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One-dimensional titanate nanotubes (H2Ti2O5·H2O) functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibited unique properties for the effective inactivation of the Gram-negative Escherichia coli within 45 minutes under irradiation using a 65 W halogen lamp. The pathway of the photo-assisted catalytic inactivation was examined by SEM and TEM using a reproducible biological protocol for sample preparations. The membrane integrity of the bacteria was damaged due to the oxidative stress caused by the reactive oxygen species, the bacteriostatic effect of the highly-dispersed-surface AgNPs (∼5 nm) and the sharp nanotube penetration that induced the cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report two BODIPY based photosensitizers (Br2BOAc and I2BOAc) featuring an acetoxymethyl substituent at the meso-position. These photosensitizers show improved photostability against singlet oxygen, when compared to a BODIPY photosensitizer lacking the acetoxymethyl group. Both compounds were evaluated for photodynamic therapy against HeLa cells and photodynamic inactivation against E. coli bacteria. We show that the compounds readily embed in the lipid membranes of HeLa cervical cancer cells and efficiently induced light-dependent apoptosis at nanomolar concentration. Also, both compounds showed a substantial degree of photoinactivation of E. coli bacteria when used at low micromolar concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the photocatalytic disinfection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) using dual layer ceramic wafers, prepared by a simple and low-cost technique, was investigated. Heterojunction wafers were prepared by pressing TiO2 and WO3 powders together into 2 layers within a single, self-supported monolith. Data modelling showed that the heterojunction wafers were able to sustain the formation of charged species (after an initial “charging” period). In comparison, a wafer made from pure TiO2 showed a less desirable bacterial inactivation profile in that the rate decreased with time (after being faster initially). The more favourable kinetics of the dual layer system was due to superior electron–hole vectorial charge separation and an accumulation of charges beyond the initial illumination period. The results demonstrate the potential for developing simplified photocatalytic devices for rapid water disinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]