Titanium Dioxide Could Disinfect Listeria

A study has found titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts can be used with ultraviolet A light as an alternative for listeria monocytogenes biofilm disinfection in food processing.

Researchers at the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece, said TiO2 particles catalyse the killing of bacteria by near-UV light, due to the generation of hydroxyl radicals by photoexcited TiO2 particles.

The report said the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles helps reduce bacterial biofilm, which occurs during food processing and causes post-processing contamination leading to a shorter product shelf-life.

Further research work on the use of TiO2 for food plant surface decontamination could result in potent disinfecting solutions, according to foodproductiondaily.com.