Light-induced antifungal activity of TiO2 nanoparticles/ZnO nanowires

Antifungal activity of TiO₂/ZnO nanostructures under visible light irradiation was investigated. A simple chemical method was used to synthesize ZnO nanowires. Zinc acetate dihydrate, Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone and deionized water were used as precursor, capping and solvent, respectively. TiO₂ nanoparticles were deposited on ZnO nanowires using an atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition system. X-ray diffraction pattern of TiO₂/ZnO nano-composite has represented the diffraction peaks relating to the crystal planes of the TiO₂ (anatase and rutile) and ZnO. TiO₂/ZnO nanostructure antifungal effect on Candida albicans biofilms was studied and compared with the activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles and ZnO nanowires. The high efficiency photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles leads to increased antifungal activity of ZnO nanowires. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to study the morphology of the as prepared nanostructures and the degradation of the yeast.