Evaluating the electrochemical boost and antimicrobial power of biogenic zinc oxide-polyaniline nanocomposite

Abstract

Bio-based materials from bark, wood, leaves, and fruits have several uses in nanotechnology. Anthocephalus Cadamba is a biological reducing agent in nanocomposites. The fruit of Anthocephalus Cadamba is used to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles and polyaniline to make a ZnO-PANI nanocomposite. We describe UV–visible, FTIR, XRD, and SEM data to support synthesis. The dielectric constant is highest in the ZnO-PANI nanocomposite compared to pure ZnO nanoparticles. The Nyquist plot semicircular arc confirms temperature-induced conductivity improvement in nanocomposites. Nanocomposites have 1.3 ×10−2 S/m higher conductivity than nanoparticles. The ZnO-PANI nanocomposite has the greatest specific capacitance (Csp) of 1.3 × 10−2. This work suggests that ZnO-PANI nanocomposite electrodes might be useful supercapacitors in energy storage devices with antibacterial properties. XTT assay and biofilm formation assay using CLSM (Confocal laser scanning microscope) indicated that Integration of ZnO-PANI nanocomposites onto biofilm-prone surfaces like medical devices or implants inhibited bacteria adhesion and biofilm growth in antimicrobial investigations.