Antimicrobial and biofilm-disrupting nanostructured Ti[O.sub.2] coating demonstrating photoactivity and dark activity

Antimicrobial materials are tools used to reduce the transmission of infectious microorganisms. Photo-illuminated titania (Ti[O.sub.2]) is a known antimicrobial material. Used as a coating on door handles and similar surfaces, it may reduce viability and colonization by pathogens and limit their spread. We tested the survival of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on a nano-structured Ti[O.sub.2]-based thin film, called 'NsARC', and on stainless steel under a variety of light wavelengths and intensities. There was significantly less survival (P