Research progress in photo⁃induced antimicrobial agents and their applications in antimicrobial protective equipment

doi:10.19491/j.issn.1001-9278.2025.11.017

Abstract

Abstract:

This review introduces several common photo⁃induced antimicrobial agents， detailing their respective mechanisms of action and exploring their potential applications in medical protective materials. The discussed agents include titanium dioxide （TiO₂）， zinc oxide （ZnO）， and other photoactive compounds that exhibit antibacterial and antiviral properties under light irradiation. By elucidating the relationship between material structure， photocatalytic activity， and biological efficacy， the review paper aims to support the rational design and development of advanced light⁃driven antimicrobial protective equipment for use in healthcare and public settings.

Key words: photo?induced antimicrobial agent, medical protective material, antimicrobial and antiviral mechanism

CLC Number:

TQ325

ZHANG Zheng, CHEN Le, LI Jie, DUAN Shun, LI Changjin, LI Fangquan. Research progress in photo⁃induced antimicrobial agents and their applications in antimicrobial protective equipment[J]. China Plastics, 2025, 39(11): 108-117.

Figures/Tables 10

Fig.1. Photoreaction mechanism of titanium dioxide

Fig.2. （a） Preparation of Ce/Er⁃doped photoactive TiO2 nanoparticles and their antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli［25］；（b） Anti⁃MS2 phage virus effect of Mn/Co⁃doped photoactive TiO2 nanoparticles in visible light （>420 nm）［26］；（c） Chemical structure of C3N4⁃doped photoactive TiO2 nanoparticles and their antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus［29］；（d）Photoactive water⁃soluble polymer modified with reduced graphene oxide and its photothermal antibacterial effect［33］

Fig.3. Type I and Type II light reaction processes

Fig.4. Chemical structure of some organic photoactive antimicrobials

Fig.5. Type I photoreaction mechanism of anthraquinones

Fig.6. Type II photosensitization of Bengal red dye under light

Fig.7. （a） Photoactive antibacterial masks modified with anthraquinone and Bengal red and their antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Listeria［37］；（b）Nanofiber materials modified with anthraquinone carboxylate and their antibacterial effect under UV light［38］；（c）Preparation of benzophenone⁃modified photoactive cotton material and its antibacterial effect under UV light［39］

Fig.8. Chemical structure of some natural photoactive antimicrobials

Fig.9. （a） Principle of light reaction of riboflavin⁃like photoactive substances［48］；（b） Antiviral effect of riboflavin⁃modified protective mask materials under UV light［49］；（c） Curcumin aqueous solution has an antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes in spinach wash water under UV light［53］；（d）Protoporphyrin⁃modified bacterial cellulose material has an antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli under white light irradiation［57］

项目	来源	激发光源	作用机制	产生活性氧种类	其他特点
无机类	金属/无机元素氧化物、石墨烯等无机物	多为紫外光，经掺杂后可发生吸光红移	激发后产生空穴、自由电子和活性氧或光热抗菌	羟基自由基、过氧化氢	颗粒直径多在纳米级范围内；大多耐高温，易于加工
有机类	合成蒽醌、二苯甲酮、染料类化合物	紫外⁃可见光	激发后与氧气反应生成活性氧	羟基自由基、单线氧、过氧化氢	多不耐高温，热加工受限；多为接枝改性加工
天然类	动植物提取物	紫外⁃可见光	激发后与氧气反应生成活性氧	羟基自由基、单线氧、过氧化氢	具有良好的生物安全性，部分物质在光照下易分解变性

Tab.1. Characteristics and mechanism of action of some inorganic， organic and natural photoactive antimicrobials

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