Nanostructured TiO2 and TiO2-Ag Antimicrobial Thin Films

Infection is one of the common clinical problems that cause high rates of death in various surgical operations. Coating the surgical instruments or implants with antibacterial properties is a useful method to reduce such infections during the operation period. The high incidence of infections caused by the use of implanted biomedical devices and environment in the hospital has a severe impact on the health of patients. However no comprehensive studies have been reported on active species of fungal and bacteria. In this present investigation, we have systematically studied the antifungal (against Candida albicans (MTCC-1637), Candida tropicalis (MTCC-184). Candida parapsilosis (MTCC-2509), Candida glabrata (MTCC 3019) and antibacterial properties of 4 species namely (against Staphylococcus faecalis (NCIM-2604). Staphylococcus epidermidis (NCIM-2493), Staphylococcus aureus (NCIL-2122), Bacillus subtilis ( NCIM-2549) each using pure TiO₂ and TiO₂ with Ag as additive by using the simple and cost effective solgel process. The films have been deposited on glass and Si substrates and their structural, morphological properties have been investigated by employing standard spectroscopic techniques such as X Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The test for antifungal and antibacterial has been carried out by using drop test method. It is evident from the results that with increasing Ag concentration the antimicrobial activity increases.