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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Photopatterning Proteins and Cells in Aqueous Environment Using TiO2 Photocatalysis
Published on: October 26, 2015
[Influence of titanium dioxide activated under visible light on survival of mold fungi]
Daria Kądziołka1, Paulina Rokicka2, Agata Markowska-Szczupak3
1Zachodniopomorski Uniwersytet Technologiczny w Szczecinie / West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland (Wydział Technologii i Inżynierii Chemicznej, Instytut Technologii Chemicznej Nieorganicznej i Inżynierii Środowiska / Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Institute of Inorganic Technology and Environment Engineering). kadziolkadariaanna@gmail.com.
Background:
In public and residential buildings, fungi are usually found in the dust or growing on building materials medium such. It has been known that a number of their spores may contaminate the indoor environment and deteriorate air quality in accommodation spaces. Previously designed air cleaning systems do not guarantee a complete removal of agents harmful to humans and animals. Therefore, there is a great need to develop a new solution to remove molds from indoor air. In recent years, photocatalysis based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been proposed as an effective method for air pollutants removal. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of TiO2 activated under artificial sun light (UV-VIS - ultraviolet - visible spectroscopy) on survival of fungi Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger.
Material And Methods:
The commercial P 25 (Aeroxide P 25, Evonik, Germany) and nitrogen modified titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) were used. The microbiological study was performed using Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger fungi. The survival of fungi was determined on the basis of changes in their concentration.
Results:
It was found that N-TiO2 has a stronger antifungal activity against P. chrysogenum and A. niger than P 25. For N-TiO2, the complete elimination of molds was possible after 3 h under artificial solar light activation. The minimal concentration of photocatalyst was 0.01 g×dm-3 (P. chrysogenum) and 0.1 g×dm-3 (A. niger).
Conclusions:
The nitrogen modification of titanium dioxide produced expected results and N-TiO2 presented good antifungal activity. The findings of the presented investigation can lead to the development of air filter to be used for removal of harmful agents (including molds) from indoor environment. Med Pr 2018;69(1):59-65.
Insights
Nitrogen-modified titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) effectively eliminates indoor mold spores like Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger. This new N-TiO2 photocatalyst offers a promising solution for improving indoor air quality by removing harmful fungi.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Indoor environments in buildings are often contaminated with fungi, leading to poor air quality.
- Existing air cleaning systems are insufficient for complete removal of airborne mold spores.
- There is a need for advanced solutions to mitigate indoor fungal contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts under artificial sunlight.
- To compare the performance of commercial TiO2 (P25) with nitrogen-modified TiO2 (N-TiO2) against specific mold species.
- To determine the optimal conditions for mold removal using photocatalysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized commercial P25 and nitrogen-modified titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) as photocatalysts.
- Assessed the survival of Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger fungi.
- Determined fungal survival by monitoring changes in their concentration after photocatalytic treatment.
Main Results:
- Nitrogen-modified TiO2 (N-TiO2) demonstrated superior antifungal activity compared to P25.
- Complete elimination of P. chrysogenum and A. niger was achieved with N-TiO2 within 3 hours of activation.
- Minimal effective concentrations for N-TiO2 were 0.01 g/dm³ for P. chrysogenum and 0.1 g/dm³ for A. niger.
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen modification significantly enhanced the antifungal properties of TiO2.
- N-TiO2 shows potential for developing effective air filters to remove molds from indoor air.
- This research contributes to strategies for improving indoor air quality and mitigating health risks associated with fungal exposure.
