Development of Titania Nanotube Coated Surfaces for Reduction Of Airborne Bacteria

Abstract

Nosocomial Infections and food spoilage, caused by different airborne bacteria is a major concern. Titania Nano-structure coated surfaces are reliable in reducing pathogenic bacteria present in indoor air. In the present study comparative photo catalytic disinfection ability of pure Titania Nanotube and 1% Iron doped Titania Nanotube coated wood surface, to disinfect airborne bacteria, has been examined. Prepared Nanotubes (Both pure and Iron doped) were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS); Xray Diffraction (XRD); Brunauer-Edward-Teller (BET) surface area measurement; and band gap energy calculations. Nanotubes were coated on wood surfaces using a novel and green method of coating (natural resin as a binding agent). These wood surfaces were found effective in reducing important airborne bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram Negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram Positive) present in indoor air. A 70% reduction in population of P. aeruginosa was observed when pure Titania Nanotubes coated wood surfaces were exposed to fluorescent light for two hours. In case of 1% Iron doped Titania Nanotubes coated wood surfaces, P. Aeruginosa species were completely degraded just within 75 minutes of exposure to fluorescent light. Similar trends were observed with Staph. Aureus with 80% removal in case of pure TNT coated wood surface after two hours and 100% removal within 90 minutes when 1% Iron doped TNT coatings were placed under fluorescent light.