Synthesis and characterization of a novel drug conjugated copper-silver- titanium oxide nanocomposite with enhanced antibacterial activity

Abstract

This study reveals a cost-effective route (mechanical alloying) to synthesize an antibacterial drug conjugated copper-silver-titanium oxide nanocomposite (10 wt% cefixime conjugated Cu–Ag–TiO2) for successful targeting of the drug with enhanced antibacterial activity. For the nanocomposite (NC) and drug conjugated nanocomposite (NC-DC), detailed structural and microstructural characterizations have been carried out by analyzing the FESEM-EDS spectra, TEM images, and the Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns. The NC-DC sample is completely biocompatible, as reflected by the MTT assay. The Antibacterial activity of the samples has been investigated by agar cup diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies. These studies indicate that the NC sample itself has significant antibacterial activity and NC-DC sample has four times greater antibacterial activity than the pure drug cefixime, as again supported by fluorescence microscopic studies. The mode of action of NC and NC-DC samples has been investigated in detail employing conductivity measurement and total protein leakage assay. The significant enhancement of the antibacterial activity of the drug seems to be very important for an antibacterial drug, as a low dose of the conjugated drug would result in better antibacterial activity with minimal side effects.