Influence of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Resistance of Cementitious Composite Materials to the Action of Bacteria.

Andreea Hegyi,Elvira Grebenişan,Jana Goia,Andreea Mircea,Henriette Szilagyi,Adrian-Victor Lăzărescu

doi:10.3390/ma14051074

Abstract

The formation of biofilms on cementitious building surfaces can cause visible discoloration and premature deterioration, and it can also represent a potential health threat to building occupants. The use of embedded biofilm-resistant photoactivated TiO2 nanoparticles at low concentrations in the cementitious composite matrix is an effective method to increase material durability and reduce maintenance costs. Zone of inhibition studies of TiO2-infused cementitious samples showed efficacy toward both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Highlights

Worldwide, a shift in human lifestyles over the last half century has seen a growing number of daily activities move from the outdoors to enclosed inner spaces [1]
The aim of this work is to analyze the potential of inhibiting the growth of bacterial films on the surface of cementitious composites by adding different amounts of nano-TiO2, using the zone of inhibition to get a quick test of the antibacterial efficiency, and to identify the nanoparticle-functionalized regions in relation to the amount of cement, which ensure a successful effect of resistance from a biological point of view
In order to study the self-cleaning and anti-bacterial properties of cementitious composites, the literature shows three types of concrete modifications: concrete covered with a thin layer of TiO2, concrete covered by a thick layer of photoactive concrete on the top, and different weight percentages of TiO2 in the concrete mass [46]

Summary

Introduction

A shift in human lifestyles over the last half century has seen a growing number of daily activities move from the outdoors to enclosed inner spaces [1]. The aim of this work is to analyze the potential of inhibiting the growth of bacterial films on the surface of cementitious composites by adding different amounts of nano-TiO2, using the zone of inhibition to get a quick test of the antibacterial efficiency, and to identify the nanoparticle-functionalized regions in relation to the amount of cement, which ensure a successful effect of resistance from a biological point of view For this purpose, four types of bacteria were used, which were chosen because of the frequency with which they are encountered in the building environment: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus Aureus, and Streptococcus Pyogenes

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusions