Throughout human history, bacteria have been one of the main
causes of most fatal diseases and widespread epidemics, which
have taken a large toll on humanity [1]. Numerous studies have
been conducted to eliminate the presence of bacteria in the environment
as well as to minimize bacterial infections in humans
[2–10]. Traditionally, chlorine and ozone have been used to purify
water with bacterial contaminants. UV irradiation and high efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) systems are used to eliminate bacteria
in the air [2–7]. However, these traditional methods have many
associated disadvantages. Chlorine that is used for bacterial disinfection
can react with organic material to generate chloro-organic
compounds that are highly carcinogenic [3]. HEPA systems transfer
the microorganisms to another phase rather than eliminating
them [7]. Therefore, new approaches are necessary to completely
eliminate pathogenic bacteria from water as well as air environments