Composite of graphene oxide with zinc oxide nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent against pathogenic microorganisms

Abstract

The synthesis process of composites based on graphene oxide is described and tested as a carrier of zinc oxide nanoparticles and subsequently tested as an antimicrobial agent for some bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the formation of this composite. The composite was tested by colony-forming capability test. Graphene oxide as well as zinc oxide exhibit antibacterial properties, but the composite consisting of graphene oxide and zinc oxide shows stronger antimicrobial effect against pathogenic microorganisms. Stronger antimicrobial effect was found in S.aureus and MRSA as a G+ bacteria and E.coli as a G- one, due to different composition of cell wall.The synthesis process of composites based on graphene oxide is described and tested as a carrier of zinc oxide nanoparticles and subsequently tested as an antimicrobial agent for some bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the formation of this composite. The composite was tested by colony-forming capability test. Graphene oxide as well as zinc oxide exhibit antibacterial properties, but the composite consisting of graphene oxide and zinc oxide shows stronger antimicrobial effect against pathogenic microorganisms. Stronger antimicrobial effect was found in S.aureus and MRSA as a G+ bacteria and E.coli as a G- one, due to different composition of cell wall.