The main objective of this work is to study the oxidation mechanisms of UV-A photocatalysis on TiO2 applied to the degradation of microorganisms and their effects on cellular components. The study of the antimicrobial efficiency of TiO2 towards a panel of microorganisms (bacteria, spores, fungi) in different media (TiO2 in rich or 'dry' environment, in liquid phase) shows the influence of the evaluation methods, test and counting on the inactivation efficiency. Studies carried out in the presence of scavenger molecule of superoxide anions (O2°-) highlight the involvement of O2°- in the antibacterial effect and lipid peroxidation. Proteomics analysis leads to propose various potential targets of the TiO2 action. Finally, an application part deals with the design of photocatalytic devices based on LEDs and β-SiC alveolar foams for air disinfection, and of sunlight active self-disinfecting layer-by-layer functionalized photocatalytic textiles.
