Self‐Organized Arrays of SnO₂ Microplates with Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

Porous anodic metal oxides have been widely used for the development of various functional nanostructures. So far, these self-organized pore structures were prepared as hexagonal arrangements of nanopores, which have become a popular template system for the fabrication of functional nanostructures. Here we report a new oxalic acid-based anodization process for long-range ordered arrays of submicrometer tin dioxide plates at low applied voltages in buffered solution, which prevents the precipitation of SnC 2 O 4 on the Sn anode surface. The chemical composition of the surface SnO 2 was established [a]

SEM Study of the Photocatalytic Activity of SnO2 Films Exposed to UV Radiation Against the Human Pathogen C. albicans

“…The microbiologic studies demonstrated that yeast cells deposited in a glass surface exposed to 15 minutes of UV light (254nm) reached a 34% inhibition growth, and yeast cells on a SnO2 thin film, exposed to the same amount of UV radiation reached a 66% growth inhibition, results that were expected according to SnO2 photocatalytic activity reported in the scientific literature [2,5,6]. A comparison between yeast cells deposited on SnO2 thin films, with and without exposure to UV light, is shown in Figure 2c-d…”

“…UV light has been used for decades as a very efficient wide range antimicrobial method, and resistance mechanisms had not been an important factor that could affect disinfection performance. Certain metal oxides, like SnO2 have photocatalytic properties that allow them to increase the efficacy of UV light antimicrobial activity [5][6][7]. In the present work antibacterial testing was performed employing SnO2 substrate coupled with UV light to measure the ensemble activity against C. albicans a common pathogen in the hospital environment from the microbiologic and scanning electron microscopy perspective.…”

Self-Propelled Active Photothermal Nanoswimmer for Deep-Layered Elimination of Biofilm In Vivo

“…In nature, bacteria would tend to be irreversibly adherent on substrates and live in multicellular communities called biofilm. − In biofilm, most microorganisms are protected by self-produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and exist in an altered metabolic status and physical environment compared with free bacteria. − It is tough to completely eliminate the mature biofilms because the biofilms can decrease the antibacterial agents’ penetration through the extracellular matrix and the underlying dormant lifestyle of bacteria. − According to estimates by the National Institutes of Health, biofilms are involved in over 80% of the human bacterial infections, especially those generated on medical apparatuses, which are at the root of persistent infections, implant failure, and even death. , Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective and safe strategy to combat the threat from biofilms.…”