Er2TiO5@Ag nanocomposites: Enhanced photocatalysis and bacteria inactivation, and cytotoxicity

Abstract

In this study, we successfully synthesized Er2TiO5@Ag nanocomposites (NCPs) using the ultrasonic-mediated sol–gel technique to create a multifunctional material with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. The visible light photocatalytic activities of Er2TiO5 nanoparticles (NPs) and Er2TiO5@Ag NCPs were systematically evaluated under various conditions, including different concentrations of Basic Blue 41 (BB 41) dye and photocatalyst. The results reveal a remarkable improvement in the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of Er2TiO5@Ag NCPs (95%) compared to Er2TiO5 NPs (80%). Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy of Er2TiO5 NPs and Er2TiO5@Ag NCPs were extensively examined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, Er2TiO5@Ag NCPs exhibit significantly higher minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values compared to Er2TiO5 NPs. The antibacterial effect of Er2TiO5@Ag NCPs is particularly pronounced against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while demonstrating moderate effects on Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. To assess the biocompatibility of the synthesized materials, we investigated their internalization by MCF-7 cells. Encouragingly, both Er2TiO5 NPs and Er2TiO5@Ag NCPs are found to be effectively internalized by the cells, suggesting their potential application in biomedical fields. Intriguingly, our study unveils the exceptional potential of Er2TiO5@Ag NCPs as a dual-action solution, simultaneously possessing enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and potent antibacterial properties. This multifunctional nanocomposite not only outperforms Er2TiO5 and Ag but also paves the way for innovative applications in sustainable environmental remediation and advanced biomedical technologies, promising a brighter and cleaner future.