Exploring blood oxygenation through photocatalytic activity using microwave assisted hydrothermally crystalized TiO2 nanotubes.

Abstract

Anodically crystallized TiO2 nanotubes through microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique results in formation of granular morphology with anatase phase. The FESEM and XRD studies indicate the granular morphology of TiO2 nanotubes with retaining the anatase phase. Diffuse reflectance and photo luminescence spectroscopy analysis reveal band gap of fabricated TiO2 nanotubes as 2.90 eV and the position of defect states 0.86 eV below the conduction band. The investigation of X-ray photo-electron and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy reveal the presence of oxygen vacancy related defect states. The color change of blood through photocatalytic activity indicates production of oxygen in the blood. The UV-visible absorption studies on diluted blood indicate an enhancement in the blood oxygenation, which is consistent with the results of a standard hemoglobin test. The utilization of an optical microscope has facilitated the examination of the structural composition of red blood cells, which has led to the observation of no hemolysis subsequent to photocatalytic activity.