Photocatalytic Inactivation Efficiency of Anatase Nano‐TiO2 Sol on the H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate efficiency of TiO(2) nanomaterial as a novel environment-friendly disinfectant to control avian influenza (AI) by its photochemical sterilization ability. Anatase nano-TiO(2) sol, a neutral, viscous aqueous colloid of 1.6% TiO(2) , was synthesized from peroxotitanic acid solution according to the Ichinose method. Transmission electron microscope images showed that the TiO(2) particles were spindle-shaped with an average size of 50 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the crystal phase of TiO(2) particles was anatase type with photocatalytic effect. A photocatalytic film of nano-TiO(2) sol was tested as a means of inactivating H(9) N(2) avian influenza virus (AIV). Inactivation capabilities were examined with 365nm ultraviolet (UV) radiation under black light by adjusting the UV intensity, the UV irradiation time and the quantity of AIV. The titer change of AIV was determined by hemagglutination tests. Cytopathic effect of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was monitored by inverted fluorescence microscope. The results showed that anatase nano-TiO(2) sol significantly inactivated AIV under UV irradiation of 365nm. The inactivation of AIV viruses reached up to 100%. Therefore, anatase nano-TiO(2) sol is a potentially environment-friendly antivirus agent to prevent AI.