PHOTONIC WARRIORS: EXAMINING TITANIUM DIOXIDE'S ANTIMICROBIAL MASTERY UNDER UV ILLUMINATION ON ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract

This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) micro-particles in suspension under UV irradiation on Escherichia coli strains obtained from soil and sewage samples. The aim of this research is to explore the potential applications of TiO2 as a non-toxic and effective agent to eliminate microorganisms in areas where traditional chemical cleaning agents or biocides have proven to be ineffective. The methodology involved the collection of samples from sewage and soil, isolation of E.coli from the samples, preparation of TiO2, illuminating E.coli under UV light, and performing plate count. The observations showed a significant decrease in the viable count of E.coli under UV illumination, with a higher reduction observed for the E.coli strain from soil samples than the sewage sample. TiO2 particles, when phagocytosed by the microbial cell, cause rapid cell injury, resulting in various damages to the microbes, and act as a strong oxidant that causes various damages to bacteria. The study concludes that TiO2 exhibits a high rate of bactericidal activity and can be used for various antimicrobial applications. However, a more comprehensive study would be required to ascertain a more critical concentration of TiO2 to be used as an anti-microbial. The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the development of eco-friendly and non-toxic antimicrobial agents.