Highly Efficient F, Cu doped TiO2 anti-bacterial visible light active photocatalytic coatings to combat hospital-acquired infections.
Bacterial infections are a major threat to the health of patients in healthcare facilities including hospitals. One of the major causes of patient morbidity is infection with Staphylococcus aureus. One of the the most dominant nosocomial bacteria, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been reported to survive on hospital surfaces (e.g. privacy window glasses) for up to 5 months. None of the current anti-bacterial technology is efficient in eliminating Staphylococcus aureus. A novel transparent, immobilised and superhydrophilic coating of titanium dioxide, co-doped with fluorine and copper has been prepared on float glass substrates. Antibacterial activity has demonstrated (by using Staphylococcus aureus), resulting from a combination of visible light activated (VLA) photocatalysis and copper ion toxicity. Co-doping with copper and fluorine has been shown to improve the performance of the coating, relative to a purely fluorine-doped VLA photocatalyst. Reductions in bacterial population of log10 = 4.2 under visible light irradiation and log10 = 1.8 in darkness have been achieved, compared with log10 = 1.8 under visible light irradiation and no activity, for a purely fluorine-doped titania. Generation of reactive oxygen species from the photocatalytic coatings is the major factor that significantly reduces the bacterial growth on the glass surfaces.
Kastus Technologies, 5 Fitzwilliam Square East, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Nigel S
NS
Leyland
Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St, Dublin 8, Ireland.
Joanna
J
Podporska-Carroll
Kastus Technologies, 5 Fitzwilliam Square East, Dublin 2, Ireland.
John
J
Browne
The Surface Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
Steven J
SJ
Hinder
School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Brid
B
Quilty
Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ireland.|Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland.
Suresh C
SC
Pillai
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002384:Catalysis; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; C009495:titanium dioxide; D003300:Copper; D014025:Titanium; D005459:Fluorides