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Enhanced inactivation of bacteria by metal‐oxide nanoparticles combined with visible light irradiation
Author(s) -
Lipovsky Anat,
Gedanken Aharon,
Nitzan Yeshayahu,
Lubart Rachel
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.21033
Subject(s) - visible spectrum , nanoparticle , irradiation , sterilization (economics) , chemistry , reactive oxygen species , photochemistry , electron paramagnetic resonance , oxygen , nanotechnology , nuclear chemistry , materials science , optoelectronics , nuclear magnetic resonance , biochemistry , organic chemistry , physics , nuclear physics , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange market , foreign exchange
Background In recent years nano‐metaloxides which easily penetrate into the cells with special interest due to their higher chemical reactivity as compared to that of similar materials in the bulk form. Of particular interest are nano‐TiO 2 and ZnO, which have been widely used for their bactericidal and anticancerous properties. Purpose The aim of the present study was to examine the bactericidal properties of nano‐TiO 2 and ZnO combined with visible light on S. aureus and S. epidermitis , known for their high prevalence in infected wounds. Study Using the technique of electron‐spin resonance (ESR) coupled with spin trapping, we examined the ability of TiO 2 and ZnO nanoparticle suspensions in water to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with and without visible light irradiation. The possibility of exciting these nanoparticles with visible light in order to enhance their antimicrobial activity was also tested. Results Electron‐spin resonance measurements revealed that ZnO and TiO 2 nanoparticles are able to produce ROS in water suspension. A remarkable enhancement of ROS production was found following illumination with blue light. In addition, illumination significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles. Conclusion The results suggest that nanoparticles combined with visible light can be used for sterilization purposes and may be effective for treating infected wounds. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:236–240, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.