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)
Requirements:
This project is suitable for students of the study programs Molecular Biology/Biochemistry, Cell Biology/Physiology, or Genetics/Developmental Biology - but students from all study programs and from other departments are welcome to contact us. We prefer candidates to join the group early in their MSc program and to work on their thesis project part-time, in parallel to their course work. Some background in Microbiology, Chemistry or Biochemistry is an advantage.
Supervisors:
Prof. Dirk Linke, Elisa Mascherin
About the group:
The research group of Prof. Linke is a very international and interdisciplinary environment, and is part of the EVOGENE section. The working language in the lab is English. The group excels in microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology methods, but we offer thesis topics for all MSc study programs. More information (also about other potential projects interesting for MSc students) can be found here:
https://www.mn.uio.no/ibv/english/research/sections/evogene/groups/linke/index.html
References:
Bucuresteanu, R., Ionita, M., Chihaia, V., Ficai, A., Trusca, R.-D., Ilie, C.-I., Kuncser, A., Holban, A.-M., Mihaescu, G., Petcu, G., Nicolaev, A., Costescu, R.M., Husch, M., Parvulescu, V., Ditu, L.-M., 2022. Antimicrobial Properties of TiO2 Microparticles Coated with Ca- and Cu-Based Composite Layers. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 23, 6888. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23136888
Chen, M.C., Koh, P.W., Ponnusamy, V.K., Lee, S.L., 2022. Titanium dioxide and other nanomaterials based antimicrobial additives in functional paints and coatings: Review. Prog. Org. Coat. 163, 106660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2021.106660
Jose, A., Gizdavic-Nikolaidis, M., Swift, S., 2023. Antimicrobial Coatings: Reviewing Options for Healthcare Applications. Appl. Microbiol. 3, 145–174. https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol3010012
Neacsu, A., Chihaia, V., Bucuresteanu, R., Ficai, A., Trusca, R.D., Surdu, V.-A., Nicolaev, A., Cojocaru, B., Ionita, M., Calinescu, I., Parvulescu, V., Ditu, L.-M., 2024. Physicochemical Characterization of Ca- and Cu-Decorated TiO2 Microparticles and Investigation of Their Antimicrobial Properties. Materials 17, 4483. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184483
Otter, J.A., Yezli, S., Salkeld, J.A.G., French, G.L., 2013. Evidence that contaminated surfaces contribute to the transmission of hospital pathogens and an overview of strategies to address contaminated surfaces in hospital settings. Am. J. Infect. Control 41, S6–S11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2012.12.004
Porter, L., Sultan, O., Mitchell, B.G., Jenney, A., Kiernan, M., Brewster, D.J., Russo, P.L., 2024. How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A scoping review. J. Hosp. Infect. 147, 25–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.01.023
Schutte-Smith, M., Erasmus, E., Mogale, R., Marogoa, N., Jayiya, A., Visser, H.G., 2023. Using visible light to activate antiviral and antimicrobial properties of TiO2 nanoparticles in paints and coatings: focus on new developments for frequent-touch surfaces in hospitals. J. Coat. Technol. Res. 20, 789–817. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-022-00733-8
Yong, L.X., Calautit, J.K., 2023. A Comprehensive Review on the Integration of Antimicrobial Technologies onto Various Surfaces of the Built Environment. Sustainability 15, 3394. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043394