The feasibility of producing paper with antibacterial properties based on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 (anatase) was evaluated. Eighty percent of the bacteria deposited onto photocatalytic paper, were killed by thirty minutes exposure to 25 W/m2 UVA. To achieve this effect it was determined that the water content of the paper must be 40% or greater, and the TiO2 must be located on the exposed surface because UV intensity is attenuated by paper. Finally, the target bacteria must also be on the paper surface to be treated; the reactive oxygen species generated by photocatalysis are too reactive to persist in solution. The decolourisation of anionic reactive black 5 is an effective assay for photocatalytic activity, except when the paper is impregnated with cationic wet strength resin, which strongly adsorbs the dye.