Rapid photokilling of gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria by platinum dispersed titania nanocomposite films

► Remarkable antimicrobial activity of photorradiated Pt-TiO2 coated thin film. ► Pt impregnation-exhibits superior photoactivity than Pt photodeposition onto TiO2. ► Photokilling of E. coli cells occur within 10 min of UV (640 μW cm−2) irradiation. ► Size and nature of Pt deposition control the bactericidal effect of TiO2 catalyst. ► Photodissolution of bacterial surface is occurred on prolong UV light exposure.