Effects of cerium and tungsten substitution on antiviral and antibacterial properties of lanthanum molybdate

Powders of cerium (Ce)-substituted and tungsten (W)-substituted La2Mo2O9 (LMO) were prepared using polymerizable complex method. Their antiviral and antibacterial performances were then evaluated using bacteriophage Q beta, bacteriophage Phi 6, Escherichia coll., and Staphylococcus aureus. The obtained powders, which were almost single-phase, exhibited both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Effects of dissolved ions on their antiviral activity against bacteriophage Q beta were remarkable. A certain contribution of direct contact to the powder surface was also inferred along with the dissolved ion effect for antiviral activity against bacteriophage Phi 6. Dissolved ion effects and pH values suggest that both Mo and W are in the form of polyacids. Antiviral activity against bacteriophage Phi 6 was improved by substituting Ce for La in LMO. Similarly to LMO, Ce-substituted LMO exhibited hydrophobicity. Inactivation of alkaline phosphatase enzyme proteins was inferred as one mechanism of the antiviral and antibacterial activities of the obtained powders.