Innovative semi-transparent nanocomposite films presenting photo-switchable behavior and leading to a reduction of the risk of infection under sunlight

Novel sputtered polyethylene–TiO2 (PE–TiO2) thin films induce fast bacterial inactivation with concomitant photo-switchable hydrophobic to hydrophilic transition under light. RF-plasma pretreatments allowed an increased TiO2 loading on PE, favorably affecting the photocatalyst performance. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy shows that the increase in the cell lipid-layer fluidity leads to cell wall scission/bacterial inactivation.