Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Study of Copper Oxide-Graphene Nanocomposites

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONMicrobial infections are one of the major causes of serious health issues due to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria [1]. Nanomaterials have been found to have promising medicinal applications. The synthesis of compatible nanosized drug particles having specific size, shape and physical and chemical properties is of huge importance in the genesis of new pharmaceutical products [2][3][4][5][6]. There is a need to develop more safe and cost-effective biocidal materials. Nanosized particles either simple or composite by nature, exhibit unique physical and chemical properties and shows a potential of being used in various biomedical applications [7,8].Studies on graphene and graphene-based materials has found their use in medicine and life sciences which includes imaging [9], biosensors [10,11], drug delivery [12][13][14] and pathogen control [15,16]. The response of using graphene oxide on microorganisms has been studied extensively. However, the satisfactory results of metal oxide and graphene oxide nanocomposites have not been reported so far [17][18][19][20][21].In continuation to our earlier studies [22][23][24][25][26][27][28], in present study, we have focused on the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles by facile and cost effective sol-gel method and nanocomposite of copper were prepared with reduced graphene oxide. Antibacterial properties of the synthesized nanoparticles and nano- composites were investigated against Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria. The aim of this study is to synthesize nanocomposite material with better or comparable antibacterial performance. EXPERIMENTALAll the chemicals used were of analytical reagent grade and used without further purification. Chemicals used were graphite powder (< 20 µ), Cu(NO 3 )·3H 2 O, NaNO 3 , H 2 O 2 , H 2 SO 4 , KMnO 4 , HCl, NaOH, NaBH 4 , citric acid and ethylene glycol. The strains employed in this work were the Gram-negative bacterium (E. coli) and the Gram-positive bacterium (S. epidermidis). In addition, nutrient broth and agar-agar were used to prepare agar plates.Preparation of reduced graphene oxide: Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from graphite powder by a modified Hummers method [29]. Graphite powder, NaNO 3 and H 2 SO 4 were mixed together at 0 °C. Then, KMnO 4 was added slowly into the reaction mixture with constant stirring. The mixture was heated to 35 °C and stirred for 12 h and then double distilled water was added slowly under vigorous stirring. Hydrogen peroxide solution was added to reduce the residual MnO 2 . The resultant was then washed by acidified water (3 %) and then with double distilled water three times followed by filtration and drying. Reduced graphene oxide sheets were then obtained.

DNA-encapsulated chain and wire-like β-MnO2organosol for oxidative polymerization of pyrrole to polypyrrole

“…6. 25,27 So, from the present FT-IR analysis, it is confirmed that b-MnO 2 was bound to the DNA surface by phosphate groups and sugar moieties, which stabilized the organosol for a long period of time after its formation. 6.…”

Effect of Dopant Concentration on Structural, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Zn1-xNixO Nanocomposites

“…In continuation to our earlier study [14][15][16][17] , in the present work, we have investigated the structural properties in Ni doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by co-precipitation method which is simple and low cost method and it yields a good end product and it is less time consuming. The synthesized samples were characterized by various techniques like XRD, FTIR, TEM, UV-Vis absorbance and VSM.…”

Enhancing bioelectricity generation from wastewater in microbial fuel cells using carbon nanomaterials

“…They are also being used to develop new techniques for recycling and waste management. [18][19][20][21] It is important to carefully consider both the potential benefits and risks of nanotechnology before developing and using this powerful technology.…”

“…Researchers are using nanotechnology to develop a wide range of new products and technologies, including (1) electronics: nanomaterials are being used to create smaller, faster and more efficient electronic devices; for example, quantum dots are being used to develop new types of displays and LEDs, while carbon nanotubes are being investigated for use in transistors and other components; (2) medicine: nanoparticles are being used to deliver drugs directly to diseased cells, which can improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects; they are also being used to develop new diagnostics and imaging techniques; (3) energy: nanomaterials are being used to develop more efficient solar cells, batteries, and fuel cells; they are also being investigated for use in carbon capture and storage technologies; and (4) environmental remediation: nanomaterials are being used to clean up contaminated soil and water. They are also being used to develop new techniques for recycling and waste management 18‐21 . It is important to carefully consider both the potential benefits and risks of nanotechnology before developing and using this powerful technology.…”