Photocatalytic disinfection using titanium dioxide : spectrum and mechanism of antimicrobial activity

Foster, HA, Ditta, IB, Varghese, S and Steele, A 2011, 'Photocatalytic disinfection using titanium dioxide : spectrum and mechanism of antimicrobial activity' , Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 90 (6) , pp. 1847-1868.

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Abstract

The photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are well known and have many applications including the removal of organic contaminants and production of self-cleaning glass. There is an increasing interest in the application of the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 for disinfection of surfaces, air and water. Reviews of the applications of photocatalysis in disinfection (Gamage and Zhang 2010; Chong et al., Wat Res 44 (10):2997–3027, 2010) and of modelling of TiO2 action have recently been published (Dalrymple et al. , Appl Catal B 98(1–2):27–38, 2010). In this review, we give an overview of the effects of photoactivated TiO2 on microorganisms. The activity has been shown to be capable of killing a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, filamentous and unicellular fungi, algae, protozoa, mammalian viruses and bacteriophage. Resting stages, particularly bacterial endospores, fungal spores and protozoan cysts, are generally more resistant than the vegetative forms, possibly due to the increased cell wall thickness. The killing mechanism involves degradation of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane due to the production of reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. This initially leads to leakage of cellular contents then cell lysis and may be followed by complete mineralisation of the organism. Killing is most efficient when there is close contact between the organisms and the TiO2 catalyst. The killing activity is enhanced by the presence of other antimicrobial agents such as Cu and Ag.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences > Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Publisher:	Springer
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0175-7598
Depositing User:	Professor Howard Anthony Foster
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2011 15:20
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 13:05
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/18488

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