The Effect of Various Capping Agents on Surface Modifications of CdO NPs and the Investigation of Photocatalytic Performance, Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Activities

Abstract

CdO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared through chemical co-precipitation method. The NPs were modified using different organic materials including starch, methyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, ethylene glycol, tween 20, polyvinyl alcohol and gelatin. The NPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, TEM, EDX, XRD, FT-IR, particle size analyzer and zeta sizer. The TEM analysis showed that the NPs were hexagonal in shape. The NP’s photocatalytic activity was evaluated and it was slightly influenced by surface modification of NPs. FT-IR analysis confirmed that the particles were not deformed after photocatalysis. The half-life period of methylene blue (MB) dye degradation by CdO NPs was found to be higher than capped CdO NPs. The MB dye reduction rate was decreased with the order of CdO > CdO–T20 > CdO–PVA > CdO–EG > CdO–MC > CdO–S > CdO–PVP > CdO–G. The capped particles showed excellent photostability and reusability. Capped CdO NPs exhibited excellent anti-biofilm and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa of which CdO–T20 showed highest toxicity. The uncapped particles exhibited least photostability and the capping agents extend their stability against photo corrosion and increase the biocompatibility. The present approach can be used to prepare variety of nanohybrid particles depend on industrial applications.