Abstract
Although titanium dioxide photocatalyst is usually initiated only by ultraviolet in radiation, visible light responsiveness after metal ion processing was investigated by examination of the decomposition of methylene blue pigment and optimal processing conditions were studied. The photocatalyst effect depended on metal ion/TiO2 ratio during treatment with metal ion solution. Using a 0.3 μm powder, the optimal catalyst efficiency under visible light was obtained with a Ag/TiO2 ratio of 30 μg/g. An antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans was clearly confirmed on titanium dioxide film formed by the sol-gel method on a glass plate and decorated with metal ion. Dentition bleaching was also successfully carried out. Thus visible light responsiveness and an increase in catalyst efficiency were obtained, enabling antibacterial activity and dentition bleaching. These findings suggest the applicability of photocatalyst in dental practice.
