Photocatalytic TiO2 nanomaterials as potential antimicrobial and antiviral agents: Scope against blocking the SARS-COV-2 spread

• Published in: Micro and Nano Engineering Vol. 14; p. 100100
• Main Authors: Prakash, Jai, Cho, Junghyun, Mishra, Yogendra Kumar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.2022; The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V; Elsevier
• Subjects: Antimicrobial; Antiviral; Nanomaterials; Review Paper; SARS-CoV-2; TiO2 photocatalysts; Antimicrobial; Nanomaterials; Antiviral; SARS-CoV-2; TiO2 photocatalysts
• ISSN: 2590-0072; 2590-0072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mne.2021.100100

The whole world is struggling with current coronavirus pandemic that shows urgent need to develop novel technologies, medical innovations or innovative materials for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mode of infection of SARS-CoV-2 is still not well known and seems to spread through surface, air, and water. Therefore, the whole surrounding environment needs to be disinfected with continuous function. For that purpose, materials with excellent antiviral properties, cost effective, environmental friendly and practically applicable should be researched. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) under ultraviolet light produces strong oxidative effect and is utilized as photocatalytic disinfectant in biomedical field. TiO2 based photocatalysts are effective antimicrobial/antiviral agents under ambient conditions with potential to be used even in indoor environment for inactivation of bacteria/viruses. Interestingly, recent studies highlight the effective disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 using TiO2 photocatalysts. Here, scope of TiO2 photocatalysts as emerging disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2 infection has been discussed in view of their excellent antibacterial and antiviral activities against various bacteria and viruses (e.g. H1N1, MNV, HSV, NDV, HCoV etc.). The current state of development of TiO2 based nano-photocatalysts as disinfectant shows their potential to combat with SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and are promising for any other such variants or viruses, bacteria in future studies. [Display omitted] •Development of TiO2 based photocatalysts with excellent anti-bacterial/viral activities.•Emerging application of TiO2 based photocatalysts in fighting against SARS-CoV-2.•TiO2 based photocatalyst nanomaterials are effective for ambient and dark conditions.•TiO2 photocatalysts based nano-coating can be applied to the surface of objects and common places.•TiO2 photocatalysts nano coating could stop the spreading/transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.