Visible and ultraviolet antibacterial behavior in PVDF-TiO2 nanocomposite films

Highly efficient antibacterial nanocomposite films consisting of a commercially available poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) incorporating synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles have been prepared with different anatase contents by a simple approach with absence of any solvent. These materials display powerful antimicrobial activity toward both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria under UV and, surprisingly, visible lights. Their optical characterization has pointed out that absorption is significantly increased in the nanocomposites at the visible range, being this aspect behind the excellent capability exhibited against microorganisms. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.