Organic degradation potential of a TiO2/H2O2/UV-vis system for dental applications

Objectives: The combination of TiO2 and H2O2 under light activation constitutes a promising method for disinfection of dental prosthetics and implants, due to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this work was to investigate the organic degradation ability of TiO2 particles in combination with H2O2 and under light activation utilizing the organic dye rhodamine B (RhB). Methods: Five different types of TiO2 particles, consisting of anatase, rutile, or a mixture of these crystalline phases, were combined with H2O2 and RhB, and subsequently exposed to UV (365 nm) or visible (405 nm) light at an irradiance of 2.1 mW/cm(2). Results: It was found that rutile in combination with low concentrations of H2O2 (1.0-3.5 mM) resulted in a degradation of RhB of 96% and 77% after 10 min exposure to 365 nm and 405 nm light, respectively, which was the highest degradation of all test groups. Control measurements performed without light irradiation or irradiation at 470 nm, or without TiO2 particles resulted in little or no degradation of RhB. Conclusions: Low H2O2 concentrations (1.0 mM-3.5 mM) and visible light (405 nm) used in combination with rutile TiO2 particles showed the highest RhB degradation capacity. Clinical significance: A combination of TiO2 particles and H2O2 exposed to low energy UV or high energy visible light has an organic degradation capability that could be utilized in applications to kill or inactivate bacteria on medical devices such as dental implants for treatment against, e.g., peri-implantitis.