Influence of UV radiation on TiO2 nanoparticles antibacterial behaviour

Purpose: The influence of UV radiation on the antibacterial properties of titanium oxide nanoparticles was examined using yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain for this purpose. Design/methodology/approach: Nanopowders were made with sol-gel method. Surface morphology studies of the obtained materials were made using Zeiss's Supra 35 scanning electron microscope. In order to confirm the chemical composition of observed nanopowders, qualitative tests were performed by means of spectroscopy of scattered X-ray energy using the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) method was used to analyse the particle size distribution using the AntonPaar Litesizer 500 nanoparticle size analyser. Changes in particle size distribution at elevated temperatures were also observed. The antibacterial properties of titanium oxide nanoparticles were examined by subjecting the yeast sample to irradiation with an UV lamp. Findings: Samples containing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were irradiated with and without the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. A faster decrease in the colony count was observed compared to irradiated exposures without the addition of a suspension. Practical implications: Presented materials can be used in the production of antibacterial coatings for surfaces occurring in public spaces such as schools, hospitals, public toilets for the simple and effective elimination of bacteria and fungi as a result of exposures. Originality/value: The antibacterial properties of titanium oxide nanoparticles under UV radiation were confirmed.