Fabrication and evaluation of durable, optically clear, and self-disinfecting films

Abstract

Phenoxy-substituted phthalocyanine zinc (PPcZn) was synthesized and used as a photosensitizer to prepare a variety of self-disinfecting films by incorporating it into a cellulose acetate (CA) film at various concentrations. The generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) from the films containing PPcZn irradiated with visible light was detected by a film containing 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF). The rate of 1O2 generation followed a pseudofirst-order kinetic model. Antiviral activity was confirmed under visible light irradiation using Bacteriophage Qβ. The film exhibited superior water resistance, photostability, mechanical strength, and sustained 1O2 production over 6 months under continuous exposure to room light. These data show the promise of this film in real-life applications as self-disinfecting surfaces. A transparent film with photoactive antiviral functions and minimal degradation over time was easily obtained by uniformly dispersing the phenoxy-substituted phthalocyanine zinc (PPcZn) in the cellulose acetate film. This film produced singlet oxygen (1O2) upon visible light irradiation, and the production capacity of 1O2 was maintained even when the film was exposed to indoor lighting for 6 months.