Research in Health and Medical Sciences
Wed, Jun 24, 2026
[Archive]
Volume 4, Issue 2 (4-2025)
JRHMS 2025, 4(2): 11-31 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Hosseini S A, Pourdel B, Rajabi E, Farash Khayalo H. Efficacy of photocatalytic processes for hospital environmental disinfection: A systematic review. JRHMS 2025; 4 (2) :11-31
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-148-en.html
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-148-en.html
1- Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (26 Views)
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and multidrug-resistant organisms threaten patient safety. This systematic review evaluates photocatalytic reactions as continuous, self-disinfecting technologies in hospitals.
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. Forty-seven studies were included to assess semiconductor photocatalysts' antimicrobial efficacy against hospital pathogens.
Nearly half (49%) of the studies utilized visible-light-active catalysts (e.g., doped-TiO2). These systems demonstrated high efficacy against superbugs, achieving up to a 4.2 log reduction in Staphylococcus aureus and 99.99% in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, field interventions in intensive care units showed that photocatalytic air purifiers reduced airborne contamination by one order of magnitude and significantly lowered infection acquisition rates.
Photocatalytic processes represent a promising adjunctive infection control strategy, providing constant microbial inactivation under ordinary hospital lighting. Future standardized testing of functional stability in clinical environments is required.
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. Forty-seven studies were included to assess semiconductor photocatalysts' antimicrobial efficacy against hospital pathogens.
Nearly half (49%) of the studies utilized visible-light-active catalysts (e.g., doped-TiO2). These systems demonstrated high efficacy against superbugs, achieving up to a 4.2 log reduction in Staphylococcus aureus and 99.99% in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, field interventions in intensive care units showed that photocatalytic air purifiers reduced airborne contamination by one order of magnitude and significantly lowered infection acquisition rates.
Photocatalytic processes represent a promising adjunctive infection control strategy, providing constant microbial inactivation under ordinary hospital lighting. Future standardized testing of functional stability in clinical environments is required.
Keywords: Photocatalytic Processes, Hospital Environmental Disinfection, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Titanium Dioxide, Multidrug-Resistant Organisms.
Type of Study: Systematic Review Article |
Subject:
General
Received: 2026/05/11 | Accepted: 2026/05/16 | Published: 2026/06/21
Received: 2026/05/11 | Accepted: 2026/05/16 | Published: 2026/06/21
References
1. Zaha DC, Kiss R, Hegedűs C, Gesztelyi R, Bombicz M, Muresan M, et al. Recent Advances in Investigation, Prevention, and Management of Healthcare‐Associated Infections (HAIs): Resistant Multidrug Strain Colonization and Its Risk Factors in an Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital. BioMed research international. 2019;2019(1):2510875. [DOI:10.1155/2019/2510875]
2. Al-Tawfiq JA, Tambyah PA. Healthcare associated infections (HAI) perspectives. Journal of infection and public health. 2014;7(4):339-44. [DOI:10.1016/j.jiph.2014.04.003]
3. Chezganova E, Efimova O, Sakharova V, Efimova A, Sozinov S, Kutikhin A, et al. Ventilation-associated particulate matter is a potential reservoir of multidrug-resistant organisms in health facilities. Life. 2021;11(7):639. [DOI:10.3390/life11070639]
4. Fanelli C, Pistidda L, Terragni P, Pasero D. Infection Prevention and Control Strategies According to the Type of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria and Candida auris in Intensive Care Units: A Pragmatic Resume including Pathogens R0 and a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Antibiotics. 2024;13(8):789. [DOI:10.3390/antibiotics13080789]
5. Hussain HH, Ibraheem NT, Al-Rubaey NKF, Radhi MM, Hindi NKK, AL-Jubori RHK. A review of airborne contaminated microorganisms associated with human diseases. Medical Journal of Babylon. 2022;19(2):115-22. [DOI:10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_20_22]
6. Rutala WA, Weber DJ. Guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities, 2008. update: May 2019. 2019.
7. Ng MK, Mont MA, Bonutti PM. Clinical and Environmental Harms of Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants and the Promise of Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) Alternatives: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2025;17(5). [DOI:10.7759/cureus.84022]
8. Möller H-J. Effectiveness studies: advantages and disadvantages. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience. 2011;13(2):199-207. [DOI:10.31887/DCNS.2011.13.2/hmoeller]
9. De Groot R, Van Zoelen GA, Leenders ME, Van Riel AJ, De Vries I, De Lange DW. Is secondary chemical exposure of hospital personnel of clinical importance? Clinical Toxicology. 2021;59(4):269-78. [DOI:10.1080/15563650.2020.1860216]
10. Čeplikas P. Ultra-violet-C light source investigation and application for healthcare premises disinfection: Kauno technologijos universitetas.; 2023.
11. Decraene V. Light-activated antimicrobial coatings for reducing microbial contamination of surfaces: University of London, University College London (United Kingdom); 2008.
12. Liu H, Wang C, Wang G. Photocatalytic advanced oxidation processes for water treatment: recent advances and perspective. Chemistry-An Asian Journal. 2020;15(20):3239-53. [DOI:10.1002/asia.202000895]
13. Kokkinos P, Venieri D, Mantzavinos D. Advanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater viral disinfection. A systematic review. Food and environmental virology. 2021;13(3):283-302. [DOI:10.1007/s12560-021-09481-1]
14. Magalhaes P, Andrade L, Nunes OC, Mendes A. Titanium dioxide photocatalysis: Fundamentals and application on photoinactivation. Reviews on Advanced Materials Science. 2017;51(2).
15. Nosaka Y, Nosaka AY. Generation and detection of reactive oxygen species in photocatalysis. Chemical reviews. 2017;117(17):11302-36. [DOI:10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00161]
16. Engwa GA, Nweke FN, Nkeh-Chungag BN. Free radicals, oxidative stress-related diseases and antioxidant supplementation. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine. 2022;28(1).
17. XIN LT. Applications and future perspectives of photocatalytic coatings for air purification and self cleaning. 2022.
18. Kumar A, Hasija V, Sudhaik A, Raizada P, Nguyen V-H, Van Le Q, et al. The practicality and prospects for disinfection control by photocatalysis during and post-pandemic: A critical review. Environmental Research. 2022;209:112814. [DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2022.112814]
19. Byrne JA, Dunlop PSM, Hamilton JWJ, Fernández-Ibáñez P, Polo-López I, Sharma PK, et al. A review of heterogeneous photocatalysis for water and surface disinfection. Molecules. 2015;20(4):5574-615. [DOI:10.3390/molecules20045574]
20. Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ. 2021;372:n71. [DOI:10.1136/bmj.n71]
21. Leyland NS, Podporska-Carroll J, Browne J, Hinder SJ, Quilty B, Pillai SC. Highly Efficient F, Cu doped TiO2 anti-bacterial visible light active photocatalytic coatings to combat hospital-acquired infections. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS. 2016;6. [DOI:10.1038/srep24770]
22. Li G, Liu H, Zhao H, Gao Y, Wang J, Jiang H, et al. Chemical assembly of TiO2 and TiO2@Ag nanoparticles on silk fiber to produce multifunctional fabrics. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2011;358(1):307-15. [DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2011.02.053]
23. Li J, Liu XM, Tan L, Liang YQ, Cui ZD, Yang XJ, et al. Light-Activated Rapid Disinfection by Accelerated Charge Transfer in Red Phosphorus/ZnO Heterointerface. SMALL METHODS. 2019;3(3). [DOI:10.1002/smtd.201900048]
24. Li Y, Liu Y, Yao B, Narasimalu S, Dong Z. Rapid preparation and antimicrobial activity of polyurea coatings with RE-Doped nano-ZnO. Microbial Biotechnology. 2022;15(2):548-60. [DOI:10.1111/1751-7915.13891]
25. Matharu RK, Ciric L, Ren GG, Edirisinghe M. Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Effects of Tungsten Nanoparticles and Tungsten Nanocomposite Fibres on Hospital Acquired Bacterial and Viral Pathogens. NANOMATERIALS. 2020;10(6). [DOI:10.3390/nano10061017]
26. Mohamed EF, Awad G. Photodegradation of gaseous toluene and disinfection of airborne microorganisms from polluted air using immobilized TiO2 nanoparticle photocatalyst-based filter. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2020;27(19):24507-17. [DOI:10.1007/s11356-020-08779-0]
27. Kamo A, Sonmezoglu OA, Sonmezoglu S. Ternary zinc-tin-oxide nanoparticles modified by magnesium ions as a visible-light-active photocatalyst with highly strong antibacterial activity. NANOSCALE ADVANCES. 2024;6(23):6008-18. [DOI:10.1039/D4NA00811A]
28. Nica IC, Stan MS, Dinischiotu A, Popa M, Chifiriuc MC, Lazar V, et al. Innovative Self-Cleaning and Biocompatible Polyester Textiles Nano-Decorated with Fe-N-Doped Titanium Dioxide. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2016;6(11). [DOI:10.3390/nano6110214]
29. Hwang GB, Heo KJ, Jee W, Panariello L, Piovesan J, Cornwell M, et al. Optimizing the Au Particle Doping Size for Enhanced Photocatalytic Disinfection under Low-Intensity Visible Light. ACS nano. 2025;19(30):27740-53. [DOI:10.1021/acsnano.5c07650]
30. Petti S, Messano GA. Nano-TiO2-based photocatalytic disinfection of environmental surfaces contaminated by meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Hosp Infect. 2016;93(1):78-82. [DOI:10.1016/j.jhin.2016.01.020]
31. Pham TD, Lee BK. Feasibility of silver doped TiO2/glass fiber photocatalyst under visible irradiation as an indoor air germicide. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2014;11(3):3271-88. [DOI:10.3390/ijerph110303271]
32. Reid M, Whatley V, Spooner E, Nevill AM, Cooper M, Ramsden JJ, et al. How Does a Photocatalytic Antimicrobial Coating Affect Environmental Bioburden in Hospitals? INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY. 2018;39(4):398-404. [DOI:10.1017/ice.2017.297]
33. Rtimi S, Giannakis S, Bensimon M, Pulgarin C, Sanjines R, Kiwi J. Supported TiO2 films deposited at different energies: Implications of the surface compactness on the catalytic kinetics. APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL. 2016;191:42-52. [DOI:10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.03.019]
34. Shintani H, Kurosu S, Miki A, Hayashi F, Kato S. Sterilization efficiency of the photocatalyst against environmental microorganisms in a health care facility. Biocontrol Sci. 2006;11(1):17-26. [DOI:10.4265/bio.11.17]
35. Sousa VM, Manaia CM, Mendes A, Nunes OC. Photoinactivation of various antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli using a paint coat. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY. 2013;251:148-53. [DOI:10.1016/j.jphotochem.2012.10.027]
36. Sunada K, Kikuchi Y, Hashimoto K, Fujishima A. Bactericidal and detoxification effects of TiO2 thin film photocatalysts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. 1998;32(5):726-8. [DOI:10.1021/es970860o]
37. Khaiboullina S, Uppal T, Dhabarde N, Subramanian VR, Verma SC. Inactivation of human coronavirus by titania nanoparticle coatings and uvc radiation: Throwing light on sars-cov-2. Viruses. 2021;13(1). [DOI:10.3390/v13010019]
38. Synnott DW, Seery MK, Hinder SJ, Michlits G, Pillai SC. Anti-bacterial activity of indoor-light activated photocatalysts. APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL. 2013;130:106-11. [DOI:10.1016/j.apcatb.2012.10.020]
39. Thurston JH, Hunter NM, Cornell KA. Preparation and characterization of photoactive antimicrobial graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) films. RSC ADVANCES. 2016;6(48):42240-8. [DOI:10.1039/C6RA05613J]
40. Tseng CC, Tsai YH, Hu AR, Liou JW, Chang KC, Chang HH. Altered susceptibility to the bactericidal effect of photocatalytic oxidation by TiO2 is related to colistin resistance development in Acinetobacter baumannii. APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY. 2016;100(19):8549-61. [DOI:10.1007/s00253-016-7654-x]
41. Yang MY, Chang KC, Chen LY, Wang PC, Chou CC, Wu ZB, et al. Blue light irradiation triggers the antimicrobial potential of ZnO nanoparticles on drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY. 2018;180:235-42. [DOI:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.02.003]
42. Yoshizawa N, Ishihara R, Omiya D, Ishitsuka M, Hirano S, Suzuki T. Application of a Photocatalyst as an Inactivator of Bovine Coronavirus. VIRUSES-BASEL. 2020;12(12). [DOI:10.3390/v12121372]
43. Zuccheri T, Colonna M, Stefanini I, Santini C, Gioia DD. Bactericidal Activity of Aqueous Acrylic Paint Dispersion for Wooden Substrates Based on TiO₂ Nanoparticles Activated by Fluorescent Light. Materials (Basel). 2013;6(8):3270-83. [DOI:10.3390/ma6083270]
44. Szczawinski J, Tomaszewski H, Jackowska-Tracz A, Szczawinska ME. Survival of Staphylococcus aureus exposed to UV radiation on the surface of ceramic tiles coated with TiO2. POLISH JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCES. 2011;14(1):41-6. [DOI:10.2478/v10181-011-0006-y]
45. Alhussein A, Achache S, Déturche R, Sanchette F, Pulgarín C, Kiwi J, et al. Beneficial effect of Cu on Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr sputtered uniform/adhesive gum films accelerating bacterial inactivation under indoor visible light. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 2017;152:152-8. [DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.01.020]
46. Balikhin IL, Berestenko VI, Domashnev IA, Kabatchkov EN, Kurkin EN, Troitski VN, et al. Photocatalytic recyclers for purification and disinfection of indoor air in medical institutions. Biomedical Engineering. 2016;49(6):389-93. [DOI:10.1007/s10527-016-9573-7]
47. Bonetta S, Bonetta S, Motta F, Strini A, Carraro E. Photocatalytic bacterial inactivation by TiO2-coated surfaces. AMB Express. 2013;3(1):59. [DOI:10.1186/2191-0855-3-59]
48. Chotigawin R, Sribenjalux P, Supothina S, Johns J, Charerntanyarak L, Chuaybamroong P. Airborne microorganism disinfection by photocatalytic HEPA filter. EnvironmentAsia. 2010;3(2):1-7.
49. Chung CJ, Lin HI, Tsou HK, Shi ZY, He JL. An antimicrobial TiO2 coating for reducing hospital-acquired infection. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2008;85(1):220-4. [DOI:10.1002/jbm.b.30939]
50. de Jong B, Meeder AM, Koekkoek K, Schouten MA, Westers P, van Zanten ARH. Pre-post evaluation of effects of a titanium dioxide coating on environmental contamination of an intensive care unit: the TITANIC study. JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION. 2018;99(3):256-62. [DOI:10.1016/j.jhin.2017.04.008]
51. Deshmukh SP, Koli VB, Dhodamani AG, Patil SM, Ghodake VS, Delekar SD. Ultrasonochemically Modified Ag@TiO2 Nanocomposites as Potent Antibacterial Agent in the Paint Formulation for Surface Disinfection. CHEMISTRYSELECT. 2021;6(1):113-22. [DOI:10.1002/slct.202002903]
52. Desoubeaux G, Bernard MC, Gros V, Sarradin P, Perrodeau E, Vecellio L, et al. Testing an innovative device against airborne Aspergillus contamination. Med Mycol. 2014;52(6):584-90. [DOI:10.1093/mmy/myu011]
53. Dholiya K. Innovative, long-lasting and eco-friendly surface decontamination approach using modified Titania based on nanotechnology. Health and Technology. 2021;11(2):389-93. [DOI:10.1007/s12553-020-00511-9]
54. Dunnill CW, Aiken ZA, Kafizas A, Pratten J, Wilson M, Morgan DJ, et al. White light induced photocatalytic activity of sulfur-doped TiO2 thin films and their potential for antibacterial application. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. 2009;19(46):8747-54. [DOI:10.1039/b913793a]
55. Dunnill CW, Aiken ZA, Pratten J, Wilson M, Parkin IP. Sulfur- and Nitrogen-Doped Titania Biomaterials via APCVD. CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION. 2010;16(1-3):50-4. [DOI:10.1002/cvde.200906836]
56. Dunnill CW, Page K, Aiken ZA, Noimark S, Hyett G, Kafizas A, et al. Nanoparticulate silver coated-titania thin films-Photo-oxidative destruction of stearic acid under different light sources and antimicrobial effects under hospital lighting conditions. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY. 2011;220(2-3):113-23. [DOI:10.1016/j.jphotochem.2011.04.001]
57. Foster HA, Sheel DW, Evans P, Sheel P, Varghese S, Elfakhri SO, et al. Antimicrobial Activity Against Hospital-related Pathogens of Dual Layer CuO/TiO2 Coatings Prepared by CVD. CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION. 2012;18(4-6):140-6. [DOI:10.1002/cvde.201106978]
58. Gharaibeh A, Smith RH, Conway MJ. Reducing Spread of Infections with a Photocatalytic Reactor-Potential Applications in Control of Hospital Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridioides difficile Infections and Inactivation of RNA Viruses. Infect Dis Rep. 2021;13(1):58-71. [DOI:10.3390/idr13010008]
59. Ikram M, Shahzadi I, Haider A, Hayat S, Haider J, Ul-Hamid A, et al. Improved catalytic activity and bactericidal behavior of novel chitosan/V2O5 co-doped in tin-oxide quantum dots. RSC ADVANCES. 2022;12(36):23129-42. [DOI:10.1039/D2RA03975C]
60. Jafri AA, Gupta S, Ibrahim Z, Baker P, Oswald T, Reed MR. Assessing the efficacy of photocatalytic oxidation on bacterial contamination in a clinical setting - a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Infection Prevention. 2011;12(6):251-3. [DOI:10.1177/1757177411415447]
61. Khani A, Talebian N. In vitro bactericidal effect of ultrasonically sol-gel-coated novel CuO/TiO2/PEG/cotton nanocomposite for wound care. JOURNAL OF COATINGS TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH. 2017;14(3):651-63. [DOI:10.1007/s11998-016-9870-9]
62. Khwanmuang P, Rotjanapan P, Phuphuakrat A, Srichatrapimuk S, Chitichotpanya C. In vitro assessment of Ag-TiO2/polyurethane nanocomposites for infection control using response surface methodology. Reactive and Functional Polymers. 2017;117:120-30. [DOI:10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2017.06.012]
63. Kim JH, Seo G, Cho DL, Choi BC, Kim JB, Park HJ, et al. Development of air purification device through application of thin-film photocatalyst. CATALYSIS TODAY. 2006;111(3-4):271-4. [DOI:10.1016/j.cattod.2005.10.058]
64. Kim MH, Lee SG, Kim KS, Heo YJ, Oh JE, Jeong SJ. Environmental disinfection with photocatalyst as an adjunctive measure to control transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A prospective cohort study in a high-incidence setting. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2018;18(1). [DOI:10.1186/s12879-018-3555-1]
65. Koklic T, Urbancic I, Zdovc I, Golob M, Umek P, Arsov Z, et al. Surface deposited one-dimensional copper-doped TiO2 nanomaterials for prevention of health care acquired infections. PLOS ONE. 2018;13(7). [DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0201490]
66. Kowal K, Cronin P, Dworniczek E, Zeglinski J, Tiernan P, Wawrzynska M, et al. Biocidal effect and durability of nano-TiO2 coated textiles to combat hospital acquired infections. RSC ADVANCES. 2014;4(38):19945-52. [DOI:10.1039/c4ra02759k]
67. Krumdieck SP, Boichot R, Gorthy R, Land JG, Lay S, Gardecka AJ, et al. Nanostructured TiO2 anatase-rutile-carbon solid coating with visible light antimicrobial activity. Scientific reports. 2019;9(1):1883. [DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-38291-y]
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
