Abstract
TiO2 is a well-known material and has remarkable physical, chemical and biocompatible properties which have made it a suitable material in the biological world. The development of new TiO2- based materials is strongly required to achieve desired properties and applications. A large number of TiO2 composites have been synthesized and applied in various fields. The present review reports the utility of TiO2 and its composites in biosensing, in Photodynamic Therapy, as an antimicrobial agent and as a nanodrug carrier. The aim of this review is to discuss the biological application of the TiO2 based materials and some recent advancement in TiO2 to enhance its application in the biological world.
Introduction
Biomaterials are biocompatible substances used in biological world for analysis, treatment and support to the living beings. They may be originated naturally or synthesized in laboratory. Among synthesized materials, TiO2 is one of the well-known semiconductor material used in the biological world. Utilization of TiO2, in water splitting (Fujishima and Honda 1972) and in photokilling of various microorganisms (Matsunaga et al. 1985) revolutionized the chemical and biological world respectively to a great extent. In the present scenario TiO2 is widely used in cosmetics, paints, ceramics, photocatalysis, solar cell, food coloring etc.
Conclusion
TiO2 and its composites exhibit the high stability, biocompatible properties and suitable band gap, hence widely used as biomaterial. Introduction of metal, nonmetal and other metal oxide with TiO2 further improves its application in the biological world by enhancing its stability and reducing the band gap. Fast response towards the sensing of the biological compounds and good antimicrobial activity was highly thanks to its band gap and charge separation ability. Anatase phase plays major role in the antimicrobial activity while rutile phase helps in the implantation. High surface area and porous structure makes it as effective drug carrier and its compounds with the upconversion materials promote for its use as photodynamic therapeutic agent.
