Preparation and characterization of a photocatalytic antibacterial material: Graphene oxide/TiO2/bacterial cellulose nanocomposite

Abstract In this study, bacterial cellulose (BC) was used as a matrix to synthesize graphene oxide/Titanium dioxide (GO TiO 2 )-based hybrid materials. It was indicated by X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction that the crystal structure of GO TiO 2 was a mixed phase containing anatase and rutile. TiO 2 nanoparticles were of 10–30 nm diameters and densely anchored on graphene oxide sheets. Superior photocatalytic performance of the GO TiO 2 was achieved under near UV excitation. The photocatalytic efficiency was optimized through controlling an appropriate calcined temperature. The obtained GO TiO 2 nanoparticles were filled into porous BC matrix (GO TiO 2 /BC), and the photocatalytic properties of GO TiO 2 nanoparticles were well maintained. Consistent with photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 , GO TiO 2 /BC generated reactive oxygen species after near ultraviolet irradiation. No dark cytotoxicity was observed at the long incubation time. In parallel, following exposure of Staphylococcus aureus cells to GO TiO 2 and irradiation, a significant decrease in cell viability, as well as an increased production of reactive oxygen species was observed, which induced cellular death. The results indicated that GO TiO 2 /BC possess an excellent photodynamic antibacterial activity.