Exploring blood oxygenation through photocatalytic activity using microwave assisted hydrothermally crystallized...

Anodically crystallized TiO₂nanotubes through microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique results in formation of granular morphology with anatase phase. Field emission scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction studies indicate the granular morphology of TiO₂nanotubes while retaining the anatase phase. Diffuse reflectance and photo luminescence spectroscopy analysis reveal band gap of fabricated TiO₂nanotubes as 2.90 eV and the position of defect states 0.86 eV below the conduction band. Investigations of x-ray photo-electron and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy reveal the presence of oxygen vacancy related defect states. The color change of blood through photocatalytic activity indicates production of oxygen in the blood. The UV-visible absorption studies on diluted blood indicate an enhancement in blood oxygenation, which is consistent with the results of a standard hemoglobin test. The utilization of an optical microscope has facilitated the examination of the structural composition of red blood cells, which has led to the observation of no hemolysis subsequent to photocatalytic activity.