VERFAHREN ZUR ERZEUGUNG LOKAL FUNKTIONELLER PHOTOKATALYTISCHER BEREICHE UND DAMIT ERHAELTLICHE GEGENSTAENDE

WO2003051787 A UPAB: 20030719 NOVELTY - The inactive layer is locally heated to effect modification, thus causing transition to a photo-catalytic form and confer photo-hydrophilicity. In addition or alternatively, photolytic capability is exhibited towards organic materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for an arrangement, in which the titanium-oxide containing layer has catalytically-active and -inactive areas. USE - To induce photo-hydrophilicity or photolytic effect in a layer including titanium dioxide, used to exploit photo-induced anti-bacterial effect in the layer; in a spotting procedure (all claimed), and also for use in various biotechnological procedures. ADVANTAGE - Catalytic activity results from exposure to light of appropriate wavelength. The layer is preferably porous, and associated with a substrate. Known processes may be used to produce the layer, e.g. vacuum coating. Magnetron sputtering at 100-250 deg. C can also conveniently cause the modification. Diverse artificial or natural lighting sources induce the photo-catalytic effect. The effect is suppressed in darkness, and renewed on re-exposure.