TiO₂ and ZrB₂ thin films' antimicrobial properties and radiation protection characteristics

With the rapid advancement of technology, the antibacterial and gamma-ray absorption properties of materials are becoming crucial in the creation of new materials for use in industrial, medical, and environmental settings. The major objective of this work is to investigate the antibacterial and gamma radiation shielding qualities of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-doped thin films containing zirconium diboride (ZrB₂₎ and titanium oxide (TiO₂). Geant4 Application Tomographic Emission (GATE) and XCOM simulations were used to calculate the radiation shielding parameters, which were compared to experimental data, acquired using a gamma spectrometer equipped with a NaI (Tl) detector. The radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient (μ), half value layer (HVL), and mean free path (mfp) were calculated theoretically for the PMMA-doped TiO₂ and ZrB₂ thin films. When the experimental and theoretical linear attenuation coefficients of PMMA-doped TiO₂ and ZrB₂ thin films were calculated, it was observed that the thin films doped with ZrB₂ had a higher linear attenuation coefficient. The microdilution method was used to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of PMMA-doped TiO₂ and ZrB₂. Consequently, the ability of the PMMA additive to enhance gamma ray absorption and strengthen the antibacterial properties of zirconium and titanium containing compounds is emphasized, marking an exciting step towards more complex and adaptable applications. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of PMMA-doped TiO₂ and ZrB₂ thin films was determined as 125-500 μg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and 250 μg/ml against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25923) bacteria. PMMA-coated films containing TiO₂ were found to have MIC values of 250 μg/mL for E. coli and 500 μg/mL for S. aureus.