Abstract: Methods of reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections in various healthcare settings are provided. Methods for preventing or reducing the number of infections in a human or animal population are also provided. The methods as provided herein reduce the presence of various infectious agents that are commonly acquired or transmitted and are present on both animate and inanimate surfaces, including those infectious agents commonly found in healthcare settings. By reducing the presence of such infectious agents, the incidence of various types of infection or disease is thereby reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections in various healthcare settings are provided. Methods for preventing or reducing the number of infections in a human or animal population are also provided. The methods as provided herein reduce the presence of various infectious agents that are commonly acquired or transmitted and are present on both animate and inanimate surfaces, including those infectious agents commonly found in healthcare settings. By reducing the presence of such infectious agents, the incidence of various types of infection or disease is thereby reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm. Further provided is a method for treating or preventing microbial diseases and infestations in a plant and a method for increasing crop yield of a plant by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to the surface of a plant. Also provided is a method for treating microbial diseases on a surface by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to a surface illuminated by artificial light.