Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) offer promising methods for disinfection by generating radical species like hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion radicals, and hydroxy peroxyl, which can induce oxidative stress and deactivate bacterial cells. Photocatalysis, a subset of AOPs, activates a semiconductor using specific electromagnetic wavelengths. A novel material, Cu/Cu2O/CuO nanoparticles (NPs), was synthesized via a laser ablation protocol (using a 1064 nm wavelength laser with water as a solvent, with energy ranges of 25, 50, and 80 mJ for 10 min). The target was sintered from 100 °C to 800 °C at rates of 1.6, 1.1, and 1 °C/min. The composite phases of Cu, CuO, and Cu2O showed enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light excitation at 368 nm. The size of Cu/Cu2O/CuO NPs facilitates penetration into microorganisms, thereby improving the disinfection effect. This study contributes to synthesizing mixed copper oxides and exploring their activation as photocatalysts for cleaner surfaces. The electronic and electrochemical properties have potential applications in other fields, such as capacitor materials. The laser ablation method allowed for modification of the band gap absorption and enhancement of the catalytic properties in Cu/Cu2O/CuO NPs compared to precursors. The disinfection of E. coli with Cu/Cu2O/CuO systems serves as a case study demonstrating the methodology\'s versatility for various applications, including disinfection against different microorganisms, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative.

In the Water, Energy and Waste Directive, the European Commission provides for the use of household washing programmes with lower temperatures (30-40 °C) and lower water consumption. However, low washing temperatures and the absence of oxidising agents in the liquid detergents, and their reduced content in powder detergents, allow biofilm formation in washing machines and the development of an unpleasant odour, while the washed laundry can become a carrier of pathogenic bacteria, posing a risk to human health. The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of hydrogen peroxide (HP) to liquid detergents in low-temperature household washing allows disinfection of the laundry without affecting the properties of the washed textiles even after several consecutive washes. Fabrics of different colours and of different raw material compositions were repeatedly washed in a household washing machine using a liquid detergent with the addition of 3% stabilised HP solution in the main wash, prewash or rinse. The results of the antimicrobial activity, soil removal activity, colour change and tensile strength confirmed the excellent disinfection activity of the 3% HP, but only if added in the main wash. Its presence did not discolour nor affect the tensile strength of the laundry, thus maintaining its overall appearance.

Au@TNBs nanocomposites were synthesized by depositing Au nanoparticles onto the surfaces of TiO2 nanobelts (TNBs). The disinfection activities of Au@TNBs on model cell type, Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli), were examined under visible light irradiation conditions. Au@TNBs exhibited stronger bactericidal properties toward E. coli than those of TNBs and Au NPs under visible light irradiation. The bactericidal mechanisms of Au@TNBs under light conditions were explored, specifically, the specific active species controlling the inactivation of bacteria were determined. Active species (H2O2, diffusing ∙OH, ∙O2-, 1O2, and e-) generated by Au@TNBs were found to play important roles on the inactivation of bacteria. Moreover, the concentrations of H2O2, ·OH, ·O2-, and 1O2 generated in the antimicrobial system were estimated. Without the presence of active species, the direct contact of Au@TNBs with bacterial cells was found to have no bactericidal effect. The reusability of Au@TNBs were also determined. Au@TNBs exhibited strong antibacterial activity toward E. coli even in five consecutively reused cycles. This study indicated that the fabricated Au@TNBs could be potentially utilized to inactivate bacteria in water.