Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of CuO nanoparticles and CuO/Ag nanocomposites

This work examines the structural and antibacterial properties of (CuO NPS) and (CuO/Ag) nanocomposites produced by a simple chemical method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern demonstrated the crystalline character of CuO NPs, Ag Nps, and (CuO/Ag) nanocomposites. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed the morphology of CuO NPs, Ag Nps, and CuO/Ag nanocomposites. FESEM and XRD computed the average diameters of CuO, Ag, and CuO/Ag to be 39.42, 22.223, and 49.66 nm, respectively (23.485, 16.857 and 21.317 nm). The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra and XRD pattern indicated that the produced CuO, Ag, and (CuO/Ag) Nps were extremely pure. CuO NPs and (CuO/Ag) exhibited good antibacterial activity against numerous bacterial species (S. aureus, St. epidermidis, E. coli, Klebsiella sp., C. albicans). Furthermore, Candida albicans displayed the highest sensitivity to CuO and (CuO/Ag) NPs. © King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology 2024.