal test, ATP bioluminiscence detection method was also carried out and the results were correlated with those of the culture assay.
The roots of Rosa multiflora Thunberg have been used in traditional oriental medicine as remedies for rheumatic arthralgia and scabies. In this study, the anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of a supercritical extract of Rosa multiflora root were investigated in vitro. To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the supercritical extract, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and the inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were examined, respectively. In addition, the anti-fungal activities of the extract were assessed. The results showed a concentration-dependent, increase in ABTS radical scavenging activity. The supercritical fluid extracts of Rosa multiflora root exhibited low toxicity to RAW 264.7 cells at 100 μg/mL the highest concentration tested. Cells stimulated with LPS produced more nitric oxide than normal control cells; however, cells treated with the supercritical fluid extract decreased this production in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, the supercritical fluid extracts showed significant anti-fungal activity. These results suggest that extracts of the roots of Rosa multiflora might be used to develop potent anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents, and may be useful as ingredients for related new functional cosmetic materials.