Photobactericidal effects of TiO2 thin films at low temperatures - a preliminary study

The efficacy of TiO₂ photocatalysis for the destruction of pathogenic bacteria has been demonstrated by a number of groups over the past two decades. Pathogenic bacteria represent a significant hazard for the food and drink industry. Current practices in this industry dictate that rigorous sanitizing regimes must be regularly implemented resulting in lost production time. The incorporation of a TiO₂ antibacterial surface coating in this setting would be highly desirable. In this paper we report a preliminary study of the efficacy of a TiO₂ coating, doped with the lanthanide, neodymium, at low temperature conditions such as those utilised in the food and drink sector. The rapid destruction of Staphylococcus aureus, a common foodborne pathogen, was observed using TiO₂ films coated to glass and steel substrates.