Synthesis and characterization of ZnO-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles as an effective inhibitor for marine biofilm and biofouling

Abstract

In the current study, we have created a highly efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly antifouling approach. ZnO nanoparticles were isolated from Avicennia Marina (a mangrove forest) and combined with SiO2 nanoparticles. ZnO-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized under reflux circumstances (with a 3:1 ratio, 45 mL of ethanol, 4 droplets of sulfuric acid, and 120 °C). ZnO-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles were characterized through various techniques. Results showed the formation of Si-ZnO bond, indicated by a decrease in the strength of the peak at 470 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of a crystal structure with a crystallite size of 30.72 nm. FE-SEM and TEM revealed spherical and hexagonal morphologies with sizes ranging from 17 to 49 nm and 8.94 nm, respectively. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Zn, Si, and O elements in the nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles was assessed in the presence of Escherichia coli (50 μg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (25 μg/mL), and 10 mg/ml of the ZnO-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles were capable of inhibiting 88 % of the Isochrysis galbana algae after 48 h, demonstrating their strong potential as an effective inhibitor. In addition, the ZnO-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles were immersed in natural seawater at varying concentrations for a duration of 90 days to evaluate their effectiveness. The panel containing 3 wt% ZnO-SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles exhibited the most prosperous and efficient outcomes and had the least amount of biofouling (68.3 g). The findings of this research indicate that hybrid nanoparticles of ZnO-SiO2 possess promising and favorable characteristics for antifouling purposes.