Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis in Biomaterials Applications

Sammanfattning: Despite extensive preventative efforts, the problem of controlling infections associated with biomedical materials persists. Bacteria tend to colonize on biocompatible materials and form biofilms; thus, novel biomaterials with antibacterial properties are of great interest. In this thesis, titanium dioxide (TiO2)-associated photocatalysis under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was investigated as a strategy for developing bioactivity and antibacterial properties on biomaterials. Although much of the work was specifically directed towards dental materials, the results presented are applicable to a wide range of biomaterial applications.Most of the experimental work in the thesis was based on a resin-TiO2 nanocomposite that was prepared by adding 20 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles to a resin-based polymer material. Tests showed that the addition of the nanoparticles endowed the adhesive material with photocatalytic activity without affecting the functional bonding strength. Subsequent studies indicated a number of additional beneficial properties associated with the nanocomposite that appear promising for biomaterial applications. For example, irradiation with UV light induced bioactivity on the otherwise non-bioactive nanocomposite; this was indicated by hydroxyapatite formation on the surface following soaking in Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline. Under UV irradiation, the resin-TiO2 nanocomposite provided effective antibacterial action against both planktonic and biofilm bacteria. UV irradiation of the nanocomposite also provided a prolonged antibacterial effect that continued after removal of the UV light source. UV treatment also reduced bacterial adhesion to the resin-TiO2 surface.The mechanisms involved in the antibacterial effects of TiO2 photocatalysis were studied by investigating the specific contributions of the photocatalytic reaction products (the reactive oxygen species) and their disinfection kinetics. Methods of improving the viability analysis of bacteria subjected to photocatalysis were also developed.