Fungal resistance on photocatalytic ceramic surfaces: The ultimate role of the metal in the Ag@TiO2 photocatalyst under dark and light conditions

Abstract Fungi, molds, and algae are abundant in the environment, leading in many cases to different types of infections and diseases, such as immune suppression/reduced immune function, respiratory diseases, allergies, asthma, and superficial and subcutaneous infections (skin, keratinous tissues, and mucous membranes), among others. These organisms infect billions of people and cause millions of deaths worldwide, putting a massive and costly strain on healthcare systems. As such, there is an urgent need to develop safe and cost-effective continuous self-sterilizing systems to prevent bacterial and viral infections. Apart from polymeric or metallic systems, photocatalytic systems are currently being investigated, in particular photo-self-cleaning materials made of silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2). This chapter evaluates the photoactivity of commercial AgNP-doped TiO2 Porcelain Gres Tiles for preventing growth of fungi (molds) and algae on surfaces.