Prompt antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticle decorated on HAp embedded NiFe2O4 nanocomposite (NiFe2O4@HAp-Ag) against pathogenic strains and investigation of its photocatalytic activity towards degradation of antibiotics

Abstract

Local bacterial infection in clinics is still a difficult task and poses serious health threats to human. Systemic antibiotic administration typically results in negative side-effects and bacterial resistance and only has transient antibacterial activity. Several biomedical applications immensely prefer modified hydroxyapatite with excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial characteristics. Herein, we fabricate hydroxyapatite-embedded NiFe2O4 using in situ hydrothermal method and used as a support for silver nanoparticle onto its surface to achieve an effective biological response. The properties of the as-synthesized materials were characterized using several spectroscopic techniques which include X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–diffuse reflectance spectroscopy spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the magnetic behavior of these nanocomposites was examined using the vibrating sample magnetometer technique. This ternary nanocomposite exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and klebsiella pneumoniae) as well as Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus). The MIC or minimum inhibitory concentration, MBC or minimum bactericidal concentration, the disc diffusion, bacterial growth rate, and inhibition rate tests were utilized for the examination of the antimicrobial effect of this synthesized nanocomposite against pathogenic strains. Along with this, we have also investigated its photocatalytic activity toward degradation of cefixime antibiotic under solar light and it shows excellent photodegradation performance. The fabricated nanocomposite demonstrated high reusability with good photostability. Notably, using magnetic decantation this prepared nanocomposite can be easily eliminated from the disinfected medium.