The anti-microbial activity of titania-nickel ferrite composite nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel approach to synthesize a new generation of composite nanoparticles consisting of a photocatalytic shell of anatase-titania and a magnetic core of nickel ferrite has been adopted combining reverse micelle and chemical hydrolysis techniques. Titania is an effective anti-microbial agent that can be directly sprayed on infected areas of the human body or environment. Unfortunately, titania is an electrical insulator and is difficult to extract from the sprayed surface after treatment. The titania photocatalytic shell provides good antimicrobial capability that renders the bacteria inactive and removes the organic pollutants, while the nickel ferrite magnetic core enables controlled delivery of composite nanoparticles through the application of a small magnetic field, encouraging their application as removable anti-microbial photocatalyst nanoparticles.