Definition
Disinfection refers to the killing or inactivation (in the case of viruses) of microorganisms. While several metals (most notably copper and silver) are noted for their antimicrobial activity by being toxic (by combining with proteins and nucleic acids), titanium dioxide is believe to be unique in that it primarily acts as a photocatalyst using UV light and is not consumed in the reaction. Titianium dioxide can be used in many formulations that exhibit antimicrobial activity against all types of microorganisms.
Titanium Dioxide as a Photocatalyst
Titanium dioxide application as an antimicrobial has been recognized for several decades and has been used for this purpose in fabricated materials and in air and water purification. Because its action is believed to be primarily due to photocatalysis, it has been seen as a benign, environmentally friendly means of destruction of both chemical and microbial contaminates. Titanium...
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Gerba, C.P. (2013). Titanium Dioxide as Disinfectant. In: Kretsinger, R.H., Uversky, V.N., Permyakov, E.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Metalloproteins. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1533-6_530
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1533-6_530
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