Project Background:
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a well-known white pigment, often used as an additive in paints due to its low costs. It is also a photocatalyst, active in UV light but not in visible light, leading to the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecules are toxic to microorganisms, making TiO2 an effective antimicrobial agent. (Chen et al., 2022; Schutte-Smith et al., 2023)
It is known that pathogens are capable of surviving on surfaces for long periods of time (Porter et al., 2024). This increases the risk of transmission of infections, which is particularly relevant in healthcare settings, i.e. hospitals, elderly care homes, etc. The use of antimicrobial paints could reduce the microbial burden on surfaces and thus contribute to a reduction in the transmission of infections (Jose et al., 2023; Otter et al., 2013; Yong and Calautit, 2023).
In this context, an innovative photocatalytic pigment, called Q-FIELD?, has been developed based on modified TiO2. The chemical modifications shift the spectrum of catalytic activity from UV to visible light (Bucuresteanu et al., 2022; Neacsu et al., 2024).
This project aims at studying the antimicrobial efficacy of Q-FIELD?-based paints, called SAFER SPACES? paints, in comparison to normal paints. For this purpose, different bacterial strains will be used to evaulate their survival on painted surfaces over time. Also, different environmental conditions will be applied in the study, for example comparing the efficacy in light or dark conditions. The paints will also be tested in field experiments, to evaluate the effectiveness of SAFER SPACES? paints in a real-life setting. The mechanism of action of Q-FIELD? will be assessed, analysing the production of ROS from the pigment and comparing it to its precursor, titanium dioxide.
This project is a collaboration with a private company, Spectrum Blue AS, that holds the patent for Q-FIELD?. The research is publicly funded by the Research Council of Norway in the Industrial PhD scheme (grant nr. 354168).
Methods:
Microbiology – bacterial growth on surfaces/biofilm formation
ROS detection methods
Surface analysis (Electron Microscopy and other methods)