Molybdenum doped titanium dioxide photocatalytic coatings for use as hygienic surfaces: the effect of soiling on antimicrobial activity

Fisher, L, Ostovapour, S, Kelly, P, Whitehead, KA, Cooke, K, Storgards, E and Verran, J (2014) Molybdenum doped titanium dioxide photocatalytic coatings for use as hygienic surfaces: the effect of soiling on antimicrobial activity. Biofouling, 30. ISSN 0892-7014

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Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) surfaces doped with molybdenum (Mo) were investigated to determine if their photocatalytic ability could enhance process hygiene in the brewery industry. Doping TiO2 with Mo showed a 5-log reduction in bacterial counts within 4 to 24 h and a 1-log reduction in yeast numbers within 72 h. The presence of a dilute brewery soil on the surface did not interfere with antimicrobial activity. The TiO2–Mo surface was also active in the dark, showing a 5-log reduction in bacteria within 4 to 24 h and a 1-log reduction in yeast numbers within 72 h, suggesting it could have a novel dual function, being antimicrobial and photocatalytic. The study suggests the TiO2–Mo coating could act as a secondary barrier in helping prevent the build-up of microbial contamination on surfaces within the brewery industry, in particular in between cleaning/disinfection regimes during long production runs.