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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Photopatterning Proteins and Cells in Aqueous Environment Using TiO2 Photocatalysis

Photopatterning Proteins and Cells in Aqueous Environment Using TiO2 Photocatalysis

Published on: October 26, 2015

Light-Induced Transformation of Virus-Like Particles on TiO₂.

Mona Kohantorabi¹, Aldo Ugolotti², Benedikt Sochor^3,4

¹Centre for X-ray and Nano Science CXNS, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

|July 3, 2024

Summary

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) inactivates SARS-CoV-2 via photocatalysis. UV light and oxygen are essential for TiO2 to break down virus structures on its surface, preventing transmission.

Keywords:

AFM GISAXS SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs)XPS photocatalytic oxidation titanium dioxide

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Biophysics

Background:

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) exhibits self-cleaning properties, crucial for inactivating pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of TiO2 photocatalysis against viruses is vital for developing effective antiviral surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the molecular and atomic-level impact of UV-A light on SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) adsorbed on TiO2.
To elucidate the role of oxygen and UV light in the photocatalytic inactivation of viruses on TiO2 surfaces.

Main Methods:

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to analyze VLP adsorption.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and in situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) to observe morphological changes.
In situ GISAXS under N2 atmosphere to assess the necessity of oxygen.

Main Results:

SARS-CoV-2 VLPs adsorb onto TiO2 primarily through amine and amide groups of their spike proteins.
UV irradiation induces photo-oxidation and protein denaturation, leading to increased VLP diameter.
Virus inactivation requires both UV light and oxygen, indicating a photocatalytic mechanism.

Conclusions:

The study provides chemical insights into the photocatalytic inactivation of enveloped viruses on TiO2.
UV light and oxygen are critical for initiating photocatalytic reactions that degrade viral structures.
Findings support the development of TiO2-based materials for effective antiviral applications.