Surface deposited one-dimensional copper-doped TiO2 nanomaterials for prevention of health care acquired infections

PLoS One. 2018 Jul 26;13(7):e0201490. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201490. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Bacterial infections acquired in healthcare facilities including hospitals, the so called healthcare acquired or nosocomial infections, are still of great concern worldwide and represent a significant economical burden. One of the major causes of morbidity is infection with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has been reported to survive on surfaces for several months. Bactericidal activity of copper-TiO2 thin films, which release copper ions and are deposited on glass surfaces and heated to high temperatures, is well known even when illuminated with very weak UVA light of about 10 μW/cm2. Lately, there is an increased intrerest for one-dimensional TiO2 nanomaterials, due to their unique properties, low cost, and high thermal and photochemical stability. Here we show that copper doped TiO2 nanotubes produce about five times more ·OH radicals as compared to undoped TiO2 nanotubes and that effective surface disinfection, determined by a modified ISO 22196:2011 test, can be achieved even at low intensity UVA light of 30 μW/cm2. The nanotubes can be deposited on a preformed surface at room temperature, resulting in a stable deposition resistant to multiple washings. Up to 103 microorganisms per cm2 can be inactivated in 24 hours, including resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli (E. coli ESBL). This disinfection method could provide a valuable alternative to the current surface disinfection methods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Catalysis
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible* / chemical synthesis
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible* / chemistry
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible* / pharmacology
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Disinfection / instrumentation
  • Disinfection / methods
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / physiology
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / chemistry
  • Photochemistry
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • titanium dioxide
  • Copper
  • Titanium

Grants and funding

This study was supported by Slovenian Research Agency ARRS, Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS, research core funding no. (P1-0060), prof. Janez Strancar; and NAMASTE Centre of Excellence, Institute for research and development of Advanced Materials and Technologies for the Future, ADVANCED BIO MATERIALS, prof. Janez Strancar.