Researchers have developed a new type of UV-emitting glass that could significantly hinder biofilm formation. Biofilms are colonies of microorganisms that can accumulate on submerged surfaces and cause problems in numerous fields. The trick behind this innovation lies in incorporating nanoparticles into the glass structure. These nanoparticles can scatter UV light throughout the entire material. This scattered UV light efficiently eliminates microbes and stops biofilms from establishing themselves.
The 200 nanometer-diameter silica nanoparticles were incorporated into the glass to enable the emission of UV light throughout the material. Silica nanoparticles were selected due to their minimal absorption and high scattering coefficient at a wavelength of 265 nm.
This novel UV-emitting glass has the potential to find applications in various sectors that heavily rely on components exposed to water, including oceanography, agriculture, and water treatment. For instance, instrument lenses crafted from this glass would be less susceptible to biofouling in oceanography, leading to more accurate data collection. Similarly, irrigation canals made with this glass in agriculture could help prevent biofilm growth, improve water flow, and reduce maintenance requirements.
The research proposes a new method that uses UV-emitting glass (UEG). UEG is made by adding scattering particles to the surface of glass. This allows the glass to emit UVC light, which can kill biofilm. The study showed that UEG was effective at reducing biofilm formation. Overall, this UV-emitting glass represents a promising development in the field of photonics with the potential to address biofilm-related challenges across various disciplines.
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