Abstract
SmartCoat is a novel technology with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, isopropyl alcohol, and distilled water as the active ingredients. TiO2, along with water and oxygen, generates highly reactive OH radicals that can neutralize bacteria and other microorganisms and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Smart coat requires air circulation and a light source for its catalytic activity. The efficacy of TiO2 in industrial setups and dental devices has been documented. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TiO2 in preventing microbial growth in an operating theater (OT) where maximum sterility is desired to prevent sepsis and nosocomial infections. Among the four operating theaters, two were selected. Periodic swab samples taken over a period of nine months from OT 3 (Smart coated) and OT 4 (Control) showed minimal variations in terms of microbial growth in the processed swabs. The findings were statistically analyzed using a paired-sample t-test. The computed value of ‘t’ i.e., 2.084 was lower than the critical value of 3.18 at 3 deg of freedom (df) and hence was not significant. The null hypothesis cannot be rejected (p=0.129>0.05) at the 5% level of significance. SmartCoat with TiO2 was not effective in preventing microbial growth on biomedical devices in the OT. The product may not be suitable for operating theaters unless it is supplemented by other sterilization procedures. However, it can be used in other healthcare settings and in public places.
Highlights
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a considerably effective nano-semiconductor photocatalyst that is commonly utilized in organic and inorganic compound oxidation in water and air because of its extended photostability and vigorous oxidative potential
The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TiO2 in preventing microbial growth in an operating theater (OT) where maximum sterility is desired to prevent sepsis and nosocomial infections
Periodic culture isolates from both OT 3 and OT 4 showed minimal variation
Summary
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a considerably effective nano-semiconductor photocatalyst that is commonly utilized in organic and inorganic compound oxidation in water and air because of its extended photostability and vigorous oxidative potential. TiO2 is a cheap and innocuous material[1] that produces extremely reactive OH radicals in the presence of O2 and H2O. These OH radicals can effectively prevent bacterial growth and development.[2]. Infections with Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of patient morbidity. During non-lethal UV light exposure, TiO2 nanoparticles degrade organic compounds by continuous discharge and the emergence of superoxide ions and hydroxyl radicals, which restrict the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.[3]
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