Liu J., Ramirez I., Bashir S., Mernaugh R.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville, US
Keywords: E. coli inactivation, green synthesis, nanocharacterization, silver, titania
A significant accomplishment of this study centers on developing nanocomposite (NC) materials via green synthesis (GS) techniques for inactivation of prokaryotes like Escherichia coli. The motivations are to: (1) implement fundamental research in nanochemistry for biological application; (2) understand mechanism of inactivation; and (3) integrate advanced instrumentation to aid optimization of antibacterial efficacy. Titania (TiO2) has been extensively studied for disinfection applications. While silver’s (Ag) importance as a bactericide has been documented. Other approaches include use of Ag-TiO2 system as photocatalyst, however, it’s use as a disinfectant is costly. This research suggests that Ag-TiO2 NCs can be prepared in a cost-efficient and GS manner. The originality focuses on use of bottom-up GS approach to produce Ag-modified TiO2 nanocompoiste (TANCs) with decreased band gap energy in the visible light range. Morphologically, NCs were found to be composed of near-spherical particles that were highly crystalline and mono-dispersive in size from 15.8 to 22.5 nm. The binding energies of Ag and Ti were well indexed with their associated standard spectra. Nanocomposite optical absorption properties were consistent with noble metal nanoparticles. The GS derived TANCs were successful in the removal of biological impurities from drinking and underground water supplies. Escherichia coli was inactivated using TANCs under visible light at ambient temperature and pressure. The results of the study indicated that NCs could be specifically designed to prevent growth of bacteria in water. Significance of work is development of TANCs for inactivation of bacteria.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 920 - 923
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3401-5