Capturing bacteria through a bio-sensitive heterostructure surface: Photoluminescence studies

Bacteria entrapment in water is one of the major concerns around the globe. With increase in pollution levels, automation, altering weather, global warming etc., the quality of natural resources of water is in a big doubt. This paper presents the fabrication, characterization and testing of a bioactive surface which comprises of a hetero-structure. The surface contains porous silicon with a capping of titania nanostructures. The bio-studies were done in presence of E. coli bacteria and its ensnarement was confirmed from SEM and Photoluminescence (PL) studies. The surface was found to be extremely sensitive to 10 2 CFU/mL of bacteria.