An antibacterial study of a new magnetite silver nanocomposite

Abstract

A new silver magnetite nanocomposite Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4/Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Silver (Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4/PET/Ag) was synthesized for its antimicrobial activity investigation against gram-negative and −positive bacteria. At first, Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared and covered by the PET polymer; then silver nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of the PET shell. Subsequently, some spectroscopic techniques such as FT–IR, XRD, TEM and SEM were applied to characterize them; and the VSM method was used to determine the level of the magnetic power of these nanocomposites. The FTIR spectra of synthesized nanocomposites indicated that Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4 nanocomposite was firstly composed and functional groups appearance including carbonyl and ester groups' emphasis to covering core magnetic with PET. The comparison of XRD pattern of synthesized nanocomposites showed that coating Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4 nanoparticles with PET and Ag nanoparticles, respectively, had no effect on the spinel structure of the magnetic core. In addition, the Ag nanoparticles structure in the target nanocomposite structure had an fcc symmetry. The SEM images have presented a cloudy and spongy porous cluster for fabricated nanomaterials; and the spherical shapes of core magnetite and Ag nanoparticles; and PET layer were approved by TEM pictures. The bactericidal potential of the synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated by using the disk diffusion process and measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) quantities against the two different groups of bacteria. The results showed that Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4/PET/Ag nanocomposites had a high antibacterial potential. In addition, by applying the magnetic field, they could be separated from the media after the disinfection procedure.