The electrical transport and antibacterial properties of Fe doped MgO nanoparticles synthesized by a soft chemical technique

Abstract

Fe doped MgO nanoparticles were synthesized using a straightforward soft chemical method. We conducted a comprehensive examination of the electrical properties of Fe-doped MgO nanoparticles with a crystalline size range of 7–10 nm. Simultaneously, we explored their antibacterial capabilities. Our findings indicate that an increase in the concentration of Fe-doped MgO correlates with an enhanced bactericidal effect. To gain a deeper understanding of charge transfer processes, the AC conductivity and dielectric characteristics of the samples across various temperatures and frequencies was studied.The antibacterial activity was studied utilising the MIC methodology, the live count (LC) method, and the agar cup technique in addition to the electrical characteristics. After exposure to nanoparticles, we observed the disruption of pathogenic cell walls through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. These results suggest that Fe-doped MgO nanoparticles hold promise for the development of novel, more effective antibacterial drugs. The ½ MIC for E.coli was found to be 2.75 μg/ml, while for Bacillus sp., it was 1.75 μg/ml when exposed to Fe-doped MgO nanoparticles. This dosage level may find applications in the medical field. However, further investigations are required to assess potential toxicity and long-term environmental and human health effects. If successful in vivo tests follow, Fe-doped MgO nanoparticles could emerge as valuable antibacterial agents.