Photosensitizer formulations based on porphyrins and zinc oxide nanoparticles for water treatment

Abstract

Two photosensitizer formulations, Form 1 and Form 2, were successfully synthesized and immobilized on polysulfone nanofibers for water treatment. Conjugation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with Form 1 led to an increase in photodynamic antimicrobial activity with IC[Formula: see text] values from 75.25 [Formula: see text]g/mL to 67.13 [Formula: see text]g/mL against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 42.61 [Formula: see text]g/mL to 26.19 [Formula: see text]g/mL against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). These synergistic effects were attributed to the inherent antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs, as well as the enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from fluorescence energy transfer (FRET). Polysulfone nanofibers modified with Form 1 and Form 2 were found to be phototoxic against the test microorganisms. Having such antimicrobial properties implies that the developed nanofibers will be efficiently used for water treatment without the challenge of biofouling.