Photoinactivation of Escherichia coli on acrylic paint formulations using fluorescent light

• Published in: Dyes and pigments Vol. 86; no. 1; pp. 56 - 62
• Main Authors: Caballero, L., Whitehead, K.A., Allen, N.S., Verran, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2010
• Subjects: E. coli; Escherichia coli; Fluorescent light; Paint; Photocatalysis; TiO 2; UV inactivation; UV inactivation; Paint; TiO 2; Fluorescent light; Photocatalysis; E. coli
• ISSN: 0143-7208; 1873-3743
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2009.12.001

The composition of acrylic paints containing TiO 2 photocatalyst was evaluated in terms of bacterial inactivation using Escherichia coli (ATCC8739), during irradiation with fluorescent light. Paint formulations containing photocatalyst and photocatalyst plus extenders were prepared as films. Complete bacterial inactivation was obtained within 96 h for simple paint formulations containing photocatalyst at different loadings (15–80% of total pigment volume concentration). The addition of extenders such as silica and talc to the paint formulation did not affect the efficacy of bacterial inactivation. However, the use of CaCO 3 as extender reduced the photocatalytic activity of the paint. This is attributed to reduced contact between the microorganism and the nanoparticles when CaCO 3 is present, especially at concentrations higher than 40%. Results show the importance of careful paint formulation to enable activation of photocatalyst for E. coli killing under fluorescent light.