Antiviral activity of multifunctional composite based on TiO₂-modified hydroxyapatite

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a key component of bone and teeth.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is known for its photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties.
• Developing novel composite materials with enhanced functionalities is crucial for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a hydroxyapatite-titanium dioxide (HA/TiO2) composite.
• To investigate the antiviral activity of the HA/TiO2 composite against H1N1 Influenza A Virus.
• To evaluate the potential of HA/TiO2 composite for antimicrobial filtration.

Main Methods:

• Solid-state reaction method followed by calcination at 650°C for 2h to prepare the HA/TiO2 composite.
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for phase formation and morphology analysis.
• Antiviral assays to determine the efficacy against H1N1 Influenza A Virus under UV irradiation.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of the HA/TiO2 composite confirmed by XRD.
• SEM analysis revealed anatase TiO2 crystals embedded within HA crystals.
• Significant antiviral activity observed with a >2 log/h reduction in H1N1 virus titer at 0.5 mg/ml concentration under UV irradiation for 60 min.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized HA/TiO2 composite exhibits potent antiviral properties against H1N1 Influenza A Virus.
• The composite demonstrates potential for use in antimicrobial filtration systems.
• This material could be a valuable component in the development of advanced face masks and other protective gear.