Cu2O(ClO4)2/TiO2 Dandelion-shaped Nanospheres with Photocatalytic Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Cu/TiO2 dandelion-like 3D microstructures self-assembled from nanorods were prepared. These microstructures demonstrated good antibacterial activity (100%) against Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli. The structural, compositional, morphological, and optical properties of different Cu/TiO2 powders were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, BET, FTIR, TG, and DRS. The X-ray diffraction patterns of Cu/TiO2 powders were consistent with crystalline rutile/anatase TiO2 and Cu2O(ClO4)2. Furthermore, Acinetobacter baumannii DNA integrity was compromised by photocatalytic antibacterial activity. In the electrophoresis experiment, the catalysts could only inhibit the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii in the absence of light. The DNA fragments of Acinetobacter baumannii were damaged under the condition of light and catalyst. This could greatly reduce the likelihood of horizontal gene transfer, thus greatly reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance.