Photocatalytic TiO/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite induces cell death by disrupting its metabolism and membrane integrity.

UNLABELLED

Titanium dioxide (TiO) is widely characterized for its application in clinical diagnostics, therapeutics, cosmetics, nutrition, and environment management. Despite enormous potential, its dependence on ultraviolet (UV) light for photocatalytic activity limits its commercialization. Accordingly in the present study, a photo catalytically superior ternary complex of TiO with Cadmium sulfide/Zinc sulfide (CdS/ZnS) has been synthesized, as well as, characterized for photo-induced antimicrobial activity. The band gap of crystalline TiO/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite has been reduced (2.26 eV) and nanocomposite has shown the optimal photo-activation at 590 nm. TiO nanocomposite has significant bactericidal activity in visible light ( < 0.01). Exposure of the TiO nanocomposite affected the cellular metabolism by altering the 1681 metabolic features ( < 0.001) culminating in poor cellular survivability. Additionally, photo-induced reactive oxygen species generation through nanocomposite disrupts the microbial cellular structure. The present study synthesized photocatalytic nanocomposite as well as unveiled the holistic cellular effect of theTiO/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite. Additionally, the present study also indicated the potential application of TiO/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite for sustainable environment management, therapeutics, and various industries.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-021-00973-z.