Novel silver nanoparticles/activated carbon co-doped titania nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial activity

Publication date: 1 January 2020Source: Materials Letters, Volume 258Author(s): V. Poornima Parvathi, M. Umadevi, R. Sasikala, R. Parimaladevi, V. Ragavendran, J. Mayandi, G.V. SatheAbstractDevelopment of efficient antimicrobial agents is imperative for the persistent microbial pollution and contamination. Here, we have analyzed the enhancement in the antibacterial activity of TiO2 nanoparticles when co-doped with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and activated carbon (TAC). Highly active anatase phased TiO2 was observed in X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra. Morphological studies revealed the formation of spherical TiO2 and Ag NPs on carbonaceous sheets. The gram negative bacterium, E. coli and gram positive bacterium S. aureus showed zones of inhibition of 7 mm which was comparable to the standard, streptomycin. This inhibitory activity is due synergistic effects of activated carbon, Ag NPs and TiO2 in the nanocomposite. The adsorption ability of activated carbon concentrates the bacteria around the nanoparticle environment. The oxidative stress and cell wall rupture brought about by Ag+ ions and TiO2 respectively inhibit the growth of the concentrated bacteria. The cost-effective and lethal nature of TAC towards both gram positive and gram negative bacterium may find numerous applications in antibacterial coatings, paints, surfaces and films.Graphical abstract
Source: Materials Letters - Category: Materials Science Source Type: research