Thin Films of TiO2: Cu:Ag Cell Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity

Self-cleaning surfaces are of increasing interest in various studies around the world. Static metal oxide layers are attractive for application to the walls of neonatal incubators, in sterile rooms, on dressings, and antimicrobial layers on catheters and implants. The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial and cytotoxicity effect of TiO2: Ag: Cu thin films. The thin films of TiO2: Ag: Cu are deposited on glass substrates without heating during the deposition by RF magnetron cosputtering of TiO2 target and pieces of Ag (60cmm2) and Cu (100mm2). The studied films, thickness about 60 nm, were deposited in argon atmosphere. Films tested by diffusion assay showed antibacterial effect to Е. coli, Salmonella entherica, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus. The growth curve reveal the full destroying of S. epidermidis and Bacillus cereus cells. Crystal violet staining and phase-contrast microscopy observation were used to determine changes in the morphology and cytotoxicity of the epithelial cell line (A549). Our investigations show that these thin films of TiO2:Ag:Cu decrease the cell viability of the tested cultured lines and has good antibacterial effect against Gram - positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This material can be used for the medical application such as catheters, clean surfaces etc