Influence of ZnO on Antibacterial Properties of Portland Cement

Abstract

This research project focuses on evaluating the antimicrobial properties of a composite material composed of Portland Cement and Zinc Oxide (ZnO). The study assesses the antibacterial activity of this composite by using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the test microorganism. Bacterial growth assessment is carried out through the Total Plate Count (TPC) method. The investigation involved varying the concentration of ZnO within the Portland Cement composite, specifically at levels of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%. The study primarily centers on generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ZnO, and this evaluation was conducted under both UV light exposure and without it. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive examination of ROS activity. Furthermore, the research project involves material characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to determine the nanoparticle size of ZnO and identify the crystal structures present within the composite material. Additionally, morphological analysis is performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to visualize the structural properties of ZnO embedded within the Portland Cement. SEM analysis is conducted at various magnifications, including 1000x, 2500x, 5000x, and 10,000x, to provide a detailed view of the ZnO's structural properties. In summary, this research project explores the antimicrobial potential of a composite material incorporating Portland Cement and ZnO, focusing on ROS generation and the composite material's structural properties. The findings will contribute to our understanding of the material's suitability for applications in antimicrobial environments.